Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 25, 2011
the Senator from New Mexico is telling me it has become a common practice on the floor of the Senate for an individual Senator who wants to oppose something to not have the courage to stand here and tell the world their position but instead to secretly object to a particular issue being raised. I cannot imagine the American public can believe that Senators do not have the courage of their convictions to come here and say: I am going to hold up this legislation because I disagree with it, and I am going to fight it any way I can. So the public can weigh in if they agree with them or not. They will be accountable to the U.S. citizens.
Said by
Jeff Merkley
Democratic · Oregon
Source
govinfo.gov
Jan 25, 2011

Editor's note · Context

Merkley criticizes Senators for not openly expressing their opposition to legislation.

Share

More from Jeff Merkley

Jul 31, 2026

I’ll keep fighting to strengthen Tribal health care and secure the federal investments that help communities thrive.

wyden.senate.gov
Aug 1, 2026

Once an Administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly.

wyden.senate.gov
Aug 6, 2026

Congress cannot afford to commit to another massive military boondoggle that will only succeed in filling the coffers of the military-industrial complex.

commondreams.org
Aug 1, 2026

This federal investment in the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Clinic will strengthen the clinic’s infrastructure—creating a safer and more energy efficient space for patients and providers in the years to come.

wyden.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation