A significant part of the VA's responsibilities has to do with the delivery of health care.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coats). Without objection, it is so ordered. Unanimous Consent Agreement--Executive Calendar

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 5:20 p.m. the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of Calendar No. 76, Willie May to be an Under Secretary of Commerce, and that at 5:30 p.m. the Senate vote on the…

Mr. President, I wish to respond to the point frequently made by the supporters of this bill that this is the only way--the only way--that this body, the Congress, the Senate and the House, will receive the details of the deal. What the…

The difference between the two, as I understand them, is the amendment of the Senator from Texas would actually have a higher threshold. I think it would rise to a 60-vote threshold. I am not asking that. I am actually asking something…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my amendment No. 1149 to declare that any agreement reached by the President relating to the nuclear program of Iran is a congressional-executive…

Perhaps if the Senator from Maryland will listen to my explanation of what this amendment does, he will withdraw his objection. During our debate on Tuesday, when I offered an amendment to deem the agreement between Iran and America--well…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my amendment No. 1180. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? The Senator from Tennessee.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Tennessee, who is managing this bill. I know they are trying to find a way forward, and I hope that will include getting some votes on amendments, including this one. I think this is a very…

I tend to be a person who usually sides on the side of the argument to give the States flexibility.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds made…

Mr. Chairman, the Department of Veterans Affairs is entrusted with the protection of a multitude of historic facilities. As I noted last year during debate on the VA's budget, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has found serious…

I thank the gentleman. I appreciate those words of support. It certainly is important to the veterans in our State and in many States across the country that often find it very difficult to travel to local VA facilities, but now, with the…

I think when the Chairman and the Ranking Member both indicated at the very first meeting that while we are going to ask some really tough questions, our goal is to see that you succeed.

Earlier today, Chairman Isakson and I sent a letter to the Secretary of the VA with concerns on reimbursement changes to home health care and hospice care providers.

But, based on what we saw just in Denver and the challenges you have got there... maybe it is time that we not only start draining the swamp, but maybe we pull a few of those gators out and move them in a different direction, as well.

Mr. President, on April 2, President Obama announced that a framework had been reached for a nuclear agreement with Iran. If all goes according to plan--which hasn't happened often during these repeatedly prolonged negotiations--it means…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my amendment No. 1150. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? The Senator from Maryland.