John Kerry: “I ask my colleagues to step back carefully and to analyze, as closely as possible, the realities that surround this…”

“I ask my colleagues to step back carefully and to analyze, as closely as possible, the realities that surround this question of certification. Two of the more capable and knowledgeable Senators with respect to international affairs--and I respect both of them enormously--are bringing this amendment to the floor. On most issues, we agree. This is one where I am convinced of the bona fides of their intent, but where I am equally as convinced that the effect of what they are doing, the effect of this amendment will be to take a serious step backward in whatever level of war on drugs you want to determine exists. I do not believe that that is anything but an inescapable conclusion based on a number of different realities: based on what countries are doing today because of the certification process, based on the choices available to the President within the certification process and, most important, based on what they are proposing, as opposed to the road that we have already traveled.”