John Delaney Quotes

I'm not an economist, but I have spent time around thousands of small-business owners and investors, and I remain skeptical - despite the best intentions of the Fed - that even lower interest rates can make a meaningful dent in our unemployment problem.

- John Delaney

We have to start grounding our policies in facts and recognize that a strong economy is critical for funding progressive priorities.

- John Delaney

If you approach economic policy with the spirit of compromise, you can actually get good support.

- John Delaney

Two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and CEO has informed my view that our priorities must stress improving educational outcomes, rebuilding America's infrastructure, lowering health care costs, addressing climate change, reforming immigration, and ushering in an advanced energy economy.

- John Delaney

The administration must act promptly to ensure that the central premise of the Affordable Care Act is executable and, rather than dismissing criticism, should examine it in good faith and work to serve the needs of the people. President Obama must approach this problem like a CEO confronting a very bad product launch.

- John Delaney

New highways, ports, and runways appear economically foolish if we don't understand the economic growth that flows from such investments.

- John Delaney

The process to generate energy using the Canadian tar sands is particularly dirty, producing one of the most noxious fossil fuels on the planet and leaving a devastated landscape in its wake.

- John Delaney

The need to change our country's fiscal trajectory, including reforming entitlement programs, is an unassailable reality that will define our time.

- John Delaney

I'm not advocating spending less on the elderly, but I am strongly advocating spending more on kids while also putting the country on a sound, long-term fiscal trajectory. To do that, we have to reduce the rate of growth of entitlement-related expenditures and add more revenues.

- John Delaney

The best companies with the strongest credit ratings borrow like the United States: on a non-prioritized basis. This means that in the event of a default, all of their debts are of equal priority because lenders and creditors believe default is highly unlikely. And they spend considerable effort maintaining this status.

- John Delaney

All taxpayers feel a tremendous sense of frustration as they see many tens of billions of dollars of bonuses paid to the same mega banks that were on the brink of bankruptcy and were only saved by massive government rescue money and support. We are not satisfied by the fact that many of them have paid the money back, nor should we be.

- John Delaney

Maryland's different than Virginia. Maryland has certain advantages that Virginia doesn't have and certain disadvantages... We should just worry about ourselves and not worry about comparisons.

- John Delaney

There's a lot of new subject matter to learn. You start slowly peeling the onion and start figuring out how the policy and the politics intersect.

- John Delaney

The big legislative updates that we need to compete in the 21st century and to raise living standards have been blocked by a reluctance to seek common ground.

- John Delaney

America's men and women in uniform bravely defend our nation and our values. Their skill, dedication, and valor are the envy of the world. When their time in uniform is over, they are entitled to world-class health care, a benefit they've earned and that their country is grateful to provide for them.

- John Delaney

For years, comprehensive tax reform has eluded legislators.

- John Delaney

I basically applied to law school as a way of telling my parents that I wasn't going to medical school.

- John Delaney

Clay Hunt was the kind of individual that has made America a great country. In 2005, when his country needed him, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Shot in Iraq, he earned a Purple Heart, and after he recuperated, he graduated from Marine Corps Scout Sniper School and was deployed to Afghanistan.

- John Delaney

While some politicians argue over whether to believe scientists' almost overwhelming consensus on climate change, the business sector is a believer and is wisely planning ahead.

- John Delaney

Federal research dollars invested at the National Institutes of Health seem expensive until we factor in the economic growth and jobs created by our world-leading life sciences industry.

- John Delaney

What the establishment was trying to do was to position me as a Republican running in the Democratic primary.

- John Delaney

Repealing the estate tax won't create jobs, it won't boost GDP, and it won't add efficiency to the market. Instead, repealing the estate tax will simply add to the debt, hurt our ability to build a stronger economy and worsen economic inequality.

- John Delaney

Despite all the dysfunction in Washington, I believe that when it comes to helping veterans and keeping our fundamental promises as a country, we can come together and do the right thing.

- John Delaney

In the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a still-stagnant economy, President Barack Obama faces two important questions on energy transmission: a decision on the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and the question of increasing American natural gas exports. These are choices that will resonate from Crimea to Cove Point.

- John Delaney

Do I think it is good policy for the government to own companies? Normally, I'd say 'no.' But in my world, if a firm puts itself in a position that it needs a last minute rescue, and the future is uncertain at best, then the investor who steps into that breach ends up owning the company. Full stop.

- John Delaney

Using static scoring, tax cuts are broadly assumed to 'cost' a raw amount of reduced revenue. With dynamic scoring, the new revenue likely to flow from increased economic activity produced by a tax cut is considered, improving the accuracy of the projection.

- John Delaney

Imagine a country where the vast majority of seniors live in poverty, a country where for many there are no golden years, but a time of struggle and dependence. That was the United States before the creation of Social Security, which has proven to be one of the most effective and important government programs in our history.

