Kent Conrad: “I regret that very much because we had what was to me a very clear understanding yesterday. It was very clear. We were…”

“I regret that very much because we had what was to me a very clear understanding yesterday. It was very clear. We were going to go to the Agriculture appropriations bill today. I was to be given the right to offer my amendment. All other Senators would have their rights respected with respect to that bill. That meant they could call for a supermajority vote. They could try to invoke rule XVI. We were prepared to deal with any of those contingencies. I must say that this action leaves us with very little choice but to now object to proceeding to other matters. If good faith means something in this Chamber, that means commitments are kept. I regret very much that we find ourselves in this circumstance. The commitment made to me yesterday was very clear, both public and private. We were going to go to the Agriculture appropriations bill today. We were going to have a chance to vote. It is not exactly a novel idea here that we vote. People have a chance to win or lose. That is what I am asking for. That is what I was assured yesterday would happen today. So, again, I ask unanimous consent to proceed to the Agriculture appropriations bill.”