Political Quotes

Patrick Leahy

The Public Record

Patrick Leahy is a former United States Senator from Vermont, serving from 1975 until 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the longest-serving senator in Vermont's history and held significant leadership roles, including President pro tempore of the Senate. Throughout his tenure, Leahy was known for his work on issues such as civil liberties, health care, and environmental protection. He played a key role in various legislative efforts, including the Violence Against Women Act and initiatives to reform the criminal justice system.

Quotes by year · 198920257,860 total · peak 2011 (824)
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Apr 21, 2013

I applaud the Senators in the so-called Gang of Eight, especially my colleague Senator Flake from Arizona, who spent many months preparing this legislation.

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Apr 21, 2013

We have got to come together to the middle of this thing, and we have got to keep the humanity of those involved very much in the front of our minds.

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Apr 21, 2013

It is long past time for us to reform our immigration system.

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Apr 21, 2013

I want the most powerful Nation on Earth that we can supply our own food and our own agriculture.

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Apr 21, 2013

It is very easy in the Senate to find reasons why we cannot do something.

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Apr 21, 2013

This bill will rectify that situation and give him and many others the labor they need.

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Apr 21, 2013

The bipartisan effort behind the proposal we are examining today is the result of significant work and compromise.

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Apr 21, 2013

I urge restraint in that regard. Refugees and asylum seekers have enriched the fabric of this country from our founding.

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Apr 21, 2013

Americans hold immigrant integration in high regard and want to see immigrants pledge allegiance to our country.

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Apr 21, 2013

I really have to question whether spending billions more on a fence between the United States and Mexico is really the best use of taxpayer dollars in a country that we are furloughing air traffic controllers because we cannot pay for them.

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Apr 21, 2013

This Committee has an opportunity to fix this problem.

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Apr 21, 2013

We built 650 miles of fence along the border. DHS estimates that cost at $2.5 billion.

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Apr 21, 2013

The draft bill captures the core principles annunciated by President Obama in Las Vegas and reflects the bipartisan spirit necessary to achieve comprehensive immigration reform.

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Apr 21, 2013

I commended you for being in Texas and that is the place you had to be.

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Apr 18, 2013

this is a case of Washington being Big Brother and telling each one of the States--whether it is Wyoming, Vermont, or Connecticut--what they must do. We have no idea how it will affect them. We do know it is going to cut off a lot of money…

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Apr 18, 2013

Monday's confirmation of Judge Beverly O'Connell marked the 150th confirmation of a Federal trial court nomination by President Obama. Thanks to Senate Republicans' concerted effort to filibuster, obstruct and delay his moderate judicial…

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Apr 18, 2013

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 717 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there will now be 2 minutes of debate…

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Apr 17, 2013

The Senator suggested this went through the process, went through the Judiciary Committee. I have been on the committee for 36 years. I have been chairman for a number of years. I don't recall when this happened. Would the Senator from…

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Apr 17, 2013

I appreciate that. I hope we will not pass this. I hope we will not strip State and Federal law enforcement in their effort of trying to protect us. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas. Amendment No. 725

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Apr 17, 2013

our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families of yesterday's cowardly attack. I appreciate the updates I have received from the FBI about the matter and await the outcome of their investigation. The President is right to…

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Apr 17, 2013

I move to reconsider the vote and move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 713 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there will now be 2 minutes of debate equally divided…

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Apr 17, 2013

my home State of Vermont does not require its citizens to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in a concealed manner, and the people of Vermont have exercised these privileges carefully and respectfully. Citizens respect the wishes of…

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Apr 17, 2013

this amendment makes some minor changes to the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act. Our act is designed to give law enforcement the necessary tools to combat the practices of straw purchasing and illegal trafficking in firearms. An…

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Apr 17, 2013

I ask unanimous consent that further reading be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of Amendments.'')

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Apr 17, 2013

in watching this debate, at times I see a Senator who actually wants to stand up and be the conscience of the Nation. Unfortunately, some quickly want to step back from that precipice and be the conscience of a lobby on one side or the…

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Politicians like Patrick Leahy