On the recordJuly 30, 2011
first of all, it is unconscionable that the Republicans would filibuster legislation to prevent a default on national obligations. Frankly, it is unprecedented. Since 1962, Congress has raised the debt limit 74 times, including 18 times under President Reagan, and there was never a threat of a filibuster, and it was always by majority vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican leader. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I might say I actually cut short a conversation with the Vice President to come out here for this important vote on a live quorum. I would like to get back to work so we can hopefully solve this problem. It seems to me it would be a good idea for the majority to decide to allow the vote on the proposal they say they are in favor of; therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the vote on the pending cloture motion occur at 6:30.