- John Delaney

The struggle these veterans face receiving adequate care for PTSD and depression is a tragedy that needs to be addressed, which is why I cosponsored the Clay Hunt SAV Act.

- John Delaney

Small businesses are more nimble and innovative than large corporations, and as a result are much more likely to develop the breakthrough ideas we need for global competitiveness.

- John Delaney

We started CapitalSource because large banks were ignoring small to mid-sized businesses, and we saw a big business opportunity as a result.

- John Delaney

Addressing climate change and positioning the United States as the leader in advanced energy should be a top priority for our country and our economy, and I applaud the Obama administration for the steps it is taking.

- John Delaney

Maryland is never going to be the low-cost place to live and work, and we shouldn't try to be because we have a lot of other stuff we bring to the table. And you get what you pay for.

- John Delaney

Many have criticized a federal carbon tax, saying that it would increase energy costs. Some continue to oppose it even when that revenue would be used to reduce other taxes in what's known as a tax swap.

- John Delaney

We have been dealt a very weak hand by the financial market meltdown, bailouts, and recession. We can't act like it's a strong one.

- John Delaney

Our safety and security is more important than ever, and Congress needs to take an active role in enforcing international agreements that support global security.

- John Delaney

The United States has the world's largest and most innovative economy, an unmatched rule of law, and a free market that is the envy of the international community. For investors, we are the reserve currency.

- John Delaney

A lack of reform - particularly in international tax - has hurt our ability to compete in a global economy by keeping U.S. corporate cash overseas and reducing domestic investment, slowing economic growth.

- John Delaney

I am of the view that the Affordable Care Act will be a transformative piece of legislation that can lower the cost of health care in the United States - perhaps our greatest fiscal obstacle - and help all Americans lead healthy and productive lives, free from worry that a single illness could mean ruin for an entire family.

- John Delaney

Our employment future rests on the shoulders of the small employer, and we should be investing with them.

- John Delaney

I think I have a real feel for the industries that are being successful and where opportunities are, and the big issue that I really care about is U.S. competitiveness.

- John Delaney

Instead of serving special interests, Congress should focus on the big picture. Globalization and technology have completely reshaped our economy in recent decades, and if we don't respond, we're putting the future of the middle class at risk.

- John Delaney

When active duty ends, we have an obligation to uphold our own pledge: a pledge to ensure that every veteran receives the care and benefits they deserve.

- John Delaney

In my judgment, the president should reject Keystone and step up natural gas exports.

- John Delaney

Oil is largely our energy past, and Keystone does little to respond to the actual challenges and opportunities before us.

- John Delaney

As an entrepreneur and public company CEO, I've dealt with dozens of rollouts, and when unveiling a new product, the operating approach should be, 'Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.'

- John Delaney

Washington is paralyzed by extreme political rhetoric that creates powerful sound bites but poor policy.

- John Delaney

One of the key issues all veterans face is making the transition to a civilian career, and for veterans who need extra medical attention, this can be even more difficult.

- John Delaney

We already spend too few days in Congress working on meaningful legislation; we simply can't afford to waste more time on legislation that doesn't move the needle to improve the lives of everyday Americans.

- John Delaney

During their service, men and women in our Armed Forces live by a common creed, promising never to leave a soldier behind. We should live by the same principle. When our veterans are asked to travel hundreds of miles for care that's offered right next door, we simply aren't living up to that standard, and something has to change.

- John Delaney

In my private sector career, two of my favorite sayings were, 'Strategy is easy and execution is really hard,' and that we should 'run at criticism.'

- John Delaney

An institution that borrows on a non-prioritized basis would never contemplate borrowing on a prioritized basis. Doing so would undermine its standing in the bond market and suggest that it is not worthy of its strong credit rating. This type of self-imposed downgrade would materially affect its financial prospects.

- John Delaney

We should, as a country, be very concerned about our borrowing cost.

- John Delaney

I've said from the beginning that Obamacare is an imperfect piece of legislation that is designed to do a very important thing for this country. It's not perfect, and repealing it is a terrible idea.

- John Delaney

I am dedicated to making sure Social Security will be there for future generations and have written legislation to strengthen the program.

- John Delaney

What was once a fringe idea - finding a way to use the record levels of overseas capital to finance new projects in the United States - is now mainstream. The support is there; we just have to work out the details.

- John Delaney

Whether you're a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, it is clear that we've got big problems that we need to address, starting with making our economy more competitive so that we can create more good-paying jobs for the middle class.

- John Delaney

While many employers do the right thing and provide flexible schedules for disabled veterans, I felt that it was important to provide all disabled veterans with a solution that would help them have access to medical leave. Here's how our bill works: we accelerate the eligibility process for disabled veterans.

- John Delaney

America's disabled veterans answered our country's call, and when their time in uniform is done, our country must stand with them.

- John Delaney

As a cosigner of the Veterans' Bill of Rights, I'm committed to making sure that veterans' issues remain a top priority in Congress.

