Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 22, 2013
Mr. President, do I have the last minute remaining? Let me just say, my friend, Senator Heitkamp from North Dakota, knows this subject so well. The case you want to read is Buckley v. State of California as to whether State laws are enforceable against foreign companies. And they are. That decision has already been reached. This argument does not hold water. What does hold water is this: There is no reason why any State retailer should have an unfair advantage doing business in my State or any other State. If they want to compete with my businesses that pay their taxes, as they are supposed to do, let them do business under the laws of the State of Illinois. If they do not want to play by these rules, then they do not have to come to Illinois. This is a question of fairness. The last point I will make is this: This is voluntary--voluntary-- under the Marketplace Fairness Act. States have to voluntarily decide that they want to be under this act. If they do not care to be, they do not have to be. So there is no heavy hand of the Federal Government here. The States can make this decision. It is up to them. I hope that all of those who support the Marketplace Fairness Act will support the Enzi-Durbin amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.
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Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

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