Mike Levin: “This amendment was presented to us this morning. I think we should make an effort to see if we can't bring this…”

“This amendment was presented to us this morning. I think we should make an effort to see if we can't bring this amendment somehow or other into compliance with the Budget Act so we can accomplish the important provisions that are in this amendment. This is a goal which has been sought on a bipartisan basis to try to improve the provision of health care services to our retirees. I think it is in all of our interests to see if we can't find a way that we can make this come into compliance with the Budget Act. I am particularly sensitive to the Budget Act's provisions. I am not sure Senator Domenici is with us today. I believe he was absent during the picture, for reasons with which we are familiar. In that case, I am wondering whether or not, because of the Budget Act implications of this amendment, the Senator might be willing to set this aside so we can determine if there are ways of achieving these important goals consistent with the Budget Act.”