r. gil kerlikowske nomination. mr. reid: if there is time available, i yield it back. the presiding officer: the question occurs on the kerlikowske nomination. all those in favor say aye. all those say nay. the ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it. the nomination is confirmed. under the previous order, there will be two minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form prior to a vote on the hammer nomination. mr. reid: i would yield back any time available. the presiding officer: without objection. all time is yielded back. the question occurs on the hammer nomination. all those in favor say aye. all those say nay. the ries appear to have it, the ayes do have it, the nomination is confirmed. under the previous order, the motions to reconsider are considered made and laid upon the table. the president will be immediately notified of the senate's action and the senate will resume legislative session. a senator: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from hawaii. ms. hirono: madam president, nearly four months ago, the most powerful storm on record str