the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does gentleman seek recognition? >> madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. chris stewart utah, pursuant to h.r. 8, i inform the house that mr. stewart will vote yes on s.325. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition? for what purpose does the gentleman from arizona seek recognition? mr. stanton: as the member designated by mr. grijalva pursuant to h. res. 8, i inform the house that mr. sri. mr. hall: va will vote yes. as the member designated by mrs. res. 8, i inform the house that mrs. kirkpatrick will vote yes on s.325. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? >> madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. nehls of texas, pursuant to house resolution 8, i inform the house that mr. nehls will vote yea on s. 325. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from minnesota seek recognition? >> as the member designated by ms. pressley, pursuant to house resolution 8, i inform the house that m

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from louisiana is recognized. >> madam speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from wisconsin, mr. fitzgerald. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. fitzgerald: thank you, madam speaker. i want to just remind everybody, no matter what side of the bill you're on, there's a huge trust issue going on in america right now. people do not trust the system, and that's everyone's problem. if you think a centralized election bill to move the power to washington, d.c., and put it in the hands of congress and the courts is going to help, you're wrong. they don't trust us, and they don't trust the courts. a decentralized system is what has worked in america. so make sure that after you support this legislation you go back and you meet with the town clerk that runs the elections, the county clerks, the parish clerks, the municipal clerks and, yes, the state legislatures. i know the state legislatures are taking a real beating here today. preclearance expansi

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from investigate. -- is recognized. mrs. fischbach: madam speaker, i yield one minute to the minority leader, the gentleman from california. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. mccarthy: i thank the gentlelady for yielding time. madam speaker, i rise in opposition of today's rule. madam speaker, before i came here i was listening to the debate. i listened to congressman gallagher, a veteran, come to the floor talk about an idea that he has. an idea that here we are, afghanistan collapse -- collapsing and thousands of americans in afghanistan trying to get out. here we are called back for a special session. all his previous question would say is that we have to have a report every day on those americans. that we wouldn't pick a time line until the mission is finished, the people would be able to be brought back. as i listened to his passioned speech, i waited for the response. i listened to my friend on the other side. he respects m

the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman rise? >> to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. >> thank you, madam speaker. the build back better agenda is simple. it tackles the biggest challenges facing working families by investing in what americans need from physical infrastructure to education and child care. feedback from my constituents has been clear, they need a hard infrastructure bill but we can't stop there. ms. scanlon: pennsylvania has more than 3,000 bridges and 7,500 miles of highway in poor condition. the infrastructure bill includes $11 billion for our highways and the largest bill investment -- bridge investment since we built the interstate highway system. it will provide good jobs, but we can't stop with roads and bridges if we want america to succeed in the 21st century. most pennsylvanians can't afford quality child care. the budget resolution will provide access to safe, reliable care. we need

sewell to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben. chaplain kibben would you pray with me. holy god, we appeal to you this afternoon that by your blessing this day would prove fruitful. nothing this day is as we planned it. not only have our schedules been upended, but the world itself has turned upside-down. we scramble to get things done and make things right, but with so much at stake and the issues so complex, our efforts seem desperate and futile. we pray, therefore, that you who know our wanderings through this great wilderness would bless your people were your guidance on this day. provide rescue, shelter, and peace to those whose very lives are endangered by anarchy and violence. provide wisdom, opportunity, and courage to those whose actions and decisions have influence on the outcome of the chaos within our own country and the unrest across the globe. we pray your benediction over our labor.

