Mark Pryor: “I had not intended to speak right now. I know the leaders are working on trying to get the process clear so we can move…”

“I had not intended to speak right now. I know the leaders are working on trying to get the process clear so we can move this legislation forward. But I would like to mention a few of my colleagues who really helped in this process. We had a number of Democrats and Republicans who met together and talked to try to come to a resolution on a package we wanted to present to the leaders. In fact, the structure of what the two leaders have agreed on is very similar to what we had proposed to them. I see some of my colleagues here today who were instrumental. I see the Senator from Alaska, Ms. Murkowski, and I know Senator Ayotte is here, as well as Senator Flake, who happens to be in the Chamber right now, and Senator Kirk, Senator Johanns, Senator McCain, and, of course, Senator Collins. Senator Collins really led and spearheaded the effort, and she deserves a lot of credit for getting us together and helping to move the ball down the field. I hadn't planned on controlling the floor right now or even talking about this very much, but since we have the opportunity--I know on our side of the aisle Senators Manchin, Klobuchar, King, Donnelly, Heitkamp, and Shaheen all played a critical role. Again, this had not been planned by anyone; it just looks as though we have a little bit of time.…”