On the recordOctober 6, 2011
I thank the gentleman for his comment. Those are very good thoughts and very good ideas. As you know, a similar bill has been introduced in the Senate. We don't know if it's going to pass or not. If it does pass, we want to be able to go into conference with as much flexibility as possible. That's why we chose a 5-year period instead of a 3-year period, recognizing that there is some uncertainty in both the 3-year and the 5-year. Under your situation if there's a compelling need, on a case-by-case basis, they could extend it. In ours, the administrator under certain circumstances could extend it. We do have some Democratic support. We would love to have your support. If we get into conference, that is one of the parts of this bill that we hope that we can negotiate with the other side and come up with something that's satisfactory for both. I really appreciate your bringing it to our attention and offering your amendment. As I have said, with as much reluctance as I have, I still will have to oppose it and hopefully we can work it out in conference with the other body.
