Dick Lugar: “I have been listening to all of this information. Let me simply say that, throughout the evening, I have asked Senators…”

“I have been listening to all of this information. Let me simply say that, throughout the evening, I have asked Senators to vote against amendments. That was based upon the feelings of our colleagues in the House of Representatives, who passed the bill--namely, my friends Henry Hyde, Tom Lantos, and likewise in the course of this debate, I have mentioned conversations with the President himself, who wanted this bill unamended so there would not be a need for a conference and for difficulty. I have not been apprised by anybody at the White House, or in the House leadership, of any other situation. I am perfectly willing to accept, on good faith, the assertions of my colleagues who have had these conversations. But for the sake of the Record, when the voice vote comes, I will vote no because I have asked my colleagues to vote no on each amendment. I will continue in that frame of mind. But I have listened carefully and I understand what, apparently, have been conversations and agreements and I appreciate that. I know of no reason to extend the debate, unless the majority leader has something.”