I ask unanimous consent that the period for morning business be extended until 6:30 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that Jen Burks, a fellow in my office, be granted floor privileges until the end of next week. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Esther's understanding of Guam helped to shepherd through both the Guam Excess Land Act and later the Guam Land Reform Act.

I implore you to honor treaty obligations and to exempt all tribes and programs serving tribes from the current and any future sequestration.

He told us that in his view, all tribes have a prepaid health plan, and that it was paid for by our ancestors who ceded their lands to the United States.

Hawaii's relationship with our fellow Pacific Island territories and nations is strong.

Esther has dedicated herself to public service, especially on behalf of the people of Hawaii and the Pacific.

I'm confident that the committee will find that Esther truly is the best nominee for guiding our relationship with the territories and the independent nations of the Pacific.

Five days ago Typhoon Yolanda devastated the central Philippines. As a category 5 supertyphoon, this was reportedly the strongest storm ever to make landfall anywhere in recorded history, sweeping away almost everything in its path. Nearly…

I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 15 minutes as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Typhoon Yolanda

I'm confident that Esther's leadership will help to deepen and improve the connection between these special places and the rest of the country.

I cannot think of a better candidate for this position.

I look forward to today's hearing. As this position has gone unfilled for more than 1 year, I expect and hope for an expeditious and efficient confirmation process.

I ask unanimous consent to offer floor privileges to my staffer, Michael Inacay, for the remainder of the evening. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I thank my colleague from Minnesota. I rise to speak in support of the nomination of Cornelia ``Nina'' Pillard to be a circuit judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Less than 2 weeks ago, my colleagues…

I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 234, S. Res. 268. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The bill clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 268)…

Thank you all for your service and for acknowledging the contributions and service of Congressman Ike Skelton.

I rise today to discuss the impact of sequestration on our national security and the economy. As a Nation, our military strength is directly supported by our economic strength, and sequestration has done substantial harm to both. This…