- John Delaney

By any measure, CapitalSource outperformed both our direct competitors and the financial services industry in general, particularly in the context of the near collapse of the financial services industry where 19 of the 20 largest financial institutions in the country either failed or were bailed out by the government.

- John Delaney

Veterans come from all walks of life, and they live in small towns and big cities, in red states and blue states.

- John Delaney

As the founder and former chief executive of two publicly traded companies, I have had a great deal of exposure to how debt markets work.

- John Delaney

Our electoral process has created perverse incentives that have warped our democracy and empowered special interests and a vocal minority.

- John Delaney

Climate change is the environmental challenge of this generation, and it is imperative that we act before it's too late.

- John Delaney

The impact of low interest rates is broad and deep. Many Americans rely on interest income from their savings to help cover their cost of living.

- John Delaney

The United States faces structural employment problems because of the long-term effects of globalization and technology. This was only exacerbated by the Great Recession.

- John Delaney

A family's love is often the best medicine, and in difficult times, I believe that our military families deserve the option of staying together.

- John Delaney

I support giving President Obama the ability to negotiate and complete new trade agreements with some of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

- John Delaney

I believe this is a moment of truth for our country, a time when people of all parties and persuasions should stand together and denounce Trump's campaign. That includes our governor here in Maryland.

- John Delaney

Low interest rates benefit individuals or investors who own or want to buy assets; in that regard, they disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans.

- John Delaney

If done correctly, dynamic scoring will provide a more complete picture of Congress's actions. This is exactly the type of modeling the private sector uses, and advances in data collection and analysis create an opportunity for it to be employed accurately.

- John Delaney

Our veterans and service members are known for their strength, but when they're recovering from an operation or receiving emergency care, that strength can depend on seeing a spouse, talking with the kids or just knowing that loved ones are by their side. It isn't difficult to imagine what a difference keeping families together can make.

- John Delaney

Getting trade policy right is huge for our economy and huge for Maryland. This is about creating Maryland jobs by selling Maryland products to Asia, moving right from Western Maryland farms out through the Port of Baltimore.

- John Delaney

Representative democracy is in crisis in the United States.

- John Delaney

After speaking with community leaders, faith leaders, and voters across the District during my campaign, I came to understand that visiting Israel was necessary to obtain a full and proper perspective on our relationship with our strongest ally in the Middle East.

- John Delaney

We have to reverse spending trends that are not job-creating.

- John Delaney

Many of the patients in military and veterans hospitals require long stays, which can place a large financial hardship on families who don't live near the hospital, which is very common.

- John Delaney

No military or veteran family should have to choose between paying their bills and being together while one of our nation's heroes is in the hospital.

- John Delaney

No veteran or active duty service member should endure a long hospital stay alone. Yet sadly, due to the high cost of travel, all too often our military families are separated while America's heroes receive care. Sometimes families sleep in hospital parking lots, unable to afford long stays in a hotel.

- John Delaney

Our national values demand that we assist the families of our men and women in uniform, especially at the time of their greatest need.

- John Delaney

I think some people don't truly understand the situation, and they think, you know, the debt limit, it doesn't really mean anything, and they don't understand the implications on the U.S. economy and on the global markets.

- John Delaney

Federal spending is like a massive ship that takes a very long time to turn.

- John Delaney

Free lodging for military families with loved ones in the hospital is something all Americans can rally behind.

- John Delaney

Economic policy is like business - it's all about compromise.

- John Delaney

In 1935, the year Social Security was created, the poverty rate for seniors was over 70%.

- John Delaney

Social Security is not broke, and Social Security does not need to be privatized.

- John Delaney

Congressional dysfunction is the logical result of closed primaries, too many gerrymandered one-party seats, and low-turnout elections.

- John Delaney

With Washington already broken, the last thing we need is a left-wing version of the Tea Party.

- John Delaney

I'm immensely proud to be a Democrat because of our party's history of fighting for justice, fairness, and equality. From Roosevelt to Obama, we've worked to bring seniors and children out of poverty, expanded civil rights, supported science and research, and pushed for equality of opportunity.

- John Delaney

We can't let 535 people continue to limit the progress of a nation of more than 300 million.

- John Delaney

We have a sacred obligation to support our men and women in uniform.

- John Delaney

I believe that business creates the jobs in this country and not government.

- John Delaney

I don't say bad things about my Republican colleagues, ever.

- John Delaney

People ask, 'How do you work with the other side?' Well, I start by not saying bad things about them.

- John Delaney

If there's any state in the country whose values are not consistent with the things Trump has been saying, it's the State of Maryland.

- John Delaney

I am not a professional politician.

- John Delaney

You can't really yell, 'Charge!' and hope to have your team behind you unless they agree that the hill you are trying to take is a hill you should take.

- John Delaney

I strongly believe in a free market, and it is great when companies make money and pay their people well.

- John Delaney

My mother wanted me to be a doctor.

- John Delaney