[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 553]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    THE OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I note that we are about ready to move to 
the omnibus appropriations bill. I know Senator Byrd is on the floor 
and we are awaiting Senator Stevens. I must say that we have not yet 
seen the bill. So it will be very difficult for us to speak to the bill 
or amend the bill until we have had an opportunity to see it. This is 
an unusual situation in that we are taking a bill that really 
represents 11 appropriations bills to the floor in this manner. But I, 
as Senator Byrd, believe it is important for us to continue to get our 
work done and to move this process along. So I will not object, of 
course, to moving to the bill.
  It is my understanding that deep cuts were made in a number of 
areas--in fact, across the board--to accommodate investments in 
election reform, drought assistance, and maybe other things. But we 
will not know until we see it. We will certainly have amendments, as I 
noted this morning. We will amend the bill in ways we have expressed 
earlier. Senator Byrd will have amendments on homeland defense. We will 
have amendments on education. We will certainly have amendments 
relating to other shortcomings in the dramatic cuts that will be 
reflected in this bill.
  This cut across the board is doubly troubling to us. It may mean a 
significant cut in funds for veterans, for kids, for transportation. 
Before we come to any final conclusion, obviously, we need to see the 
details. It is my hope that we can begin the debate, look at the 
legislation, and, as we become more knowledgeable about the bill 
itself, offer amendments.
  So I expect that could begin this afternoon, and I look forward to 
seeing the bill just as soon as our Republican friends can share it 
with us.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Collins). The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the 
quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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