Political Quotes

“I have been to a few of these rodeos, and I think the only way we are going to get some fairness here is that we do not invoke cloture. As I said, I have been through this a number of times. I think if that happens, people will understand. We have to have a few votes--not a lot of votes but a few votes. I was on the floor yesterday when Senator McCain made this emphatic statement that, frankly, only he could make. He was talking about how people's lives are in jeopardy here, especially with the Shaheen amendment. We don't have to change the rules of the Senate, but I suggest that we do not invoke cloture, give us some time to work out a few amendments, and I think that can happen. We have two experienced legislators. The chairman of the committee and ranking member of the committee, Senator McCain and Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, are two of the best we have here in the Senate, and we should move forward in a way that is expeditious yet productive. Earlier this morning I said that a robust amendment process has not taken place here. There hasn't been an amendment process. You can blame a lot of people, but it hasn't happened. I think this is an important piece of legislation. Senator McCain and I have worked on this issue for years, and we have been at odds on occasion. He was upset that I didn't bring the bill forward quickly enough, but I do remember that we always brought it to the floor.…”