Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. So Members will know what they can expect the next few hours in the Senate, I ask consent that following the continuing resolution, the pending Kohl amendment No. 2516 be modified to reflect the text of amendment No. 2518 and that it be in order for the majority manager of the bill to withdraw the second degree amendment No. 2518, and Senators Hutchison and Brownback be recognized to offer a second degree amendment and there be 1 hour for debate, equally divided in the usual form, and no other second degree amendments be in order to amendment No. 2516. I further ask consent that a vote occur on or in relation to the Hutchison amendment to be followed immediately by a vote in relation to the first degree amendment, as amended, if amended, following the conclusion or yielding back of time. I further ask consent that following the votes just described, Senator Wellstone be recognized to offer his amendment relative to agriculture. Finally, I ask consent that following the votes relative to the Hutchison amendment, all amendments relative to homestead be withdrawn.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I appreciate the cooperation of the Senator from Minnesota. He has been waiting a long time to get this opportunity. We told him he would get it, and he has it. For the information of all Senators, the Senate will now debate the pending Wellstone agriculture amendment. However, no further votes will occur this evening. I want to make that clear. We will hotline both sides so our Members will know there are no further votes this evening. The Senate will not be in session on Veterans Day, and we will convene next on Tuesday, November 16. On Tuesday, I expect the Senate to debate and possibly complete action on any number of items arriving from the House of Representatives relative to the appropriations process and perhaps other conference reports. I will be discussing the specifics of what the schedule will be with Senator Daschle, and we will keep Members informed of the subject matter. By a previous order, the Senate will conduct a vote relative to the Wellstone agriculture amendment on Wednesday of next week. I suspect additional votes will be required in order to finish the necessary items pending between the two Houses of Congress. The continuing resolution we passed will expire at midnight on Wednesday. I think that will give the Senate more than enough time for final negotiations to be completed, for the House to act, for the package to be received in the Senate, and complete action on Wednesday. However, that is a deadline I believe we can meet, and we should work to complete our work for the year by then. We will let Senators know, of course, if there is to be a big package of votes during the day on Wednesday. We will notify Senators exactly what time that will be. Senators should be prepared for the voting to begin as early as 10 o'clock on Wednesday on the Wellstone amendment. I urge all Senators to be patient and accommodating during the next few days of the session. I thank all Members in advance for their cooperation. We have a number of nominations we have been working assiduously to clear on both sides of the aisle. These are judicial nominations and other nominations. We have a couple more issues we have to check on to confirm everything we agreed to has been worked out. Also, Senator Daschle and I have talked at great length about how to handle the judicial calendar. I think we have a fair arrangement. I ask unanimous consent a colloquy between the two of us be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT. That is correct. I will move to proceed to each of these nominations no later than March 15 of next year.

Mr. LOTT. That is my hope. In addition I do not believe that filibusters of judicial nominations are appropriate and, if they occur, I will file cloture and I will support cloture on the nominees.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of the continuing resolution just received from the House, that there be 15 minutes under the control of Senator Edwards, and following the conclusion or yielding back of time, the resolution be read for the third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the remaining votes be limited to 10 minutes in length each.

