Political Quotes

“I would like to share some thoughts on the nomination of Ms. Sally Yates to be Deputy Attorney General. That is the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice. It is a very important position. She has had over the years a good background in general for us to consider that she would be able to handle that job in an effective way. She understands the system. She has been at the Department of Justice for a number of years. I have no concern with her personal integrity or work ethic or her desire to do well. However, Congress and the executive branch are on a collision course here. A lot of our Members choose not to think sufficiently about it or consider the gravity of it, but I have to say that Congress needs to defend its institutional powers. We have certain powers we can use to defend constitutionally the responsibilities we have and to reject executive overreach--not many, but we have some real powers we can use. Apparently, it is all right for the President to use all his powers and more. It is perfectly all right, I suggest, that we in the Senate use the powers we clearly and unequivocally and indisputably have. I want to tell you how I see the situation with this nomination. I asked her directly at her confirmation hearing, as a member of the Judiciary committee, could she answer yes or no--did she think that the President's Executive amnesty is legal and constitutional. Basically, she said yes, she did.…”