Political Quotes

“I urge a ``no'' vote on the Leahy amendment. I agree with the senior Senator from Vermont that all victims of human trafficking should be treated with the dignity they deserve without regard to sexual orientation or any discrimination. That is what the Cornyn amendment we just voted on would do. What we are told by faith-based organizations that provide many of these services is that the Leahy language would make rendition of those services difficult, if not impossible. There is some debate whether it would also intrude on hiring practices and whether people could actually be hired in faith-based organizations if they didn't agree with some of the services that are rendered here. Finally, the Leahy amendment would authorize $115 million of spending that it is not paid for and thus would increase the deficit. A number of organizations, such as the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Religious Broadcasters, National Association of Evangelicals, among other religious organizations, urge a ``no'' vote on the Leahy amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maine.”