Arlen Specter: “I want to reclaim my time. I want to conclude my argument in the very brief time that I have left. With all due respect…”

“I want to reclaim my time. I want to conclude my argument in the very brief time that I have left. With all due respect for my very distinguished colleague from Arkansas--and I do agree with Senator Chafee in complimenting Senator Pryor for his tenacity here--this is a matter which requires a determination of what is a substantial investment. This matter has been pending now for more than a year--since May 25, 1995. If the parties really wanted to resolve this, we could come to terms on expedited judicial proceedings which Senator Hatch is prepared to accept. That would take, of course, a maximum of 7 months. Then the generic company would have a determination of substantial investment, and they would be in the field. In addition, they would be entitled to collect their damages in the interim. I believe, as a matter of fairness, that we ought to get the judicial determinations as promptly as possible. But we also need to have fair protection for the substantial investments made by the pharmaceutical pioneer companies. This expedited procedure would ensure justice for all parties, and I submit that we ought to proceed forward with it. I yield the floor.”