Political Quotes

“I wanted to add a word of support for the very diligent effort of the Senator from Rhode Island and the bipartisan group he has gathered together to offer a budget alternative. I am very mindful of the remarks made by the distinguished Senator from New Mexico when he observed yesterday that such a change in budget, to be enacted, would literally require the President's help and support. Certainly we have learned this last year; that, indeed, progress for reconciliation has to include the President. But I intend to vote for the Chafee amendment. I think it brings two factors to it that are worth considering. First of all, it is bipartisan. It is the only major bipartisan proposal that is here and, I think, as such, has a chance of making it all the way through reconciliation. Second, I am going to support it because, of the alternatives, it has the strongest impact long term, that is beyond the 6-year window or the 7-year window. Long term, it is significantly better in deficit reduction. For those two reasons I salute the efforts of Senator Chafee, and I will probably vote for it.”