Jon Kyl: “I wish to share in the comments of my colleagues who have spoken in favor of this legislation in expressing concern that…”

“I wish to share in the comments of my colleagues who have spoken in favor of this legislation in expressing concern that we were not able to proceed tonight to the final steps for its consideration, but also to express appreciation to the majority leader and others who have expressed a willingness to continue to ensure that legislation can move forward as quickly as possible. We should not here this evening cast any blame for our failure to move it forward tonight. In a sense, all of us who were supporters didn't do a good enough job of ensuring all of the process could occur that Members properly insist on in order to vindicate their rights to debate and have amendments to get the job done. By the same token, those who oppose the bill need to appreciate that at a certain point, there is adequate consideration of their amendments. The majority leader expressed this evening the view that we hadn't quite reached that point. And reluctantly, because of that, I joined those who decided to vote to keep the debate moving forward, which at this point means the majority leader has, at least temporarily, set it aside. But it shouldn't be too hard to get about a dozen amendments of Members considered. That is why I say we all share some responsibility, because that shouldn't have been that hard of a task.”