Thomas Daschle: “I am wondering if the majority leader would entertain tearing the tree down to allow Senators to offer amendments during…”

“I am wondering if the majority leader would entertain tearing the tree down to allow Senators to offer amendments during the time the legislation is pending, thereby at least giving Senators the right to offer amendments, because he would still have the assurance, of course, that the bill--if cloture is invoked--would ripen and would ultimately terminate debate, but he then would cease to make the issue a procedural one. Then it would be one upon substance, which I think would be advantageous for both the majority leader and many of us who work with the administration to see this legislation pass.”