Political Quotes

“I want to compliment my esteemed chairman, Senator Hatch, for forging a consensus on this complex issue. As my colleagues know, I was engaged in negotiations on the Chemical Weapons convention resolution of ratification for months, and I know first hand how many deeply held views this treaty implicates and how difficult it is to bring the parties together. But we succeeded on the treaty and now, with the help of many Senators on both sides of the aisle, have succeeded on the implementing legislation. I supported this compromise measure in committee and will do so again now because it takes the important steps necessary to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention. As required by the convention, this bill will enact tough criminal sanctions for possessing, stockpiling, transferring, and using chemical weapons. It will also require U.S. companies to report on their production and use of potentially dangerous chemicals and submit to inspections of their facilities. Taking these steps will demonstrate to the rest of the world that the United States is committed to continuing its leadership role in arms control and other issues of global importance. I want to make clear, however, that I do not support some of the provisions in this bill and have very serious concerns about their impact on the convention.”