Congress is not an ATM.

Is it any wonder, why the approval ratings of the Congress go up every time we go into recess?

I have been in Congress for more than a half century. I have lived through times of fear and times of hope. Of despair and of achievement. I have seen our government at its best, but today I fear that we see our government at its worst.

It was the separation of powers upon which the framers placed their hopes for the preservation of the people's liberties. Despite this heritage, the congress has been in too many cases more than willing to walk away from its constitutional powers.

Were Congress somehow to reject the Administration's deal in some effort to maintain a consistent principle on non-proliferation, it would have no effect on Iran's decisions. But that futile gesture would have a devastating effect on US relations with India.

As one who believes in the death penalty, as one who has seen a public execution ... I certainly do not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to supporting legitimate victims' rights. But I am not for this amendment to the Constitution of the United States.