Trent Lott: “Without getting into the substance or without questioning anybody's motives, it is important that we understand--and I…”

“Without getting into the substance or without questioning anybody's motives, it is important that we understand--and I can put this in the form of a question to the majority leader--if, in fact, this appeal of the ruling of the Chair should succeed, that would do away with rule XVI, as I understand it, and then we would all have a grand old time legislating on appropriations bills. But here is part of my concern, honestly. I don't think we can win that battle against the other side. I suspect you all would wind up legislating more than we would on appropriations bills. Mr. President, I think we need to calm down around here. There is a rule on the books for a reason. For good reason we took an action that knocked it out a few years ago. I learned painfully what a mistake that was. We should not be legislating on appropriations bills. I think this action would cause some consequences we would not want, if we look at it in the future.”