[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER

  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The minority leader is recognized.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I thank everyone who has worked with us 
to get to this point. We have had a very good debate. We have many 
amendments to be considered today. I hope we can have a good debate on 
those that are yet to be offered.
  We have tried to protect Senators who have indicated a desire yet to 
offer amendments following the stacked votes. I need to discuss with 
the majority leader his plans for the conference. Obviously, I have 
noted, both to him personally as well as publicly, that before we are 
able to go to conference, we need to have assurances that the Democrats 
will be at the table and that we will be working in conference, unlike 
what is now happening on energy as well as prescription drugs and other 
bills. So I will talk with him through today on that and hope to reach 
some accommodation with regard to the importance of having a full 
conference on this bill, given the differences that now exist between 
the Senate and House versions of the legislation.
  I look forward to the votes ahead and appreciate everybody's help.

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