Political Quotes

“With great respect for our distinguished chair with whom we work very collegiately, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question in order to provide the funding needed to mount a robust response to a pressing public health emergency. More than 2 months ago the administration requested funding critical to respond to the Zika virus, a public health emergency tied to microcephaly and other neurological disorders in infants. It is unconscionable that, when nearly 1,000 people in the U.S. and territories have contracted Zika, the majority continues to drag their feet on meeting our most basic responsibility. The majority's inaction has forced the administration to redirect funding needed to meet other basic responsibilities, shortchanging still-needed investments to protect against Ebola and to help States and cities improve domestic public health. The majority's claim that the administration has provided insufficient detail on the request doesn't make any sense. Every cent has been accounted for. Yet, we continue to wait to sit on our hands. Further, the majority holds this emergency to a new standard, requiring offsetting cuts before providing needed resources. This literally holds emergency funding hostage to unrelated political fights. This simply cannot go on. Are we waiting for the height of summer when mosquito control will be infinitely more difficult? Are we waiting for this emergency to spiral out of control?…”