[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12093]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                SCHEDULE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in a couple of minutes we will resume work 
on the Defense authorization bill. This morning we have an order for 90 
minutes of debate prior to the two votes related to the minimum wage. 
Following those votes, Senator Levin will offer an amendment related to 
Iraq on which there will be 5 hours of debate. Many Senators have 
expressed a desire to speak during that time, and we may be able to set 
up blocks of controlled time in order to line up speakers. Following 
debate on the Levin amendment, we will set that amendment aside and 
begin debate on Senator Kerry's Iraq language. Although there is no 
limit for debate on that amendment, we anticipate that we will lock in 
a debate structure for that amendment as well. This is our second week 
of consideration of the bill, and last night, to ensure that we will 
finish the bill in a reasonable time, we filed cloture on the Defense 
authorization bill. Senators will have until 1 o'clock today to file 
their first-degree amendments.
  With respect to the Iraq language, it is my expectation that we will 
vote on the Iraq amendments prior to the cloture vote which would occur 
on Thursday. Senator Warner and Senator Levin have cleared a large 
number of amendments and will continue to work to clear additional 
amendments as we go forward. In addition, there will likely be germane 
amendments debated and voted once cloture is invoked.
  Having said that, I look forward to constructive debate throughout 
the day and evening on the two Iraq amendments before us.
  I yield the floor.

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