Harry Reid: “If I could just briefly say, I appreciate the statement of the distinguished majority leader. I want this matter to stay…”

“If I could just briefly say, I appreciate the statement of the distinguished majority leader. I want this matter to stay before the attention of the Senate. I think it would be better to do it this way and send it to the House. I think that would be so much better. It would be done, I believe, more quickly. But I also say at this stage the veterans programs are being cannibalized. Those programs for capital construction are being used for health care. I think it would be better if we dispose of this. I will watch the conference committee very closely. It is really not a place for veterans funding programs, but we will take it wherever we get it. Again, I am sorry we were not able to work it out more quickly, but I do look forward to completing it in this work period.”