Omnibus Appropriations

OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I think the majority leader has described the situation accurately, and I believe it is the best way in which to resolve what has been a very understandable concern on the part of so many Members on both sides of the aisle. I thank the distinguished Senator from North Dakota for first flagging this question and the issue and calling it to our attention, and all of those who have offered ways in which we might resolve the problem tonight.

The solution has four parts. First, we will pass the continuing resolution that will accommodate the time that will be required for us to resolve this matter.

The second will be that we will pass the conference report and, as the majority leader has noted, we will hold it at the desk.

The third is that we will pass a resolution that will allow the correction in the conference report, an enrolling resolution. That will be part of this process.

Fourth is that the House will take up the matter on Wednesday. We will hold it at the desk until that matter has been resolved, and then send it to the President once this work has been completed.

This is, by far, the safest and easiest and, in some ways, the most confident way in which to address this question. I think, having addressed it in these four parts, we can all be satisfied that we will have accomplished what we set out to do, which is fix the error and pass the legislation.

Many on our side may want to express themselves after we vote on it. People have expressed concern about other parts of the bill and, throughout the day, our colleagues have expressed themselves on the conference report in ways outside of this particular problem. But I think, procedurally, this is the right way to approach the matter.

I think, ultimately, it accommodates the concerns people have had on both sides of the aisle. I hope we can reach agreement tonight to allow this process to go forward.