Jim Inhofe: “I was hoping the assistant majority leader would stay on the floor so I could tell him I was very pleased with what…”

“I was hoping the assistant majority leader would stay on the floor so I could tell him I was very pleased with what happened last night. I have dealt with the assistant majority leader and majority leader for several weeks now in an attempt to get an energy bill to the floor. I understand an agreement has now been announced that the majority leader and assistant majority leader will bring one to the floor. I started to say to Senator Reid, when I saw him walk out--I wanted him to be here so he could hear me compliment him on this action. I think it is critical. I believe we should have gone through an extensive committee markup. On the other hand, as the weeks go by and we get closer to adjournment, I think this would be an impossible thing to do at this point. Second, I am hoping when this bill comes to the floor--and there is now a commitment from Senator Daschle to bring it to the floor during this Congress, before adjournment--that we get it in time to be very deliberative, in time to consider all the amendments.”