Applying adequate enforcement standards and tracking the well-being of our Nation's work force are two of the Labor Department's most important responsibilities.

I have determined that Panama has taken or is taking steps to afford internationally recognized worker rights.

I have determined that Mauritania has not taken and is not taking steps to afford such internationally recognized rights.

Tonight the Senate voted for growth over gridlock by passing our plan to cut deficit spending by $500 billion and lock the savings in a deficit reduction trust fund.

Bernard Anderson and Katharine Abraham will fulfill them with rigor and integrity.

I challenged the Senate to pass a plan that met these principles: It had to reduce the deficit by $500 billion; it had to be balanced between spending cuts and taxes.

The Senate sent a strong signal to middle class Americans that Washington can work to create jobs, increase incomes, and spur economic growth.

I have determined that it is appropriate to provide for the suspension of preferential treatment under the GSP for articles that are currently eligible for such treatment and that are imported from Mauritania.

I have determined that it is appropriate to modify the application of duty-free treatment under the GSP currently being afforded to certain articles.

I intend to suspend Mauritania indefinitely as a designated beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP.

I have determined that Mauritania no longer meets the eligibility requirements set forth in the GSP law.

The Senate met these challenges, and that's why this vote is a victory for the American people.

This country needs your help.

I hope that this will never happen again.

It is critical that we pass this.

This provision is not consistent with this country's obligations under the Agreement on Government Procurement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

I'm glad we were able to save it.

I supported the crime bill last year which expanded the death penalty in many different areas.