Political Quotes

“I ask unanimous consent, to get an order so we know what we are doing after we hear from the Senator from Florida, Mr. LeMieux, and then the words from the Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Lautenberg, that I then would get my 15 minutes from this side to run consecutively from the 15 minutes I would get from the distinguished Senator from Hawaii. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Florida. Mr. LeMIEUX. Before I start my remarks, I ask unanimous consent to be added as a cosponsor to Senator Coburn's amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mr. LeMIEUX. Mr. President, it occurs to me that when I address this august Chamber tonight--and I follow my colleagues who have served here for a very long time and with distinction; I am new to this Chamber--I have a different perspective. But my comments tonight are not meant without respect because I have a great deal of respect for those who have spoken in opposition to this amendment, but I have a differing view. I am new to the Senate, as you know. I came here last year, in 2009. I did not have a specific position on earmarks before I got here. I knew that there was a problem with Federal spending. But I had not yet made a decision as to whether I would support earmarks.…”