Thank you, Madam Chair.
We've had only six hours of committee this week, Madam Chair. We had four hours yesterday, interrupted by bells. We were extended a little bit in the evening. We've done only two hours today. We still have another four hours to go through today, another two hours Wednesday and another two hours Thursday. Then, of course, we go into next week.
I don't think it's fair to send in the amendments when half of our witnesses haven't even come to committee. They're changing every hour, as you know. The clerk updates the schedule every 30 minutes, it seems, where somebody is dropping out or somebody is coming in. Those who drop out may want to come back at a later time. The time may not have suited them. Even today I saw lots of changes. Yesterday there were many changes.
Madam Chair, I think we should prepare next week for the amendments. We've all agreed to the 20 hours. If we need more, fine. I think it would be fair that we go through this week's testimony and get prepared for next Monday. I can't even tell you right now who's coming on Monday. I don't think it's fair to ask committee members to prepare amendments when we really have no idea who's coming on Monday.
As I said, they're dropping off like flies. Somebody comes in or somebody decides at the last moment it's not a good date. We've had some written recommendations, but I don't think it's fair for the committee to plan the amendments when, really, we haven't completed the witness list and heard from all.
I'll tell you, Madam Chair, that I may have a different opinion after I hear from everyone. I may drop an amendment that I heard on a Wednesday or a Thursday this week if somebody who came in Monday gave a different view. I don't think it's fair to the clerk and all those involved if, all of a sudden, no, we don't want that amendment because we heard a different view on Monday that opened up a whole new discussion.
I would just bring that forward for your consideration.