Cord Byrd: “But the Senate has begun to fall short on those important constitutional principles. We have just a handful of votes…”

“But the Senate has begun to fall short on those important constitutional principles. We have just a handful of votes each week and then the rush is on to get out that door, out that door, out this door here--get out. The rush is on to wrap up business on an artificial timetable. So what has happened to the Senate? The American people need to know. Why can't the Senate take the time for important debates on the important issues before our Nation. Our troops are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are doing an outstanding service for our country. The Senate ought to give its undivided attention to each of the bills that relate to our troops. If the members of the National Guard are able to put their lives on hold to go fight for our country overseas, then the Senate ought to be able to surely spare whatever time it takes to debate the Defense appropriations bill and the Defense authorization bill as freestanding measures. America deserves that. Our troops deserve that. The Defense authorization bill ought to be brought up as a freestanding measure so that the Senate may work its will on that legislation. It should be open to debate and amendment. That is why I oppose the motion on the defense of germaneness for the Warner-Levin amendment. The Senate should not cut corners on the legislative process. Therefore, I shall vote no on the motion on the defense of germaneness, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting no.…”