Political Quotes

“I rise to state that this is a fine moment in the history of the Senate. It has come about through the leadership of Senator Robert C. Byrd and his devotion to the Constitution of the United States. The court today ruled in the most explicit terms. It said, ``* * * the Act effectively permits the President to repeal duly enacted provisions of Federal law. This he cannot do.'' Then with a grace note that I hope the Senate will appreciate, and I know our distinguished occupant of the chair will, with Senator Byrd's great attachment to the history of democratic government and theory and its glorious origins in Greece, the court referred to the sword-of-Damocles effect: Not that the President would exercise this power, but that he might do it. There is a sword still suspended in this Chamber, but soon, I cannot doubt, to be taken down as a consequence of the judgment of the Supreme Court. I might add, sir, that there are some in Congress who are concerned that the courts interfere too much with our procedures. This is a court defending the Constitution and the U.S. Congress in its responsibilities. Finally, sir, may I state a moment of gratitude to the attorneys, our learned counselors, who, on a pro bono basis, argued this case so effectively.”