Political Quotes

“first, on appropriations, the Senate is continuing the process. I thank Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Leahy, and Leader McConnell for their work in helping move this process forward. It has been a long time since the Senate has successfully processed appropriations through the regular order. It requires cooperation on the committee, cooperation amongst the committee staff, and cooperation here on the floor with the two leaders, and that is happening. If we are looking to work in a bipartisan way, this is, probably, the best sprout of bipartisanship that has bloomed in a long time in this body. The fact that the parties are working together to prevent nongermane amendments that are intended just to create ruckus and the fact that even germane amendments that are regarded as poison pills are not being added to the bills here in the Senate really bodes well for cooperation. I wish it were the same in the House, where it is strictly a partisan process. The fact that the Senate is working together on appropriations bodes well for future legislation, including one farm bill that some people have an interest in who are in this body--many of us, actually--including, of course, the senior Senator from the great State of Kansas. I hope this appropriations process can continue this way--with bipartisanship, knocking out poison pill amendments, sticking together, and getting a good bill done.…”