[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 64 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ISSUES FOR THE SENATE TO CONSIDER

  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, there are a lot of issues in the Senate 
with which we ought to be dealing. Most of the important issues we are 
avoiding. Now, there exists in this Congress something called a 
Patients' Bill of Rights. It is in conference and we can't get it back. 
Why? Because big money interests have decided they want to block it; 
they don't want a Patients' Bill of Rights. We ought to have that on 
the floor of the Senate and the House, out of this conference, and we 
should pass a decent Patients' Bill of Rights.
  We ought to be able to employ the opportunities to offer amendments 
on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act when it is here and 
strengthen this country's education system. But are we able to do that? 
No.
  We also have a juvenile justice bill that is trying to close a 
loophole in gun shows. When you buy a gun, you have to run your name 
through an instant check to see whether you are a felon. If you are a 
felon, you don't have the right to own a gun. It would close the gun 
show loophole. Now you can go to a gun show and buy a gun and you don't 
have to run your name against anything. A felon can buy a gun, 
regrettably. That is not anti-gun; it is a moderate, thoughtful step to 
extend the instant check. That is in the juvenile justice bill. That is 
not on the floor of the Senate.
  This Senate has been at parade rest for some long while. It is time 
to take action on the things the American people want us to act on. We 
ought to deal with a Patients' Bill of Rights, and we ought to bring to 
the floor of the Senate the legislation that deals with the gun show 
loophole in the juvenile justice bill. We ought to have an opportunity 
to debate the Elementary and Secondary Education Act without somebody 
hovering and saying: Before you do that, I have to approve the 
amendments you offer. There are no gatekeepers here. The rules of the 
Senate don't provide for gatekeepers.

  In the coming months, we have the opportunity to address health care, 
education, juvenile justice, and things that matter in this country. 
The only reason they are not on the floor of the Senate with extended 
debate, or out of conference which exists now, is because the 
leadership doesn't want them on the floor of the Senate. I must say 
that in the coming weeks and months we intend to do everything we can 
possibly do within the rules of this Senate to make sure those are the 
issues we debate in the Senate this year.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the time until 1 
p.m. shall be under the control of the Senator from Wyoming, or his 
designee.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Bennett). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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