casting non-believers as outsiders to the political community.

I applaud the Chairman for his work.

the Majority Leader can bring up these nominations for a vote on the floor anytime he decides to do so.

Madam President, I ask permission to speak for about 10 minutes on the Yellen nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Madam President, over the past 5 years the Federal Reserve has pursued unconventional and unprecedented monetary policy. As Vice chair of the Fed, Janet Yellen has been a strong proponent of these policies. As chair, she is likely to…

Mr. President, we have the opportunity today to take care of some very important unfinished business. We left town last year without ensuring that millions of American jobseekers could retain access to vital unemployment insurance. I hope…

Madam President, it is a great pleasure to thank my colleagues, Senators Warner, Collins, and Kaine, for their partnership in winning this breakthrough in newly-strengthened whistleblower protections for our troops. It is important to be…

Madam President, today we consider the nomination of Brian Davis to be a District Court Judge for the Middle District of Florida. I will vote for him today (although there has been some controversy surrounding his nomination). I wish to…

Mr. President, I rise for two purposes. No. 1, to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and the fact that we cannot offer amendments to it and the process that has deteriorated in the Senate for deliberation. Second, I will speak…

Mr. President, like my colleagues, and as I have done several times before, I come to the floor to share the voice of one of many Iowans who have contacted me over the sticker shock that they are experiencing under the Affordable Care Act…

Mr. President, ensuring equal opportunities and equal rights for individuals with disabilities has been one of my highest priorities during my time in Congress. As the lead Senate sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I still…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Trenton White of my staff be granted floor privileges for the duration of today's proceedings. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Mr. President, as chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which holds jurisdiction over the servicing of our Federal student loan programs, it is my understanding that the intent of the budget agreement is to allow…

Madam President, I want to take the floor today because I am very disturbed by the apparent shift in attitude by many elected leaders, including some in this body and in the House--the attitude towards people who do the work that makes…

Madam President, soon we will be voting on the nomination of Mr. Mayorkas for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I have concerns about the nomination. First, I will discuss how Mr. Mayorkas has carried out the…

Mr. President, I would like to associate myself with the comments of the senior Senator from Washington and am pleased to know it is her intent that the use of not-for-profit servicers continues and that not-for-profit servicers will be…

I think it is important to state on behalf of CUNA and, arguably, all financial services companies that if part of the result of legislation is to add to the cost for the side--in this case, the plaintiff...

Thank you, Ms. Overton, for your testimony.