A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.

Everett Dirksen (1896-1969) American politician

(Attributed)

Frequently attributed to Dirksen, but not found in his writings or speeches. An anonymous reference is made in "Topics of the Times," New York Times (10 Jan 1938): "Well, now, about this new budget. It's a billion here and a billion there, and by and by it begins to mount up into money."