[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EDUCATION SAVINGS ACT FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I thought I would just take a moment 
while we were negotiating here on the next vote and our schedule, to 
comment briefly on the cloture vote that we have just taken. It is 
clear that within our caucus there are varying positions with regard to 
the Coverdell bill. Obviously, it is our desire to accommodate all of 
our colleagues as we attempt to work through those positions, for we 
recognize the importance of a good debate about the issue.
  The bill, as we all know, was brought to the floor in an unusual set 
of circumstances. It passed the House and was not sent to the Finance 
Committee as most tax legislation is. It was sent directly to the desk 
and pulled from the desk for consideration. And a cloture motion was 
filed immediately, precluding Senators' rights to offer amendments, 
including relevant amendments. So it was on the basis of procedure, and 
our inability to offer amendments, that many of my colleagues have 
chosen to oppose cloture this morning.
  It is my hope that we can work with our colleagues to come up with an 
agreement that will allow the consideration of amendments. Democrats 
need to protect their rights to offer amendments regardless of the 
legislation, but especially on matters relating to tax matters. And 
that is, in essence, the concern that we express in our opposition to 
cloture this morning. Let's have a good debate. Let's offer amendments. 
Let's have an opportunity to consider alternatives. But let's ensure 
that the normal process, the regular order, is adhered to as we take up 
matters of this import.
  So that is, in essence, the situation we find ourselves in this 
morning. On the basis of procedure, given our inability to offer 
amendments to the bill, many of our colleagues found it necessary to 
oppose cloture. It is my hope that over the course of the next couple 
of days we can come to some resolution with regard to amendments and 
therefore have the kind of debate we should have--the opportunity to 
discuss this issue and consider the bill in more detail. I believe that 
ultimately we can resolve this impasse.
  I thank Senators for giving me the opportunity to provide that 
explanation. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LOTT. I think we are ready to go with the regular order.

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