Political Quotes

“Madam President, as the majority contemplate changing the rules of the Senate to expedite the confirmation of several executive branch nominees, I hope that serious consideration was given to the adverse effects this change could have. We should resist embarking on a path that would circumvent the rights of the minority to exercise its advice and consent responsibilities provided in the Constitution. The consequences of the action by the majority should not be minimized. Former Senator Ted Kennedy, in 2003, testified before the Rules Committee that by allowing a simple majority to end debate on nominees, ``the Senate would put itself on a course to destroy the very essence of our constitutional role.'' Such a departure from precedent would dilute the minority rights that differentiate the Senate from the other body. It also opens the door to applying this same rule to debate on judicial nominations, as well as the legislative process. Mr. McCAIN. Madam President, I wish to echo what my colleague from Michigan Senator Levin said on the floor earlier today. He quoted the late Senator Arthur Vandenburg of Michigan who said, in 1949, that if the majority can change the rules at will ``then there are no rules except the transient unregulated wishes of a majority of whatever quorum is temporarily in control of the Senate.'' Senator Vandenburg's words from 1949 have proven to be prophetic.…”