On the recordMarch 13, 2013
I wanted to make a few comments. We have finished our analysis of this bill. The bill has 587 pages and spends well over $1 trillion. We finished at 9 p.m. last night. We have no objection to moving to the bill through a fair and open process. We will be happy to submit our ideas to the chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. There is a lot we ought to discuss about this bill. However, there is no attempt to filibuster the bill. There was an attempt to do our job, which was to actually read the bill and see what is in it so we would be prepared to offer constructive criticisms to the bill. With that, I leave and I will be back on the floor in a little bit when the managers of the bill come to the floor. If they want to offer amendments and ask unanimous consent to move on to the bill, I am sure there will be no objection. I yield the floor. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Illinois.
