David Obey: “Let me simply note that it was the administration that refused to provide support for including funds for the pandemic…”

“Let me simply note that it was the administration that refused to provide support for including funds for the pandemic flu challenge facing the country. We have tried on this side of the aisle for more than a month to include that funding. I've even noted that it was the administration itself who originally asked for that money, as an emergency, 2 years ago. And yet they declined to support it and, in fact, insisted that it come out in this negotiation, just as they insisted that funding for low-income heating assistance come out. So I certainly agree with the gentleman's suggestion that that money ought to be in here. I said that in my own remarks. I also want it very clear why it isn't.”