William H. Frist: “this morning we will begin consideration of the appropriations process by turning to the Interior appropriations bill.…”

“this morning we will begin consideration of the appropriations process by turning to the Interior appropriations bill. Senator Burns and Senator Dorgan are our two managers, and we expect to begin consideration of amendments. Last night, following completion of the Energy bill, we reached an agreement on the Interior bill that first-degree amendments are to be offered today and Monday. We have commitments from several colleagues that they will be available today to offer amendments, and therefore we will make progress on the bill over the course of the day. I announced last night that no votes would occur today as well as Monday. However, we will be in session both days working through the Interior bill so that we can finish that bill very early next week. We will start voting on amendments to this appropriations bill on Tuesday. As a reminder, we have scheduled a vote on passage of the Energy bill at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Next week, in addition to completing the Interior appropriations measure, we will also complete work on the Homeland Security appropriations bill. It may be possible to consider other appropriations matters as we move through the week. As always, we will be turning to additional legislative and executive items that can be cleared for action during next week. Again, I thank everybody for their cooperation on the Energy bill. It is a tremendous success for this body.…”