[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. FRIST. Madam President, for the information of all Senators, on 
Monday the Senate will begin consideration of the reconciliation bill. 
The bill was passed out of the Finance Committee last evening. The 
Senate will debate the jobs and economic growth package for up to 2 
hours on Monday. However, we will not be considering amendments on that 
day. Therefore, as announced earlier, there will be no rollcall votes 
on Monday.
  On Tuesday, the Senate will begin consideration of amendments, and 
therefore Senators may expect rollcall votes. I anticipate that the 
first vote on Tuesday will occur at approximately 12 noon. That vote 
may be in relation to an amendment to the reconciliation bill, or 
perhaps any executive matter that can be cleared.
  Throughout next week, as I said in the opening this morning, we will 
have busy sessions. I will share with my colleagues the importance of 
addressing three major issues, all of which have to be addressed next 
week.
  We have the jobs and economic growth bill, which we will begin 
Monday; and at that point we have certain time limits we will be 
dealing with on Monday and Tuesday and, likely, into Wednesday.
  Next week, we will also be considering the bipartisan global HIV/AIDS 
bill, a bill that is very important to this country, and 
internationally, as we look at the ravages of this virus, as well as 
the debt limit legislation--legislation about which we have had 
discussions on both sides of the aisle, and we have agreed that it 
needs to be dealt with soon and in a timely manner.
  In order for the Senate to complete action on these measures, late 
nights next week are likely. Rollcall votes should be expected 
throughout the week, including throughout Friday. Again, I mentioned 
this morning that if we work efficiently during the week, I think we 
can finish Friday afternoon. If not, there is a chance we will have to 
go into the weekend. I mention that because I know, as the week goes 
forward, I will be hearing about scheduling conflicts. I want my 
colleagues to know upfront that we need to address these important 
issues. If we cannot do it in a timely way, we may have to go into 
Saturday.
  I have no further announcements to make at this time. I will be 
making further announcements next week regarding specifics of the 
schedule as we progress on the items I have mentioned.

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