Political Quotes

“I rise to speak on the National Defense Authorization Act conference report we will be voting on later today. First, I wish to acknowledge that Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain have worked tirelessly to craft the Defense authorization bill to provide our Armed Forces with the equipment and services they need to keep us safe. I thank them, their staffs, and all my colleagues for their diligence and dedication to this important work. I also come to the floor because I want to share, as I have over the last few weeks, the concerns that many Americans--and especially the people I represent in Colorado--have expressed over the last few weeks about the detainee provisions that have been included in the Defense authorization bill. I wish to make it clear that I still have very strong concerns about these provisions, especially because they have been presented as a solution to alleged gaps that exist in our counterterrorism policy. It is my strong belief that our military men and women, law enforcement officials, and counterterrorism professionals have done an outstanding job since 9/11 to keep our Nation safe. For 10 years we have killed, captured, and prosecuted terrorists, and I believe--in fact, I know--our system has been successful. The professionals whom I just mentioned, who are in charge of waging this battle to keep us safe, agree that the detainee provisions are of real concern.…”