Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I think it is fair to say that none of us expected a week ago to be here on the floor at this moment, talking about a massive, across-the-board freeze on Federal funding. I don't think either of us, on either side of the aisle, expected to be here on this topic. We are in no ordinary time. The chaos and confusion are extraordinary. And it is the result of one man: Donald Trump. It is part of a calculated strategy: confusion and chaos; a blizzard of illegal actions; a hiring freeze that violates the law; a firing of inspectors general that abridges the statute; a freeze on funding that crosses the line because it violates the Impoundment Control Act, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite Donald Trump's contention that it is unconstitutional; and it also violates the Constitution. It is a seizure of power--namely, the power of the purse--that Congress intended never to surrender. It was given by the Founders as a check on Presidential power. The checks and balances of our system operate to create a system that prevents tyranny. And, unfortunately, this country is veering and careening toward tyranny. So we are here to say we will not obey in advance.…”