GOP Leadership Holds the Course.
Improved Election Performance Promised.
In an expected move, the GOP leadership of the House and Senate
will be largely unchanged, being staffed with moderates such as
Leader John Boehner and Whip Roy Blunt. Leadership choices in
the Senate are only slightly uncertain, as most observers expect
the Leader position to be filled by Mitch McConnell, with the
Whip being either Trent Lott or Lamar Alexander.
In related news, leadership of the Republican Party is poised to make Kay Bailey Hutchison
the Chair of the Republican Policy Committee (RPC).
The RPC suggests, but does not drive, the Republican agenda for the Senate.
Ms. Hutchison would replace border-hawk Jon Kyl.
Senator Mel Martinez has accepted an offer by the White House to become the new
chairman of the Republican National Committee. His past votes on immigration and border
protection measures indicate that Senator Martinez is a strong supporter of White
House comprehensive immigration and expansive citizenship policies.
Republican leadership is confident that "staying the political course" will result in
the Republican party being returned to power in the 2008 election. The leaders have said
that they hear the public outcry for comprehensive immigration reform, and
for adopting mainstream-moderate positions on other issues.
"We know that the public prefers bipartisan solutions over disagreement."
Republican leaders also plan a soft and gentle offensive against hyper-critical
pundits such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Ann Coulter.
"It is obvious to any pragmatic person that the Republican program is better than
the Democrats," said an anonymous Republican source, "We secretly hope the Democrats
cause total failure in Iraq and the US economy, which will prove that our approach to
election success has been the right one all along."
---===---
Drat. I missed Frist and Reid's opening shots, except to the extent that I heard Reid
mention Iraq, education, and other stuff. I assume that the two openings illuminated
some parallel and divergent measures for the 109th Congress.
Senator Salazar notes that one of his high points, in memory, is the Gang of 14 deal that
facilitated the cessation of filibusters on judicial nominees. He's sad that Chafee
and DeWine were defeated. I must say, the Republican leadership agrees with Senator
Salazar, and feels the same pain. No doubt it will strive to find replacement candidates
that are -more- bipartisan and agreeable than those that were lost.
UPDATE @ 15:15
Senator Hutchison brings up one of the easier appropriations bills,
H.R.5385 - for military quality of life functions of the
Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of
Veterans Affairs, and related agencies. This one was stalled in the Senate
since July 20.
UPDATE @ 18:05
Senate is in adjournment until 2:15 PM, Tuesday Nov. 14
Order of business is HR 5385, which will be completed Tuesday afternoon
The other items that Senator Frist noted as coming up were the Vietnam Trade
legislation and the India civilian nuclear power agreement.
UPDATE @ November 14
Looking at two parts of the Congressional Record from yesterday,
1.SCHEDULE, and
2.RECENT ELECTIONS AND LOOKING AHEAD
Senator Frist indicates a small number of items on the agenda for this week and the
lame duck session of the 109th Congress. He did NOT mention taking up of Bolton,
judicial nominations, or the NSA terrorist surveillance / FISA overhaul legislation.
This week the Senate agenda will focus, as we mentioned earlier, on completing the
remaining appropriations bills, and in the days and in the weeks ahead, we will consider
the nomination of Bob Gates as Secretary of Defense and, as we just stated, the Vietnam
trade legislation and the U.S.-India civilian nuclear technology bill.
The fact that Bolton, NSA, and contentious judicial nominees weren't mentioned
doesn't mean that those matters won't come up - it just means that they are not
perceived as viable priorities.
Senator Reid's
1.MOVING FORWARD is a must read as well, as it lays out the counterpoint to
Republican-pushed direction. I found the following particularly interesting:
I believe it is time for our President to call for a regional conference that he
participants in. I spoke to the King of Jordan today. He thought it was a good idea to have
the President call for a meeting of the leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan--even Syria.
It is a regional problem. Let's talk about this regionally. It is more their problem than
our problem. They have more to lose or win than we do. So I think a regional conference
would be very important to regionalize our strategy.
