Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe we will be proceeding with Mr. Counsel Craig's video perhaps, or do you have something before that?

Mr. LOTT. Once again, I invite all Senators to attend the leader lecture series this evening at 6 p.m. in the Old Senate Chamber. I have already announced former President George Bush will be the speaker.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that on Thursday and Friday it be in order for Senators to introduce legislation and to submit statements at the desk during the Senate's consideration of the articles of impeachment.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, in recent weeks, I have made clear that the Senate would proceed, full speed ahead, with the people's business. Today's legislative action is an important part of that business. Today, by mutual agreement of Members on both sides of the aisle, we begin the actual introduction of bills and resolutions. Following tradition, Republicans will introduce the first five bills. Senator Daschle will then introduce the following five bills. Of course, this is an occasion, not just to introduce major legislation, but for both parties to explain to the American people the principles behind their bills, and the values that shape them. That is what I would like to do today. Today's Americans want the same things our people have always sought. They want a better life for themselves and for their children--better, not just in personal economic or financial terms, but also in terms of their community. They want a healthier environment, and decent neighborhoods where children can play without fear or danger. They want to be able to plan for their own future, while ensuring for their elders the security they want for themselves. They want a just social order. That means a society that rewards labor and thrift, punishes those who harm others, and cares for those who cannot care for themselves. Those goals form the great common ground on which the American people stand united. Whatever our many differences and disagreements, we share a commitment to opportunity, to security, and to personal responsibility. Put the three of those together--opportunity, security, and responsibility--and you have the formula for freedom. Freedom, after all, is the one overarching concept for which our country stands. It is what the word ``America'' has meant from the very beginning--and not only to those who were blessed enough to live here, but also to the millions of people around the world who lived, and often died, in the hope that someday they might share in that freedom. But freedom is not a negative commodity. It is not just the absence of oppression that allows every individual to do whatever he or she wants to do. True freedom is a positive force that turns responsibility into a creative energy that can empower individuals, lift their families, and improve their communities. That is why the starting point for the Senate Republican agenda is freedom. Not as a slogan, but as the sum total of everything the American people, day by day, work for and hope for: broader opportunity, enhanced security, and stronger personal responsibility. From that starting point come the first five bills of the 106th Congress. They address both educational opportunity and economic opportunity, because the two are really interdependent. And they deal with issues of security--retirement security, community security, and national security--as fulfillments of our ideal of freedom. Our first bill deals with one of the most pressing concerns of the American people: Social Security. We are strongly committed to preserving and protecting Social Security for future generations. Many in the Senate, like Rick Santorum and Judd Gregg, have shown great leadership on this issue. We want this bill to carry the symbolic title of S. 1, even though its substance will not be introduced today. We will hold the number for a while. That is a highly unusual procedure, and I should explain why we are using it in this case. Over the last several weeks, I have repeatedly urged the President to submit to the Congress and the Nation his own bill to save and strengthen Social Security. I repeated that plea as recently as this weekend, in a joint letter that Speaker Hastert and I gave the White House. In that letter, the Speaker and I promised to arrange an unprecedented joint meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee to receive and hold hearings on the President's bill. I have made clear that, if the President will give us his proposals in legislative form, I will introduce his bill here in the Senate. Today, I pledge to honor the President's bill by introducing it as S. 1. But first, he must send us his bill. That is the way Presidents do business. It is part of presidential leadership. It is part of his job. I continue to hope that the job will get done. And as a token of our good faith in the Senate, and our willingness to work in a bipartisan spirit, to make sure that Social Security is there for both our parents and our children, I will withhold introducing of S. 1 and reserve that title for the President's bill on Social Security. I hope he will send it to us soon. The second item on the Republican Senate agenda is education. Here we have a dilemma: an overabundance of great ideas. Starting today, and in the weeks to follow, Republican Senators will be introducing many bills dealing with education. They