Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I have the privilege of being the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, working with Senator McCain with respect to the nomination of General Mattis. I am strongly in favor of the general's confirmation for many reasons. He possesses three distinct qualities that are absolutely critical: confidence, courage, and character. And he will eminently demonstrate those virtues as Secretary of Defense, in my view. I would like to also inform the body and everyone else that we just did this in a very thorough, careful, thoughtful way. General Mattis was subject to a 60-vote procedural vote because we had to waive his time from retirement to his ability to serve as Secretary of Defense. We had a hearing under the auspices of the chairman about the policy with two noted historians and policy experts. Then we had a hearing with General Mattis. We have collectively--and the chairman's leadership is invaluable--moved to ensure that today we can confirm General Mattis. This has been an opportunity that we have not used to delay, defer, or deflect the Mattis nomination. In fact, it was the one that we all recognized that would have been subject to a 60-vote point of order. So this represents the demonstrated good faith of our focus to ensure that we can get people in place for the President. With that, I yield to the Senator from Oregon, Mr. Wyden. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Oregon.”