We must revitalize the failed construction efforts. It was stunning to see in the
weekend news how much less oil is being produced there in Iraq than before the war. It was
stunning to see how little potable water is being produced there than before the war. And
to see that the electricity in Baghdad--as an example, prior to the war it was 16 hours a
day, and now it is down to less than 4 hours a day. We have to revitalize our failed
reconstruction efforts.
Heh, the Senator is doing foreign affairs. At any rate, at least as interesting as the
"regionalization" aspect (which actually is something that President Bush has touted as
the primary upside to reforming Iraq into a democratically-operated government - with
Iraq being a model for other Islamic countries to admire and emulate), Reid tosses out
some infrastructure performance statistics that if true, show slow and troubled
physical rebuilding.
---===---
The following bills were placed on the calendar:
S. 3994. A bill to extend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996.
S. 4041. A bill to protect children and their parents from being coerced into
administering a controlled substance in order to attend school, and for other purposes.
A bill (S. 4047) to prohibit the issuance of transportation security cards to
individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes.
---===---
The President did not submit, and the Senate did not receive any new nominations
for Federal District or Circuit Court judges.
---===---
Washington Prowler - GATES OPEN
According to Capitol Hill sources, Democrat leadership in the Senate indicated to the
President that they had no objections to the nomination of Robert Gates to replace
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
Look for a vote by the full Senate to take place perhaps as early as the second week of
December. Hearings on Gates are slated to begin the first week of December.
"I wouldn't say it's a done deal, but it's pretty close," says a Democrat leadership
staffer. "There seems to be consensus to move the nomination through the process and get it
done."
UPDATE @ 15:45
Bit of a battle regarding a
Conrad amendment 5144 (Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006)
relating to 4 billion dollars in disaster
relief assistance for ranchers and farmers. Conrad insists on a vote on his amendment, and
threatens that if he does not get a vote, he will stop the "wheels of progress" in the Senate
by every manipulation of Senate Rules that are available to him.
The counterpoint is Santorum, who is threatening to have Conrad's amendment be rejected as being
non-germane (Senate Rule XVI),
with that ruling coming from the chair, and easily coming if any Senator makes the point of order
and asks for the ruling.
I'm wondering if this amendment is similar to the one
Ben Nelson was seeking
as relief for "Drought David." Nelson's was for 6.5 billion, Conrad's is for 4.1 billion.
A pittance - when the alternative is stopping the good work of the Senate. Just reject the damn
amendment on a vote and get on with business. Sheesh. A majority of GOP Senators can't just
vote this bloody thing down? Oh yeah, "compassionate conservatism," the amendment would pass.
UPDATE @ 17:03
Senator Specter introduces
S.4051 - legislation to revise FISA. This being a modification of a proposal
advanced by Feinstein and Specter. The legislation is a reaction to exposure of the NSA terrorist
surveillance program. Senator Specter indicates that a referral to the FISA Court, to judge on
the legality of the program, is now a moot proposal
in light of cases winding their way through the federal court system.
The Specter proposal calls for warrants for all calls that originate in the United States, but
not for those that originate overseas. It also calls for review (of what?) by the Supreme Court.
I wonder how this bill compares with the House-passed legislation, and then how the two
would be reconciled in conference.
Feinstein says that Specter is omitting a part that recites "exclusive authority of FISA" for
surveillance, which is a reflection of the rock-bottom dispute regarding balance of powers
between Congress and the President, as which will be the superior pre-determiner of
"reasonableness" of a given surveillance activity.
Feinstein wonders if all calls coming in from overseas are exempt from a warrant requirement,
and Specter says these calls are covered by the existing FISA regime - and the question between
the President's interpretation (executive's Article II authority is superior) and Feinstein's
interpretation (Congress' FISA-granted power is the limit of executive authority) being the
"correct" one is a question that only the Courts can answer.
Feinstein says she assumes the introduction of the bill is meant as a marker, not to be taken
up in the 109th Congress. Senator Specter says that he intends for this bill to be debated
and voted in the 109th session, and that he believes the bill comports with Feinstein's
sense of what a bill should and can say. A link to the Congressional Record ....
Introduction of Bill - Specter/Feinstein Colloquy
UPDATE @ 17:53
The Senate is on its way to passing, unanimously, on a roll call vote!, a motion to instruct
the Sergeant at Arms to compel the attendance of Senators. I wonder what the ramifications of
voting this DOWN would be ;-). At any rate, this is simply a formal way to get all the Senators
in chambers in preparation for getting on with voting on pending amendments and the
underlying appropriations bill. A "time filler" if you will. The last three Senators called?
