Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to the Solomon amendment to H.R. 4301 as reported out of the Armed Services Committee. This amendment prohibits funding from the Department of Defense to any educational institution which prevents military recruiting on campuses. This measure is unfair, not only because it will cost educational institutions millions of dollars, but, it also penalizes many of these institutions for simply complying with State law. This amendment must be defeated, as it threatens important research initiatives and thousands of jobs. Our country will be sacrificing growth and a brighter future if the Solomon amendment is adopted. Research programs provide needed employment and are often the centers for innovation that place the United States at the cutting edge of technology and advancement. It is important to remember that the denial of military recruiting on certain campuses is based not on an antimilitary ideological stance, but rather, on the principles of law. In my home State of New York, the State Supreme Court ruled that campuses must prohibit access to recruitment facilities to all employers who discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, including the military.”