"If the legislation is not passed, what the message will be will depend upon what members of the Senate make the message."
"I think if the Senate failed to pass this, the attitudes back in Iowa, at least, would be mute astonishment, wondering how the government can abandon these most vulnerable members of our society."
"That's why legislation is important. It has to be well-drafted, well-thought out, and this has not been."
"The message when we pass this--and I certainly hope that we will pass this--is that America has made a priority protecting people from violence because of diversity."
"I couldn't disagree more with Professor Heriot's observations of what's happening in the real world."
"The Federal Government can play a critical role in bringing about that change, and this is one more chapter in achieving that goal."
"We need to make sure that we get it done right."
"We are going to have to take a look, make some hard decisions."
"I want to once again extend my sincerest condolences to the families, friends and others who suffered losses during Monday's tragic Metrorail accident."
"Clearly, reconciliation between these two policies must be made."
"I would encourage this committee to look into the safety measures that can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future."
"If Congress does not address the projected negative balance in the Highway Trust Fund this summer, the Federal Highway Administration will not be in a position to reimburse Maryland."