Regular order. Has the Chair ruled on his request to withdraw the amendment? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment was never offered.

I thank my colleague. I do believe it is very wise for the Senate to have this debate. We are prepared for that debate. I would simply advise colleagues--and the leadership later will in wrap-up give more specifics--my understanding is…

by way of preliminary debate on the Iraq amendment, I would simply advise my distinguished colleague from Michigan and other Senators that we were given, in a timely manner, the amendment that has just been sent to the desk by the Senator…

there is a further order for two votes to occur beginning at the hour of 11:30. I think it would be helpful to all Members if the Chair would restate the timing and status of those votes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order…

may I pause momentarily. Mr. President, I think our respective staffs can incorporate in the wrap-up document such that the Senator from Michigan and I will share equally the time before 4:30, after leadership, and in that way be able to…

I see that the Senator from Kansas says 5 minutes, and the Senator from Massachusetts is indicating some time to help our colleague.

I appreciate the patience of all of our colleagues, wherever they may be. We are continuing to make considerable progress. That progress will hopefully lead to final passage tonight. Consistent with those objectives, I ask unanimous…

I can only say to my colleague, having been a part of this, we seemed to reach a consensus. Staffs on both sides compiled this UC request, which my understanding is it was cleared, subject to clarification by the Senator from Michigan, and…

I hear no further comment or objection. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment (No. 2514), as modified, was agreed to as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted, insert…

I say to my good friend, we have worked with you in a most cooperative way. I would like to have the attention of my good friend. We have worked with you in a most cooperative way. What I am trying to do is convenience a number of Members…

I so ask. The PRESIDING OFFICER. That will be the order pending further action of the body.

Fine. In that event, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

That is correct. It was cleared on both sides. Has the vote been taken? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Consent has been granted.

I have to at this time object. I suggest the absence of a quorum so we can hopefully resolve this. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

we would need to examine the second-degree amendment by the distinguished Senator.

I worked on the amendment with the distinguished Senator from New Jersey. I have done so in consultation with my leadership and the leadership of the Intelligence Committee. I would like to make this offer to my good friend. We have a…

I understand the leadership requests the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The yeas and nays were ordered.

I believe that we are dealing with an important unknown; that is, the content of what the distinguished Senator from Delaware wishes to put on. May I make this suggestion, without any prejudice to this colloquy and honest effort to resolve…

do I understand now that the Presiding Officer has ruled that the UC is in place that I so stated? The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is.

That is correct, but then, as we have with others, if it is desired by the three principals here, to do it in a side-by-side fashion. There is a parliamentary means to do that.

If there is no objection. So once again I ask my colleague if we could voice vote this amendment?

Suppose we had a voice vote and you determined from the resounding ayes if it meets your specifications?

With time being given to the Senator from North Dakota if he wishes to rebut. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

We will try and package, for the moment, two items. The Senator from Massachusetts will now proceed on his amendment. We cannot predict how long it will take because we do not know of the potential for second degrees. That will take place…

The group that is working on the Kerry amendment, with the proposed Roberts-Rockefeller second degree, is working diligently, but it is important that we continue on the bill. At this time, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment by the…