Political Quotes

“Reserving the right to object, I will, in fact, make this the last time I reserve the right to object, simply to make the point that there are many ideas for improving this Chamber that have not had due consideration. My colleague has expressed a lot of frustration over executive nominations. I put forward an amendment in the minority establishing a 100-day clock for amendments to be voted before this floor once the paperwork is complete. Others have other ideas, including the ability to have a time at the start of every 2 years to be able to have an open debate on amendments--on how we work. Others have other ideas for improving this Chamber. I think such a debate is way overdue, but if it is the majority leader's intent to allow just the one issue that he is bringing forward, then that is not turning the clock back to historical norm. I was here in this Chamber in 1976 and during the eighties, seeing this body debate issues. I would ask, if my colleague brings this to the floor as he is planning to do, that he open it up for amendments. Get a time agreement. I will certainly encourage my side to agree to such a thing. I take your point about it not just being a delay. I think there are serious possibilities for improving how we work that should be debated. I hope my colleague will open the floor for amendments. I withdraw my objection. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.…”