Bill Frist

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Tomorrow, following morning business, the Senate will resume debate on the FSC JOBS bill. The vote on the motion to invoke cloture will be the first vote of the day. That vote will begin at noon. If cloture is invoked, we will then immediately proceed to a vote in relation to the Cantwell amendment regarding unemployment insurance. Following disposition of the Cantwell amendment, we will continue to work through the remaining germane amendments to the bill. Additional votes, therefore, can be expected during tomorrow's session as we work toward completion of the JOBS bill sometime later tomorrow.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11. I further ask 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 for their use later in the day, and the Senate then begin a period of morning business for up to 60 minutes, with the first half hour under the control of the Democratic leader or his designee, and the second half hour under the control of the majority leader or his designee; provided that following morning business, the Senate proceed to S. 1637, as under the previous order. I further ask consent that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m., or upon conclusion of the vote in relation to the Cantwell amendment, until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly party luncheons.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I appreciate the comments of the assistant Democratic leader. We made real progress over the course of the weekend and have a real understanding of how we will finish the bill in an orderly way. We will be working jointly to see, with the managers of the bill, it is finished tomorrow if at all possible.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, Senators have until 3:30 p.m. today in order to file first-degree amendments to S. 1637.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent immediately following the period for morning business on Tuesday, the time until 12 noon be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees prior to the cloture vote on S. 1637, the FSC JOBS bill. I further ask consent that if cloture is invoked, notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate then proceed immediately to a vote in relation to the pending Cantwell amendment, No. 3114, with no amendment in order to the amendment prior to the vote. Further, I ask consent that if a point of order is raised and the motion to waive is subsequently agreed to, then the Cantwell amendment be agreed to.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, after cloture was not invoked on S. 2290, the Hatch-Frist asbestos bill, Senator Daschle and I asked Judge Becker to conduct a mediation process in the hope of identifying a path to reach consensus on this contentious yet extraordinarily important issue. Judge Edward Becker was asked to focus on working with the interested stakeholders on three major issues--projections, claims values, and overall funding into the trust--understanding that there are over a dozen additional issues that remain unresolved. Our belief was that if these three issues could be resolved, it would be much easier to work through the remaining differences. Judge Becker presided over meetings for the last 2 weeks and held his final session last Thursday. His presence was invaluable in helping to further define the issues and illuminate the differences. Throughout the process all parties negotiated in good faith and worked towards bridging the gaps. We are extremely grateful for the time, energy, and leadership Judge Becker put into working through these technical issues, and to all the parties for their steadfast participation. Last week, Judge Becker gave us his final report on the result of his mediation. We are glad there has been movement in major areas but realize there is more work to be done. While both sides have provided new proposals, ultimately, there remains gaps in claims values, projections, and the amount of dollars needed to establish a trust. As you know, we have been personally committed to achieving a resolution to this extremely complicated issue for some time. Many members of both caucuses have devoted countless hours of time and considerable personal energy toward this end as well. We are committed to working together to determine whether a compromise can be reached that would provide sufficient payments to asbestos victims and certainty to companies.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in 2 minutes we will be voting on S. Res. 356, a resolution condemning the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison. I would like to close the debate and comments today by reading the resolve clauses that follow a number of whereas statements. This is what we will be voting on in a couple minutes: Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) commends all Americans serving nobly abroad who are advancing the ideals of freedom and democracy, and working, through the individual and collective actions of such individuals, to improve the lives of all the people of Iraq; (2) condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable acts at Abu Ghraib prison and joins with the President in expressing apology for the humiliation suffered by the prisoners in Iraq and their families; (3) urges the Government of the United States to take appropriate measures to ensure that such acts do not occur in the future; (4) believes that it is in the interests of the United States and of the people of the United States that the appropriate committees of the Senate, exercising the oversight responsibilities of such committees, and the President, through the appropriate departments or agencies of the executive branch, conduct a full investigation of the abuses alleged to have occurred at Abu Ghraib; and (5) urges that all individuals responsible for such despicable acts be held accountable. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. No objection.

Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that at 4:30 p.m. today, the Senate proceed to a resolution which is now at the desk regarding Iraqi prisoners. I further ask unanimous consent that the time until 5:30 p.m. be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees; provided further that no amendments be in order, and at 5:30 p.m., the Senate proceed to a vote on the adoption of the resolution, with no intervening action or debate. Finally, I ask unanimous consent that immediately following the vote, the preamble be agreed to.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, again, we will be voting somewhere around 5:30 p.m. today. We expect formal introduction of the resolution after more discussions over the course of the next several minutes. I wish to take this opportunity to comment on the substance of the resolution that will condemn the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison and the details of the resolution we will talk about later on the Senate floor. It all focuses on the fact that this Nation, our colleagues, this body is shocked, is disturbed, is saddened by the incidents that have occurred at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. These acts are deplorable. There is absolutely no excuse for what happened to those Iraqi prisoners. The individuals who committed those despicable acts must be and will be held accountable. Justice must be served in a swift manner, in a fair manner, and in a transparent manner, and it will be. It is crucial that we get all the facts out quickly and thoroughly, and that is underway--never as quickly as people would like, but everyone, I believe, in their heart of hearts understands the importance of getting the facts out quickly and thoroughly. I commend the President of the United States for his efforts to reach out to the Arab world to address this matter, particularly the apologies he offered to the victims and their families. I am sure all Americans share his sentiments which he articulated so well. The Senate, too, will do its part to ensure the administration fully investigates the abuses at Abu Ghraib. By investigating the abuses committed at the prison, we recognize specific individuals are responsible for specific acts. By doing so, we recognize the vast majority of men and women in uniform every day promote the values and the principles we all hold so dear. I would also like to highlight the work of the Department of Defense. After receiving a report from a concerned soldier, the Department of Defense promptly took action to investigate the allegations of abuse. The first investigation was initiated in January. More investigations followed and many are still ongoing. The military is examining its policy, its procedures, and its training with regard to the handling of prisoners and the management of detention facilities. These are the right and proper actions to be taken. We do not yet know the full story. That is frustrating. It is frustrating for us in this body and for members of the administration. That investigation is underway. From what people have said, more disturbing stories and pictures will, in fact, find their way into the public domain. I have faith the administration will fully investigate these incidents and will report to us its findings. In the meantime, the Senate will continue to do its duty. We had several hearings last week. We will continue to maintain a close watch on the unfolding situation. The appropriate committees of the Senate will fulfill their proper oversight roles. The Intelligence Committee and the Armed Services Committee both conducted hearings last week. More are planned, and briefings are at this very moment being scheduled. Success in our national security policy depends on regular communication between the executive branch and Congress and ultimately the American people. I pledge to work with my colleagues and the administration to ascertain the truth and take action to ensure such appalling acts will never, ever happen again. America is a nation governed by the rule of law. We hold accountable those who break the law. As the President has said, democracy is not perfect and indeed we make mistakes, but openness is a hallmark of that democracy, and as a democracy we will investigate and we will correct those mistakes. The people of Iraq did not know justice under Saddam. His regime was born in violence and ruled by fear. Let us take this opportunity to show the Iraqi people and the world that America protects the rights of individuals. Let us show the world we can and will administer justice swiftly, fairly, and openly. We cannot undo the abuse those Iraqi prisoners suffered, but through our actions now we can show the Iraqi people the transgressions of a few do not represent America. They do not represent what we stand for as Americans. Today the Senate will take up a bipartisan resolution which commends the noble work of our forces and condemns in the strongest manner possible the few who have disgraced themselves and brought shame to their fellow Americans. I urge my colleagues to unanimously pass this resolution this afternoon. I believe it is imperative that we speak with one voice, united in strength and united in purpose. By passing this resolution, this body will show its resolve to pursue the truth and protect our national security. We will also show the world America believes such acts as occurred at Abu Ghraib must never happen again. Our soldiers are risking their lives in Iraq to bring peace and freedom to a country that has known neither. Our service men and women have worked tirelessly to build schools, rebuild hospitals, repair electricity grids and water lines, and to ensure food and water are available. We have seen innumerable acts of kindness and bravery from our soldiers on behalf of the Iraqi people. That is who we are and this resolution acknowledges their service. We are engaged in a noble cause. We must see it through. The Iraqi people are depending on us to stay the course and the American people are depending on us to show courage, resolve, and leadership. I yield the floor.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 490, S. Res. 332.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, with no intervening action.