I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 4:33 p.m., adjourned until Monday, March 19, 2012, at 2 p.m…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 398, submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: A…

there will be no votes on Monday. The Senate should expect the next vote on Tuesday morning prior to the weekly caucus meetings. ____________________

I am told that S. 2191 is due for a second reading. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2191) to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit…

first of all, we had a good week. We have worked together on issues and gotten a lot done. We have one more vote. That will be the last vote this week. The next vote will be Tuesday before the caucus. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the…

I ask unanimous consent that the Boozman- Pryor amendment, which is at the desk, be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or…

I have a cloture motion with respect to the Reid for Cantwell, Johnson of South Dakota, Graham, Shelby amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Senate the…

I have a motion to commit the bill with instructions which is at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Nevada [Mr. Reid] moves to commit the bill (H.R. 3606) to the…

I ask unanimous consent the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Brown of Ohio). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any related statements be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER…

at about 2 p.m. tomorrow, there will be two votes on confirmation of Groh and Fitzgerald to be trial judges in the Federal judiciary. Additional votes are possible. ____________________

I am told there is a bill at the desk due for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the first time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2191) to amend the Americans with…

I am pleased that my friend Senator McConnell and I have been able to reach an agreement to approve a number of judicial nominations in the coming weeks. The senior Senator from Vermont, Chairman Leahy, has kindly added his wisdom to make…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of S. Res. 396. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 396) supporting the goals…

I ask unanimous consent that Senator Ayotte be added as a cosponsor of this legislation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I ask unanimous consent that at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 15, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 334, H.R. 3606, the IPO bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? The Senator from Oregon.

I appreciate the work done by the Presiding Officer and the junior Senator from Oregon on this most important piece of legislation, and especially the problems the two Senators I mentioned believe is evident with this legislation. I…

I ask unanimous consent that on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 1:45 p.m., the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 408 and 461; that there be 15 minutes for debate equally divided in the…

I would like to engage in a colloquy with my good friends the Senator from Kentucky, the Republican leader, and the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Baucus. Earlier today the Senate completed action on a transportation measure…

I have learned in my years in the Senate, especially since Senator Leahy took over the Judiciary Committee, that I don't do anything with the Judiciary Committee--especially with judges--that I don't clear first with Senator Leahy. He has…

I ask unanimous consent that all of the cloture votes scheduled for 2:30 today be vitiated. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The minority leader is recognized. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I…

I will take just a minute to talk about the bill we are going to vote final passage on in just a few minutes. I cannot say it enough--I have said it a lot, I will continue to say it-- this is a wonderful opportunity for the Senate and a…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Thursday, March 15, at 9:30 a.m.; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed…

it is a real accomplishment for this Senate to pass this highway bill, and it will happen. We worked through all these amendments, different tones and variations of subject matter, many of them not having anything to do with the highway…