The United States Senate has long enjoyed worldwide respect as the greatest deliberative body in the world. But recently that deliberative character has too often been debased to the level of a forum of hate and character assassination sheltered by the shield of congressional immunity. What does the speaker mean when she says sheltered by the shield of congressional immunity?

A. The members of Congress have abused constitutional protections and turned the Senate into a forum of hate.
B. The Congress uses a special shield to defend people who indulge in character assassination.
C. The Congress is so busy making development plans that it has ignored the chaotic situation in the Senate.
D. The weak leadership in the Congress has caused America to lose its position as the greatest deliberative body.