Political Quotes

“That is always our hope. It doesn't work out the way we wish frequently, but it is always our hope that the way it should work--at least theoretically--around here is that should be what the appropriators do. That has not worked out that way in I don't know how many recent years. The Senator and I have had some discussions about that. When I first got here, many years ago, that was an issue which had not been resolved. But I think what the Senator sets out is the hope that the appropriators would look at our authorizations and follow our authorizations. Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Senator from Michigan. I finally wish to comment. I am more than hoping. I intend to identify those areas of difference between the authorizing committee and the Appropriations Committee, and fully expect the appropriating committee--unless there is some overriding reason--to conform with the authorization bill. Again, I thank Senator Levin and his staff for the work we are doing. And I thank the leadership. I thank Senator Reid for bringing the bill to the floor. I know he has a lot of important priorities, but I believe it is very important that we continue an over half-century tradition of the Senate taking up, passing, and then finally seeing enacted into law the Defense authorization bill.…”