[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, again today, we hope it is going to be a 
short day for the Senate. We hope we will be able to pass the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission Reform Act on which we have all worked so 
hard. I thank my colleagues for the fact that every single amendment 
that has been offered has been germane. That is great. The fact that 
everybody stayed focused on the subject matter has helped.

  I know Senator Stevens, who is on the floor now, will concur that it 
has been exemplary how Senators have conducted themselves on this bill. 
We thank everyone, all the Senators and the staff, for keeping the 
amendments germane. It is very important to getting this bill done this 
week.
  The other good news is, our staffs burned the midnight oil last 
night, Democrats and Republicans. We have been putting together a 
managers' package, to give a quick status report on that. We think 
there are about 12 or so amendments in that managers' package right now 
that have been agreed to. It looks as if maybe we have around eight 
amendments that are pending. We are hoping we can work out some issues 
on some of those amendments. We understand there may be a small number 
of amendments still coming, but we have run our traps here, so to 
speak.
  Again, the good news is we think we have a manageable number of 
amendments. We know we are going to have a vote in about 15 minutes. It 
will be on an amendment that is pending. Again, that is great. We will 
try to dispense with that amendment, however it comes out. Then we will 
move on to have further amendments throughout the day.
  We are very encouraged. I thank Senator Stevens for his leadership 
and his staff. They have been great. We appreciate their efforts to try 
to shepherd this bill through.
  I do not want to make a prediction because I don't know and I don't 
pretend to know how this is going to turn out, but it appears to me 
that it is possible we could easily finish this bill today. It is 
possible--I don't want to jinx myself--but maybe even this afternoon. 
Instead of going into the late evening hours tonight, it is conceivable 
we might be able to finish it this afternoon if we work hard and stay 
on task.
  I wanted to give the Senate an update. We look forward to the 
collegial spirit everyone has shown so far. We hope it continues today. 
I thank everybody for their cooperation and assistance.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.
  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, it is my understanding we are scheduled 
for a vote at 11 o'clock; is that correct?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. There will be 15 minutes of debate once the 
Senate lays down the bill.
  Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous consent that I be recognized for up to 10 
minutes as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. STEVENS. I do believe we have an agreement, Mr. President, to 
vote at a time certain. Does the Senator wish to postpone that vote?
  Mr. INHOFE. I inquire of the Chair, is there a time certain for a 
vote?

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