Bill Bennett: “I would like to say that those issues are not particularly significant or relevant to what we are talking about here.…”

“I would like to say that those issues are not particularly significant or relevant to what we are talking about here. The issue before us is not whether or not those hearings were conducted well or badly, whether they were conducted in a speedy and expeditious manner or whether they were dragged out. The issue is whether or not this committee deserves more time to do its work. For that reason, I will not really debate with the Senator from Maryland anything regarding Iran-Contra or October Surprise or any other such issue. The committee clearly needs more time to conclude its work. That is a given. The proposal offered to the Senate by the distinguished Democratic leader very specifically demonstrates a recognition of the fact that the committee needs more time. So I do not think that question is at issue. The only question at issue before us is, how much time do we need? To me, the answer to that is very simple--as much time as it takes to get the facts.”