Political Quotes

“Yet, I think there will be some apprehension if this legislation gets passed as to whether those types of trips are the right thing to do. At the same time those trips are very different from travelling to golf tournaments or tennis tournaments, even though many of the tournament trips are also for valid functions. There are tournaments to raise money for charity and they will be impacted by this. But there are distinctions that have to be drawn between the kinds of travel that is permitted, which is without question principally business in nature. We should encourage trips that promote our understanding internationally, and that will help us develop informed policies. So the perception, I think, ultimately is different even on trips which are largely informational in nature where you must work extensively. Although some of these trips may be held in Bermuda, or Round Hill where, as I recall, many of them have been held, that, too, creates a perception we are travelling for leisure. On the other hand some Members would probably not go to the seminars if they did not have the chance to spend some time taking a break from hurly-burly Washington. Clearly the issue is not always black and white. I think that these distinctions must be drawn, and I am hopeful that we can clarify these issues during the course of the debate.”