Patrick Leahy: “This bill is of enormous importance to our country. In fact, in the last 15 or 20 years when I have been either chairman…”

“This bill is of enormous importance to our country. In fact, in the last 15 or 20 years when I have been either chairman or ranking member of this subcommittee, I don't know if I can think of a more critical time when we needed to quickly pass this bill. Before we start, though, I think it is appropriate to pay tribute to Ken Ludden, an official at the Treasury Department's Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, and formerly a congressional staff member, who died suddenly of a heart attack on September 10. Senator McConnell's staff, Senator Stevens' staff and my own staff, knew him well. At an appropriate time, Senator McConnell and I will offer an amendment to name this Foreign Operations Appropriations Act after him in recognition of his years of government service, and in particular for the invaluable assistance he gave to our subcommittee. Mr. President, in the past, there were times when the foreign operations appropriations bill has been the vehicle for divisive and time-consuming amendments on controversial foreign policy issues. But we are in an unusual time. Our country has suffered a grievous loss. This is a time for unity and for getting our work done quickly. I have amendments, Senator McConnell has amendments, and I am sure other Senators have amendments that would be controversial. Senator McConnell and I do not plan to offer our controversial amendments. This is not the time.”