On the recordAugust 1, 2011
I made one mistake in my remarks--which is very unusual. The repeal of the National Mediation Board's decision language did in fact pass the House. I said it didn't. It never passed the Senate and has never been debated in the Senate. The committee of jurisdiction has never brought it up, never had a hearing, and it was not raised during any of the floor considerations in the Senate. I suggest that if we were operating under the rules the Senator from Utah wants to see happen, I don't think any of us would be here. I don't think there would be any mayors, Governors, or Senators, because most people don't vote. They would all be voting no. One way or another, we would not be here. It is ludicrous. I regret very much that this card is being played. I regret even more the fact the business community and the airline community, in particular, led by Delta, was so quiet during all of this. I got a message in the middle of this afternoon that the American Transportation Association, which is a legacy of the big airlines association, and Delta in particular, wanted to pass a clean bill of extension. Well, that doesn't work, Mr. President. It is so easy to say we would like to have it passed. But it is much too late to do anything about it. There are no phone calls. The whole thing is really a sham. It is very painful, and potentially very threatening, to West Virginia. I therefore object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas is recognized.
