Daniel Inouye: “If that is the case, I would like to make two observations. One, we are here to provide extraordinary relief and…”

“If that is the case, I would like to make two observations. One, we are here to provide extraordinary relief and assistance to those citizens, fellow citizens, in the Midwest and in California who have suffered unimaginable problems, tragedies. If we do not resolve this by this weekend--and I am not speaking of the recess-- then certain funding programs will cease, and it will take weeks, if not months, to revive them again. In the meantime, certain people may have to go without shelter, without medical care, and I do not think that is the intention of this body. I hope we can resolve this matter by this evening, permitting the managers and the conferees to begin our discussions with the House and hopefully by tomorrow noon conclude that, get back here and vote on it. If we stay until 10 o'clock, then the conference will not begin tonight. We will have to be here despite the sleet and the snow. Hopefully, we can conclude it at some reasonable hour and Members will have to stick around if that request for the yeas and nays is made.”