Alzheimer's has become our Nation's most expensive disease. It costs society $263 billion a year; $150 of that comes from Medicare and Medicaid.

first, let me start by commending the Senator from Louisiana for all of the thought and the work he has put into coming up with an alternative plan that would fix ObamaCare and result in more Americans having affordable health insurance…

For us to say that everything is going well with Obamacare is just not accurate, and that's why I feel that we do need to fix the flaws of what is a well-intentioned but deeply problematic law.

I have been baffled over the years by what CMS reimburses for and what it fails to reimburse for.

I think most people reject that idea. As you said, we don't want to pull the rug out from under people who are relying on the insurance that has been provided through the ACA.

Many of us have expressed concern about what would happen to the millions of Americans who are in the individual market of the ACA on the exchanges.

It creates great anxiety for consumers, and insurers would be unable to price their policies if they don't know what the rules are going to be.

I am a strong supporter of apprenticeship education, and I think we can do more to prepare young people for many of the unfilled, high-skill jobs that industry needs.

The single most important action that the Federal Government could take would be to fulfill the promise of the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to fund 40 percent of the additional cost of educating a special needs child.

I have no doubt that you care deeply about the education of all children.

Would you commit to taking a look at the funding of the department to see if we could do a better job of moving toward fulfillment of that promise?

There's nothing worse than a student being saddled with educational debt and not earning the credential or the degree that would enable that student to pay off that debt.

today I wish to support the legislative waiver required for retired General James Mattis to become the next Secretary of Defense. The principle of civilian control of the military has been fundamental to the concept of American Government…

I believe that the recent focus on the cyber intrusions in the campaign has greatly increased the public's awareness of this problem.

The Department of Defense is subjected to 100,000 attempted cyber attacks each day.

one of my top priorities as a Senator has been to expand access to affordable health care for all Americans. I have always believed that the key to achieving this goal is to bring down the cost of health care, so more Americans can afford…

If confirmed, would you make a priority to provide an assessment to Congress of whether or not Iran is using its civilian air fleet for such purposes?

pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive section 305(b) of that act for purposes of the pending amendment, and I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There…