Jim Inhofe: “I do think, though, I find two reasons to disagree with his arguments: One, to use percentages, as to what percentage…”

“I do think, though, I find two reasons to disagree with his arguments: One, to use percentages, as to what percentage this represents that would be decreased from the NEA as opposed to increase for diabetes because of the seriousness of this; the second thing is why carry this into a discussion and a debate on the merits of the National Endowment for the Arts. If we were to do that, I would be glad to join in that debate. In fact, I voted many times to defund the National Endowment for the Arts. However, that is not this amendment. Right now they have, from last year, $97 million, the NEA, and they are talking about not keeping it level but increasing it by $7.3 million. I am saying the $7.3 million is going to end up saving lives, particularly lives of Indians with diabetes, as opposed to rewarding and increasing the appropriation to the NEA. I think we need to look at it in that light. As I said, it is just incredible for people to comprehend the seriousness of this affliction among the Indian population.”