Political Quotes

“I support the Byrd amendment as an addition to this effort, not as a detraction, because I believe what Senator Byrd has articulated is a very important part of the way we put together a Department of Homeland Security. I think it is essential. So while I support the homeland security effort, I believe it is important to move forward along the timelines and with the checks and balances that Senator Byrd so thoughtfully has put together. Simply put, the mission of this Department is too important to be rushed into law. I know the Senator from Connecticut would say that after months and months it does not seem like rushing; that there has been a tremendous amount of effort that has gone into this. But as that is said, I also know it is a huge task bringing together 170,000 employees, and there are many questions about the various departments, so this is something that will take continued time and thoughtfulness to be able to put together. There are many questions that remain, and if the public is to have confidence in the new Department, those questions need to be answered.”