[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         EXPLANATION OF ABSENCE

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, this evening, the Senate conducted 
two rollcall votes--on the conference report to the Defense Department 
Appropriations bill and on the nomination of Katharine Sweeney Hayden 
to be U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey. 
Unfortunately, I was not present for those votes.
  Tonight, at my daughter's school in Wilmington is what is called mini 
roster night. That is what most people know as open house or parents' 
night--where the parents go around and meet all of the teachers. 
Because of the Senate voting schedule, I will either have to miss votes 
or miss mini roster night at my daughter's school.
  On both matters voted on tonight, my position is already on the 
record, and my vote is not expected to change the outcome.
  With regard to the defense bill, I voted for the bill on July 15 when 
it passed the Senate by the overwhelming margin of 94-4. There have 
been no substantial changes in the legislation, and I continue to 
support it.
  On July 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee reported out the 
nomination of Katharine Sweeney Hayden to be a New Jersey district 
judge. I supported her nomination, and I continue to do so.
  Again, Mr. President, on both matters, my vote is not expected to 
change the outcome, and therefore, I have decided to attend parents' 
night at my daughter's school. I appreciate the understanding of my 
colleagues and my constituents.

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