Harry Reid

That is what I said earlier. During my tenure as leader and assistant leader, I never remember this happening. That is what I said before you came here.

Well, I could have gone into more detail, but I talked quite a long time anyway. What I was complaining about is the inordinate amount of time that we spent dealing with certain issues-- and I did mention specifically the Arctic National…

First, let me say, moving on beyond stem cells, I guess, but so the record is clear, yes, we did object to the unanimous consent agreement because it was for six or seven bills. What we proposed--

Yes. What we proposed is that we work on the stem cell bill and the cord blood bill. That is what the House did, and there was no reason we couldn't do the same.

We wanted to move the two bills together. A number of my people didn't want to separate them, but we took you at your word and the cord blood bill is now the law. That is what I said in my earlier statement. We cannot pass stem cell…

I hope it is not necessary to have cloture on the LIHEAP matter. It has been cleared on our side and I understand the distinguished Senator from Tennessee is doing everything he can to have it cleared on his side. If the cloture vote is…

I see here two friends on the Republican side who wish to speak. Senator Alexander wishes to speak, I understand, as soon as morning business is announced, and Senator Warner.

When morning business is announced, Senator Warner will be recognized for up to 10 minutes and Senator Alexander--for how long?

Yes, I did, Mr. President. I ask that the request of the distinguished majority leader be amended to allow an eight-to-six conference, eight Republicans, six Democrats.

I should have done this. I have people sending me notes. Are we having anymore votes today?

As minority leader, I was entitled to 10 minutes. I think anything over that would be out of the ordinary.

Will my 10 minutes start running from this time? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

We would be willing to agree procedurally on a motion to proceed to the asbestos bill. You could file whatever papers necessary tonight to do that so we could have a Tuesday cloture vote.

What we would be willing to do, if we are not in session tomorrow, we would be willing to allow the----

We had a meeting and thought the votes would start immediately, and Members were advised that. It is my understanding, Senator Baucus, the voting will not start for at least a half hour. Everyone should understand the votes will not start…

I am sorry to have been late. Are we going to finish these votes today, tonight?

I am trying to get to Senator Durbin so he can go downtown and give a speech. How long will the Senator from Missouri be talking?

We understand that additional half hour would come out of the time on the resolution.

We were all awakened this morning to the news of the passing of one of our Nation's true heroes in the struggle for civil rights, Coretta Scott King. Together, Americans all mourn her passing. We offer our deepest thanks for her dedication…

As I indicated, I have spoken to the distinguished majority leader on several occasions--not today. Yesterday we had a number of conversations, in fact into the evening last night, and I think it would be best for Senator Frist and me to…

I claim my leader time. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Alexander). The minority leader.

I don't think we will ask the time be extended. Madam President, does Senator Cantwell have 5 minutes for him?

Senator Byrd has asked for 5 more minutes out of the time of the Senator from Washington. Madam President, does she have it?

I was in my office early this morning, and Gary Myrick, who works for me, came in and said, Is there anything you need? I said yes, patience. I mentioned that to the distinguished Republican leader a few minutes ago. I think everyone needs…

The other thing I mention is, in a meeting I had this morning, I think it is fairly clear it will not be necessary, even though we do not like the conference report on HHS, I don't think there will be a necessity for cloture on that. The…