will all have one common goal: To make sure this country has the world's best schools. I won't attempt to offer a comprehensive list of those proposals, because there are so many of them. One consistent theme is to shift decision-making out of Washington and back to parents, teachers, and local officials. In short, the folks who know the kids best--and who know what our schools need to succeed. That's the principle behind Senator Bond's ``Direct Check,'' Senator Hutchison's ``Options for Excellence,'' Senator Hutchinson's ``Dollars to the Classroom,'' and Senator Gorton's stalwart campaign to renew and empower State and local education systems. The same princple--that excellence in education begins at the State and local level--has shaped what will be one of the most important bills of the 106th Congress. It's called Ed-Flex, for Educational Flexibility, and it is not a partisan initiative. It has been jointly advanced by Senators Frist and Wyden. It is strongly supported by all the Nation's Governors. It should be something we can consider and pass quickly. If we want the 106th Congress to be known as the Education Congress, Ed-Flex is a great way to start. Right off the bat, with virtual unanimity, we can give the States the leeway they need to use their share of federal dollars to meet the needs of students. Around this flag, we should all rally. A second principle of Republican education reform is consumer choice. We believe that what is right and productive in every other sector of the economy is equally right--and will be equally productive--in schooling. So we renew our commitment to consumer rights and choice in education: whether through Senator Coverdell's tax-free education savings accounts, or Senator McConnell's expansion of tuition savings plans; or through Senator Session's Class Act extending those plans to non-government colleges; or through Senator Kyl's plan to provide parents financial breaks to supplement their children's educational needs; or through the Emergency Scholarships and other lifelines we should extend to low-income families. A third principle of Republican education reform is equality teaching. Senator Mack's bill on teacher testing leads the way in that regard, along with our other proposals for teacher training and merit pay. Those three principles, and the issues to which we apply them, come together in the largest education bill that will come before the 106th Congress: the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, universally known as the E.S.E.A. In the cafeteria fare of education bills, this one is pizza with the works, even the anchovies. Over the last 33 years, we have spent more than $120 billion through the ESEA. Its reauthorization during the 106th Congress will be our opportunity to assess what has gone right, or wrong, in that process--and to adjust the ESEA to meet the challenges of a changing society in a new century in an unpredictable world. Senator Jeffords, chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, will introduce the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as the second bill of the 106th Congress. Our third bill, S. 3, is a tax cut, introduced by Senator Grams, Senator Roth, and others. To be precise, a 10-percent reduction in personal income tax rates. Hence the bill's title: the Tax Cuts for All Americans Act. Whatever justification this may need in the Congress, it requires no explanation to the American people. They are overworked and overtaxed to meet the demands of government. Senate Republicans want them to keep more of what they earn. We believe it is wrong--morally wrong--to make the American family pay more in taxes than it spends on food, clothing, housing, and transportation combined. So we propose to reduce their tax burden while making government smaller, smarter, and more efficient. Our fourth bill, S. 4, is the Soldiers' Bill of Rights, to be introduced by Senator Warner and his Republican colleagues on the Armed Services Committee. This bill represents the determination of Senate Republicans to rebuild America's national security by restoring the readiness and morale of our Armed Forces. In other words, it is a small symbol of an enormous commitment. At the end of the last Congress, the administration proposed to deal with military retirement by robbing the military's readiness funds. That was a terrible idea. It made no sense to offer our servicemen and women a little better retirement while depriving them of the wherewithal to defend themselves and their country. So we blocked that dishonest ploy, and we promised to address the problems of inadequate military pay and retirement early in 1999. Enactment of this bill, S. 4, will fulfill that commitment. I caution, however, that this legislation must be only the beginning of a larger effort to reverse the decline our Armed Forces have suffered under the current administration. That's going to be a tough job, and a long one, both in the appropriations process and in authorizing legislation. But we owe it to our country--and we owe it to the men and women in uniform--to start that job now, in the 106th Congress, so that America can enter a new century with renewed strength and security. Crucial to that effort will be the actual deployment of a missile defense system that will protect this country from attack. President Clinton's opposition frustrated our efforts on this in the 105th Congress. This time around, I hope