Political Quotes

“I think it is clear what some of the opponents of the Kennedy-Hatch legislation are trying to offer the Senate. They are saying that the Kennedy-Hatch bill, a health insurance program for vulnerable kids that pays for itself, is a bad idea. I submit that even Joe Camel would have a tough time selling that proposition. The fact of the matter is this is a program that pays for itself, that is fiscally disciplined. In my State, close to 100,000 kids without health insurance are going to be in a position to get help as a result of this tobacco tax. I think it is important that the record be set clear on this. Now, this morning, Mr. President, the New York Times carried an article that said that the States are going to lose revenue as a result of the Kennedy-Hatch legislation and that this should be opposed on the grounds that the States need this revenue. The fact of the matter is that attorneys general across this country are rushing to file lawsuits on behalf of their States in order to recoup some of the costs to State coffers for health care costs. That is the reality. The fact of the matter is States are losing vast sums right now as a result of our current policies. Without the Hatch-Kennedy legislation, I am of the view we are going to have children grow up sicker, they will be sicker adults, they are going to die sooner, and health costs in America are going to increase. This is an important piece of bipartisan legislation.”