Hospital emergency departments are a major component of the Nation's health care safety net as they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

That's our responsibility.

That's what the American people expect us to do, and it's what the American people deserve.

That's what families do in tough times.

Tomorrow I'm pleased to announce that the Washington Monument, as well as the entire Federal Government, will be open for business.

Throughout Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we celebrate the close partnerships across our hemisphere that advance the ability of our citizens to enjoy freedom and reach for their highest aspirations.

David S. Johanson, of Texas, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2018, vice Charlotte A. Lane, term expired.

The debt ceiling is going to be Armageddon. I mean, that is the one where we have got to see reforms before the debt ceiling is raised.

Absolutely. I think we are now down to the wire. And it is unthinkable that we would get to midnight and shut down government. We don't need to do that. There are so many consequences to it.

No, this is not a monarchy, and it's not a dictatorship. And no one is going to get exactly what they want 100 percent, but we have to come to a consensus so that we can address the big issues.

The Department of Defense announced on Friday, April 8, that the Army will be re-deploying one heavy brigade combat team (BCT) from Germany to the United States.

I strongly condemn the abhorrent violence committed against peaceful protesters by the Syrian Government today and over the past few weeks.

These rights are universal, and they must be respected in Syria.

Wanda Felton, of New York, to be First Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2013, vice Linda Mysliwy Conlin, term expired.

Timothy G. Massad, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, vice Herbert M. Allison, Jr., resigned.

Anuj Chang Desai, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for the term expiring September 30, 2014. (Reappointment)

I call upon the Syrian authorities to refrain from any further violence against peaceful protestors.

I want to thank Speaker Boehner and Senator Reid for their leadership and their dedication during this process.