Political Quotes

“at this point in the debate, it is appropriate to ask one very simple question: Why are we here? Why have Members of the Senate spent months of their time focusing on this issue? Why, with a busy schedule, and few legislative days left this year, are we occupying the Senate's time with this bill? The answer to this question is equally simple--the most important thing the Senate can do this year is to make significant inroads in cutting youth smoking. If you accept this simple premise--that the goal of a tobacco bill should be about reducing teen smoking, then the decision on how to vote on the Coverdell amendment is clear. The amendment should be opposed. Mr. President, let me be perfectly clear. I support increased appropriations for drug enforcement and drug interdiction. I represent a State that has experienced major crises related to drug trafficking and drug use. And I know better than most, as a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, the importance of fighting the scourge of drugs in America.”