Political Quotes

“The United Nations Participation Act, passed in 1945, has only been amended twice--the last time nearly 30 years ago in 1965. My amendment simply brings the United Nation Participation Act into the modern world. While the cosponsors of this legislation to date have all been Republican, I do not view the U.S. role in United Nations peacekeeping as a Republican-Democrat issue. This is a matter between the Congress and the executive--it is not about partisan politics, but about responsible congressional oversight. This amendment will put Congress back in the loop. The legislation is the product of many hours of discussions and incorporates many ideas from my colleagues, especially Senator Pressler and Senator Domenici. I have made two changes in offering this amendment. First, I have changed the withholding percentage of U.S. peacekeeping assessments until the appointment of an independent inspector general from 50 to 20 percent, to reflect the overwhelming bipartisan support for the Pressler-Byrd amendment--which passed 93-6 last week. Second, I have decided to refrain, for the time being, because of administration concern.”