Mr. President, I was here earlier today, following Senator Baucus's handling of a portion of the small business bill. I am pleased to share in that responsibility on a small business bill that is not immediately before the Senate because…

Mr. President, I would like to talk about the underlying bill that we are actually on today, which is the extenders package. The Democrats negotiated in very good faith with the Republican Party to try to figure out a way to get tax…

The Independent Community Bankers Association has sent to Senator Snowe and me a strong recommendation. They say: On behalf of 5,000 members and our State partner community banking associations, we strongly support the proposed Small…

Mr. President, as we continue the important work of the Senate this week on a number of important bills, one of them being the small business package that is before this body now, we are always mindful, as we come to the floor with the…

Mr. President, reserving my right to object and I will object in a minute, I guess this exchange is at least useful because it illustrates the gamesmanship that is continuing to go on. My distinguished colleague is giving me this…

Mr. President, reclaiming my time, here we go again--the same old gamesmanship. Through the Chair, let me correct my distinguished colleague from Illinois. The reason that bill was objected to by all Republicans, as well as some Democrats…

I think, in many different ways, the Federal response has been, and remains, inadequate.

the fact that BP put out some solicitation about some category of ships doesn't boost my confidence.

I think it's fair and reasonable that we look to them first to mitigate their losses, before we do anything else.

I would encourage us all, again, to look to the areas and the people hit economically by this event, and give them the business first, and mitigate their losses first.

I just wanted to express three things. First of all, I join with everyone in expressing our deep condolences to Mrs. Roshto and Mrs. Anderson.

when you're dealing with people who are hurting, you focus on the people who are hurting.

If that package is paid for. I will be happy to produce all of the pay-fors. I will be happy to produce ways to responsibly pay for that package. If that package is handled responsibly that way, absolutely yes.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Udall of New Mexico). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

To reclaim my time, they have been offered over and over. I will be happy to offer them. There are ways to solve that problem. But in the meantime, can we pass a necessary program, the cessation of which is holding up real estate closings…

Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor once again to ask all of my colleagues to come together, Democrats and Republicans, as Americans to do something we should have done weeks ago: reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. The…

Again, the National Flood Insurance Program has universal bipartisan support. This extension does not increase the deficit. It is not a spending and debt issue. It has only been taken hostage in these larger battles over other matters…

I was glad to see it, because of the language he used -- we're being invaded. This is -- but the heck with the oil spill act of 1990.