On the recordApril 30, 2014
I come to the floor to address what I consider to be a very important issue which we have never voted on, and that is the basic principle that Washington should be treated as all other Americans with regard to whatever law we pass, including ObamaCare. Specifically, my ``no-Washington-exemptions'' proposal regarding ObamaCare has yet to get a vote, so I will be filing that proposal as an amendment to the Portman-Shaheen bill. As we can remember, late last year it was filed as an amendment to that bill when it was on the floor. There was general agreement at that time, after some back and forth, that it should and would get a vote. It was reported in The Hill on September 17 that Senator Reid agreed to a vote on the amendment in the context of that bill. Senator Portman agreed to this concept at the same time--September 18--on the Senate floor, and Senator Shaheen did as well on September 18. So I am refiling as an amendment to the same bill. I look forward to this important debate. I look forward to a vote. Obviously, if an alternative in the near future, such as a stand-alone vote, is presented, I will be happy to accept that as well. I look forward to coming back to the floor to debate this important issue. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time of the Senator has expired.
