The Senate met today to go over a number of pieces of legislation, most notably the Revenue and Appropriations Bill, what most of us call the budget. And while the Senate has no power to block money bills, it can debate it and vigorous, unbridled debate was expected, particularly from the independent members of the Senate. But it never happened - that's because the Opposition, and the independent Senators were sleeping at the wheel! All except for Godwin Hulse, who, as he explained, was just taking a rest.
Senator Godwin Hulse, Business Sector
"I don't know we got ambushed on the budget debate but I slipped out to go back there and by the time I came back I heard if there is no debate and I said well I don't have to worry about that, I am trying to hit the bathroom and I said my colleagues will jump up and talk for hours and I heard we're reading for a second time. That is a first in history, that's really a first in history that nobody jumped up to debate the budget. I was halfway man, I just kind of dashed out here before the second one happened."
Senator Diego Bol, Opposition
"I first want to make mention that yes somehow the debate for the budget slipped us this year but we believe that the debate that was put out by our members in the House of Representatives was well heard and Mr. President. If we would have again spent hours and hours debating the budget this afternoon, for the government it would mean nada."
