William H. Frist: “the Senate will begin this afternoon with a period for morning business to allow Senators to make statements and…”

“the Senate will begin this afternoon with a period for morning business to allow Senators to make statements and introduce legislation. At 3 p.m. today, Chairman Cochran will be here to begin consideration of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for defense, the global war on terror, and tsunami relief. I expect opening statements on that bill during the afternoon. I also hope if Senators have amendments, they will begin to offer those amendments during today's session. At the very least, Senators should notify the cloakrooms of their desire to offer specific amendments so that the chairman and ranking member may begin the process of scheduling their considerations. I remind all Senators we have a vote scheduled this afternoon at 5:30 on the confirmation of a U.S. district judge. That is the nomination of Paul Crotty to the Southern District of New York. In addition to that vote, we have a resolution relating to airbus that we will likely schedule for a rollcall vote. Therefore, Senators can expect at least two votes today. I add that if amendments are offered to the appropriations bill today, I will also be talking to the managers of the bill and the Democratic leader about scheduling votes on those as well. This important bill provides necessary funds for the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as additional funding for humanitarian assistance related to the tsunami.…”