Political Quotes

“Madam President, first let me thank Chairman Baucus for his very kind words, but also salute the President of the United States for his wisdom in announcing that he intends to appoint the Senator from Montana to be our next ambassador to the People's Republic of China. I can't think of anyone whose integrity, intelligence, commitment to the Nation, and patriotism would so well serve and be so beneficial to this country as continuing in his public efforts after his days in the Senate in the embassy in Beijing. I also thank the chairman because he has been an articulate and effective advocate for unemployment compensation benefits for hard- working Americans who are without work through no fault of their own. This economy has suffered a drastic contraction, beginning in 2007, 2008, and 2009. We are seeing some improvements. During this period, the chairman has been the key actor, the key force driving for extended benefits. Chairman Baucus has been the driving force as well in the context of trying to reform the program. He has implemented efforts such as work sharing, a proposal I brought to him, that is a smart way to do business. It basically allows a company to retain their workers for part of the week and let them collect benefits for the rest of the week, so they keep the workforce together. In Rhode Island, it has been extremely beneficial. It is now a nationwide program because of Chairman Baucus.…”