[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 75 (Friday, May 24, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. DOLE. Madam President, I recap, for the information of all 
Senators, that a cloture motion was filed on the motion to proceed to 
the Defend America Act. That vote occur on Tuesday June 4, at 2:15 
p.m., unless we can work out some overall agreement. We would want to 
add to that--I have discussed this with the Democratic leader--health 
care reform. That package is in conference. That is something which I 
very much would like to do that week. I talked to both Senators 
Kassebaum and Kennedy, and others. Hopefully, we might add to the list 
three or four things that we might complete action on that week.
  If there is not any change, then that rollcall vote will occur after 
the policy luncheons, I understand, at 2:15.
  Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The distinguished Democratic leader.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I do not want to delay the 
distinguished majority leader, but I would also note that he and I have 
had the opportunity to discuss the issue of confirmation of judges, and 
I hope that we could continue to work on that and find some resolution. 
I know there is a great deal of interest on both sides in trying to 
figure out a way to break loose the logjam on what I believe are 17 or 
18 judges that await some action here. A lot of families and a lot of 
futures are on the line. I am sure that the sooner we accommodate 
everyone's interest, the better it is for everybody concerned.
  I appreciate the majority leader's interest in trying to resolve that 
matter as well. We will want to work with him to see that we get that 
done.
  Mr. DOLE. I would say to the Democratic leader that if we cannot 
arrive at some agreement, I would be prepared to call them up one at a 
time. If someone wants to vote ``no''--and I understand that at least 
one may take some time, one of the nominees. For others, there may be 
rollcall votes. But it seems to me that the Democratic leader is 
correct. We should not be holding people up. If we need a vote, vote 
them down or vote them up, or whatever, but they ought to be voted on 
because they probably have plans to make and there are families 
involved.
  So I hope we can reach some accommodation to dispose of those as 
quickly as possible when we return.

                          ____________________