Political Quotes

“I oppose this amendment. It would require the President and the Secretary of Defense to certify to Congress with demonstrable evidence that a State is unwilling or unable to suppress civil unrest prior to invoking the Insurrection Act. What is demonstrable evidence? How do we define that? At that point, who knows how much time would go by before help is given to the city or State that needs it. Also, the limitation placed on military personnel in this amendment is concerning. We are telling our military that, if you go in, then you either do nothing or you use extreme force. There is no in between. Unfortunately, too many elected officials don't understand the difference between emergency response, peacekeeping, and peacemaking. We are setting the military up for failure. This amendment is dangerous and unnecessary, not to mention the entire debate on the Insurrection Act is just another attack on the President. Because we don't like something the current President said--not even what he did, but something he said--we are going to punish not just this President, but every President after this and all the States that may need help in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”