[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2183]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                SCHEDULE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on behalf of the majority leader, I 
will announce the schedule for today. This morning, there will be a 
period for morning business until the hour of 1 p.m., with the time 
equally divided between the two leaders or their designees. A consent 
agreement was reached last night for the consideration of the 
nomination of Gordon England to be Deputy Secretary for Homeland 
Security. That debate and vote is expected this afternoon. We will 
notify all Members when that rollcall vote is expected.
  In addition, the nomination of John Snow to be Secretary of the 
Treasury was reported by the Finance Committee by a unanimous vote this 
morning. It is hoped the Senate will be able to act on that important 
nomination during today's session. Therefore, additional votes can be 
expected during today's session of the Senate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burns). The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I want to ask the distinguished majority 
whip a question or two. It is my understanding this Friday the 
Democrats have a retreat in Washington. It is my understanding there is 
going to be a joint retreat of the congressional Republicans next 
Thursday and Friday. Is it fair to be able to tell Members that next 
Thursday and Friday there likely will be no votes?
  Mr. McCONNELL. It would be safe to say on Friday, but Thursday would 
not be safe to say.
  Mr. REID. It is my understanding the train leaves at noon. So we 
could have something in the morning, is that the deal?
  Mr. McCONNELL. Yes.
  Mr. REID. As I have indicated to the distinguished Senator from 
Kentucky before we came into session, we will work to see what we can 
do on the Snow nomination. As the Senator knows, we have one Member on 
our side who has some questions, I do not think as much with the 
individual but with some policies. I will talk to him shortly and see 
if we can expedite this matter.
  Mr. McCONNELL. It would be very helpful if that meeting with the 
Member about Mr. Snow could be expedited. That would be greatly 
appreciated.

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