Frank Lautenberg: “Mr. President, what happens is, as these debates get going, sometimes we hear statements that are somewhat misconstrued…”

“Mr. President, what happens is, as these debates get going, sometimes we hear statements that are somewhat misconstrued or mistaken. We just heard it suggested on the floor that funds from the purchase of Iraq oil are used to purchase bombs. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, that money is passed through the United Nations to buy food to be distributed to the people of Iraq. There is no way that money can be used to buy bombs. It is important we keep the record straight. I want so much to see the Boxer amendment prevail, but in order to make the case, apparently, we have to do more than simply justify the fact that if we did not do this, we could find other ways to conserve oil and not have to invade this snow desert, if one has ever seen it. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the last thing we ought to do is turn the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into an oilfield.”