Joe Barton: “You don't just stand up and say, you know, we have this agreement, and hug, and everybody just loves each other.”

You can tell that you have been president of a national organization. I am throwing you softballs, and you are being very ecumenical.

I was in Senate Chamber trying to prevent a hold on H.R. 7217. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 434. ____________________

But I also think I speak for the majority and the minority that we hope that this is something that can move reasonably expeditiously and that means actually end up in a bill the President signs in this Congress.

I want to thank Congressman Rush for working with me as one of the two lead bipartisan sponsors.