Thomas Daschle: “We recognize that we have to get our work done in that regard, but we also recognize that there will be gaps, that there…”

“We recognize that we have to get our work done in that regard, but we also recognize that there will be gaps, that there are other needs out there, legislatively, and there can be no greater needs than the request we made yesterday about a Patients' Bill of Rights consideration and the request we make today on campaign finance reform. Why? Because the House has already acted on both bills. So the response we got today, as I noted, was disappointing because we are trying to be reasonable. We are suggesting that only relevant amendments be offered. We are suggesting that we lay the bill aside to finish our work on appropriations bills. We would be prepared to suggest other options. In fact, I would even go so far--and I haven't talked to my colleagues about this, so I am premature in making this offer, but just for the record I would be willing to accept a vote, up or down, on the Shays-Meehan bill--no questions asked; no amendments.”