"We have been through this is biennial convulsion four or five different times over the past 10 or 12 years, and now it appears that we are going through this quiet agony all over again"

In this quote, Everett Dirksen is describing a repeating and troubled occasion that has happened multiple times in the previous years or so. He refers to it as a "biennial convulsion," recommending that it happens every 2 years. This occasion seems to cause terrific distress and upheaval, as Dirksen explains it as an "misery." Regardless of having actually gone through it numerous times before, it appears that the circumstance is repeating itself when again. Making use of the word "peaceful" could recommend that the turmoil is taking place behind the scenes or without much spotlight. Overall, Dirksen's words communicate a sense of disappointment and resignation towards this ongoing issue.