Political Quotes

“Madam President, a quick response. The Democratic leader states this is not adequate. Again, I would remind the Senate that in 2009, when they passed a Federal plus-up for unemployment benefits-- total Democratic control--they passed $25 a week. So the $200 a week is eight times what they passed in 2009. Apparently, they felt that was adequate back then. There was also a study out of the University of Chicago that a $200 plus-up on State unemployment benefits coming from the Federal Government replaces more than 100 percent of wages for 20 percent of the workers currently unemployed. The other 80 percent get replacement that ranges up to 100 percent. Again, this is a very generous proposal. And, of course, the option of two-thirds is exactly what the House passed in phase 2 of the coronavirus relief packages--two-thirds of weekly wages for paid sick and paid family leave. Now, all of a sudden, it is inadequate. And of course their solution--what they are going to offer--is another $3 trillion, further mortgaging our children's future when we haven't spent about $1.2 trillion of the $2.9 trillion we have already authorized. It is not a serious proposal, which is why Leader McConnell could not negotiate, because they weren't negotiating in good faith. The Democrats are being cynical. This is not a serious offer.…”