[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

  Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, since there is not much time left 
between now and the weekly luncheons both sides have planned for today, 
it is my suggestion that we go into a period for morning business so 
Senators can speak if they choose to between now and 12:30 p.m.--I 
think is the time for the luncheons to begin--and then we can come back 
in at 2:15 p.m. and resume consideration of the bill at that time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I think this is wise. We have two of the 
most senior Members of the Senate who are managing this bill. It has 
been said, and I will say it again, we are doing everything we can on 
this side to limit amendments. There are people who have amendments, 
and we want them to be able to offer them to this most important piece 
of legislation.
  We just finished a leadership meeting, and those there who had a 
number of amendments indicated they would be willing to agree to short 
time agreements on them. I think it is something on which we can move 
forward.
  I know Senator Byrd has a statement that is--I won't say long, but it 
is weighty. I think it would be better if we came back after the break 
and let him begin his statement. Personally, I want to be here to do 
that. I would agree to be in morning business until 12:30 p.m. with the 
time evenly divided, and come back at 2:15 p.m. If it is all right with 
Senator Cochran, Senator Byrd can have the floor at 2:15 p.m.
  Mr. COCHRAN. That is certainly fine with me, and I join with the 
Senator in making that request. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
be in a period for morning business until the hour of 12:30 p.m.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The journal clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my capacity as a Senator from Alaska, I ask 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________