Chris Dodd: “I don't disagree with the substance of his sense-of-the-Senate resolution, whether it is on an authorization bill or an…”

“I don't disagree with the substance of his sense-of-the-Senate resolution, whether it is on an authorization bill or an appropriations bill. This body has spoken out unanimously expressing outrage over the atrocities in Chechnya. I will say, on behalf of the Secretary of State and the President, that this matter has been raised by them with their counterparts at the highest levels, including a summit a few days ago when the President met with President Putin in Russia. I know the Secretary of State has raised it on numerous occasions in conversations I have had with her and others have had in hearings. There is a sense, somewhat, of redundancy here, in that all of us have expressed this view, at the executive branch level and at the legislative branch level. I think the word has certainly gone forth directly to Mr. Putin on behalf of the President of the United States through our Department of State and through resolutions passed here. I have no objection at all to the resolution and don't disagree with any of the substance of it. But Madeleine Albright has conducted herself admirably in this regard, as has the President. We all hope the tragedy there will end and a political resolution will be what results from their efforts, and that the atrocities will stop.”