[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6845]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2003

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the 
Senate completes its business today it stand in adjournment until 9:30 
a.m. on Thursday, March 20. I further ask that following the prayer and 
the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of 
proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be 
reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate resume 
consideration of S. Con. Res. 23, the concurrent budget resolution; 
provided further that there be 14\1/2\ hours remaining for debate on 
the resolutions with 6\1/2\ hours remaining under the control of the 
chairman of the Budget Committee and 8 hours remaining under the 
control of the ranking member.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Democratic whip.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, in response to the earlier statements of my 
dear friend, the distinguished Senator from Oklahoma, we have worked 
hard the last few days trying to work our way through this very 
difficult legislation. It is always this way. It is very difficult. The 
reason we do it this way is it is statutory. We are doing our best.
  We stand on the brink of a war. The two leaders have met today to 
talk about the fact that when this does start, there will be a pause of 
some time to be determined by the leaders so that Members can speak 
about what is going on in Iraq. I think I speak for the entire Senate 
in this regard, as we leave the Senate tonight, our thoughts and our 
prayers are with the Commander in Chief of the United States military, 
George Bush, and also with the hundreds of thousands of American troops 
who are standing ready to go do what is appropriate at this time.
  We recognize there are some who feel this is not the right time, but 
as Americans we always rally around our troops. This time is going to 
be no different. The minute the first shot is fired, with rare 
exception, all Americans will be recognizing what we feel here tonight 
is that there is a strong sense of urgency to making sure that we do 
the business of this Nation in the Senate and work to complete whatever 
business is necessary to make sure those people who are fighting for 
us--lives are going to be lost--have everything they need and more.
  As we retire tonight, I think I speak for the entire Senate when I 
say our thoughts and prayers are with those who have to make this 
momentous decision, especially the President.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.
  Mr. NICKLES. I thank my friend and colleague from Nevada for his 
comments in support of the President and the troops. We do wish them 
Godspeed and God's blessing and protection as well.

                          ____________________