Obama and Clinton, then Reid.
The Motion to Instruct the Sergeant at Arms to Compel Attendance was
PASSED (on November 14, 2006)
on a 95 - 01 vote.
Senator Allen cast a NAY vote. Now I don't care what you think, that's funny.
On a completely separate subject ...
Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy
Ranking Member, Judiciary Committee
On the Nomination of Thomas M. Hardiman
November 14, 2006
The Committee returns during the lame duck session of Congress for a hearing today on the
nomination of Judge Thomas M. Hardiman to an important seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Third Circuit. This lame duck session comes on the heels of national elections in
which Americans overwhelmingly cast their ballots for change. For too long, the White House
has undermined our bipartisan process for selecting judicial nominees by refusing to work
with us on consensus nominees.
In the days following the election, the President spoke about becoming a uniter and working
with Congress in a bipartisan way. Regrettably, it appears he will not be keeping that
promise. I understand the President intends to renominate a number of controversial
nominees. That unfortunate decision evidences that he intends to stay the partisan course
when it comes to judicial nominations.
UPDATE @ 18:37
Sounds as though farmer rancher relief, the Conrad "need," has been agreed to move over to
H.R.5384 - Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and related agencies, where it won't be subjected to a point of order for
being non-germane. I assume that it also won't be objected to as being a budget buster, because
even if a budget point of order is raised, it can be waived on 60 votes.
UPDATE @ 18:45
Senator Hutchison reports two amendments, then final passage, where negotiations are
aimed at adjusting the two amendments to permit adoption on a voice vote. She will know
by 7:00 PM whether or not the Reid and Allen amendments have been settled, or if one or the other
or both will require roll call votes. The order of procedure:
- Reid amendment
- Allen Amendment
- Final Passage (will be done on a voice vote)
UPDATE @ 19:07
The Reid and Allen amendments passed on voice votes. Senator Hutchison is requesting a voice vote
for final passage, which is granted as of 19:07.
UPDATE @ 19:50
Frist closes up shop. Senate opens at 2:15 PM tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be Ag appropriations. Looking for agreement with DEMs on taking up
the US/India Civilian Nuclear Agreement.
The White House sent some nominations, none of them judicial, with the only "in your eye"
repeat being that of Richard Stickler, of West Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor
for Mine Safety and Health.
UPDATE @ November 15
Trent Lott has won the position of Minority Whip. How energizing! Well, compared with
Lamar Alexander, he is ;-)
I wonder who the House Republicans will choose for leaders. Boehner/Pence?
Mitch McConnell = Minority Leader
Trent Lott = Assistant Minority Leader (Whip)
Jon Kyl = Republican Conference Chairman
Kay Baily Hutchison = Republican Policy Committee Chairman
John Cornyn = Republican Conference Vice Chairman
John Ensign = National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman
UPDATE @ 14:20
Morning business, working on time agreement for US-India Civilian Nuclear Power bill and
Agriculture appropriations bill. Need to get to the Continuing Resolution passed by the House
as well. Some votes will occur this afternoon.
UPDATE @ 14:27
The Senate has reached a time agreement for handling the US-India Civilian Nuclear Power
bills (S.3709 and H.R.5682) eventually resulting in passage of a version that differs
from the House-passed one, meaning a conference will be required.
Quite a few amendments will be taken up. I noted only a few:
Ensign - inspection (closed session); Reed; Levin; Obama ...
Senator Frist noted that this bill would be voted on by the end of the week, and that the Senate
would then stand in recess until December 4th. Senator Reid noted that a number of the amendments
to the US-India Civilian Nuclear Power bill would require debate, but that the DEMs would
work with the GOP in order to have a vote by Friday.
