I have been very concerned, also, by the level of violence within Southern--South Sudan.

Mr. President, there are many important issues that demand Congress's attention, but one that we cannot afford to neglect the situation is Sudan. We are in the midst of a decisive period that will determine the future of that country and…

Thank you, Senator Lugar.

Despite some small successes, obviously the situation there remains unresolved.

Well, I appreciate that some of this shouldn't be shared in this setting. But, is there anything you can share, with regard to the types of consequences that this government may suffer if they mess around with this situation?

And I certainly want to thank Chairman Kerry for holding this very important hearing.

Mr. President, we recently learned that David Obey, one of the longest serving Members of the other body, a friend, and a fellow member of the Wisconsin delegation, has decided to retire. To come here and try to sum up his record and…

Mr. President, today I am introducing the bipartisan Federal Contracting and Oversight Act. Every year millions of taxpayer dollars are awarded to contractors with a history of poor performance and misconduct because our federal…

Mr. President, I am pleased to be joining an effort spearheaded by the Senator from Missouri, Mrs. McCaskill, to put an end to the practice of Senators secretly holding up legislation or nominations. Senators who want to block a bill or…

Madam President, I am glad the Senate is finally considering the critically important issue of financial regulatory reform. Few things are as important as ensuring we never again suffer the kind of meltdown of the financial markets that…

I question how well we can 'clear' areas when Taliban fighters meld into local populous and 'hold' them in a sustainable manner when regular police forces are perceived to be either corrupt or unreliable.

I am not convinced that that's the case.

Moreover, the Afghan Government's rampant corruption and the disaffection among the population in the South are not going to be fixed by the arrival of an additional 30,000 American troops in Afghanistan.

So obviously I think we have to ask whether a massive open-ended military presence that has already increased United States and Afghan civilian casualties and cost tens of billions of dollars makes sense.

It's too early to judge the long-term effects of the offensive in Marjah but already there are reports that the Taliban are once again asserting their presence there.

I'm concerned, as others are, that President Karzai is not serious about working to address the warlordism that has alienated the population in the south.

Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act with Senator Isakson and Senator Kerry. This legislation aims to update U.S. policy and to provide the necessary direction and…

A single weapon would have a devastating impact.