John Sarbanes: “I urge the Senate to adopt the motion to proceed and give itself the opportunity to move to the substantive…”

“I urge the Senate to adopt the motion to proceed and give itself the opportunity to move to the substantive consideration of S. 149, the Export Administration Act of 2001. The adoption of this motion to proceed would enable Senators, then, to consider the bill on its merits, to offer amendments, if they have them, to alter or change the bill in whatever direction they think is desirable. I think this is important legislation. I am frank to say I think this bill before us is well crafted and deserves the support of the Senate. But in any event, whatever your attitude on that question is, I certainly think this issue, and this legislation dealing with this issue, deserves to be considered by the Senate. I very much hope, after we have had this opportunity for some discussion, we will be able to move ahead and consider the bill on its merits. I understand it is the leadership's intention to file a cloture motion--the leadership, as I understand it, on both sides of the aisle--in order to enable us to go to this legislation. I hope that will not be necessary. I think there is a compelling argument for taking up this bill and addressing this issue.”