Political Quotes

“Madam President, I would like to explain where we stand on the pending legislation. This is a bill which has been introduced by Senators Enzi, Alexander, Heitkamp, and myself. It is S. 743. Pending now on this bill is the managers' amendment, which we have crafted, and a second-degree amendment, which is a slight technical change. The reason we are at this stage is because we are looking for colleagues to come forward if they have amendments to this bill. We would like to entertain those amendments. We hope they are germane and relevant amendments and not far afield from the important subject matter before us. But I made this announcement yesterday, again this morning, and I make it now: Any Member of the Senate who is interested in amending the bill, please come to the floor with your amendment. Senator Enzi and I will be happy to work with you if we can accept it. If we cannot, we will at least give an opportunity for debate and a vote. We want to finish this bill this week. We are going to stay until we finish it, so the sooner Members get serious about their amendments the more likely it is we will be able to leave this week. So that is the state of play on S. 743. I have spoken to the substance of this bill several times, but I see some Members on the floor seeking recognition. At this point I yield. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa. (The remarks of Mr. Harkin and Mr. Sanders pertaining to the introduction of S. Con. Res.…”