Political Quotes

“further reserving my right to object, I would also say that just because you have the time, you don't have to use it. I would hope Senators on both sides would understand that the sooner we get to the votes, the better off we will be. I would also say this. I appreciate on my side the work done by Senator Manchin of West Virginia. That State, in the last few weeks-- actually, for the last few months--has been hit harder than any State deserves to be hit. It is just awful what has happened there. Senator Manchin has been stalwart in recognizing the work he has to do there. We understand his advocacy for years now--especially the last few months--on the miners, their pensions, and health care benefits. We recognize that. We think we have ways of helping him, and we have something worked out we think is appropriate, and we have discussed that with him. I would also recognize Senator Sanders. Everyone knows the fervency of his opinion on a number of different things, and he certainly has one on this matter, and he has 40 minutes to explain that. We appreciate his cooperation. The person who has been a voice on Puerto Rico for more than the last few months--for years--has been Bob Menendez from New Jersey. He has been very articulate in all the caucuses we have had where we have discussed this and on the floor. I admire his feelings on this. I wish I could say we have solved all of his problems.…”