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from investigate. -- is recognized. mrs. fischbach: madam speaker, i yield one minute to the minority leader, the gentleman from california. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california is recognized. mr. mccarthy: i thank the gentlelady for yielding time. madam speaker, i rise in opposition of today's rule. madam speaker, before i came here i was listening to the debate. i listened to congressman gallagher, a veteran, come to the floor talk about an idea that he has. an idea that here we are, afghanistan collapse -- collapsing and thousands of americans in afghanistan trying to get out. here we are called back for a special session. all his previous question would say is that we have to have a report every day on those americans. that we wouldn't pick a time linehelicopters than australia. military missions should be dictated by our nation's interest not by our enemies or arbitrary timelines. right now there is no greater national priority than getting our p

the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? mr. babin: as the member designated by mr. duncan of south carolina pursuant to h. res. 8, i inform the house that mr. duncan will vote no on h.r. 4. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition?

the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlelady from new york seek recognition? ms. clarke: mr. speaker, as the member designated by chairwoman nydia velazquez, pursuant to h.res. 8, i inform the house that ms. velazquez will vote yes on h.res. 601. and as the member designated by chairwoman carolyn maloney, pursuant to h.res. 8, i inform the house that mrs. maloney will vote yes on h.res. 601. and as the member designated by ms. robin kelly of illinois, pursuant to h.res. 8, i inform the house that ms. kelly will vote yes on h.res. 601.

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate stands adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on friday, august 27, 2021. t ca, literally designed it on the ca, ship where he had these polls pretty wish i had a picture of it, would lift it up and they had these >> back to our booktv programming and progress. >> youer know, it was really a clever invention. he had a model of it, it is now in the smithsonian. it was a beautiful looking crown. it wasut not built on the model stage as far as i know. and the dual challenge was lincoln had issues with depression and he had several courtships, one of his sweethearts died, and rutledge. madly in love with her and he gets very depressed and he needs mary todd, who is very intelligent, politically savvy and corrupt without whole culture in louisville. lincoln was very awkward socially unless he was giving a speech. things did not go well at first with mary todd and then they broke it off and he was horribly depressed and has fred took away his r

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. neguse: thank you, madam speaker.adam speaker, earlier today the rules committee met and reported a rule, house resolution 601, providing for consideration of three measures. first, the rule provides for consideration of h.r. 4, under a closed rule. the rule

leahy, president pro tempore.

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate stands adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on tuesday, >> and that wraps up the senate pro forma session held in the hart senate office building on capitol hill while members are in their district work period. while legislatures return for business september 13th. and back to book tv, join it in progress. >> i'm constantly thinking what can be best practice and what can we do to enhance board activity and i address this specific questions around employees and i talk about ways to really upgrade boards and i'm sure we'll get to that point. but to the question about employees, it's a really interesting one, and the board in germany in particular is slightly different. as you know it's a two-tiered system so there's a sense that the managerial board as well as as well and it's different from what you might see elsewhere. i will say again before i address the specific question that there's a lot of overlap in terms of the governance respon

kristen: joining us now is aisha wahab, hey words of mayor pro tempore. she became the first african-american elected to office in the u.s. -- afghan-american elected to office in the u.s. when she joined the board. i know today that your heart is heavy. describe what you are thinking as you watch the images we have all seen these past few days. >> i think it is disappointing to see the execution of the withdrawal, the way it has unfolded. it was inevitable to withdraw. i do believe that the larger afghan american the diaspora in particular, feel very hopeless and very abandoned as to what will happen in the future for afghan women, religious minorities, and ethnic minorities as kristen: you heard president biden say that our commitment there was to prevent a terrorist attack here in the u.s., to keep us safer. do you think leaving afghanistan, with the taliban now back in power, actually makes us safer here? >> no. i can state that by the fact that afghanistan has always been a geopolitical stronghold for every great nation in history. afghanistan being

the president pro tempore: the senator from new mexico. mr. heinrich: i would note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. the president pro tempore: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: mr. leahy: madam president? the presiding officer: the senator from vermont. mr. leahy: mr. president, i ask consent the call of the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. leahy: mr. president, i know a lot of negotiations have been going on in the bill that will soon be before us. and i appreciate the senators in both parties have done that. but sometimes we forget there are hundreds of other people who work on it. i know the members of the senate appropriations committee have been working extremely hard. i think of people like chuck keifer and others in our committee who've given up weekends, evenings, they were working many until last evening on the work that they were doing. because we can say what we want to do, but then you've got to write it down. the same thing happened with t

