I cannot even think how many times I have used the words 'waste, fraud, and abuse' as it relates to programs in the Federal Government.

thank you for the opportunity to speak on the floor. The images and stories we have witnessed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are devastating. I want to thank every American and every Montanan who has pitched in, who has…

Look, we have mines that, whether they get permitted or not, they are just not getting any answers in Montana.

I left Montana yesterday morning to come back to Washington, DC, to do the work of the American people but, as always, my heart remains in Big Sky Country. That is especially true right now as fires burn across our State. In fact, just…

I ask unanimous consent that at 3 p.m. today, the Senate recess until 4:15 p.m. to allow for the all-Senators briefing. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that morning business be extended until 3 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

today I rise to talk about a different natural disaster. It is happening in the great State of Montana, and every corner of our State of Montana has felt the impacts of wildfires. In Montana, we are experiencing a historic drought. As you…

This poverty tax has been a huge problem for Montana.

The very people that can afford it the least are getting hit with billions of dollars in what we call a 'poverty tax.'

If the patient is not asking the question, 'What will it cost?' as the first question... I am just concerned that we never, ever will bend the cost curve.

the truth is it has real-world impacts and it is going to cost more money somewhere else if we do not deal with it up front.

I'm saying China would not stand idly by. They would not just sit there and watch whatever may or may not unfold in North Korea should U.S. attempt preemptive strike.

I think it's very unwise. Get ratchet up the rhetoric to a point we're getting too close to the tripping point where something disastrous might happen.

During my several years of experience as representative of United States -- to China -- one, the Chinese are very respective of strength. And they probably respect -- when President Trump vacillates and issues contradictory statements and…

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Chairman Isakson for his work on the VA Committee. We have gotten a lot of work done the first part of this Congress because we communicated. We haven't put up artificial barriers. We sat down and…

We also need to recognize wildland firefighters for what they do and give injured firefighters flexibility in the retirement compensation.

We do need to address how we fund and prepare communities for wildfires.

The Obama Administration was supporting us in these efforts, and we will keep fighting until it is signed into law.