Russ Feingold: “let me, first of all, express my appreciation to the Senator from Massachusetts for his leadership on the amendment that…”

“let me, first of all, express my appreciation to the Senator from Massachusetts for his leadership on the amendment that he just sent to the desk. Through his leadership, I and other Senators had the opportunity to participate in what I consider to be a real effort to try to do some cutting of spending around here and reduce the Federal deficit. We had the opportunity to contribute some of our own ideas, and by pooling those together, I think the Senator from Massachusetts has come up with one of the strongest and most honest packages for reducing the deficit I have had an opportunity to see. I am very happy to be a cosponsor of that provision. Let me also, Madam President, begin my remarks by first expressing my concern for the victims of the earthquake in southern California and the tremendous suffering that has occurred. It is hard to imagine a more frightening experience for people to undergo. I think all Americans in their hearts feel we should respond to this situation as we are trying to do through this legislation.”