[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2296-S2297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, this 
agreement would allow the Senate to begin debate on this very important 
joint resolution regarding the appointment of an independent counsel at 
10 a.m., on Friday. It is my understanding that the Democratic leader 
is discussing what amendments would be offered to this resolution. 
Perhaps he is meeting on that at this time. When the Senate resumes its 
consideration, then, on Monday, we would begin to take up the 
amendments, if any. In addition, it is my hope that, prior to the close 
of business on Friday, I will be able to inform the Senate as to not 
only the number of amendments we can expect, again, if any, on the 
other side of the aisle, but also I will be able to set a consent time 
for final passage, potentially as early as Wednesday of next week. It 
is our hope that we can get a vote on the independent counsel issue by 
Wednesday of next week. Then we will be able, on Wednesday afternoon or 
Thursday, to deal with the Mexico certification issue, assuming we have

[[Page S2297]]

that worked out in a way we would want to bring it to the floor at that 
time.
  Again, I am still discussing that with the Democratic leader, and 
there is communication from both sides of the aisle with the 
administration. So we don't know yet if that will happen, or what form 
it will be in. I look forward to further discussions with the minority 
leader on this issue. I hope it will not be necessary to file a cloture 
motion on this resolution in order to bring it to conclusion by mid-
week. I haven't had an indication that that will be the case. I am 
thankful for the cooperation we have had in getting this agreement 
worked out.
  In light of this agreement, and the agreement reached earlier calling 
for a vote on the constitutional amendment for campaign expenditures at 
2:45 Tuesday, I am pleased to announce there will be no votes during 
Friday's or Monday's session of the Senate. The next vote will occur 
2:45 Tuesday, March 18.

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