the senate proceed to executive session to consider calendar number 97, the nomination of hilary chandler tompkins to be solicitor of the department of interior, that the nomination be confirmed, that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, that no further motions be in order, that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the record, that upon confirmation, the president be immediately notified of the senate's action and that the senate then resume legislative session. the presiding officer: is there objection? mr. cornyn: mr. president, reserving the right to object. the presiding officer: the senator from texas. mr. cornyn: with all due respect to my colleague from new mexico, i'm advised the nomination has not been cleared on this side. we're going to keep working on it, but at this time i must object, and i do object. the presiding officer: the objection is noted. mr. reid: mr. president? the presiding officer: the majority leader. mr. reid: i know my friend, the distinguished senator from texas, wishes to speak for up to 20 minutes. is that right? we have a number of se