Tuesday, September 26, 2006

4:35 Senator Dayton speaks on the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act Senator Mark Dayton of Minnesota is speaking of the tragic death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife and others almost 4 years ago.  Senator Dayton remembers Senator Wellstone because of his efforts and commitment to the Mental Health Parity Legislation.  The Senate did not pass this in 2002 when Senator Wellstone passed away, and the Senate has not passed it in the 4 years since.  This legislation would require health insurance agencies to cover mental illnesses just as other illnesses are covered. 4:40:37 PM

3:50 Senator Thune Is Speaking on Energy Independence Senator John Thune of South Dakota is speaking on his bill to increase the distribution of E85 ethanol fuel.  Renewable energies are on the minds of many Americans and we should pass this legislation to provide for an increase in distribution of ethanol and other bioenergies.  This bill passed the House of Representatives already and someone in the Senate has a secret hold on this, so the Senate cannot vote on it.  Senator Thune urges his colleagues to drop this hold and increase America’s energy independence by voting to support this bill. 3:58:26 PM

3:00 Senator Kennedy spoke on Education and Immigration Senator Edward Kennedy spoke about the National Competitiveness Investment Act, introduced by Senator Ensign today.  This is a bipartisan effort to promote science and math education in public schools across the country.  Senator Kennedy said that how much money a country spends on education, is a clear indicator of the nation’s priorities.  He said this legislation is important to respond to challenges in the world today and will be essential to economic growth in our country.  Senator Kennedy then spoke about the amendment to the Secure Fence Bill that will build a fence along the southern border of the United States.  He explained that if the Senate does not pass comprehensive legislation on immigration, the House of Representatives will pass their legislation which is an enforcement-only approach. 3:31:52 PM

2:15 Senate returns to session Senator Kit Bond of Missouri is speaking on the recent intelligence leaks regarding the classified National Intelligence Estimate report that came out last week.  He also mentioned that the President will be releasing parts of this classified report in the coming days.  Senator Bond admitted that he has seen this report and expressed the importance of having all the facts when it comes to evaluating the role of Iraq in the War on Terror.  He said that Iraq is a central front in the battle against radical Islam and therefore Iraq is not a distraction.  He believes that if the United States loses the war in Iraq, then the threat from radical Islamists will increase.  2:26:59 PM

12:30 The Senate Stands in Recess until 2:15 PM The Senate now stands in recess until 2:15pm for the weekly policy lunches. 12:32:01 PM

11:45 Senator Landrieu Speaks on Offshore Drilling Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana first spoke about the New Orleans Saints football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.  She praised the team for their victory as well as the victory of the opening of the Superdome.  She said that the reopening of the stadium was a victory in itself and was a sign of hope and recovery in a city that was so badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  Senator Landrieu then spoke about drilling for natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico.  She called the Gulf America’s only energy coast.  She mentioned that the country needs natural gas and there is natural gas in the Gulf, so it should be accessed.  She urged Congress to pass the measure to provide for more natural gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico before the November recess. 12:04:46 PM

11:00 Senator DeMint Spoke on Tax Relief Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina spoke on the tax bill that was voted un before the August recess.  He expressed frustration that the tax extensions were not extended and that he thought the minority party was using this bill as a political stunt.  He explained that the bill contains three important tax provisions; permanent death tax relief, extension of important tax breaks, and a minimum wage increase of 40%.  Senator DeMint mentioned that he does not support a minimum wage, but was willing to compromise to pass this legislation, and he urged his colleagues to do the same and support this bill. 11:52:05 AM

9:45 Senate Reconvenes The Senate Reconvened this morning, with one hour of morning business, equally divided between the Majority and Minority, followed by continued discussion of the Secure Fence Bill, HR 6061.  The Senate will recess from 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm for the weekly policy lunches.  Senate Majority Leader Senator Frist mentioned that he filed an amendment to HR 6061 last night concerning the military tribunals.  There will be a vote on Wednesday to end debate on this amendment as well as a vote to end debate on the full bill.  If debated is ended, there will be votes on this military tribunal amendment as well as on the final bill on Thursday. 10:00:04 AM