he will work with us to enact Senator Cochran's National Missile Defense Act. The fifth bill on our agenda, S. 5, deals with the personal safety of the American people. But in this case, the threat to their security comes from within. The danger is the plague of narcotics. It has become a clear and present danger to our families, our neighborhoods, and even to the security of our Nation. To combat that danger, Senators DeWine, Abraham, Ashcroft, Grassley, and Hatch will introduce the Drug Free Century Act. That title says it all. Our goal is nothing less than laying the groundwork for the day when our country will be free of the curse of drugs. Some will think that is too high a goal, and that Senate Republicans are unrealistic in pursuing it. We are not unrealistic; we are undaunted. For more years tan I like to recall, the federal government has tried to reduce the drug plague. And indeed, there was some success, specifically during the Reagan and Bush presidencies. But its one thing to trim the claws of the narcotics monster, and quite another thing to break its loathsome back. That is what we propose to do, step by step, with a bill that deals with virtually every aspect of both the domestic and the international fight against drugs. It will impact the operations of most of the federal government, from the Justice Department to the Pentagon, from the State Department to the Coast Guard. It addresses some of the most pressing questions on national drug policy, including the sentencing differential between powder cocaine and crack. Drug traffickers and their allies in certain foreign countries will not like this bill, nor will the creeps who peddle drugs to school kids. But parents, teachers, and law enforcement officers will cheer it. For its passage will be a clear signal, throughout this country and around the world, that we are serious about winning the war on drugs. Mr. President, these five pieces of legislation--four introduced today, and one awaiting a draft from President Clinton--lead the Republican agenda for the 106th Congress. But they are not the whole story. They set the foundation I mentioned earlier--the foundation of opportunity, security, responsibility, and freedom--and we are going to build on that foundation in many ways. Along with the Drug Free Century Act, we will be moving against juvenile crime, following the lead of Senator Hatch and his colleagues on the Judiciary Committee. And in tandem with the House, we should consider legislation that will prevent Federal judges from turning loose hardened criminals in violation of their own sentences. On another front, we will soon--by March 1 at the latest--receive the recommendations of our Bipartisan Medicare Commission, and we hope to act on that report. Even sooner, I will bring to the Senate floor the first major reform of the budget process since it was established in 1974. Our reform package will put an end to the threat of Government shutdowns and stop the abuses of what is dubiously called ``emergency spending.'' We hope to schedule early action on a vital piece of legislation, the Water Resources Development Act, under the leadership of Senator Chafee, chairing our Committee on Environment and Public Works. We will move ahead with a Patients' Bill of Rights that will protect individuals without undermining the integrity and efficiency of our health care system. And we will continue to uphold the right to life, by advancing again a ban on partial-birth abortions, as proposed by Senator Santorum and the Child Custody Protection Act, proposed by Senator Abraham. To the legislation I have already outlined must be added a score of other matters, from bankruptcy reform and financial services reform to export expansion and trade reform, especially with regard to agricultural products. And we intend to build upon our landmark welfare reforms by strengthening families, communities, and religious institutions. We should undertake nothing less than the renewal of civil society. It will take both compassion and common sense to revitalize those areas of our country where the American dream has been no more than a slogan. One approach is to foster the public-private partnerships that can best address the real needs of our communities and enable them to overcome crime, drug abuse, poverty, and educational decay. That is an agenda of hope and dignity that acknowledges that the solutions to America's problems will ultimately come, not from the Congress or the White House, but from the people. Granted, the renewal of civil society will be a heroic enterprise, but Americans are equal to it. Today, on behalf of the Republican Members of the Senate, I pledge that we will do our part to make the 106th Congress, not so much the finale to the troubles and trials of the 20th century, but the threshold to a new American era.