I am going to speak against the Vitter amendment because I think it is a huge danger to our economy, and I will explain why. It is a huge overreach by the Federal Government into the ability of States to determine if they want a recreation…

just for the people who are watching this debate, we are talking about the Transportation bill. We are talking about preserving the jobs that go with that, 1.8 million jobs, and an additional 1 million that will be created. But we are…

I am very happy to see we are making progress. I still continue to believe that these controversial amendments did not have to be on this bill. But having said that, we have our agreement. So our understanding is, I want for all Senators…

I thank my colleagues. Most of them have gone, but I feel it is important that the Record reflect this last vote that we had. Basically, it was a vote to undo everything we worked so hard on all day. It was basically a backdoor way of…

colleagues, we must waive the Budget Act in order to continue working on this bill. My friend from Tennessee will tell you otherwise. This bill is 100 percent paid for. The CBO score actually shows a $5 billion surplus over the next 10…

in my one minute, I hope we are going to vote down this antijobs amendment that threatens our coastal economies. Many of our coastal States treasure their coasts, and they are an economic engine of growth because the tourists come there…

I thought I would use this opportunity to inform our colleagues and anyone following this transportation debate as to where we are. Yesterday, we had an opportunity to stop the filibuster and get right to our bill and get it done and…

we are back in our fourth week trying to get a transportation bill through this body. To me, it is a very sad statement about the dysfunction of this body that we spent approximately 3 weeks dithering over a contraception amendment that…

I thank my friend for putting the gas price situation into a larger picture and also note that one other factor playing a role is manipulation due to some of the instability in the world that our President is certainly dealing with, and…

I am very concerned that Planetary Science programs received a 21 percent cut in the FY 2013 budget.

I ask unanimous consent that the time during these quorum calls be charged to both sides equally. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Last year, Senator Barbara Boxer and I wrote letters to Secretary Leon E. Panetta...

I wish today to pay tribute to 15 servicemembers from California or based in California who have died while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom since November 15, 2011. This brings to 324 the number of servicemembers either…

California and the Nation are mourning the loss of seven courageous and dedicated marines who died last week in a midair helicopter collision during a routine training exercise in a remote mountain area in Imperial County, CA. This is a…

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader is recognized. ____________________

I have news for the supporters of the Blunt amendment: We were not born yesterday. And no matter how many times they say this is nothing more than a restatement of old laws, the facts are not with them. We have never had a conscience…

I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to speak for 5 minutes, and that Senator Murray conclude our side with 5 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I remember him being so proud of the prevention piece he brought to us. He made the case to us publicly, and privately in caucus, that it would save so much money for the American people. Right now, we know, for example--and I just read…

I believe this to be an important policy and have written to the Coast Guard asking that they change the current regulation for a muster within 24 hours of embarkation, to before a ship departs.

It is irresponsible to wait up to 24 hours to instruct passengers on safety procedures in case of an emergency.

this is a panel of men who were called by House Republican Chairman Issa to testify about women's health--not one woman there, but they were the experts. They denied this woman the chance to speak. If she had been allowed to speak, this is…

the first letter is from the Cancer Action Network asking us to vote no on the Blunt amendment. On behalf of millions of cancer patients, survivors and their families, we write to express our opposition to the amendment proposed by Senator…

I thank Senator Whitehouse of Rhode Island for his words. Also, he is an exceptional member of the Environment and Public Works committee. First and foremost, he brings us the point of view of his State and he fights on every issue every…

I just want to thank my colleague from Maryland for her eloquence and for her fighting spirit. The year I came here was following on the Anita Hill issue, when the world saw and this country saw we had no women on the Judiciary Committee…

before the Senator from Maryland leaves the floor, I think it is an opportunity to thank her so much for speaking the truth today on the floor of the Senate--just the facts-- and what the Blunt amendment is about and isn't about. Also, I…