Political Quotes

“I know we will be starting to vote shortly, but I did want to make a few comments on behalf of myself and leadership because today we do have a chance to help U.S. manufacturers. The legislation was developed in an admirable, bipartisan way, with the two managers participating equally. Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Baucus have worked very closely to develop this bill. I spent time with both of them yesterday, and the leadership on the other side of the aisle. We are working very hard. I would have liked not to have to have this cloture vote today, but it is clear it is the only way to get people moving along in a direction so we can work toward completion. This bill came out of the Finance Committee 19 to 2. It was cosponsored by the distinguished minority leader. It is a good bill. Every day we delay action has implications. European tariffs have already been imposed. In truth, these European tariffs are a European tax on U.S. manufacturers. The Europeans could be imposing right now a full $4 billion in sanctions that they have approved. So far they have not done so. They have chosen to begin with a 5-percent tariff which increases 1 percent each month. They have acted with restraint because they believed we would act quickly and that we would act responsibly. I believe this vote, indeed, will be a test of that faith.”