Political Quotes

“I hope each Senator will consult with their respective Governors and highway officials on this matter, because particularly in the Northeast States and the Far West, weather will close in. There is a shorter period within which to do the vital construction for surface transportation. And unless there is in place a piece of legislation that gives the certainty of 6 years, then they are put at a severe disadvantage. I think that is key to this bill. One last thing and I will yield the floor. Another situation that is being discussed, should we say, in the hallways, is a means to stop the amendment we are discussing by repealing altogether the 4.3-cent gas tax. Now, Madam President, if that measure is brought forward, that is a very significant step that I think we should give a great deal of consideration to before anybody takes that initiative. So, Madam President, I conclude by putting a question to the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, the former chairman and former majority leader, what would be the consequences, in his judgment, if such a measure as repealing the 4.3-cent tax were to be brought before this body--with the extensive debate that we have and the unlikely nature of it being accepted--but in the event it were?”