Thomas Daschle: “I hope we can work as productively this coming work period as we worked in the last work period. The cooperation and…”

“I hope we can work as productively this coming work period as we worked in the last work period. The cooperation and partnership that was demonstrated over this last work period is one that I hope we can model again. I say that because I am concerned about the precarious way with which we are starting this week. Senator Lott has filed a cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the estate tax, and then it is my understanding his intention is to file a cloture motion on the bill itself. I remind my colleagues that is exactly what got us into the position we were in prior to the Memorial Day recess. I hope we can work through that. I have offered Senator Lott a limit on the number of amendments to the estate tax bill and a time limit on the amendment. I am very disappointed that we are not able to do what we have been able to do on so many bills, and that is reach some sort of accommodation for both sides.”