Pete Domenici: “If the Senator will modify the amendment so the money is taken out of the contingency fund instead of the tax cut it…”

“If the Senator will modify the amendment so the money is taken out of the contingency fund instead of the tax cut it will be passed. Otherwise, we will have to wait and see what we can do. I will take a minute in response to the Senators who spoke for a tax number considerably lower than the President's. I heard the number was $1.25 trillion. I heard both of the Senators on the other side, led by Senator Breaux, say we ought to have a bipartisan approach. The President came to town and they are quite sure this is what he would like because it is bipartisan. I remind everybody what I am willing to do as chairman of the Budget Committee, to make sure the Senate understands--each and every Senator and those who report for them--we are asking for the President's proposal. I have heard him now more than 10 times clarify this. They ask him: What about $1.25 trillion, Mr. President? What about $1.4 trillion, Mr. President? Of course he is good-natured; he listens and he says: I think that is too low. I think that is too low. They ask for a higher amount because some want more than 1.6, and he says that is too high and 1.6 is just about right. Those who are suggesting they are doing what the President is seeking when they are asking for $1.25 trillion instead of $1.6 trillion, that is their proposal. That is not the President's proposal. It may be they will prevail and we won't get the President's proposal.”