[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 132 (Tuesday, October 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S11499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S11499]]
                       AUTHORIZATION OF TESTIMONY

  Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the 
consideration of S. Res. 279 which was submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 279) to authorize testimony in the 
     State of Mississippi versus Edward Statecom.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this resolution concerns a request for 
testimony in a shoplifting action pending in Municipal Court in the 
City of Clarksdale, MS. Trial is scheduled to commence on or about 
October 20, 2005. The defendant has subpoenaed a member of the 
Senator's staff who has provided casework assistance to him. The 
enclosed resolution would authorize that staff member to testify in 
connection with this action.
  Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 279) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 279

       Whereas, in the case of State of Mississippi v. Edward 
     Statecum, Case No. M051648, pending in Municipal Court in the 
     City of Clarksdale, Mississippi, testimony has been requested 
     from Kim Coalter, an employee in the office of Senator Thad 
     Cochran;
       Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United 
     States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no 
     evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate 
     may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from 
     such control or possession but by permission of the Senate;
       Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or 
     in the possession of the Senate may promote the 
     administration of justice, the Senate will take such action 
     as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the 
     privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, that Kim Coalter is authorized to testify in the 
     case of State of Mississippi v. Edward Statecum, except 
     concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.

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