Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am here to speak on the Koch brothers, but first I want to say briefly to my good friend from Alaska: Instead of playing political games, if he wants to pass a defense bill, we all know what has to be done in a bipartisan way. You don't just take a bill, throw it down, and say ``Take it or leave it.'' That is what happened last year. We worked in a bipartisan way. Defense spending got an increase. So let's stop all the rhetoric and politicizing this issue. Let's work together and get it done. Climate Change Now, Madam President, I want to talk about the issue before us, and that is the amazing influence of the Koch brothers--two people--on what is going on in this country and particularly when it comes to climate change. I thank Senator Kaine, who spoke before me, and particularly Senator Whitehouse, who has not only organized these speeches but has been the leader in our caucus on focusing on this issue, and it is getting good resonance with the American people. We have talked. We have failed to act on a number of issues in the last few weeks--Zika, funding the opioid crisis, sensible gun safety measures, a Supreme Court nominee and other judicial nominees. It is stunning how little we have done our job. But probably at the top of the list which deserves attention is that Congress has not done its job on climate change. Why? Why? It is so apparent. Just look at any map of the globe.…”