John Sarbanes: “I think the idea of a presidentially appointed independent advisory committee to review the matter and submit its…”

“I think the idea of a presidentially appointed independent advisory committee to review the matter and submit its findings to the Congress at an appropriate time is a good idea. It may well prove of significant benefit. I repeat what I said yesterday. I think all 100 Members of the Senate are concerned that our national security is effectively protected. I hope what we went over yesterday, provisions of the bill and some of the authority given to the President, provided some reassurance in terms of ultimate authority to act on behalf of important national security and foreign policy interests. I hope in the course of the day we can work through some of these matters and perhaps move to a conclusion. Again, I state my appreciation to the Senator for the questions he raised and focusing our attention on them. He has done that consistently as we have moved through the process. I know my very able colleague from Wyoming, Senator Enzi, has interacted throughout. What is before the Senate in this legislation has been shaped in part by questions and concerns the Senator has raised.”