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I join my colleagues, Senators Landrieu, Murkowski and Sessions, in introducing the Reinvestment and Environmental Restoration Act. Mr. President, since the inception of the oil and gas program on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), States and coastal communities have sought a greater share of the benefits from development. And why shouldn't they? These communities provide the infrastructure, public services, manpower and support industries necessary to sustain this development. Currently, the majority of OCS revenues are funneled into the Federal Treasury where they are used to pay for various Federal programs and to reduce the deficit. While funding programs and reducing the deficit is certainly important, I believe that some percentage of the revenues should be reinvested in the affected region. Our bill does just that. The Reinvestment and Environmental Restoration Act diverts one-half of the OCS revenues from the Federal Treasury to coastal States and communities for a multitude of programs: air and water quality monitoring, wetlands protection, coastal restoration and shoreline protection, land acquisition, infrastructure, public service needs, State park and recreation programs and wildlife conservation. This bill allows States and communities to use these funds. These States will effectively use the funds for local needs. In Pascagoula, for example, authorities might choose to restore and secure the shoreline where years of sea traffic have taken their toll. Further north in Vancleave, they may choose instead to refurbish the roads and bridges that carry the heavy machinery coming and going from the coast. This bill provides a framework within which these localities can make the right decisions for their citizens and their environment. Mr. President, I have been working on this issue for many, many years. As a ``coast dweller myself,'' I know the impact that the oil and gas industry can have on communities and the importance of reinvestment in these areas. This is not to say that the industry mistreats the States; on the contrary, they work very hard to comply with stringent environmental regulations and to take care of the community as best they can. The OCS Policy Committee said in 1993 that, despite the oil industry's best efforts, ``OCS development still can affect community infrastructure, social services and the environment in ways that cause concerns among residents of the coastal States and communities.'' I know that there is no way to totally eliminate this impact on coastal communities. I also know that, while the benefits of a healthy OCS program are felt nationally, the infrastructure, environmental and social costs are felt locally. Our bill would put money back into the communities that need it most. It would also put money back into the environmental resources of the area. Exploration for non-renewable resources and stewardship of coastal resources are not mutually exclusive, but must be carefully balanced for both to be sustained. It is important that wetlands, fisheries and water resources are taken into consideration. Affordable adequate protection is possible. In addition to supporting up the States and coastal communities, our bill also provides funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). More than 30 years ago, Congress set up this fund to address the American public's desire for more parks and recreational facilities. This bill makes the program self-sufficient, providing a secure funding source from the OCS revenues. This is an investment in our future--our land, our natural resources and our recreational enjoyment. Mr. President, our bill makes yet another investment with these OCS revenues--an investment in fish and wildlife programs. With the inclusion of OCS revenues, the amount of money available for State programs would nearly double. This is money that can be used to increase fish and wildlife populations and habitats. It could even be used for wildlife education programs. Mr. President, this bill was carefully crafted to strike a balance between the needs and interests of the oil and gas industry, the States, and the environmental and conservation groups. It's a good package that will benefit all Americans, not just those who live and work in coastal areas. It will benefit hunters and anglers. It will benefit bird watchers and campers. It will benefit all Americans who take solace in the fact that the oil industry is taking care of the communities that support it. I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues and look forward to advancing this important legislation in the 106th Congress.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I join my colleagues, Senators Landrieu, Murkowski and Sessions, in introducing the Reinvestment and Environmental Restoration Act. Mr. President, since the inception of the oil and gas program on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), States and coastal communities have sought a greater share of the benefits from development. And why shouldn't they? These communities provide the infrastructure, public services, manpower and support industries necessary to sustain this development. Currently, the majority of OCS revenues are funneled into the Federal Treasury where they are used to pay for various Federal programs and to reduce the deficit. While funding programs and reducing the deficit is certainly important, I believe that some percentage of the revenues should be reinvested in the affected region. Our bill does just that. The Reinvestment and Environmental Restoration Act diverts one-half of the OCS revenues from the Federal Treasury to coastal States and communities for a multitude of programs: air and water quality monitoring, wetlands protection, coastal restoration and shoreline protection, land acquisition, infrastructure, public service needs, State park and recreation programs and wildlife conservation. This bill allows States and communities to use these funds. These States will