Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, let me first note that this whole situation is an example of what is wrong with Washington. As a new Member, I think we have to stop continuously putting off difficult decisions until we are forced to make a decision in crisis mode as the clock clicks to zero hour. This vote has profound ramifications for every American, and now we are backed into a corner where the current tax rates expire on all taxpayers if we do nothing. It didn't need to be this way. Shame on the politicians whose inaction over the decade forced us onto this precarious ledge. Shame on the leadership of the past 2 years who put us into this boxed corner. Good policy cannot be handcuffed by this sort of last minute political guerilla warfare. The process which brought us to this point is inexcusable, so much so that the average middle class family in my district will pay more than $1,500 in increased taxes if we fail to act. Our economic recovery in upstate New York continues to lag. Preventing the pending income and estate tax hikes that will hit every family and business in my district is paramount at this time. But once this bill is passed, we must begin in the next Congress to eradicate out-of-control spending. We cannot be put into this position again.”