Political Quotes

“I was disappointed earlier this year when the comprehensive immigration reform was not passed. On two separate occasions, as Republicans filibustered the legislation to its legislative death, we tried to move this to conference on comprehensive immigration reform, and it was filibustered both times. We had knowledge there were not enough Republican votes to pass it. The last time we got 12 Republican Senators. Part of that vital legislation was something we called the DREAM Act. This legislation's advocates have moved very hard. The primary advocate for this, and its primary sponsor, has been Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois. He has worked tirelessly in his efforts to pass the DREAM Act. He has spoken within the Senate on many occasions, both here on the Senate floor, in the committee, and in press conferences we have had regarding immigration. I have never known Senator Durbin to feel more strongly about anything than this, and we have been together for 5 years. The DREAM Act recognizes that children should not be penalized for the actions of their parents. Many of these youth come to America very young. Many do not even remember their country of origin because they were too young when they left, nor do they speak the language of their home country. They think of themselves as Americans. Many of these children are so desperate to be able to go to school.”