Cord Byrd: “Well, Mr. President, that is the kind of answer that the proponents of this ill-advised constitutional amendment…”

“Well, Mr. President, that is the kind of answer that the proponents of this ill-advised constitutional amendment continue to make. ``Well, I have confidence that the Congress would do thus and so.'' Or ``The intent of the proponents of this constitutional amendment is thus and so--the intent.'' Or ``That would never happen.'' Or ``I am sure that the Senate and House will rise to meet the needs of providing--by providing supermajorities.'' Senators do not know that. Senators do not know what the intent of a future Congress may be. Senators do not know with enough certitude to give me confidence that Congress will act in a given situation that may be years away, as it might act at this moment or in this year of Our Lord 1995. Mr. President, this is the typical response: ``I have confidence.'' That is it. ``I have confidence. I am willing to trust our colleagues.'' Well, I am willing to trust colleagues also. I am willing also to trust the good judgment of a majority of the representatives of the people, if the people are adequately informed. I am willing to trust the opinions of the American people if they are properly informed. But we cannot cavalierly push away this sobering question nor the serious questions that arise with respect to this Constitutional amendment simply by saying, ``Well, I am sure it won't happen,'' or ``I am willing to trust'' so and so and ``a future Congress'' and ``this is not the intent.'' Read what the amendment says.…”