On the recordOctober 18, 2011
I thank the Senator from Maryland for her offer. I will take her up on that. Our staffs are exchanging modest provisions that maintain the general thrust of the amendment and make clear that the Senate will not approve of any funding used for the sort of misguided program such as Fast and Furious. I ask for the Senator's help and take her up on her offer to try to get conclusive and comprehensive answers from the Department of Justice. Senator Grassley, Representative Issa, and I feel as well that the Attorney General and the Department could be more forthcoming. It boils down to a matter of accountability. One of the things that drives people crazy about Washington and Congress these days is that they feel as if things are happening that should not be happening and nobody is held accountable. That is what needs to happen in this program. So I will take her up on her offer. I appreciate that. We will work with the Senator and her staff to see if we can come up with acceptable language. As a matter of the record and from the standpoint of accountability and clearness, I would like to have a rollcall vote on my amendment at the appropriate time. We will work with the Senator and come up with acceptable language. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maine is recognized.
