Dianne Feinstein: “many years ago, exactly 6, Senator Snowe and I began this effort. Prior to that time--and I give credit to Senators Dick…”

“many years ago, exactly 6, Senator Snowe and I began this effort. Prior to that time--and I give credit to Senators Dick Bryan and Slade Gorton, who began this effort back in 1993 with me. We tried to do a sense of the Senate. We didn't succeed. Then Senator Snowe and I did the SUV loophole closer, and we didn't succeed. Then suddenly the times changed and we had introduced this bill in committee. Both the chairman, Senator Inouye, the ranking member, Senator Stevens, and the Commerce Committee allowed us to come before them and ply our troth of this bill. And we did. The Commerce Committee unanimously passed out the bill. That was in itself a stellar moment. Then there was the House and there was the negotiation with Representative Dingell and others. A bill finally emerged--a lot of trial, a lot of tribulation. But I owe a great deal to Senator Snowe. I want her to know that. I thank her for her solidarity, for her intelligence, for working with me over these past 6 years. It has been a wonderful bipartisan relationship and one I will treasure.”