Tom Harkin: “we are in a situation where it looks as though the majority on the other side simply does not want to vote on my…”

“we are in a situation where it looks as though the majority on the other side simply does not want to vote on my overtime amendment. They are going to do everything they can to try to prevent it. Again, there is talk about delay and who is delaying this bill. Look, I offered my amendment the other day and we could have had a vote by now. I was willing to enter into a time agreement. They would not do it. I offered the amendment under a unanimous consent agreement reached with the other side to bring it up. Now, the parliamentary games being played are not on this side; they are on the other side. One really has to ask, Does the other side really want to get this bill through? Again, I have no doubt that the chairman, my friend and colleague from Iowa, wants to get it through. He is chairman. Having been in that position before on another committee, I know you want to get your bill through. I have no doubt that the Senator from Iowa would like to get the bill through. It looks as though the leadership on that side-- either the leadership or the administration; I don't know who is calling the shots--is simply saying they don't want to have a vote on overtime. It is really unfortunate that they have now filed cloture on this bill.”