Dick Durbin: “There was a Senator from Illinois many years ago named Everett Dirksen who said on another totally unrelated issue that…”

“There was a Senator from Illinois many years ago named Everett Dirksen who said on another totally unrelated issue that ``There is nothing more pregnant than an idea whose time has come.'' The idea of NATO expansion, the idea of involving former Soviet clients, allies and republics into a new peace-seeking alliance is an idea whose time has come. I would certainly defer to the Senator's request and be happy to add an amendment in the second degree and hold my amendment at the desk until we accomplish that. The inclusion of Bulgaria would be a very positive addition.”