Arlen Specter: “I agree with what Senator Harkin said, that ultimately we ought to reduce the limitations on the National Institutes of…”

“I agree with what Senator Harkin said, that ultimately we ought to reduce the limitations on the National Institutes of Health. I think it appropriate to say that I took the initiative in putting that language in the bill. I also agree with Senator Harkin that this is an issue which I think his position and mine can prevail when it is explained. But I disagree with him on one tiny point, and that is it would not take long to explain it. I think it is going to take a long time to explain it, and a lot of people are going to want to be heard on it. That is our only point of disagreement, that I don't think it realistic to conclude this bill by the end of business tomorrow. I do not blame him for a healthy share of skepticism, and he will believe it when he sees it. I predict he will see it. He and I have worked together, and our predictions to each other have been accurate right down the line without exception.”