Political Quotes

“Well, I couldn't agree with the gentleman more about the importance of preserving, in his words, ``the integrity of this program.'' That means that none of the public funds are wasted or used in an improper way, but it also means that the program's integrity is preserved to deliver the assistance that is needed for the many, many families that are playing by the rules and need a helping hand. And that's the only area we have difference in this regard as far as I personally am concerned. The House has already spoken on this electronic benefits issue. I don't see any harm in the House speaking again this week or next week or next month--I don't see a great deal of gain from repassing it, but why not? But what I do see harm in is if the many, many people that are playing by the rules and need this assistance see their safety net shredded the way these same folks shredded the safety net last year when they did not renew the bipartisan TANF supplemental program that has been so important in poor States with large populations of poor people, like Texas. There are families there, there are State programs there that are harmed by the unjustified refusal to extend that program. At least with what's left in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which we passed here as a freestanding bill in December with this provision in it, let's pass that entire bill.…”