effectively use the funds for local needs. In Pascagoula, for example, authorities might choose to restore and secure the shoreline where years of sea traffic have taken their toll. Further north in Vancleave, they may choose instead to refurbish the roads and bridges that carry the heavy machinery coming and going from the coast. This bill provides a framework within which these localities can make the right decisions for their citizens and their environment. Mr. President, I have been working on this issue for many, many years. As a ``coast dweller myself,'' I know the impact that the oil and gas industry can have on communities and the importance of reinvestment in these areas. This is not to say that the industry mistreats the States; on the contrary, they work very hard to comply with stringent environmental regulations and to take care of the community as best they can. The OCS Policy Committee said in 1993 that, despite the oil industry's best efforts, ``OCS development still can affect community infrastructure, social services and the environment in ways that cause concerns among residents of the coastal States and communities.'' I know that there is no way to totally eliminate this impact on coastal communities. I also know that, while the benefits of a healthy OCS program are felt nationally, the infrastructure, environmental and social costs are felt locally. Our bill would put money back into the communities that need it most. It would also put money back into the environmental resources of the area. Exploration for non-renewable resources and stewardship of coastal resources are not mutually exclusive, but must be carefully balanced for both to be sustained. It is important that wetlands, fisheries and water resources are taken into consideration. Affordable adequate protection is possible. In addition to supporting up the States and coastal communities, our bill also provides funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). More than 30 years ago, Congress set up this fund to address the American public's desire for more parks and recreational facilities. This bill makes the program self-sufficient, providing a secure funding source from the OCS revenues. This is an investment in our future--our land, our natural resources and our recreational enjoyment. Mr. President, our bill makes yet another investment with these OCS revenues--an investment in fish and wildlife programs. With the inclusion of OCS revenues, the amount of money available for State programs would nearly double. This is money that can be used to increase fish and wildlife populations and habitats. It could even be used for wildlife education programs. Mr. President, this bill was carefully crafted to strike a balance between the needs and interests of the oil and gas industry, the States, and the environmental and conservation groups. It's a good package that will benefit all Americans, not just those who live and work in coastal areas. It will benefit hunters and anglers. It will benefit bird watchers and campers. It will benefit all Americans who take solace in the fact that the oil industry is taking care of the communities that support it. I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues and look forward to advancing this important legislation in the 106th Congress.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, in a moment the Senate will recess until 8:35 this evening, at which time the Senate will proceed as a body over to the House of Representatives as a joint session to receive a message from the President. Following the joint session, the Senate will adjourn until 11 o'clock tomorrow morning. The Senators' lecture series is scheduled for tomorrow evening at 6 o'clock in the old Senate Chamber with former President George Bush as guest speaker. I now ask that the Senate stand in recess under the previous order.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, it is my understanding that the White House presentation today will last approximately 2\1/2\ hours--maybe a little more, maybe a little less. I therefore suggest that a short recess be taken in approximately an hour, around 2 o'clock, to allow the Chief Justice and all Members to have a brief break. I remind all Senators to remain standing at their desk each time the Chief Justice enters or departs the Chamber. If there is a need for another break, I will keep an eye on the White House counsel to see if they need a break, and we will act accordingly. Of course, I remind Senators again, tonight please be in the Chamber at 8:35 so we can proceed to the joint session. I thank my colleagues and yield the floor. I believe we are ready to begin. The Journal

