Tom Coburn: “I take whatever time I might consume. The real difference for my colleagues to know is the definition of the word…”

“I take whatever time I might consume. The real difference for my colleagues to know is the definition of the word ``compensation.'' The same lawyer that is on the Senate Ethics Committee today worked for the Senate Ethics Committee in the House when the determination was made for the practice of medicine that compensation was net compensation. There is no damage done to the House or the institution of the House. As a matter of fact, because that rule was changed, there are now, I believe, 11 doctors in the House. I reject the idea that this would do damage to the Ethics Committee. This is a simple definition. It is one that the Ethics Committee could have chosen to use but chose not to. I don't know the motivation behind that. I know they could have solved the problem, and we wouldn't be where we are today. I reserve the remainder of my time. Amendment No. 2647 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.”