Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in opposition to this bill. Let me start by underscoring my respect and admiration for our chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and my friend, Ed Royce. It is unusual that we debate a Foreign Affairs bill subject to a rule because the vast majority of our legislation is the product of strong bipartisan collaboration. So I regret that the bill we are debating today doesn't have support across the aisle, and all you need to do is read the bill's title to know what I mean. There were 50 Republican sponsors and no Democrats. We really weren't part of putting this bill together. And again and again in the bill, we see the word ``ransom.'' Now, I know that some of my colleagues and the chairman believe sincerely that the latest payment to Iran was a ransom. I happen to disagree. I think holding Iran's money until Iran released American detainees was a pretty shrewd bargain. Whatever we think, using the word ``ransom'' turns this bill into a political hot button, a poke in the eye of the administration. Now, I don't like or trust the Government of Iran. I voted against the Iran bill last year, and it is no secret that I have some differences with the President's Iran policy. But I do know that pushing legislation just to embarrass the White House won't help to resolve those differences we might have. {time} 1830 I also question the bill's focus on cash.…”