OCR Text |
Show A STACKED COMMITTEE 165 "If I may yield to the distinguished Senator from Colorado for the colloquy on this particular subject without losing the floor, I shall be happy to do so," Malone said in a strained voice.182 Millikin's voice was so low that several senators moved closer to him to hear his words. It grew louder as he remarked that ten senators were sponsors of S. 1555, and "they are dead serious about having it passed. Those ten senators are aware of the situation which prevails. They do not wish to inflict unnecessary impositions on their colleagues." The heavy, slow Millikin was a sick man. His career was nearing an end. Now he seemed to be struggling to get his words out. "If we were willing to postpone consideration of the subject until the first of the next session, I wonder whether we could have any assurance that it would be considered at an early date. Of course, I understand that no senator can be assured of being here at the next Congress - there might be some change by way of acci- dent or mistake. In such event, I should like to ask both the majority leader and the minority leader whether they can assure us that this bill, or a similar bill, will be brought up for the consideration of the Senate and for a decision very early in the next Congress." Minority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas: "Mr. President, speaking only for myself, because I am the only person for whom I can speak, and I am not sure I can give assurances for next January, because we shall have an election in Texas in November." Mr. Millikin: "My remarks left leeway." Mr. Johnson of Texas: "The people might make a great mistake, but I hope they will not." |