Political Quotes

“let me just say a word, if I may, to what my colleagues have already alluded to, some good things that have happened in the last few days. I would like to say a word on behalf of the many who work for the Federal Government--the Federal employees not only in the Washington area but around the country and the many others who work for the Federal Government. We have been through a very difficult period where for some 3 weeks, in effect. We told many hard-working, dedicated Federal employees to stay home. And they were able to work through this period. Many of them came in, many without getting paid, and others who recognized essential services that they were providing. But, just at the conclusion of that long and very difficult period for many people who work hard on a day-to-day basis without a great deal of recognition, we had a snowstorm, the blizzard of 1996 here on the east coast that pretty well shut down everything. I know that there has been a great deal of concern in the last day or two about when and under what circumstances Federal employees would be asked to come back to work. I would simply like to say to all of those who have been through a very rough period, and for those other people who work with the Federal Government, whether they contract with the Federal Government, or whether they are dependent upon the effective operation of the Federal Government, thank you for your understanding.”