Political Quotes

“Madam President, whether North Dakotans, Granite Staters, or New Yorkers, these stories are very moving. When I first heard from Mr. Grant's family, I was a Member of the House of Representatives. I looked into his request and introduced an amendment to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act to inscribe the names of the Lost 74. While the measure unanimously passed the House, it was blocked here in the Senate. So, when I came to the Senate last year, introducing this legislation was one of my very first actions and high priorities. And I have had some success. We have 20 cosponsors--10 Republicans and 10 Democrats--including the chairman and the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee that has jurisdiction. When Members from Montana to Maine, North Dakota to New Hampshire, and New York can come together on an issue as important as honoring the fallen sailors, I would hope this would garner some attention--and it has. It has. Last summer, the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans Act received its first-ever hearing before a Senate Energy Subcommittee. I thank the chairman and my colleague from Alaska for providing the opportunity for the story of these sailors to be heard. It was there when I first heard opposition to the bill, however. I have yet to hear any real opposition to the legislation voiced by anyone except the bureaucrats and special interests that would actually be charged with carrying it out.…”