he called us to be the better angels the nation. those were his words. s lesson in leadership in this moment in history, we'll secure a stronger future for this great nation we call america. >> the senate wrapped up legislative work for the week earlier today, but the chamber returns on monday to continue debate on a bill that changes procedures for issuing federal patents. that legislation also creates a formula for adding up damages in patent lawsuits. a vote to limit debate is scheduled for monday afternoon as well as votes on three judicial nominations. after completion of the patent bill sometime next week, the senate is then expected to take test votes on two bills dealing with temporary 2011 federal spending. current funding for the government expires friday, march 18. follow the senate live on c-span you 2. c- span video library. watch what you want, when you want. >> "washington journal" continues. host: we want to welcome back to c-span senator dick durbin, the said it.mocrat in the cen guest: it is shabby when you think we cannot reach an agree

tr lincoln then famously called on us to recall the better angels of our nation.se were his words. listen tos if we listen to his critical lee lesson of leadership at this critical moment in history, we will secure and part time of grt strong future for this great nation we call america. >>> now, senator durbin on the democratic leadership's strategy on spending levels for the remainder of the fiscal year. from the washington journal, c- this is about 25 minutes. we want to welcome back senator. durbin democrat of illinois, the number two democrat in thehost:e senate. thank you for being with back u. said it.s from today another c t guest: it is shabby when you think we cannot reach an agreement. democrats, republicans, on how to fund government? we have big challenges ahead. we face a debt ceiling in a couple of months, literally whether or not because -- whether or not the united states of america will default for the first time in its history, which the -- which would be catastrophic for our country. we need to put together a five- year budget resolution that w

lincoln then famously called on us to recall the better angels of our nation -- those were his words. if we listen to his critical lesson in leadership at this critical moment in history, we will secure in our time a stronger future for this great nation we call america. mr. president, i have a unanimous consent request for a committee to meet during today' session of the senate. it's been approved by both me and senator mcconnell. i ask unanimous consent that this request be agreed to and be printed in the record. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid reid: h.r.4 is at the k due for its second reading, i'm told. the presiding officer: the clerk will read the bill for the second time. the clerk: h.r. 4, an act to repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations and for other purposes. mr. reid: i object to any further proceedings at this time, mr. president. the presiding officer: the objection having been heard, placed on the calendar. mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent when the senate completes its business today, i