Political Quotes

“Tonight is a very historic joint session of Congress. Indeed, it is unique in the history of our Nation. Not because it was the first time a President's request had been refused by the Speaker. No. Or that the President's speech, in and of itself, is somehow going to be extraordinary, although we all hope that it is. This event is historic because for the first time in two centuries, there will be no young House pages in attendance when the President takes the podium behind me. There will be no sea of young men and women in blue blazers with bright faces intent on shaking the President's hand and drinking in the ceremony and the significance of a joint session of Congress. This is sad on so many levels, especially as a symbol of why Congress is held in such low esteem. Many here understand the cost of a program but fail to understand its value. Dedicated staff were dismissed without notice in a decision that was announced via press release without a chance for the people who care passionately about the program to argue for its future or help pay for it. It may save a few million dollars, but we lose the opportunity to enrich thousands of lives whose influence and contributions have spread across the decades and across America, while strengthening and uplifting this institution. This is part of a disturbing trend here in Congress, devaluing youth and civic education.…”