William H. Frist: “today we will shortly resume consideration of the highway bill. There are a couple of Members desiring to speak on other…”

“today we will shortly resume consideration of the highway bill. There are a couple of Members desiring to speak on other subjects prior to going back to the highway legislation, and we will accommodate those statements. I will have a brief statement. The Democrat leader has a statement, as well. Chairman Inhofe will be managing the highway bill today. As we announced prior to the recess, we expect a vote this evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. That vote will be in relation to an amendment on the highway bill. Several Senators have indicated they would be available today to offer amendments. We hope to schedule one of those for a vote this evening. We are now beginning our second week of work on the highway bill. The managers have patiently waited for Members to come to the Senate to offer their amendments. I am concerned about the pace of the bill. We need to finish the bill this week. I put our colleagues on notice that we will use cloture if necessary to bring this bill to conclusion. Having said that, be prepared for full sessions to consider and dispose of highway amendments over the next few days. As I think about it, I want to make it clear to our Members, we will be voting throughout this week, including Friday. With respect to the emergency supplemental appropriations bill, that should now be at the desk. Our expectation is to begin debate on that conference report this evening.…”