Political Quotes

“We understand the implication of the legislation that is now in effect and will expire Thursday. We understand that. We understand there are new targets our intelligence officials may want to go after. We understand that. But I repeat: Using the words of my friend, the Republican leader, once it expires, if it expires, it is on the shoulders of the White House and the Republicans in the Senate. We have attempted to work through this, and we have been willing to extend this law for an extended period of time. We have been willing to extend the law for a limited period of time. I think what this all boils down to is that we should extend the law for a long period of time because the only issue--there are other issues, of course, but the main issue is whether there will be retroactive immunity for the phone companies. That is what it all boils down to--whether there is going to be retroactive immunity to the phone companies. Some of us don't think that is appropriate; others think it is appropriate. So why don't we extend this law for an extended period of time? That way, the new targets could be sought if, in fact, they are out there-- and we all believe there are some, and that is necessary to be done-- and then set up a time.”