i'm hopeful that the monaco and seitz nominations can be adopted by voice vote. following that the senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for the weekly caucus meetings. following the recess, the senate will resume consideration of s. 679. madam president, h.r. 1249 is due for a second reading. i would ask the clerk will report. the presiding officer: the clerk will read the title for the second time. the clerk: an ablght to amend title 39, united states code to provide for patent reform. mr. reid: i would now object to any further proceedings to this bill at this time. the presiding officer: objection is heard. the bill will be placed on the calendar under the provisions of rule 14. mr. reid: madam president, yesterday i sat down with the president to talk about thousand avoid a default crisis. it would be a black mark on this country's reputation for generations to come. if we fail to avert this crisis, it will be the first time in our great nation's history that we've defaulted on our financial obligations t would send shock waves through the global economy. bu

the question occurs on the seitz nomination. all in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes appear to have it. the ayes do have it. the nomination is confirmed. the question occurs on the monaco nomination. all in favor say aye. all opposed no. the ayes 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 on the table. the president shall immediately notify -- shall be immediately notified of the senate's action and the senate shall resume legislative session. under the previous order, the senate stands in recess until senate stands in recess until >> this morning in the senate the chamber took up three nominations including james colt to be deputy attorney general. members are now on a break for their weekly party meetings, and when they return, they'll work on a bill to return the way certain legislative aides are vetted and appointed certain jobs. nominees would be allowed to bipass senate consideration and go directly to the senate floor. we'll have more coverage of