Frank Lautenberg: “Mr. President, clearly, since there is a moment of time, I just wanted to make a point about an amendment that I was…”

“Mr. President, clearly, since there is a moment of time, I just wanted to make a point about an amendment that I was going to offer. I have decided not to do so, not because I do not think it is warranted and justified and ought to be presented, but it is very obvious to me, after having seen the vote that was taken on the amendment offered by the Senator from Massachusetts to increase education funding substantially so we can meet our needs for our young people and to provide the kind of education that is essential if the United States is going to maintain or improve its leadership in global affairs, economics, science, et cetera--I saw what happened with that vote. We did not get 60 votes in favor of it, whatever the technicality was, to waive the budget, et cetera. So, when I look at an amendment I was going to offer on environmental protection, it seemed to me that the handwriting was on the wall or that the toxics were in the ground or in the air, and that we were not going to get anywhere with a vote. Mr. President, the American people clearly want to see an end to the partisan bickering, and it seems we are making some progress in that direction. At the same time, Mr. President, I do want to register my concern about the stop-start way we are now financing much of the Government.”