Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 116 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 116 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2020 No. 56 House of Representatives The House was not in session today. Its next meeting will be held on Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. Senate SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2020 The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was CORONAVIRUS RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY called to order by the President pro LEADER tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I bet all of our fellow Senators have been The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- jority leader is recognized. f hearing from businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, and local civic business f PRAYER and political leaders about the issues SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA they are facing right now due to the The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- coronavirus health crisis. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, fered the following prayer: Senators have now spent days engaged Let us pray. Likewise, I have been talking to fam- in vigorous bipartisan discussions Almighty God, open our eyes to Your ily and friends back home in Iowa. I among ourselves and with the adminis- movements in our midst. Remind our find that they are banding together to tration. lawmakers that You have brought us support one another. In times of strife, Earlier today, I hosted a productive through times more challenging than Iowans can count on each other. meeting in my office with the Demo- what we now face. Keep them from We have to give special attention to cratic leader, the Speaker of the House, being intimidated by this global pan- the hard work of our medical profes- the House Republican leader, and the demic, as they cling to Your promises sionals and first responders. They are Secretary of the Treasury. These in- and trust the unfolding of Your trium- under immense pressure and going tense conversations have built a piece phant providence. above and beyond to serve their com- of legislation that is as bold and as big Lord, continue to protect them and munities. I believe they are doing as the American people deserve and as to order their steps. Clothe them with God’s work, keeping the American peo- thoroughly bipartisan as our process the honor of integrity. Shield them ple safe and healthy. So I thank our demands. with Your truth and guide them with medical professionals and first re- Now what we need to do is to move Your power. sponders for their dedication to their forward. This national crisis is not We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. communities and send my encourage- going to wait around if Congress slips ment to keep up their essential work in back into conventional politics or hag- f the days and weeks ahead, as we see gles endlessly over the finer points. ourselves through this virus pandemic Every day, more Americans’ jobs are PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE we are in. disappearing or coming ever closer to The President pro tempore led the I yield the floor. the brink. Every day, more small busi- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: nesses are faced with hard decisions I suggest the absence of a quorum. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the that could change local communities, United States of America, and to the Repub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The literally, forever. Every day, major lic for which it stands, one nation under God, clerk will call the roll. American companies that employ indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The senior assistant legislative clerk countless people are seeing their com- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. proceeded to call the roll. merce crushed by their own govern- BRAUN). The Senator from Iowa. ment for the sake of public health. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Every day, doctors, nurses, and unanimous consent to speak for 1 ask unanimous consent that the order healthcare professionals will keep re- minute in morning business. for the quorum call be rescinded. porting to work and treating patients, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without whether or not Congress has their objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. back. ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. S1893 . VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22MR6.000 S22MRPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S1894 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 22, 2020 The risks to our country grow every thing would recognize, whether they though in-person classes have been single day that we do not act. The have purchased a home, bought a car, canceled. Some had to remain in the needs of hospitals and healthcare pro- or negotiated for their small business. area for work. Others were inter- viders grow every day that we do not We are at the point where both sides national students who couldn’t get act. have come a long way toward each home. Their situations were com- That is why we have worked around other, and each side has to decide pletely uncertain. the clock to craft a major bipartisan whether to continue elbowing and ar- The local shelves were not fully relief package. That is why we are guing over the last several inches and stocked, so Debbie decided to do some- going to hold our first procedural vote risk the whole thing or whether to thing. She put out a call for help, and in just a few minutes. It is so that we shake hands and get it done. Kentuckians answered the call. can keep moving forward, because this Thus far, throughout this crisis, the Churches, restaurants, and neighbors virus is not going to wait for politics as Senate has risen to the occasion. It was all pitched in with food and supplies. usual. just a few days ago when the Senate Debbie drove all over Northern Ken- These past few days have brought Republican majority moved expedi- tucky collecting those donations and unity and bipartisan energy here to the tiously to pass the House Democrats’ then delivering them to these young Senate. I think Members on both sides phase 2 legislation, even though many people. agree that it has been very encour- of my colleagues on this side of the She has found everything a college aging. aisle and I had serious reservations and student could need: canned goods, Since Senate Republicans released would have written it very differently. microwaveable meals, and even our initial framework to give some We passed it anyway. It was basically Airheads candy, which I am proud to structure to these discussions, both written on the House side. Neverthe- say are made right there in Kentucky. sides have worked hard to create some- less, as I just said, I pushed the Speak- There are so many stories like this thing that can pass the Senate, pass er’s legislation through the Senate be- pouring in from all over our country. the House, and be signed into law by cause urgency and results matter dur- Americans are stepping up to the plate. the President. ing a national crisis; because, imper- Americans realize this is no time for The bipartisan product delivers fections notwithstanding, it was the selfishness and no time for division but strongly on each of the core priorities a time for solidarity, generosity, and, we identified at the outset. It puts ur- right thing to do for our country. So, look—look—I hope and anticipate yes, courage. gently needed cash in the hands of that a similar degree of bipartisanship Americans are rising to the occasion. American workers and families. It de- and urgency will be reciprocated now. I The Senate must do the same. Let’s livers historic and rapid relief to small understand the Speaker said following move this legislation forward this businesses so they can make payroll and keep people employed. It helps sta- our meeting this morning that she may afternoon, as the last few discussions bilize key industries to avoid layoffs simply give up on these bipartisan begin to wind down, and then let’s get wherever possible and preserve the talks and begin writing her own sepa- this done tomorrow. greatest economy in the world for rate bill. Perhaps that is related to the I suggest the absence of a quorum. when we come out on the other side of remarks of one of her senior House The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this. And, of course, it sends a mas- Democratic leaders who reportedly told clerk will call the roll. sive—massive—new infusion of re- colleagues a few days ago: ‘‘This is a The senior assistant legislative clerk sources to the frontlines of the medical tremendous opportunity to restructure proceeded to call the roll. response. things to fit our vision.’’ Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask That is what we have to do: inject a ‘‘ . a tremendous opportunity to unanimous consent that the order for significant amount of money as quick- restructure things to fit our vision.’’ the quorum call be rescinded. ly as possible into households, small Well, I sincerely hope that nobody The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without businesses, key sectors, and our Na- actually views this crisis in such a cyn- objection, it is so ordered. tion’s hospitals and health centers. ical manner. This is not a political op- f portunity. It is a national emergency. This bill would do that, and it would CORONAVIRUS do it fast.
Recommended publications
  • Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY
    S2216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 3, 2019 nominations because it is taking too I look forward to this dialogue, and I The question is, Is it the sense of the long, and so they made a proposal. It look forward to the day we can get this Senate that debate on the nomination was 2 hours, equally divided—so it issue resolved so we can get back to of Jeffrey Kessler, of Virginia, to be an would actually be 1 hour—for district the work of legislation because we Assistant Secretary of Commerce shall court judges, 8 hours for other nomi- can’t even get to legislation right now be brought to a close? nees, which again equally divided because we are blocked on nomina- The yeas and nays are mandatory would actually be 4 hours total for tions. So let’s get the nomination issue under the rule. other lower nominees, 30 hours for cir- resolved, as we have for two centuries, The clerk will call the roll. cuit court, Supreme Court, Cabinet of- and then let’s get on to legislation and The senior assistant legislative clerk ficers. finish the task. called the roll. Republicans joined with Democrats I yield the floor. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is in 2013 and with 78 votes at the begin- I suggest the absence of a quorum. necessarily absent: the Senator from The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ning of President Obama’s second Mississippi (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH). term—and may I remind this body, Re- PERDUE). The clerk will call the roll.
