On the recordSeptember 15, 2010
I would like to speak to the bill pending before us briefly, first to respond to a criticism that Republicans had been filibustering this bill, and, therefore, that somehow revealed an antagonism on the part of Republicans toward small business. The charge is so ludicrous that one would think it does not even need to be responded to. Republicans have been the champions of small business in this debate about taxes. I will have more to say about that in a moment. Why was it that the majority of Republicans did not want to proceed with the proposal that the majority leader put before the Senate? A very simple reason. The majority leader, once again, precluded Republicans from offering any amendments. The entire history of the Senate is a history of tradition and comity and the opportunity for the minority to be able to offer amendments and debate. When repeatedly the majority leader does what they call, in the Senate parlance, filling the parliamentary tree, which means he precludes the minority from offering any amendments, naturally Republicans are going to object to that. We said repeatedly we would be delighted to debate this bill, just let us offer some amendments. No, was the answer; you cannot do that. Well, we are on the bill now, and I think it is pretty clear that what this debate boils down to is what is the best way to help the small businesses who are the job creators.
