[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 2176

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now proceed to S. 2176, the Vacancy Act.
  Mr. BYRD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia.
  Mr. BYRD. Reserving the right to object Mr. President, I have 
advocated the passage of this bill. On a number of occasions I have 
asked the leader to proceed with this bill as soon as he could do so. 
And I introduced the legislation several months ago--I believe last 
year even--that went to the committee chaired by the distinguished 
Senator from Tennessee, Mr. Thompson. I asked the chairman to hold 
hearings on the bill, which he did. I appeared before the committee and 
spoke in support of the bill.
  And that bill has been reported from the committee with some changes, 
which I support. So I support this bill 100 percent. But I am 
constrained to object this evening because of one or two colleagues on 
my side of the aisle who wish to object. I am sorry to have to do that. 
But with that explanation, Mr. President, I do object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.

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