Political Quotes

“Mr. President, saner heads have prevailed. I think the news that we just received brought a much more reasonable way of moving forward rather than two more all-nighters with votes every 4 hours or so. It was not pleasing for anyone, particularly during the Christmas season. It was totally unnecessary to do this, had there not been some precipitating factors. I did not come down here to point fingers. There is frustration on both sides, frustrations on the Democratic side with Republicans--but I do not think it has been explained, what caused Republicans to become so concerned and so frustrated and frankly so angry over the way that the rules were broken to change the rules, something that has been precious to this body for its more than 200 years, and that is the uniqueness of the ability of a minority to have a say in legislation, to amend or at least to offer amendments. They may succeed, they may not succeed, but to have a voice. I think those who have not served here in the past and have never been in the minority cannot begin to appreciate that right. I started in the House of Representatives where the majority rules. That is the way the Founding Fathers established that body. But they said they wanted the Senate to be different, a place where the passions could be cooled, where debate could be held, where amendments could be offered, where laws could be changed or modified.…”