Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I appreciate the Senator from Maryland yielding time. If I could ask a question, if this amendment fails in terms of involving the House, I have another amendment that if the Senate decides not to deem this a treaty--and I believe it should be deemed a treaty--we can also deem this a congressional executive agreement which, of course, would have to be voted on by both Houses. I think the fact is this does rise to the level of a treaty. Again, there is no specific criteria in terms of what creates a treaty or comprises a treaty and what doesn't. In the end, what determines whether something is a treaty is how it is approved by Congress. From my standpoint, when we take a look at the considerations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, in terms of what actually causes something to become a treaty, the extent to which the agreement involves commitments or risks affects the Nation as a whole. I think this deal between Iran and America and the world affects and risks--certainly affects the Nation as a whole. Another consideration is whether the agreement can be given effect without the enactment of subsequent legislation by the Congress. I think the fact that we are even debating this bill lends credence to the fact that Congress needs to be involved. In the end, though, it is not about involving Congress. This is about involving the American people.…”