the senate in the merit of one of the spiritual giants of our time and our nation, the lubavitcher rebbe, rabbi menachem mendel schneerson of saintly blessed memory, who passed away 19 years ago today. the rebbe labored with great love, dedication, and self-sacrifice to make all mankind aware of your sacred presence. may his memory be for a blessing and his merit be for a shield for our government and our nation, which he always referred to as "a nation of kindness." amen. the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a communication to the senate. the clerk: washington, d.c, june 11, 2013. to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable william m. cowan, a senator from the commonwealth of massachusetts, to perform the duties of the chair. signed: patrick