Senate Proceeding 05-13-08 on May 13th, 2008 :: 2:51:54 to 2:54:18
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2:50:23 to 2:51:54( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Sherrod Brown

2:51:40 to 2:51:54( Edit History Discussion )

Sherrod Brown: that's the beauty of this. we just get them -- we set up the system of collective bargaining, let them make those determinations how they're going to do it. mr. kennedy: if the senator would just yield

2:51:54 to 2:52:06( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: further, would the senator not agree with me that the decision making then is going to be done at really effectively the local level rather than at the federal level or even at the state level? the state

2:51:54 to 2:54:18( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Edward Kennedy

2:52:06 to 2:52:22( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: is going to set an outline -- set and outline a process and a procedure. the state's going to do that. then the membership is going to make a judgment whether they want to follow that or not. and if they

2:52:22 to 2:52:39( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: choose that they will not do it, then there's no process or procedure. there's -- they don't have to do it. so it will be the -- i think a compelling aspect of this legislation is the fact that we're giving

2:52:39 to 2:52:52( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: the authority to deal on the most local issues to those who have responsibility today in the local community and who know best in terms of safety and security, are trained in safety and security

2:52:52 to 2:53:06( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: and there's responders who have ideas, who have suggestions, who have recommendations. the record is powerful in this this -- in this area about how to ensure additional safety and protection for

2:53:06 to 2:53:18( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: local communities communities, the state and the country. we want to use that expertise, and we want those decisions made locally. so i thank the senator for his his -- his comments, because we've

2:53:18 to 2:53:28( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: heard a good deal of rhetoric here on the -- on the floor and i think it's important that we make sure our colleagues have a good understanding and awareness of the great efforts that have been

2:53:28 to 2:53:41( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: made to make sure that we are going to respect both the states, we're going to respect obviously local communities, the differences that take place. we're going to have special provisions, as the

2:53:41 to 2:53:56( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: senator cently pointed out, in terms of the voluntary fire departments. we've tried to work very carefully and closely, as the senator has mentioned. this has been a bipartisan effort and reflects senators

2:53:56 to 2:54:06( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: from all different parts of the country. and what is important is that local firefighters, local first responders, local police officers are so strongly in support of this legislation because they understand

2:54:06 to 2:54:18( Edit History Discussion )

Edward Kennedy: -- they understand -- -- they understand -- better than anyone on the floor of this united states senate the difference that it can make for the safety and security of the american people. i thank

2:54:18 to 2:54:26( Edit History Discussion )

Sherrod Brown: the senator. mr. brown: i thank senator kennedy again for his comments. and you look at what's happened in this country over the last decadedes, and as we set up a national system of collective bargaining for