Pete Domenici: “one of the most difficult negotiations in this bill was getting the language that prohibited the finalization of SMDs…”

“one of the most difficult negotiations in this bill was getting the language that prohibited the finalization of SMDs until July 1, 2005. Other Senators wanted a longer time. Some wanted a shorter time. Well, Senator Bingaman changes the language surrounding that July 2005 agreement. Frankly, I would be letting down all of those different groups that worked together to negotiate the language that said the finalization of SMDs will be delayed until July 1, 2005; by changing the words around it, all kinds of groups will be saying we have let them down; we changed what we agreed to. In other words, I regret to say that the exact words surrounding this 2005 letter expansion are binding. The point is, it will work like it is. It might work like he wants it to work but the problem is we agreed to these words. Believe me, I am not agreeing to words just for words. They will work. It is just that the distinguished Senator would like to be more precise, more specific, his way.”