Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I will speak on this amendment at greater length just before the vote. It makes a small but important improvement in the processing of visas that are required by foreign performing artists before performing in American orchestras and other arts organizations. It has to be processed in a timely way. We have had instances where orchestras, for example, in this country have had the privilege of having a visiting artist, maybe the best in their field--violinist, pianist, or whatever else--but the process of getting a visa is slowed up. Yet they plan performances on a certain date. This measure was included in the comprehensive immigration bills of 2006 and 2007 but not enacted. This would not give an automatic visa to these artists but simply says their application, instead of being in the bottom of the pile, would be considered in a timely fashion. On another matter, as we get into this debate, I have defended the First Amendment, American's right to speak. I have done it even when people have said things about me that I wish they didn't. But I also have a right as a Senator to comment on such speech. I saw a couple of paid political advertisements today in Politico, one that personally attacks Senator Rubio and the other directly attacks the Senators who drafted the legislative proposal before us, four Republicans and four Democrats. The attacks are so far off the mark.…”