Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Senate Democrats sat down with Secretary Tim Geithner, and he painted a picture of what our world would look like if Republicans in Congress force this Nation, for the first time in its history, to default on its financial obligations. The picture was grim. This is how he described the state of our government if Congress allows this unprecedented default: ``Lights out.'' He said default would result in a complete ``loss of capacity to function as a government.'' Even those who believe government should be small enough to drown in a bathtub have to admit that a total shutdown of even the most basic and essential functions of government is very, very scary. It would not be good for the American people, and it certainly would not be good for our economy. The Senate has no more important task than making sure the United States continues to pay its bills for preexisting obligations such as Social Security. I have spoken to the President's office today. Actually, I had a phone call scheduled with him, and he rescheduled it for later. But I have talked to his people, and he understands the importance of our meeting our responsibilities. Because of that, we are going to stay in session every day, including Saturdays and Sundays, until Congress passes legislation that prevents the United States from defaulting on our obligations. I have spoken to the Republican leader. He understands the necessity of our being in session.…”