Political Quotes

“just in closing, on my behalf, the whole purpose of submitting this resolution today is to further elevate the debate in recognition that things change in the Senate over time. As we look back over the cherished history we all share--and it is our heritage--things today are different, and there are times for the rules to change. When you even contemplate changing the rules, you have to give a great deal of thought and debate and discussion, and that is what is underway today in submitting this resolution. I believe it is a reasonable, commonsense way of addressing an approach to addressing the issue. I look forward to the continued debate, in referring it to the appropriate committee, where that debate can begin. And we can be commenting on the floor itself. Again, this proposal is a bit different from the others that have been submitted in the past. It is similar in many ways in drawing upon previous legislation. It is different in the fact that it is narrow and applies to nominations; that there is this 12-hour period to give adequate time to have the debate and discussion; to start off with a threshold that is 60 votes, but over a period of 4 steps comes down to ultimately what is a majority vote of those present. The only other difference is the cloture votes would be filed sequentially.”