Kent Conrad: “Let me be very clear. Senators have a right to invoke rule XVI. But let's be clear. This is how emergency disasters have…”

“Let me be very clear. Senators have a right to invoke rule XVI. But let's be clear. This is how emergency disasters have been dealt with year after year after year in this body. What I am seeking to do is to get a vote. The farmers and ranchers of this country deserve a vote. Now, they can deny the vote, at least temporarily, but if they think that is the end of the story, they are wrong. We are going to be back. And, look: If my colleagues are going to invoke rule XVI on this measure, when the underlying legislation has passed this body with 77 votes, and by that device prevent a vote, then things are going to get very tough around here. I know the rules of the Senate. If Members think they can ramrod things and deny farmers and ranchers in this country a vote on desperately needed disaster assistance, then this Senate is going to slow way down. My colleagues can use their rights and I will use mine. Let there be no doubt about what the result will be. This place is going to have a hard time functioning if there is not comity, if there is not fairness, and if people are denied a vote repeatedly. That is what is occurring. The precedent is clear in this Senate. Virtually every disaster package has been legislation on an appropriations bill. Rule XVI was not invoked because it was recognized that is one of the few ways to achieve the result.”