Ed Whitfield: “Chairman Obey, I am going to withdraw the amendment, but I would like to make this point: This is an authorized program…”

“Chairman Obey, I am going to withdraw the amendment, but I would like to make this point: This is an authorized program that we are talking about. We had 2 years of hearings on this project. There is some sentiment in the Congress, I believe today, that the appropriators seem to authorize on their appropriations bill when it is convenient for them. Madam Chairman, I am going to withdraw the amendment because of the respect that I have for the gentleman from Wisconsin and the ranking member, as well as the Member from Kentucky that was talked about. I do believe that this is an effective program. We look forward to working with you as we continue through the process to try to resolve it in some way.”