Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on Monday, the Senate will consider H.R. 4297, the Tax Relief Act of 2005 for the third time. Unfortunately, there will be multiple motions to instruct the conferees from the other side of the aisle before we send this bill to conference. Those motions will be offered on Monday. Senators can therefore expect multiple votes on Monday. There are 10 hours available by statute for consideration of these motions. Therefore, these votes will occur later on Monday. I anticipate those votes to begin sometime after 8 p.m.We will then resume consideration of the asbestos bill next week. Pending is the motion to waive the point of order. We have Senators who would like additional debate. We will be talking to Senators on both sides of the aisle to determine the best time to schedule that vote following their statements. Needless to say, there is much work to be done before our next recess, the Presidents Day recess, at the end of next week. Therefore, I expect we will be voting Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in order to complete our work.
In addition to the asbestos bill and the Tax Relief Act, we need to address the PATRIOT Act before adjourning. It is going to be a long, arduous week. I thank Members for their patience in advance as we move these vital priorities along.
34 . PROGRAM -- (Senate - February 10, 2006)
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon on Monday, February 13; I further ask 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, and the Chair then lay before the Senate the House message to accompany H.R. 4297, the tax relief bill. I further ask that the Senate then insist upon its amendment and agree to the request of the House for a conference.33 . ORDERS FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2006 -- (Senate - February 10, 2006)
Some links for reference, first to the language of the act and summary of Congressional Action:
And a few outside reference links, including DEM plans (e.g., Hillary!'s proposal for a Katrina Commission was defeated) for the bill:
http://ria.thomson.com/taxwatch/default.asp
http://democrats.senate.gov/dpc/dpc-new.cfm?doc_name=lb-109-2-10
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdoc.cfm?index=6880&type=1 <- CBO report (PDF)
CBO report boils down to "reduces tax revenue, does not reduce spending," and breaks out where the projected reductions in tax revenue will occur.