Sen. Ted Kennedy spoke on the floor of the senate last night on the Bush administration’s failure to provide a realistic, specific plan to bring stability to Iraq. We hear an excerpt of his speech.

The Senate voted narrowly last night to hold back half of the $20.3 billion President Bush requested for reconstruction in Iraq and turn it into a loan.

The Senate adopted the amendment by a 51 to 47 vote, following a long and impassioned debate. The $20 billion package is part of the additional $87 billion that Bush has asked for in financing U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The amendment would immediately provide $10.3 billion in security and rebuilding funds to Iraq. The rest of the money would be lent and would be forgiven only if Iraq’s debtor nations–chiefly France, Russia and Saudi Arabia–forgive repayment of 90 percent of the more than $200 billion of outstanding loans.

Sen. Ted Kennedy says he will oppose an $87 billion spending bill for Iraq. He spoke on the floor of the senate last night on the Bush administration’s failure to provide a realistic, specific plan to bring stability to Iraq.

• Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), speaking on the senate floor on October 16, 2003.