Political Quotes

“Mr. President, first of all, I appreciate everyone's patience. It is one of the most difficult times we find in the history of our country. There are negotiations going on at the White House now on a solution that will avert the catastrophic default on the Nation's debt. There are many elements to be finalized, and there is still a distance to go before any arrangement can be completed, but I believe we should give everyone as much room as possible to do their work. I have spoken to the White House quite a few times this evening, and they have asked me to give everyone as much time as possible to reach an agreement if one can be reached. For that reason, we will hold over the vote until tomorrow to give them more time to talk. In fact, we will come in at noon and have the vote at 1 o'clock. I am glad to see this move toward cooperation and compromise. I hope it bears fruit. I am confident that a final agreement that will adopt the Senate's long-term approach, rather than the short-term bandaid proposed by the House of Representatives, will move forward. There can be no short-term agreement, and I am optimistic there will be no short- term arrangement whatsoever. I am also confident that reasonable people from both parties should be able to reach an agreement, and I believe we should give them time to do so. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the cloture vote on the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 627, with amendment No.…”