Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHUMER. Let me just say, I think on both sides of the aisle there is a real desire to try to work things out so we can have more debate, more discussion. It seems to me, from the years I have been here--not as long as either leader--there has always been sort of a way the place worked, particularly in the old days when it worked better: The majority sets the agenda. That is their right as majority. The minority has the right to offer amendments--both--amendments that might change that agenda and amendments that, frankly, might be tough to vote for so the minority can capture the majority again. That has been fair.

But it seems to me that what my friend the Republican leader is saying is: We want all the amendments we want, but we are still going to filibuster any bill you bring up. Maybe a few have said: If our amendments pass on the other side, maybe we won't filibuster. But that is not much of a fair deal.

So I would suggest that what the Democratic leader has suggested is eminently fair. It gives the minority--no matter who it is--their time-honored right to offer amendments, difficult amendments. That is part of the deal. But it gives the majority the right to set the agenda and not have the things they bring forward filibustered ipso facto and not be allowed to come to a vote.

It is in fact true, as I understand it, that a couple of those who are offering amendments on the other side of the aisle have stated that if their amendment doesn't pass, they won't allow us to come to a vote.

So I hope we could proceed along the way the majority leader suggests and not to simply offer amendments--relevant, not relevant; germane, not germane--and then make it almost certain the bill will be filibustered and that we won't be able to get an up-or-down vote. All we are asking is an up-or-down vote on employment insurance.

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