Trent Lott: “I think there should be language in the appropriations bill that would be--frankly, I hoped it would say there should…”

I wish to acknowledge the Senator's kind remarks. It was a pleasure working with him on this legislation. It has been a long time coming. I appreciate the active involvement he has had, along with other Senators on both sides of the aisle…

Quit campaigning, quit having press conferences, sit down at a round table and negotiate a deal.

But, unfortunately, the wheels have come off in the Finance Committee, in the House, in trying to find a way to come together in a bipartisan, nonpartisan way.

Let me say with regard to the package that was agreed to, the changes, we did work together on that. It was cleared on both sides. I want to thank the leaders for allowing us to move forward on this legislation. It is never easy to go…