What happened to Hadiya is not unique. It's not unique to Chicago. It's not unique to this country. Too many of our children are being taken away from us.

We have single moms out here. They are heroic what they're doing, and we're so proud of them. But at the same time, I wish I had a father who was around and involved.

This is not just a gun issue. It's also an issue of the kinds of communities we're building. For that, we all share responsibility as citizens to fix it. We all share a responsibility to move this country closer to our founding vision…

Budget cuts that undermine implementation of our environmental statutes are penny wise and pound foolish.

Concerns about the impact of hydraulic fracturing on water are well-documented.

We need to make sure that the EPA does follow up and examine the cause of contamination of drinking water.

This is an important topic, and I'm glad to start this congress on such a critical issue.

I am principally concerned about the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing.

I sent a letter, along with 20 colleagues, to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson voicing our concern about the delays.

Some people might suggest that States lack the will to enforce their laws or that are reluctant to pass anything serious. I think that answer is not fair.

The States are by no means junior regulators or the minor leagues of environmental protection.

State regulators have every bit the same educational background, expertise, desire to protect the environment, and sense of professionalism as any employee at the EPA.

I think history shows the states have generally acted first on matters before the federal government has stepped in.

The states are by no means, 'junior regulators' or the minor leagues of environmental protection.

Some people might suggest states lack the will to enforce their laws or they are reluctant to pass anything serious. I think that answer is not fair.

States are by no means junior regulators or the minor leagues of environmental protection.

Mr. President, I rise to speak about the problem of gun violence in America. Every day we lose over 30 men, women and children in violent shooting deaths. More than 11,000 Americans are murdered with guns each year. That is more deaths…

Mr. President, Senator Alexander is my friend. Sometimes that word is thrown around the floor of the Senate not very sincerely, but I mean it and he knows it. And I respect him very much. But I would say to the Senator, there is no other…