Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I know the START treaty is going to be before us soon. I realize we had a motion to proceed to that today. I think I have indicated a willingness to support the treaty if all the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted on modernization. I know there are a number of commitments that are forthcoming from the White House and other places regarding modernization. My hope is the same on missile defense. I am very concerned we are doing this in the middle of an omnibus, which is a 1,924-page omnibus. I am very concerned about a treaty of this substance, this seriousness, dealing with nuclear arms, being taken up in such a disconcerted way. I voted against the motion to proceed. I do hope, as the leaders indicated, all of those who wish to offer amendments--and I know there will be a number of serious and thoughtful amendments that matter--will be heard. I am still skeptical that can be done in an appropriate way. Again, I think this treaty, with the t's crossed and i's dotted, with the appropriate time allotted, whether it is now or it ends up being in February, and if the resolution is not weakened in any way, is still something I will plan to support. But I am very skeptical we can do that appropriately during this lameduck session, with this omnibus before us. Let me turn to the omnibus because that is what the American people are most focused on today.…”