Question:
7 billion per year (1997 dollars).

Does it follow that "Counting by 1997 dollars, it was an annual amount of 7 billion dollars."?
Answer:
yes

Question:
However, they view the program as a success.

Does it follow that "However, they think the program is a failure."?
Answer:
no

Question:
i mean it's that i mean you know that's the way i felt about it but i tell you what if New Orleans ever gets a quarterback ain't nobody going to beat us

Does it follow that "Our team doesn't need any quarterback, does it?"?
Answer:
no

Question:
They would need to maintain complete silence about it.

Does it follow that "They would need to be absolutely silent about it."?
Answer:
yes