Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from California, and I thank the gentlelady from Illinois for her persistence on this issue of seniors and Medicare. Congresswoman Schakowsky, along with Congresswoman Matsui, cochaired a task force that was very effective on making sure that the Democratic Caucus--and, really, Members of Congress--had an understanding of the safety net, but also the issue around the word ``earned.'' For some reason or another, when you put the benefits of individuals on the altar of sacrifice, it's because they didn't earn anything. You can sacrifice them. One thing that the Congresswoman emphasized is the idea that Social Security is earned, Medicare is earned, and, to a certain extent, Medicaid, though it's on a different structure. To the gentleman from California, I want to speak directly to what you've said as insurance commissioner. We value your experience, because here's my point that I want to make. I want to stay narrowly focused. First of all, let me say that there are enough bipartisan voices right now to pass the Senate bill. I want to thank Congressman Walz, whom we have a petition with 178 Democratic names. We welcome our colleagues, Republicans, to get on. But the point I want to make is that--and I want to change my vernacular, I want to change my language--100 percent of the American people will get a tax cut. If we pass the Senate bill, 100 percent----”