I ask unanimous consent the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cardin). Without objection, it is so ordered. All time has expired. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of…

I ask unanimous consent to proceed for 12 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

still at this late date, I want to remain optimistic that we will reach a final deal on Federal spending. At least the dueling press conferences are continuing as I speak. I hope the negotiations are continuing by someone somewhere. Hope…

it is my understanding I was granted 20 minutes under the leader's time. If that is the case, I would like assurance. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I appreciate the leadership, as best they can, going into greater detail on the mutual effort to avoid a government shutdown. I know all Members are vitally interested in this, as is the American public. I do happen to agree--probably no…

I know it is pretty serious business talking about a government shutdown and things of this nature that affect all Americans. I certainly hope we can reach some accommodation. I wish to do a little bragging on behalf of my home State. We…

I am going to speak for approximately 4 minutes during morning business. I had originally intended on 15, but I am going to do that tomorrow on another subject. If I could be recognized for 4 minutes, that is my intention. The ACTING…

I rise today to address a health care concern that impacts all of us--access to health care. When you or your loved one is sick--the most important thing on earth is to fight for the very best medical care possible. And when the diagnosis…

I rise today in support of the legislation introduced by Senator Wyden, of which I am an original cosponsor, the `Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment Act.' The HELP Act. The HELP Act does what the title says it does and takes initial…

I rise today to once again speak out against what I consider to be and many others consider to be a regulatory assault on our Nation's economy. I have previously discussed my concerns with regulations having a negative impact on our…

As I have already discussed on the Senate floor, an Executive order was issued by the President on January 18. It was a good order. I applauded that order. It committed all Federal agencies to review regulations and then to try to remove…

We have talked about the President's initiative, his Executive order in which the President said rightly--and I applauded that statement that we have so many regulations pouring out of Washington and so many regulations on the books, we do…