William H. Frist: “in part in response to the distinguished Democratic leader, the week right now, with just Wednesday, Thursday…”

“in part in response to the distinguished Democratic leader, the week right now, with just Wednesday, Thursday, Friday--we have a lot to do. He looked ahead to next month. Again, that is the short list. We have a possible flag amendment, we have a possible gun liability, so July--in addition to stem cells and the others he mentioned, in addition to the appropriations. I say all that because we have Members who, on Mondays and Fridays say, We are not going to be there. This Friday, even though it is before a recess, we are going to be gone and we will have the opportunity to go back to our States and do all the things that are very important for us to do. But we need to keep plowing through, working Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I made it clear to my caucus if it is necessary we will be voting Friday. I don't want to give a time on Friday, but our colleagues right now in their minds say, well, it is Thursday, time to get out, we are on recess, and therefore we are not going to stick around. I want to put our side on notice, and I hope the distinguished Democratic leader will do likewise, because we have the appropriations bills--and I think there are several, Energy and Water--legislative branch should not take much time, but we have a number of others that will. Homeland Security is probably going to take some time to do. I again encourage our colleagues to offer amendments today, let's finish this bill, and then move on to other business.…”