On the recordJune 8, 2011
this afternoon there will be a critical vote that will take place on the Senate floor. It is one of the most controversial, business-oriented votes that we have faced. Leading up to this vote has been one of the most heated debates and exchanges that many of us in the Senate have seen in our time. It relates to an issue that affects almost every American family, and certainly all American businesses, and the financial community. It is a basic question that needs to be resolved on the Senate floor. My friend and colleague from Montana, Senator Jon Tester, is offering an amendment, which I oppose. I have the highest respect for Jon. We have discussed this, and our friendship remains strong throughout this debate. We just see this differently. Whatever the outcome of the vote, I certainly am going to continue my strong friendship with Jon and be a fan of what he brings to the Senate and what he does for the State of Montana. Joining him in this amendment is Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee. I have the same high regard for Senator Corker, and any remarks that I make today are no reflection on them at all. I think they are both honorable people who are standing tall for their point of view, with which I happen to disagree. But I want to make it clear that I think this is a historic vote, a threshold vote in terms of whether the Senate, the Congress, and the Government of the United States will step into a situation that has created a fundamental unfairness.…





