I think we need as a body to think very, very carefully about do we want reconciliation to be used in that way.

If I were in the minority at this moment, I would want to think very, very carefully: Do I want an unfettered reconciliation process?

There is no single element of Senate rules that goes more against minority rights than reconciliation that I know of.

I think I could be persuaded on reconciliation.

One of the great things about the U.S. Senate is nothing is ever settled.

reconciliation goes directly against that. Directly against that.

This may be a very critical moment for this body and this Committee and this Budget Act.

It was nice to hear Senator Byrd say that this would be a good time to have some civilized discussion about procedures around here.

I think we had better think very carefully about that as we go into this new Presidency.

I think we do have a real challenge if so many new Senators do not know the history here.

our forefathers intended the Senate to be the cooling saucer.

Budget resolutions have become messaging instruments, not budgeting instruments.

I have no interest in restricting the rights of the minority.

I also want to thank Senators Dorgan and Bennett who've been at the forefront, working hard to expand an enhanced loan guarantees.

I have used the word shameful, that in three of the last four years, I believe, we have not even had an Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.

Rather than say, 'no such project has yet been built,' people should instead recognize that such projects are imminent and should help them get built.

I applaud your strong, bipartisan leadership along with that of Senator Murkowski in identifying the need for systemic change.

the First Americans should not have second class health care or second class education or second class housing.