Nancy Kassebaum: “if I may, I, too, am very sympathetic to the issue that Senator Jeffords is addressing. I think we all recognize--I…”

“if I may, I, too, am very sympathetic to the issue that Senator Jeffords is addressing. I think we all recognize--I believe the figures are almost 1,500 Americans at least that would benefit from this legislation. It is more than just the enormous financial cost. It is an emotional and difficult issue. However, our agreement was not just with the Finance Committee. Unless there is a consensus of support on both sides of the aisle, then we have to oppose the amendments. I think the Senator from Vermont knows there are many in the business community, particularly the small business community, that have been opposed to this, who worry a great deal about the implications of it and have said they would oppose the whole bill if amendments like this one would be added. We felt that the underlying amendment offered so much that we then had to also oppose those other amendments which I think have much merit, and it is with regret that I would, too, have to oppose it. I certainly am willing to have a rollcall vote. I think it will be up to the sponsor of the legislation to determine that.”