On the recordAugust 2, 2012
I will ask my colleagues, Senator McCain--I can give you 2\1/2\ minutes to you and Senator Chambliss. While they are going to their microphones, I want to say that they have been instrumental in trying to get a consensus bill. And they, like myself, are very disappointed that we are prematurely voting on a cloture motion when we have had no ability to amend the bill. I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to Senator McCain. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Arizona is recognized. Mr. McCAIN. Well, Mr. President, I want to again thank Senator Lieberman and Senator Collins for their willingness to negotiate seriously. I want to thank also Senator Chambliss as well as Senator Hutchison and many others, Senator Kyl and others. We have had large meetings, small meetings, medium-sized meetings. We have had discussions among various groups. I believe we sort of had the outlines of a framework that we could have had a certain number of amendments that we all agreed to that would be voted on. At the same time, we could prevail upon some of our colleagues not to have nongermane amendments. Unfortunately, the first amendment proposed by the majority leader has to do with tax cuts. Look, I say to my colleagues that I think we have developed a framework where we can move forward with a certain number of germane amendments. All of us appreciate how important this issue is. I don't see the need for this vote. Cloture will not be invoked.…
