What morning business this is. For those of us in the National Capital region, this is indeed a very solemn day. One year ago today, nine people died on Washington's Metro. We were shocked and horrified when a red line Metro train struck…

promoting transparency is a pivotal need for empowering citizens to ask questions of their governments

A compulsory disclosure of payments by governments to private interests in natural resource deals is an idea that merits serious consideration.

The United States should raise this issue in the S&ED meetings with China and should explore the possibility of cooperating with China.

It was United States leadership that provided the impetus for the economic pressure on South Africa.

I think it's important to show that this, again, beyond just the United Nations.

Clearly the economic sanctions need to be strengthened.

But as I understand it, a lot depends upon having reliable information as to whether there's reasonable cause to believe that a vessel contains elicit products.

I think that the United States sanction legislation is critically important.

Mr. President, I thank Senator Wicker for taking this time for this colloquy. He has been a real champion on human rights issues and on bringing out the importance for Russia to move forward on a path of democracy and respect for human…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate to conduct a business meeting on June 21, 2010. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it…

Mr. President, I thank Senator Wicker for bringing out the details of this matter. It has clearly been recognized and condemned by the international community as against international law. It is clearly against the commitments Russia had…

Senator Wicker has pointed out in I think real detail how the dismantling of the Yukos Oil Company was done illegally under any international law; it was returning to the Soviet days rather than moving forward with democratic reform. As…

Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of the 145th anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, to inform the slaves that…

Mr. President, before I suggest the absence of a quorum, I ask that the time be equally divided between the majority and the minority. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of debate only until 3:30 p.m., with no amendments or motions in order during this time, and that the time be equally divided and controlled between the leaders or…

I appreciate the gentlelady from Illinois (Ms. Bean) for yielding. I want to first thank the chair of the Small Business Committee, Congresswoman Velazquez, for the work that she has done on this bill and for others who have worked on this…

Mr. President, America is facing a catastrophe in the gulf. I rise today to speak about the President's address to our Nation last night and my recent trip to the gulf. I agree with the President that BP must stop the leak, clean up the…