That's the whole purpose of the individual mandate, is so that we cover people with pre-existing conditions.

I'm extremely concerned that these waivers are being granted without sufficient evidence that these States would truly see a disruption of their insurance market without such a waiver.

Based on Minnesota's experience, I introduced a bill that was ultimately included in the health reform requiring insurers to spend at least 80 in the small group and individual markets and 85 percent of insurance premiums on actual health…

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the debt ceiling agreement that was reached last night. Over the past week I have heard from countless Minnesotans who want Congress to come together and reach a compromise on the debt ceiling…

Mr. President, I thank very much the Senator from Louisiana for her passionate remarks. There is a reason she has that passion, and it is because we are in the ninth inning. This is it. The time for political posturing is over. There is no…

Mr. President, I rise today to give a voice to Minnesotans to relay their thoughts on how Congress should resolve this impasse and raise the debt ceiling to avoid a default. On Wednesday, I received an e-mail from a constituent in St…

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to former Minnesota Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven, who this week received his sport's highest honor when he was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. To Bert, I offer hearty and…

Mr. President, are we in morning business? The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are in morning business. ____________________

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the urgent need to act on the debt ceiling before the August 2 deadline. While I believe we have reached a defining moment as a country, which has not been wasted--we need to reduce our debt--we…

We can be investing in jobs in the Midwest instead of oil cartels in the Mideast.

I’m encouraged by the success... of the Department of Defense in producing use for alternative aviation fuel.

It's time to break the deadlock and bring this project out of the bureaucratic limbo that it's been in for 30 years.

I would like to start by thanking you for holding this important hearing on organic and specialty crops.

While we cannot support the legislation, we acknowledge the efforts of Senator Klobuchar and her staff to include the mitigation provisions.

There is broad consensus that a new bridge is necessary.

But right now we are really focused on this specific exemption, Senator Paul, and we think that is, and the story is, there have been reversals of opinions and a lot of litigation.

I assure you that the people who live and work in the St. Croix River Valley have done everything possible to create the best plan for the entire region.

The legislation to authorize the bridge should be enacted by September 30th, 2011.