Political Quotes

“I thank both the chairman and the ranking member for this respectful dialogue. These are tough judgment calls. I understand that. In my judgment, the risks do not outweigh the potential rewards here. Until we have a strong, significant multinational strategy to contain this contagion, I believe an ad hoc policy--which it appears to me we now have--by sending weapons into this area, potentially could make this situation worse. As the gentleman from New York, Congressman Gibson, pointed out, it is the responsibility of Congress to potentially revisit this issue if we need to reassess the situation, and it becomes much clearer and necessitates U.S. action; but now, to me and my conscience, it is important to say no. Last year, we had a very strong bipartisan vote that demanded that the United States would not enter into a military conflict in Syria. The American people spoke loudly and clearly, and I think this is simply an extension of that understanding. I understand the differences of opinion here in judgment, and I very much appreciate the time and respect accordingly.”