mr. speaker , i appreciate the gentleman yielding , and before answering the question , i want to thank the gentleman for all the good work that he has been doing over the last 2 or 3 days under very difficult circumstances . 
the distinguished whip has worked very long hours , and we greatly appreciate his cooperation and his consultation . 
i really do thank you for that , mr. whip . 
to answer your question , our intentions are to come in at 9 o'clock . 
we hope to vote at midnight , and , therefore , we will have a 3-hour debate . 
