Political Quotes

Robert Torricelli: “The discussion comes down to the phrase of Senator Thompson, saying that criminal and illegal may not in every situation…”

On the recordMarch 11, 1997
The discussion comes down to the phrase of Senator Thompson, saying that criminal and illegal may not in every situation be exactly the same. For purposes of these hearings, if we were to do justice to what we want to achieve, it needs to be established that they specifically are not the same. It is not sufficient for the Senate to know that there may be some circumstances where illegal does not mean criminal. The point is illegal is not criminal. We seek civil jurisdiction, we seek violations of regulations, and we seek here on the floor to disassociate the two words. I believe, for the record, the Senator from Virginia has done a great deal in allaying my fears, and I think we have separated permanently, irrevocably the two words. For purposes of this investigation they are unrelated, they are unconnected and never the two shall meet again. I think, therefore, this discussion has been helpful.
Said by
Robert Torricelli
New Jersey
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the distinction between criminal and illegal during Senate hearings.

Share

Share on XShare on FacebookEmail this quote

More from Robert Torricelli

Dec 20, 2001

when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law over 30 years ago, many thought it was the end of a long journey to recognize that the ideals on which this country was founded were more than just abstract notions. The Voting Rights Act and…

govinfo.gov
Dec 13, 2001

I hope our colleagues understand this. When we talk about Fidel Castro's dictatorship today, this isn't some old, unsettled grudge. This is a continuing security problem. Ninety miles off our shore we have now established there are…

govinfo.gov
Sep 19, 2002

on September 12, 2001, I came to the floor of the Senate to suggest to my colleagues that the magnitude of what had happened to the United States of America in the terrorist attack required an independent analysis and establishment of a…

govinfo.gov
Jul 30, 2002

for the last 7 months, the Senate Ethics Committee has reviewed documents and statements relating to allegations made against me by a former political contributor and friend. I am now in receipt of the conclusions of the committee. I thank…

govinfo.gov
View all Robert Torricelli quotes

Other voices in this conversation