Political Quotes

“I am delighted to see the Senate take up this bill--and I suspect we will pass this bill unanimously--honoring the courage and leadership of Rosa Parks. She played a significant role in moving this country toward recognition of human dignity and protection of civil rights of all our citizens. As we move forward in unanimity to call for a medal to recognize Rosa Parks' contribution to our history, I hope all of the sponsors and supporters of this bill will also take at least a moment to consider not only the progress we made but the distance we have yet to travel. I hope, among other things, the Senate will honor Rosa Parks and all that the civil rights movement in this country has accomplished by moving forward with the nomination of Bill Lann Lee to head the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice. Action on this matter is long overdue. Bill Lann Lee is the first Asian American to be nominated to head the Civil Rights Division in its history, 42-year history. He is currently serving as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights as he has for almost 16 months. He has done an impressive job enforcing our Nation's civil rights laws. He was originally nominated in July 1997. Despite his excellent credentials and legal record, some chose to demagogue his nomination and turn it into a symbolic vote against the President.”