Thomas Daschle: “I come to the floor to talk briefly about a matter that we have been especially concerned about in recent months, and…”

“I come to the floor to talk briefly about a matter that we have been especially concerned about in recent months, and that has to do with the Corps of Engineers. Prior to that, I rise to express my disappointment that we were not able to get to the electronic signature bill conference report today. I thought we had worked out all of the problems. Now, as I understand it, there are some problems on the Republican side. I hope it won't be held up too much longer. We need to get on with that legislation, and we have been trying to move this bill to conference now for some time. We had worked out our concerns with regard to representation, and I was certain we would be able to finish that work today. But given the problems there now appear to be on the Republican side, I am hopeful we can resolve those no later than tomorrow. I am reminded, again, as we file cloture, that the motion to invoke cloture is a motion to end debate. I am always amused by that phrase, 'end debate.' How do you end debate that you haven't even started? That is what we are being asked to do on Thursday, end debate on a tax bill that didn't go to the committee, on a tax bill that hasn't had one hearing. How is it that we would limit Senators' rights to offer amendments when those considerations are paramount as we consider a tax bill--a gas tax bill?”