Leahy frustrated by slow progress on patent reform bill

Floor manager for the Patent Reform Act, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) commented Wednesday about the slow progress the Senate was making on his bill.

“So much time is being wasted here,” said Leahy. “I think it's a little bit frustrating to the public to watch. They saw us sit in several hours of quorum calls and then have an amendment pass 97-2. I would hope that we might move with a little bit more speed.”

In particular Leahy said senators who had amendments were slow in bringing them to the floor.

“I wish we could complete it,” said Leahy. “I understand there are a couple of senators who may have amendments who are — I'm not sure where they are, but I’m sure they will show up at some point.”

Leahy used a Biblical reference to explain how the amendment process might work if senators would just bring their ideas to floor.

“As the gospel says many are called, and few are chosen,” said Leahy. “It may be the same thing with some of the amendments but ultimately we will conclude.”

Following Leahy’s remarks, which were echoed by Republican co-manager Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the floor lay dormant in the afternoon.

Only a growing pile of paper on a desk near the front of the chamber indicated that further amendments might be considered by the body later Wednesday.