Byron Dorgan

“When businesses face tough times, one of the first items they cut is overhead expenses. The government should do the same.”

“I am not someone who believes we should build a fence around our country but I do believe there ought to be some fairness with respect to the rules of this globalization.”

“This galloping concentration in broadcast ownership is unhealthy.”

“The taxpayers deserve accountability.”

“When we ask American men and women in uniform to fight for this country and to defend this country's interest and then to send them overseas, there is no question we have an obligation to protect them and provide for their safety.”

“This country needs to get a backbone and stand up for its economic interest.”

“I don't feel responsible for things I didn't vote for.”

“If you talk about preemption you better know things rather than think things.”

“Is there decency left in American politics?”

“We need leadership, and we need it now.”

“All of us aspire to give our children something more, leave a country to our children that is a better one, a stronger one, with better jobs and growth and opportunity.”

“You can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate responsibility.”

“I came into American politics and into this political system proud of politics and the way we make decisions.”

“There is no social program in this country that is as important as a good job that pays well, that gives someone an opportunity to go to work, have some security, have benefits, and take care of their family and have a good life.”

“Working hard and working smart sometimes can be two different things.”

“The U.S. Constitution is the basic framework for the greatest democracy on Earth. Some of my colleagues find it easy to amend it. I don't.”

“Nowhere in this country should we have laws that permit drinking and driving or drinking in vehicles that are on American highways. This is not rocket science. We know how to prevent this, and 36 states do.”

“This country is about, in my judgment, aggressive, open debate. There is an old saying: When everyone is thinking the same thing, no one is thinking very much.”

“The Bush Administration and the Congress have to stop ignoring this crisis in international trade. The longer we ignore it, the more American jobs will move overseas. It's just that simple.”

“I am proud to be in the Senate. I have always been proud to be a part of our political system. It is a remarkable privilege to participate in this system of ours.”