Bill Bennett: “Now we are in a different situation in that we come into it even, 50/50. This time, the Democrats have not been so shy…”

“Now we are in a different situation in that we come into it even, 50/50. This time, the Democrats have not been so shy about saying, we will automatically give up control on each committee. And they have been very firm about saying that the committee ratios must be exactly the same. If I were in their shoes, frankly, I would probably be arguing exactly the same way. On the other hand, the Constitution has been cited here by the Senator from West Virginia, by the majority leader, and others, saying that the Republicans have the ultimate right to break the tie through Vice President Cheney after January 20. This creates what is sometimes called an immovable object facing an irresistible force, with both sides digging in and saying: This is what we absolutely have to have. And with the power of the filibuster, both sides have a nuclear weapon. To have come up with a resolution that is producing the kind of rhetoric we are now hearing on the floor this afternoon demonstrates the wisdom, the intelligence, and the skill of our respective leaders. I, for one, want to go on record congratulating them both and all of the Members of the Senate who are lining up behind it, even though there are those on both sides of the aisle who are terribly unhappy with the ultimate result. The fact that we have one that is now going to pass by unanimous consent is a tribute to our leadership. I wanted to express that here today.”