John Sarbanes: “I rise to voice my hopes that the Senate will this week have the opportunity, after several weeks of debate, to vote on…”

“I rise to voice my hopes that the Senate will this week have the opportunity, after several weeks of debate, to vote on the pending tobacco bill. The course that this bill has taken is in marked contrast to the course taken by many other important bills that we have considered in the 105th Congress. Whereas the Republican leadership has severely truncated debate on such important matters as campaign finance reform and education policy, we have been on the tobacco bill for several weeks, have engaged in hours of debate, and have considered a wide range of amendments. I have no doubt that when the Republican leadership has wanted quick resolution of an issue during the 105th Congress, it has understood how to accomplish that goal, and worked toward it. A similar commitment has not been apparent in the area of tobacco legislation. Let me be clear, Mr. President. I support the idea of full and considered debate on an issue as important as this one. I also believe, however, that once an issue has been fully vetted, once Senators have had a chance to listen to the debate and vote on amendments, it becomes time for the Senate to step up to the plate and vote on the legislation before us. That is what we are paid to do, and it is what the American people expect us to do. This is the fourth week of the tobacco debate.”