Political Quotes

“I thank my friend from Rhode Island. I want to make a brief statement about the vote, and then I will turn it over to him. My colleagues, there should be no misunderstanding about the absurdity that just played out on the floor. For a while now, Republicans have claimed they want to pass the Defense authorization legislation immediately. They said we couldn't afford to wait any longer. They called it a core duty, a bare minimum, and they called on me to bring it to the floor for a full vote. But a few moments ago, Republicans just blocked legislation to support our troops, support our families, and keep Americans safe. Republican dysfunction has, again, derailed bipartisan progress. The Republican choice to block our bill and, by an extension, legislation to support our troops and protect the homeland can be summed up in two words: inexplicable and outrageous. I hope the American people are watching. Don't tell me we aren't offering a fair process. We have had ample debate. We had amendments from both sides. We had a huge number of managers' amendments, equal numbers Democrat and Republican. We offered to debate--I believe it is 18 amendments--more than has been on most other bills of this type. In any other time in history, what we offered Republicans would be considered a very fair and generous compromise, but just because a few Republicans didn't get every single concession they insisted on, they are now halting the process.…”