Byron Dorgan: “I raise this issue today only because it will be one of perhaps five or six significant issues we will debate in the…”

“I raise this issue today only because it will be one of perhaps five or six significant issues we will debate in the coming months. I do not think that my idea is exclusively good and that there are no other good ideas out there. I have great respect for others here who might disagree strongly with my view on these issues. I want to, as we begin this debate, at least stake out the ground that some of us would feel strongly about--debt reduction and other responsible actions in fiscal policy. This has been a tough 6 or 7 weeks as we have started this session because of the impeachment trial. Most of us come here relishing the idea and fostering the appetite for debate about the public issues that really matter to this country in economics, health care, and education.”