Byron Dorgan: “I agree with that view expressed by Senator Burns. Let me continue by saying definitions are everything. The reason the…”

“I agree with that view expressed by Senator Burns. Let me continue by saying definitions are everything. The reason the States are very concerned is if the definition is not correct--that is, if it is not specific in exactly what Congress proposes--we could see billions and billions of dollars lost to the State and local governments in revenue they otherwise would have expected. We have a situation where we have a moratorium that expired. The moratorium ought to be extended. I was prepared to extend it permanently if we could find a definition that would be acceptable. That has not yet proven to be the case. Some are now discussing, and I was in some discussions a few moments ago, about a shorter term extension, perhaps 4 years, and use the definition that exists in current law in the moratorium that expired November 1 and try to fix the position with respect to DSL, which is a problem. I don't know how this will come out, but we have a responsibility to try to get this right.”