That we not just continue to rubber-stamp programs, but that we evaluate them to see if they are fulfilling goals and actually helping people.

It is a very important hearing, specifically, because not only are we looking at our programs, but then we are trying to identify some solutions, and then hold the programs accountable to those solutions.

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Texas for his leadership on this issue, as well as the Senator from Iowa, Mr. Grassley, for moving this legislation to the floor. As the Senator from Texas--who has authored and been involved with…

Is it correct that that particular provision, referred to as the Hyde amendment, has been a part of spending bills dating back to 1976? So for literally 40 years the Hyde amendment language has been included in bills we have passed here…

It is 68 pages long. It was introduced back in January. It was reported out unanimously. All the Democrats on the committee voted for it when it left the Judiciary Committee. When it was brought up on the floor of the Senate, all 100…

I say to my colleague from Texas, again, who has been so instrumental in getting this to the floor, that a 68-page bill is certainly readable. They have had several months to look at and read it. When a bill is reported out of a committee…

If they survive, imagine how messed up some of these young victims are going to be for the rest of their lives. We have an opportunity to do something about it. The Democratic leader has described this as a sleight of hand. That is not…

My understanding is the bill itself is approximately 68 pages long. Is that correct?

Thank you and Ranking Member Wyden for holding this important hearing.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 10 minutes and that the Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Toomey, be allowed to follow me for as much time as he may consume. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so…

Mr. President, every year millions of human beings around the world are forced into slave labor and sold for sex. This includes a large number of children. While these crimes are especially prevalent in countries where prosecution of…

I've worked hard to strengthen our country's emergency response network in part by sponsoring and working on the legislation that led to the creation of FirstNet.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The EPA claims that the rules give States flexibility to create their own plans.

During the time that we were on the campaign trail this last year, ... the anticipated cost to the average American family ... was approximately $1,400 more per year in their electric rates.

If they would have had the parts to keep the aircraft in the air, it would have taken normally about 12 months.

I think that the level of engagement this time around, we just have not seen it at all relative to what happened in 1985 and 1986.

I appreciate the leadership of the Senator from North Dakota on this issue. He has been a fierce advocate for many months in the Senate for the jobs and economic activity, the energy independence, and the positive benefits to our national…