Russ Feingold: “of course, I have enormous regard for both speakers in opposition, the Senator from Alaska and the Senator from Hawaii…”

“of course, I have enormous regard for both speakers in opposition, the Senator from Alaska and the Senator from Hawaii, but I want them to know how carefully we crafted this amendment to avoid the consequence they both mentioned. This amendment does not kill the Osprey program. It is not inconsistent with the statement of the Senator from Alaska that this may well turn out to be the best new technology. It is not inconsistent with the Commandant's letter where he says this is the No. 1 priority of the Marines. We do not contradict that at all. In fact, I respect the fact there is a real effort out there to try to fix the problems with the Osprey. This does not kill the Osprey program. I understand some of our people sadly have died in these helicopters, but I also know yesterday there was an unfortunate accident involving the helicopters they want to replace. I want to be candid about this. There may well be a need for an improved helicopter. This amendment does not kill the Osprey program, and that is the only argument that has been made against the amendment. The amendment is carefully crafted. What this amendment allows is to have the research and the consideration that needs to be done on the Osprey actually completed, to have the tests done, to make sure people are going to be safe in this helicopter, and at the same time allow Senators to vote to do what they must do: To enhance the international effort against the AIDS pandemic.”