[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19233]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 2949

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 623, S. 2949, the aviation 
security legislation; that the Smith-Boxer amendment at the desk be 
considered and agreed to; the committee amendment be agreed to; the 
bill, as amended, be read three times, passed, and the motion to 
reconsider be laid on the table, without any intervening action or 
debate.
  This legislation is sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Barbara 
Boxer, an unlikely pair, you would think, to sponsor legislation. But 
they agree, as a majority of the Senate agrees, we should move forward 
on this legislation to allow certain pilots in commercial aviation to 
be armed. That is what the legislation is all about.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, on behalf of the leader, Senator Lott, I 
have been asked to lodge a formal objection to the unanimous consent 
request. I know the Senator from Nevada had expected that.
  I want it plain that I express none of my own views on the pending 
legislation in lodging this formal objection. I am the last Republican 
available to represent the leader, who has asked that a formal 
objection be lodged on behalf of other Members.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I understand my friend from Pennsylvania 
entering the objection. This measure has been cleared on this side, the 
Democratic side, for approximately 2 weeks. I understand the Commerce 
Committee staff has been working diligently on this matter. It is 
something we should complete. It has widespread support. I appreciate 
the statement of my friend from Pennsylvania.

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