Russ Feingold: “The Senator indicated we passed this provision before, and we had not. And if the Senator is not breaking the rules, why…”

“The Senator indicated we passed this provision before, and we had not. And if the Senator is not breaking the rules, why does he need to create language that explicitly reinstates the rule? He can't have it both ways--have language that says the rule doesn't apply in this instance but will go right back into effect. It clearly is breaking the rule, and the Senator is trying to set a precedent for all this. The aviation bill from the midnineties--I remember that one--they didn't have the votes to put in this special interest provision for Federal Express business. It is something that never passed any committee in the whole Congress. Yes, they violated the rules and abused the rules to get that one done, too. I wouldn't use that as a precedent. It is merely a precedent of the abuse that is occurring here.”