Chuck Grassley: “I want to tell my fellow Senators why they should support this legislation, and most importantly thank Democrats for…”

“I want to tell my fellow Senators why they should support this legislation, and most importantly thank Democrats for being so patient while Republicans were figuring out a compromise that we could get a majority of Republicans and all members of the committee behind. I thank Republicans for helping us work something out that we could get done. I have enjoyed the cooperation of Senator Baucus. Even though we haven't agreed on the details of this specific piece of legislation--I think you heard Senator Baucus speak about the bill that just passed the Senate, the pension bill--there was full cooperation not only between Republicans and Democrats but between two different committees that had jurisdiction over it. There will be differences between Republicans and Democrats on this bill. I compliment my colleague, Senator Baucus, for helping us move things along and being so patient in the process. This afternoon we begin consideration of an important tax relief measure. The bill before the committee today does three important things. First, it acts on our commitment to provide rebuilding assistance to areas of the country devastated by this year's relentless hurricane season. Second, it provides tax relief for American families by ensuring that there is no interruption in tax provisions that are expiring this year.…”