I would ask unanimous consent to place in the record the full statement of Alan Gross, an open letter to President Obama from 78 foreign policy thinkers and leaders.

If I could ask for the attention of my friends. The reason I so wanted have this 1 minute even though I am not asking for a rollcall vote is because I want to make clear what we are doing in this underlying bill. This is the only time in…

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 35 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there will now be 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to…

We have a great record of bipartisanship on that issue. So nothing should stop us.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank both of my colleagues for working so hard. I am trying to be a facilitator in this process as well, as the ranking member now on the Environment and Public Works Committee. I want to remind everyone that…

I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To preserve existing permits and the authority of the agencies…

I am pleased that the EPW Committee's first hearing in the 114th Congress is focused on the importance of Federal funding for our nation's transportation infrastructure.

We have failed as government to give any certainty to this process.

I have a very simple amendment. I hope it will be unanimously accepted. I think anyone within the sound of my voice who cares about the health and safety of people would support this amendment because we know this underlying bill…

We would like you in another way, in your very eloquent way, explain to us why certainty is so critical.

This is our duty, this is our job, this is the best thing we can do for the Country.

More short-term extensions are not the answer. Our states, industries, and economy need long-term authorizations.