Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe now we are ready to proceed with the managers from the House. I understand that they do have a 2- hour presentation. I will look for guidance from the Chief Justice about whether we should take a break for the last 45 minutes-- that would be after Mr. Manager Rogan--if at all.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe that concludes the closing arguments. Therefore, the Senate will reconvene as the Court of Impeachment at 1 p.m. on Tuesday to resume consideration of the articles of impeachment. notice of intent to suspend the rules of the Senate by Senators daschle, lott, hutchison, harkin, wellstone, collins, specter, and leahy In accordance to Rule V of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I (for myself, Mr. Lott, Ms. Hutchison, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Wellstone, Ms. Collins, Mr. Specter, and Mr. Leahy) hereby give notice in writing that it is my intention to move to suspend the following portions of the Rules of Procedure and Practice in the Senate When Sitting on Impeachment Trials in regard to any deliberations by Senators on the articles of impeachment during the trial of President William Jefferson Clinton: (1) The phrase ``without debate'' in Rule VII; (2) the following portion of Rule XX: ``, unless the Senate shall direct the doors to be closed while deliberating upon its decisions. A motion to close the doors may be acted upon without objection, or, if objection is heard, the motion shall be voted on without debate by the yeas and nays, which shall be entered on the record''; and (3) In Rule XXIV, the phrases ``without debate'', ``except when the doors shall be closed for deliberation, and in that case'' and ``, to be had without debate''. Adjournment Until 1 P.M. Tomorrow

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order until 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I object to further proceedings on this matter at this time.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I guess that settles that. (Laughter.)

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, under the order for today there will be a 6-hour presentation equally divided between the House managers and the White House counsel. It would be our intention to have a break around noon so we will have an opportunity for lunch, and also it may be necessary to have one break, a brief break, before that time. Following today's presentation, the Senate will adjourn over until 1 p.m. on Monday. The Journal

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, could I inquire, was the manager thinking in terms of concluding this portion in 15 minutes, or do you want to take a break now? Mr. Manager HUTCHINSON. This would be a good time for a break. recess

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I ask unanimous consent that we take a 15-minute break at this time.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I think it would be appropriate if we take a break at this time for lunch and return at 1:15, and I so ask unanimous consent.

Mr. LOTT. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice. I believe we are ready to resume the presentation by the House managers, and Mr. Manager Rogan is prepared to speak.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe now we are prepared to hear from White House counsel for up to 3 hours. How much time is remaining for the House managers?

Mr. LOTT. Does the Chief Justice suggest we take a brief break here?

Mr. LOTT. All right, sir. (Laughter.)

Mr. LOTT. I think I see in the Chief Justice's eyes the desire for-- -- (Laughter.)

Mr. LOTT. --a 15-minute break. Let's return as shortly after 3:30 as is possible. Thereupon, at 3:18 p.m., the Senate recessed until 3:42 p.m.; whereupon, the Senate reassembled when called to order by the Chief Justice.

Mr. LOTT. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice. I believe the White House counsel has an additional presenter at this time.

Mr. LOTT. Regular order.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, has all time been used or yielded back?

Mr. LOTT. That concludes the presentations for today. The Senate will reconvene as a Court of Impeachment on Monday at 1 p.m. At that time, the managers and White House counsel will proceed to closing arguments for not to exceed 3 hours each and further business will resume after that. Adjournment Until 1 p.m., Monday, February 8, 1999

Mr. LOTT. I ask unanimous consent that the Court of Impeachment stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, our Senate family grieves today and our hearts are heavy as a result of the tragic loss of Scott Bates. Senators come and Senators go, but Scott has been a fixture in this great Chamber for 30 years and the last 8 years as our legislative clerk. His familiar voice was a pillar of our continuity and tradition. He was not just a coworker; he was a friend, really a great guy. Even as we conduct our business today, we will be grieving, but those who knew him well know that that is exactly what he would want us to do, to continue with the work of the Senate to which he devoted his life. He was an example of public service at its finest, never claiming the spotlight, never seeking a headline, but always working for the good of this institution and for the country we are here to serve. We pray for the recovery of his wife, Ricki. We ask that the Lord keep her and their three children always in His care. Before I ask for a moment of silence by the Senate, I yield to Senator Daschle for his comments.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I now ask that all Senators rise and let's observe a moment of silence for our friend, Scott Bates. (Moment of silence, Senators rising.) Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, further, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I believe we have some routine business to conclude.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, the business we have to do is to have a reading of a House bill and to do a resolution in behalf of our friend, Scott Bates.