There is a lot of talk and legalese about what is going on today, but the reality is what the Republicans are trying to do underneath all of that legalese language is to enshrine in law the Republican Ryan budget. By voting for the rule…

I do not support S. 990, which extends three controversial PATRIOT Act provisions. There is a much better way to safeguard our national security without jeopardizing the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens. This legislation…

I announce that the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Blumenthal), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), and the Senator from New York (Mr. Schumer), are necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator…

Mr. President, it was 10 years ago I was contacted in my Chicago office by a mom, a Korean American. She had a problem. She had come to this country from Brazil with her young daughter. The family was originally from Korea, but they came…

Mr. President, first, I thank my colleague from Oklahoma. He and I share a passion and interest in the continent of Africa. He has traveled there many more times than I have. We have talked about the situation on that continent. I give…

Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to congratulate an extraordinary Illinoisan, Luis C. Tigera. After serving with distinction for 26 years with the Illinois State Police, First Deputy Director Tigera is retiring as the highest…

Mr. President, over the past year, students in Illinois have told me their stories of leaving some for-profit colleges with mountains of student loan debt and no job prospects. The students who find themselves in this terrible situation…

I announce that the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Blumenthal) and the Senator from New York (Mr. Schumer) are necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) and the Senator…

I understand there is time on the other side as well. The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is 28 minutes on the majority side.

Madam President, it is my understanding that we have a consent that will allow Senator Paul to offer two amendments, and then we will go to final passage on this reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act. The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.

I announce that the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Blumenthal), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), and the Senator from New York (Mr. Schumer) are necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator from…

I will oppose the amendments offered by Senator Paul, and then oppose the reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act. I would like to explain in my remarks why. I voted for the PATRIOT Act in the year 2001. In fact, there was only one Senator on…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn

Mr. President, last week, I spoke on the floor regarding the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is managing director of the International Monetary Fund, due to the serious criminal charges he is now facing in New York. Mr…

I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today in support of amendment No. 114. A few months ago, the DOD awarded a $99 million contract for the redesign of the flight suit. While the intentions are definitely good, at a time when we find…

Let me just read a quote here: ``Leadership means that the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of…

I announce that the Senator from New York (Mr. Schumer) is necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator from New York (Mr. Schumer) would vote ``nay.''

On rollcall No. 344, had I been present, I would have voted, ``no.'' Amendment No. 24 Offered by Mr. Sarbanes The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from…