Trent Lott: “I want to say what an instructive and constructive debate I think this has been. I listened to a good bit of it last…”

“I want to say what an instructive and constructive debate I think this has been. I listened to a good bit of it last night. Some of it I came and sat on the floor and listened to; I engaged in some of that discussion; I watched some more of it later on on television; and I listened to various parts of it this morning. I think it has been a very healthy debate. I congratulate all who have been involved on both sides of the issue on both sides of the aisle. I also want to pay a particular tribute to Senator Byrd--it is always an education when he speaks about the Constitution, about why he believes that Congress should step in to deal with an issue such as this--and, of course, Senator Warner. They have both done an outstanding job. They have been convincing to me. Also, I think it should be noted that as sponsors of the language that is in the bill, they have indicated a willingness to compromise in the conference, to make some changes if Members think that is necessary, on dates, or to see if the administration could work with them on language that could be acceptable.”