Yes, we both would like to see a different Senate this year--with fewer filibusters and procedural delays and more opportunities for debate and amendments. In many cases, the problem is not necessarily in the Senate rules, it is in the…

Madam President, over the past few months, Democrats and Republicans have had many positive discussions about the direction of the 112th Congress. There are many important issues facing our country and solutions will require bipartisan…

I ask unanimous consent that we turn to the consideration of S. Res. 33. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 33) expressing the sense of the…

Mr. President, following leader remarks, if any, the Senate will begin en bloc consideration of several resolutions to change the Senate rules. There will be up to 8 hours of debate prior to a series of stacked rollcall votes in relation…

Mr. President, this legislation is the FAA authorization bill, which is extremely important. We have been trying to do this bill for years. I hope with what took place today, we can move to this bill and have a good debate on an extremely…

Mr. President, I understand S. 192 is at the desk and is due for a second reading. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will read the title of the bill for the second time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 192) to…

Mr. President, I now ask for its second reading but then object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the bill will receive its second reading on the next legislative day. ____________________

Mr. President, I am told S. 223, which was introduced earlier today by Senator Rockefeller, is at the desk and I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the title of the bill for the first time. The…

Mr. President, I object to further proceedings with respect to this legislation. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Objection having been heard, the bill will be placed on the calendar under rule XIV. ____________________

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the clerk begin calling the quorum and that the time be evenly divided for the duration of the consideration of the resolutions. If there are quorum calls during this debate, I ask unanimous…

My understanding now is that as soon as the clerk announces the order for the day, the 8 hours will begin to run; is that right, Mr. President? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is correct. ____________________

Mr. President, it is my understanding that we have more reporting to be done by the clerk on matters that will come before the Senate. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the clerk will…