[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5305]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. REID. I would say that on the amendments filed--I think there are 
about 9 or 10 pending amendments--all but one are not germane. The one 
that is germane, I believe, is Senator Snowe's amendment. It is my 
understanding that Senator Murray may have had one today that appears 
to be germane. We want to dispose of this, if cloture is invoked, which 
we feel comfortable it will be; those two should have the opportunity 
for a vote.
  So this is a good piece of legislation. Does it solve all of the 
housing problems? Of course not. But it is a step in the right 
direction. It is imperfect. I have to say as an indication of how good 
it is, we are not happy on this side, and they, the Republicans, are 
not happy on that side. But we are working together, and this 
legislation I can defend anyplace. It is a good piece of legislation. 
Do I think it would be better if we have the bankruptcy provision? Of 
course I do. But it is not there.
  This is a very strong package. I look forward to passing it. I think 
it sets the proper tone for the many things we have to accomplish in 
the Senate this work period. We have the patent bill. That is very 
difficult. We have the highway technical corrections, the supplemental 
appropriations bill. The only way we can get that done is by working 
together. We have a number of other issues we need to work on. So I am 
happy we are able to work together at this point on this very important 
housing legislation.
  There will be no votes in the morning. We tried to work things out so 
that we would have some votes on some of the germane amendments, but in 
trying to do that, people who have nongermane amendments would not 
allow us to do that.
  The cloture vote will be at 2:15 as we have announced.

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