Arlen Specter: “just by way of a very brief comment as to the contentions raised by the Senator from Massachusetts, I recall his…”

“just by way of a very brief comment as to the contentions raised by the Senator from Massachusetts, I recall his amendment on the budget resolution for $5 billion. I recall it very well because I voted for it. As I recollect it--we are checking the record now--it was a one-vote margin. There was considerable consternation about not having that amendment go to conference. I stayed with the Senator from Massachusetts on the $5 billion because I share his concern for education. And then it went to conference, as our procedures moved it through, and it was dropped. So Senator Kennedy's $5 billion with which I agreed is not there anymore. And if it were there, we would have a good bit more money to add to the Pell grants. If I could find more money for the Pell grants, I would like to. If we could replay the cards of what happened on the $5 billion, I would like to do that, too. But I am confronted with a situation where I have an allocation that came through the process of the Senate, and I have to work within that framework. The priorities are established as best we can. I think it is appropriate now for Senators who have the floor--we are going to vote at 2:15--to raise the point of order so it is on the record. Mr.…”