At 202 7488003. You can join the conversation by texting us at that same number, also going to twitter cspanwj or facebook. Com cspan. The acting defense secretary outlined the president s decision yesterday. [video clip] by january 15, 2021, our forces, their size and afghanistan will be 2500. Iraq will alsoin be 2500 by that date. With ouronsistent established plans and strategic objectives. Supported by the American People. It does not equate to a change in u. S. Policy or objectives. Moreover, this decision by the president is based on continuous engagement with his National Security cabinet over the month past. Including ongoing discussions with me and my colleagues across the u. S. Government. I have also spoken with our military commanders and we all will execute this repositioning in the way that protects our fighting men and women, partners in the Intelligence Community, diplomatic corps, and our superb allies that are critical to iraqiding afghan and Civil Society. Secretarya
Decision to extend federal funding past the december 11 deadline to avoid a Government Shutdown. Your watching live Senate Coverage here on cspan2. The president pro tempore the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Bay black, will open the senate with prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Almighty god, who in your wisdom has so ordered our earthly lives that we must walk by faith and not by sight, increase our trust in your sovereign care. Remind our lawmakers that no problem is too difficult for you to solve. Lord, give our senators a faith th triumphs over despair, love that triumphs over hate, and courage that triumphs over faintheartedness. Empower them to be bold participants rather than timid spectators in meeting the daunting challenges of these times. We we pray in our powerful name, amen. The president pro tempore please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I edge allegiance to the fla of the United States of erica, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under
Quorum call quorum call mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The presiding officer the majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell i ask consent that further proceedgs under the quorum call be suspended. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Mcconnell i move to proceed to executive session to consider calendar number 864. The presidin officer question is on the motion. All those in for, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. The motion is agreed to. The clerk will report the nonation the clerk nomination, the judiciary. J. Philip calabrese of ohio to be United States district judge for the Northern District of ohio. The presiding officer i send a cloture motion to the desk. The presiding officer the clerk will report. The clerk clore motion we, the undersigned senators, in accordce with the provisions of the senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debat on the nomination of j. Philip calabrese ofhio to be United States district judge f the Northern Distr
Vote vote vote vote vote vote the presiding officer are there any senators in the chamber wishing to vote or change their vote . Hearing none, the yeas are 64, the nays are 24. The nomination is confirmed. Under the previous order, the motion to reconsider is considered made and laid upon the table, and the president will be immediately notified of the senates action. Mr. Thune madam president . The presiding officer the senator from south dakota. Mr. Thune i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to legislative session and be in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Thune madam president , i have four requests for committees to meet during todays session of the senate. They have a approval of the majority and minority leaders. The presiding officer duly noted. Mr. Thune madam president , before i begin, i want to acknowledge the tremendous news released yesterday that early
Commitment for live Senate Coverage starting in a moment howevewe will recd the presidt elect and have it later on the cspan networks. Live to the senate where they e planning to wk on a nomition for u. S. District court for the Southern District of mississippi. The president pro tempor the senate will come to order. Thchaplain, dr. Barry black, will open the senate with the chaplain let us pray. Eterl redeemer, provide our laakers with your grace, mercy, and peace by your grace, may they forget the challenges behind them. By your mercy, may they reach for the opportunities that beckon. By yr peace, may they possess anquanimity of temperament during lifes fluctuating intricacies. Lord, give them a passion for truth and a reluctance to major minors. Use their exemplary lives to inspire people to live wh faith, purse, and power. Remind us all that though we may planned, you deterne what will finally happen. Amenray in your great name. The president pro tempore please joi me in the pledge