Political Quotes

“I was present last night. We had a colloquy among ourselves not unlike what took place today. The Republican leader, Senator Frist, entrusted me with the management of this bill. It was my decision with regard to the votes. It was my decision that we file a cloture motion. I accept full responsibility for those decisions. I am proud of the way we operate on this side, where our leadership reposes in their managers those responsibilities; I accept them. If, in due course, it proves to be in error, I accept that responsibility. But I do believe, based on some 27 years of experience managing this bill, that we can achieve the opportunity for all Senators to have their amendments heard and voted upon in a timely manner. The matter of cloture, as it ripens on Tuesday, can be addressed by the leadership, in consultation with the managers, and a determination made as to whether it should or should not be invoked. I think that decision, in large measure, would be dependent on what we can achieve between now and Tuesday. I look upon this in a very positive way. I have confidence in this institution, confidence in the managers of this bill to see that it is done in a fair and proper manner and done in the best interests certainly of the men and women of the Armed Forces. I yield the floor.”