Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I thank the Senator very much. I want to associate myself with the remarks of my distinguished Senator from New Jersey. I thank him also for the cooperation he has shown in getting us a little further down the road on the Saudi Arabia bill. The issues regarding this longtime ally of the United States are troubling. I don't think there is anyone on this floor who is adverse to the idea that action needs to be taken. Obviously, the relationship is not the same as it has been for a long time. Having said that, on a transactional basis, there are a number of things we are allied with Saudi Arabia on. Also, having said that, some of the things that have happened cannot go unnoticed. There are certainly going to have to be repercussions, and we have been negotiating with all parties, including my staff and the staff of the ranking member, together with the State Department and with the White House. I think we are very close to having a bill that could actually pass the Senate, pass the House, and be signed into law by the President. I think this is a real step forward; I think it is progress on this issue; and I think the structure we have put together is in the best interests of all parties. So I agree with my friend from New Jersey. I yield the floor.”