Patrick Leahy actually said...

"We need this legislation urgently to protect Americans abroad, to preserve vital bilateral relationships, and to maintain our reputation as a Nation that keeps its word."

"In my view, bending these rules and principles of federalism is not just a bad policy decision, but would compromise the liberty of all Americans."

"This is not just a matter of fundamental principles. These limitations are plain and well described in Supreme Court case law."

"we have a problem only with the Avena decision, and even so we have a range of possibilities for dealing with this problem."