pro tempore, a official a hob that means holding the taliban and surrounding nations accountable through sanctions. not necessarily with a military presence. the influences of the surrounding countries. asia, india, china, pakistan, russia, iran does affect the united states long term and that is the big concern that i have. mojave is the first afghan american woman to hold public office in the you know. united states. she knows afghans want peace and is holding out hope it can still be achieved. we have to maintain hope that there is a brighter future for afghanistan because we don't have hope we don't have anything. and thursday is afghanistan's independence day, marking the date when the country separated from britain. we'll hop tells me she is concerned that the taliban might decide to make a big statement on that date, julie demagogues reporting for us tonight in fremont, emma. thank you. east bay congressman eric swalwell posted on social media today that he and his team are ready to help the afghan community here in the bay area. he says the east bay is home to the largest number

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-a of house resolution 188, the journal of the last day's proceedings is approved. the chair will now lead the house in the pledge of allegiance. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. september 20 than later in the month, members will vote in infrastructure and government funding legislation. the senate returns september 13 for debate on president buttons nominations and voting rights and election were legislation. watch live gavel-to-gavel called -- coverage of the house on c-span and watch the senate on c-span2, online at www.c-span.org or listen free and are -- on our free radio app. >> federal reserve chair jerome powell is providing an outlook on the u.s. he connie. -- on the u.s. economy. live coverage on c-span. chirman pwell: in a reversal of typical patterns in a downturn, aggregate personal income rose rather than fill. households massively shifted their spending from services to manufactured goods

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben.en: would you pray with me. holy god, grant us

the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before the house a communication.the honorable the speaker, house of representatives. madam, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2-h of rule 2 of the rules of the u.s. house of representatives, the clerk received the following message from the secretary of the senate on august 16, 2021 at 1:20 p.m. that the senate agreed to, senate concurrent resolution 14. that the senate passed without amendment, h.r. 3684. signed, sincerely, cheryl l. johnson, clerk. the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before the house an enrolled bill. the clerk: h.r. 1448. an act to direct the secretary of veterans affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy and amend tidele 38 united states code to authorize the secretaries of veterans' affairs to provide service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses who do not have mobility impairments. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-b of resolution 188, the house now stands adjourned until 3 - on friday, august 20, 2021. -- democrats, (202) 748-8000. independents

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to clause 12-a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess subject to the call o we continue to strive on the ground and what we really want to do is continue to provide you details in a timely manner. as you know, recently, the secretary of defense activated stage one of the civil reserve air fleet. right now that activation includes 18 aircraft from six commercial airlines. this will increase passenger movement from the interneed -- intermediate staging bases, temporary safe havens, to the united states. while we continue to prioritize military aircraft for the transportation of individuals out of kabul and out of harm's way. please note, as i said, these craft will not be flying into kabul. as of the last 24 hour, 25 u.s. military c-17's, three u.s. military c-130's, and a combination of 61 charter, commercial and other military flights departed kabul. the total passenger count for those flights was approximately 16,000. of that number, the u.s. military transported just under 11,000 personnel. our mission remains focused on getting people out of

