Political Quotes

“I know Senator Alexander is waiting to speak. I thank Senator Vitter for his work on this issue. I remember the first discussions Senator Vitter and I had about this when he was asking some tough questions of a couple of regulators--it might have been the Secretary of the Treasury as well as a couple of other regulators--on capital standards and how important it was that, as he just mentioned, these banks have the kinds of capital standards, have the kinds of capital reserves that are so important in making sure these banks are healthy. Probably most of us in our lives have seen the movie ``It's a Wonderful Life,'' and we know what happens to a bank that is not capitalized; a small-town example of a bank that served the country in ways that community banks do. It is a very different story today, perhaps. But I think his insight into the importance of capital reserves and then continuing these discussions, we both came to the realization that, as he pointed out, people all across the political spectrum--some of my more Democratic colleagues, people such as George Will and others--have been very involved as business leaders and speaking out on issues that matter. So I thank Senator Vitter for his work. We will be working on legislation, and I am hopeful more of my colleagues see how important this issue is so we can continue to work together. I yield the floor.”