UPDATE @ 14:52
Senator Bill Nelson, two items to be brought up in this session:
- Tax Extenders
- With Vitter, on appropriation bill for FDA, an amendment to allow Americans
to purchase low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, by prohibiting
US Customs from detaining shipments of FDA-approved drugs
UPDATE @ 15:09
Conrad - Recalls that he withdrew his amendment based on a promise from Frist that the Senate
would go to the Agriculture appropriations bill today. Now he sees that the Ag appropriations
bill is not the order of business today. Therefore, he (Conrad) is in a position to object to
business of the Senate until his farmer/rancher amendment is given an opportunity for a
hearing and a vote.
It will be interesting if he uses this as justification to stand in the way of the
US-India Civilian Nuclear Power bill. Dorgan agrees with the summary of the GOP promise,
and reiterates that the federal relief sought has been passed twice by the Senate.
[Page: S10900]
Mr. CONRAD. ... that I would have a chance to offer the amendment at that time and other
Senators' rights would be reserved, and that I would withdraw my amendment from this bill
with the understanding that we would go to the Agriculture Appropriations bill tomorrow.
That is what we had tentatively agreed to. I think we just have to have the leader indicate
publicly that that is his understanding as well. Then we can break the gridlock here and
proceed to finish Military Construction. ...
Mr. President, I notice the majority leader has returned to the floor. I
tried to recount for our colleagues the status of our discussion, and the understanding
that we had reached, that I would withdraw my amendment from this bill with the
understanding that we would go to the Agriculture Appropriations bill tomorrow and have a
chance to offer it there. All Senators' rights would be reserved. That is the status of it.
I just ask if that is the majority leader's understanding. If it is, I will then be willing
to withdraw my amendment from the Military Construction bill and we can conclude that.
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in the last hour or so we have had numerous discussions on the
floor, as our colleagues have observed, and many participated in the discussion. My
understanding and the general agreement that we have is to go to the Agriculture
Appropriations bill tomorrow. That does facilitate the progress we need to make on the
current bill that is on the floor, which I hope and expect to be able to finish tonight. If
that is the case, we plan on going to the Agriculture bill tomorrow. All rights will be
reserved for all Senators, of course. We don't have an agreement, but that is the
intention. The disaster ag relief bill is very important and has been talked about by
Republicans and Democrats and we expect to debate it tomorrow. It is a more appropriate
place for this amendment. So I think this is a good understanding. ...
[Page: S10935] - 9.PROGRAM
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, today we did complete our work on the Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Tomorrow afternoon, we hope to begin the
Agriculture appropriations bill. We are also continuing our efforts to reach an agreement
for the consideration of the U.S.-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act.
Lesson - don't accept intentions or good understandings. The man said "we don't have an
agreement," that is pretty clear.
I also wonder whether Reid is working behind the scenes with Conrad, to throw
a wrench in the works. It seems to me that the Ag appropriations bill has to come up at some
point before the end of the 109th Congress - although in Conrad's defense, Ag appropriations
could easily be swept into an omnibus spending bill with little opportunity for amendment.
UPDATE @ 15:45
Lautenberg rendered a forgettable speech relating to US policy in Iraq.
Senator Conrad rises to say that he is open to accommodation -- in other words, he is
softening his bellicose threat to stall Senate business. I'm not sure if he has the power to
object to taking up the US-India Civilian Nuclear Power bill, or if the UC agreement
recited by Frist earlier includes crossing the "motion to take up" barrier. If I recall
correctly, the UC agreement began "at a time to be agreed upon by the majority and minority
leaders."
Given the small number of hours left in the 109th, it is fascinating that the Senate is
slow to get past Morning Business.
Senator Conrad moves to have the Ag appropriations bill taken up, and is faced with objection.
He asserts that he then will object to other matters being taken up. He again asks for
UC to move to the Ag appropriations bill, and is again rebuffed.
Dorgan makes the same point I alluded to, "If the Senate is doing nothing (as it is), why not
do something? (that is, Ag appropriations)." Fair question - but I doubt it will be answered.
UPDATE @ 16:15
Conrad rises as routine UC is sought for four Committees to meet, and he objects. He says he
regrets having to object, and explains that he does so because the deal made yesterday (to
bring up Ag appropriations today) was not kept.
UPDATE @ 17:51
Senator Conrad says that leadership indicates an intention to adjourn for the evening, and he
says that his understanding is that adjournment will preserve status quo (morning business).
