[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 68 (Thursday, May 8, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2003

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the 
Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until 9:30 
a.m., Friday, May 9. I further ask that following the prayer and the 
pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings 
be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their 
use later in the day, and that the majority leader then be recognized 
to speak in morning business.
  Further, I ask unanimous consent that following those remarks, the 
Senate then resume consideration of S. 14, the energy bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Prior to our closing tonight, I want to lay on the record 
that I think we have had a pretty good week this week. There has been a 
lot of work done by both sides, and we have accomplished a great deal. 
Today was an indication of what can be done if we work together.
  I know people in the majority feel strongly about Miguel Estrada and 
Priscilla Owen. I have to say the record this Senate has established 
regarding the approval of judges is tremendous. Today we approved the 
124th judge during the administration of this President Bush. That is 
pretty good.
  I hope those Senators who feel so intently about Priscilla Owen and 
Miguel Estrada--it is certainly their right to feel so strongly, as 
people on this side feel strongly regarding opposition of the two 
judges--also recognize the number of judges that have been approved. We 
think we have done a good job. In fact, this week I asked my staff how 
many we approved. I think it was four or five judges even this week. So 
we are moving right along.
  I have no objection to the unanimous consent request of the 
distinguished majority whip.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, let me say that the Senator from Nevada 
is certainly correct. A number of judges have been confirmed. But also 
this Senate and this Congress will be remembered, apparently--we will 
see at the end of the Congress--apparently be remembered as the first 
Senate since 1968 to kill a nomination through the use of the 
filibuster.
  There have been occasional cloture motions over the years, but they 
have been used to advance the completion of a nomination--not to stop 
it--with the exception of Fortas in 1968, which was right before a 
Presidential election. We are not right before a Presidential election. 
I think this unfortunate precedent that has been set is one that we 
have had much discussion about on the floor and will be regretted by 
Senators on both sides of the aisle through the years.

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