the president pro tempore: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. the senator from michigan. mr. peters: mr. president, i suggest the absence of a quorum. the president pro tempore: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: quorum call: mr. carper: mr. president, i ask unanimous consent that we vitiate the quorum call. the presiding officer: without objection. morning business is closed. under the previous order, the senate will resume consideration of h.r. 3684, which the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 100, h.r. 3684, an act to authorize funds for federal-aid highways, highway safety programs and transit programs, and for other purposes. mr. carper: mr. president, i call up amendment numbered 2131 to the substitute and ask that it be reported by number. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: the senator from delaware, mr. carper, proposes an amendment numbered 2131 to amendment numbered 3157. mr. carper: mr. president, i note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate stands adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on friday, august 20, 2021. >> senators return for work for for work on nominations. and senator shuler has time for voting rights and legislation. watch the senate live here on c-span2. we'll return to book it. v programming. >> we have on the visual there, what would be -- there were several of these, sort of what would you call them, these sort of architecture and celebration where you have the laurel wreathed arch and then the bridge and then the music and sometimes you'd see a attachment from the local militia. this is a picture much washington crossing the schuylkill into philadelphia, for those of you familiar with that area. so this would be characteristic. that is caesar in the best sense, i think. and we can talk about that later, but what's going on here, it seems to me, is in this occasion, as indeed through the whole trip itself, it's the kind of -- seems to me this is interpretiv

so you have to be the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. our father in heaven, we sing of yo s

the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. eternal and ever-blessed god, the alpha and omega, thank you for the gift of this day. give us the wisdom to use it to enrich lives by service to others. use our lawmakers to continue your momentum in our world, enabling them to become salt and light to this generation. as our senators strive to be productive members of the family of humanity, empower them to do your will. supply their needs out of the bounty of your celestial riches. if they fall, may they fall forward as they trust you to remain the author and finisher of their faith. we pray in your great name. amen. the president pro tempore: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. mr. leahy: ma

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's room, washington, d.c., august 31,

and janel clawson's assistant professor and the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will offer the prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. precious lord, your power, mercy, and grace continue to sustain us. your power energizes us to face the challenges that require more than

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on tuesday, august 17, 2021.

the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. eternal and ever-blessed god, the alpha and

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-b of house resolution 188, the house >> a brief pro forma session of the u.s. house. members will be back for legislative work on september 20. we will have live health coverage when they return right here on c-span. the senate homeland security committee meeting this morning to look at the threat of domestic terrorism and united states. this is live coverage on c-span. >> alongside senator johnson to write a provision sign of the law as part of the national defense authorization act to require dhs, fbi and the office of the director of national intelligence to better track and publicly report this critical data. despite passing the law, the first report was nearly nine months overdue and did not provide the requested data. we need to get serious about taking on these threats, violence that stems from them. we must change the way the federal government approaches domestic terrorism. that will require not only improving the way government tracks the threat, but better understanding how these hateful ideologies spread across social media platf

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-b of house resolution 188. the house stands adjourned until noon on friday work. period and work resumes september 20. >> c-span is taking you like to capitol hill for a hearing on u.s. security assistance in the middle east. we joined the hearing in progress. >> we will continue this hearing through the beginning of votes. over the last 75 years, the majority of u.s. arms sales worldwide have gone to the middle east, totaling more than $379 billion in sales. that is a lot of weapons into a very combustible part of the world. arms sales and other forms of security systems are an important foreign policy for the united states used to exercise its influence abroad and as with any foreign policy tool, it's important to continually reevaluate that tool is reach evening -- is achieving its goals. when the cold war began, we got into the business of supporting authoritarian regimes all over the world. we often relied on arms sales to cement these relationships. we also needed access to middle east oil in this drove o

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. mr. schumer: mr. president. the presiding officer: the majority leader. the presiding officer: are we in a quorum? -- we are not in a quorum call. mr. schumer: the senate has voted to advance the bipartisan infrastructure bill and bring debate on the substitute amendment to an end. i repeat that democrats are ready and willing to vote on additional amendments to the bill before moving to final passage. once again that will require the cooperation of our republican colleagues. i hope they will cooperate so we can move more quickly. otherwise we'll proceed by the book and finish the bill. i said yesterday we could do this the easy way or the hard way. yesterday it appeared that some republicans would like the senate to do this the hard way. in any case we'll keep proceeding until we get this bill done. now on another related matter, as the senate approaches final passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bi

