Political Quotes

“I am going to join reluctantly in voting for this measure. It will send our Federal employees back to work and restore normal operations to our national parks, Meals on Wheels, the passport office, and several other vital programs. We will end for now this cruel game that has made innocent Federal workers pawns in a political dispute over which they have no control. As Senate Majority Leader Dole said Wednesday: "Enough is enough." And this measure is better than nothing. But let there be no mistake, Mr. Speaker: This legislation is the most bizarre measure that I have seen in 8 years as a Member of Congress. With it, we'll send HUD's employees back to work, but they won't be able to perform all of the duties and services that they're charged with. Everyone would be back on the job at the Education Department, but there would be no new student loans. And for the many Federal contractors who have been burned badly by this Government shutdown, this measure offers no relief. Medicare contractors, NASA contractors, and even those who supply food to Federal prisons will be among those who will continue to be harmed by the games that some people are playing in Washington. Mr. Speaker, 1 year and 1 day ago, the Republican majority came to power pledging to run government like a business. Well before coming to Congress I built and operated businesses. And I have employed hundreds of people. And let me tell you something: This is not how you run a business.”