Political Quotes

“This allows a more complete discussion of the principles and observations I have made thus far. I do hope people take a look at that document. As for the future, if we intend to make good on our collective hope to pass legislation, at some point the ongoing discussions and negotiations must cease and a bill must be brought to the floor. Victims are still going uncompensated today, companies are still going bankrupt today, and the economy is still unnecessarily burdened. We must act. The minority leader as well as Senator Leahy and other Democratic Members have made clear to me their interest in working toward consensus legislation. It is clear we still need a little more time for discussion. Consequently, we will not force a vote on the FAIR Act this session. Instead, I will give stakeholders more time to negotiate a compromise. There will, however, be a limit to these discussions because we must act. Thus, I will commence floor action on an asbestos bill by the end of March 2004. Again, I will commence floor action on an asbestos bill by the end of March of 2004. There is no perfect solution to the current asbestos litigation crisis, but it is clear that maintaining the status quo is unacceptable. We have a responsibility to act, and we will act in this body. We must not let this historic opportunity to enact fair and meaningful reform pass in order to pursue a perfect solution that is unachievable.”