Thomas Daschle: “It is with some misgivings that I will cast my vote tonight in favor of the creation of this Department. I do so…”

“It is with some misgivings that I will cast my vote tonight in favor of the creation of this Department. I do so, fearful we have not done the kind of work on this legislation I wish we could have. I do so even though language has been inserted in the bill I think we are going to regret, but I do so recognizing we have to start rebuilding our infrastructure, reorganizing our Government, recognizing more consequentially the threat that is now posed by terrorism within our borders as well as without. I intend to support this legislation with every expectation that this is the first in a long series of steps which must be taken to better prepare our country and our Government. I have no doubt we will be back next year addressing many of the shortcomings we will be incorporating in this legislation tonight. This bill still needs work.”