Political Quotes

“I take the well today to talk a little bit about an issue I think that is of great and paramount importance to both sides of the aisle that serve in this august body. For the last 15 months, we have watched as the House of Representatives struggles with public policy questions. What is the rightful role of government? To what extent do we fund these programs? What programs work? What programs do not work? For 15 months, it has been a very healthy, although at times contentious, debate. It gets at the very heart of what democracy is all about. Taking these issues to the American people, to the floor of the House of Representatives and having a good give and take. We are trying to understand, as we are on the threshold of a new millennium, where to take America. What are our priorities? And I would say, Mr. Speaker, that as we think about those priorities, we think about a government that most of us would like to be benevolent, caring, there for those who cannot help themselves.”