Floor Statements

I ask unanimous consent that the Record remain open until 1 p.m. for the purpose of submitting statements and cosponsors.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Madam President, I understand that H.R. 146 has been received from the House and is at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent for its first reading.

Madam President, I ask for its second reading and object to my own request.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5; that following the prayer and the pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate proceed to a period of morning business for up to 1 hour, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each and with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees; further, that the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus appropriations bill.

Madam President, earlier this evening the majority leader filed cloture on the Omnibus appropriations bill. As a result, the filing deadline for first-degree amendments is 1 p.m. tomorrow. Rollcall votes in relation to pending amendments are expected to occur throughout the day.

Madam President, 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, I rise to engage my colleague, the chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, in a colloquy. The Reinvestment Act we are passing today provides a unique opportunity for some of our most economically distressed communities to connect to our Nation's transportation network. We have ``shovel ready'' projects that are in need of funds. As the chair knows,

these Federal funds have enormous potential to help complete work on projects and help bring jobs and economic development to our communities. I ask my colleague, in helping to draft this legislation, is it her intention to ensure that projects already under development in distressed communities receive full consideration under the law?