Dusty Johnson: “I have to dispute that because even the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, which has endorsed my…”

“I have to dispute that because even the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, which has endorsed my bill, says that the bill does not single out favored political functions over its favored ones. You understand, under the Antideficiency Act, opinions from the Office of Legal Counsel, ``excepted employees,'' it is pretty well standard. There may be some tweaks back and forth, which is what you give latitude to the executive branch. Again, I am willing to sit down. I am sure the Republican conference is willing to sit down and say: OK. What should we do? I think Congress has given way too much authority to the executive branch. I don't mind dialing that back a little bit. But, again, the way to approach that is let's get on the bill; let's talk about it; let's offer amendments--amendments that pass by voice vote--and let's get it done. There is a lot of pressure on all of us. We all want to get this done. But, again, passing by unanimous consent is not the way to get it done. The way to get it done is the way the process should work. I mean, wouldn't it be wonderful to actually see the process work in the Senate?”