I haven't quite finished the debate.
As a committee we have a responsibility to exercise due diligence. Due diligence requires that you take into account everything you had before you when you started the meeting, and you take into account the things that have been presented to you. The question is this: was there any reasonableness to the positions they took? Was there any basis to what they said?
By any reasonable standard, you would have to say all of them raised fair points that we hadn't previously taken into consideration. In fairness, they've raised some significant points regarding the impact this would have on previously negotiated agreements, on existing plans and benefits. They've raised some fair points.
Whether we in the end decide to accept those or not remains to be seen. If you can say that you've done your due diligence, that you've looked at the issues they've raised, and that you're satisfied that they have no merit, then I'm okay with that, but in fairness to yourself, your parties, your constituents, or your stakeholders, I don't think you can say that. You can't, and if you can't say it, why are you proceeding with this bill? What's the motivation? It can't be the best interests of those you represent. It cannot be.
I would urge you to think twice about proceeding not just with this clause, but with the entire bill. It should not go forward to the House and get reported without the amendments we agreed to and without consideration of those that were proposed.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.