majority leader. mr. mcconnell: mr. president, i'd like to pay respect to a member of the senate family who tragically passed away last week. michael beaver was a talented attorney who served as assistant parliamentarian. he was a deputy legislative counsel for the state of california. he was 39 years old. he leaves behind his wife gilda, his two beloved sons, bradley and connor, his parents and an extended family that mourns his loss. they are joined by his colleagues on the senate's staff in the secretary's office and the floor staff on both sides of the aisle and throughout our whole institution. so the senate's prayers are with all of michael's families and friends -- family and friends at this immensely difficult hour. now, mr. president, on a totally different matter, this week the senate will consider another slate of extremely well-qualified nominees for seats on the federal bench. a thoughtful, independent and expert judiciary is a cornerstone of our constitutional...

the presiding officer: the democratic leader. mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. schumer: thank you, mr. president. now, first we recently received some terribly sad news. michael beaver, an assistant parliamentarian here in the senate, passed away unexpectedly last week. his death at the young age of 39 is shocking and its suddenness tragic for the family, friends, his children, coworkers that he left behind. michael was incredibly bright, unfailingly honest, had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. i know that as an assistant parliamentarian, he was a member of a small but crucial team of behind-the-scene staffers without hom the senate couldn't function. our thoughts are with his family today, especially his wife gilda, his two young boys who will remember him as a loving and devoted father. in the words of scripture, blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. now, on another matter, as...