there are costs to businesses, and for sure, there are costs to society.

It is more important now than ever to look for the men and women who bravely served in the military.

Mr. President, first, I ask unanimous consent that immediately following my remarks, Senator Udall of New Mexico be recognized to speak. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. President, I have been listening to these speeches for the last couple of days--3 days, actually. If one listens to the other side of the aisle, one would think Republicans are against college education. I don't think there is a person…

My actual definition of a small businessman is you have not been a small businessman unless you have woken up in the middle of the night and said, 'Payroll is tomorrow.'

These are important positions. And while we have excellent candidates, I think it's fair to say, with all of those to be heard from today.

This is vital in my state of New Jersey which is home to the largest port on the East Coast, supporting more than 270,000 jobs, and $37 billion in business income.

The Federal Maritime Commission makes sure that our Nation's ports remain competitive and can meet growing demands.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor 369 high school seniors in eight northeast Ohio counties for their commendable decision to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Of these 369 seniors from 128 high schools in 87 towns and cities, 83 will…

Mr. President, we arrive here at a moment when we once again have a chance to view the differences in thought and perspective which are exhibited at this moment in this institution. Today, we are talking about college education. We are…

This is a hearing on S. 2374, the Helium Stewardship Act of 2012.

Mr. President, I understand we are debating the motion to proceed to S. 2343, the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012; is that correct? The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.

Mr. President, I come to the floor to urge my colleagues to vote to proceed to this important legislation. I was disappointed to see many of my Republican colleagues voted against allowing debate and amendment on this legislation. I have…

It's a bipartisan bill that addresses the need for ongoing stewardship of the Nation's helium reserve in Amarillo, Texas.

The current sales and management structure for the Helium Reserve is distorting the private helium market.

Helium is critical to a wide range of industrial, scientific and medical markets including medical devices such as MRIs.

The Helium Stewardship Act of 2012 represents a step toward a solution as it allows the U.S. Government to continue drawing from helium reserves.

Helium is a critical element used in numerous applications in our medical, industrial and scientific communities.