This is nothing but fiscal legerdemain. a sorry billiondollar version of the old New York City street con of the three shells and the pea. Unfortunately. the elderly and the poor are the hapless victims of this con job The majority of the Democratic members on this Committee see this for what it is: nothing but an attempt to fund defense projects that will not fit within the tight spending caps for FY00. I must reiterate one key point: there is not one thin dime of an increase in refugee assistance funding in this bill. There are certainly many items within this legislation that are probably worthy of the support of scarce taxpayer dollars. Let me make this clear: I do not oppose the hard working and brave persons in our nations Armed Forces from getting a well deserved pay increase. better housing. a much improved retirement program. or other such items as needed.