I think it needs to have flexibility, absolutely.

I am wondering how, I mean, that is a long-term solution. But how do we deal with the emergency of that issue?

But let me tell you the story. Two little boys on the school bus beat up two little girls on the school bus.

Thank you, and I guess I should congratulate my good friend from Montana, Jon Tester, on taking over on this Committee.

It is so tough, because we want absolutely the highest quality. But we also don't want to credential our way out of a program.

If we don't do it here, we will continue to spin our wheels.

I really applaud the programs that you have described as really requiring a high level.

They are finding it extraordinarily difficult to meet the Federal standard.

The Congress is currently considering a minimum wage increase.

Investing in early education is investing in our future.

Are we sacrificing quality?

The recent derailment of an agricultural products train that led to derailment of a train full of Bakken crude oil that led to explosions near the city of Casselton, North Dakota, was a stark reminder of our new reality.

I see the good Senator from New Mexico is here. I am willing to defer to the Senator if time is an issue for him. If it is not, I will proceed. ____________________

I ask to speak as if in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I rise to speak on the issue of the military COLA. This is a cost-of-living adjustment for our military retirees. In the budget agreement, the COLA was reduced for military retirees by 1 percent until they reached age 62, and then the COLA…

Violent crime rates across Indian Country are twice as high as the national average.

And I really encourage you to work within the court system, and I think we should create an expectation in the Congress...

It's critical that we address the unique needs of Native American tribes.