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 2 p.m. on Monday, May 10. I further ask that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, the Journal of the proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, the Senate then begin a period of morning business, with Senators to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee amendments be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read the third time and passed, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on Monday, the Senate will be in morning business. It is possible that the Senate will resume consideration of the FSC/ETI JOBS bill Monday afternoon to consider amendments relevant to the bill. Moments ago, I filed a cloture motion to the bill which provided for a vote on Tuesday. I believe the managers will be prepared to dispose of the relevant amendments prior to that cloture vote, and we will continue to discuss that option on Monday. Also, on Monday, we expect that the Senate will vote or will act on the Iraqi prisoner resolution. It is important for the Senate to speak out in a formal way. Most colleagues have spoken out individually on this issue in a bipartisan, single voice. Therefore, I would like to put Senators on notice that we can expect a rollcall vote at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent the live quorum under rule XXII be waived.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I mentioned in my remarks last night the importance of finishing this bill. Members on both sides of the aisle understand the importance of this legislation, the importance of jobs in manufacturing in this country, and the importance of addressing this Euro tax that each month we don't act goes up by $30 million, $40 million, $50 million--a tax on products we all use in this country. I hoped we could have finished the bill this week. I set out both several weeks ago and at the beginning of last week with the objective of finishing this bill over this last week. We have spent, I should add, 12 days on this particular bill. The Democratic leader and assistant leader have stated they are willing to lock in a short list of amendments with short time agreements to complete this bill. I have heard them. We discussed this both on and off the Senate floor. Unfortunately a number of those amendments are controversial and are not germane to this legislation. We have had a fair process on this bill. We have given Members ample opportunity to offer their relevant amendments and have them debated. We voted on a whole range of amendments thus far. Issues like the overtime amendments, the trade assistance amendment, and others, to my mind, would have been better suited on other bills. We do have an amendment pending on unemployment insurance which, again, is not germane to this particular bill; but, having said that, the UI, this unemployment insurance amendment, has been pending and, as both implied last night and in discussions off the Senate floor, it may be possible for us to reach an agreement to vote in relation to that amendment prior to cloture. I say that because I just filed cloture, which doesn't rule out germane amendments. After cloture is obtained, if we obtain cloture, and I hope that we will, we will still have 30 hours to debate the germane amendments. I do hope we will invoke cloture. That cloture vote will occur on Tuesday so we can bring this bill to conclusion. Again, I want to remind my colleague, if we invoke cloture, amendments are in order. There would still be up to 30 hours remaining on that bill.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I will move on to other topics, given the fact that some people think we work too many hours already. And I comment--because a lot of people are listening now--there are committee meetings going on right now, actually very important hearings and a markup of the defense bill that will go on until probably 7 o'clock tonight by Senators in our Nation's Capital. Although we are not right here, because we are going to try to close down in a few minutes, our colleagues are working, doing very important business in committee markup at hearings on Capitol Hill. They will go until probably early this evening. I take the opportunity to comment on the economic news from this week. It is dramatic and encouraging. Although we wake up, turn on the television, read the paper, and we cannot help, by the time we get to the second page, being depressed about what is going on in the world, we have some great news that affects America, every American, every working American, every family member out there. The news is about jobs. It is nothing short of amazing what can be said about the economic statistics that have come out over the last 48 hours. With today's report of 288,000 payroll jobs being created in the month of April, the economy has created over 1.1 million jobs over the last 8 months. The job gains were widespread, and the revised figures at the end of each month--you go back and revise the figures for the previous month--now show manufacturing jobs have grown for the last 3 months. That is the first time we have had a sustained 3-month growth in years. Second, the past 2 months have been the strongest 2-month job gain in over 4 years. The number of persons unemployed dropped by 188,000 last month. That is still unacceptable, to have 8.1 million unemployed. But this is the lowest it has been since the winter of 2002. So it is progress. We are moving in the right direction. Thirdly, construction spending was reported this week at the highest level in history--at the highest level in history. Fourth, the service sector is growing at its fastest pace, not just in 1 year or 2 years or 3 years or 5 years, but the fastest pace in 7 years. Finally, in terms of great news, the Congressional Budget Office estimated, yesterday, that revenues are running $30 billion to $40 billion higher than anticipated for the year. Of course, that goes right to the bottom line in terms of reducing the Federal deficit. All this is good news, but we have so much more to do. So I say, it is good news, but we cannot rest until we make sure everybody who is looking for a job can get a job. It really ties into our previous discussion on the importance of bringing to closure passing this FSC/ ETI JOBS legislation. But it has been a remarkable past 8 months.

Mr. FRIST. I am happy to yield.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, is that in the first section or the back section?

Mr. FRIST. I will take that counsel, and consider the previous counsel on working harder and later and more days, but I am not sure I will take that.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that S. 2376 be star printed with the changes that are at the desk.