Thomas Daschle: “There was absolutely no desire on my part to avoid doing business, whatever the business may be. There are obviously…”

“There was absolutely no desire on my part to avoid doing business, whatever the business may be. There are obviously some very serious questions that the distinguished Senators from Nevada have attempted to raise in light of their concern on nuclear waste. But at no time have I instructed members of our caucus that they should feel free to leave. Our desire is to get some work done, regardless of whether we make a great deal of progress or not, at least to be here to try to get the work done. I have emphasized that. I cautioned them not to leave because there could be votes either tonight or tomorrow. I reiterate that statement now, as I did this afternoon in our Democratic policy committee. So I think that point ought to be very clear to everybody. I hope we can put that rumor to rest once and for all.”