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the leadership time is leadership time is reserved. mr. schumer: madam president. the presiding officer: the majority leader. mr. schumer: first, i ask unanimous consent that benjamin lockshin be granted floor privileges for the remainder of today's session. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schumer: secondly, madam president, before my remarks i ask unanimous consent that the cloture vote on the lee nomination occur today. the presiding officer: is there objection? without objection,so ordered. mr. schumer: thank you, madam president. now all we week, as we all know, senators have worked together to move forward on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. since the text of the bipartisan proposal was finalized on sunday, both sides have had extensive opportunities to offer amendments. senators have certainly taken advantage. so far the senate has considered 22 amendments on this bipartisan piece of legislation. we considered 14

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, leadership time is reserved. morning business is closed. under the previous order, the senate will resume consideration of h.r. 3684, which the clerk will report. cloim calendar number 100, h.r. 3684, a federal fund to highway programs, transit programs and for other purposes. mr. schumer: mr. president, are we in a quorum? the presiding officer: we are not. mr. schumer: now, mr. president, it may have taken all weekend, but the senate is now finally on the precipice of passing major bipartisan infrastructure legislation. last night, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of senators voted to surmount the final few procedural hurdles and put the bill on a glide path for passage tomorrow morning. the bill will represent a substantial down payment towards the level of infrastructure investment our country needs, and for the first time, the senate has come together around such a package in decades. i will have more to say about it before fina

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's rooms, washington, d.c. august 6, 2021. i hereby appoint the honorable qua day m mfume to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben. chaplain kibben: would you pray with me. eternal god, if we but look we would see that your faithfulness extends to all generations. you who establish the earth and everything that dwells therein have shown your mercy throughout the ages. o lord, you have stood firm and all things have been given life out of your infinite love. the mind that created the universe provides for us even now through both your revealed word and your tran sendant presence. let us then be ever mindful of the principles you have laid before us, your model for law and justice. may we never fail to consider the commands of peace and mercy. may we also find deligh

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben. chaplain kibben: would you pray with me. holy god, grant us wisdom this day. wisdom to approach our tasks, our daily dealings, and our lives with care and prudence yielding to your authority. you have set before us standards and expectations for living according to your principles. reveal to us again our responsibility in light of your precepts to change our self-serving ways and follow paths of righteousness. when we are inclined to compare ourselves with others, may we discover that it is meditating on and abiding by your commandments that give us value and purpose comparable to none. when we seek to grow in knowledge and accomplishments, may we learn that our wisdom and success will disappoint us if we have not grounded ourselves first in your truth. may we come to delight in the reassurance of your presence and the protection of your guiding hand. allow us to taste the sweetness of your promises. may your words be like honey to our mouths. in the strength of your name we pray. ame

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's rooms, washington, d.c. august 13, 2021. i hereby appoint the honorable eric swalwell to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, sincerely, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: today's prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben. chaplain kibben: would you pray with me. almighty god, as we aproshe you, may we give you official that bring you glory. accept the praise of our mouths this day. may our hearts be resolved to fulfill your decrees that we would never fail from this time forward to perform each task, take on each challenge, and live each moment in fulfillment of your desire for us. teach us through your revealed word to interpret each encounter as you would have us understand them. guide our choices that where we find ourselves would be within your perfect plan. strengthen our hearts that we would withstand any affliction. preserve our liv

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-b of house resolution 188, the house >> a brief pro forma session of the u.s. house. members will be back for legislative work on september 20.

