I think we should not get bogged down on semantics over substance, but ought to deal with what is the substance.

We are going to have to deal compassionately with the people that are here illegally.

If marriage is not about one man and one woman, for the purpose of a relationship of which to have children and continue the society, then what? If it's about two women or two men, why not two women and three men? Why not whatever…

The nation has, to some degree, focused on this issue.

We had a very forceful voice being heard from the American public.

There is an election in November, and our leadership position as Republicans is on the line. And I think that will weigh heavily in the conference.

There is an election in November, and our leadership position as Republicans is on the line.

It is not amnesty because the undocumented aliens will have to pay a fine. They will have to pay back taxes. They will undergo a thorough background investigation. They will have to learn English. They will have to work for six years.

Folks, on the other side of the aisle have simply said no to more energy independence, no to more energy production.

They will have to earn the status of staying in the country.

I think that there is a tremendous amount of commonality here.

This needs to be a cooperative and bipartisan effort.

Listening to the opening statements, I'm concerned that so many senators are already in concrete, without having heard from the nominee.

Senator Arlen Specter wants to hold hearings.

When you got beyond the headline -- and starting with the headline that the president had authorized these wiretaps, surveillance of citizens in the United States -- that's wrong and it can't be condoned at all.

Alito's nomination is not in trouble.

Senator Specter said today it would be the first question he'd ask.

A review of his record as a federal judge for the past 15 years found a very heavy commitment to legal interpretation which might differ from his own personal views.