Should the Assad regime use chemical weapons, I would be concerned about the welfare and safety of the Syrian people.

I have joined with him in pressing to look for additional ways to put military pressure on Assad, sending a message of inevitability, a message of determination, and I think for many reasons, the sooner the better.

Certainly every nation has the right to protect itself in their own interest of self-defense.

The transfer of chemical weapons to terrorists will not be allowed.

Once you are in, you cannot unwind it.

The United States remains in close contact with Israel on the deteriorating situation in Syria.

The administration's goal remains a managed political transition led by the Syrian people.

Although it is difficult to predict what the precise Iranian reactions would be to a no-fly zone, given that Syria remains one of Iran's only partners in the region, and given Syria's role as a conduit to support Hezbollah, it is likely…

You better always ask the end game questions. Where is this going? Where is it likely to end?

The potential proliferation of chemical weapons in Syria is one of our top security concerns today.

I would echo what the Chairman said. In addition, I would just tell you, this committee, that I am committed to working with you to try to find some way we can do more responsibly that is effective.

I think the fragmentation of leadership needs to be addressed to make this scenario work.

we must not allow regional actors, such as North Korea, to hold U.S. policy hostage by making our citizens vulnerable to a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile attack.

Without them, we could not maintain a strong and effective nuclear deterrent.

Mr. President, I ask for such time as I may consume. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I rise today on Tax Day, the deadline for Americans to file Federal tax returns on their hard-earned income for the 2012 tax year. Benjamin Franklin famously said the only sure things in life are death and taxes. Today we Americans live up…

That is why it is all the more important that we ensure the integrity of the program.

Madam President, I rise today to speak on the budget proposal released at long last yesterday by President Obama. Tardy though this budget may be, and despite our differences in opinion, I welcome the President's ideas to begin addressing…