Political Quotes

“I am voting against the resolution to eliminate the parking for Senators and others at National Airport because, despite my concern about the appearance of special treatment, the reserved parking saves taxpayers' money. I have introduced and supported legislation to eliminate all Senate perks so that Senators pay the fair market value for everything we receive including, but not limited to, medical care, gym facilities, haircuts, and so forth. Parking, however, is a legitimate business expense. Currently, this parking is provided at no cost to taxpayers. If the parking is eliminated and Senators use the commercial lot, it has been estimated that the cost to taxpayers would be more than $3 million. Since I travel to and from Pennsylvania by train, I cast this vote to retain the Senators' airport parking even though I almost never use the lot. But I believe that as we take up these kinds of issues in our effort to reform Congress, we must not be afraid to make choices that are in the best interest of the taxpayer and the Congress, even though the appearance of such a decision might seem otherwise. In voting against this resolution, I understand that it will be unpopular, probably misunderstood and possibly the subject of a negative TV commercial against me in a future campaign.”