Mr. President, I have come to the floor several times to discuss border security. Border security is so essential to people approving the legislation that we pass because most every poll shows when people want an immigration bill, it is…

Mr. President, I suppose when some of us raise a lot of questions about this legislation and point out shortcomings in it that some question our sincerity. When we say we need a piece of legislation, we might be questioned by a lot of…

Well, it is amazing to me that the majority has touted this immigration bill process as one that is open and regular order. But right out of the box, right now, just on the third day, they want to subject our amendments to a…

I ask unanimous consent that the pending Grassley amendment be set aside and the following amendments be in order to be called up: Thune No. 1197, Vitter No. 1228, Landrieu No. 1222, and Tester No. 1198; that the time until 4 p.m. be…

Madam President, I want to visit with my colleagues about border security. It refers to an amendment that I have pending to enhance the bill's provisions on border security. I would like to take a few minutes to discuss why I think my…

In regard to this whole issue about the Senate as an institution and where I said if this nuclear option holds it is going to destroy the Senate, I think it is very appropriate for us to remember the Senate is the only institution in our…

peaceful protest is an only way for Russia.

The Russians are acutely looking to see which of those we are funding.

What we are witnessing today in Russia, as President Putin cracks down on political dissent and shutters much of civil society, is not yet 'The Great Purge,' but this hearing will draw light on the dangerous trendlines in Russia that are…

One particularly egregious example of the Russian Government's overreach has been its recent treatment of NGOs.

Mr. Putin is no longer guarantor of the constitution.

the Presidency in Russia, de facto, is the executive branch and is very politicized.

We need Russia to be an ally, but it cannot be if the government is constantly continuing this pattern of scaring off or locking up political opponents.

The Russian Government is on weak ground, internationally, in trying to repress support for civil society.

Mr. President, I wish to speak to my amendment No. 1079 to the farm bill. This amendment--with Republican and Democratic support-- would simply increase the authorization for the Local and Regional Procurement Program from $40 million per…

Mr. Speaker, I have substantial sympathy with those seeking regulatory clarity and with U.S. companies wishing to avoid being competitively disadvantaged when operating abroad. At the same time, one of the hard-learned lessons from the…

I agree. That is the right count. There were four of us there, and we did just as the chairman said.

So I would urge that we go back to the drawing boards. If the Senator from Texas has a different proposal, obviously, I would look at it. This one is, unfortunately, one that we have tried, rejected, and will not lead to either…