[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ENERGY PACKAGE CONSIDERATION

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I want to take a minute to let colleagues 
known what the Democratic leader and I have discussed with respect to 
consideration of an energy package.
  The Chairman of the Energy Committee has been working hard, along 
with others, to put together a slimmed-down energy package that 
addresses some of the concerns that members of the Senate had with the 
conference report last fall. While there was some interest in 
addressing energy amendments on the highway bill, the Democratic Leader 
and I agreed that we will instead consider energy separately from 
highways.
  Under this agreement, I will Rule 14 an energy package and put it 
before the Senate in an expeditious way. We will consider it as quickly 
as possible, in a constrained manner, with as few amendments as 
possible. Senator Daschle and I will seek to get an agreement to limit 
amendments, but if that is not possible, we understand that it my be 
necessary to file cloture to move the process along. The goal would not 
be to preclude any Member's right to offer an amendment, but to ensure 
that the Senate has an opportunity to decide: do we want to consider a 
slimmed-down energy package, or not?
  So, for the information of colleagues, that is how Senator Daschle 
and I have agreed to handle energy issues in the immediate future. I 
would now yield to the Democratic leader for his comments.
  Mr. President, this is indeed how the Majority Leader and I have 
agreed to proceed with respect to the consideration of an energy 
package.
  I believe this is the most appropriate way to proceed, and I 
appreciate working with the Majority Leader to reach this 
understanding.

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