Political Quotes

“I reflected, as I approached the Chamber, that in my 23 years in the Senate, I don't know if I have ever opposed my leader on a motion to proceed. But, reluctantly, I do so this time because of my fervent belief that the views I have and share with a number of my colleagues are in the best interests of our Nation's security. With that in mind, I have tried for over 2 years to work with my distinguished colleagues, who have been speaking for some time, to resolve disputes within this legislation. These disputes have cut to the very essence of how the United States plans to protect its national security in an era of rapid globalization and proliferation of technology--most particularly technology related to weapons of mass destruction. On many occasions over the past year, I have joined others and have thought that we were close to obtaining a resolution on how to proceed on this bill. But each time, details have derailed us, regrettably, and those details indeed have overwhelmed the ability to compromise. I say 'details,' but I think they are very important points. My goal has been to strike, together with others, the proper balance between national security and commercial interests. This is a complicated issue that cuts across the jurisdiction of six committees. Five committee chairmen with the responsibility for national security matters in this country are together on this issue. I think that carries a subtle message in and of itself.…”