Congressional leaders will be heading to the white house this afternoon. Theyre meeting with president obama about keeping the government funded. The current budget year runs out at the end of this mop. The Government Faces a shutdown if they cant agree on a spending bill. Senate negotiators have been working on a threemonth extension of current spending levels. The white house meeting is scheduled for 4 00 eastern and well bring you any reaction that follows. Congress returns this afternoon for legislative business on the house agenda this week, legislation preventing the transfer of guantanamo detainees into the u. S. , expanding the authority of the Veterans Affairs department to fire or demote employees for misconduct and proposed impeachment of irs commissioner. The senate will resume consideration of water projects authorization bill with a procedural vote later in the day. Off the floor, negotiations continue on a deal to fund the government past a september 30th deadline. The h
Honored guests, we are gathered to celebrate the achievements of some 350 men and women from 14 nations that served in the fine arts and a archives session. We now know the Monuments Men. Only six are still living. Two were una able to travel. 175 family members of Monuments Men since passed are with us. As early as 1942, george 120u9, the leader of the Monuments Men in europe and established their operation in post war japan argued for preservation officers during war to safeguard these things will not effect the course of battle, stout wrote. But it will affect the relations of invading armies with those people and their governments. To safeguard will show respect for the beliefs and customs of all men and will bear witness that these things belong not only to a particular people but also to the heritage of mankind. The death of two Monuments Men would seem to argue that art is worth the loss of life. But monumentsmen dean keller, an artist himself who missed his sons third, fourth,
George washington in march of 1776. Today, pursuant to senate bill 309 we will present a gold medal to members of the Civil Air Patrol whose valor and dedication saved countless lives during world war ii. The Civil Air Patrol was organized some six days before the bombing of pearl harbor. Its members flew more than 24 million miles on coastal patrol. They summoned help for ships and survivors in distress, they spotted enemy submarines, dropped bombs, depth charges and some 64 americans died during these operations. Those who lived have quite the stories to tell. Many of them are with us today. Please join me in welcoming these american heros to our capitol. [ applause ] ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the presentation of the colors by the United States Armed Forces Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by the Brass Quintet and the retiring of the colors. Color halt. Present arms. Please remain standing as the chaplain of the United States senate, dr. Barry black, gi