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's room, washington, d.c., august 31, 2021. i hereby appoint the honorable debbie dingell to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by chaplain kibben. chaplain kibben: would you pray with me. holy and eternal god, in whose care time finds its meaning and life its boundaries. we pray for this moment in time when our adversaries have proven callous in their understanding of the sanctity of human life and their actions have betrayed their huberous by inciting violence and fear and panic. we pray on behalf of those who faced the harsh cruelty of terrorism, who cling desperately at a chance for freedom, and those who can but only watch their friends and family fall prey to the inhumanity that threatens to extinguish all hope of reunion. we pray your protection over those who this day give

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's rooms e. washington, d.c. august 27, 2021. i hereby appoint the honorable jamie raskin to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, monsignor stephen j. rossetti, catholic university of america in washington. the chaplain: good and gracious god, we are mindful of americans around the world who are in harm's way, especially those defending our nation. first responders, those in afghanistan. we pray for their health and their safety. grant the deceased eternal rest and consolation to their families. we continue to remember those suffering from the pandemic, especially those who have died and their loved ones. and for all we pray for the gift of hope which ultimately finds its source in you. may you dispel the darkness and shine the light of your grace in this cham

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain. the chaplain: let us pray. almighty god, we inteech your blessings upon the proceedings of this house in order to govern wisely and justly the united states of america for which it stands. bless all members and agents of this house, that they may know the privilege of their service and receive the due reward that comes from that service. keep america united under your care and help our citizens realize the blessings of liberty and justice that comes about through unity and patriotism, you who reign supreme and forever. amen. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-a of house resolution 188, the journal of the last day's proceedings is approved. the chair will lead the house in the pledge of allegiance. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. pursuant to section 11-b of house resolution 188, the house stands adjourned until 5:00 p.m. on monday,

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on tuesday, august 17, 2021. senators return for legislative work at 3 a.m. eastern for more work on executive nominations. later in the week, majority leader schumer scheduled time for voting rights and election reform legislation. watch the senate live here on c-span2. now we return to our book tv program already in progress. >> you know, not reading the constitution, but there are ways to write anything, you know? i mean, and i have seen good books for young people, kids, that i'm talking about now, certainly through elementary school, middle school and natalie has done a book about thomas jefferson that talks about all of this in an age appropriate way, so kids, i think there's a way to do it, as for coming down there to talk about it, there are plenty of people in texas who can hold down the fort on that matter. i do know that people have gotten very, very aggressive about this, but this

the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will offer the prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. precious lord, your power, mercy, and grace continue to sustain us. your power energizes us to face the challenges that require more than human wisdom. your mercy protects us when we fall short of your glory. and your grace gives us merit we don't deserve. lord, empower our senators for today's journey, providing them with confidence to draw near to you. may they pass through this day in companionship with you, lifting their hearts frequently in prayer. give them wisdom to learn to be faithful stewards of the gifts you have provided. we pray in your holy name. amen. the president pro tempore: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the president pro tempore: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. mr. leahy:

leahy, president pro tempore. a senator: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from maine is recognized. ms. collins: mr. president, i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: mr. schumer: good morning, mr. president. are we in a quorum? the presiding officer: we are. mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schumer: now, mr. president, senators continue to work through the bipartisan infrastructure bill here on the floor. members from both sides want to be able to consider as many germane amendments as possible, but we must work efficiently to allow those votes. yesterday was a positive day in that respect. democrats and republicans agreed to vote on three amendments, two of which were led by republicans, two bipartisan amendments, one led by senators thune and tillis, another led by senators padilla and moran with adopted with over 90 votes. we have one, potentially two more amendment votes lined u

leahy, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, leadership time is reserved. morning business is closed. under the previous order, the senate will resume consideration of h.r. 3684, which the clerk will report. the clerk: h.r. 3684, calendar number 100, an act to authorize funds for federal aid, highways, highway safety programs and transit programs, and for other purposes. mr. schumer: mr. president, i ask unanimous consent -- okay. i ask unanimous consent that following senator kelly's maiden speech, that senators johnson, peters, and carper be permitted to speak for up to five minutes each prior to the start of the vote. the presiding officer: is there objection? without objection. mr. schumer: for the information of senators, the vote scheduled for 12. a 15 will likely begin closer to 12:30 p.m. now, mr. president, for my remarks. as you have seen, as america has seen, the senate is moving full steam ahead on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. since the legislative text of the b