    [Show full text]
  • The First Day of a New Congress: a Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor
    The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor -name redacted- Specialist on the Congress Updated December 19, 2018 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov RL30725 The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor Summary Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution sets a term of office of two years for all Members of the House. One House ends at the conclusion of each two-year Congress, and the newly elected Representatives must constitute a new House at the beginning of the next Congress. Consequently, the House must choose its Speaker and officers and adopt the chamber’s rules of procedure every two years. The Constitution mandates that Congress convene at noon on January 3, unless the preceding Congress by law designated a different day. P.L. 113-201 set January 6, 2015, as the convening date of the 114th Congress. Congressional leaders planned that the 115th Congress would convene January 3, 2017, and that the 116th Congress would convene January 3, 2019, obviating the need for a law to set the date. Although no officers will have been elected when the House first convenes, officers from the previous Congress perform certain functions, such as conducting the election of the Speaker. The House follows a well-established first-day routine. The proceedings include— a call to order by the Clerk of the House; a prayer led by the Chaplain and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Clerk; a quorum call ordered by the Clerk; the election of the Speaker, ordered by the Clerk and conducted with the assistance of tellers; remarks by the Speaker-elect, followed by his or her swearing-in by the dean of the House; the oath of office for the newly elected and re-elected Members, administered by the Speaker; adoption of the rules of the House for the new Congress; adoption of various administrative resolutions and unanimous consent agreements; and announcement of the Speaker’s policies on certain floor practices.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rule XIX Call to Order for Disorderly Language in Senate Debate
    The Rule XIX Call to Order for Disorderly Language in Senate Debate Christopher M. Davis Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process Michael Greene Senior Research Librarian June 27, 2018 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R45241 The Rule XIX Call to Order for Disorderly Language in Senate Debate Summary The Senate has, from the 1st Congress (1789-1790), valued the importance of decorum in debate and included a “call to order” mechanism in its rules to sanction Senators who use “disorderly” language. The rules adopted in 1789 contained such a call-to-order provision, and its language has been amended multiple times over the years. Table 1 of this report details the historical evolution of the rule. The present form of the Senate’s call-to-order provision was adopted on June 14, 1962. Senate Rule XIX identifies specific language that is considered disorderly. This includes language directly or indirectly imputing to another Senator or Senators “any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator” (paragraph 2) and referring “offensively to any State of the Union” (paragraph 3). Rule XIX prohibits imputing conduct or motive “by any form of words” to a sitting Senator, which includes not just original words spoken in debate but quotes, news articles, and other materials. The statements in paragraphs 2 and 3 are not considered to be a comprehensive recitation of language that may violate decorum in Senate debate. Although precedents on the subject are mixed, Senators have at times also been called to order for making disparaging references in debate to the House of Representatives or its Members.
    [Show full text]
  • The Senate in Transition Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Nuclear Option1
    \\jciprod01\productn\N\NYL\19-4\NYL402.txt unknown Seq: 1 3-JAN-17 6:55 THE SENATE IN TRANSITION OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE NUCLEAR OPTION1 William G. Dauster* The right of United States Senators to debate without limit—and thus to filibuster—has characterized much of the Senate’s history. The Reid Pre- cedent, Majority Leader Harry Reid’s November 21, 2013, change to a sim- ple majority to confirm nominations—sometimes called the “nuclear option”—dramatically altered that right. This article considers the Senate’s right to debate, Senators’ increasing abuse of the filibuster, how Senator Reid executed his change, and possible expansions of the Reid Precedent. INTRODUCTION .............................................. 632 R I. THE NATURE OF THE SENATE ........................ 