Monday, March 13, 2006

6:05 Senate Confirms US Court of International Trade Judge By a vote of 82-0, the Senate confirmed the US Court of International Trade Judge.  Debate on the budget resolution has continued with 6 roll call votes expected tomorrow afternoon. 6:08:43 PM

5:35 Senate Voting on Nomination The Senate is voting on the nomination of Leo Maury Gordon of New Jersey to be a Judge of the US Court of International Trade. 5:38:43 PM

4:35 Senator Feingold Introduces Resolution to Censure President Bush Senator Russ Feingold has introduced a resolution to censure President Bush.  Senator Frist attempted to have a vote this evening on the resolution and, when that failed, attempted to have a vote tomorrow.  That unanimous consent request was also objected to.  Senator Feingold is now speaking on his resolution, which calls for President Bush to be censured for his domestic wiretapping program.  Senator Feingold is arguing that the surveillance program is illegal and that the President intentionally violated the Constitution and the laws of the country.  He said that he has lied to the American people.  Senator Specter will follow offering opposing remarks.  Only one president, Andrew Jackson has ever been censured before. 4:39:50 PM

4:15 Senate Continues Budget Resolution Debate Into the Afternoon The Senate will proceed to a roll call vote around 5:30pm on the confirmation of the nomination of Leo Maury Gordon, of New Jersey, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade. In addition, Chairman Gregg announced that a series of six roll call votes will begin tomorrow at approximately 3 pm on amendments to S.Con.Res. 83, the Budget Resolution. 4:31:26 PM

2:20 Budget Resolution Debate Begins Floor debate has begun on S.Con.Res. 83, the Budget Resolution.  Senator Gregg, the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget, and Senator Conrad, the ranking member, have been discussing the state of the economy and the effect the budget proposal would have.  As Chairman and Ranking Member, the two Senators will be responsible for managing the 50 hours of debate on the Fiscal Year 2007 budget this week. 2:20:39 PM

10:45 Senate Convenes; Begins Budget Debate The Senate convened today at 10:00 a.m. and has began consideration of the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Resolution, which is expected to consume most of the week.  Under budget rules, there must be up to 50 hours of debate, unless there is an agreement to less, followed by roll calls votes on all amendments. With the Senate being in recess next week, Senators must also approve a $781 billion increase to the $8.184 trillion debt limit before the end of the week to avoid a default. In Committees, the Judiciary Committee will continue to markup immigration legislation on Wednesday and Thursday.  The HELP Committee will continue to examine a small business health plan bill introduced by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Enzi. 10:45:10 AM