[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20061]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 1727

  Mr. REID. First, let's take a look at the Christopher and Dana Reeve 
Paralysis Act, one key provision that has been obstructed. It is an 
important piece of legislation dealing with paralysis. This legislation 
would support and enhance cooperation in paralysis research, 
rehabilitation, and quality of life programs for people with paralysis. 
It authorizes grants and research funding for clinical rehabilitation 
of paralysis. The bill has been languishing on the Senate calendar for 
well more than a year and, I repeat, passed the House with extremely 
broad bipartisan support.
  Dr. Coburn's office has indicated on several occasions that, OK, 
let's pass this. But we have heard that before.
  I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from 
further consideration of H.R. 1727, the Christopher and Dana Reeve 
Paralysis Act, and the Senate proceed to its consideration, that the 
bill be read a third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, and there be no intervening action or debate.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection?
  Mr. COBURN. Reserving the right to object, will the Senate majority 
leader yield for a question?
  Mr. REID. Of course.
  Mr. COBURN. You sent over some 20 or 30 bills to our side. Is this 
one of those bills and has there been any change in what we have since 
our discussions?
  Mr. REID. This is the exact language from the House of 
Representatives.
  Mr. COBURN. Pending the time we get to review all of that, I will 
gladly accept a unanimous consent but, reserving the right to object, I 
will object at this time until I have a chance to look at the bills. 
They were given to us less than 20 minutes ago and we wish an 
opportunity to look at that. The majority leader has my word I will not 
object if that is the case.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I say to my friend, he has had more than a 
year to look at this. It is the exact bill from the House. Fine. Take a 
look at it. We will come back again.

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