Bob Kerrey: “I must say, as I said earlier, I am not standing over here full of optimism that this amendment is going to be agreed…”

“I must say, as I said earlier, I am not standing over here full of optimism that this amendment is going to be agreed to. It is highly unlikely it is going to be agreed to. There are all kinds of procedural problems and so forth going to be cited and specific issues addressing specific pieces of the package. The point is, in fact, we have language in here dealing with the serious and legitimate concern raised by the distinguished Senator from Hawaii having to do with the crime bill. If the crime bill passes, the money in this proposal would go for the crime bill as we have already indicated. So there is no tradeoff. As to health care, I must say, Mr. President, at some point we have to make the tough choices. And I hear it said, well, as soon as we get comprehensive health care, then we will do the tough choices. I am of the opinion we may have a tough time getting comprehensive health care reform passed because the American people do not believe we can make the tough choices.”