Yes, proceeding to the Appropriations Committee, where some think all power resides in the Senate. Nevertheless, to think that the Senator found time to work on this amendment, as she has on a number of personnel issues through the…

One of the last amendments we were dealing with was on personnel issues. Anyway, the Senator from Louisiana found time to be here, given the tremendous burdens that she has in connection with the tragic suffering in her State, past…

There comes a time every now and then to reflect on the past with a sense of humor. When I was a young Senator many years ago, one of the Senator's predecessors was Russell Long. His expertise was in the area of taxes. How many times, I…

With his arm around you shaking you like a tree. But we are not saying that. I just thought maybe that little bit of color might remind Louisianans of his proud record in the Senate. Mr. President, this is another example of how the…

first I commend all Senators who have participated in this debate. Each time I listen to the distinguished Senator from Louisiana, I say to my ranking member, she was a very valued member of our committee before she went AWOL.

the Senator raises a very interesting historical perspective. During World War II, the National Guard was mobilized early on and amalgamated with the regular forces. The Reserves likewise were brought in. So everybody was in World War II…

This is helpful to colleagues as they are doing their work tonight in support of what we are trying to achieve with final passage tomorrow. amendment no. 2423

I indicate to my colleagues that I would be prepared to, at a future time, to yield back our time so we can move to a vote on the Levin amendment as early as possible. So there is 3 minutes remaining, as I understand, under the control of…

For example, I happen to like NPR, and I like to hear FOX News. I like to have the juxtaposition of the different viewpoints.

there are four packages of amendments at the desk being held subject to action by the Senate. I ask the Senate consider those amendments en bloc, the amendments be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and I ask any…

Well, I don't see anything in the language you use here because you are very explicit. By providing the same type and quality of radio and television programming, including news, information, sports, and entertainment, that would be…

Fine. So that clarifies the sole technical distinction, which is an important one, between your second degree and the underlying first degree. Therefore, it is up to the Secretary, but once an ombudsman is selected, assuming the Secretary…

I find that helpful. I think you have dispelled any thought that this amendment would impose any censorship.

In the interests of moving forward on the floor, Senator Inhofe will be available following the recess we are going to take for purposes of the respective caucuses. I wonder if we, given that there is significant time remaining now on the…

I hope my colleague will concur that the McCain amendment, which has been adopted by this Chamber on two occasions, would be dispositive of any confliction as to the definitions as to the future; would I not be correct on that assumption?

It is laid aside temporarily to come up at the conclusion of the Snowe amendment. And then, of course, prior to the Senate addressing a vote on the Snowe amendment, there will be 2 minutes for each side to address that amendment. I thank…

I understand we will now proceed to a brief colloquy between colleagues on both sides of the aisle with regard to the Levin amendment. That colloquy should, in total, not exceed about 10 or 11 minutes, and then we will proceed to a…

I want to follow the regular parliamentary procedure. The unanimous consent--we have a perfect right to put the second-degree on, but I am trying to keep the continuity of the debate going rather than you extinguishing your 3 minutes. I…

Well, I am prepared to yield back time on that if we can get some indication from Senator Reed as to his desire. I am hopeful we will have that vote up. Then there is an amendment by the distinguished Senator from Maine, Ms. Snowe…

I realize that, but can we at this time substitute a revised document for the one that is being held at the desk? The Parliamentarian brought it to the attention of Senator Inhofe, and it is my understanding he followed the guidance of the…

I did not mean to engender the ire of my good friend. I am simply stating factually, to me, NPR is a very balanced--I have often been on it myself and they have this sort of a format, the modulation of the voices is always quite subdued on…

I thank the Senator. One last question. I am still troubled by the chart you put up showing zero. My understanding is that the Department of Defense has added the following three programs to the body of programs that each of the 33…

On our side, we would be happy to accommodate that vote following the vote on the amendment of the Senator from Rhode Island.

Does your amendment permit the Secretary to select the ombudsman within the current personnel structure of the Department of Defense or must he go outside the Department to get that individual?

I say to my colleague and distinguished member of the Armed Services Committee, to avoid it in the future, that is precisely the objective of the McCain amendment, to prevent any recurrence. I am not suggesting I corroborate that there…