On the recordFebruary 6, 2017
first, I do appreciate the words of my colleague from Colorado, and I thank him for them, and that topic deserves more discussion on the floor of the Senate. One of the things that always gives me extraordinary pride to be an American and to be a Member of the Senate is the realization--as I sat here today and listened to my colleague from South Carolina, Senator Scott--that neither my ancestors nor his were participants in terms of structuring this Republic. Yet this Republic is so grand that it has plenty of room for people like me and him and so many others participating--including here, as one of only 100 Americans who are entrusted with the responsibility of representing our States and also upholding our Constitution in this body. The Senator from Colorado is also right in talking about the role of the Senate not just in terms of passing laws but in conducting oversight irrespective of who occupies the White House. It is a difficult thing to do these days because everything in American politics is covered through the lens of politics and of elections. Almost immediately, whatever I say here on the floor today will be analyzed through the lens and construct of elections past and elections future. What is he trying to achieve or what are any of us trying to achieve politically? There is a place for that. I think we are not foolish enough to believe there is no politics in politics.…
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