Political Quotes

Bernie Sanders: “If we want a volunteer program, let us develop a volunteer program. But a volunteer program says, we would like you to…”

On the recordMay 1, 1997
If we want a volunteer program, let us develop a volunteer program. But a volunteer program says, we would like you to volunteer. And we create the circumstances. That is a good idea. If we want people to work, we have got to pay them. I would hope that my Republican friends, who have talked about the virtue of work and how people's self-enhancement and self-esteem goes up with work, would understand that when most people work they expect a paycheck. I look forward to an amendment from my Republican friends that says, when we get people to work, we are going to pay them so their kids can see them earning a paycheck.
Said by
Bernie Sanders
Independent · Vermont

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the importance of paying workers during a debate on volunteer programs.

Share

More from Bernie Sanders

Oct 2, 2026

As the cost of home heating skyrockets across the country due to the illegal and unconstitutional War in Iran, we urge you to request an emergency appropriation of at least $3 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

sanders.senate.gov
Oct 7, 2026

The time to pass Medicare for All is NOW," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Tuesday on social media.

commondreams.org
Oct 2, 2026

At a time of growing concern about the unchecked power of artificial intelligence, Flock is eviscerating the very notion of privacy by installing tens of thousands of cameras in communities across America without their consent.

sanders.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation