Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, my understanding is it does not. It would not be my intent to do that.

Mr. LOTT. Yes. I believe it has. No. 236 is on the list. Mr. President?

Mr. LOTT. I yield the floor. Let's proceed. Mr. ROBB addressed the Chair.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, we are ready now for the last vote of the night and the last vote on the budget resolution. I commend the chairman of the committee and the ranking member, the Senator from New Jersey. This is a record handling of a budget resolution. I think, in at least the 5 years that I have been watching it closely, this is the shortest time--2 days--and a limited number of votes in the ``vote- arama.'' I think it makes more sense when you have a more limited number. We understand a little bit better about what we are voting on. So you have done an exceptional job. But it would not have happened without the leadership and cooperation of Senator Daschle, his team, Senator Reid and Senator Dorgan; on our side, Senator Nickles, Senator Craig, and a lot of other people who cooperated and were willing to forgo votes on their amendments. So I think, sincerely, a lot of congratulations should be passed out for the cooperation on this concurrent resolution. It has been a very good legislative period. Senator Daschle and I----

Mr. LOTT. This is actually so much fun, we might want to stay on and take up another bill. But I want to give a little more credit here because it has been a very productive legislative period. With this budget resolution, we have also passed the national missile defense bill; we passed the Ed- Flex bill; the Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's, and Marines' Bill of Rights Act; the supplemental appropriations bill, on a voice vote; the Y2K small business bill; and the resolution supporting our men and women overseas in Kosovo. Particularly this week, we took up the vote on Kosovo, the supplemental, and the budget resolution. It is one of the most productive weeks I have seen in a long time. When we adjourn shortly, the Easter recess will, of course, begin tonight. There will be no recorded votes until Tuesday, April 13. We will not be in session this Friday. We will be in session on Monday, April 12, but there will be no recorded votes. At that time, we expect to take up the supplemental appropriations conference report, if available, and a budget conference report, if available, and other legislation that may be cleared at that time. Thank you all very much. Have a good Easter recess.

Mr. LOTT. Does the Senator mean the results of the vote?

Mr. LOTT. Rather than changing the precedent, Mr. President, let me work with the leadership on both sides to see if we can't in some way expedite this as quickly as possible, maybe without calling the names. We will work on that.

Mr. LOTT. Yes.

Mr. LOTT. We just did that. Two Senators just missed that last vote. Stay in the Chamber. We are calling those votes after 6 minutes. Stay on the floor so we can begin the debate and voting. Amendment No. 213, As Modified

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, that vote took 10\1/2\ minutes, but I know there were some Senators who were not aware we got consent to limit these votes to 6 minutes. Again, I urge all Senators to remain in the Chamber or in the Cloakroom at the furthest distance. The next vote will cut off after 6 minutes. I yield the floor. Amendment No. 240

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, with a little assistance, I believe we can finish this bill within the next 45 minutes. I commend Senators on both sides of the aisle who have worked hard to work out these amendments and accept them by voice vote. The managers have been doing an excellent job, and Senator Reid, and Senator Dorgan, so that we can do this. But I want to try to explain where we are. The votes are still taking close to 10 minutes. But there is a physical problem with just how long it takes to call the roll. We will continue to try to do those as quickly as possible. I believe we have no more than five amendments left. We have two that we already had ready to go, and we have possibly three more, and two more on that side. We could be down to, I think, no more than five. I don't want to say fewer than that until we are sure what we have done. But let me ask unanimous consent and see if we can identify this properly. I ask unanimous consent that the following amendments be the only amendments remaining in order, other than those previously in order by Senator Domenici, and except those agreed to by the two managers, and, following the disposition of the amendments, the Senate proceed to the consideration of H. Con. Res. 68, the House companion bill. I further ask that all after the enacting clause be stricken in the House resolution, the text of the Senate resolution be inserted, passage occur immediately, and the Senate resolution be placed back on the Calendar. The amendments are as follows. I believe we have two that are still pending. Robb, No. 181. I believe we are going to be able to do that one by voice vote. Lautenberg, No. 183, which I believe will very likely take a recorded vote. Voice vote? All right. We will do those two by voice vote. Then Kerry No. 190; Kennedy, No. 196; And Chafee, No. 238. I further ask that the votes occur in sequence, as provided in the previous consent, with all provisions of the previous consent still in order. I want to emphasize, we may still work out one or two of those that are on the list. But we are locking it down to the two that we are going to do by voice vote and the three that may require a recorded vote. I yield to the manager.

Mr. LOTT. Right. I renew my unanimous consent request.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I rise to commemorate the first anniversary of National Tartan Day. While it is observed on April 6 of each year, I make this recognition today because Congress will be in recess on that day. I want to remind my colleagues that the resolution which establishes National Tartan Day was Senate Resolution 155. It passed by unanimous consent on March 20th of last year. As an American of Scottish descent, I appreciate the efforts of individuals, clan organizations, and other groups such as the Scottish Coalition, who were instrumental in generating support for the resolution. These groups worked diligently to foster national awareness of the important role that Americans of Scottish descent have played in the progress of our country. Mr. President, the purpose of National Tartan Day is to recognize the contributions that Americans of Scottish ancestry have made to our national heritage. It also recognizes the contributions that Scottish Americans continue to make to our country. I look forward to National Tartan Day as another opportunity to pause and reflect on the role Scottish Americans have played in advancing democracy and freedom. It is my hope that this annual event will grow in prominence. Scottish Americans have helped shape this nation. Their contributions are innumerable. In fact, three fourths of all American Presidents can trace their roots to Scotland. Mr. President, in addition to recognizing Americans of Scottish ancestry, National Tartan Day reminds us of the importance of liberty. It honors those who strived for freedom from an oppressive government on April 6th, 1320. It was on that day that the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It is the Scottish Declaration of Independence. This important document served as the model for America's Declaration of Independence. In demanding their independence from England, the men of Arbroath wrote, ``We fight for liberty alone, which no good man loses but with his live.'' These words are applicable today to the heroism of our American veterans and active duty forces who know the precious cost of fighting for liberty. Mr. President, Senate Resolution 155 has served as a catalyst for the many states, cities, and counties that have passed similar resolutions recognizing the important contributions of Scottish Americans. I would like to thank all of my colleagues who supported this resolution last year and who helped to remind the world of the stand for liberty taken on April 6--almost seven hundred years ago--in Arbroath, Scotland. A call for liberty which still echoes through our history and the history of many nations across the globe. I believe April 6th can also serve as a day to recognize those nations that have not achieved the principles of freedom which we hold dear. The example of the Scotsmen at Arbroath--their courage--their desire for freedom--serves as a beacon to countries still striving for liberty today.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, Helen Scott has worked for the United States Senate for 14 years in the Environmental Services Department at the U.S. Capitol. During her tenure at the Senate, Helen has proven to be an outstanding employee. She possesses qualities of unremarkable character--dedication and loyalty. Helen is married to Joseph C. Scott and together they have six children and nine grandchildren. We wish Helen the best in her retirement. james davis (4/2/85-3/1/99)

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all first- degree amendments to be in order to S. Con. Res. 20 must be offered by 12 noon on Thursday, March 25, 1999, and at 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, Senator Lautenberg be recognized to offer and lay aside amendments on behalf of Members on his side of the aisle, and at 11:50 a.m., Senator Domenici be recognized to offer and lay aside amendments on behalf of Members on this side of the aisle.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I thank the managers, Senator Lautenberg and the chairman of the committee, Senator Domenici, for the work they are already doing, for the cooperation we have been receiving from Senator Daschle, and the fact that we started off last night with an agreement that we would have 35 hours remaining. These Senators have worked through the debate this morning. We just had two back-to-back votes. Getting this agreement to have the first- degree amendments offered by 12 noon is also an important step in the right direction. I know they are going to continue to push aggressively. Let me say to Members on both sides of the aisle, I know how prolific we are and how much we enjoy having amendments with our names on them. However, if we come up with 40 amendments on this side of the aisle and 40 amendments on that side of the aisle--80 amendments on top of the remaining 26 or 27 hours--we are not going to be able to make it by Friday. In view of that, I have already made arrangements for my flight to be Saturday, not Friday. I also want to notify Members that in order to accomplish this goal of finishing up by Friday, we are going to have to go late--unless we can work out some other arrangement--Wednesday night and Thursday night, possibly Friday night. We already have presiding officers signing up for hours to go all night Wednesday and Thursday night. We only have a couple vacancies here. We have a 4 to 5 a.m. slot that will be left for somebody to sign on to. Maybe Senator Brownback will sign up for that slot. We need to fill in these time blanks for both nights. I know the managers are going to need help in order to get through this, especially if we have to go all night. I hope we can work out a way to avoid that, but it is going to take the cooperation of Members on both sides with the managers. I am serious about doing this, not for punishment, but so we can do our work. I have Senators on both sides of the aisle coming up to me saying: ``I really need to get out of here Thursday night.'' ``Can I be gone by 1 Friday?'' ``I must be out of here by Friday night.'' In order to achieve that, we have to come to additional agreements, drop some amendments, and perhaps seriously go around the clock one night. Please cooperate with the managers. You will have the chance on both sides to make your principal points, get votes on those amendments, and then we can move on to conclusion. Thank you for the cooperation we have already received. I yield the floor. Mr. DOMENICI addressed the Chair.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, Francesco Ghebresillassie plans to retire after 32 years of service to the Senate. That is quite a record, and it deserves notices from those of us who depend so heavily upon--and are never disappointed by--Gheib and the men and women who work with him. Since 1987, he has been Manager of the Production Services Branch of Central Operations under the Sergeant at Arms. In that role, he has supervised all the activities of the Micrographics and Production Services sections. He came to that post step by step, working his way from machine operator to computer operator to shift supervisor. By 1975, he was responsible for two work shifts and for the operations in two buildings. Thereafter, as Hardware Manager, he was responsible for keeping the Senate current with technological changes in the computer arena, refining our procedures, and working with vendors. Later on, as User Support Manager and Production Services Manager, he emphasized quality service to the staff who sit at the thousands of computers within our Senate offices. He has been responsible for interaction with them, and has improved the tech support they have needed to deal with the rapid pace of change in the cyber world. Gheib has also supervised the staff who maintain our microfilm documents for posterity. Needless to say, today's Senate is quite a different institution from the one to which Gheib came in 1967. One of the ways it has changed for the better has been the technological modernization of which Gheib has been a part. Because of his labors, and the diligence of those who have worked with him over the years, we have been able to better serve the folks back home in ways that were not possible three decades ago. As we congratulate Gheib on his retirement, I want to also acknowledge his wife, Theresa, who works for our colleague from Wisconsin, Senator Kohl. We wish for them and for their daughters, Lisa and Ayesha, all the good things the future can bring.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, Connie Sullivan, who has served as Reprographic Manager in the Service Department since 1989, plans to retire in June. This will be a significant loss for the Senate. For the past decade, she has been responsible for all phases of the Reprographics Division--more recently known as Printing, Graphics, and Direct Mail--within the Sergeant at Arms office. Connie has been with the Senate for 24 years. She came here in February, 1975 from the House of Representatives as a Composer Technician in the newly created ``Composing Room,'' which was part of the Printing Section of our Department. You can imagine the technological changes Connie has seen since then, when she was asked to assume the duties of Composer with oversight for all the typesetting and layout functions of the Composing Room. In the restructing of the Service Department in 1984, when the Composing Room became the Pre-Press Section, Connie was promoted to supervisor. In a subsequent reorganization in 1986, she was again promoted to Operations Branch Head. That was a well-deserved recognition of her long experience with the growth and integration of services and, especially, the development of the Pre-Press section from conventional typesetting and layout to desk-top publishing and a full- color graphics operations. In that regard, Connie has been one of the people who have helped the Senate enter fully into the information age. We are able to keep in closer touch with our constituents, and they with us, and that has a positive impact on just about everything we do here. So on behalf of the Senate, I want to thank Connie for all her years of service and wish her many happy years of time with her family, her garden, and the enduring satisfaction of a job well done.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, there are today only four Senators who were here in 1965 when Russell Jackson first came to the Senate to work as an elevator operator. He has observed this institution, both its changes and its continuity, for a long, long time. Now, as he retires as Senior Manager of Central Operations, I want to thank him, on behalf of the entire Senate, for a lifetime of service. Early on, Russell interrupted his work here for a different kind of service, in the U.S. Army, but he returned to the Senate to work with the Office of the Superintendent. Within that Office, he worked his way up the ladder by doing it all: evening shift, day shift, staff assistant, supervisor, office manager, and senior service officer. Within the confines of the Senate family, we all know how important is the coordination of office moves, the maintenance of our furniture inventory, and all the other operations of the Superintendent's Office. Russell had a hand in it all, and also served as liaison between the Superintendent and our Senate offices. Since 1987, Russell has been Director of the Service Department, a division that is little known to the outside world but so essential to all of us in the Senate. His leadership there brought technological changes to meet the Senate's increasing demands for charts, graphs, exhibits, and the enormous amount of daily work that keeps our offices in contact with constituents and the media. At the same time, he updated personnel practices to boost both productivity and morale, and to open advancement opportunities through an evaluation process and cross training for staff. The Senate, and the constituents whom we are here to serve, owe him a debt of gratitude. And I know my colleagues join me in wishing him a wonderful retirement.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr, President, on February 20, 1899, the 56th Congress took an important step toward preserving one of our nation's most significant historical resources when it established the Vicksburg National Military Park. The campaign and siege at Vicksburg, the ``Gibraltar of the Confederacy,'' was a pivotal moment in American History. As the gateway to the Mississippi River, the region was of vital strategic importance to both the South and the North. For this reason, the Vicksburg engagement is heralded as one of the most brilliant offensive campaigns ever fought on U.S. soil. Every year, the Vicksburg National Military Park plays host to over one million visitors who are able to take advantage of this national historic treasure. Like many other National Parks, Vicksburg contributes to the cultural, recreational, scenic, and economic vitality of the region. As America celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Park's founding, it is important to recognize that a number of other campaign related sites throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee, used by both the Union and Confederate Armies during the 1862 to 1863 Vicksburg conflict, are in desperate need of study, interpretation, management, and protection. These are sites that have been listed as historically significant properties on both state and national registries. Unfortunately, many of these same sites, buildings, fortifications, earthworks, and other landmarks along the Vicksburg Campaign Trail route have been identified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as being among the 11 most endangered historic places in America. The Mississippi Heritage Trust, based in Jackson, also named the Campaign Trail as one of its highest priorities and placed the Vicksburg Trail on its list of most threatened historic areas in the state. Mr. President, that is why I am introducing legislation today to authorize the Park Service to conduct a feasibility study on the Vicksburg Campaign Trail. A study that will identify options for preserving some of our nation's most important Civil War battlefields and sites. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln gathered his ranking civil and military leaders to develop a strategy for ending the war. While seated around a large table examining a map of the nation, Lincoln made a wide sweeping gesture with his hand, and then placed his finger on the map at Vicksburg. He said, ``See what a lot of land these fellows hold of which Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.'' It was a crucial for the Federal government to regain control of the lower Mississippi River. The goal was to enable troops, supplies and commerce to flow unhindered from the Northwest. Taking the Gibraltar of the Confederacy would sever vital Southern supply routes, achieve a major objective of the Anaconda Plan, and effectively seal the doom of the Confederate capital in Richmond. Even with Major General Ulysses S. Grant leading the charge, Vicksburg would prove a tough nut to crack. Its powerful Southern batteries were trained on the river and an 8 mile-long swath of earthworks guarded all land based approaches. The reinforced line consisted of nine major forts connected by trenches and rifle pits manned by a garrison of 30,000 troops and 172 mounted guns. These fortifications posed the greatest challenge to Union domination of the Mississippi River. The campaign to capture Vicksburg, to ``pocket the key'' to Union victory, lasted 18 months and involved more than 100,000 soldiers. It was here that entire regiments of black soldiers wore the uniform of the United States Army for only the second time in American history. The battle of Vicksburg also involved a number of historic naval engagements between Union gunboats and Confederate warships. After months of frustration and failure to capture the Confederate bastion, General Grant marched his force of over 45,000 men down the west side of the Mississippi River. With the assistance of the U.S. fleet, Union troops crossed the river below Vicksburg and swiftly moved deep into Mississippi. After five fierce battles, the state capital of Jackson was taken. The Union Army then turned west and marched along the rail line towards Vicksburg. Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton led the defense of Vicksburg and held the Rebel line for some time. Pemberton refused to succumb to unconditional surrender even after 47 days of siege. He finally relinquished the city on July 4, 1863 after securing paroles for his resistance forces. Mr. President, many historians consider the battle of Vicksburg to be the most decisive campaign of the Civil War. It was also the most complex combined operation ever undertaken by American armed forces prior to World War II. In fact, the Vicksburg Campaign is required study at the United States Military Academy, the Army War College, and the Commanding General Staff College. These are the men and women who will eventually lead our armed forces. Rather than just read about the conflict in textbooks, troops from military units throughout the country ride the battlefields to experience first hand the tactics of war. At a time when the movie ``Saving Private Ryan'' is recognized for its true-to-life depiction of the battlefield on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, our nation must continue to reflect on the hardships suffered here on our own soil. Those suffered by soldiers and civilians throughout the North and South. The Vicksburg campaign is truly an example of the pathos of war here on America's shores. Brother fought against brother on opposite sides of the battle lines. In defense of ideals each held dear. During the siege, soldiers fed off the land while the civilian population lived underground to escape the constant bombardment of Union guns--enduring exposure, sickness, and little food. It was a military operation where tens of thousands of lives were lost. Vicksburg is also an illustration of the healing and reunification that followed Reconstruction. Union and Confederate veterans joined forces to establish Vicksburg National Military Park. We owe these former combatants a debt of gratitude for their efforts. Not only for their distinguished bravery during the most trying of times, but also for the vital legacy they left us all. Now it is our solemn duty to safeguard the memory of those who fought so dearly during the many battles that occurred to secure Vicksburg by studying the entire campaign trail. For its contribution to our understanding of the Civil War and for its continued influence on American history. This great contest encompassed a vast geographical region. Battle related sites are scattered throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. While some landmarks have been lost to age and neglect, it is not to late to protect the hundreds of remnants associated with the campaign that remain to tell the story. Mr. President, the non-partisan measure offered today is also a key. The key to protecting our national heritage. This bill will begin a much needed process to protect the integrity of the many historic venues associated with the battle of Vicksburg that still exist. Literally hundreds of miles of roads, fields, and bayous were covered by Yankee and Rebel troops during this engagement. To truly understand and appreciate this historic conflict, it is important to look beyond the confines of the Vicksburg National Military Park as it exists today. The 106th Congress needs to build upon the legacy our forefathers left us by developing a comprehensive plan leading to the eventual preservation of the many endangered sites along the four state campaign trail. This Congress needs to authorize this much needed study--the second key. President Lincoln got the first key over one hundred years ago. Now that 136 years have past, the current President needs the second key. Without Congressional action, historians, soldiers, re-enactors, and tourists will forever lose direct access to the many at-risk landmarks and battlefields along the Vicksburg campaign route that have not yet disappeared. Sites, that while inexorably linked by time and honor, will simply vanish into the wind without the development of coordinated and comprehensive preservation strategies. Sites where the true experience of history will only be left to words. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join with me in support of this non-partisan measure. Let us take this first and necessary step to protect our national heritage for those who have gone before us and for those yet to come. