Political Quotes

“these generals put it right to the point we all need to hear: Our ideals are assets, not liabilities. In that spirit, interestingly enough, we had a very robust debate about these detention provisions, and it bolstered my faith we could continue to have great and substantive debates in this body. Because of the concerns that were raised and serious questions that were presented about the provisions, we were able to secure some improvements that may reduce some of the grave concerns I have outlined here. I see my good friend from Illinois, who I know is going to speak and who shares some of my concerns, so let me touch on a couple of the adjustments that have been made. Senator Feinstein's amendment clarified that detainee provisions are not to be interpreted ``to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens.'' I was a member of the conference committee on this bill, and during the conference committee negotiations resulted in a clarification that was made to ensure these provisions are not to be interpreted to ``affect the existing criminal enforcement and national security authorities of the FBI or any other domestic law enforcement agency.'' These were helpful changes and, hopefully, will prevent the undermining of our constitutional liberties and the disruption of domestic counterterrorism efforts.…”