Max Baucus: “there is no doubt that we have to get our fiscal house in order. That is not an issue before us right now. So let's take…”

“there is no doubt that we have to get our fiscal house in order. That is not an issue before us right now. So let's take that off the table. All Senators agree we have to address our fiscal situation. Second is the question of what is the best way to do it. I remind our colleagues that we have used the regular order to cut budget deficits in 1990, 1993, and 1997. The Andrews Air Force Base summit agreement was passed through regular order, through reconciliation. We have done it. We have used reconciliation, regular order to get budget deficits under control. In addition, I have an alternative commission amendment. It is the same as the Conrad commission but with one exception, and that is it is amendable on the floor of the Senate. So if you want to have some sense of Senators--we are not going to be bureaucrats, we are going to be Senators--my amendment allows a commission where we as Senators can amend the commission's recommendations. Regular order has worked in this body--new Members do not know that-- in 1990, 1993, and 1997.”