What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from Congress.

Recent debates

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Senate

AGOA EXTENSION ACT--Continued

Official Congressional Record ↗

John Thune

Republican
“I want to have a vote between September 15 and September 23.”
Our translation 78% shorter

John Thune

Republican
“I want to schedule some votes and debates. I want to limit the time for debate. I want to require 60 votes to pass some things. I want to end this session and start a new one in September.”
Our translation 92% shorter

Ted Budd

Republican
“I want to end the quorum call. I want to withdraw some amendments and motions.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Ted Budd

Republican
“I want to stop a delay. I want to stop selling hemp products to kids. Kids are getting sick from these products. We voted on this 9 months ago. Now some people want to delay the bill. I think the delay is bad. I want to pass my amendment now. I don't want to wait until December. I don't think the delay will help research. I think the delay will make it harder to stop these products. I want my colleagues to support my amendment. I want to close this loophole now.”
Our translation 68% shorter

John Barrasso

Republican
“Not enough Senators are here to vote. Some would have voted no.”
Our translation 80% shorter

John Barrasso

Republican
“I am listing Senators who are absent. We voted on the bill. It passed.”
Our translation 81% shorter