Political Quotes

“Mr. President, first, I welcome you and everyone back after the break we had doing work at home. I hope everyone had a productive week. The past week was a productive one for the most crucial and closely watched discussion in Congress--our negotiations to keep the country running with a responsible budget for the rest of the fiscal year. Though the Senate and House Chambers have been dark, Senators and Members of Congress worked together every day last week--me, my staff, the White House, and the House of Representatives, members of both parties, members of the congressional leadership, and members of the Appropriations Committees--we have all been in contact. We have worked hard to make progress and pursue an agreement and a budget that best serves the American people. Democrats' priorities and goals have not changed from day one. We are committed to a long-term budget based in reality, not ideology. We are committed to keeping the country running, not using the American people as political pawns or to score political points. We are more than willing to make smart cuts, but we are unwilling to do so on the backs of hard-working, middle-class families and the jobs on which they depend. We are ready to make tough choices that strengthen our country and strengthen our economy but will not make arbitrary or careless cuts that weaken it. Let me briefly update the Senate on the progress of these talks and how far we have yet to go.…”