Chuck Grassley: “I wasn't present on the floor when the maneuvering that just took place happened that puts this Senate in a very…”

“I wasn't present on the floor when the maneuvering that just took place happened that puts this Senate in a very difficult position, but it gets us into a very bad and dangerous situation. The maneuvering of the Democratic leader and floor manager that was just done is not used very often in the Senate. In fact, substituting-- putting a modification of a substitute that was agreed to by two separate committees that jointly brought this to the floor is something that I think is very unprecedented. This process of filling the tree so that only the majority party can decide what amendments can come up is not only dangerous and can keep this very important piece of legislation from being passed, but it is dangerous for the whole process of the Senate's comity in getting the job done. As I said, this substitute was the product of two committees--not one committee but two committees--and by the overwhelming support of people on those committees that we needed to not only reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and do everything we can to improve airport safety, as well as airport facilities, but also the financing of it, to make sure there is plenty of money available to get the job done.”