Political Quotes

“And what I suggest is that we proceed on this basis and not try to interject the TAA process, because I think that will cause this to grind to a halt here. We can discuss, as I told you, the appropriate proceeding on TAA. I am certainly not trying to tie proceeding to TAA to a date certain to vote on Colombia, but I do think it is appropriate that a plan be worked out, with the President, as you have noted, and the Members of Congress who are concerned about this to try to find a way to go forward, as we originally did, so everyone can be assured that both Trade Adjustment Assistance and the Colombia Free Trade Agreement can proceed to a successful conclusion. Now is not the time to negotiate that, and that is why I object to the idea of going forward with this at this time. In order to keep this process moving forward tonight, and get as many of the Democratic and Republican amendments up and voted on, I suggest we keep proceeding as we have been, in good faith, and not confuse it with this extraneous issue.”