I see conflict as somewhat of a positive thing.

Independence is important to the functioning of our financial system.

Even though I did not support it, I want it implemented right.

I want to say that publicly and tell you how much I appreciate it as one of the new people here.

I have some colleagues that--I have gone over my time, and so I hate to cut it off here...

Scott and Nicole Sherer, of Lincoln, NE, are extraordinary Nebraskans who opened their hearts and homes to four beautiful children in need of parents. This is a tale of love, devotion and caring. In 2007, Nebraska officials found a young…

Pipelines are everywhere. I don't believe any State is unaffected by what's going on in this hearing today.

I rise today to discuss what I consider to be a rather disturbing trend on the floor of the Senate. I am observing more and more the majority bringing legislation to the floor for political reasons, knowing it doesn't have enough votes to…

I rise today to remember a fallen hero, U.S. Marine SSG Michael Bock of Omaha, NE. Michael was a proud member of the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, operating in one of the most dangerous areas of…

I have received a letter from one or more farm groups in their state, to be blunt about it, attacking your agency.

I rise today to speak about something that is enormously important, and that is tax policy and the economy. Over the most recent break, I had the opportunity to go out across the State of Nebraska. I traveled throughout the State and I…

I rise today to remember a fallen hero, U.S. Army 1LT Mark A. Noziska of Grand Island, NB. Mark was a proud member of the 1st Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division. He was active in and around Kandahar, one of the most dangerous areas of…

There is a feeling out in the country that you walked in, the President walked in, and every idea for more regulation was dusted off and cut loose, and agriculture is under attack.

It is one thing to listen; it is another thing to hear.

I rise today to ask a pretty straightforward question: Why on Earth is this administration standing by and watching our global competitors gain the upper hand over U.S. businesses? Last week, the European Union announced that it is taking…

I rise today to speak on behalf of the amendment I offer, which is called the Johanns amendment. I think and very respectfully I say that the Senator from Montana has really joined the issues here. On one hand, we have this 1099…

Let me wrap up with something. If the Nelson amendment passes, this is the effect: These are businesses, real people who are going to be hurt because they are left out. In the State of Iowa, 3,334 businesses are left out; in the State of…

But the truth is, the IRS has already announced steps to implement that exact same policy. The unfortunate thing about this exemption is that it will cause more problems, not fewer: pay by check, pay by credit card; property, nonproperty…

never before in history has an administration claimed to have so much love for small businesses. In fact, the President recently stated: This is as American as apple pie. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. They are central…

a Senator has an enormous duty when it comes to evaluating a Supreme Court nominee. The duty demands that Senators examine whether the person nominated to the highest Court in the land will uphold and defend the principles contained in the…

I am worried that in that part of the world, folks are going to reach the conclusion that this administration is powerless to get the South Korean Trade Agreement approved.

I rise to talk about small businesses. I think we all know and recognize--certainly they do--that small businesses and businesses in general face a mountain of paperwork to comply with a whole host of regulations, most notably our very…

I rise to talk about legislation that I intend to introduce today, both as an amendment to the small business bill and as a stand-alone measure. With the BP oilspill in the headlines, we are rumored to tackle energy legislation later this…

I don't like the sounds of what you describe, just to be very blunt about it.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.