Cord Byrd: “the Senate earlier today approved a conference report that will increase security substantially at our Nation's…”

“the Senate earlier today approved a conference report that will increase security substantially at our Nation's airports. And this is a good step--a good step--toward restoring the American people's confidence in their own safety. And it is a good step forward in rejuvenating our economy, the American economy. This is very fine legislation. But I wish to remind ourselves that a few days ago we had a golden opportunity to enact other very fine legislation that would go far in rejuvenating the hope, the faith, and the confidence in the minds of the American people that the Government was looking out for their security, for their welfare. And I refer to that amendment which Senator Harry Reid, the distinguished Democratic whip in this body, and the distinguished majority leader, Mr. Daschle, and Senator Hollings, and other Senators and I offered, to guarantee, to a much greater extent than I have to explain today, the defense of our homeland, homeland defense. That legislation was rejected by the minority in this body. So while we congratulate ourselves--and rightly so--on enacting legislation dealing with safety at our airports, safety to the travelers on airplanes, that does not bring an end to the threat of bioterrorism. The legislation we passed today will not provide for smallpox vaccines and anthrax antibiotics.”