Political Quotes

“Let me say that unfortunately when I, last evening, saw the note on the desk in front of us that said ``no further rollcall votes'' I had another event, and so I left the Chamber, because there were no further votes, and I went to the other event. I discovered later that even as I was leaving the Chamber, I understood that there were three amendments at that point made in order. There were, I believe, two Republican amendments and one Democratic amendment that were noticed, and I think the chairman indicated they would be the next amendments. That is the basis on which I left this Chamber. When I came back this morning, I understand that a fair number of other amendments had been called up, the pending amendment had been set aside, and other amendments had been called up. I do not know how many. I think four or six amendments, perhaps, beyond the three. I was unaware that opportunities such as that would have existed last evening. I think as one Member of the Senate who has spent a considerable amount of time on this floor on this issue, had I been aware last evening that the gate was open a bit to be able to get an amendment pending that I have talked about many times on this floor, I would have been here last evening. I was not aware of that, and that is the basis on which I came this morning at 11 o'clock. I hope the Senator from Connecticut would not object. I would hope he would rethink that. He has every right as chairman to decide to manage this bill as he wishes.…”