Political Quotes

“2 weeks ago, the majority of Senate Republicans was quick to endorse the House stimulus bill with no revisions, even though they knew it was inadequate and that the Senate had an obligation to improve the bill and to deliver a timely, temporary, and targeted bill by Presidents Day weekend. We have done that. Senate Democrats, and with the help of a number of Republicans in the Senate, joined to move forward. It is our responsibility to pass the strongest bill we can, and we have done that. If we had listened to the advice of the House, we would have 21 million seniors with nothing out of this package. If we had listened to the advice of the House, 250,000 disabled veterans and their widows would have been left behind. We have been able to make the House bill better, and I am pleased with that result. There is much more to do, and that is why we focused today, as we did for a few minutes, on what is not being done. But I think we all have to acknowledge that the House bill has been improved significantly. We have gotten the President to agree the House bill was not perfect. I have said before that I wish there had been another vote. There wasn't, and I accept that. But I think we have to look at the good work that has been done. I can't leave this floor without expressing my appreciation to the Finance Committee, led by Senator Baucus and Senator Grassley. They have been champions of the American people.”