[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21190]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                SCHEDULE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, today we formally begin the consideration 
of John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States. In a moment, 
we will proceed to executive session to begin the debate on that 
nomination. In order to facilitate the debate on the Roberts 
nomination, we have set aside controlled time so that Members can 
better plan when they will be speaking to the body. I know many Members 
will want to come to the floor to speak on this important nomination. 
However, I hope Senators do not feel compelled to make lengthy 
statements. We will stay each night this week if the Senators desire to 
speak, but I would like to reach an agreement as to when that final 
vote will occur so that Members can plan accordingly. I will be 
discussing a time certain for that vote with the Democratic leader as 
we go forward with the debate.
  Last week, I announced that we would have a vote today beginning 
approximately 5:30. Shortly, we expect to have that vote locked in by 
unanimous consent. We have about 24 nominations that are pending on the 
Executive Calendar. We will likely set one of those pending nominations 
for a vote. As always, we will alert Members when that vote is set.
  Also, this week we need to address the continuing resolution as we 
end the fiscal year. We will continue working on the appropriations 
process following the vote on the Roberts nomination.
  The appropriations bill for the Defense Department will be reported 
this week, and we expect to quickly turn to that bill.
  Having said that, I look forward to a good debate and good discussion 
on John Roberts, followed by the vote on his confirmation.

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