I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 61; that there be 3 hours of debate equally…

In regard to the comments made by my friend the Republican leader, as I listened to him, I picked up about three or four points that I think are fairly obvious. One is, do not touch the tax cuts for the rich; No. 2, do not touch the tax…

today we congratulate an important Senate employee on retiring after 34 years of dedicated service. Robert Cvar started working at the Senate Recording Studio on August 1, 1977, as a film technician. He worked his way up the ladder to…

following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30 p.m. today. Following that morning business, the Senate will be in executive session to consider Calendar No. 74, Roy Bale Dalton, of Florida, to…

late last night, we learned the news we have been longing to hear since the worst morning in our memory: an American operation brought Osama bin Laden to justice. This was an American mission ordered by President Obama and accomplished by…

what is the pending business? The PRESIDING OFFICER. S. 493, which the clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 493) to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:47 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 10…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now resume legislative session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the injunction of secrecy be removed from the following treaties transmitted to the Senate on May 2, 2011, by the President of the United States: Protocols 1, 2, and 3 to the South…

I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at this time to waive the mandatory quorums under rule XXII with respect to both cloture motions. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

we are working with the Republican leader on a resolution commending the Armed Forces and the intelligence community regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. We may have a rollcall vote on adoption of this resolution tomorrow afternoon…

I send a cloture motion to the desk dealing with John McConnell. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion. The assistant legislative clerk read as…

at the beginning of this Congress, we entered into an agreement with the minority. One of the things we wanted to do was to make sure there was a process for allowing amendments to bills. We have had the small business jobs bill on the…

I hope, as I mentioned this morning, we are not in a situation where we have to file cloture on district court judges. That is a little much. I filed cloture on this because I couldn't get agreement not to do it, but I hope we don't have…

I understand, Mr. President, you are going to make a report to the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair lays before the Senate a communication regarding the resignation of Senator Ensign. Without objection, the letter will be printed…

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the…

I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to this measure be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H. Con. Res. 43. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent resolution by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 43)…

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming recess or adjournment of the Senate, the President pro tempore and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards…

I would finally say that this legislation, under any circumstances, is not relevant or germane to the underlying bill. That is very clear. This legislation that now has to be considered by the Senate has not had a hearing. Sure, we have…

I object to my friend's request with the following explanation: We have worked very hard to get this bill done. This is a committee of which the Senator from Maine was chairman. She is now the ranking member. This legislation--underline…

I ask unanimous consent that at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 3, the Senate resume consideration of S. 493, the small business jobs bill; that no amendments, points of order, or motions be in order during the pendency of this agreement other than…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 1308. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 1308) to amend the Ronald…

I say to my friend the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, I am aware of the 12 ports that need help. But out of the 12, there is none more needed--and we as a country would get such a bang for our buck--to do what is necessary than…