Political Quotes

“I am disappointed, but more than disappointed, I look forward to that explanation. I hope there will be an opportunity to have a colloquy and a discussion here on the floor so the American people can see why a piece of legislation that enjoys such broad bipartisan support can't even get a vote. When people watch what is happening in Washington these days, I think they are tempted to avert their gaze because they ask the question of me--and I am sure, when the Presiding Officer is back in North Carolina, of her as well--why can't people get anything done? Well, it is because, unfortunately, of things like this. These are technical objections that are not based on the substance or the merit of the legislation. I respect the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, who says there is an objection on the Democratic side, and he personally is not making that objection but is on behalf of some unnamed other party. I hope that person will be named. I hope they will come to the floor. I hope they will explain to the American people and to our Democratic allies in Taiwan why it is they object to a vote on this amendment. I believe that if we are able to get a vote on the Defense authorization bill, this has a high likelihood of passage, and I think it would send a strong message to our friends and allies around the world that, yes, you can count on your friend and ally, the United States of America.…”