U.S. Senator George Allen (R-VA) today released the following statement regarding the Democratic Senate Leadership's actions today to use a rare parliamentary procedure to force the U.S. Senate into a closed session."This procedural ambush to shut down legislative action in the U.S. Senate is a blatant political stunt. If the Democratic leaders were interested in discussing intelligence issues, they would have acted in a responsible manner. They chose deplorable political games rather than serious leadership.
"We need statesmanship and unity in the midst of this War on Terror rather than political gimmickry on such vital and important issues of improving on intelligence gathering and counterterrorism coordination.
"The American people deserve much better leadership than this absurd and obstructive fit and sucker punch."
You mean, political gimmicks like that after midnight congressional Terry Schiavo vote? No, that would be different, I guess:
U.S. Senator George Allen (R-VA) today announced that he will support the Incapacitated Person's Legal Protection Act of 2005 which would extend habeas corpus rights to individuals who are incapacitated. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), was drafted in response to the case of Terri Schiavo, an incapacitated Florida woman who is set be starved to death by court order on Friday.Senator Allen released the following statement today:
"In this situation, when I see the video tapes of Terri Schiavo, it is clear she is conscious and has feelings. I realize this is an extraordinary measure to properly protect Terri. I have spoken with her brother and Senator Martinez and when this bill comes before me, I will vote for it."
"I believe in the sanctity of human life. I cannot in good conscience sit by and let this innocent woman be starved to death. Just because she has lost the ability to audibly communicate, doesn't mean she has lost her desire or right to live. When in doubt, it is appropriate and logical to presume that people want to live."
So let me get this straight: using a Senate rule to force the completion of a promised, yet stonewalled, investigation over our foriegn policy - bad. Forcing Congress into a post-midnight vote over the private lives of private citizens - good! Thanks for making clearing your priorities, Senator.