Political Quotes

“I rise in support of my motion to instruct the Senate National Defense Authorization Act conferees to extend the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program and authorize additional visas for deserving applicants. The SIV Program allows Afghans who supported the United States mission in Afghanistan to seek refuge in this country because they face grave threats as a result of helping our men and women on the ground there. I just wish to point out that when we had the debate on the NDAA, we had an agreement on what an amendment to extend the Special Immigrant Visa Program would look like. That amendment would have allowed for 2,500 additional special immigrant visas to cover those people still in the pipeline who are facing threats because of helping American soldiers. And while we had agreement from the majority of the body, unfortunately, because of an unrelated issue, we were not able to get this amendment passed. This is an opportunity for us to come back at this and do what is right, do what our commanders and our diplomats say we need to do for the national security interests of America. So I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this motion to instruct. I would like to now ask my partner in this effort, Senator McCain, if he would say a few words. Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for 2 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?”