Political Quotes

“I come to the floor first and foremost to thank Members for the way they responded to the President's remarks concerning the District yesterday. The President spoke, in his State of the Union speech, warmly of his own intention to assist the District, and partly in his words, ``to renew this great capital city so that Washington, DC, is a great place to live, and is once again the proud face America shows to the world.'' I appreciate as well the concerned words of Speaker Gingrich, who devoted part of his own opening speech, upon being sworn in, to the District. The Speaker has in fact been very helpful to the District during the 104th Congress. The President has put on the table a strong plan. First, it takes back $5 billion in pension liability racked up by the Congress before home rule and off-loaded on the District. Second, it recognizes that the District is not a State and like every city in the United States cannot today bear State, county, and municipal functions all by itself, even if it becomes the most efficient government on the face of the Earth. Last night the President offered words on an empowerment zone approach that he intends to spread to cities across the United States, including the District. It is a traditional approach that is already in use across the country. I am very grateful that he wants to include the District in this approach. I welcome it.”