Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I would briefly respond to my friend from Arizona. As he is aware, this NDAA contains one provision that in the history of our country is a radical departure. For the first time ever, this NDAA would subject women to Selective Service and potentially the draft. Was this change done through open debate? Was this change done in front of the American people? Was this change done reflecting their views? No. It was inserted by committee staff in the committee draft. It is a radical change that is attempting to be foisted on the American people. I am the father of two daughters. Women can do anything they set their mind to, and I see that each and every day. But the idea that we should forcibly conscript young girls into combat, in my mind, makes little to no sense. It is, at a minimum, a radical proposition. I could not vote for a bill that did so, particularly that did so without public debate. In addition to that, I would note that in previous years, I have joined with Senator Lee and others in pressing for an amendment that would protect the constitutional rights of all Americans against unlimited detention of American citizens on American soil. The chairman is well aware, because I have told him this now 4 years in a row, that if the Senate would take up and pass the amendment protecting the constitutional due process rights of American citizens--the Bill of Rights actually matters--then I would happily vote for the bill.…”