Political Quotes

“Mr. President, on this side, our goal has been to secure the strongest possible protections for jobless Americans that could pass the Senate. This amendment has two essential features that make it far better for working families than the Portman amendment. It ensures that millions of working families get their benefits at least through September 5. It protects unemployed workers from being hit with a big surprise tax bill with no way to pay for it. Republicans have been standing in lockstep against tax relief for Americans with a few hundred dollars in the bank after demanding billions in write-offs for wealthy investors. On the other hand, Democrats have led the effort to add hundreds of dollars in weekly benefits and covering gig workers and the self-employed. This is the boldest action the Congress has ever taken--ever taken-- to support jobless Americans during an economic crisis, and at every stage, as Democrats proposed that help for working families, Senate Republicans opposed us. This goes back, colleagues, to the CARES Act, when Republicans had just one amendment. That was to gut the jobless protections. Finally, the whole process underscores the need to stop jumping from one economic cliff to another. There would be no need to predict the level of economic support needed 6 months from now if benefits were tailored to match economic conditions.…”