Thomas Daschle: “I thank Senator Byrd for his extraordinary leadership in putting together a plan that addresses America's most urgent…”

“I thank Senator Byrd for his extraordinary leadership in putting together a plan that addresses America's most urgent homeland defense needs. I also thank him for his tremendous eloquence, which has helped all of us, and all of America, understand the critical importance of strengthening our homeland security. I also thank Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens for their persistence in making sure we didn't leave here before we acted to protect Americans at home and abroad. Thanks to our colleagues, Senators Schumer and Clinton, for making sure this agreement helps keep commitment we made to stand with the people of New York as they recover from September 11. And, as always, I thank my friend, the assistant majority leader. Once again, Harry Reid's patience and his mastery of politics, policy, and process have enabled us to find a principled, bipartisan compromise. Sixty years ago, America was attacked at Pearl Harbor. After Pearl Harbor, Americans instantly and instinctively came together to protect our nation. Together, we defeated a mighty enemy. Nearly 3 months ago, America was again attacked on our soil by a foreign enemy. It was the first time since Pearl Harbor. Now we must decide. Will we do what that earlier generation did? Are we willing, in this Congress, to put aside our party's agendas, and perhaps our personal agendas, and do what it takes to protect our Nation. It had seemed that the answer to that question was clear.…”