Political Quotes

“I appreciate the opportunity to share a few thoughts with the Members of this Chamber with regard to the measure before us. What we have is an exercise that this Senator believes is symbolic of a practice that has grown up over the recent years in Congress--that is, of ignoring the wishes of the majority in both the House and the Senate. Why would I say that with regard to this bill? I think, as all Senators are familiar with, the amendment that was labeled the Helms amendment, passed this body by a large margin. What may not be clear to everyone who listens to us is that that amendment passed the House of Representatives by a very large margin, as well. It passed, as I understand it, in the form of instructions to conferees. Yet, when this matter was considered in conference, even though the Members of both the House and Senate had voted on this specific measure and had both agreed on this specific measure, the members of the conference took a position dramatically different. The problem with that is that we then find the will of the majority-- a majority of the House and Senate--thwarted.”