On the recordMarch 17, 2011
I thank the Senators for their discussion of that amendment. I wish, before Senator Udall leaves, to correct one thing for the record. As the manager of the Small Business Innovation Jobs bill, which the Senator was so helpful to us in passing, we did ask the credit unions if they wanted to be a part of that lending program and they declined to participate. So I wanted, for the record, for that to be clear. I do know--and let me speak for myself--that credit unions serve a valuable role in our Nation today, and we want to acknowledge that. But I want the Senator from Colorado to know that, according to the information I have been given, they were asked if they wanted to participate in the Small Business Lending Fund, and they declined. They may change their mind later, and we can amend that program later should they so decide. But I thank the Senator for his comments. I see the Senator from Georgia is on the floor, so I will yield my time. I think he wants to speak on a different amendment, but I think that is the purpose of this morning's discussion. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Georgia.
