Max Baucus: “First, I thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This has been a very civil discussion, very heartfelt…”

“First, I thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This has been a very civil discussion, very heartfelt feelings on both sides, and I appreciate that. Let me also say it is interesting that this is the first time in recent memory that a reconciliation bill has all amendments on one side only. These are clearly amendments designed to kill the reconciliation and therefore kill health care reform. So I very much hope that all of these amendments are defeated. I note there are 23 amendments pending. It is going to take 7 or 8 hours, hopefully less. There will be many more amendments offered tonight. It is our expectation that we will continue voting on all amendments until we finally vote on all amendments and we can get reconciliation passed, and therefore all of the measures surrounding health care reform will be enacted and we can proceed.”