[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3949]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                SCHEDULE

  Mr. FRIST. The Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of 
Miguel Estrada to be a circuit judge for the DC Circuit. This is now 
the sixth day of debate on this judicial nominee. I thank Chairman 
Hatch, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for leading the debate on 
Miguel Estrada last night. I believe Senator Hatch laid out very 
clearly the qualifications of this nominee, as well as the traditional 
practice and process of our judicial confirmations.
  I thank all Members on this side of the aisle for their questions 
last night. I believe those questions and answers provide a great 
insight and clear away much of the rhetoric surrounding this well-
qualified nominee.
  Again last night I attempted to reach an agreement as to when we 
might have an up-or-down vote on the Estrada nomination. All of my 
proposals were rejected. I hope out of a sense of fairness my 
Democratic colleagues would rethink their objection and allow the time 
certain for an up-or-down vote on Miguel Estrada.
  With respect to the omnibus appropriations conference report, the 
House filed the report late, very late, last night. The House is 
expected to act on that conference report later today. Therefore, it is 
my intention the Senate will be able to complete action on that measure 
on Friday.
  I will be working with the Democratic leader in an effort to reach a 
time agreement on that conference report. Rollcall votes are, 
therefore, possible during today's and tomorrow's session.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The distinguished minority leader 
from South Dakota.
  Mr. DASCHLE. I ask the distinguished majority leader if it is his 
intention to bring the bill up tomorrow? There have been questions 
about the schedule tomorrow. You did indicate it was more likely it 
would come up tomorrow rather than tonight?
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in response, it may well be tonight, in 
which case we could consider moving ahead tonight. It depends on when 
the House finishes their business and delivers it to us. A number of 
Senators have asked. Looking realistically, it is likely to be 
tomorrow. But if we receive it earlier, I will be more than happy to 
work on it tomorrow.
  I might turn to the distinguished chairman and ask for his 
perspective on what we might see over the course of today.
  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, it is my understanding the House will not 
get to the bill until quite late tonight so I presume we will not 
receive it until tomorrow.
  Mr. DASCHLE. I thank the chairman and the distinguished majority 
leader.

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