Rob Portman: “Before we get on to the amendments, let me just say this has been a group effort. It looks kind of easy when we get to…”

“Before we get on to the amendments, let me just say this has been a group effort. It looks kind of easy when we get to the floor sometimes, but nothing is easy around here. Without the gentleman from Maryland's willingness to step forward and provide expertise and assistance on the other side of the aisle, we would not be here today; and without the gentleman from California's willingness to prioritize this and mark it up last year, we would not be here today. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) for joining in the fray this year. Also, Senator Glenn did get the ball rolling, my former colleague from Ohio. I know that he is watching these proceedings with great interest and cannot wait when it finally gets down to the White House for signing, which I would predict will happen within the next couple of months. I think the Senate will take this up on a rather expedited basis. This is a group effort. All the staff involved need to be commended as well.”