Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the argument made by my friend and my distinguished colleague from Colorado resonates with me. He doesn't want this to be treated ``unlike every other medical procedure.'' I couldn't agree more. That is all Senator Tuberville is suggesting. It shouldn't be treated any differently than the others, because other medical procedures--you don't get 3 weeks of paid leave; you don't get per diem; you don't get your airfare and whatever else paid for. Just treat it the same way. It is not just that it is a good idea; it is not just that it is fair; it is that it is also consistent with Federal law, which says we don't use Federal funds for abortions. We just don't do that. So here, not only are we doing the opposite of what he said he wanted, which is to not have abortions treated unlike every other medical procedure, but we are using Federal funds to do it. I find that difficult to reconcile with the law and with the policy embodied in that law. As to the suggestion of States' rights, I want to be very clear here. Speaking of federalism--I don't speak of this ever as States' rights. States don't have rights. States have power. They have authority. Rights are the opposite of power and authority. Rights are things that you invoke against authority, as a carve-out to that authority.…”