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe that counsel has indicated he is ready to take a break, so I ask unanimous consent that we take a brief 15-minute recess.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe we will continue now with a further statement from Counsel Ruff.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, last year the Senate passed S. 2279, the Wendell H. Ford National Air Transportation System Improvement Act of 1998. The Ford Act promised to bring much needed air service to under served communities throughout the Nation through policy changes and market-based incentives. Unfortunately, the Ford Act was not passed into law by the last Congress. I believe that Congress has an obligation to enhance the development of America's smaller air service markets. That is a promise that this Congress can fulfill. It is a promise that this session of Congress will fulfill. The First Session of the 106th Congress will prove to be critical for our Nation's air passengers. The top aviation policy priority remains a full FAA reauthorization--not just a quick extension of this important agency and the Airports Improvements Program (AIP). A full reauthorization--money plus policies. Commerce Committee Chairman McCain's aviation legislation, submitted this morning, reflects the bipartisan, fundamental provisions for rural air service built in the Ford Act. Last year, the FAA bill's informal conference was able to reach a consensus on almost all issues. I encourage my colleagues to continue the good work in addressing aviation policies by resuming where the 105th Congress left off. If the provisions that were agreed upon late last year are adopted, Congress will be able to clear this bill before the March 31 deadline and guarantee a smooth, clean continuation of AIP funds. Mr. President, there is talk of an increase in airline user fees through the passenger facility charges (PFCs). I'm not a fan of user fees and I hope this mechanism is not used for aviation services. These are taxes, period. The goal of this Congress is to cut taxes, not increase them. Last year, tens of thousands of Mississippians used the skies to travel. Many of these passengers were new customers that chose air travel as a result of greater air service, options and lower fares from a new entrant. These changes allowed the jackson Airport to make several upgrades. I believe that a PFC increase will force passengers to reconsider their travel plans. An increase in the cost of air service, shouldered by the customer, will only serve as a detriment to the commercial airlines, airports and passengers. Mr. President, increasing regional jet competition and flight service to smaller markets is my focus. Most Americans do not live in hub cities and thus do not benefit from the range of choices through the concentration of air service options. I look forward to working with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, and especially on the Commerce Committee to insure that rural and under served communities receive improved flight service options and more affordable airline tickets. Because Chairman McCain understands the needs of under served markets, and fully appreciates that adequate and affordable air service is a vital economic development issue for smaller cities and rural areas he has been a tremendous help. I am pleased that the chairman has crafted this year's FAA bill according to the principles as set forth in the Ford Act. He too wants to improve the quality and quantity of flights going to and from small airports. He also understands the bipartisan and constructive efforts that went into last year's FAA bill and the need for a full reauthorization. In addition to the leadership of Chairman McCain, two more of my colleagues have played a vital role in the advancement of this policy. Senator Slade Gorton of Washington, chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, has provided pivotal guidance and has been instrumental in bringing focus to the many aspects of aviation. Senator Bill Frist proved to be a great asset and a very effective advocate for the rural aviation community during this past session. His hard work and passion brought small and under served communities closer to receiving much needed public policy changes for flight service improvements. I look forward to again working with them this year. Aviation policy changes always affect the management and administration of our local airports, and this makes many of our airport executives nervous. I rely on their wisdom, because these are the managers who deal day-to-day, face-to-face with Mississippians. Mr. Dirk Vanderleest of Jackson's airport has counseled me on the needs of small and under served markets. His conference in 1998 was key to may aviation thinking, and his efforts to push Mississippi's aviation priorities are appreciated. I also rely on Mr. Gene Smith of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus. He is a patriot who served our Nation during the Vietnam war and for more than 20 years has worked to ensure the east central pocket of Mississippi is involved in commercial aviation. He served as a member of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission where he again distinguished himself. It is my hope that the recommendations from this commission are not overlooked by this Congress. I implore my colleagues to seek out their Dirk or Gene to find out what their states need. Mr. President, this Congress does not need a year for aviation policy--it needs 3 months and the work left from the last Congress. Quality air service for all Americans must be the focus of any aviation legislation. Never forget that not everyone lives near a hub. Quality air service is essential for economic development. Quality air service will enable rural Americans to be competitive and spur economic development to under served communities in the 21st century.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I sense the need for a 10-minute break, but, my colleagues, please tend to your business and return promptly so that we can get started with the proper decorum.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, it is my understanding that the House managers intend to extend their presentation until approximately 3 p.m., with a lunch break at approximately 12:40 or 12:45. I remind all Senators to remain standing at their desk each time the Chief Justice enters and departs the Chamber. We want to maintain the very best decorum. One other point. We had been scheduled to go from 10:05 straight through until 12:40, but we will probably take a very short 10-minute break after the presentation by Manager Graham. It will be very important that Members tend to business and return promptly to the Chamber so that we can complete activity as early as possible this afternoon. I yield the floor, Mr. Chief Justice. The Journal

