[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 117 (Friday, September 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S10720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S.J. RES. 33

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
turn to the consideration of Calendar No. 274, S.J. Res. 33, regarding 
the actions of President Clinton in granting clemency to the FALN 
terrorists.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, and I shall 
object on behalf of Senator Daschle. I observe that Senator Daschle and 
Senator Lott had conversations about the specific language in the 
proposal. My understanding is there are meetings, in fact, scheduled 
midday today to review the language. I expect there may be some 
opportunity to come to some common understanding on language that will 
be acceptable. There has been no such agreement at this point. While 
these discussions are ongoing, on behalf of Senator Daschle, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I appreciate the comments of Senator Dorgan 
with regard to the possibility of trying to work out some language on 
which there can be agreement. Even though I will proceed to file a 
cloture motion, if we can come up with some language that expresses the 
outrage of the American people and the feelings of the Senate on both 
sides of the aisle, we will withdraw that cloture motion and will go to 
the vote.
  I note that just yesterday the House of Representatives debated a 
resolution on this issue. Over 300 voted for the resolution expressing 
criticism of this clemency; 41 or so voted no; 70 voted ``present,'' 
which I think is a very curious thing. I do not recall the last time I 
have seen as many as 70 vote ``present.'' The House has shown 
leadership in this area in a bipartisan way. I hope the Senate can do 
the same.

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