Political Quotes

“it is certainly a pleasure this evening to join the gentleman from New York in support of the Fossella amendment. I have found it amazing to hear the discussion on this amendment, an amendment that says you must be a citizen of the United States to contribute to and influence elections. You must be a citizen of the United States to participate in elections. But it seems for some to be all right to give thousands of dollars that might change thousands of votes when you are not a citizen. I find it incredible. Some have said it is unconstitutional. We know that is a joke. Someone said it was harmful to the bill if it passed. But they did not explain how it was harmful. Maybe if it is not right, they said, we can fix it in the Senate or maybe in a conference committee. And then the one that amazed me, because bureaucrats always scare me, it was said, we can deal with it over at the commission if it is not right, telling the commission that they must determine whether it is appropriate for people that are not citizens to give to campaign contributions. I also found it amazing that someone called it a cardinal sin and very offensive to be asked if you are a citizen. My grandparents came from Sweden. If someone asked me if I am a citizen, I will say, you bet I am and proud of it. Most of the newest citizens that I know, when asked if they are a citizen, they beam. They are so proud to be an American. It is not offensive to be asked.”