Cord Byrd: “Actually, the question will be very easy to answer. But for the moment, I must say to the very distinguished Senator…”

“Actually, the question will be very easy to answer. But for the moment, I must say to the very distinguished Senator that this is one Senator who is not at all surprised at what he found. I can remember when we had Mr. Bremer before the Senate Appropriations Committee to be heard. I asked him, after a while during which he delivered testimony and answered questions, if he would be able to remain or come back before the committee for some additional questions--meaning the same day--if the chairman should ask him to do so. His answer was, ``I am too busy.'' I came back to our caucus on that day, and I believe he came to the caucus at the same time. I told this to my caucus while Mr. Bremer was there. It was a shocking thing to me--an individual claiming he is too busy, and yet he is asking for quite a great amount of money to be appropriated, $2 billion. I am not at all surprised at this. I believe as time goes on we will find more and more of these kinds of stories. I congratulate the distinguished Senator on the excellent work he is doing in bringing these things to light. Now the question: Will the distinguished Senator add me as a cosponsor to his amendment?”