Political Quotes

“Yes, we both would like to see a different Senate this year--with fewer filibusters and procedural delays and more opportunities for debate and amendments. In many cases, the problem is not necessarily in the Senate rules, it is in the lack of restraint in the exercise of prerogatives under the rules. Toward that end we will now enter into a colloquy to discuss some of these issues. I have discussed with Senator McConnell that many Senators in the majority have been very unhappy at the excessive use of the filibuster the last two Congresses, particularly on motions to proceed but also at other times when a matter that has bipartisan support is filibustered purely for delay. Mr. McCONNELL. And, in my caucus, I have many Senators who have complained that the majority leader has abused his ability to ``fill the amendment'' tree, preventing Senators from offering and debating amendments that they believe are important, especially when a matter has not gone through committee or cloture is filed too quickly.”