Patty Murray: “when I left here in early February for the Senate's recess, I was exasperated. Nothing productive seemed to be happening…”

“when I left here in early February for the Senate's recess, I was exasperated. Nothing productive seemed to be happening here in Washington, DC. Budget stalemates had become an accepted way of life, rather than words to bring Members of Congress to work together to reach agreements. The battles of last year all seemed to end in stalemates. And worse, even the air in the District of Columbia seemed charged with negativity and mean-spirited rhetoric. Today, however, I feel invigorated. My trip home to Washington State in early February was hardly relaxing, but it was extremely productive. Today, I want to take a moment to share with my colleagues why I feel a renewed sense of optimism and why I am ready to take on new challenges. Mr. President, like many who work with our young people today, I have become increasingly concerned about what is or, more importantly, what is not happening for our youth today. I have spent my life working with young people as a mother, as a preschool teacher, as a school board member, as a Girl Scout leader, as a PTA member, as a State senator, and today as a U.S. Senator. There is no doubt in my mind that young people today are becoming increasingly disillusioned with their world.”