Tuesday, June 01, 2004

5:30 Vote on Saylor Nomination The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Mr. Saylor to be a District Judge. 5:33:07 PM

5:20 Senator Kennedy on the Nomination of Mr. Saylor Senator Kennedy is speaking in support of the nonimation of Mr. Saylor, saying that he supports his nomination.  The Senator continued to briefly speak on Mr. Saylor's qualifications and asked that his Senate colleagues confirm the nomination.  5:20:19 PM

5:10 Senator Frist on the Senate Schedule Senator Frist has indicated that he will vitiate the cloture vote scheduled for this evening.  Instead of voting on class action, the Senate will now vote on the nomination of Dennis Saylor to be a District Judge for the District of Massachusetts.  This vote is scheduled for 5:20. 5:11:45 PM

3:10 Senator DeWine on His Trip to Haiti Senator DeWine is speaking about a recent visit he took to Haiti.  He said that he was in Haiti during the recent flooding there and that he saw first hand the work of American troops in the country.  Senator Dewine continued to speak about the devestation the flood caused, and his experiences talking with Haitians who has lost family members.  3:09:01 PM

2:21 Quorum Call The Senate recessed for the weekly policy lunches from 12:30 until 2:15 and is now in a quorum call.  2:21:46 PM

12:07 Senator Thomas on Senator Thomas is speaking about H-2B visas and temporary work permits.  He is speaking about the process that determines how immigrant workers are certified and then after they complete their work period return to their home countries.  Senator Thomas noted that the caps for these visas has been reached for this year, even though many more applications were filed than spots exist.  He said that many Senators are working on this issue because the program has been a good one and has had a positive impact on the economy. 12:07:53 PM

11:50 Senator Warner on Memorial Day Senator Warner is speaking about the Memorial Day weekend and the dedication of the World War II memorial.  He recognized the contributions of everyone who made the memorial possible, especially those who contributed to its construction.  The Senator continued to speak by changing focus, saying that he was proud of the accomplishments of the Armed Services Committee that he chairs.  He also spoke briefly about the appointment of Ghazi al-Yawar to be president of Iraq. 11:50:43 AM

10:20 Senator Allard on Troops Serving In Iraq Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado is currently discussing the personal contributions of American troops who have served in Iraq. He is highlighting individual achievements as well as the hardships many have had to endure due to their service. 10:27:39 AM

10:00 Senate Reconvenes The Senate reconvened this morning at 10:00 following a week of recess. Majority Leader, Senator Frist began today’s session announcing that a cloture vote on S.2062, the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 is scheduled for today at 5:30. Senator Frist also mentioned his hope that the Senate will continue to work on the Defense Authorization Bill which was discussed in great detail prior to the Senate’s recess.  In discussing the Senate’s immediate schedule, Senator Frist also stressed that work on judicial nominations will continue. 10:15:39 AM