[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 143 (Monday, September 9, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE

  Mr. McCONNELL. I hope that as the Senate tackles the important 
matters before us in the weeks and months ahead, we will not only make 
sure to savor our last few months working alongside this great friend 
and colleague but also to embody his example in our work. Here is what 
that work will need to include:
  Right off the bat this week, the Senate will begin working through a 
slate of nominations to important Federal offices. The American people 
deserve to be governed by the government they voted for, and every time 
we confirm another one of the uncontroversial, amply qualified public 
servants whom President Trump has selected for these executive branch 
posts, we fulfill a constitutional responsibility and make manifest the 
people's decision.
  Of course, in the days and weeks ahead, another major duty before us 
will be the appropriations process. Just like last year, under the 
leadership of Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy, I am confident 
we can make significant progress on regular appropriations this month 
and then pass an interim continuing resolution to prevent any funding 
lapse while that work continues.
  Let me say that again. A major focus of the Senate this month will be 
moving forward as many of the regular appropriations bills as possible 
and then passing a temporary continuing resolution for the outstanding 
parts of the government before the end of September.
  We have the parameters in place, thanks to the bipartisan funding 
agreement President Trump signed last month. Now it is time for the 
rubber to meet the road and for the Senate to pass appropriations bills 
this month.

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