[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 9853]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                 RECESS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have conferred with the Republican leader. 
I have conferred with the two managers of the bill.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess until 6 
o'clock this evening.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, if we could 
have the attention of the Members so we can explain what we are trying 
to do. I say to Senator Bond, yours will be the first vote when we come 
back. I say to colleagues, we need to take a break to try to put 
together a managers' package and determine the final amendments that 
require a vote. That will take a little bit of time to best organize so 
we do not waste everyone's time. In addition, some people have not had 
a break who have not eaten. They have not had any breaks since 11 
o'clock this morning, especially the staff. We wish to emphasize we 
need to take this 45-minute break.
  Members who have multiple amendments, at least with respect to our 
side, are going to have a much better chance getting some amendment 
accepted if they are a little reasonable on their other amendments; in 
other words, prioritize, please. Let's try to work down. Some people 
have six amendments remaining. We need to try to prioritize. During 
this period, if people who have remaining amendments can come to us and 
tell us what are their priorities; we can't do them all.
  I thank the Chair and yield the floor. We will resume at 6 o'clock.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Senate stands in recess 
until 6 o'clock.
  Thereupon, the Senate, at 5:19 p.m., recessed until 6:01 p.m. and 
reassembled when called to order by the Presiding Officer (Mr. Reid).

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