[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, 
rollcall votes are not expected to occur during Monday's session of the 
Senate. The Senate could, however, turn to any Executive Calendar items 
cleared for action. I must also remind everybody that I think it is the 
26th when the present continuing resolution expires. So we will need to 
take action on that before the expiration date. Hopefully, we can do 
that by agreement and not require a rollcall vote. If that can be done, 
I do not anticipate any rollcall votes the week of the 22d.
  If there should be some change, we will try to notify our colleagues 
on both sides of the aisle and give them at least 24 hours notice, if 
possible. I will put that caveat in there, ``if possible.'' I hope it 
will not be necessary.
  Mr. President, let me just indicate this before we adjourn. As I 
understand it, next Wednesday there may be additional talks at the 
White House between myself, the Democratic leader, the leaders on the 
House side, and the President, with reference to a balanced budget. I 
think between now and then our attitudes should be positive. We should 
be trying to find ways to come together. Maybe we can, maybe we cannot. 
There are fundamental differences, and it is not just about numbers. 
But can we reach an agreement? I do not know. Is it doubtful? Probably. 
Is it possible? Yes.
  So there are still differences. In my view, we have had a slight 
narrowing of the differences. We are talking about a difference in 
policy, not just in numbers on the blackboard or on charts. So we will 
see what happens this next week. I know that some of the staff will be 
meeting with the Chief of Staff, Mr. Panetta, or his designees, and 
perhaps by next Wednesday, there will be some coming together, or maybe 
next Wednesday we will decide that there is no need to proceed further.

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