I hope our committee's hearing will inform key aspects of the ongoing immigration debate.

It is worrying, however, that for the first time in decades the growth rate of immigrant-founded startups nationwide has stagnated, perhaps even declined.

According to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, over 20 percent of high-tech companies in the United States have been founded by immigrants.

I think that if we can convince the American people that we are taking measures to ensure that this never happens again, we will have immigration reform this year.

It would be hard to imagine modern American life without these innovative companies.

Mr. President, following the leader's comments about the health care law, I found it interesting this morning to pick up the New York Times and see the headline above the fold, on the front page: ``New Worries for Democrats on Health…

What do you think needs to be done to address the concerns you have regarding the non-Indian stakeholders who might be affected by these proposed transfers?

We need to ensure that the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act is passed to protect our water resources.

I want to thank him on the record for all the work he has done in terms of Indian country.

Addressing that problem, to me, seems to be a good feature of this bill.

There were a lot of big promises and plans back then and they all stopped as a result of the Depression, difficult fiscal times, as you say.

His service will certainly be missed.

The people of the State of Montana will be losing a great advocate when he retires.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of Amendments.'')

Madam President, what is the order at this time? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill S. 601 is pending. ____________________

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business for 30 minutes and that we then return to S. 601, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

Madam President, I want to speak now on a bill that Senator Vitter and I are very proud of. But, first, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the committee-reported substitute amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so…

Now I call up the Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment No. 799 and ask for its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from California [Mrs…