Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment because I do think there is a lot of common ground when it comes to this issue. My concern is that the administration really did not give Congress its due with respect to this payment. We were told about the payment but not notified about how this transition would take place, and that is just not right, especially when it is somewhat unusual. My amendment would require the administration, and future administrations, to notify Congress at least 5 days in advance of any settlement agreement or payment to Iran, to other countries on the state sponsors of terrorism list, and to North Korea, and it provides appropriate oversight on the claims that are remaining at the tribunal. It is straightforward, and it ensures that Congress' role in foreign policymaking is not overlooked. I don't think anyone here disagrees with that idea. My amendment gets to the heart of it. I think it would allow this bill to sail through the House with strong support on both sides. It leaves aside the areas that are sure to eventually derail the underlying measure--talk of ransom again and again, or to focus exclusively on cash payments. We are not going to agree on these areas. Putting them front and center guarantees that this bill has no path forward. So let's put those issues aside and advance legislation that addresses all our concerns. That is what we do every day on the Foreign Affairs Committee.…”