Cord Byrd: “I just speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know. Mr. President, the Senate is on the verge of making…”

“I just speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know. Mr. President, the Senate is on the verge of making a colossal mistake. The distinguished Senator from New Mexico was correct when he spoke of this measure as being a formidable measure, a far-reaching measure, a measure that will produce a sea change in the relationship between the executive and the legislative branch. Let me say at the outset that I have only the utmost respect for the distinguished, the very distinguished Senator from New Mexico. He is one of the brightest Senators that I have seen during my 38 years in this body. He understands the budget process, in all likelihood, better than anyone else in this Chamber on either side of the aisle. He is skillful, he is dedicated, he is tenacious, and, of course, he is fighting for what he believes today. I cannot help but think, however, that in his heart of hearts, he would rather be supporting a more moderate measure than this that is before him. But I have no right to attempt to look into his mind or into his heart. The Senate, you mark my words, is on the verge of making a colossal mistake, a mistake which we will come to regret but with which we will have to live until January 1 of the year 2005, at the very least.”