Political Quotes

“it was with regret that I cast a ``no'' vote today on final passage of H.R. 2703, the Effective Death Penalty and Public Safety Act. In previous years as a member of the minority party in Congress, I regularly voted ``no'' on Democrat legislation which I believed to be inconsistent with my views of a limited Federal Government. I am proud to say that in the 104th Congress I have cast many more ``aye'' votes than ``no.'' However, today I must oppose H.R. 2703, as amended. While my vote puts me at odds with my party leadership, I remain obligated first to my constituents and my convictions. I know that this antiterrorism legislation was drafted with the best intentions. The domestic terrorist attack in Oklahoma City, along with the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City were reprehensible acts. I recognize too that American citizens abroad have been victims of terrorist attacks simply because of their nationality. Furthermore, the most fundamental responsibility of government is to provide for the common defense of its citizens. However, I cannot justify a needless expansion of Federal law enforcement authority for these worthy purposes. Accordingly to a report prepared by the Congressional Research Service, the list of current Federal antiterrorist laws is 17 pages long.”