Harry Reid: “responding to my friend, it seems quite unusual that these crocodile tears are being poured out now because amendments…”

“responding to my friend, it seems quite unusual that these crocodile tears are being poured out now because amendments aren't being considered. We have waited for years to have an amendment considered on raising the minimum wage. We have waited months and months to have a debate on amendments on stem cell research. I have trouble accepting the plaintive cries from the other side of the aisle in not having their amendments heard. With this Republican-dominated Senate, we have been unable to offer amendments, only two of which I have mentioned. We have tried and tried and tried. This is the Senate, and we have 100 amendments pending. And the mere fact that the distinguished junior Senator from Arizona offers an amendment he believes strongly in does not mean it takes precedence over the other 100 amendments that have been offered. This is a procedure that has been followed for many years. I would further say I simply don't accept the explanation of the amendment the distinguished junior Senator from Arizona has offered on this bill. First, the Kyl amendment, as amended by Senator Cornyn, would make classes--various individuals who would become part of a class of undocumented immigrants--ineligible for conditional nonimmigrant status and to earn their legalization; for example, immigrants who came through the visa program who overstayed their visas. Is that what we want to do?…”