Orrin Hatch: “I rise to express my frustration and disappointment with the decision of the majority leader yesterday that seems to…”

“I rise to express my frustration and disappointment with the decision of the majority leader yesterday that seems to have effectively precluded Republicans from offering amendments to the small business lending bill that is before us today. Let's understand one thing. Since the health care bill, we have not marked up one bill in the Finance Committee. That is just not right. These bills have been brought to the floor through a rule XIV parliamentary procedure without the impetus and agreement of all of us who are on the Finance Committee. I am not going to blame anybody for that other than to say I don't think that is the proper way to do things. Then we get here on the Senate floor and the majority leader fills up the amendment tree so that neither Republicans nor Democrats have a chance to amend this bill. Having said that, let me say that the majority leader has put forward this small business lending bill in an ostensible effort to help the economy create more jobs. Of course, this is what every Senator on both sides of the aisle wants to see happen. This is what every American wants to see happen. Yet once again we are faced with an 'it is my way or the highway' attitude in dealing with this legislation. Let me be clear. The small business lending bill before us includes many positive provisions. I commend those who have put them in there.”