Joe Biden

“ We weatherize, for example, 75 percent of the federal buildings in the United States of America. We set up a new funneling capability for a smart grid so we can transport wind and solar. We provide for smart meters on millions of homes across America, allowing them to save money -- all related to not only -- not only the direct economic impact, making it easier to do -- cheaper to do business, cheaper to heat your home, cheaper to heat the building -- but a reduction, a reduction in importation of oil. ”

“ I would point out, there's never been a time in American history, when the American people have been challenged by their government, that they've ever let the government down, or their country down, more importantly -- not the government, their country down. ”

“ But the fact of the matter is President Obama and I have decided that it's not -- it's just -- it's a good investment for us to continue to reach out to the Republicans; to reach out and demonstrate to them that we genuinely mean we want to work with them, that we genuinely know we need their input and we're willing to listen to what they have to say. But we cannot -- we cannot and will not wait around to deal with the most urgent needs the economy has. ”

“ We make long-overdue investments, as I said -- and I won't go into the detail of the smart grid and the smart metering, weatherization, renewable energy -- but if you look at the direct investments -- the direct investments that are being made in the infrastructure as laid out here for the state of Pennsylvania, for example, 428 bridges in this state being repaired and up to snuff within the next six to 18 months is a big deal. ”

“ Now, translate that again into Pennsylvania. It means, Governor, that an additional stimulus right away -- over this year, I should say -- of $1 billion -- $1 billion coming into the pockets of Pennsylvanians who are unemployed by extending their unemployment benefits. And that means people are going to spend that money. They're going to create jobs. They're going to keep the local sandwich shop open. They're going to be able to make sure the barbershop still functions. They're going to be able to make sure that the economy continues. It's a billion dollar stimulus into the state. ”

“ I think governors are closer to the problems, they understand the problems more. They understand the infrastructure needs. They understand what an overall good package this is and they're not nearly as political. ”

“ If we have the best possible roads and bridges, transit systems, sewer and water systems in the world, and a modern renewable energy system, then business is going to be more competitive. They're going to stay in America, they're going to stay in Pennsylvania. ”

“ Right now, in fairness to our Republican friends in the House and Senate in Congress, I think they're -- they're trying to figure it out. But I think you're going to have some guys with some real courage, like Arlen Specter and others, who will to lead the way. ”