further proceedings under the quorum call be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: normally today and tomorrow, we would be welcoming many thousands of americans to the capitol for the annual march for life. every year, the march is one of the most important things that happens here in washington. americans of all ages, diverse backgrounds, and many faiths speak up peacefully and powerfully for the most fundamental human right. they make our nation confront the fact that even the most modest protections for innocent life are still not secure. the pandemic has taken this year's march online. that's a particular pity given signs that the new administration may be poised to steam roll even the most limited, limited safeguards for conscience, let alone for life itself. the new washington needs to hear the marchers more than ever. a case in point, the word is out our new administration is planning to rescind the mexico city policies this very day,...

objection. mr. schumer: now, madam president, over the past week the senate has been confirming president biden's cabinet nominees with significant cooperation between both parties. today, however, the republican minority has forced the senate to jump through a series of procedural hoops that will further delay the confirmation of one of our country's chief national security officials, the secretary of homeland security. it's now been eight days since president biden was sworn into office, and as a result of the objection from one member, just one member, the republican minority it will be another four until we can complete the nomination of mr. alejandro mayorkas to be our next secretary of homeland security. what could have been the tidy work of a few hours on president biden's first day will drag on for a week and a half. make no mistake about it, he will be confirmed. this dilatory action will not succeed, but it will prevent the senate from doing other important business. it's...