Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Which has been approved unanimously by the Rules Committee. We would like to formally complete his confirmation by the full Senate. We will check on when we might do that. We could do that tomorrow, but we might be affected by whether a recorded vote will be in order. We will check into it and get back to the Senator and notify all Senators later on today.

Mr. LOTT

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, the Senate will be in session on Monday pro forma only, as I said. No business will be conducted on Monday, and the Senate will then adjourn until Tuesday. On Tuesday, it is my hope the Senate will consider any available nominations that have been reported from committees. Members should expect rollcall votes beginning on Tuesday and throughout the remainder of next week as we consider nominations or any other legislative items that become available. As we see what may be available on Monday or Tuesday, we will notify Members about exactly what they can expect, hopefully, on Wednesday or Thursday and whether there will be any need to be in on Friday. We need to look at the nominations. It could be we will have more than just one or two, or maybe only one or two. We will just have to see what is happening next week.

Mr. LOTT

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

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Members have until January 30 to submit eulogies of our friend and former colleague, Senator Paul Tsongas, and further, that statements be compiled and printed as a Senate document.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I further ask unanimous consent that on Tuesday, the Senate stand in recess between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. for the weekly policy conferences to meet.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until the hour of 10 a.m. on Monday, January 27, for a pro forma session only; and further, immediately following the pro forma session, the Senate stand in adjournment until the hour of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28; that immediately following the prayer, the Journal of proceedings be deemed approved to date, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and there then be a period for the transaction of morning business until the hour of 12:30 p.m., with each Senator being allowed to speak for up to 5 minutes each, with the following exceptions: Senator Lott, or his designee, 30 minutes; Senator Daschle, or his designee, 60 minutes; Senator Collins, 30 minutes.

