Daniel Inouye: “much as I would prefer to have amity and comity on this floor and be able to accommodate the concerns of my dear friend…”

“much as I would prefer to have amity and comity on this floor and be able to accommodate the concerns of my dear friend from Virginia, I must say that I fully agree with my chairman, Mr. Stevens of Alaska. This procedure will set a terrible precedent, one that we will regret in the years to come. If you look at it very carefully, it will take away some of the rights of people with minority views. So I would hope that another step be taken--I do not know what it is--where we can resolve this matter. I would hope the leadership of the Senate realizes the seriousness of what we are confronting at this moment. It affects the future of this land, and I am not being dramatic. Thank you, Mr. President. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia is recognized.”