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe we are ready to begin with Manager Graham. I have been asked about any changes in the schedule. It would depend on how things move forward. I would ask for consent to change it, depending on how things developed from this point, Mr. Chief Justice. I yield the floor.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, if there is no objection, I ask unanimous consent that the court of impeachment proceedings stand in recess for one hour. We will return at 2:10 p.m.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe we are ready to proceed now with the next manager. I believe it is Mr. Manager Gekas.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, pursuant to the previous consent agreement, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under that order.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a recess again of the proceedings for 15 minutes. Please return promptly to the Chamber.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I believe we are ready for the final subject today, from Manager Barr.

Mr. LOTT. I further ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business on Saturday, it then adjourn over until Tuesday, January 19, at 9:30 a.m. I ask unanimous consent that on Tuesday, immediately following the prayer, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use. I further ask consent that there then be a period for morning business until the hour of 11:30 a.m., with 60 minutes under the control of the majority leader or his designee, and 60 minutes under the control of the minority leader or his designee. I ask unanimous consent that on Tuesday the Senate recess then from the hours of 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the weekly policy conferences. And I further ask consent that at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, the Senate resume consideration of the articles of impeachment.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, there have been a number of inquiries from Senators and others about some clarification with regard to the approximate times or the times we would be meeting on Saturday and Tuesday, and also how the afternoon will proceed, so I will make some unanimous consent requests to clarify that and give you a brief rundown on what I think the schedule will be this afternoon. Orders for Saturday, January 16, 1999 and Tuesday, January 19, 1999 Mr. Chief Justice, as in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today it stand in adjournment until 10 a.m., on Saturday, January 16. I further ask that when the Senate reconvenes on Saturday, immediately following the prayer, the Senate resume consideration of the articles of impeachment.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I ask unanimous consent that on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the presentation during the Court of Impeachment, the Senate recess until the hour of 8:35 p.m., on Tuesday evening. And I ask consent that upon reconvening Tuesday evening the Senate proceed to the Hall of the House of Representatives in order to hear an address by the President regarding the State of the Union.

Mr. LOTT. For the information of all my colleagues, then, I understand today's presentation is expected to continue until approximately 6 p.m., and there will be periodic breaks during the day to allow all Members to stand and stretch. I want to remind Senators to promptly return to their desks at the expiration of those 15-minute breaks in order that we can continue and complete at the earliest possible hour. I thank all Members for their cooperation. This afternoon we will hear from Congressman McCollum, take a 15- minute break, then hear from Congressmen Gekas, Chabot, and Cannon, and then take a break, and then Congressman Barr would complete the afternoon's presentations. Mr. Chief Justice, I yield the floor. The Journal

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a recess in the proceedings for 15 minutes. Please return to your positions within 15 minutes.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. Chief Justice, I remind all who are participants in these proceedings that we will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, and we are expected to conclude sometime between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. I had earlier indicated concluding as late as 5 p.m. I understand that we will conclude between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Therefore, pursuant to the previous consent agreement, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order. There being no objection at 5:10 p.m., the Senate, sitting as a Court of Impeachment, adjourned until Saturday, January 16, 1999, at 10 a.m.