I will turn to the chairman and the ranking member to comment on what they expect over the course of the afternoon, but the two unanimous-consent requests that we just did means that we will have a series of two or three rollcall votes and…

this morning we will be resuming debate on a couple of pending amendments to the Defense authorization bill. Under the agreement, we will have 60 minutes of debate and closing remarks in relation to the Levin amendment and the Kerry…

I thank both managers for a superb debate and discussion over the course of the last several days--and really the last several weeks--as we have focused on an issue that is no more important to the American people than the safety and…

I know in a few moments we will be voting. I did want to come to the floor and speak strongly in support of the Sessions missile defense amendment. More than 23 years have passed since President Reagan announced his Strategic Defense…

today, as we resumed consideration of the Defense authorization bill, we have debated two very important amendments on U.S. policy in Iraq. After the votes on the minimum wage amendments offered by Senators Kennedy and Enzi, there were 5…

yesterday, my colleague and friend, Senator Santorum, hosted a bipartisan, bicameral event to evaluate the status of religious freedom in America and around the world. I thank Senator Santorum for his passionate commitment to the cause of…

today we open the Senate with a 30-minute period of morning business. After those statements, we will resume consideration of the Department of Defense authorization bill. There are now six pending amendments that the chairman and ranking…

a lot of discussion has been going on in the Senate with regard to a shift that we are making that I don't entirely agree with. That is a shift off of the underlying bill--not literally off the bill but in terms of substance--addressing…

The challenge with the Department of Defense authorization bill is really just this, what is playing out; that is, for us to address what is the issue, I believe, that is most important to the United States today. That is supporting our…

today we are resuming our work on the Department of Defense authorization bill. This afternoon provides a good opportunity for Senators to come to the floor and offer Defense- related amendments. Under last week's order, at 4 o'clock today…

today, at 10:45, the Senate will resume consideration of the Department of Defense authorization bill. The bill's two managers, Chairman Warner and Senator Levin, will be here to continue to work on this important bill. Although there will…

just very briefly, I want to comment on the supplemental appropriations bill we passed yesterday morning. I commend Senator Cochran and really both of the managers, and all of our colleagues, as well as the House, and especially…

I understand. I will speak to the Kerry amendment. I will read that amendment just so my colleagues will be clear what I am talking to. The amendment says: The President shall reach an agreement as soon as possible with the Government of…

at this moment we do want to honor the 2,500 Americans who have given their lives in Iraq, and their families. We ask all Senators to take their seats and offer that moment of silence. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the…

today we sent the emergency supplemental appropriations conference report to the President with a 98-to-1 vote. We also made some progress on the Defense authorization bill, and we will continue on that bill tomorrow. Chairman Warner and…

I will shortly. Let me finish my statement because I think it is important to look at the issue that has been put on the floor. I will be very brief. Then we can do the parliamentary inquiries back and forth. If we withdraw from Iraq…

I just came to the Chamber a few moments ago. I understand the pending amendment is the Kerry amendment, and although I have not reviewed it in its entirety, I see that it reads that the President---- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority…

today I have the pleasure of announcing that the Senator from South Carolina, Mr. DeMint, is the latest recipient of the Senate's Golden Gavel Award, having completed 100 hours of presiding over the Senate at 2:15 this afternoon. The…

this Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of Senator Robert Dole's retirement from the U.S. Senate. From humble beginnings on the plains of western Kansas, Bob Dole has risen to become one of our most accomplished and respected public…

Prior. That is the understanding. And the discussion was-- I have had absolutely no conversations with the administration about a recess appointment----

the discussion among the Democratic leadership and Republican leadership was, indeed, that we vitiate the vote today and that at a time that is mutually agreed upon this vote will come back to this body.

But if there were to be such a recess appointment, that then this vote could come back, would come back at that time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?

this morning we have a period of morning business for up to 60 minutes. At the conclusion of morning business, we will return to consideration of the Defense authorization bill. Last night, the chairman called up an amendment that I…

later this morning, as I mentioned, the Senate will be voting on an amendment to commend the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery and skill which led to the death of Zarqawi, who was anointed by Osama bin Laden as the Prince…

today marks an extraordinary-- extraordinary--milestone in the history of the Senate and in the life of one of our most distinguished colleagues. Today, Robert C. Byrd, the senior Senator from West Virginia, becomes the longest serving…