On the recordJuly 21, 2011
I thank the Presiding Officer for his courtesy. I would say, forgive me if I am a little bit offended. I don't think it is wrong to be offended when the majority leader walks in here and says a piece of legislation that is critical, I believe, to the future of America is senseless, not worth discussing. He changes his mind entirely and is going to file a motion. I guess he figures he will have the majority Members of his party who will stick with him and kill off the legislation tomorrow morning. I think it is a very valid piece of legislation, an important piece of legislation, and the only piece of legislation in the Senate that would raise the debt ceiling. I think it is worthy of respect, it is worthy of full debate, and ought not to be demeaned in the way it has. I respect my friend, the majority leader. I am sure it is a frustrating job and every now and then you kind of say things maybe you wish you hadn't, but I don't think this is a senseless piece of legislation. I think it is important and worthy of the greatest consideration in the Senate. I thank Senator Lee for his efforts to promote it. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Hawaii.
