The Senate Stirs to Life

The Republicans in the Senate may be swamped. But the opportunity is at hand, says a veteran reporter, to break away from the Johnson Gag on sharp debate

There was confusion in the Senate press gallery. On the almost deserted floor below, 25 amendments to a pending three-billion-dollar housing bill had just been adopted en bloc. There had been no debate, no explanation, no vote, merely a bland assurance that the amendments represented worthy compromises approved by the leadership on both sides of the aisle. Not for the first time, irritated correspondents were forced to descend to the lounge, call senators off the floor, and ask the nature of legislation accepted by happy agreement of the few present.

WE

About the Author

Willard Edwards

Featured Tags

The Republicans in the Senate may be swamped. But the opportunity is at hand, says a veteran reporter, to break away from the Johnson Gag on sharp debate

There was confusion in the Senate press gallery. On the almost deserted floor below, 25 amendments to a pending three-billion-dollar housing bill had just been adopted en bloc. There had been no debate, no explanation, no vote, merely a bland assurance that the amendments represented worthy compromises approved by the leadership on both sides of the aisle. Not for the first time, irritated correspondents were forced to descend to the lounge, call senators off the floor, and ask the nature of legislation accepted by happy agreement of the few present.