Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise in support of the Feinstein amendment with regard to section 1031 of this legislation. I am particularly worried because, unlike the authorized use of force original doctrine and legislation passed by the Congress, we limited the authority of the President and the U.S. military to those connected directly to the September 11 mass murder of Americans. I think, in times of emergency, I understand that. But the legislation would be the first congressional authorization to go far beyond that, to say that any ``person who . . . substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces''-- undefined--`` . . . including any person who has committed a belligerent act'' would be allowed to be picked up by U.S. military authorities and held in U.S. military detention. While I am in favor of robust and flexible U.S. military action overseas, including action against American citizens waging war against the United States, such as Anwar Al-Awlaki, I think we all should agree on a special zone of protection inside the jurisdiction of the United States on behalf of U.S. citizens. I say this in support of the Feinstein amendment because I took the time--as we all should from time to time, serving in this body--to re- read the Constitution of the United States yesterday. The Constitution says quite clearly: In the trial of all crimes--no exception--there shall be a jury, and the trial shall be held in the State where said crimes have been committed.…”