[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         AVIATION SECURITY ACT

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I hope that in about an hour we will be 
moving to the Airport Security Act since those 30 hours will then be 
close to expiration.
  I want to clarify a statement that I made on the floor earlier. I do 
oppose nongermane, nonrelevant amendments. I announced that when this 
bill was first--we thought it was going to be considered. But I want to 
point out that I have been in negotiations and discussions with various 
Members who are concerned about those individuals who have been 
directly impacted by Federal action, closing down the airways and the 
airports, including Reagan National Airport which just recently 
reopened.
  I think if we can reach an agreement, scale back dramatically the 
original proposals, that we could come to some agreement and attach 
that to this bill. But it would have to be acceptable to a large 
majority of the Members of the Senate.
  Although I oppose nongermane amendments, I also think we need to act 
on the issue of those who are directly affected by Federal action as a 
result of the shutdown of the airlines across this country.
  I wanted to make that clear.
  I continue to hold discussions on both sides of the aisle to see if 
there is a way we can come to agreement and thereby have it as a part 
of this legislation, particularly since the administration has not made 
a commitment at this time to have it on any pending vehicle.
  I wanted to clarify my position on the issue.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LEAHY. 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the quorum call be rescinded.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. LEAHY. Mr. President, what is the parliamentary situation? Are we 
in morning business?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is considering under cloture the 
motion to proceed on S. 1447.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to be able to 
proceed for 5 minutes as if in morning business but with the time 
applying against the clock on cloture.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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