Thad Cochran: “I was going to ask the Senator if he knows of any objection. I was advised that there is one Senator who has indicated…”

“I was going to ask the Senator if he knows of any objection. I was advised that there is one Senator who has indicated opposition to the amendment. I am a member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian. I have a high regard for the work that is done there. Listening to the description of the Senator from North Carolina, I am inclined to support the amendment. But in view of the fact that there is at least one Senator with a contrary view, I think we ought not go forward without giving him an opportunity to come and express his concerns, if he would like to have an opportunity to do so. My hope would be that we could put in a quorum and see if there is a need to discuss it further; otherwise, I suggest that we accept it on a voice vote.”