Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 70. For decades, Muammar Qadhafi ruled Libya with an iron fist and with a corrupt, self-serving economic policy that stunted Libya's development and, through a security state, engaged in international terrorism, including the Lockerbie airline bombing that remains the deadliest event in aviation history. {time} 1430 For the past 12 years, Libya has seen its share of continuous turmoil and chaos. To the extent this resolution is a symptom of frustration about ongoing problems in Libya, that would be understandable. Any notion that this resolution will be at all useful for Libya policy is deeply misguided. The United States actively supports the U.N.'s efforts to unify the country and its institutions under a democratically elected government. These talks are ongoing, and violence has decreased over the last several years. The economy is doing better in part because U.S. sanctions have helped decrease oil banditry. Lifting sanctions on the worst actors in Libya, the individuals who have perpetuated violence and instability, would send the exact wrong message to those pursuing economic reform. Whereas economic pressure and tough diplomacy have brought parties to the table, a free pass on sanctions would have the exact opposite impact. In general, there have been two large batches of sanctions under the Libya executive order.…”