Sen. Thomas' diligence and energy will be missed in the Senate chambers and I wish he and his family the best.

He could debate an issue more articulately than anyone I've seen in my 22 years in the Senate.

I am very glad the Senate has done this. We need to approach this in a family-centered way if treatment is going to be effective for the Guard member and the family.

I don't anticipate the Senate will leave it intact.

I think it will pass next week. It fell apart when the Lt. Governor adjourned the senate because they did not have a quorum.

The problem will be finding floor time, especially in the Senate, where Supreme Court nominations, appropriations bills, (budget) reconciliation, and post-Katrina/Rita measures leave little time for anything else, ... Steroids are likely to carry over to next year.