Cord Byrd: “There is no question. No farther back than August 21, I read in the newspapers that the President was concerned about…”

“There is no question. No farther back than August 21, I read in the newspapers that the President was concerned about the agitation, about all of the commotion--these are my words--that is taking place here concerning his--the President's--plan. Secretary Rumsfeld on that occasion referred to this agitation as a ``frenzy''. That is my recollection. Go back and check; no farther than August 23. Here we were being told there were no such plans. As we approach it, the drive is on. We are being stampeded. They are saying, Oh, the vote will take place this week. Why all the hurry? I hope we will have an opportunity to debate this resolution. We haven't had a full opportunity to debate this resolution. It has just been modified overnight. Nobody has really had an opportunity to debate each whereas clause. There are amendments that are going to be offered. We are not going to have a chance to debate those amendments. The distinguished Senator from Michigan has an important amendment.”