Bob Dole: “I just say that we would like, of course, first of all, to just pass the repeal of the gas tax today. We have the…”

“I just say that we would like, of course, first of all, to just pass the repeal of the gas tax today. We have the taxpayer bill of rights at the desk. We can amend that and send it back to the House, as I said earlier. I think it would be an overwhelming vote. We have it paid for. We are not going to add to the deficit. Keep in mind, this 4.3 cents does not go to highways or mass transit; it goes to deficit reduction and that is the big difference. But in response to the indication from the distinguished Democratic leader that they would like to offer additional amendments, it occurred to me if we are prepared to repeal the gas tax, which I think a majority of both sides are for here, and are prepared to bring up the minimum wage that the other side has talked for, but with just little amendment called a TEAM Act, we ought to be able to come together on this. Everything they want is in the package, except we have one little piece. The TEAM Act amends Federal labor laws to make clear that employers and employees may meet together in committee or other employee involvement programs to address issues of mutual interest. Who could be opposed to that, the employers and employees sitting down and talking about issues related to quality, productivity and efficiency, as long as they do not engage in collective bargaining? Who is opposed to this? Guess. The labor bosses. When the labor bosses say, ``We are opposed,'' it reverberates on the Senate floor.”