[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13858]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      SERIOUS DEBATE IN THE SENATE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, this afternoon the Senate will engage 
in a debate of immense importance to our country. I again ask every 
Senator to reflect upon its gravity.
  At its heart, this is about more than just the short term prospects 
of one agreement or the long-term legacy of one President or the narrow 
interests of one political party. Wrapped within are larger questions 
about the prospects for stability in a region, the potential for safety 
in a nation, and the continued role for our country in a dangerous and 
uncertain world.
  We can't escape these questions. Their answers carry the potential to 
touch every American and future generations.
  The American people deserve our deliberate and considered responses. 
They deserve a Senate that can rise to the moment. Tired talking points 
won't get us there. A filibuster won't do it, either. But here is what 
will: Respecting each other will get us there. Serious discussion will 
get us there. A debate worthy of the moment will get us there. So that 
is what I am calling for again today.
  I ask every Senator to join me at their desks this afternoon so that 
we might listen to colleagues as well as debate colleagues. A serious 
debate and an open vote on this issue is the very least our country 
should expect. That is the least we should be able to give them.

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