FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Motion to Proceed

Floor Speech

FISA AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008--MOTION TO PROCEED -- (Senate - June 25, 2008)

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Mr. DURBIN. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Mr. ENSIGN. In a moment. I would say in closing that people have said--we can't do this. The House of Representatives would object because it isn't ``paid for.'' Well, there is $2.4 billion in unoffset tax provisions included in the Dodd/Shelby amendment and a large amount of this does not even relate to housing. Why should the House of Representatives accept $2.4 billion worth in tax incentives not paid for and object to our clean energy tax provisions at the same time? That is an example of why there is inconsistency in objecting to our amendment being voted on.

I yield for a question.

Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I would like to ask, through the Chair, the Senator from Nevada if he could tell me the name of the State that has had 17 consecutive months leading the Nation in foreclosures.

Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, there is no question that the whole country is facing a housing crisis and it is not just housing; it actually is leading to a liquidity problem, and my State like others has experienced difficulties. I wish to solve this problem, and improve this bill with the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus amendment----

Mr. REID. Madam President, regular order.

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