633 R II. THE FOUNDERS’ SENATE ............................. 637 R III. THE CLOTURE RULE ................................. 639 R IV. FILIBUSTER ABUSE .................................. 641 R V. THE REID PRECEDENT ............................... 645 R VI. CHANGING PROCEDURE THROUGH PRECEDENT ......... 649 R VII. THE CONSTITUTIONAL OPTION ........................ 656 R VIII. POSSIBLE REACTIONS TO THE REID PRECEDENT ........ 658 R A. Republican Reaction ............................ 659 R B. Legislation ...................................... 661 R C. Supreme Court Nominations ..................... 670 R D. Discharging Committees of Nominations ......... 672 R E. Overruling Home-State Senators ................. 674 R F. Overruling the Minority Leader .................. 677 R G. Time To Debate ................................ 680 R CONCLUSION................................................ 680 R * Former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. The author has worked on U.S. Senate and White House staffs since 1986, including as Staff Director or Deputy Staff Director for the Committees on the Budget, Labor and Human Resources, and Finance.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 107 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 107 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 148 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2002 No. 38 Senate The Senate met at 9:16 a.m. and was APPOINTMENT OF ACTING RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME called to order by the Honorable DAN- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- IEL K. AKAKA, a Senator from the State The PRESIDING OFFICER. The pore. Under the previous order, the of Hawaii. clerk will please read a communication leadership time is reserved. to the Senate from the President pro f PRAYER tempore (Mr. BYRD). The legislative clerk read the fol- NATIONAL LABORATORIES PART- The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John lowing letter: NERSHIP IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2001 Ogilvie, offered the following prayer: U.S. SENATE, Gracious God of Hope, we praise You PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- that You have vanquished the forces of Washington, DC, April 10, 2002. pore. Under the previous order, the death and given those who believe in To the Senate: Senate will now resume consideration Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Your resurrection power the assurance of S. 517, which the clerk will report. of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby The legislative clerk read as follows: that this life is but a small part of appoint the Honorable DANIEL K. AKAKA, a eternity. We join with the British peo- Senator from the State of Hawaii, to perform A bill (S. 517) to authorize funding the De- ple in profound gratitude for the long the duties of the Chair.
    [Show full text]
  • Filibusters, Cloture, and the “Nuclear Option”: the Current Debate Over Changing Senate Rules for Approving Judicial Nominations
    Filibusters, Cloture, and the “Nuclear Option”: The Current Debate Over Changing Senate Rules for Approving Judicial Nominations March, 2005 Paul E. Stinson Janelle M. Smith Nixon Peabody, LLP © 2005. All Rights Reserved. Filibusters, Cloture, and the “Nuclear Option”: The Current Debate Over Changing Senate Rules for Approving Judicial Nominations March, 2005 © 2005, Nixon Peabody, LLP. All Rights Reserved. Abstract This background research paper examines the possible use of a simple majority vote rule to end filibusters of federal judicial nominees in the United States Senate. Recently, political controversy surrounding filibusters of presidential judicial nominations has prompted some Senators to suggest the use of a Senate procedure for ending filibusters by simple majority vote. Currently, Senate Standing Rule XXII requires a 60-Senator majority for ending debate upon a nomination, and a 67-Senator vote for ending debate on a motion to alter the Senate Rules themselves. This procedure, deemed the “constitutional” option by its supporters and the “nuclear” option by its detractors, is essentially a means for bypassing the Standing Rules through alternate Senate procedures such as rulings from the Chair, motions to table, modifications of Senate precedents, and Standing Orders. The debates over both the use of the filibuster and the use of the nuclear option raise significant questions of constitutional interpretation, the historical record, and the nature of the Senate itself. This paper presents an outline of the major issues surrounding both debates, as well as a description of the option and how it might be implemented. Part I presents a brief introduction. Part II explores the history of the filibuster.
