Mr. President, we are at a critical juncture in proceeding to the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill is routinely taken up every year. I want to emphasize again, we are at the first step. This is just a motion to go forward to…

I am grateful to Senator Shelby and Senator Vitter for raising the spectrum of this particular question.

Madam President, we have been debating for weeks now a needed solution to our economic recovery in the United States. We have seen some progress, but it is a long and difficult journey for American families. The depth of the crisis that…

I understand--and correct me if I'm incorrect--that the Chinese were not aware beforehand of this attack.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Do we know anything about it?

I think the only way that we will begin to be viewed more seriously is if we start moving legislation here in this Congress that has more teeth.

I think we are all coming to the conclusion that they don't believe we are serious.

Mr. President, this Saturday I will attend the 17th annual America's Cup Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Newport, RI. Today, I would like to congratulate this year's inductees: Simon Daubney, Warwick Fleury, Murray Jones, Dean Phipps…

For the record, Mr. Chairman, I would like to follow the Corker rule.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. This bill will supply much needed fiscal relief to Rhode Island, providing $33 million in education funding to prevent hundreds of teacher layoffs, as well…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 3753 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of…

Mr. President, I am in an interesting predicament. I am informed there is no one from the minority party in town; this being the end of session, everybody has headed home. Therefore, there is no one around to respond to my unanimous…

Mr. President, I intend to speak for a few minutes on climate change and the need for a new energy strategy for this country. I will just note that if any of my colleagues intend to seek the floor to conclude the business Senator Schumer…

Mr. President, I understand there has just been an agreement reached and entered into the Record regarding a number of appointments that were on the Executive Calendar. I understand further that--in fact, I discovered just recently--there…

Mr. President, we are debating the President's nomination to succeed Justice John Paul Stevens, who has served this country admirably and with great distinction. I rise in wholehearted support of Solicitor General Elena Kagan's nomination…

I thank the witnesses for being here.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING…