I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Manchin) is necessarily absent.

Let me also say I join my colleague from Alabama in sadness over the loss of a life of a border guard. It is a terrible thing. These men and women are serving our country, and it is a tragedy. But can we blame these young people sitting in…

Mr. President, how much time remains on each side? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. There is 23 minutes remaining for the majority, just under 16 minutes to the Republicans.

Five minutes. Thank you. I wish to say a few things about the people who are involved in this. They are faceless and nameless until we bring them to the floor. This is Benita Veliz. Benita Veliz has an amazing story which I wish to share…

I announce that the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. Landrieu) and the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Manchin) are necessarily absent.

Mr. President, I yield to three of my colleagues at this point before, I believe, Senator McCain speaks. I yield Senator Bennet 2 minutes, Senator Gillibrand for 2 minutes, and Senator Schumer for 2 minutes. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro…

Mr. President, over the past few months, we have heard a variety of justifications for why now is not the time to repeal don't ask, don't tell. Opponents of repeal have said that we should wait for our military leaders to call for change…

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

Mr. President, I rise today in support of the DREAM Act and in support of the repeal of don't ask, don't tell. I will focus my remarks on the DREAM Act, but I want to make it clear to my colleagues, you will not get many chances in the…

Mr. President, Senators should expect a series of up to four rollcall votes at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. The first vote will be on cloture with respect to the DREAM Act. If cloture is not invoked, the next vote would be cloture with respect to…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 18; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning…

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 10:07 p.m., adjourned until Saturday, December 18, 2010…

I think the Senator is correct. Mr. President, I don't know what the most effective way is in Washington to lobby a bill, but I will tell you that there are no more effective spokesmen and spokeswomen for the DREAM Act than the young men…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed en bloc to Executive Calendar Nos. 937 and 1093; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that any…

Mr. President, I thank my colleague and friend, Senator Menendez, for that great speech. I know it was heartfelt. I thank him for waiting late this evening to come and those who have joined us because they understand that though the hour…

Mr. President, tomorrow, we are going to have two important votes. I would go so far as to say they are historic. In the history of the United States of America, I do not know how many people have lived in this great Nation. Today there…

If I could ask the Senator from Massachusetts, through the Chair--this is less question than a statement--but I will try to end it with a question mark. I would like to let the Senator from Massachusetts know that I have withheld the…

I am not suggesting it either, but eight amendments have been filed by Republican Senators and I don't know that you have done anything--I am certain you have done nothing to stop them should they want to move forward with those…