Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to encourage the Senate to start debate on H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. I am puzzled by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who insist on blocking debate on this bill, particularly after many of those individuals criticized the majority for spending 3 weeks on the Keystone XL bill. This body has a constitutional obligation to consider appropriations bills. As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, I understand the important role that the Department of Homeland Security plays in protecting our Nation at its borders and in our communities. As the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I also understand the substantial amount of resources it takes to fund Customs and Border Protection, FEMA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard, and TSA. It was not all that long ago, President Obama criticized Congressional Republicans by saying it was time to, ``get out of the habit of governing by crisis.'' Well, here we are just shy of a month before funding for the Department of Homeland Security expires. This bill has already passed the House with substantial support and now the Senate has the time to debate it, amend it, and pass it. However, nobody will get a chance to offer amendments unless our colleagues join us in allowing debate to begin on this bill.…”