Thomas Daschle: “first, I compliment and thank the distinguished Republican leader for the cooperative effort he has put forth to get to…”

“first, I compliment and thank the distinguished Republican leader for the cooperative effort he has put forth to get to this point. We have talked on many occasions over the last several days, and the spirit with which he has discussed the importance of this legislation, as well as the importance of a good debate, is exactly the one I hold as well. I encourage Senators to offer amendments, but let me also say, as the Senator alluded, we will be able to determine whether this is good faith or not, whether we are just delaying for the sake of delaying; that will not be something we can tolerate. But we certainly encourage a good and vigorous debate with ample opportunity to offer amendments. There is a difference between simply delaying for delaying sake and amendments for the sake of changing, improving, or in some way altering the legislation as it has been introduced. Again, we will work with all of our colleagues to accommodate that and look forward to the debate beginning tonight and again tomorrow morning.”