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Sen. Mitch McConnell

As the occupant of the chair indicated, this morning, we will have a period of morning business for up to 60 minutes, and that is equally divided.

Following that time, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 852, the asbestos bill. Yesterday, the majority leader filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the asbestos bill and that cloture vote is scheduled for 6 p.m. today.

We have a Senate delegation attending the funeral of Coretta Scott King in Georgia today. Tonight's vote at 6 will be the first vote of the day.

I ask unanimous consent that debate on the motion to proceed be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees. I further ask that the last 20 minutes be allocated as follows: The Democratic leader or his designee for 10 minutes, to be followed by the majority leader or his designee for the final 10 minutes.

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Mr. President, it is our hope that we will be able to invoke cloture today and start debate on the substance of this very important piece of legislation. If cloture is invoked, I believe the chairman would be ready tonight or early tomorrow to begin work on the bill, and we can discuss the timing of that later in the day.

As the leader announced, we expect to be on the asbestos bill for the remainder of this week. We would like to make progress on asbestos-related amendments throughout this current week.

I also remind our colleagues that we will continue to work on executive nominations this week. There are a number of executive nominations on the calendar. They are ready for consideration and should be considered. Members should expect votes on those nominations as well.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Sen. Patty Murray

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.