Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the average Rhode Islander remains worried about the economy and their future. There are some signs that offer hope in the economy, but for too many, good news still eludes them. Congress has the ability and the obligation to reinvigorate the recovery, boost demand, and create jobs. Unfortunately, because of Republican obstructionism, Congress has not been able to act and produce the kind of results the American people and Rhode Islanders are asking for, mainly more jobs. In fact, Republicans have manufactured crises. Last summer they jeopardized the full faith and credit of the United States by refusing to raise the debt ceiling, and in December, they threatened to cut off jobless benefits to millions of out-of-work Americans looking for a job and raised taxes on the middle class by not extending the payroll tax cut. Fortunately, this conference report avoids last-minute threats of financial calamity or economic ruin. This compromise will continue the payroll tax cut for 160 million working Americans and jobless benefits for millions of unemployed individuals looking for work all through 2012. What I find most disconcerting in the debate preceding this conference report and the deal that we struck with Republicans is their view of the reasons why Americans are out of work. As economists have shown, Americans are out of work because of the weak economy and the unwillingness by many in this body to do something about it.…”