Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today to talk about an issue of paramount importance to our country--the issue of religious freedom. Our great Nation was founded on religious freedom. This liberty is at the very core of our government. It has been a significant part of our heritage since this land was first settled, and it is a freedom that sets us apart from many countries around the globe. The Framers of our Constitution rightfully recognized an individual's religious liberty and conscience is above any regulation, any legislation. One of the chief authors of that guiding document, James Madison, declared: Conscience is the most sacred of all property. Thomas Jefferson said: No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority. These fundamental values are a part of the fabric of this great Nation. It is no coincidence it is the first freedom in the Bill of Rights. It is a core value. It is an inalienable right. So that means, as public servants, it is our utmost duty to protect this American freedom. When I was sworn in as a Senator, I--as my colleagues did--took an oath to uphold the Constitution. We all believe strongly in that oath. I take seriously my commitment to uphold the values and the freedoms our forefathers fought to establish and that generations of heroes have died defending.…”