this is the third time we find ourselves debating the same rescission amendment that sounds like good policy on first blush but in fact is not. Members need to understand that this amendment is irresponsible governing, and causes harm to our national and international security, and to our economy. Members on the other side of the aisle have frequently criticized the majority party for asking them to vote on measures that they have not had a chance to thoroughly read or comprehend. But that is certainly what Members are being asked to do today. It is irresponsible to vote in support of this amendment that indiscriminately cuts $20 billion from discretionary projects and services given that we do not know what programs are impacted by such significant cuts. On January 27 of this year I spoke at some length about an almost identical amendment offered by the junior Senator from Oklahoma, and again on March 3 about an almost identical amendment offered by the junior Senator from Kentucky. Today it is the junior Senator from Oklahoma's turn to offer the amendment again. I would like to take just a few moments to remind my colleagues of why they voted against this amendment twice already, and why I hope they will again choose to vote against this financially irresponsible and harmful amendment. The majority of unobligated balances are not eligible for rescission under this amendment because they are, in fact, mandatory funds.
Editor's note · Context
Senator Inouye is addressing concerns about a rescission amendment affecting discretionary funding.
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