Arlen Specter: “very briefly, Senator Harkin is due great credit for this very important amendment, having taken the lead in…”

“very briefly, Senator Harkin is due great credit for this very important amendment, having taken the lead in establishing the fund. We have structured it, after consultation with a number of our colleagues, so that funds will be expended at the discretion of the President, after consultation with certain named Members of both the House and the Senate. This is in anticipation of the administration sending over a proposal in which we should have ample time to give due consideration before the conference. This is a very significant step forward so that we do not face a crisis where the administration wants something done, but only the Congress, under the Constitution, has the authority to appropriate the funds. I salute my colleague, Senator Harkin, and all those who worked on the amendment. We jointly urge its adoption. Amendment No. 2283, As Further Modified”