Cord Byrd: “I commend the able managers of this bill, Senator Stevens and Senator Inouye, for producing a balanced and comprehensive…”

“I commend the able managers of this bill, Senator Stevens and Senator Inouye, for producing a balanced and comprehensive bill that addresses some of the most pressing needs of the U.S. military. Together with the emergency supplemental spending bill that Congress sent to the President last month, and the Defense authorization bill that the Senate passed prior to Memorial Day, this Defense appropriations bill marks a major commitment to our men and women in uniform by funding a wide array of vital defense programs. In acting quickly and decisively on these three bills, the Senate has sent a strong message of support to the military, particularly to those forces currently engaged in the air war over Yugoslavia. That support is richly deserved. Once again, America's military forces have demonstrated their superior skills and leadership in the Balkan conflict. We are indebted to them for their service and dedication to their country. This appropriations bill represents a strong effort on the part of the managers to balance the very real needs of the Defense Department against the pressing needs of other domestic programs in the budget.”