Mitch Landrieu: “I can appreciate that. If you don't mind me pursuing that line of questioning. I can most certainly appreciate what the…”

“I can appreciate that. If you don't mind me pursuing that line of questioning. I can most certainly appreciate what the junior Senator is saying about the reluctance of the House of Representatives and the administration at this point because I have yet to receive any letter or assurance, but it is right now the House of Representatives that basically would be willing to make loans to the devastated cities in the gulf coast, but would insist that those loans be paid back, when not insisting on that for other loans that have been given to Puerto Rico, and to Florida, and to Alaska, and to other places, which were waived. I understand the House of Representatives, while allowing others to borrow this money and then ask for forgiveness, would not allow Louisiana that same privilege. I understand the position of the Senator is that we be treated the same, as a first-class State, not a second- class State. I know that is your position. But it does concern the senior Senator that we would have to be dictated to by the House of Representatives, that we would have to be treated in some second-class fashion. I am also appreciating that, while the administration has given you an assurance that they do not intend to treat us as second-class citizens, I would feel better, before we left tonight, if we had something in writing from the administration that they think Louisiana deserves the same treatment.…”