On the recordJune 16, 2010
When the historic accomplishment occurred of settling this lawsuit after 14 years between the Federal Government and the plaintiffs, when that historic agreement was reached, I was hopeful the Congress would move very quickly and provide the resources, from the Settlement Fund, that are available to make this settlement work. I hope very much, if there is a vote--I don't know there will be a vote on the Barrasso amendment--if there is a vote on the Barrasso amendment, I hope very much my colleagues will oppose it. I say to Senator Barrasso that the ideas, recommendations, and thoughts he has about this settlement should be presented to both sides who negotiated the settlement. In fact, if Congress were to unilaterally make changes, I think it would void the settlement. Void it after 14 long years and a lot of important work that would culminate in a settlement that plaintiffs have been waiting for and plaintiffs well deserve. I urge my colleagues, as the Administration has urged, let us not unilaterally go outside the settlement that has been structured and negotiated.
