Byron Dorgan: “I think this is an awfully good amendment. It establishes a priority which should have been established long ago. As you…”

“I think this is an awfully good amendment. It establishes a priority which should have been established long ago. As you know, the President, when asked about Osama bin Laden, at one point said, I don't care about Osama bin Laden. I don't care about Osama bin Laden. Now we have the National Intelligence Estimate that says the greatest terrorist threat to this country is the leadership of al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden. If that is the case, it ought to be job one to eliminate the leadership of al-Qaida. Eliminating the greatest terrorist threat to our country ought to be the most important goal. That is what the Senator states in her amendment. My point is there ought not be a square inch of safety anywhere, no safe harbor, no secure hideaway anywhere on this planet for the leadership of al-Qaida. I think this is a good amendment. I intend to offer the amendment that I offered on the Defense authorization bill as well tomorrow. It was passed unanimously and my hope is it will be accepted unanimously.”