Political Quotes

“something really extraordinary happened in the U.S. Capitol yesterday. It wasn't a floor speech. It wasn't a formal committee meeting or a hearing. It wasn't a press conference. It was five everyday Americans coming to the Capitol to tell their stories about the brutality and violence they suffered at the hands of their own government--everyday Americans just like all of us coming here to tell us how they were stopped, assaulted, detained, and brutalized by ICE and CBP agents. It was one of the most moving experiences of my time in the U.S. Senate, not only because of the words and the facts that they conveyed but because of their raw courage, their bravery. I had tears in my eyes as I listened to Luke and Brett Ganger telling us for the first time in public in such a setting what it was like to lose their sister Renee Good. They said: In the last few weeks, our family took some consolation in thinking that perhaps Renee's death would bring change in our country. It has not. Yesterday's hearing, very simply, was a call to action, and I am going to talk about those American citizens who came forward. But make no mistake, what happened to them could happen to any of us on our way to church for a clothing drive or to make a donation, on your way to a doctor's appointment, or even heading home from dropping off your 6-year-old son at school--everyday activities, American activities, by American citizens with no criminal record.”