Thomas Daschle: “Let me begin first by complimenting the distinguished Chair for the manner in which he has conducted himself in this…”

“Let me begin first by complimenting the distinguished Chair for the manner in which he has conducted himself in this debate, as he does with all debate. We may have deep differences of opinion on this particular issue, but in true form he has been a statesman and, I think, a model for all of us in the way he has conducted himself. As I say, I take issue with the bill but certainly not with the manager and the Chair of the committee. He has in so many cases done an outstanding job. Let me also applaud our distinguished ranking member. This will probably be the final bill that he manages. He knows how strongly I feel about him and the friendship that I have and feel toward him. He is one of the finest Members of the Senate who has ever served, in my opinion. We will miss him more than we can ever possibly express. It is with sadness that I acknowledge that this may be his last bill, but it is with a great deal of satisfaction in looking back over the past 12 years in my service with him that I share many fond memories and many extraordinary legislative success stories. The conference report that is before the Senate is one that I believe fails to recognize the extraordinary nature of the circumstances we find ourselves in in the agricultural industry across this country.”