Trent Lott: “I understand there are still some 80-plus amendments to be disposed of just from the other side of the aisle. I guess…”

“I understand there are still some 80-plus amendments to be disposed of just from the other side of the aisle. I guess there are probably a dozen or more on this side of the aisle, not counting the relevant amendments that were identified from the list that might be offered. So we still have a lot of work to do. I do know that on Friday, and today, some work was accomplished. Senator Wellstone is certainly carrying through with his commitment to offer amendments dealing with bankruptcy. I know the staffs have been working on both sides to see if we can find a way to complete this without the necessity of a cloture vote this week. However, we have to dispose of this bill this week. As Senator Daschle and I discussed on the floor last Thursday, it is our intent to offer a cloture today or tomorrow, to make sure we have enough time to complete this very important legislation. It is my intent--and I see Senator Daschle here now--to file cloture in order to assure passage of the bill this week. If we can make substantial progress by Wednesday, or if some agreement can be reached that would limit the number of amendments, certainly I would be open to that.”