Kevin Roberts: “I thank the distinguished Senator from Vermont for his remembrance of those days that were so special to him and also…”

“I thank the distinguished Senator from Vermont for his remembrance of those days that were so special to him and also for really commemorating them so they will be special to all of us. I thank him for his comments. Rules Change Madam President, I am going to speak as the ranking member of the Senate rules committee, and I am going to speak in regard to the rules changes that have occurred today. Under the rules of this body, it takes 67 votes to end debate on a rules change. As a continuing body, our rules carry on from one Congress to the next--or at least they used to--and can only be changed pursuant to these rules. Our rules have always ensured a voice for the minority in this body. Unlike the House, where I served, where a simple majority has the power to impose a rule change at any time, in the Senate the minority has always been protected. Here, the rules protect the minority and cannot be changed without their consent--unless, of course, the majority decides it wants to break the rules to change the rules. I am saddened that is what happened today. The Washington Post reported the other day that President Obama's approval rating has hit a record low; his disapproval rating has hit a record high--the worst of his Presidency. This is obviously the result of the disastrous rollout of ObamaCare which has caused Americans to question both the President's trustworthiness and his basic competence.…”