Joe Lieberman: “I oppose it intensely. I have great respect for the sponsor. But I appreciate it being put forward because, more than…”

“I oppose it intensely. I have great respect for the sponsor. But I appreciate it being put forward because, more than any other amendment that we have heard or will hear on this bill, it frames the issue. The question that Senator Byrd's amendment forces every Senator to answer is, Do you want to create a Department of Homeland Security anytime soon? Do you have a feeling of urgency about the disorganization of our Federal Government's response to the terrorist threat, and do you want to respond to it anytime soon? With all respect, this amendment eviscerates the proposal that came out of our committee, the bipartisan proposal. As I have said earlier in the debate, it builds a house and leaves only the attic with a few people up on top. It creates an army to protect America and the rest of the world against terrorism with a few generals and no soldiers underneath. To say that it strengthens our proposal is like telling somebody who owns a house that you are strengthening their house by removing the foundation. It puts at issue what we have done. I do not see how anyone can vote for this amendment and say they are for adopting and creating a Department of Homeland Security soon.”