Max Baucus: “there are two points that I want to make. We are passing this rather significant piece of legislation because we are…”

“there are two points that I want to make. We are passing this rather significant piece of legislation because we are doing it in a bipartisan basis. I must remind all of my colleagues that when we get into partisan fights often nothing happens. We make political points but don't pass legislation. This has been very, very cohesive and bipartisan on both sides of the aisle. It has been an honor for me--a privilege for me--to participate with Senator Warner, Senator Chafee, Senator Bond, and Senator Byrd in putting this together. My second point is to reaffirm just how lucky we are to have such a dedicated staff who are so able and so talented. I am always in awe in seeing just how right these people are and how necessary they are. But, for the record, the one lady who came up with the final solution is on my staff. Her name is Kathy Ruffalo. I yield the floor.”