the president pro tempore: the senate will come to ord the guest chaplain bishop christopher coyne of vermont of the diocese of burlington will offer the prayer. the guest chaplain: let us pray. god of hope and god of peace from whom all blessings flow, may your spirit of peace and wisdom descend upon all here present for the work of the senate. may each of us seek to serve the common good of all, both in our great nation and in the world at large. and send some snow upon the ski slopes of vermont soon. we ask this in your holy name. amen. the president pro tempore: please join me in the pledge of allegiance. 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 president pro tempore: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. morning business is closed. under the previous order, the senate will proceed to executive session to resume con