Cord Byrd: “Mr. President, I speak with reference to the Conrad amendment No. 264, which was voted on earlier today. I had hoped to…”

“Mr. President, I speak with reference to the Conrad amendment No. 264, which was voted on earlier today. I had hoped to speak prior to the vote on that amendment, but I was unable to do so. Mr. President, the amendment that was before the Senate at that time was one of simple common sense. The President, last night, spoke to the Nation of imminent military action. The American people know that war is looming. The Senate knows that war is looming. And yet the budget resolution before the Senate ignores that war. It ignores the obvious costs that are staring all of us square in the face. This Senate ought to be up front with the Nation and anticipate the costs of war in this budget. Last night, I went to the White House with a number of my colleagues from this body and from the other body. The message I carried was a simple one. I will support the funds as ranking member of the Appropriations Committee to ensure the safety of the men and women in our Armed Forces. They did not ask for this mission. They did not ask to go overseas. But they are there. They are ready to carry out their orders. They are ready to defend America. I will not flinch when it comes to their safety and support.”