Political Quotes

“Madam President, I know that in just offering the amendment I sought to offer on the Senate floor I have received an objection. Let me briefly describe what I am trying to offer. The objection that I just received from the other side of the aisle is a demonstration of what is wrong in the Senate right now. What is happening in the Senate right now is the majority leader keeps bringing legislation to the floor, and people are not allowed to offer amendments that directly pertain to the legislation. In fact, right now pending on the Senate floor is the so-called Paycheck Fairness Act. I have an amendment I want to offer on the Senate floor to that act that deals with addressing pay discrimination, but I am not going to be allowed to offer that amendment. I guess the first question we have to ask is: Why is that? Why is it that when we have such an important issue, which I acknowledge is an important issue--that people in this country be treated fairly, that we be paid solely based on our experience and qualifications, that we eliminate discrimination in the workplace; something I would hope we could work together on and about which we could have a real debate on this Senate floor--if someone comes to the floor and offers an amendment, what we get is an objection, because, really, what we are doing right now on the floor--let's be clear about it--is a political charade.…”