The clerk will please read a communication to the Senate from the President pro tempore (Mr. Inouye).
The assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:
Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable Tom Udall, a Senator from the State of New Mexico, to perform the duties of the Chair. Daniel K. Inouye, President pro tempore.
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico thereupon assumed the chair as Acting President pro tempore.
The majority leader.