Arlen Specter: “it is about a quarter of 5, so we still have a fair amount of time left on today's calendar. There is no Senator in the…”

“it is about a quarter of 5, so we still have a fair amount of time left on today's calendar. There is no Senator in the Chamber, except you and me, Mr. President. So if there are any of our colleagues who want to speak on the asbestos bill, now would be a good time to come over and speak. There is a certain tempo about this Chamber. When there are a lot of Senators who want time, there is very limited time, fighting for the last extension of time, unanimous consent for 2 more minutes here and a little more there. Now is the time for anybody who wants to speak to come to the Senate Chamber. I might comment that we all have a lot of other things to do, beyond any question. I have been spending a lot of my time meeting with Senators in their offices talking about the bill and also working on the issue of electronic surveillance, which is very heavy on the Judiciary Committee calendar. I am now about to go to a meeting on immigration, but I will be available if the action on the floor heats up. Again, I urge any of my colleagues who want to speak, now is a good time. Again, I urge my colleagues to follow up on the request Senator Leahy and I made back on January 25: If you have amendments, let us know so we can manage this bill in an efficient way. In the absence of any Senator on the floor seeking recognition, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.”