Thomas Daschle: “I believe we made a very big mistake a year ago in overriding the Chair on the question of legislating on appropriations…”

“I believe we made a very big mistake a year ago in overriding the Chair on the question of legislating on appropriations bills. I think we are paying a heavy price, and will continue to pay a heavy price, so long as we continue to insist that even on appropriations bills we can add anything to everything. And that issue will come back. It stung us and it has caused us more problems in the last 2 years than virtually anything else. I think it was a big mistake. Our Republican colleagues insisted at the time to overrule the Chair and allow the practice of legislating on appropriations bills, so these amendments are fair game. But we are now paying the price, and continue to pay the price so long as that issue becomes almost a joke with regard to these appropriations bills. So I think when we get back for the 105th Congress, and when we have the opportunity again, in the majority, to deal with this issue, I hope we can restore the rule.”