Arlen Specter: “I have not spoken on this bill. From my experience, I know that few, if any minds, are changed by speeches. But I think…”

“I have not spoken on this bill. From my experience, I know that few, if any minds, are changed by speeches. But I think it is important to note that we are not fatigued. We have almost 100 Senators on the floor. We have been here since 9:15, but we are robust and we are able to take on the country's business and we are not fatigued. We will give ample consideration to any amendments which anyone seeks to offer. But it ought to be a point of focus that it is possible--barely, but possible--that somebody might be watching these proceedings on C-SPAN. And you might think those who are voting against these amendments are hard-hearted. But the fact is that unless we pass a bill, a clean bill, a virtually clean bill, what is agreed to by the House, this bill is not going to be ready when the President has to make a very important international trip. The President will be carrying a legislative package of $15 billion. That is a hefty sum of money and can go a long way on this hideous disease.”