Political Quotes

“``We have the means and just enough time this week to avoid a shutdown and to make serious headway on our annual appropriations. But as always, the task at hand will require that everyone rows in the same direction: toward clean appropriations and away from poison pills.'' Those are not my words. The Republican leader said that yesterday, and he is absolutely right. And I just heard that the Speaker said he doesn't want a shutdown, after meeting with the President. That is good. But let's be clear. A shutdown that hits air traffic controllers and food inspectors and so much more would be incredibly damaging, and it would make getting all of our funding bills done that much more chaotic and challenging. There is no reason for a shutdown--not if both sides and both Chambers cooperate in a bipartisan way. So I am working around the clock to wrap up several spending bills by Friday. If we need to pass a very short-term CR along with whatever bills we can finish this week, Democrats are ready to make it happen so we can prevent a completely unnecessary shutdown and continue making progress on our bills. I have been here before too many times, and I can tell you that a shutdown is costly, and it is harmful to our economy. It hurts real people--Federal employees, not to mention families, seniors, anyone who depends on basic services working smoothly--and it makes absolutely no sense. It doesn't save us money; it costs us more.…”