Pete Domenici: “I will yield momentarily. I say to the Senators who are listening and to their staffs, we are in the process of trying…”

“I will yield momentarily. I say to the Senators who are listening and to their staffs, we are in the process of trying to put together a short list of amendments that are absolutely necessary. We are getting close to the end--the end will be here when 30 hours have elapsed and then we could have a series of votes, but I don't think anyone wants that. The Democratic and Republican staffers are taking these amendments and they are working together to see how many are absolutely necessary. I ask Senators, do not wait, because we will have to go back and call you all. If you are serious about an amendment, there are people on the Democratic side and the Republican side and in the respective cloakrooms waiting to see and talk with you through your staffs or otherwise as to what you want to do about the amendments. Clearly, there are numerous amendments and I am sure they are all not going to be offered. They were submitted in good faith, but I am sure they are not intended to be voted on before we finish. Would Senators on both sides of the aisle--I think Senator Bingaman agrees--try to help by getting word to the cloakrooms whether they are serious, whether they want to work on their amendments so we can put our list together.”