Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my amendment, No. 186. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection?

Well, Madam President, I have been waiting all day, as all my colleagues, and I am on the Senate floor to offer an amendment. I am sorry the Senator thinks it is necessary to object. I am not sure what harm it causes to get another…

Mr. President, I am going to object to any unanimous consent requests until we have some understanding about when I will be allowed and others will be allowed to offer their amendments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas…

Madam President, I am sorry the Senator from Louisiana objects to my calling up the amendment and getting it pending. I was told--and, indeed, I think everyone is operating under the impression this is going to be an open amendment…

Our goal is for members of the Alliance to abide by the principle of 'in together, out together.'

It is sort of like the Federal Government and spending. Our debt keeps getting bigger and bigger.

I think too often the agencies believe that this is a nuisance to be avoided, and they do not treat the requester as a customer.

I think that was one of the most important things that we were able to do in the legislation, the Open Government Act, is to create an ombudsman that could help the requester narrow the request and to get what they want as opposed to…

I know you and I both believe, Mr. Chairman, that openness and transparency is essential to self-government.

I think part of the problem is not that it isn't worth fighting--because I do believe that it is.

Given the clear and immediate demand for more trainers and training options in Afghanistan, as well as India's willingness to provide substantial support to stability and security efforts in the region, should we encourage and invite India…