Thomas Daschle: “those of us who have spent this long day on the floor recognize that there has been an absence in our caucus-- and I…”

“those of us who have spent this long day on the floor recognize that there has been an absence in our caucus-- and I think both of our caucuses have noted his absence--and that is the distinguished assistant Democratic leader. Normally, he would have been moving around the floor for the last several hours, working with the managers and making sure things were done in an orderly way. Our dear friend Senator Reid has attended a funeral of one of his very close friends today. I want the Record to show the only reason he missed the votes and was not here to help orchestrate our successful conclusion of the budget is because of his need to be in Nevada. I thought it was important we make note of that in the Record.”