In the aftermath of 9/11, the Patriot Act was rushed to the floor. Several hundred pages. Nobody read it ... But people voted because they were fearful and people said there could be another attack and Americans will blame me if I don't vote on this.

I think those who have wanted regime [of Bashar Assad] change have made a mistake.

My belief has always been that national defense is the most important thing we do, but we shouldn't borrow to pay for it.

If there were an ounce of courage in this body I would be joined by other senators… saying they will not tolerate this.

If you hear me out, I believe you'll discover that what motivates me more than any other issue is the defense of everyone's rights.

I will not let the Patriot Act, the most unpatriotic of acts, go unchallenged. At the very least, we should debate. We should debate whether or not we are going to relinquish our rights, or whether or not we are going to have a full and able debate over whether or not we can live within the Constitution, or whether or not we have to go around the Constitution.

Our legislative victory - an end to earmarks.