Pete Domenici: “I say to Senator Byrd, might I suggest that in the process we followed in the committee, or to this point on the floor…”

“I say to Senator Byrd, might I suggest that in the process we followed in the committee, or to this point on the floor of the Senate, we did not intend to hoodwink anyone. We did not intend to deny anyone the information necessary to participate and respond to this bill. As a matter of fact, consistent with the rules, in open public hearings, the Committee on the Budget voted that we were not going to file a report. I do not need to stand here and explain to you that that is perfectly legal; it is within the rules. So what we have filed is legitimate and within the rules of the Senate. And my good friend from West Virginia constantly reminds me, as I grew up in this place, that you are governed by the rules. So let us make sure we all understand that we are playing by the rules. The rules did not require a report and we did not file one. On the other hand, because people were concerned about it and we wanted to get this bill up, we filed in the Record, as if a report, everything that would be in a report. It is in the Congressional Record when the bill was called up. We have extracted it and given it to every Senator. So my good friend can have it, and it is exactly the same thing as a report. In addition, we stand willing, if it is the technical printing of a document that concerns our good friend from West Virginia, Mr. President, to file a report shortly. It is almost ready.”