Political Quotes

“First of all, I think everybody knows I am from New York, and, frankly, I don't need anyone lecturing me about 9/ 11. That is a pain in my heart that I will live with for the rest of my life. So I think that any reference to 9/11 from this bill is just totally off base. Again, Mr. Chairman, I don't like the idea of shipping payments to Iran or any government hostile to the United States, but we have to abide by our obligations whether we like it or not. We also don't want to tie our hands, which is what this amendment would do. This measure would impose a permanent and blanket prohibition on most forms of money transfers, not just cash, whether made directly or indirectly through third parties. It would preempt all existing provisions of law. We have no idea what sort of consequences could come with something like this. We may face diplomatic or strategic opportunities that would require quick action. But this provision is all-encompassing, regardless of circumstance. And, again, there is no waiver for unforeseen situations. There are always waivers for the President in bills like this because the President can best decide what unforeseen situations there are. And, again, it is any President from any party. So I think this amendment would take us down a wrong path. I am going to oppose it, and I urge all Members to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.”