Asa Hutchinson: “I think anytime, as the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn) said, that we can discuss the issues of life, that it is a…”

“I think anytime, as the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn) said, that we can discuss the issues of life, that it is a healthy debate for the Congress of the United States; and whenever we conduct it in a high tone, I think it is even better. If I understand the gentleman correctly, he really does not oppose the substance of this bill. There have been arguments made that we should have a broader debate; that we should look at some additional death penalty protections, and those are fair debates as well; but today we have this bill before us that is very important. We can do something today that not only carries out the intent of the United States in signing the treaty with 142 other nations, but we can do something to make sure that innocent life is protected and that everyone in our society understands that we are clear and unambiguous as to our attempt to protect that life. The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) indicated these are weighty issues. They are weighty issues; but I am so thankful that when there is a mooring, that even weighty issues can be simple issues because they are based upon a moral foundation.”