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. , april 4, 2016. To the senate under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable bill cassidy, a senator from the state of louisiana, to perform the duties of the chair. Signed, orrin g. Hatch, president pro tempore. Mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The presiding officer the Senate Majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell id like to welcome our colleagues back from their state work periods. The senate has gotten a lot done under e new majority and will continue well continue our work today. But first i want to remember the daily sacrifice of our Capitol Police in light of the inciden