Political Quotes

“As we approach this truly historic vote, I want to once again thank those who have labored so hard to get to this point over the last days, weeks, and literally months. Senators Collins and Lieberman, the chair and ranking member, deserve our highest praise--we oftentimes say that, but I mean it literally--for their professionalism, dedication, persistence, and bipartisanship, which is something that we stressed up front from day one, when Senator Daschle and I first talked after the 9/11 Commission recommendations came. It has been there throughout. I say thank you. John McCain also stands out as someone who endeavored to give the 9/11 Commission life and to add many key elements to the Senate bill, many of which are in this legislation, all of which work toward the implementation of those 9/11 Commission recommendations. Senator Warner and Senator Stevens both labored to make sure we got the intelligence support to the military right, to make sure we did this in the correct way. Jon Kyl, part of our leadership team, worked hard on issues. I thank Pat Roberts for his diligent and persistent efforts. A whole host of Members on both sides of the aisle have participated. I want to mention Denny Hastert, who played a critical role in bringing this legislation to fruition, which played out before the American people over the last several weeks.”