James T. Callahan: “Mr. Chairman, I would encourage my colleagues during this 3 hours of debate on this issue, and I think we should debate…”

“Mr. Chairman, I would encourage my colleagues during this 3 hours of debate on this issue, and I think we should debate it and that is why I have not insisted on my point of order at this time but I still reserve that point, to take a look at what the GAO reported in response to the very question that is being raised tonight. The very people who asked for the GAO report thought it would be positive, it came back negative; and now they are saying ignore the report, ignore the responsibility we have to the taxpayers of this country, do it irresponsibly. In this bill we provide $69 million to start the process, but we restrict some of that assistance to the extent that they must not borrow new money for a certain period of time, 9 months in some instances, 30 months in other instances. So we are not putting a veto on the HIPC program. We are providing $69 million for the program, and in the process we will be able to work out a reasonable process where we can achieve the same goal that these people want. The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) mentioned that the Pope has come out in favor of this. Well, I would like to tell the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) that the Pope is also against abortion. Does she agree with the Pope on abortion? If so, then we will not have the population debates that no doubt will take place later on in the bill. I know what the Pope has said.”