Roy Cooper: “I think most of us are very interested in supporting the MSE portion of this. I just worry about the offset. It is very…”

“I think most of us are very interested in supporting the MSE portion of this. I just worry about the offset. It is very important that we make sure we do not raid the nonproliferation account in order to pay for what may be a very worthy priority. You remember that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates didn't even allow an unfunded request to be transmitted to Congress. That removed a certain temptation from us. We all know there are a number of these requests, and some of them should be funded, but to raid the nuclear safety account--because that is basically what nonproliferation is--is a very dangerous precedent. I would urge the gentleman to reconsider. We hope to work on this amendment in conference, but this is not a piggy bank we are raiding. This is not a slush fund. This is an account that could keep America safe from a nuclear attack. I would urge the gentleman, as he pursues his very worthy priorities, to not pursue an offset in this area. I thank the gentleman. He is an excellent Member, but I think that we should all be very aware of the importance of the nonproliferation account. {time} 1630”