This is a peek into how a minority can "control" the Senate. If Conrad had 40 like-minded
Senators behind him, the Senate would be forced to accede to his wishes, being unable to
assert otherwise via cloture.
White House Resubmits 6 Court Nominees
By DEVLIN BARRETT - Associated Press Writer
The White House submitted six names Wednesday: Terrence Boyle of North Carolina and William
James Haynes II of Virginia to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va.;
Michael Brunson Wallace of Mississippi to the 5th Circuit in New Orleans; Peter Keisler to
the D.C. Circuit; and William Gerry Myers III and Norman Randy Smith, both of Idaho, for
the 9th Circuit in San Francisco.
Well I'll be dipped. Maybe the President will insist on disposition by up or down vote.
The
Circuit Court Nominations Summary has been updated to reflect the renominations.
I've been posting more of my thoughts on this subject
here and
here at confirmthem.com.
UPDATE @ November 16
Senate Iraq Hearings - Text of Prepared Statements
---===---
Bobby Chesney at the National Security Advisors blog has crafted
an excellent summary of Specter's proposed NSA/FISA revisions.
---===---
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, tomorrow we will conduct a short period of morning
business before turning to the United States-India nuclear bill. We were able to reach an
agreement to limit amendments to the bill earlier today, and it is my hope that we will be
able to expedite consideration and vote final passage tomorrow. We are also attempting to
begin work on the Agriculture appropriations bill.
---===---
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the
majority leader in consultation with the Democratic leader, the Senate proceed to the
immediate consideration of Calendar No. 527, S. 3709, the U.S.-India nuclear bill. I
further ask that a manager's amendment to be agreed upon by Senators Lugar, Biden, and
Frist be agreed to as original text for the purpose of further amendment, and that the only
other amendments in order be: Ensign regarding inspection, to be considered in closed
session; Reed, Levin, Obama, two Dorgan amendments, Feingold, Boxer, Feinstein, Harkin, up
to seven Bingaman, Kennedy, and Dodd. I further ask that all amendments except Senator
Feingold's be subject to relevant second degrees and that all be related to the subject
matter of the bill.
The Senate did basically nothing yesterday, ground to a halt based on Senator Conrad's objections,
based on his feeling stiffed by leadership which had promised to bring up the Ag appropriations
bill, but moved instead to the US-India Civilian Nuclear Power bill. That same issue is in place
this morning, and the depth of Conrad's resolve has not been revealed.
UPDATE @ 09:37
Senator Frist summarizes what is to be done today, tomorrow, and in the weeks of December.
The only items he mentions specifically are:
- US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement
- Appropriations bills (Ag first)
- Free trade agreements (Viet Nam and a couple of South American countries)
- Tax (relief) extenders
Understanding is to do US-India nuclear today, then start the ag appropriations bill.
Senator Reid says that it's important to pass the US-India nuclear agreement, signaling
that he may be leaning on Conrad to drop his objection to the order of business.
Senator Frist says that an announcement as to order of business will be coming within the next
20 minutes.
UPDATE @ 09:59
A number of Senators engaged in a colloquy regarding their faith, and Senator Lincoln
even referred to her Bible-based faith. Notice that this is not a matter of
Congress making a law respecting the establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof.
Conrad has apparently agreed to the order being US-India then ag appropriations, Senator
Frist announced a unanimous consent agreement, with the intention being to complete
BOTH bills today, so there is no need for any voting tomorrow.
UPDATE @ 10:12
Senator Conrad asks if the UC agreement provides that ag appropriations be brought up today, and
further that he be given an opportunity to enter a first degree amendment. He reiterates
his understanding that the ag appropriations bill will come up today, several times,
and the chair says that is in fact true.
I think that is a risky promise, given the Senate's ability to drag out any given bill for
an inordinate amount of time, and that includes the US-India Civilian Nuclear bill.
S.3709 US-India nuclear bill is now the pending business of the Senate. Senator Lugar is
the floor manager.
UPDATE @ 20:18
After REJECTING:
Bingaman amendment (5174) on a
26-73 vote
Dorgan amendment (5178) on a
27-71 vote
Ensign amendment (5181) on a
27-71 vote
Feingold amendment (5183) on a
25-71 vote
Boxer amendment (5187) on a
38-59 vote ...
