[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NOMINATION OF FREDERICA A. MASSIAH-JACKSON, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE U.S. 
        DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

  Mr. LOTT. Now, Mr. President, we are working on an agreement with 
regard to this nomination--we still have to clear it with Senators on 
both sides of the aisle--that would allow us to announce some action in 
regard to this nomination within the next couple of hours, we hope 
certainly in the early afternoon, and then it would be our intent to go 
to the Morrow nomination. We have been working on a time agreement, and 
we will enter a request as to exactly when that would be debated and 
for how long. It is our intent to have a vote on that nomination at a 
reasonable hour this afternoon--not tonight.
  Mrs. BOXER. Will the Senator yield?
  Mr. LOTT. Yes, I yield.
  Mrs. BOXER. Several Senators on both sides of the aisle have been 
trying to get a time certain for the Morrow nomination. I wonder if the 
distinguished majority leader would consider offering a unanimous 
consent request so we can at least know how to plan our day? We have 
already thought it was happening this morning.
  Mr. LOTT. We would like to be able to do that. I think the best way 
to get a unanimous consent agreement is to continue to work with 
Senators on all sides. My intent would be that we enter into an 
agreement to begin as early as possible and to get a vote not later 
than 6 o'clock. If for some reason we could not get that agreement, 
then we would have to have that vote tomorrow morning, but I believe we 
can work with the interested Senators on both sides and get this 
agreement worked out. As soon as we do, hopefully even by noon, we will 
enter the request. I think it would be something everybody will be 
comfortable with.
  Mr. SPECTER. If the distinguished majority leader would yield to me, 
there have been discussions about a time. There are 4 hours. I was just 
discussing with our distinguished colleague from Missouri--I see he has 
left the floor so I will say nothing further. I hoped we might set that 
vote for 2:30, but I will let it ride.

  Mr. LOTT. I don't think we can do it that early, but we will work 
with everybody here in the next few minutes. If we could get it done 
right away, we will do it, but certainly we want to do it this morning 
if at all possible.
  I will continue to consult with the Democratic leader, and we will 
make that request soon.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the nomination.
  The legislative clerk read the nomination of Frederica A. Massiah-
Jackson, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the 
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business for 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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