I thank the gentleman for his leadership and for pointing out the priorities and the focus and the injustice and unfairness of the Republican proposal. At a time when Congress should be laser focused on finding new ways to grow our economy…

While we are preoccupied with the weighty issues of the day, we also need to take a moment to acknowledge what is also good. Today I'd like to recognize an exceptionally strong and inspiring group of women, the United States women's soccer…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Nomination of J. Paul Oetken

Mr. President, it is my distinct honor to rise in support of Paul Oetken's confirmation to the bench of the Southern District of New York. We have a very deep pool of legal talent in New York, but Paul's nomination is one everybody is…

Mr. President, today I am pleased to offer my strong support to the nomination of James Paul Oetken to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In Mr. Oetken, President Obama has sent to the Senate a nominee…

On May 24, President Obama issued a memorandum on Federal fleet performance, which requires all new light- duty vehicles in the Federal fleet to be alternate few vehicles, such as hybrid, electric, natural gas or biofuel, by December 31…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act…

I thank the gentleman. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment Offered by Mr. Hastings of Washington

I now ask for a second reading and, in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the bill will receive its second reading on…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that on Monday, July 18, 2011, at 5 p.m., the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 82; that there be 30 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form; that upon the use…

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 7:06 p.m., adjourned until Monday, July 18, 2011, at 2 p.m.

Mr. President, there will be a rollcall vote at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. That vote will be on the confirmation of J. Paul Oetken to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. ____________________

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 2 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2011; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning…

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk. I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal Water…

My colleagues, as we have the opportunity to debate whether or not our brave young men and women are fighting in wars in foreign lands that have not been approved by the Congress, as we talk in terms of trillions of dollars as to the…

I have never been more concerned about our Nation's economic security and future. Just this week, Moody's warned that the U.S. may lose our top-notch AAA credit rating if we fail to increase our Nation's debt ceiling. Economists say that…

We must fund the Army Corps of Engineers to repair damage caused by recent storms and floods and to prepare for future disaster events, there is no question about it. But doing so by cutting long-term investments in high-speed rail makes…

Madam President, I rise to speak about the budget and deficit issues that are facing us. The first point, which is becoming clearer and clearer to the American people, is how bad a default would be. The bottom line is very simple: America…