Porter Goss: “I rise in support obviously of this very good rule to bring the budget forward. First, though, I know I speak for all my…”

“I rise in support obviously of this very good rule to bring the budget forward. First, though, I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say good luck, Godspeed, and we are behind our young men and women who are overseas today doing the very hard work of this Nation's national security in their mission in Yugoslavia. We are all praying for their success, for a safe mission and a quick return home. This rule is a fair and balanced approach to the very important debate we are about to have for the Nation's fiscal year 2000 budget. I know that some of our colleagues will be disappointed this rule does not allow for every proposed amendment. But what we have tried to do is craft a rule that allows for several different approaches to be debated so that all the major issues, all of the major issues, can be addressed today. I think we have succeeded on that point, as we will hear in the 10 hours of debate that will ensue. In addition, I point out to my colleagues who have expressed specific concern about the need to boost defense spending levels, even beyond what the Committee on the Budget has provided, that we have in fact taken that advice and this rule will incorporate an enhancement of defense spending in the base text of the resolution.”