Thomas Daschle: “Mr. President, the debate over the last two days has been deeply moving. When we began this debate, I thought to myself…”

“Mr. President, the debate over the last two days has been deeply moving. When we began this debate, I thought to myself how much I would prefer it if we were talking about veterans' health care, prescription drugs, or raising the minimum wage. But, I stand corrected. This debate has proved meaningful and proved that our reputation as the deliberative body is earned. I thank especially the distinguished Senior Senator from Vermont, the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy for his fine stewardship of this debate. As always Senator Leahy has offered much wisdom and demonstrated much skill as he managed this amendment. This afternoon, as we close this debate I want to draw my colleagues' attention to the statements of Senator Robert Byrd and Senator Chuck Robb. Both men gave eloquent statements about how they came to their decision to oppose this constitutional amendment. These statements moved me and I dwell on them because they represent my views so well. For neither of these men, was their decision easy. I have come to believe, however, that it is not in easy decisions that you find the measure of a Senator--it is the hard decisions that distinguish the men and women we remember long after they leave this place.”