Political Quotes

“Democrats have been working in good faith for several days--actually, for several months, really--to pass this defense legislation. The bill before us was produced through a bipartisan committee process and included the input of at least three-fifths of Senators from both sides of the aisle. It is unfortunate that we cannot move forward tonight. Yesterday, we agreed to delay the initial cloture vote after the Armed Services Committee's ranking member requested more time to work on a managers' package to include more input from Members. The managers' package now include 57--57--amendments; 27 from Republicans, 27 from Democrats, and 3 bipartisan amendments. Further, we just proposed votes on 18 amendments, 3 of which are bipartisan and 8 of which are Republican-led amendments. We could start voting on them tonight, but unfortunately, the other side won't agree-- or some on the other side won't agree. Democrats have demonstrated all year that we are more than willing to work in good faith on amendments here on the floor. This year, more amendments have received rollcall votes than during any of the past 4 years. Members on both sides want to get this done. So these delays are unfortunate. There is no good reason to keep delaying. We should move the process forward. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.”