Political Quotes

“I wanted to speak generally about the matter that is before the Senate on trade adjustment assistance. I especially appreciate the work that has been done by the Presiding Officer from Ohio over many years, including his time in the House of Representatives and here in the Senate as well. I want to make two comments, one about one of the amendments we will consider today by the Senator from Florida, but also to speak more broadly about this legislation. When the Senate is considering legislation, we do not every day do a good job of trying to put ourselves in the position of other people, workers and people who are suffering through a tough economy. When the Senate is doing its best work, part of the way we get there is by trying to figure out and understand, as best we can, what it is like to lose a job or suffer from--we are dealing with natural disasters and natural disaster assistance as well--but try to understand the people we represent. I know we cannot do that with full knowledge because many of us have never had to suffer through that kind of experience. I think it is important we try our best to understand what this legislation is all about. This is legislation which basically says the American people, through our government, are going to do everything possible to help folks when they lose a job, and especially when they lose a job as a result of unfair foreign competition. I have seen it in Pennsylvania for decades.…”