Mr. LOTT

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

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays on the nomination.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Madam President, perhaps my colleagues have already noticed that the Senate seems to be extraordinarily well organized and effective today and there is a reason for that. With apologies from the Chaplain and the majority leader, I think we should note that a significant milestone in the 210-year course of the Senate's history is taking place. Never before has a team composed entirely of women Members and staff opened the day's proceedings. Today's remarkable occasion reminds Members how much the Senate's collective face has changed and improved in recent years. The Senate has benefited from the service of 27 female Senators since the Honorable Rebecca Felton of Georgia first held that position on November 21, 1922, and particularly since 1932, when Hattie Caraway of Arkansas became the first woman elected to the Senate. While Senator Felton served only 2 days, Ms. Caraway's service continued until 1945, and she became the first woman to chair a Senate Committee. Another pioneering woman Senator was Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, and the Presiding Officer today, Senator Collins, also hails from that State of Maine. Mrs. Smith joined the Senate in 1949 and served until 1973. During her distinguished career, she openly criticized the tactics of fellow Senator Joseph McCarthy in a 1950 speech entitled ``A Declaration of Conscience,'' and became a Presidential candidate in 1964--partially, I believe, because of that famous speech. Following in these formidable steps was Nancy Landon Kassebaum, now the wife of former Senator and majority leader, Howard Baker of Tennessee. Her nearly 20-year career in the Senate became a model for many women to come. My first few months as majority leader involved a lot of issues but one of them is the now famous Kassebaum-Kennedy bill with regard to portable health issues. She was determined that before she left the Senate she was going to leave an indelible mark, and she did for many reasons but for that piece of legislation in particular. In January 1993 as the Senators of the 103rd Congress took the oath of office, an unprecedented six women assumed their place on the floor. Since that time, the number of women Senators has grown to nine. In recent years, the role of women officers has continued to grow, as well. In 1985, Jo-Anne Coe became the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Senate. In 1991, Martha Pope became the first female Sergeant at Arms. In 1995, Elizabeth Letchworth became the first Secretary of the majority for the Republicans and presently still holds that position. Currently, women serve as: Assistant Secretary (Sharon Zelaska), Deputy Sergeant at Arms (Loretta Symms), Assistant Parliamentarian (Elizabeth MacDonough), Assistant Journal Clerk (Myra Baran), Assistant Legislative Clerk (Kathie Alvarez), Bill Clerk (Mary Anne Clarkson), Assistant Secretary for the Minority (Lula Davis), and Republican Floor Assistant (Laura Martin). They all do a fantastic job, and we appreciate their service so much. They have been involved in a lot of activities in the last year, some of it they would just as soon have been able to miss, but they have done a great job every time they have been called upon. Over the years, the Senate has changed as an ever-increasing number of women ran for and were elected to public office. Since the end of World War II, there has been a steady increase in the number of women serving this institution as legislative clerks and other appointed officials. This is a historic day and a long time in coming--too long. I am proud it happened under my watch. To the women in the Chamber today and all of those who serve elsewhere in the Senate, let me take a moment to say thank you and extend my personal best wishes to all of our leaders, women officers of the Senate, and remind people just how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 10, 1999, beginning at 10 a.m., in Dirksen Room 226, to conduct a hearing.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 10, 1999 after the first vote, approximately 12 p.m., in the President's Room to conduct a markup.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Governmental Affairs Committee be authorized to meet on Wednesday, November 10, 1999, at 1 p.m., for a hearing entitled ``Private Banking and Money Laundering: A Case Study of Opportunities and Vulnerabilities.''

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 10 a.m. for a hearing regarding Federal Contracting and Labor Policy: Could the Administration's Change to Procurement Regulations Lead to ``Blacklisting'' Contractors?

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on International Relations of the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 2 p.m. to hold a hearing.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Madam President, today the Senate will resume consideration of the bankruptcy reform legislation with up to 4 hours of debate on the Hatch amendment No. 2771 regarding drugs. I must say to my colleagues, this bill is moving very slowly. The Democratic leader and I, Tom Daschle, have agreed we would let the amendments go forward and let the Members have an opportunity to work their will, but we also want to get this important legislation passed; our intent is to get it done today. As with other bills, we are going to stick with this. If I have to file cloture to bring it to conclusion, I will do that. I have avoided doing that because I want to show good faith and trust that Senators will stick to the issue and find a way to complete the legislation. We cannot leave it on the sidetrack indefinitely or have it tie up the Senate's time much longer because we have a number of bills we need to pass today, tonight, Friday, or whenever we are going to wrap up this session. Following the use or yielding back of that debate time on amendment No. 2771, the Senate will proceed to at least three stacked rollcall votes beginning with the Hatch amendment, to be followed with votes on the nominations of Carol Moseley-Braun and Linda Morgan. Those votes are expected to occur between 12 and 1 p.m. at the latest. I hope it can actually occur earlier because we do have some conflicts of which we are trying to be cognizant. Senators who have amendments pending to the bill or amendments they expect to offer are encouraged to work with the bill's managers so those amendments can be disposed of in a timely manner. I hope a large number of them will be accepted or withdrawn. Senators can expect votes to occur throughout today's session and into the evening. For the information of all Senators, progress has been made on the appropriations bills. It is hoped the Senate can vote on the remaining appropriations today or early next week. I realize that doesn't please a lot of Senators, but while I think great progress has been made, and I did have occasion to talk to the President a few minutes ago, I think now our biggest problem is just the physical ability to get the paperwork done and the House vote, and then have it come to the Senate and complete action. However, the Senate has been known to act with lightning speed when it makes up its mind. I hope we can do that this time. Thanks again to the women officers of the Senate for the work they do and for being here today. I hope we can keep Members in place the rest of the day and we can wrap this up by sundown. I yield the floor.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the next two votes be 10-minute votes.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. (Mr. ENZI assumed the Chair.)

