Political Quotes

“I said, ``Do you understand''--to the rest of his class-- ``I just left a steel facility in this district where they are going to start welders at $60,000 a year starting pay?'' I said, ``This young man is going to be able to have a career. This is a career. He is going to be able to have a little extra money in his pocket. He is going to be able to maybe get married and raise a family.'' He got it, as a senior. I was so excited. As I walked out of that room and I was walking and exiting the building, I had one of the school officials, a guidance counselor, say, ``Oh, Congressman, that was great. You made that young man's day. There is no doubt about it. He is going to remember that day for the rest of his life.'' ``But,'' she said, ``we really don't try to promote those types of careers, though.'' I went almost through the roof, Mr. Speaker. I said, ``That is the problem. We have to change that concept, that stigma, that manufacturing historically carries with it.'' I know we are doing it. I know the gentleman from Ohio is working with us, Mr. Speaker, to get that done. What I see is, when you explain the opportunities to that next generation, when you talk to mothers and fathers and say this is really what is out there, their eyes light up. The burden is lifted from their shoulders to see that their kids are choosing to go into a career that they want to and that they recognize is rewarding, safe, and productive.…”