Political Quotes

“the annual Armed Forces bill should really become almost an omnibus bill because so many amendments can be attached under the rules of the Senate, which I support. I do not criticize any Member exercising his or her rights under the rules of the Senate to put on bills, subject to a vote, such legislation as they deem appropriate. There are other rules that preclude that in certain areas, but in this instance we had a freestanding, amendable piece of legislation on the floor. Senator Kennedy courteously informed me, the ranking member, and others that he was going to raise the issue of what is generically referred to as the hate crimes legislation. Senator Hatch likewise said he had a version and he was going to put it before the Senate. Both Senators brought those bills. Both bills passed. Both bills went to conference as a part of the Senate bill. My decision, as chairman of the conference, was made to drop those pieces of legislation--both of them; Senator Kennedy's bill, Senator Hatch's bill--because I looked upon it as my duty to get this bill passed and enacted into law. That is my principal responsibility as chairman of the Armed Services Committee, working with my ranking member and other members of the committee. I have been here 22 years. I understand Senators quite well. I respect their rights, and I know when they speak with sincerity.…”