Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I want to correct the record on something that has been said on the other side of the aisle; that is, the abuse of the filibuster has been a response to filling the tree. In the last 2 years, we had the tree filled once. We had 33 filibusters. In response to those filibusters, the tree was filled 9 times. We had 34 filibusters, the tree filled 6 times, and a filibuster 36 times. Obviously, 36 times was not a response to 6 times filling the tree. That myth created by the opposing side is actually a myth. So while it is a convenient argument, it happens to be a wrong one. I think that is important to know. I also wish to note that my colleague from Tennessee was talking about postcloture discussions for 30 hours, thereby confusing the conversation about the filibuster on the motion to proceed, the filibuster on amendments, the filibuster on a bill with a 30-hour requirement on nominations. Actually, we had a proposal to reduce those 30 hours to 2 hours. That proposal is in S. Res. 10 that will be voted on today. I do hope my colleague, in support of the principle he was putting out, which is that those hours should be reduced, will support S. Res. 10, noting that is a very logical way to reduce the delay of the Senate. My colleagues wish to speak.…”