Bill Bennett: “as I examine this question, it is a question that involves the traditions and procedures of the full committee. At the…”

“as I examine this question, it is a question that involves the traditions and procedures of the full committee. At the risk of being accused of dodging, I would prefer to have Senator Cochran as chairman of the full committee examine and respond. We have reached out to get hold of Senator Cochran to see if he is willing to do that. But this would be a departure from previous procedures. As I understand, the Senator from Oklahoma would like there to be a permanent departure that occurs on virtually every appropriations bill from here on out. For that reason, I am a little reluctant to set a precedent on the bill over which I have responsibility which might then be cited as a precedent for all the other bills that would follow. For that reason, I hope we can have Senator Cochran appear and have his position before we come to the question of whether or not we vote on it.”