Political Quotes

“I rise today to address this third vote on cloture on the Byrd amendment directing the replenishing of firefighting funds for the Departments of Agriculture and Interior. This vote really hinges on our desire to get drought relief to the West. In my opinion, that is not what this debate is about. Drought relief has already been agreed to almost unanimously by this body. In other words, there were 69 votes for it. There is strong support in the Senate. I am a strong supporter for that relief. What is happening here is the majority is saying it is our way, or the highway. America's farmers and ranchers know that is not the way we do business, or get business done. Solving problems takes compromise. I worked with the majority to get the ball rolling. I worked with the administration to get the ball rolling. We worked with the administration and the other side--not only the other side--for release last week of money for livestock producers in drought-stricken areas. But now we see no compromise for realistic solutions. Every American has watched our forests burning every night on television. Yet the other side is reluctant to do anything about it--they have no conscience. It does not change any law. It allows us to manage forest lands for the prevention of the disasters that we have had since 1998. Come to my State and talk to the farmers and ranchers who have had drought for 4 years. Then, turn around and talk with people who love those forests.”