Political Quotes

“I don't intend to get involved in the debate involving the merits of this bill, but the problem with this legislation is not the legislation itself; the problem is the majority has not allowed the minority, the Republicans have not allowed the Democrats, to treat this bill as the Senate should treat any bill. We started this bill last Thursday. It is now Friday. Eight days we have spent on this legislation. We have spent no time on a single amendment on this legislation. The proper way to handle this is to allow the Senator from South Carolina, the Senator from Minnesota, and others to bring their amendments forward and have a debate. The Senators who want to offer amendments have all agreed to time agreements. The Senator from South Carolina desired 10 minutes on an amendment, 5 minutes per side. Our leader, the minority leader, has also agreed, even though it is probably not in his best interest, but he believes in this legislation. He knows how important it is to the President. He has said he will offer to go along with the majority leader and table amendments not germane. We should treat this body as it has been treated for over two hundred years: Bring a measure before the floor and let the debate proceed. We would have completed this legislation some time ago. There is no question this legislation now before this body has at least 75 supporters, maybe 80. I think this should give the majority all the backing they need for this legislation.”