Political Quotes

“I think it is probably useful to take a couple of moments and do a quick refresher on how Senate process and procedure work. So, in the U.S. Senate, when a bill is introduced and when it comes to the floor, we have to do what is called a motion to proceed. The motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed is a 60-vote threshold in the U.S. Senate. The 60-vote threshold, of course, is the filibuster. Now, folks in this body might remember how deeply I care about the filibuster, because it requires comity; it requires compromise; and it requires individuals of different parties to work together to solve problems. Often, it has been an object of contention in this body, but I support the filibuster because I believe it requires us to work together to solve problems, hear everyone's ideas, and incorporate them as we move forward on legislation. Of course, before you can actually amend a piece of legislation on the Senate floor, you first must pass the motion to invoke cloture. We held that vote yesterday at 1:59 p.m. I have got the copy of the rollcall vote right here in front of me. Unfortunately, there were only 49 Senators who voted yes to move forward on yesterday's package. There were 50 Senators who voted no to move forward on the package. Of course, what the motion to invoke cloture was, was on the shell of the bill. The substitute that would be filed is this bill right here. This bill is 370 pages long.…”