Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, the basic rule in the medical profession was announced about 500 B.C. in the Hippocratic oath, and, among other things in that oath is a line, ``First do no harm.'' I must say that the habeas corpus provisions in this bill really do harm. They are not an improvement on the existing sorry situation, they are an exacerbation. They make things far worse. They weaken habeas corpus proceedings and therefore, I urge Members to follow support my amendment and strike the Edwards- Washington habeas corpus provisions from the bill. Mr. Speaker, my amendment to simply strike what they have done to this bill in habeas corpus is supported by the National District Attorneys Association, as well as the National Association of Attorneys General. I have a letter signed by 30 State attorneys general, 16 of them Democrats, 14 of them Republicans, all opposed to the Edwards- Washington habeas provisions in this bill, and all of them supporting my motion to strike.”