William H. Frist: “this morning we will resume debate on the Energy bill, with the time equally divided until the cloture vote, which is…”

“this morning we will resume debate on the Energy bill, with the time equally divided until the cloture vote, which is scheduled for 10 a.m., about an hour from now. I expect that cloture will be invoked on the bill today. We have now debated the bill and the amendments for almost 2 weeks, and it is time that we move toward final passage, which I hope and believe will be today. Senators Domenici and Bingaman have been on the floor and available to consider amendments during the entire 2-week process. I congratulate them on moving this bill forward in a very efficient and timely way. I do hope that once cloture is invoked, we will find a way to bring this bill to completion this afternoon or evening. As I mentioned last night before closing, if Members do cooperate and show restraint with their amendments, we could certainly finish at a reasonable hour, and I hope we will accomplish that. If Members wait and come forward at the very last minute, it will be necessary to stay here until very late tonight, indeed until tomorrow. So it really is up to us how we handle it. I encourage our colleagues to come to the floor and talk to the managers as soon as possible if they wish to offer their amendments. I do think we are on the glidepath to completing this bill. As I mentioned last night, following completion of the bill, hopefully tomorrow, we would begin the Interior appropriations bill. The Democratic leader and I will be having more to say about that.…”