Edward Dodd: “first of all, let me commend our colleague from Massachusetts for very eloquently and exhaustively laying out the…”

“first of all, let me commend our colleague from Massachusetts for very eloquently and exhaustively laying out the argument why I think the Brown amendment is flawed. Let me begin by saying that I supported the last amendment. I supported the amendment to cut back the level of funding, not because I think the amount overall is necessarily huge, but it was simply a matter of perception. At a time when almost everyone else is being asked to restrain themselves, it seems to me NED could do so as well. I recommended that earlier this year when they raised the issue, that they made a mistake seeking those additional funds. I think we sent a message with that vote. I commend both Senator Brown and Senator Bumpers for offering it. Having said that, I think the message has been more than loudly heard. I think now we need to make sure that, in the process here, we do not destroy what anyone who has watched this process work in the last 10 years has concluded is a very worthwhile effort. There are some 75 or 80 different countries that have benefited from this program.”