Mr. Speaker, I rise today because this is a unique day in the history of the great State of Texas. Today, March 2, marks Texas Independence Day; and on this day 174 years ago, Texas declared its independence from Mexico and its dictator…

In reclaiming my time, thank you. And that's just the way it is, Mr. Speaker. ____________________

Madam Speaker, it is Sam Houston's birthday. He was born in Virginia on March 2, 1793. He lived primarily in Tennessee, but he got to Texas as fast as he could. Houston fought with Davy Crockett and Andrew Jackson during the Creek Indian…

Madam President, I want to take a few minutes to talk about Texas Independence Day. On this day in 1836, delegates from 59 Texas settlements signed a declaration of their right to live in liberty, and to take charge of their own destiny…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of Amendments.'')

I thank the Senator. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Minnesota is recognized.

Mr. President, this is the Sessions-McCaskill amendment, offered with Senator McCaskill, my colleague from Missouri. It is a bipartisan amendment, and it is one that I think is very important. I hope my colleagues will give it serious…

Mr. President, I have at the desk amendment No. 3337. I ask for its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Alabama [Mr. Sessions], for himself and Mrs…

Mr. President, I was not on the floor after the vote last night, but I did get a chance to read some of the transcript of the back-and-forth between Senator Bunning and Senator Durbin and others. I understand that Senator Durbin retained…

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I think it is important to note the change in the economy as we move forward. But the challenge to us as Members of Congress, even as we reflect on the enormous impact the investment dollars have had, last…

Mr. Speaker, besides the question and the need for jobs, I think it is important for America and for my colleagues to know that the meeting yesterday at the White House at Blair House was a vitally important meeting. I know that many…

Mr. Speaker, the number of new unemployment benefit claims jumped last week to 496,000 Americans. More people out of work, more people looking for those promised jobs. Meanwhile, a year later, we're bogged down debating the…

Mr. Speaker, the administration's new budget proposal will strangle small business. But there's one small business the new budget is targeting with both barrels: the small, independent mom-and-pop oil and gas producers. Getting energy out…

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Premier of Newfoundland, Danny Williams, snuck into the United States recently for some stealth health care. Now, why would the Canadian Premier come to the United States for heart surgery? Because his life…

Madam President, as are many of us, I have been watching with great interest the bipartisan health care summit that is being broadcast on television. I am happy there is a bipartisan meeting at the White House to discuss health care…

Madam President, I wish to speak as in morning business, and I ask unanimous consent to do so. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. Health Care Reform

I would appreciate that. And in a colloquy, if the gentleman would allow me the time since he has indicated he has no further speakers, I will go ahead and consume my time with the knowledge that he would then be ending very quickly. And I…

The Senator from Illinois is very eloquent in his advocacy. But I think he is avoiding the question posed by Senator Bunning, who simply says he is prepared tonight to fund the programs that you wish, to have them go forward. As I…