we have worked very hard to move through this first tranche of appropriations bills we have. Progress is being made but not nearly enough progress. I am going to move in just a minute to the Bryson nomination. But I want everyone within…

I ask unanimous consent that the following amendments, which have been cleared by the managers of both sides be agreed to: Rubio, 898; Thune, 809; and Hutchison, 806. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendments Nos. 898, 809, and 806

as I indicated, the Republican leader and I met prior to the last vote. We understand there has been tremendous progress made. This is something for those of us who have been in the Senate a while that brings back a lot of memories. This…

the Republican leader and I had a meeting here a few minutes ago. Following this vote we will have more information for the body. Amendment No. 753 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire.

I ask unanimous consent notwithstanding the previous order the Senate now proceed to vote in relation to the Ayotte amendment No. 753, and all other provisions of the previous order remain in effect. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

we would be much more efficient here if we have 10-minute votes. It is very difficult for those who are doing the work for us to determine who is voting which way, to hear us. People are moving around. I think it will be to everyone's…

I ask unanimous consent that the call of the quorum be terminated. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I wish I had thought of saying that. Amendment No. 869 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The next amendment is the Gillibrand amendment No. 869. The Senator from New York.

I know how frustrating it is for everyone. This is not a question for the Parliamentarian. We are doing our best to work through these votes. They are 10-minute votes. We are doing our utmost to maintain that time and will continue to do…

we have 16 more amendments that we must vote on. I hope people will look at those closely. A number of them--in fact, most of them--can be done by voice vote. If they win, it doesn't matter how you win. Let's get done with them as quickly…

I ask unanimous consent that all remaining votes tonight be 10 minutes in duration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I would say there would be no blue-slip problem whatsoever because, as I indicated, this would be an amendment to a revenue bill we have received from the House, and I identified which one that would be. Mr. President, I ask unanimous…

for all of these amendments that are pending, there is no requirement that we have to have rollcall votes. Everyone should understand that. Mr. President, tonight the Senate will vote on a bill introduced by my friend, the Republican…

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader after consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to a series of votes in relation to the following amendments and motions: Landrieu No. 781, as…

there are 4 hours under the order previously entered. We are hoping all this time will not have to be used. I ask unanimous consent that 20 minutes remain, equally divided between the two leaders or their designees, regardless of any time…

I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, en bloc, with no intervening action or debate, and that any related statements be printed in the…

S. Res. 305 concerns representation by the Senate Legal Counsel of Senator Cornyn and Senator Hutchison, who have been subpoenaed to provide testimony and produce documents in a lawsuit between an individual and the Social Security…

I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 291, and the Senate proceed to its consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report…

I ask unanimous consent that on Monday, October 31, 2011, at 4:30 p.m., the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 249; that there be 1 hour of debate equally divided in the usual form; that upon the use or yielding…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 129, 130, 248, 289, 341, 342, 367, 417, 418, 419, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 442, 443, 444, and all nominations at…

we rushed through these as if they didn't mean anything, but for each one of these people, it means a new life for them. These are very accomplished people, and I am only going to talk about one tonight--Mark P. Wetjen to be Commissioner…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration, en bloc, of the following resolutions which were submitted today: S. Res. 304, S. Res. 305, S. Res. 306, and S. Res. 307. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., tomorrow, Thursday, October 20. I would note there is a unique reason we are coming in late tomorrow. I would like to come in very early…

I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 299. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 299) designating…