Thomas Daschle: “Let me respond briefly to the Senator from Arizona. Nobody wants ATPA passed more than I do. I have attempted in many…”

“Let me respond briefly to the Senator from Arizona. Nobody wants ATPA passed more than I do. I have attempted in many different ways over the last several weeks to find the right formula to bring this about. I have talked about it, literally, for months. I will work with the Senator from Arizona and others. We are very aware of the May 16 deadline. I am very hopeful we can find a way with which to accommodate that deadline and make sure this job can be done. We are sensitive to the tremendous economic repercussions that will result if we are not successful. The stakes get higher with each passing hour, which is why I have been frustrated in my effort to move the process along all week. We spent a lot of time on the farm bill. We spent a lot of time waiting for some sort of negotiation when I think sometimes the best thing to do is just offer amendments. That is what we do in the Senate if there is a disagreement: At some point you offer an amendment, have a vote, and move on to the next amendment. There are those in the Senate who want the package to be just so, prior to the time they even allow us to move forward on a package. We will continue to work with those who have been in negotiation. I hope we can resolve this matter soon.”