Cord Byrd: “I have read and heard some things that are being said about the amendment that do not conform to the proper rules of…”

“I have read and heard some things that are being said about the amendment that do not conform to the proper rules of exactitude. I don't say it is intentional. I think some of these things have been said, perhaps all, through a misunderstanding. I am willing to see it in that way. There is a great deal of misinformation that has been spread. I can understand why, to some extent. The amendment has not been available for Senators to read. Now it is available, and Senators and their staffs will be able to read for themselves. It does not bust the budget. It will not intrude upon other programs. It will not mean that other programs will be cut. I have read a letter or memo recently which indicated certain other programs--by the way, many of them are funded by my own Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of the Interior, and I have supported those programs for years and years and intend to continue to support them. I would not vote to cut them. It would not result in the cutting of any programs. I can think of those two things in particular. As we go along further in the debate, there will be other matters that I hope can be straightened out and the light of truth can be focused on them.”