Cory Booker: “I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded…”

“I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader is recognized. The Appropriations Process Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, Senators have been working diligently this week, continuing our efforts to advance American priorities and responsibly fund important programs through the appropriations process. We have made good progress so far. The Senate already passed one funding bill by a broad majority at a record early time. Another Appropriations subcommittee approved its own funding bill just the other day, and it is my hope that we will be able to move two more funding measures across the finish line very shortly. With continued work and cooperation, we can do just that. The two measures before us are the result of hard work, negotiation, and compromise. They are the product of strong leadership by Senators Collins and Kirk, and they are the culmination of a good deal of input from both sides of the aisle. Here is what we know these bills can achieve: The transportation and housing infrastructure appropriations bill will invest in our transportation systems and help ensure safety and efficiency.…”