Political Quotes

“Mr. President, we are debating one of the most important bills we have had before the Senate in a long time. The reason we are debating this subject is because of what happened in Newtown, CT, on December 14, and the gun violence that takes its toll every day in cities all across America, including in my home State of Illinois. We know because we read and hear about it in the news and from the victims. At this moment our Nation is saddened by what happened yesterday in Boston. We still don't know what the cause of that was or who was responsible for it. I just have to say we are stunned by it. Members of the Senate and I--who have worked on the immigration bill--had planned to announce that bill today in a press conference. We have postponed that announcement out of respect to the people who have fallen, those who were injured, and their families. It is a moment of grave concern across America which was expressed well by the President last night. We are waiting for the information and details to build a case on those who are responsible. I, for one--and I am sure my colleagues feel the same way--don't want to rush to judgment until we have the facts as to the parties responsible. The sadness we feel for the victims and the sadness we feel for America--an open and free America where people stand on the sidelines cheering marathon runners--is one that is profound in the Senate today. The issue before us now is gun safety.…”