So you can increase taxes on an industry and it will have no impact on price to consumers, is what you are saying?

Will you agree with me, if you increase taxes on domestic production of energy, it will necessarily increase our dependence on imported energy?

My suggestion to you is, that if the President would invite those two individuals, along with House leadership, over to the White House and say, How can we work together to fix this problem, it would be a dramatically constructive move.

isn't it true that about 97 percent of the income taxes that are paid in America today are paid by the top 50 percent of income earners?

If the President is disengaged, it will not happen. It will not happen.

It is just unacceptable, and we are going to have continuing problems unless you and I can work out some solution.

Madam President, there are a long list of bills that pass on a regular basis by unanimous consent, and it is like--we are almost focused on the exception rather than the rule. There are many times--a lot of times; I can't quantify…

Madam President, may I inquire how much more time there is on our side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Three-and-a-half minutes.

Madam President, I am going to ask unanimous consent, with the indulgence of my colleagues, to allow me to speak for up to 10 minutes. I probably will speak about 5 minutes or so, unless I get particularly wound up, which could take 10…

I thank the Chair. Madam President, I think we are playing with fire when we talk about amending the Senate rules. All of us have been here for different periods of time. I have been here for 8 years, which actually sounds like a long…

I appreciate the question from my friend, the Senator from Iowa. That is not what I am suggesting. But I do think we need to have a process which allows for an opportunity for amendments and debate. And if we do not have a process…