Political Quotes

“I wish to speak on an issue which has already been addressed by several of our colleagues earlier in the week. Initially, I was reluctant to discuss this matter for fear of contributing to a charge of politicization of an issue which, in my judgment, should not be thought of as political but, rather, one to be judged and decided in the finest traditions of our Nation, the relationship of each of the branches of Government carrying out their appropriate responsibilities. The reticence I had to discuss this issue was overcome when I heard some of the comments made about our Justice Department and about our Attorney General relative to the decision made to file civil claims on behalf of the Federal Government and the citizens of the United States against the tobacco industry. The purpose of my remarks this afternoon is not to rebut comments made elsewhere; rather, it is my purpose to remind our colleagues of the bedrock principles upon which this body, upon which our Federal Government operates, the rule of law and the separation of powers.”