Byron Dorgan: “I appreciate very much the courtesy of the Senator from Illinois. This is, indeed, an odd group of people who have come…”

“I appreciate very much the courtesy of the Senator from Illinois. This is, indeed, an odd group of people who have come to the floor of the Senate to support a constitutional amendment to balance the budget. If, as is often the case politically, we divide this Senate into people who are either warm-hearted or cold-blooded, I suppose I fit into the warm-hearted group. For 14 years I have supported things that try to help people in this country, programs that are necessary and that invest in human potential. But this debate goes beyond traditional political lines. I sat in the chair for a couple of hours today presiding over the Senate, and it has been an interesting discussion. We find so often on the floor of the House or the Senate that what is said often is not so relevant and probably often not so important. This is important. What has been said by both sides in this debate has been said in eloquent ways. I should compliment Senator Simon for his leadership and for his vision. Let me similarly compliment Senator Byrd. Everyone in this Chamber knows that Senator Byrd is the authority on the history of the U.S. Senate. He is a wonderful person. I greatly respect his opinion. This has been an interesting debate to listen to. I have listened with care. As I said, this is no ordinary debate because we are not debating a law or a sense-of-the-Senate resolution. We are debating a proposed change in the U.S. Constitution.”