Political Quotes

“So, to clarify for the record, the reference to ``sordid history'' refers to multiple administrations' policy in regard to technology transfer to China, and those remarks were not focused on this administration's particular actions that we are supposed to be reviewing in this matter? I think this is an important point. If the first statement on the floor of this House is to say we are now going to review the sordid history of the person we are supposed to be investigating before we draw a conclusion, then a reasonable person in or out of this House must conclude that perhaps this will be somewhat like the Burton investigation, where the chairman of the committee was quoted as saying he wants to ``get'' the President before he has even concluded the investigation. Again, I would hope to work with the distinguished chairman and others in reviewing all of the facts, listening to the committee before we determine whether this administration has been part of a sordid history or not. And, again, perhaps the chairman could better put in context the meaning of those words. I think that would be helpful to get this investigation started on a bipartisan, objective basis.”