Political Quotes

“I find myself in support of the Byrd amendment. The reason I wanted a recorded vote is because we need to send a strong signal to the other body, when this bill goes to conference, that we cannot destroy the Aviation Loan Guarantee Program, which would have been the effect of this legislation. The question, of course, is why would the appropriators again take it upon themselves to make a fundamental policy change, which was recently authorized by a 98-to-0 vote in this body? The arrogance of the Appropriations Committee almost overwhelms me. This legislation was about to be emasculated--the Aviation Loan Guarantee Program--without a hearing before the Appropriations Committee that I know of, without any discussion on the floor of this body; it was going to be destroyed. The reason, obviously, we know--I will state the obvious--the Byrd amendment is now going to pass is because of the incredible outcry all over the country from employees, management, and from those who understand the absolute criticality of the aviation industry in this Nation. So I hope this amendment is passed by 100 to 0.”