Max Baucus

Mr. BAUCUS

Mr. BAUCUS. I ask unanimous consent for 5 more minutes, evenly divided.

Mr. BAUCUS. However, an analysis by the Urban Institute found we could have done a better job back in the year 2003. Despite the immediacy and complexity of the situation, the fiscal relief was delayed and uniform. Some States were forced to take action before relief was available. Because the economic downturn of each State varied, some States didn't get enough assistance, and some States got assistance at the wrong time. Let's learn from our mistakes. The partially targeted approach of this package will be better. It will give all States some assistance, a method that is effective and simple. But it will also give more money to States with the greatest need, which will help ensure we get the biggest bang for our buck. These are difficult times, but our country is resilient. We are proud as Americans of our resiliency. We must draw on the wisdom of our Founding Fathers and stick together. We are more than a country. We are a union of States. Let us remember the good judgment of Alexander Hamilton and come together as a nation to help each of our States. Over the Presiding Officer is our national motto, ``e pluribus unum.'' It could not be more appropriate than at this moment.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I do not see any speakers here. I will yield back that time, unless the Senator from Vermont wishes to speak. I yield back that time so we can get to the vote. I yield back the time. Amendment No. 306, as Modified

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I urge Senators to accept this amendment.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I yield back the time.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, we have looked at this amendment and think it is a good one. We are prepared to accept it.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, there are a series of amendments under the order under which Senators can call up specified amendments. I would like to go back and forth, Republican and Democrat and so forth. I also urge Senators to enter into time agreements for their speeches when they call up their amendments. I urge us now to move to amendment No. 501, called up by Senators Conrad and Graham. Let me ask Senator Conrad what kind of time agreement might be reasonable for him.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I make that request.

Mr. BAUCUS. I ask unanimous consent the time on the Conrad-Graham amendment be limited to 10 minutes.

Mr. BAUCUS. I might say to my good friend from Vermont, there is a previous order entered into which listed amendments under which Senators could call up their amendments. I think it is about 10 or 12, roughly. I do not see the name of the Senator on this list. Following disposition of this list, we will then enter a different period when different action can be taken by the Senate. I would have to consult with the leader to see what he wants to do following disposition of this list.

Mr. BAUCUS. I say to my friend, there are many Senators who approached me, asking if we could take up their amendment following this list of amendments now. I cannot give a specific answer to any Senator at this point except to say that we will go through this list we are on right now under which Senators can call up amendments, and I will be consulting with the leader to try to figure out what is the next order of business. I will make it as fair as possible. I think the Senator will acknowledge that all day long--yesterday--we have gone back and forth to try to make it fair for both sides. But I cannot say what the exact procedure will be following the disposition of these amendments. I will try my very best to accommodate the Senator, as I will every other Senator, but I have to consult with the leader first to know what that is.

Mr. BAUCUS. I appreciate that very much.

Mr. BAUCUS. I renew my request that the time on the Conrad-Graham amendment be limited to 10 minutes.

Mr. BAUCUS. I misunderstood. Ten each. That is the request.

Mr. BAUCUS. That is a good question. Five minutes to the Senator from Connecticut to speak in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. BAUCUS. I ask unanimous consent that 10 more minutes be allocated to the Conrad-Graham amendment, equally divided, because there are some who still want to speak in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, the Senator from Arizona is absolutely correct. It has been a good debate we have had on the Dodd-Conrad- Graham issue. The next amendment that can be called up on the list would be on the Republican side of the aisle. I don't know who wants to call up his amendment next, but someone on the Republican side of the aisle should do so, and I am hoping perhaps we could enter into some kind of time agreement.

Mr. BAUCUS. Say 10 minutes equally divided; is that all right?

Mr. BAUCUS. Grassley No. 297. There would be a time limit for debate only, no vote on the amendment.

Mr. BAUCUS. Ten minutes equally divided has been the suggestion.

Mr. BAUCUS. We could, equally divided.

Mr. BAUCUS. I appreciate that, but unfortunately there are Senators on this side of the aisle who want to speak in opposition, and the total time they want to use is more than 4 minutes. I will hold it to 20 minutes equally divided.

Mr. BAUCUS. I appreciate that, but if we don't get an agreement, it is going to be longer. So discretion being the better part of valor, I suggest 20 minutes equally divided.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, in the spirit of agreement, there will now be an amendment on the Democratic side. I suggest Senator Cantwell be recognized for the purpose of calling up her amendment. I ask the Senator to agree to a time agreement of 10 minutes equally divided. I think it is going to be accepted.

Mr. BAUCUS. Ten minutes equally divided.