Mr. President, as we end this year, I wanted to look back at what we have been able to accomplish--and look ahead at some of the important priorities we must tackle next year. The 111th Congress has been one of the most productive in our…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the next two Democrats on the list be Senator Leahy, followed by Senator Shaheen. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. President, I want to respond to the comments of my friend from Texas, who was very passionate in her remarks, by saying it interested me that she raised the name of President Ronald Reagan, because a lot of major players in his…

Mr. President, I wish to thank my chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Kerry, with whom I have worked closely. I thank also Senator Lugar, the ranking member, who at times has been my chair. It does my heart good to see…

Mr. President, I rise to object, and I will not. I just want to make sure that at 3:30 I will be allowed to speak.

This tax bill I voted on will help our working families. There is a 2-percent cut in payroll taxes. I know some say: Is that going to hurt Social Security? We have a statement from the executive vice president of the AARP, the Association…

Mr. President, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the service of a fellow Senator, and friend, Senator George Voinovich. He has spent over four decades as a public servant and has been a tireless advocate for…

I ask for 2 more minutes, and then I will stop. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I thank the Chair. The last topic I wish to talk about is my vote yesterday to move forward on a tax bill, the framework of which was sent to us by President Obama. There were negotiations with our Republican colleagues and then one very…

Madam President, this extension will save jobs not only in the short term, but it gives certainty to our States. We know our Nation's highways, bridges, and transit systems need to be in good repair. I will say this: With the construction…

Madam President, these heroes, these Americans have sacrificed and given it all for this Nation. I am humbled by their service. I am humbled by the service of their families, because this is a family commitment. I am so proud, along with…

Madam President, I have a number of issues I want to bring up today for the record to explain a lot of the things we are faced with here as we wind down before Christmas Eve--maybe. The first thing I am going to do is ask to have printed…