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I, along with Senators Hutchison, Breaux, and Wyden, introduce the ``Look, Listen, and Live Stamp Act.'' This bill would authorize the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special-rate postage stamp to promote highway-rail grade crossing safety. There are approximately 150,000 public crossings in America today, the majority of which are equipped with only passive warning devices. In 1998, there were 3,446 grade-crossing collisions involving motor vehicles resulting in 1,950 serious injuries and 422 deaths. A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle. Most recently, this nation witnessed the horror of the Amtrak grade-crossing collision in Bourbonnais, Illinois last week. Sadly, Mr. President, grade-crossing deaths are preventable. Unfortunately, the cost of separating or eliminating all of these crossings would run into the trillions of dollars, and even the cost of equipping every crossing with the most effective active warning devices would run into the billions of dollars. While the railroad industry and Federal, state, and local governments are slowly reducing the number of grade-crossings and improving others, the process will take decades to complete. Also, about half of all collisions at highway-rail grade crossings occur at crossings equipped with active warning systems in place: flashing lights, bells and gates. To save lives now, we must intensify our efforts to educate our citizens on the hazards of, and proper method for, crossing a railroad track. The ``Look, Listen, and Live Stamp Act'' would promote this worthy cause in two ways. First, the stamp itself, and its display in post offices throughout America, would serve as a reminder to all to treat the crossing of a railroad track as a life or death situation. Second, it would provide an additional source of revenue to the Department of Transportation to fund Operation Lifesaver programs. Operation Lifesaver is non-profit, nationwide public education program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at intersections where America's roadways meet railways and along railroad rights-of-way. ``Look, Listen, and Live'' is an Operation Lifesaver slogan intended to remind motor vehicle drivers how to protect their lives when they approach a highway-rail grade crossing. Mr. President, the bill would authorize the U.S. Postal Service to sell the stamp at up to 25 percent more than the cost of a first-class stamp, with the difference going to the Department of Transportation to provide additional Operation Lifesaver funding. U.S. Postal Service customers could choose to buy these special stamps, and thereby contribute to this worthy cause, or continue to purchase regular first- class stamps at the going rate. The choice would be theirs. Most importantly, the stamp will provide a constant reminder of the need to exercise caution in crossing railroad tracks. Public memory of the Bourbonnais, Illinois incident, and similar fatal collisions, will fade as media interest shifts to new topics. Operation Lifesaver's public awareness programs are an effort to change driver behavior, but additional reminders, such as this stamp, are required. The lives lost by a driver's careless crossing of a railroad track are usually those in the motor vehicle, but many times include the passengers and crew members of the train. Even when the train crew survives, they are haunted by the memories of helplessly watching these needless deaths. This is a nationwide problem, but a March 22, 1999, USA Today article detailed the dangers of this problem in my home state of Mississippi. I want to dedicate this bill to the families of the victims of the Amtrak ``City of New Orleans'' collision in Bourbonnais last week, especially to the families of the five victims from Mississippi: June Bonnin and Jessica Tickle of Nesbit, Mississippi, Lacey Lipscomb and Rainey Lipscomb of Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, and Sheena Dowe of Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. This amendment is a very simple one. In March 1995, the beginning of the 104th Congress, the Senate overturned a ruling of the Chair with respect to legislation on an appropriations bill. Ever since that March day, Senators have not been able to raise a point of order against certain amendments offered to appropriations bills. Any amendment dealing with matters not addressed in the specific appropriations bill would no longer be subject to a point of order and therefore are always in order, regardless of the subject matter. In this Senator's opinion, once that prohibition was lifted, the appropriations process was weakened by Senators on both sides of the aisle offering nonrelated amendments to very vital and time-sensitive appropriations bills. Having said that, I, along with the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, the ranking minority member and the Democratic leader have been attempting to resolve this and other issues we believe weaken the appropriations process. There are several resolutions pending in the Rules Committee that address some of these issues. However, final committee disposition has not been reached with respect to those resolutions. Therefore, I think it is time for the Senate to take this first step toward strengthening the appropriations process and reinstating what had been a part of the Senate Rules for well over 100 years. The time is now and I hope all Senators will be able to support this initial but important step to a more responsible legislative process.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the first concurrent budget resolution at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday and there be 35 hours remaining for debate as provided under the Budget Act.

Mr. LOTT. In light of that agreement, the vote on the Kosovo resolution will be the last vote tonight. The Senate will start the budget resolution tomorrow. Obviously, hard work will be in order for the Senate to complete action on the budget resolution prior to the recess, but we must do that. Hopefully we could get it completed by Friday. I yield the floor.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.