    [Show full text]
  • 111-Quorum.Pdf
    QUORUM Paragraph 1 of Rule VI provides that a quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn, and under the rules and practices of the Senate, any Senator may suggest the absence of a quorum before the Senate is permitted to act on any business. However, under a unanimous consent agreement placing a limitation on the debate of a measure and assigning control of that time, while that matter is pending no Senator may suggest the absence of a quorum unless that Senator con­ trols a sufficient amount of time (which has been held by the precedents to be 10 minutes). But, it has been equally well estab­ lished by the precedents that any Senator has a right to call for a quorum before a vote begins even if that Senator controlled no time, or even if there was an order that a vote occur at a time certain. However, certain unanimous consent agreements have been interpreted to preclude quorum calls. The Presiding Officer has no authority to count to see if a quorum is present when a Senator suggests the absence of a quorum unless the Senate is operating under cloture; the rules provide that once a Senator makes a point of no quorum, "the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll" and the Presiding Officer "shall announce the result." U nti! a point of no quorum has been raised, the Senate oper­ ates on the assumption that a quorum is present, and even if only a few Senators are present, a measure may be passed or a nomi­ nation agreed to.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Senator Elect, Congratulations on Your Election to the Senate of the United States
    Dear Senator Elect, Congratulations on your election to the Senate of the United States. The Senate is one of the greatest deliberative bodies in the world, partially because of its unsurpassed protection of minority rights. It is designed so that one individual Senator can slow down, or even stop, the Senate from passing a bill. Although some in today’s culture of immediacy see this as a weakness, it is actually a strength of the Senate. The Founding Fathers did not create our government to be fast acting. The process was designed to be slow and make sure that the government was actually doing the right thing. James Madison once wrote, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” Our Founders created a government with checks and balances, both among the three branches as well as within the legislative branch. The House of Representatives follows a majority rule system that can be fast, but not always the most thoughtful process. Therefore, the Founding Fathers wisely designed the Senate to be slower, more deliberative body. According to Madison, it would serve as a “necessary fence” against the “fickleness and passion” that tended to influence the attitudes of the members of the House. The Senate not only serves as a check against the House, but we also are a check against the executive branch. We have the responsibility to advise and consent to treaties and presidential nominations. Although the executive has the responsibility to negotiate treaties, it is our obligation to ensure that the United States does not enter into any treaties that are against our interests.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Legislative Terms
    GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS Act B Legislation that has passed both chambers of Closed Hearing B Hearings closed to all but mem‐ Congress and become law. bers, staff, and witnesses testifying; also called Executive Hearings. Adjourn B To close a legislative day. Closed Rule B In the House, a prohibition against Amendment B A change in a bill or document by amendments not approved by the committee adding, substituting, or omitting portions. which brought the bill to the floor. The House must either accept or reject the bill Aas is@. Appropriations Bill B Legislation that provides funds for authorized programs. Cloture B Method of limiting debate or ending a filibuster in the Senate. At least 60 Senators must Authorization Bill B Legislation establishing a pro‐ vote in favor before cloture can be invoked. gram and setting funding limits. Cosponsor B Member who joins in sponsoring leg‐ Bill B Legislation introduced in either the House or islation but who is not the principal sponsor or the Senate. one who introduced the legislation. By Request B Phrase used when a member intro‐ Commit B To refer a bill or matter to a committee. duces a bill at the request of an executive agency or private organization but does not necessarily Committee B A group of Members assigned to give endorse the legislation. special consideration to certain bills. See Joint Committee. Calendar B List and schedule of bills to be consid‐ ered by a committee. Committee of the Whole B A mechanism to ex‐ pedite business in the House whereby the House Caucus B Meeting of Republican or Democratic itself becomes a committee, allowing for less rigid Members of Congress to determine policy and/or rules and a quorum of 100 instead of 218.
    [Show full text]
  • Tis (B/ I 9R / Ss
    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA tiS (b/ i 9r / ss . Q:ongrcssional Rccord d PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 93 CONGRESS FIRST SESSION VOLU,ME 119-PART 19 JULY 13, 1973 TO JULY 19, 1973 (PAGES 23745 TO 25050) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINT:::NG OFFICE, WASHINGTON, 1973 23896 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE July 1J,., 1973 carrier under the .provisions of this para­ the bill; and to the distinguished Sen­ graph shall be made by the Secretary of the funds or intrusion of the Federal Govern­ Treasury from funds hereby authoriZed to ator from West Virginia (Mr. RAN­ ment into the area. ofchild abuse.. be appropriated in such amounts as may DOLPH), who has undertaken the floor Its authorization of $90,000,000. over a be necessary for the purpose of carrying management of the bill, together with 5-year period-roughly $20,000,000 a out the provillions hereof." Senator STAFFORD. year-is very modest indeed considering It is quite clear that the dimensions The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ques­ the present efforts I have.outlined and of child abuse in the Nation exceed the needs-and even then it is 'to be tion is on agreeing to the committee greatly the capa~ity of State and local amendment. directed in efforts in which the Federal and Federal efforts to deal with the Government will serve basicallY an inno­ The committee amendment was agreed problem. to. vative and catalytic function. As noted in the committee report, The bill is clearly only an interim The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ques­ 60,000 cases of child abuse are reported tion is on the engrossment and thil'd measw'e-not yet a comprehensive pro­ almually; in New York City alone more posal to deal with child abuse across the reading of the bill.
