Political Quotes

“I fully appreciate Senator Paul's commitment to making government more efficient. I was pleased that my committee advanced his bill earlier this year, but, as I noted at the time of our passing it out of committee, the bill requires additional work before it is ready to be passed by the full Senate. We have heard from several committees that have concerns about the potential impacts of the legislation. I hope that we can continue working over the summer to try to address those concerns and find a path forward for this legislation. However, the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards Program is set to expire tomorrow. We urgently need to pass this bipartisan 2-year extension now. If we do not, chemical facilities that are at risk of being exploited by terrorists will no longer be able to implement critical security measures, including ensuring that individuals in the terrorist screening database do not have access to restricted areas in these facilities, and the Department of Homeland Security will no longer be able to assess or share information about terrorist threats related to these facilities. Our national security is on the line, and we cannot let this program expire over a completely unrelated bill about the inside workings of Congress. I object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard to the modification. Is there objection to the original request?”