The Senate PASSED
S.3709 - United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act on a
85 - 12 vote
The House version of the bill
(H.R.5682)
now goes to conference.
UPDATE @ 20:38
Senator Frist propounds a unanimous consent request that the Ag appropriations bill be
taken up at 2 PM on Tuesday, December 5th, with a vote at 5:00 or 5:15 PM. This is agreeable with
Senator Conrad. I figure the Senate's business is basically done for the week and for the month.
What a productive week, eh? A simple military construction bill, elect leaders, and
the US-India Civil Nuclear agreement. I suppose, in hindsight, it was more productive than
"health week" and a few others.
UPDATE @ November 15
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its
business today, it stand in adjournment under the provisions of H. Con. Res. 496 until 10
a.m. on Monday, December 4. I further ask consent that following the prayer and pledge, the
morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the
Senate then automatically adjourn over until 12 noon on Tuesday, December 5; provided
further that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the
Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved, and
the Senate proceed to a period of morning business until 2 p.m., with Senator DeWine to
speak for up to 2 hours.
---===---
We will return for business after the Thanksgiving holiday. The continuing resolution
will expire at the end of that week, as of December 8, and therefore we will need to work
toward a conclusion on the appropriations process. As I announced earlier, our next vote
will occur on Tuesday, December 5, around 5 p.m. [on an amendment to the Ag appropriations bill]
The House Republicans have elected John Boehner to be minority leader, with 168 votes. Runnerup
Pence obtained 27 votes.
Roy Blunt was elected minority whip with 137 votes, to John Shadegg's 57.
UPDATE @ 15:10
Joining Senator Leahy in proposing changes to the Military Commissions Act,
Senator Dodd proposes amendments that would restore habeas corpus rights to military detainees.
Dodd's press release says, in part
The Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act:
- Restores Habeas Corpus protections to detainees
- Narrows the definition of unlawful enemy combatant to individuals who
directly participate in hostilities against the United States who are not
lawful combatants
- Bars information gained through coercion from being introduced as evidence in trials
- Empowers military judges to exclude hearsay evidence they deem to be unreliable
- Authorizes the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to review decisions
by the Military commissions
- Limits the authority of the President to interpret the meaning and
application of the Geneva Conventions and makes that authority subject to
congressional and judicial oversight
- Provides for expedited judicial review of the Military Commissions Act of
2006 to determine the constitutionally of its provisions
I'll be looking to see if Dodd's proposed amendment removes the references to 18 USC 2340(2),
18 USC 113, and by implication, 18 USC 1365.
The bill is
S.4060 - Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act of 2006, and it's text is at
Page 11060 of the 109th Senate's Congressional Record.
At a glance, it preserves President Bush's definition of torture, cruel and
inhuman, and other war crimes - in such a way that waterboarding is not legally torture.
Analysis at National Security Law Blog.
UPDATE @ November 22
The AP reports ...
GOP leaving spending bills to Democrats.
Club for Growth has more.
So the GOP-lead 109th Senate will have a rather modest conclusion, taking on the Agricultural
appropriations bill (with the farmer/rancher relief bill as an amendment), and crafting (and
defending aginst howls of complaint) a continuing resolution for the rest of the approrpiations
bills..
Monday the 4th is a "nothing day" (prayer, pledge, adjourn), and the Senate isn't planning
to resume regular business until noon, Tuesday, the 5th. The first vote is expected to be
on Conrad's farmer/rancher relief amendment, with that coming at 5 PM Tuesday. Senator
Landrieu has
proposed several amendments to
H.R. 5384, and obtained time to speak.
1.--Ordered, That on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., the
Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 5384, an act making
appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007, and for other purposes; provided that the Senator
from North Dakota (Mr. Conrad) be recognized to offer a first degree
amendment following the statements of the two managers; further, that
following the remarks of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Conrad), the
Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Dorgan) be recognized to speak, and that
following those comments the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. Landrieu) be
recognized to speak for up to 10 minutes.
I suspect she will be pursuing her
Amendment No. 5189 that adjusts royalty payments by oil companies to
the federal government, for minerals extracted from the outer continental shelf.
