Thomas Daschle: “I acknowledge that in the case of country-of-origin labeling, the House and Senate had two different positions. I would…”

“I acknowledge that in the case of country-of-origin labeling, the House and Senate had two different positions. I would say, though, that on the issue of overtime, on the issue of media concentration in particular, both had rollcall votes cast in the House and in the Senate taking strong positions in opposition to what has now been presented to us in conference. My earlier remarks expressed the deep concern for the institution when in conference there is an ability on the part of a few people to override the majority in both the House and Senate on issues as important as these. So I think we have to be concerned about democracy and about our Republic as occasions such as this arise. Maybe it is not unprecedented, but I don't care how unprecedented or precedented it may be, it is a bad practice. I believe it ought to be stopped. I also expressed this morning my concern about media concentration. I will not elaborate, except to say I am troubled when not only the White House but those in the House who hold a different position can override the majorities in the House and Senate.”