Political Quotes

“Reserving the right to object, Mr. President, I appreciate the process the majority leader agreed to this week, but the proposal he just offered does not address the underlying issues of this debate and why we are here. It does not address Dreamers, nor does it address border security. As I said this morning, the Senate must focus on finding a bipartisan solution that addresses those two issues--Dreamers and border security. Rather than the partisan proposal offered by the Republican leader, I suggest we consider two proposals inside the scope of the debate, one for each side. Let the Republicans offer the President's plan, in the form of legislation carried by the Senators from Iowa and Arkansas, which the leader supports, and the Democrats will offer the bipartisan Coons-McCain bill--narrow legislation that protects the Dreamers, boosts border security, and adds resources for immigration courts. Each is the opening foray--one for Democrats, one for Republicans-- and can start the process and let us know where we stand. Our legislation is ready to go, and we would be happy to vote as soon as the Republicans have their proposal drafted and ready for an amendment vote. To begin this debate as the Republican leader suggests would be getting off on the wrong foot--unrelated to DACA and very partisan. Respectfully, I suggest we move to the bills offered by Senator Grassley and Senator Coons instead. Let's get this debate started on the right foot.…”