Political Quotes

“It is a political issue here; it is not a political issue anywhere else. The Senator talked about, I think, a very apt description of our underestimation of the common sense of the American people. I also think we underestimate our ability to fundamentally address the fear that exists today about the next terrorist attack. I think if we were able to come together and pass these two simple measures, it would be a show of faith for the American people that we get it--that we understand how anxious they are, how fearful they are, how angry they are, and there is a salve to the wound that could come if we were able to come together and act. It is not just that it would make a practical difference in stopping potential terrorists from getting guns, but it would have a psychological impact on people. So I think the Senator is right that we underestimate the common sense of the American public. But I think we also underestimate our ability to do something meaningful, to address what is a very legitimate anxiety in the public, having watched San Bernardino to Orlando. I thank the Senator. I yield to Senator Durbin for a question without losing my right to the floor.”