I heard various comments, too, from the other side. They're talking about it being the first time it has really been debated. In fairness, I believe this is the first time this has been studied in committee. I'm not sure, especially after this many years of talk, that taking two days when we're three weeks before Christmas is enough time to have a proper discussion with proper witnesses.
On December 5th, 2006. See this statement in context.