Tuesday, June 28, 2005

5:13 Vote on Budget Act with Respect to the Coburn Amendment The Senate is voting on the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Coburn Amendment.  His amendment would reduce funding for land acquisition within the bill by $121 million and transfer the money to Indian Health Services.  The money would be used to pay for a special diabetes program for Indians and the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program. 5:13:17 PM

4:19 Afternoon Debate This afternoon there have been many speeches on the Senate floor, but few of them have been concerning the Interior Appropriations bill.  Senator Kerry, Murray and others spent time speaking about the recent announcement by the Veterans Administration that they will need $1 billion to meet their budgetary needs.  Senator Frist and Senator Bunning took a few moments to pay tribute to Senator McConnell, who on Monday became the longest serving Republican senator in Kentucky history.  4:20:05 PM

10:31 Passage of the Energy Bill The Senate voted 85-12 to pass the Energy bill.  The Senate will now resume consideration of the Fiscal Year 2006 Interior Appropriations bill.  10:31:59 AM

9:45 Senate Reconvenes, Votes on Energy Bill This morning the Senate will reconvene at 9:45 for a vote on final passage of the Energy Bill.  The Senate will then return to consideration of the Fiscal Year 2006 Interior Appropriations bill.  At 12:30 today the Senate will recess until 2:15 for the weekly policy lunches.  9:30:09 AM