Friday, July 01, 2005

Fourth Of July Reflections of Senator Patrick Leahy Beyond the tangible list of rights that we all enjoy as Americans, for each of us, freedom is also a feeling.  And for me, that feeling comes most strongly from the view from a particular Vermont panorama. Marcelle and I race back home whenever the Senate schedule allows.  From our tree farm in Middlesex we can look out on a wide expanse of valley and mountains – all the way to Mount Ellen and Camel’s Hump in the distance -- and we never cease to marvel at the bounty and the beauty that are laid out before us like a painting.  To me, nothing better captures the essence of what freedom feels like than that vista.  It calls to my mind the sense of space and possibility and community that are such incomparable blessings in our daily lives. It is so difficult for each of us to understand, let alone to remind ourselves, that so many millions of others in the world do not have our comforts or our security, or our ability to travel, speak, worship and to vote freely.  That view helps keep me from taking these blessings for granted. A safe and Happy Fourth to all. 9:17:52 PM

3:54 Senate Adjourns for Week Long Recess The Senate recessed this afternoon and will reconvene next on July 11th.  After a late night of work yesterday and with today being a Friday before a week-long recess few Senators were around to speak on the Senate floor.  Last night the Senate approved CAFTA, blocked an amendment that would prohibit the use of funds for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator and passed the Energy and Water Appropriations bill.  When the Senate returns on July 11th they will begin consideration of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill.  3:54:19 PM

10:48 Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Announces Retirement As the week wraps up on and off the Senate floor, an important announcement came from the Supreme Court; Justice Sandra Day O’Connor announced her retirement this morning. Justice O’Connor was the first women to sit on the Supreme Court. She is best known as a swing vote and moderate on the court. After a long career on the high court, she intends to retire upon the confirmation of her successor. 10:48:44 AM

10:45 Senate Reconvenes for Morning Business The Senate reconvened  at 10:00 AM this morning for a period of morning business. Last night the Senate passed the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) 54-45. Majority leadership announced that following the July 4th recess, the Senate will begin consideration of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. There will be no Roll Call votes today. The next Roll Call vote will be on Monday July 11th. 10:45:48 AM