Political Quotes

“I begin this morning with some welcome news. After meeting with a group of 9/11 first responders last night, Leader McConnell gave them his commitment to move legislation to reauthorize the Victim Compensation Fund before the August recess. That is an important commitment. I thank the leader. We have been struggling for years to get not a quarter, not half but the full Victim Compensation Fund, as well as, of course, the healthcare for those who bravely rushed to the towers right after 9/11 and the awful attack. Even more importantly than thanking the leader, I want to thank the first responders who came down here to continue their advocacy. I have little doubt that without them, this wouldn't have happened. Many of them are sick. Some of them are dying. This week, I spoke to New York police detective Luis Alvarez, who is now in hospice and dying of cancer. He would normally have been right next to John Feal and the other advocates meeting with Leader McConnell because his illness never stopped him from advocating for his compatriots. Instead of him being there, John Feal gave Leader McConnell his badge. It is not easy for a police officer to part with their badge, but Alvarez, in his usual selfless and magnanimous way, knew how important it would be for McConnell to see it. I remember my dear friend Ray Pfeifer. Before he passed away, he was the same way.…”