    [Show full text]
  • EXTENSIONS of REMARKS 797 .Monday, Next, It Stand in Adjournment I Ask Unanimous Consent That the Order ADJOURNMENT to MONDAY, Until 11: 30 A.M
    .January 24, 1974 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 797 .Monday, next, it stand in adjournment I ask unanimous consent that the order ADJOURNMENT TO MONDAY, until 11: 30 a.m. on Tuesday next. for the quorum call be rescinded. JANUARY 28, 1974 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ·objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD. Mr. President, if there be no further business to come before the Senate, I move, in accordance ·ORDER FOR TRANSACTION OF ENROLLED BffiL PRESENTED with" the previous order, that the Senate ROUTINE MORNING BUSINESS ON The Secretary of the Senate reported stand in adjournment until 12 o'clock TUESDAY NEXT that on today, January 24, 1974, he pre­ nocn on Monday next. Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD. Mr. President, sented to the President of the United The motion was agreed to; and at 6:25 .I ask unanimous consent that at 12 States the enrolled bill (S. 1070) to im­ p.m., the Senate adjourned until Mon­ two leaders or their designees have been plement the international convention day, January 28, 1974, at 12 noon. recognized under the standing order on relating to intervention on the high seas Tuesday next, there be a period for the in cases of oil pollution casualties, 1969. ~ransaction of routine morning business, NOMINATIONS not to extend beyond 12 o'clock noon, ·with statements therein limited to 5 min­ PROGRAM Executive nominations received by the ·utes each. Senate January 24, 1974: Mr. The PRESIDING OFFirsR. Without ROBERT C. BYRD. Mr. President, DEPARTMENT OF STATE objection, it is so ordered.
    [Show full text]
  • TO EARN "A PLACE of HONOR" If the Civil Rights Leaders Had Thought Th
    CHAPTER 13 "TO DIE ON THE BARRICADES;" TO EARN "A PLACE OF HONOR" If the civil rights leaders had thought they were going to sit around the Senate floor for a few hours and enjoy the fact that cloture had been invoked on the civil rights bill, they were mistaken. Immediately after cloture and following a brief exchange of congratulations, Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina rose at his desk and offered an amendment which, if accepted, probably would have greatly weakened the bill. The amendment appeared acceptable at first glance. It provided that government officials who violate civil rights laws could not be tried by both the state government and the United States Government for the same violation. Not until several minutes after the amendment was presented did the civil rights forces realize that Southern states could use the amendment to punish civil rights violators with light or nonexistent state penalties and thereby protect the violators from prosecution and heavy fines and jail sentences in U.S. courts. To the amazement of the civil rights forces, Senator Ervin's amendment looked so good at first glance that it was adopted by a vote of 49 to 48. Only a procedural misstep on Ervin's part saved the newly clotured civil rights bill from what civil rights supporters would have considered disaster. In his eagerness to present the amendment, Ervin had offered it to a previous Southern amendment rather than to the Mansfield- Dirksen substitute amendment which had been produced by the Humphrey-Dirksen negotiations. Ervin's 287 TO END ALL SEGREGATION amendment, although officially passed by the Senate, died when the original Southern amendment to which it was attached failed to be adopted.
    [Show full text]