I appreciate this. This is on software patents. It is my understanding that studies, statistics, and companies show that the patent system drains resources from high-tech industries.

The length of time it takes to obtain a patent is their number one concern.

Mr. President, I am in support of this resolution with Senator Boxer congratulating the Los Angeles Kings on their 2012 Stanley Cup Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the players, staff, and fans for…

Mr. President, I rise to express my deep disappointment that the Senate will not be considering amendment No. 2252, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012. Unanimous consent was required for this amendment to be voted on, but…

Mr. President, I urge an ``aye'' vote. I don't believe a rollcall vote is necessary. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time in opposition?

Mr. President, I offer this amendment on behalf of Senator Chambliss and myself. This is a simple amendment. It simply authorizes a study into how we can better cover farmers affected by recalls they did not cause. When a food safety…

Mr. President, I call up amendment No. 2309. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from California [Mrs. Feinstein], for herself and Mr. Chambliss, proposes an amendment numbered…

Mr. President, I present this amendment on behalf of Senator Kyl, Senator Boxer, and myself. It is a very simple amendment. It maintains a provision from the 2008 farm bill that sets aside $37.5 million for air quality improvement…

Mr. President, I call up my amendment 2422. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from California [Mrs. Feinstein], for herself, Mrs. Boxer, and Mr. Kyl, proposes an amendment…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To encourage the purchase of pulse crop products for school…

Madam President, I rise in support of this amendment offered by my colleague, Senator Murray, and others, to include in the school lunch program a pilot program dealing with dry beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. My amendment works to…

Madam President, I thank Senator Cantwell, and I rise to speak in support of this amendment. I cosponsored the legislation. This would provide that pulse crops--peas, beans, and lentils--are used in school lunch programs. It does not add…

I call up amendment No. 2370. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Washington [Ms. Cantwell] proposes an amendment numbered 2370.

Mr. President, I rise to speak on the Utility MACT issue. EPA's Utility MACT rule is a clear example of how overzealous regulations and a lack of a sensible energy policy are derailing investment and costing America jobs. I support good…

I thank my colleague from Tennessee. It is interesting for me to be able to hear the indignation and saying we've got to get this bill done. It's important that it gets resolved, and I would have to say I completely agree with my…

I call up my amendment No. 2238. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Pennsylvania [Mr. Casey] proposes an amendment numbered 2238.

Madam President, I am calling up this amendment, which is very simple. It is about two things: First of all, it would increase the frequency of so-called dairy price reporting that goes on already. The Department of Agriculture does this…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To require more frequent dairy reporting) On page 110, line 7…