Byron Dorgan: “I come from ranching country in western North Dakota. I am thinking of the old phrase, ``All hat and no cattle.'' It is…”

“I come from ranching country in western North Dakota. I am thinking of the old phrase, ``All hat and no cattle.'' It is kind of interesting to listen to this discussion. The last speaker just told us that he has registered his verdict on a whole series of issues, and now tomorrow he is going to a committee hearing to hear the evidence. That is a new approach, I guess, to making judgments about things. One hour ago this Chamber was filled with Senators. In these six seats sat the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, and their staff. We were voting on defense authorization amendments. Senator Byrd offered an amendment. Senator Bingaman offered an amendment. We had other amendments. We were working on a series of amendments on the defense authorization bill. Some of us thought that those who said they wanted to finish this bill were serious and we were interested in getting the work of the Senate done and offering amendments to this bill.”