Thomas Daschle: “The first question he asked is why we are quitting work at an hour that could easily accommodate debate on important…”

“The first question he asked is why we are quitting work at an hour that could easily accommodate debate on important issues? I think the answer is, we all appreciate a family-friendly environment. We all enjoy being able to go home to our families. By and large, in the last couple of years, we have been able to do that. We have had a family-friendly legislative session that has accommodated personal needs. I think that is understandable, and for the most part, I think I have supported it. I think there comes a time, though, when you get to this period at the end of the Congress--not the end of a session, we are talking about the end of a Congress. We have just a few weeks left, and our work has to take priority. As the Senator noted, usually Thursday nights have been nights where we work late. What we are suggesting is that we at least take Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, for the balance of the time that remains in this session, and use that time productively. Let's take 3 or 4 hours and see what we can accomplish--particularly on something as important as the Patients' Bill of Rights.”