Political Quotes

“I want to take a minute to say I am pleased that one of my amendments to eliminate the categorical eligibility for food stamps concept has been called up. I also look forward to calling up an amendment that's been referred to as the Medco amendment, which has real strong bipartisan support. It was an amendment that many people felt they needed to vote against when the patent bill came forward because they believed the bill would then be required to go back to the House. So, it failed on a 51-to-47 vote. But I am confident that there is an overwhelming number who would prefer to vote for this amendment now, if we can get it accepted. It would not take a long time for us to consider it. I think it's an issue our members are familiar with. So I want to share my thoughts that it is very important to me, and I think perhaps it might have a majority vote on both sides of the aisle. Basically, my amendment would say we want to prohibit the PTO from using any funds to implement a provision of the patent reform bill that would have the effect of deciding an ongoing civil litigation that is on appeal now to the court of appeals. The merits of the matter are being argued. I believe it is the kind of matter that clearly should be allowed to stand in the courts. But this law firm that apparently failed to follow the statute of limitations--and the courts ruled in their favor--is seeking to have the Congress overrule or shortcut the appellate process in this matter.…”