[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 49 (Thursday, April 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROGRAM

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on Monday, April 19, the Senate will be in 
a period of morning business. I have stated it is our intention at this 
juncture to proceed to the consideration of S. 2290, the asbestos bill. 
Although we don't have an agreement on proceeding to the bill, we will 
continue to have discussions with the Democratic leadership in an 
effort to move forward on this legislation.
  A few moments ago we reached an agreement which limits amendments to 
the FSC/ETI bill or the JOBS legislation. I know the Democratic leader 
worked in good faith to limit amendments on his side, and he has 
witnessed firsthand that I have had my hands full throughout the day as 
well. The attempt was made to limit the number of amendments as much as 
we possibly could. I feel that is what we have done. But I am 
personally disappointed we can't get the list smaller, especially on 
amendments that are totally unrelated. The agreement we entered into is 
to define the universe of amendments, and I would expect and encourage 
the managers to continue to work to whittle down that list 
appropriately. I expect them to do so, and that was the nature of the 
discussion we had today.
  All of us know the calendar is working against us and we absolutely 
must, with the sanctions having an impact today and increasing every 
month, find a way to get this bill done. I don't believe it should be 
necessary--I hope my colleagues agree--to consider four pages of 
amendments. Again, I encourage the managers to work with all of our 
colleagues to limit the number of amendments we ultimately consider.
  As I previously announced, we will not be having rollcall votes on 
April 19. A number of colleagues will want to talk on the issues, 
including asbestos, and they will be able to do that on Monday.
  Having said that, I wish all of our colleagues a safe and happy 
recess.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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