Political Quotes

“Mr. President, 275 filibusters in 4 years is not just a cold statistic; it represents the minority blocking measures that sometimes--not all the time but sometimes--enjoy broad support among the American people. Just in the last Congress, the filibuster was used to kill many bills that enjoyed majority and often bipartisan support. Need I mention the DREAM Act? It had broad bipartisan support and big support among the American people. There was the DISCLOSE Act, which polls showed that over 80 percent of the American people supported. We had a majority vote here for it, but we didn't have a supermajority. So it is no surprise that Americans are fed up and angry with their Federal Government. In too many critical areas, people see a legislature that is simply unable to respond effectively to the most urgent challenges of our time. Make no mistake, the problem goes beyond the sheer number of filibusters. This once-rare tactic is now used or threatened to be used on virtually every measure and nominee, even those who may enjoy near universal support. In the past Congress, for nearly 8 months, the minority filibustered confirmation of Martha Johnson as Administrator of the General Services Administration--certainly a relatively noncontroversial position. She was ultimately confirmed 96 to 0. So what was that filibuster all about? And for nearly 5 months, the minority filibustered confirmation of Barbara Keenan to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.…”