[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 131 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S11819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I want the Senate to know we are still 
working to get an agreement to take up consideration of the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. We originally wanted to bring it up next 
week on October 6. That was objected to by the Democratic leadership. 
They indicated they thought more time was needed and they needed more 
time designated for debate. We have now offered to begin on October 8, 
next Friday, with debate. The debate would go up to 14 hours. We will 
conclude action on that treaty no later than the close of business on 
Tuesday, October 12.
  We are willing to agree to more time on behalf of the leader's 
amendments if that is necessary. I believe the Democratic leader has 
indicated his willingness to go to the treaty debate on the 8th and be 
on it the 12th and conclude it by the 12th, but we are still working on 
details.
  There were statements made by the President of the United States in 
1998, I believe in his State of the Union Address, and again in 1999, 
that he wanted the Senate to take up the treaty. I have statements from 
a number of Democratic Members of the Congress calling for this to be 
done.
  We have said to our colleagues on the other side of the aisle we 
don't think this is a good treaty; we think it puts safety in jeopardy; 
we think it puts us in a weakened condition internationally; and we 
think it is dangerous. However, since there have been calls and demands 
for a vote, we have offered to vote, and we have offered two different 
dates. We have offered time and more time.
  I am a little bit puzzled why the Democrats now are saying: We don't 
want to vote. I presume they are saying it because it may fail. The 
Senate will have a debate, and the Senate will vote. If there is not a 
two-thirds vote, it is over; it is defeated.
  It is hard for me to understand. Do they want it or not? Do they want 
to debate or not? Do they want to vote or not? I think it shows a 
little bit about what has been going on all along.
  I want to assure the Senate, there will be some hearings in the Armed 
Services Committee with experts in this field. There will be plenty of 
information on the record. If they want a vote, let's vote; if they 
don't, let's move on. I don't want to hear more about it for a while.
  Having said that, I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative assistant proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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