Political Quotes

“I cannot think of a more compelling argument made in the U.S. House of Representatives today than the words of a very dear friend and inspiration of mine, Dr. Billy Graham. As many of my colleagues remember, last February we bestowed a great honor on Dr. Graham and his lovely wife Ruth, the highest award, the Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Graham is not a politician or a policymaker. He is not going to be pulled into the political debate. But he understands China and he understands the world because he has traveled it extensively. He said recently, and I think he said it so well, 'In my experience, nations respond to friendship just as much as people do.' Dr. Graham is exactly right. MFN approval is not a vote or a referendum on China's behavior. It is a vote on how best to promote U.S. values. The only way to change China is to continue to engage China, not to declare economic warfare. Mr. Speaker, please look at the big picture. I firmly believe that without MFN, human rights abuses will worsen and the dream of achieving democracy in America will dim. Vote 'no' on House Joint Resolution 79 and 'yes' to the rising voices and change in China.”