Political Quotes

“For the benefit of the Senators, so we can look at the schedule a little bit this evening, first of all, I appreciate the support for this trade adjustment assistance from my Republican colleagues. It is an important piece of legislation. I am glad we are able to complete this at least in the Senate. As I have said many times, we have to make sure the House also passes this. I have been told by the Speaker and others in the Republican leadership in the House that they will do that. I am hopeful and confident they will. Once that is done--and they have ways of making sure through a rule they can issue, it would not be sent to the President. They do not have to enroll it until the trade bill is passed. Once the trade bill is passed, of course, they would send the trade adjustment assistance to the White House. This is the first step of this agreement, I don't need to tell everyone here--I have spoken to the Republican leader many times--I do not support any of those trade agreements, but I am going to live up to what I said I would do and do what I can to move those through the Senate as quickly as possible so there are fair votes on all of them. We are waiting for the House to take action also. Finally, without belaboring the point on trade adjustment assistance, I repeat what I said earlier. I appreciate very much the support of the Republicans in getting the votes necessary to pass this bill. It was a nice vote and I appreciate it very much.…”