Mr. LOTT

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

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today, we will be in a period for morning business in order for all Senators to introduce legislation and to make statements in connection and support of those pieces of legislation, or to make statements on other issues, if they so desire. As we announced last night, no rollcall votes will occur during today's session, and when the Senate completes its business today, it will stand in adjournment until Monday, January 27, for a pro forma session only. No business will be conducted during Monday's session, and the Senate will automatically adjourn over until Tuesday, January 28. As all Members are aware, throughout the past week, and continuing into next week, committees are holding hearings with regard to various nominations for the President's Cabinet. That is one reason why we are trying to not force activity on the floor of the Senate, so that the committees can do their work and so the proper investigations and hearings can be held. It is my hope that next week the Senate will be able to consider additional nominations that may become available to the full Senate. It looks like there may be one or two that would be available next week sometime. So I remind all Senators that rollcall votes are possible, and hopefully likely, beginning on Tuesday and throughout the week on those nominations or other matters that may become available. Finally, I thank all of my colleagues for their cooperation in allowing us to finish action on the two nominations yesterday. It was not planned and it was not easy, because some Senators had made other arrangements. We had some Senators that wanted to go to Massachusetts for the wake of Senator Tsongas, and then we have the funeral proceedings today. But we were able to work through that, and there was a little give and take and I appreciate that. I will be sending a letter--hopefully joined by the Democratic leader--if not tomorrow, early next week, to also ask Senators at the beginning of the session to be helpful to the leadership by not making unreasonable requests as to when votes will occur. I was shocked last year, when I came in as majority leader, at the requests we got from Senators who said, ``Can we not have a vote until 11 o'clock on Tuesday?'' ``Could we not have any votes between 4 o'clock and 7 o'clock on Thursday?'' If we want to have a family friendly Senate, it begins with individual Senators. We will always try to accommodate all Senators wherever we can, and we work with the staff on both sides of the aisle when there are extenuating circumstances--planes are delayed, or when there are funerals that must be attended--and that's fine. But I really think that the practice that has evolved--and I believe it has evolved over several years--where 1 Senator is willing to ask 99 Senators to inconvenience themselves for their one need, is out of control. It is ridiculous and unfair. We are not going to be able to get our work done and be able to go home at a reasonable hour at night if we can't have votes on Monday, if we can't have any votes until 11 o'clock on Tuesday, and cannot vote on Thursday afternoon. So, frankly, we are not going to honor those requests when they are ridiculous and of that nature. Senators should know that beginning at 9 o'clock on Tuesday until 6 or 7 o'clock on Tuesday, they will be expected to be here to vote, unless it is extraordinarily important. We are going to make sure we do it in a nonpartisan, bipartisan way. But I think we may have to prove a point here a couple of times. One of the reasons why we always want all Senators present is so they can record their constituents' views through their vote, but also because sometimes absentees lead to defeat on one side or the other. So Senators need to be here during normal working hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and probably some Mondays and Fridays. We will try to give as long a notice as possible. This is not an election year. We need to change our approach as to how we do our work. I plead with the Senators, don't continue that practice. It will not be our intent to honor it when it borders on the verge of being, as I said twice before, ridiculous. We will send a written letter to every Senator from the leaders on both sides, hopefully, asking that this request be honored. Seeing no Senator seeking recognition at this point, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. LOTT. Good morning, Mr. President.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today, on behalf of myself and Senator Daschle, the distinguished minority leader, a joint resolution concerning what has long been known as Juneteenth Independence Day. Joining us as original sponsors of this resolution are Senators Levin and Moseley-Braun, who offered similar legislation in the 104th Congress. The observance of Juneteenth has long been a tradition among black Americans. It commemorates the days in mid-June, 1865, when news of the end of slavery finally reached frontier areas of the country, especially in the American Southwest. The African-Americans who then moved into freedom, and began new lives as citizens of the Republic, kept alive the memory of that occasion for their descendants. Generation by generation, the experiences of the past have been preserved and shared. They have given us lessons in faith, in courage, and in perseverance. Today, the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage fosters the observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, not only among those families whose ancestors were directly affected by it, but also among the general public. The association will be meeting this year in Dallas from January 23 to January 25. The introduction of this joint resolution by the two Senate leaders is a timely expression of the Senate's regard and appreciation for the association's efforts. I should mention that this joint resolution is especially appropriate as we prepare to observe February as Black History Month, which, to borrow the words of the resolution, ``provides an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped our nation.'' With that in mind, I know Senator Daschle joins me in inviting our colleagues, from all regions of the country, to cosponsor this legislation. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am reintroducing the Older Americans Freedom To Work Act and request my colleagues' support. This legislation would remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which Social Security beneficiaries, who have reached retirement age, may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. It would abolish the onerous earnings best and allow senior citizens to work without being penalized. As you know, the Social Security retirement earnings test reduces benefits to persons between ages 65 and 69 who earn more than $13,500. These reductions amount to $1 in reduced benefits for every $3 in earnings above the limit. This limitation is unfair and poses a serious threat to the labor work force. Demographers tell us, that between the years 2000 and 2010, the baby boom generation will be in their retirement years. With fewer babies being born, this Nation is looking at a severe labor shortage. We need the skills, wisdom, and experience of our older workers, and this measure will encourage them to remain in the labor force. Elimination of the retirement earnings test begins the process of providing employment opportunities for older Americans without punishing them for their efforts. In the 1930's when the earned income limit was devised, encouraging senior citizens to leave the workplace was seen as a positive act, designed to increase job opportunities for younger workers. Today, with our shrinking labor force, such a policy is senseless. It is a pleasure to again sponsor legislation in the Senate to abolish the onerous retirement earnings test. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vitally important legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today, on behalf of myself and Senator Daschle, the distinguished minority leader, a joint resolution concerning what has long been known as Juneteenth Independence Day. Joining us as original sponsors of this resolution are Senators Levin and Moseley-Braun, who offered similar legislation in the 104th Congress. The observance of Juneteenth has long been a tradition among black Americans. It commemorates the days in mid-June, 1865, when news of the end of slavery finally reached frontier areas of the country, especially in the American Southwest. The African-Americans who then moved into freedom, and began new lives as citizens of the Republic, kept alive the memory of that occasion for their descendants. Generation by generation, the experiences of the past have been preserved and shared. They have given us lessons in faith, in courage, and in perseverance. Today, the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage fosters the observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, not only among those families whose ancestors were directly affected by it, but also among the general public. The association will be meeting this year in Dallas from January 23 to January 25. The introduction of this joint resolution by the two Senate leaders is a timely expression of the Senate's regard and appreciation for the association's efforts. I should mention that this joint resolution is especially appropriate as we prepare to observe February as Black History Month, which, to borrow the words of the resolution, ``provides an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped our nation.'' With that in mind, I know Senator Daschle joins me in inviting our colleagues, from all regions of the country, to cosponsor this legislation. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am reintroducing the Older Americans Freedom To Work Act and request my colleagues' support. This legislation would remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which Social Security beneficiaries, who have reached retirement age, may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. It would abolish the onerous earnings best and allow senior citizens to work without being penalized. As you know, the Social Security retirement earnings test reduces benefits to persons between ages 65 and 69 who earn more than $13,500. These reductions amount to $1 in reduced benefits for every $3 in earnings above the limit. This limitation is unfair and poses a serious threat to the labor work force. Demographers tell us, that between the years 2000 and 2010, the baby boom generation will be in their retirement years. With fewer babies being born, this Nation is looking at a severe labor shortage. We need the skills, wisdom, and experience of our older workers, and this measure will encourage them to remain in the labor force. Elimination of the retirement earnings test begins the process of providing employment opportunities for older Americans without punishing them for their efforts. In the 1930's when the earned income limit was devised, encouraging senior citizens to leave the workplace was seen as a positive act, designed to increase job opportunities for younger workers. Today, with our shrinking labor force, such a policy is senseless. It is a pleasure to again sponsor legislation in the Senate to abolish the onerous retirement earnings test. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vitally important legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I would like to say farewell and thanks to this class of Senate pages. Tomorrow is graduation day, and I know many of their parents are in town today and tomorrow for that special occasion. Their job is a difficult one, with most days beginning long before the Senate convenes--early in the morning--and continuing until after the Senate adjourns, which quite often is late at night. I thank them for their service. I wish them well. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the names of the 1996 fall pages, which was a historic time to be a page, be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I yield the floor, Mr. President, if I still have recognition. I believe the Democratic leader has some remarks at this time. Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, if I could just be recognized momentarily, I am pleased to join with the Democratic leader and Senator Byrd in presenting this resolution for Alan Scott Frumin. He is a Parliamentarian Emeritus who has already served 20 years. He is in his 21st year in the Senate with all of those years in the Parliamentarian's Office, and he says he has actually started understanding and learning the rules. But it has taken 21 years because it is not an easy thing to do. But he, obviously, has done outstanding work. He has been nonpartisan, as he should be in that position. He has been the Parliamentarian of the Senate for 8 years. He is a New York native with a law degree from Georgetown. He certainly has earned this distinction and this recognition. And I express our appreciation on behalf of the grateful Senate. Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the resolution was agreed to, and I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk on behalf of myself, Senator Daschle, and Senator Byrd and ask for its immediate consideration and the clerk read the resolution in its entirety.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the resolution appear at the appropriate place in the Record. Before the Chair's ruling, for the information of all Senators, this is a resolution that allows the Senate legal counsel to file a brief on behalf of the Senate with regard to support for the line-item veto.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 21, submitted earlier today by myself and Senator Daschle.

