Bob Dole: “let me indicate to the distinguished Democratic leader, who is on the floor, it is still my hope that we can reach some…”

“let me indicate to the distinguished Democratic leader, who is on the floor, it is still my hope that we can reach some agreement. It seems to me we are not that far apart. We ought to be able to do it. I am certainly prepared to sit down with the Democratic leader, or anyone else, if there is a problem. But, just in case we cannot work it out, then I have filed a cloture motion, because I do think it is important that we finish this bill so we can take up the defense supplemental bill and some other things after that. But I am prepared and I think the Democratic leader is prepared and, hopefully, our colleagues are prepared. It seems to me we have one of two choices. Either we try to finish this tonight with no votes tomorrow, or we will be here tonight and tomorrow and maybe Saturday. But, that is up to our colleagues. I cannot believe any of these amendments are so critical they cannot wait until the next supplemental or until the appropriations bills start arriving. I think there was a lot of give and take on each side in good faith. I thought we were almost there. But if we make an agreement and everybody says, ``Well, I will make the agreement but I want to go back and offer an amendment to try to undo the agreement,'' then we do not have an agreement. Either we have an agreement or we do not have an agreement. I can agree, if you let me have 25 chances to improve on what I have already agreed upon, but I do not think that is an agreement.”