Political Quotes

“I rise to state my views on H.R. 2181, the Witness Protection and Interstate Relocation Act of 1997. While this bill includes many valuable provisions which would improve States' witness protection and relocation programs, I cannot, in good faith vote for final passage due to a provision currently in the bill. My fellow colleagues, my moral and religious values prevent me from voting for a bill which calls for imposition of the death penalty. I believe those who commit serious crimes should be severely punished, even to the extent of life imprisonment, but I do not believe in the death penalty. I believe very strongly in the sanctity of life, and my voting record consistently reflects this belief. I hope that when this bill goes to conference the death penalty provision is removed. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide the States with the means to protect witnesses who put their lives at risk to do the right thing and to set strong and reasonable penalties for those who engage in witness intimidation or obstruction of justice.”