[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 45 (Monday, April 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3005-S3006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            THE ENERGY BILL

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I will say a few words about where we 
find ourselves. I know we are in morning business, and that is 
appropriate for the various statements that have been made, but this is 
the beginning of week 6 in which the Senate is considering energy 
legislation. We are fast approaching a decisive point in that debate: 
Will we be able to bring this bill to an orderly close this week or 
will we not?
  We tried before to get a finite list of amendments agreed to, and 
there were objections raised by some in the Senate so we were not able 
to do that. We also could not get any agreement, at least as yet, on 
tax provisions. So the majority leader has filed for cloture on the 
bill, and all first-degree amendments have now been submitted. That 
deadline was 1:30 today.
  I hope we are able to deal with the remaining amendments and move 
forward. I hope we are able to invoke cloture so we can bring this very 
large

[[Page S3006]]

legislation to an orderly conclusion. Obviously, we want to see all 
issues that relate and that are germane to this energy bill adequately 
considered, but at this point, 5 weeks into the debate and starting 
week 6, I think most Senators have had ample opportunity to present 
their amendments and raise the issues they think are of concern.
  I see there are other Senators seeking recognition. I yield the 
floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.
  Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be 
allowed to speak for up to 15 minutes as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________