On the recordNovember 21, 2013
I want to echo at least some of the sentiment that my distinguished colleague from Tennessee just mentioned--that I am disappointed in the use of the nuclear option. I opposed that. I think it could do permanent damage to this institution and could have some very negative ramifications for our country and for the American people. I do not want to be an alarmist about it, but I do have concerns. I am very disappointed that it got to this point, and I want to talk about that in a moment. But before I do, I would like to say, if you step back, the Senate was designed to be a place for debate. It is where Members--the way it was designed, the way the rules were structured, the size of it, the history of it--the Members can reach across the aisle and find solutions. That is what this country needs right now. We need solutions. We need people who are willing to work together to get things done. Part of that is to allow the minority to speak, even if it is a minority of one. We need to protect that right, and we need to protect every Senator's right to debate and to amend legislation. I think no one here with a straight face would say there have not been abuses from time to time. We know that. There have been, and I have seen a lot since I have been here. But also, if you step back and look at the Senate, it is the only place in our government where the American people can actually see law being made.…
