Bruce F. Vento: “we have spent so much time going through this that, in other words, to keep the option open on the dollars available. I…”

“we have spent so much time going through this that, in other words, to keep the option open on the dollars available. I agree generally with the gentleman that is the impetus of this, but I think there is concern about the crafting of it and putting it into language that would potentially be statute. If I could keep the attention of the gentleman from Florida for a moment. If we could come up with correspondence that would in fact take the sentiment and the impetus of what the gentleman from Florida has put forward and cosponsor or sign that as correspondence to the appropriation leadership in our body, that would, I think, serve the purpose. I understand it is not the type of victory of getting something into legislation, but it has the impetus and, more importantly, I think is the accomplishment the gentleman from Florida has wanted in terms of gaining the type of understanding and concern from Members like myself and others tonight with regard to that. Without the dollars we are not really in a position to, in fact, live up to what had been the budget deal that not many of us were involved, but it keeps that alive and would accomplish the goal the gentleman wants.”