Political Quotes

“It is important we were able to work out the arrangements we have made to go to this most important Defense authorization bill. As Senator Daschle mentioned, the two managers are experienced; they have dealt with these issues for many years. This is the time to work on the Defense authorization bill, not some side issue that, important as it might be, does not compare to the importance of this Defense bill. We had five soldiers killed yesterday in Iraq. During the months of April and May, we averaged two soldiers a day being killed. Now over 800 have been killed in Iraq. We are approaching 5,000 who have been wounded, some of whom have lost legs, eyes, and are paralyzed. I cannot imagine we would move off this piece of legislation. It is important Members of the Senate have the opportunity to offer their views on what should be done or what should not be done with this Defense authorization bill. There are going to be a number of amendments, but this is nothing new. Even when we do not have two soldiers killed every day, we spend a lot of time on this bill. With 120 of our men and women having been killed in 60 days, they and those people who are now over there in the trenches, so to speak, deserve our full time and attention on this most important piece of legislation.”