[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, today the Senate will vote on cloture for 
the emergency spending supplemental appropriations bill. The President 
has made it clear that he will veto any supplemental bill coming out of 
the committee that exceeds the administration's request. I applaud the 
President's determination to stick to true emergency spending, and I 
will support such a veto, if necessary, to keep that Federal spending 
under control. Families have to live within their means and so should 
we in Washington. I think we need to tighten the belt and follow a 
course of strict fiscal discipline.
  The President has taken a strong stance on a must-pass piece of 
legislation that will bolster our national security, hurricane 
recovery, and border security efforts. I expect my colleagues to work 
in good faith to meet the President's request.
  The President submitted his emergency spending request in late 
February. The House acted on the supplemental in March. The legislation 
needs to be on the President's desk before Memorial Day. It is time for 
us in the Senate to bring debate on this measure to a close. We need to 
support our troops who are fighting to protect us. We need to support 
our fellow citizens who are working hard to rebuild and recover their 
homes and communities on the gulf coast. We need to focus resources on 
securing our borders against illegal immigration.
  That is what this vote is all about. These are extraordinary 
responsibilities, and we cannot, we should not play politics at such 
critical times. Time is limited. We must finish this legislation this 
week so we can quickly get a conference report with the House and get 
it to the President for his signature.

  Indeed, by pulling together, we can move this legislation forward and 
address the critical work of the American people.

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