[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 162 (Friday, December 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 4440

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 328, H.R. 4440.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, reserving the right to object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minority leader.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, through the Chair to the distinguished 
junior Senator from Mississippi, it is my understanding this is the 
Katrina matter we spoke about last night.
  Mr. LOTT. It is, Mr. President.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I would say to my friend, we are very close 
to being able to have that cleared on this side. In fact, I have been 
very busy since early this morning. I have not had a chance to check 
with even my staff on this yet. But I think we are close to being able 
to do something very quickly. So, therefore, I object.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, let me say to Senator Reid, I have been 
working with the Senator and both sides of the aisle, and we are trying 
to make sure everybody understands what we are doing here. This is very 
critical legislation to aid the Katrina victims in all the affected 
States, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
  I hope we can get this agreed to shortly before we get into the 
extended debate with regard to the other legislation, the PATRIOT Act. 
So as soon as we could get notification from the Democratic leader, we 
are ready to proceed. I will be standing by waiting for that 
opportunity because there are thousands of people waiting for this 
help, and they need it now.
  I thank Senator Reid. And since he has objected, I will withhold at 
this time but will be on standby ready to go momentarily.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  The Senator from New Hampshire.

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