Political Quotes

“I thank the distinguished Senator from Iowa for his strong support of this bill. In a few moments the Senate is going to have the opportunity to make significant reforms to our Nation's patent system for the first time in more than half a century. The America Invents Act is the product of extensive consideration. We have worked on this for four Congresses. We have had dozens of hearings, weeks of committee debate, and I have lost count of the hundreds of other meetings we have had. This bill is an opportunity to show the American people that Democrats and Republicans can come together to enact meaningful legislation for the American people. The time to do that is now. The only remaining issues that stand in the way of this long overdue reform are three amendments. Each of them carries some merit. In the past, I might have supported them. But this is a compromise. No one Senator can have everything he or she may want. The underlying issues have been debated. The bill as written represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that should be passed without changes. Any amendment to this bill risks killing it. I would urge all Senators, Republicans and Democrats alike, to join me and join Senator Grassley in opposing these amendments. They are the final hurdles standing in the way of comprehensive patent reform.…”