Cord Byrd: “If this is compassion, the shedding of tears means nothing. Where is the compassion when it comes to spending money to…”

“If this is compassion, the shedding of tears means nothing. Where is the compassion when it comes to spending money to send our men and women overseas, with all of this big, loose talk that we hear, and we are spending money hand over fist. Nobody suggests cutting a nickel or a dime when it comes to putting money in the military. There is no across-the-board cut there. The taxpayers elect us to make careful choices. So I thank the distinguished Senator for bringing out this inequity. The Women, Infants and Children Program, which provides essential sources and nutrition to millions of low-income families, would be cut by $138 million. If food costs and program demands continue to climb, this cut could mean that 224,689 eligible women, infants, and children could be turned away from the WIC program later in the year. At a time of heightened concern about the safety of our Nation's food supply, the Food Safety Inspection Service would be cut by $22 million, eliminating the salaries of 490 food safety inspectors. Last fall, at an Intelligence Committee hearing, FBI Director Mueller testified. He said: I have a hard time telling the country that you should be comfortable-- This is Mr. Mueller talking. The Director said that the FBI is focusing on the threat of terrorists who would use military action against Iraq as a pretext to strike America. That is what he said. That is not what I am saying. That is what he said.”