Kent Conrad: “We are very close to being able to move toward final passage, but we still have a number of amendments to dispose of. If…”

“We are very close to being able to move toward final passage, but we still have a number of amendments to dispose of. If we can just have the patience of the body for a few more minutes, we can dispose of these final amendments and move toward final passage. First of all, I think it is important to thank colleagues--dozens of colleagues--who have given their amendments in the last hour--we appreciate it very much--and others who were able to work with us to get their amendments agreed to as the chairman has just reviewed. The next amendment is Senator Ensign. We ask colleagues to give the Senator from Nevada their attention.”