Thomas Daschle: “I fully appreciate the suggestion made by the distinguished Republican leader, the majority leader. Clearly, we have to…”

“I fully appreciate the suggestion made by the distinguished Republican leader, the majority leader. Clearly, we have to resolve what we can resolve. I know a good deal of effort has been put forth in getting us to this point. But that does not acknowledge the urgency with which we have to address all of those people who are not considered in this resolution. The Senator mentioned the fact that our Republican colleagues in the House have chosen to recess tomorrow. You do not have the luxury of recessing if you are unemployed. You do not have the luxury of recessing if there is no other option for you but to seek unemployment compensation. I hope, as Senator Reid has suggested, that we continue to find a way this afternoon to address this second group of people who need help, this 750,000 to 1 million people who are not covered in this resolution. I think he is right. I don't think we ought to leave until we get the job done this afternoon. There is no reason why we can't complete our work on both groups today, and I urge my colleagues to stay until we get the job done.”