Political Quotes

On the recordSeptember 1, 1998
What is it that is so--if the Senator knows--what is it that is so frightening to the majority that they will not allow this issue to come to the floor? We know it is timely. We know it is important. The Republican Senators have put forth a bill that they think should be considered. Why is it that this particular issue, involving massive insurance companies and health care across America, is so frightening to the Republican majority that they will not allow your unanimous consent request? Can the Senator from South Dakota give us some insight as to why this issue should be so frightening to the Republican majority?
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Questioning the Republican majority's reluctance to address health care legislation on the Senate floor.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 14, 2026

It’s great to be here at the EBC to celebrate the good, impactful work that is at the core of this center’s mission.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 24, 2026

The lawmakers also emphasized that the Trump Administration’s definition of medical frailty far exceeds what is outlined in the law itself and creates additional onerous barriers for both patients and states.

duckworth.senate.gov
Aug 17, 2026

More than half of them said, we are in trouble—serious trouble.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 24, 2026

“The highest court in the land shouldn’t have the lowest ethical standards. Public trust in the Supreme Court remains near historic lows, and every story of a luxury gift or questionable failure to recuse contributes to it. The American…

murphy.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation