Political Quotes

“Madam President, 3 weeks ago I supported invoking cloture on the motion to proceed to this bill. Proceeding to this measure was essential to being able to debate, amend, and strengthen it. But as I noted at that time, after 30 years of acquiescing to the wishes of Wall Street lobbyists, it is essential that Congress get it right this time, and finally enact tough reforms to prevent Wall Street from driving our economy into the ditch again. In particular, that means eliminating the risk posed to our economy by the massive financial firms that are considered ``too big to fail.'' Over the last few weeks, this body has repeatedly rejected amendments that address ``too big to fail.'' And perhaps the most important amendment in this respect--one offered by the Senator from Washington, Ms. Cantwell, to reinstate the protective firewalls of the Glass- Steagall Act--may not be considered if we invoke cloture on the underlying measure. Three weeks ago, I said that for me the test for this legislation is a simple one--whether or not it will prevent another financial crisis. And central to that test is how this bill will address ``too big to fail.'' Right now, this bill fails that test, and for that reason I will not support ending debate on the measure. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum call is waived. The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on the Dodd substitute amendment No. 3739 to S.…”