First of all, I want to thank the chairman on the Subcommittee on Environment, Mr. Shimkus, whose, I think, life's work is on the floor today in many respects. Nobody has been more tenacious in this effort to get permanent, safe, and…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent at this point to speak for up to 5 minutes and to let my colleague from the Pacific Northwest, Senator Cantwell, follow me immediately thereafter. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so…

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, this is the only resolution that provides a golden ticket to maintaining a free and open internet. By way of a free and open internet--and I know a lot of folks are following this debate. I see folks…

Mr. President, first of all, I want to thank the distinguished Senator from Vermont, who has been such a role model to me since I came to the Senate--we started working together on technology issues and worked together on so many matters…

Mr. President, we have all heard the sad news. While we were back in our districts last week, our Assistant Parliamentarian, Michael Phillip Beaver, passed away unexpectedly at the very young age of 39. Family and friends gathered this…

Mr. President, I regret that, due to unforeseeable flight delays, I was unable to make it back here to Washington in time for the cloture vote on Kurt Engelhardt's nomination for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Had I been present, I…

Mr. President, if I can wrap up in two sentences, I will say that this web of deceit is enormously damaging to our Nation. Let's call it out. Let's have an actual debate based on the science and not let the Koch brothers do what the…

Mr. President, if I told you that a cabal of wealthy elites and special interests were spinning a web of deceit to lie to the American people and to rig the levers of power in their favor, you would think I was talking about the plot of…

Last week, the House Agriculture Committee passed a bill out that would reauthorize the farm bill. This is the most important bill that most Americans don't pay that much attention to. Sadly, I don't think it gets the attention that it…

I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this and the elements that he just put into the Record. These are tough issues. The Bonneville Dam, one of the elements here, is in my district. I have been involved with…

When I look at what this Congress-- particularly, under Republican rule--has done trying to intervene to supersede science, to have political decisions on things that really deserve balance with the environment, with treaty rights, dealing…

Mr. President, it is hard to find the words that will truly reflect what an abomination the campaign finance system in America has become. The fact is, the only people who seem happy with the current state of campaign finance are…

Mr. President, we are at a critical moment in world history, filled with innumerable dangers and challenges. Russia is causing enormous trouble attacking the foundation of democracies around the world, interfering in our elections…

I appreciate the gentleman from Florida's courtesy in permitting me to join him on this Special Order this evening. I appreciate the partnership that we have had on the Ways and Means committee and dealing with these issues publicly. It is…

Madam President, I come to the floor this morning to oppose the nomination of Stuart Kyle Duncan to serve on the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. I accept that there are differences of opinion with respect to nominees, and I accept…

Madam President, the preamble of our Constitution lays out a vision that includes establishing justice and promoting the general welfare. Certainly we have the challenge in America of making sure the doors of opportunity are wide open and…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Quinn Nouguier, an intern on my team, be granted privileges of the floor for the remainder of the day. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Mr. President, it was very exciting to have Maile Pearl with us on the floor just moments ago. It was certainly the first time I have seen a little baby on the floor of the Senate and may be a good symbol for the work the Senate will be…