Political Quotes

“I speak today recognizing that I have only been a Member of this body for about 6 months and a couple of days. I am hardly an expert on Senate rules, procedures, or precedent. But this much I do know: The rule change being considered this week is more far- reaching and more significant than has been advertised. This rule change was described this afternoon by the majority leader as a ``minor change, no big deal.'' It is a big deal. It has the potential to change this institution in ways that are both hazardous and unforeseen. We will discuss these changes later today in the Old Senate Chamber. I think it is appropriate we should meet there. The Old Senate Chamber hasn't been used for official Senate business in over 150 years. It gives some perspective to the gravity of what is being considered. The majority leader noted today that Senate rules have been changed 18 times in the past 36 years by a simple majority vote. There needs to be a qualifier here--a very big qualifier. This rule change will allow, for the first time in Senate history, majority-imposed cloture. That is not minor; that is a big deal. It is said by the advocates that it will only affect the President's executive branch nominees. That may be true initially, but once a simple majority has been used to impose cloture for executive branch nominees, why can't it be used for judicial nominees who have a lifetime tenure? Why not use it for everyday legislation?…”