Carolyn Maloney actually said...

"I recently introduced legislation that I believe will provide the 'push' needed for Congress to make the tough decisions required to stabilize our finances."

"If we fail to act, our nation's ability to pay for essential government functions will be severely constrained, our economy will suffer, and our national security will be at risk."

"I would rather clear the underbrush, as President Bush said when he talked about very similar actions back in the late 1980s, and see the return of Americans who are being held unjustly than to resolv..."

"I do not believe in this case that a ransom was, in fact, paid."