Thomas Daschle: “It is clear that within our caucus there are varying positions with regard to the Coverdell bill. Obviously, it is our…”

“It is clear that within our caucus there are varying positions with regard to the Coverdell bill. Obviously, it is our desire to accommodate all of our colleagues as we attempt to work through those positions, for we recognize the importance of a good debate about the issue. The bill, as we all know, was brought to the floor in an unusual set of circumstances. It passed the House and was not sent to the Finance Committee as most tax legislation is. It was sent directly to the desk and pulled from the desk for consideration. And a cloture motion was filed immediately, precluding Senators' rights to offer amendments, including relevant amendments. So it was on the basis of procedure, and our inability to offer amendments, that many of my colleagues have chosen to oppose cloture this morning. It is my hope that we can work with our colleagues to come up with an agreement that will allow the consideration of amendments. Democrats need to protect their rights to offer amendments regardless of the legislation, but especially on matters relating to tax matters. And that is, in essence, the concern that we express in our opposition to cloture this morning. Let's have a good debate. Let's offer amendments. Let's have an opportunity to consider alternatives.”