The Focus of Today's Session will be   H.R. 3108, the Pension Reform Bill

12:20 P.M.

The Senate is in adjournment until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26th.  At that time the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 3108, the Pension Reform Bill. 

11:20 A.M.

Senator Mike DeWine is speaking on the floor about automobile safety.  He is speaking next to a large blue char with the number 42,815 on it.  This is apparently the number of fatalities that result from auto accidents each year.  Senator DeWine has said he has come to the floor to introduce five bills to increase auto safety.  The bill he is speaking about now would add information to the fuel data stickers that are posted on new cars.  His bill would require government crash test information to be added to the stickers.

11:10 A.M.

Senator Enzi of Wyoming, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is now speaking on the goals of the Pension Reform bill.  He has stated that the Senate must act now to protect pensions, but must be careful to not make changes that would undermine the pension program. 

10:50 A.M.

Senator Kennedy has been speaking on the Senate floor about the Pensions Reform Bill for the past half hour.  He has also been speaking about the overtime regulations in the Omnibus Appropriations bill that was passed yesterday. 

10:00 A.M.

Each morning the Senate conducts a period of debate that is called morning business.  This time is divided equally between the two parties and usually lasts one hour.  Members are free to come to the floor to speak on any issue they wish, and are not required to stick to one specific issue.  Senator Dorgan is currently speaking on the floor about the importation of sugar and free trade agreements. 

9:35 A.M.

Senator Frist stated his intention to finish the Pension Reform Bill on either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.  There will be no roll call votes for Monday.  Senator Frist thanked everyone for their help in finishing the business of the last session by passing the Omnibus Appropriations bill.  He also stated that before the end of the day he will work with Democratic staff to act on judicial nominations this afternoon.  He also  paid tribute to the Senate Pages, who graduate today. 

9:30 A.M.

The Senate will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. to resume consideration of H.R.3108, the Pension Reform Bill.  Currently there are two amendments pending to the bill, an amendment by Senator Grassley, S.Amdt.2233 and a second degree amendment by Senator Kyl, S.Amdt.2234.  There will be no roll call votes today or Monday, January 26th.