Political Quotes

“First of all, I congratulate the Senator from Michigan and the Senator from Missouri for touching on what is obviously a very serious national issue; that is, how we deal with the crisis of mental health in this country. I thank both of them for the work they are doing. I would like to say a few words as a member of the conference committee on the budget, which is hoping to avert another government shutdown and come up with a sensible long-term budget for our country. The first point I would make is that when I return from Vermont and come here to Capitol Hill, I am always amazed at how different the world view is here as opposed to the real world--whether it is Vermont or when I travel to other States around the country. It almost seems as if we are living on two separate planets. As a member of the Budget Committee, I understand, as do the American people, that a $17 trillion national debt and a $700 billion deficit is a serious issue that must be addressed. The American people know that, but what they also understand is that there is an even more important issue out there; that is, real unemployment today is close to 14 percent. Youth unemployment--an issue Pope Francis is beginning to talk about a great deal--in this country is approximately 20 percent. African-American youth unemployment is over 40 percent. The American people are saying: Yes, deal with the deficit, but do not forget that we continue to have a major economic crisis with millions of Americans unemployed.…”