Frank Lautenberg: “lest it be misunderstood, the insinuation that I have just heard that I want to prevent the armed services from doing…”

“lest it be misunderstood, the insinuation that I have just heard that I want to prevent the armed services from doing their job, prevent the authorizing legislation from going through, is hardly the appropriate characterization of the condition we are in. The Senator from New Jersey reserves his right, as a U.S. Senator, to take an action to respond to an action that was begun on the Republican side. Last week we had a resolution developed, enthusiastically supported by both sides of the aisle, to caution the Arab countries surrounding Israel not to gang up on Israel, not to start with bellicose statements, making demands that were unrealistic before the Government could even be formed. But someone on the Republican side chose at the last minute, Friday last, within 10 minutes of the time we were ready to recess for the weekend--chose to put a hold on it. The suggestion was the resolution that I wrote--that my name be dropped and others' substituted. Silly, petty stuff. So, when there is an accusation here--and I think I have served this body well--coming from a distinguished Senator like the Senator from Arizona, no one challenges his right to say what he chooses and to stand up proudly as someone who served his country well. By the same token, in fairness, no one has a right to assail my motives. This is very clear. You have never, never seen Senator Lautenberg on this floor stopping action in the 14 years that I have been here.”