Spirit, may our senators run without weariness and run without fainting. Give them the wisdom to be patient with others, prompt to appreciate the virtues of their colleagues. Rule in the hearts of our keeping them from sin and sustaining their loved ones lord, surround our senators with the shield of your favor, accomplishing in their lives, more than they can ask or imagine. We pray in your sovereign name. 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. , april 11, 2014. To the senate under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable carl m. Levin, a senator from the state of michigan, to perform the duties of