Thomas Daschle: “I think this failure, should we experience it again, would add to the cynicism. On the other hand, if we could pass it…”

“I think this failure, should we experience it again, would add to the cynicism. On the other hand, if we could pass it, it would do so much to instill new confidence and new admiration for the legislative process, and I think restore hope in democracy itself. This is a rare opportunity. We have the momentum. We have demonstrated the votes now are there. I think it is simply a matter of continuing to ensure that we strike an agreement with regard to scheduling this legislation in the not too distant future. We can do it this week. We can do it within a very short period of time. We do not need a lot of time for debate. We can make this happen. We just need a commitment that we will make it happen. I do not know that the country could be any more pleased with the results of what I would consider to be one of the most consequential accomplishments of this session of Congress.”