[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ORDER OF PROCEDURE

  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I note to those Senators who may not 
have been told, there are no votes tomorrow or votes on Friday. I ask 
the leader if he can clarify that.
  Mr. LOTT. Madam President, for the information of all Senators, we 
are pleased to announce that there will be no further votes today. The 
Senate will be in session tomorrow, Thursday, January 23, for a period 
of morning business, to continue the opportunity for Senators to offer 
bills and make statements on behalf of those bills.
  The Senate then is expected to recess over until Monday, the 27th, 
for a pro forma session only. No business will be transacted during 
Monday's session. The next time the Senate will be in session to 
conduct business will be on Tuesday, January 28, when we hope and 
expect that we will have another nomination ready to be voted on. It 
hasn't been completed yet, but we hope to continue next week with 
confirmation votes. After meeting with the Democratic leader, we will 
begin to also notify Members as to when we hope bills will be coming up 
and will be ready for vote.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I thank the majority leader for his 
comments with regard to the schedule and also for his cooperation in 
moving these two nominations as quickly as we have.
  I think the widespread support for both nominees is a real indication 
of the kind of support both colleagues have, and also a real indication 
of the kind of leadership demonstrated on the Republican side of the 
aisle when it comes to these nominations. This is in keeping with the 
comments made earlier by the majority leader. I appreciate his 
cooperation very much.
  I yield to Senator Robb at this time and reserve my right to the 
floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia [Mr. Robb] is 
recognized.
  Mr. ROBB. Madam President, I will submit for the Record a statement 
relating to the nomination and confirmation of both now Secretary 
Madeleine Albright and now Secretary Bill Cohen. I was unable to get to 
the floor during those particular periods when their virtues were being 
extolled at some length. I have enormous respect for them individually, 
as all of our colleagues do.
  I salute the leadership on both sides of the aisle for moving these 
nominations through expeditiously. I believe they are both committed to 
a strong national defense and assertive foreign policy. I think they 
will work well together as a team and with the President. I think their 
respective quick confirmations are good for the country. I commend all 
of those who helped to make that possible, including my distinguished 
senior Senator from Virginia and the distinguished majority leader, as 
well as the minority leader, for what they have done.

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