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. As in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that immediately following the next vote, the Senate proceed to executive session and an immediate vote on Calendar No. 257, the nomination of Linda Morgan to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board. I further ask consent that immediately following the vote, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session. Let me confirm, as a result of this vote, there are about five or six other nominations that will be cleared tonight in wrapup.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I bring to the attention of the Senate that today the senior Senator from Indiana cast his 9,000th vote as a Member of this body. Throughout his career, Senator Lugar has compiled a 98 percent voting attendance record. He did not miss a single vote during the entire 105th Congress. Along with our colleagues from Maryland, Senator Sarbanes, and Utah, Senator Hatch, Senator Lugar stands next in line to join the Senate's 10,000 vote club. A mark reached by only 21 Senators in history. Many of you know of Senator Lugar's passion for long-distance running. On occasion, a vote has been called while he was on one of his late afternoon runs on the Mall. Senators are not surprised when they encounter their colleague from Indiana in running shoes after double- timing back to the Senate Chamber for the vote. Casting 9,000 Senate votes is a fitting accomplishment for a long-distance runner who already stands as the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Indiana's history. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Senator Lugar and pleased to recognize him on this historic milestone.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed much needed legislation to protect some of America's most threatened historic sites, the Vicksburg Campaign Trail and the Corinth battlefield. S. 710, the Vicksburg Campaign Trail Battlefields Preservation Act of 1999, is a bipartisan measure that authorizes a feasibility study on the preservation of Civil War battlefields and related sites in the four states along the Vicksburg Campaign Trail. As my colleagues know, Vicksburg served as a gateway to the Mississippi River during the Civil War. The 18-month campaign for the ``Gibraltar of the Confederacy'' included over 100,000 soldiers and involved a number of skirmishes and major battles in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The Mississippi Heritage Trust and the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Vicksburg Campaign Trail as being among the most threatened sites in the State and the Nation. S. 710 would begin the process of preserving the important landmarks in the four State region that warrant further protection. I appreciate the cosponsorship of Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Thomas, and Senators Landrieu, Breaux, Cochran, Hutchinson, and Craig on this measure. The Senate also approved S. 1117, the Corinth Battlefield Preservation Act of 1999, a measure that establishes the Corinth Unit of the Shiloh National Military Park. The battle of Shiloh was actually part of the Union Army's overall effort to seize Corinth. This small town was important to both the Confederacy and the Union. Corinth's railway was vitally important to both sides as it served as a gateway for moving troops and supplies north and south, east and west. The overall campaign led to some of the bloodiest battles in the Western theater. In an effort to protect the city, Southern forces built a series of earthworks and fortifications, many of which remain, at least for now, in pristine condition. Unfortunately, the National Park Service in its ``Profiles of America's Most Threatened Civil War Battlefields,'' concluded that many of the sites associated with the siege of Corinth are threatened. S. 1117 would give Corinth its proper place in American history by formally linking the city's battlefield sites with the Shiloh National Military Park. I thank Senators Robb, Cochran, and Jeffords for cosponsoring this measure. I also express my appreciation to Chairman Thomas for his ever vigilant efforts on parks legislation, and in particular, for moving both the Vicksburg Campaign Trail and Corinth battlefield bills forward. I take this opportunity to recognize Chairman Murkowski for his continued stewardship over the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Mr. President, I also want to recognize Ken P'Pool, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for Mississippi; Rosemary Williams, chairman of the Siege and Battle of Corinth Commission; John Sullivan, president of the Friends of the Vicksburg Campaign and Historic Trail; and Terry Winschel and Woody Harrell of the U.S. Park Service for their support and guidance on these important preservation measures. Lastly, I recognize several staff members including Randy Turner, Jim O'Toole, and Andrew Lundquist from the Senate Energy Committee, Darcie Tomasallo from Senate Legislative Counsel, and Stan Harris, Angel Campbell, Steven Wall, Jim Sartucci, and Steven Apicella from my office, for their efforts to preserve Mississippi's and America's historic resources. Mr. President, as a result of the Senate's action today, our children will be better able to understand and appreciate the full historic, social, and economic impact of the Vicksburg Campaign Trail and the Siege and Battle of Corinth.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, this resolution would permit a member of Senator Levin's staff to testify and produce documents in an administrative hearing before the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services concerning information she acquired while performing case work on the Senator's behalf.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I suggest the absence of a quorum.