Tim Kaine: “My experience on every committee I have been on is that we leave it to a markup in the committee with a simple majority…”

“My experience on every committee I have been on is that we leave it to a markup in the committee with a simple majority, not allowing a simple majority amendment process in committee, but saying ``no, we will give you some amendments on the floor with a 60-vote threshold'' is not the same thing. It doesn't respect an individual's ability to try to persuade the majority of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, that it is a good idea or not. That is why this bill was not sent to committee but just put on the floor. So I don't view that as fair, to respond. I get Senator Scott, and I appreciate him saying that we should have open amendments on the floor. But depriving people the ability to offer open amendments in a simple majority--can I convince the majority of my colleagues in the committee?--that is already stacking the deck, in my view.”