Political Quotes

“Madam President, let me first recognize the incredible work of the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee who worked through a very open, transparent, fair process that led to 130- some-odd amendments being considered and voted upon, in many cases adopted, and almost all of them adopted, from what I understand, many of them bipartisan. I think even those who oppose immigration reform acknowledge the chairman's evenhandedness and his willingness to have an open and free debate. That got us to where we are today. So he has my appreciation and my admiration for the way in which he conducted that process that brings us to today. As a member of the Senate bipartisan Gang of 8, I believe we come to this floor if not in complete harmony, at least on the same sheet of music with a very solid legislative process. Let me take this opportunity to thank our staffs who have worked extraordinarily hard to put all of the pieces of this bill together and make this day possible. You know, Senator Schumer calls Leon Fresco his genius. I like to think of my counsel, Kerri Talbot, as the conscience of the Gang of 8. I want to thank Kerri for her dedication, for always believing that if we put our heads in the yoke and pull hard enough we could pull our plow all of the way to a workable compromise, and we have. I want to thank all of those other staffers who put in so many hours and who will no doubt put in many more until this bill is passed and put on the President's desk.…”