Trent Lott: “I know that Senators are interested in the schedule. First, just very briefly, I want to recognize the achievement that…”

“I know that Senators are interested in the schedule. First, just very briefly, I want to recognize the achievement that has just taken place. A lot of hard work went into this bill over a long period of time by, of course, Senator Grassley, Senator Hatch, Senator Leahy, and Senator Torricelli. But it also took cooperation from Senator Wellstone. Whether he is for it or against it, I think again it showed that when we try we can get a final result which gets some 70 votes. I commend all of them. This upcoming vote on the continuing resolution should be the last vote of the week. It will be necessary to pass an additional continuing resolution on Friday. However, we are not aware of any request on the other side of the aisle for a rollcall vote. Tomorrow's continuing resolution should carry us over until Monday or Tuesday, and we will make further announcements to update Members as to the schedule for next week. During this time, we will be putting the finishing touches on the appropriations bills and a final determination on the Medicare adjustments. We are working in a bipartisan way and in a bicameral way with the administration. We hope to be able to finish the business for the year and for this Congress before the end of next week. It will take a lot more work, but we are making some progress in that direction. ____________________”