Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Colorado. I'd like to tell a fairy tale and the true story of the American people. The fairy tale, of course, is why we're here on the floor even today to actually tell a little story to the American people that we are doing something to impact the deficit. The bill we passed in August, of course, responded to the need to raise the debt ceiling to pay America's bills. But in order to cajole and drag our friends, the Republicans on the other side of the aisle, they did things like cut Pell Grants. They required the joint select committee that did not work to reduce the deficit. And, of course, they wanted us to have these shenanigans on the floor so that the American people could think they're doing their job. But here's the real story of the American people. First of all, the debt that was increased that we are now dealing with, $1.9 trillion was raised under Ronald Reagan; $1.5 trillion was raised under George Bush; Bill Clinton, $1.4 trillion; and George W. Bush, $6.1 trillion. What is the raising of the debt ceiling, which I think most Americans care about. It is responding to the debt that is now held by the public. It is doing our job. It is responding to the fact that the public should not burden America not paying her bills. What kind of bills? Debts that are owed to individuals, to our corporations that our friends say are of great friendship to them--banks and insurance companies; but most importantly, pensions, mutual funds.…”