Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the comments made by the Republican Senate leader about the procedures in the Senate are comments I wish to speak to directly. First, perhaps to his surprise, let me say I agree with him. The Senate is not what it should be. It is an important part of this government, it is an important part of this Nation, and it should be an important forum for the deliberation of critical issues that face us. Historically that is the role it has played. But what we have found over the last several years is that we have lapsed into a new Senate--and not a very good one, from my point of view. It is a Senate that is overrun with filibusters. Filibusters used to be so rare, one or two a year in the early days and then maybe a few more in the last 50 years, but now virtually every single week. The filibuster is basically shutting down the Senate, saying that we will not go forward to vote on a measure. It has been abused, overused and, frankly, has denigrated the reputation of this important institution. What are the points of view? The point of view of the minority was well stated by the Republican leader. The minority wants an opportunity to offer amendments. I know the feeling. I have been in the minority in the Senate. It is your only opportunity to have a voice on the floor of the Senate and to express a point of view that may not be reflected by the President or the Senate majority. That is an understandable impulse.…”