Floor Statements

Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 11.

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that following the reading of Washington's Farewell Address on Monday, February 22, the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 10; that the cloture motions ripen at 5:30 p.m., Monday, February 22; finally, that the mandatory quorum calls for the cloture motions filed today, February 13, be waived.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted, the following dates and times and following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Tuesday February 16, at 10 a.m.; Friday, February 19, 10:15 a.m.

I further ask that when the Senate adjourns Friday, February 19, it next convene at 3 p.m., Monday, February 22; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and Senator Portman be recognized to deliver Washington's Farewell Address as provided under the previous order and that following his remarks, morning business be closed and the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the Thomas-Greenfield nomination as provided under the previous order.

If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, we will plan to take short breaks approximately every 2 hours and a longer dinner break around 5 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess for a 15-minute break.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we take a 15-minute recess.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the answers within the 4-hour question period be limited to 5 minutes each, and if the questions are directed to both parties, the times be equally divided; furthermore, that questions alternate sides proposing questions for as long as both sides have questions.

Mr. President, I send a question to the desk.

Mr. President, it is my understanding that there are no further questions on either side.

I ask unanimous consent that the time for questions and answers be considered expired.

Now, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order for myself and Senator McConnell to speak for up to 1 minute each and then it be in order for me to make a unanimous consent request as if in legislative session.

Mr. President, in a moment I will ask the Senate to pass legislation that would award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal.

In the weeks after the attack on January 6, the world learned about the incredible, incredible bravery of Officer Goodman on that fateful day.

Here in this trial, we saw new video, powerful video showing calmness under pressure, his courage in the line of duty, his foresight in the midst of chaos, and his willingness to make himself a target of the mob's rage so that others might reach safety.

Officer Goodman is in the Chamber tonight.

Officer Goodman, thank you.

(Applause, Senators rising.)

Leader McConnell.

I just want to say I think we can all agree that Eugene Goodman deserves the highest honor Congress can bestow. But before we move to pass this legislation, I want to be clear that he was not alone that day. The Nation saw and has now seen numerous examples of the heroic conduct of the Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and the SWAT teams that were with us on January 6 here in the Capitol, protecting us. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to each and every one of them, particularly now as members of the force continue to bear scars, seen and unseen, from the events of that disgraceful day. Let us give them all the honor and recognition they so justly deserve.

(Applause, Senators rising.)

Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 35 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the Van Hollen substitute amendment which is at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the trial adjourn until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 13, and that this also constitute the adjournment of the Senate.

Mr. President, for the information of Senators, it is my understanding the schedule today will be similar to yesterday's proceedings.

We will plan to take a short break every 2, 3 hours, and we will accommodate a 30-minute recess for dinner, assuming it is needed.

I ask unanimous consent that the House stand in recess for 15 minutes.

I ask unanimous consent that the House stand in recess for 15 minutes--the Senate, the Senate.

Thank you. Thank you. Now, I have two--we are going to do the adjournment resolution in a moment. I have two other things that we have to do. They are quick.

First, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order to make several unanimous consent requests as if in legislative session.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that on Friday, February 12, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. that, notwithstanding adjournment, the Senate be able to receive House messages and executive matters, committees be authorized to report legislative and executive matters, and Senators be allowed to submit statements for the record, introduce bills and resolutions, and make cosponsor requests, and, where applicable, the Secretary of the Senate, on behalf of the Presiding Officer, be permitted to refer such matters.

And a second request, poignantly appropriate at this moment: I ask unanimous consent that, pursuant to the order of the Senate of January 24, 1901, the traditional reading of Washington's Farewell Address take place on Monday, February

22, following the prayer and pledge; further, that Senator Portman be recognized to deliver the address.

Mr. President, finally, I ask unanimous consent that the trial adjourn until 12 noon tomorrow, Friday, February 12, and this also constitute the adjournment of the Senate.

Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, no motions were filed this morning. So we will proceed to the House managers' presentation. We anticipate two 10-minute breaks and a 45- minute dinner break around 6 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess for a 15-minute break.

Yes. I ask unanimous consent that we recess until 4 p.m.

Mr. President, we will now have a recess for dinner, and we will resume at 6:15.

Mr. President.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Point of clarification.

What is the question?

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum while we work this out.

Mr. President, we need order.

I withdraw the quorum call and call on the manager, Mr. Raskin, for a brief statement.

So the managers' issue stands. Mr. Lee has withdrawn his request, and we may relitigate it tomorrow if we have to.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the trial adjourn until 12 noon tomorrow, Thursday, February 11, and that this order also constitute the adjournment of the Senate.