Mr. LOTT

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

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, so far, January has been quite a month for our highly esteemed colleague, the senior Senator from West Virginia. On January 8, Senator Robert C. Byrd observed the 50th anniversary of the day he entered public service as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. To commemorate this significant event, Senator Byrd returned to the West Virginia State capitol on January 11 to join hundreds of grateful West Virginians and other friends in the unveiling of a bronze statue. This likeness of Senator Byrd, prominently placed in the capitol's rotunda, will serve to remind future generations of his service to his State and to his country. Just 2 days after the Charleston, WV, ceremony, Robert Byrd achieved another major distinction. On January 13, 1997, he became the fourth longest serving U.S. Senator in the history of our republic, with a service record of 38 years and 10 days. Think of it, Mr. President. Of the 1,843 past and present senators, only three have served longer than Robert C. Byrd. In another 3 years, Senator Byrd will exceed the 41-year service record of my immediate predecessor from Mississippi, John C. Stennis. After that, Senator Byrd's only challengers will be the current record holder, Carl Hayden of Arizona--41 years and 10 months, and the current second longest serving member, our highly regarded colleague from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. I shall have more to say about Senator Thurmond in May of this year, when he breaks Senator Hayden's record. Each of us in this body, from the most junior to the most seasoned, would do well to pay close attention to Robert C. Byrd--a man of great historical knowledge. When Robert C. Byrd speaks about the role of the Senate in American Government, he deserves our most careful attention. On behalf of all Senators, I commend Senator Byrd for his long service to our country. (Applause, Senators rising.)

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, momentarily, we hope to propound a unanimous-consent agreement about the time and how we will handle the nomination of our colleague, former Senator Bill Cohen. We are working on the final preparation and notification on that, and then we will ask for an agreement at that time.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I have just one bit of clarification. We had hoped to have a full discussion of support for Senator Cohen on Thursday. But we do have the wake and funeral of our former colleague, Senator Tsongas. We are trying to accommodate Senators who need to leave this afternoon to go up to Massachusetts for the wake and for other commitments that were made tonight. We needed to go ahead and get this done today because Senators would not get back until late tomorrow afternoon. I apologize to Senators who may not have as much time as they wanted. I encourage those Senators to stay after the vote to speak on this, if they wish. So for the information of all Senators, another vote is expected on the confirmation of our former colleague, Senator Cohen, at approximately 3:25 p.m. today. Following that confirmation vote, there will be an additional period for morning business in which to introduce bills and make statements. However, there will be no further rollcall votes today. The next opportunity the Senate will have for votes, at this point, looks like Tuesday of next week. But we will further confirm that when we do our closing statement later today. I yield the floor.