We ought to be leaders in this area not followers, we can partner with some of the other countries, but we can lead.

The Critical Minerals Policy Act, submitted by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R- AK), Ron Wyden (D- Ore), Mark Udall (D- Col.), Dean Heller (R- Nev.) and 13 others, if fully enacted, will prevent supply shortages of critical materials and reduce…

We commend Senators Murkowski, Wyden, and Udall for crafting comprehensive and bipartisan legislation that will help create a more secure and domestic supply chain for critical minerals.

My focus was on research and development which would then develop a -or strengthen I should say our domestic supply chain.

as have so many of my colleagues, I rise to speak to this important Omnibus appropriations bill that we have before us today, and I too wish to thank the Senator from Alabama, whom I count as a friend, and the Senator from Baltimore and…

I rise today to welcome the final passage of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act-- frequently referred to as the NDAA. I would like to thank Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Inhofe, as well as Chairman…

I rise today and associate myself with the remarks of my colleague Senator Shaheen that she delivered earlier today. She is a fierce supporter of our men and women in uniform, both when they serve our Nation and when they retire or leave…

to start, I would like to pay tribute to my two colleagues, Senator Casey and Senator Ayotte, for their focus on human rights and particularly the rights of women wherever those women may live. I rise tonight to talk about the rights that…

I ask unanimous consent to engage in a colloquy with Senator Wyden for 15 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I thank the Senator from Connecticut and Senator from Oregon, the Presiding Officer who has been engaged in this and I know the Senator from Arizona who is here is interested in these discussions as well. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING…

I thank Senator Wyden for his leadership and for taking the time to join me on the floor. As the Senator pointed out, we have a broad coalition across both parties and across the political spectrum. We also acknowledge that passing the…

Again, you cannot go wrong with transparency. Transparency is a central tenet of America. In that spirit, I wish to recognize the Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Blumenthal. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut is recognized.

I want to thank Senator Udall again for his tireless leadership on this bill.

I really do believe we don't inherit the land from our parents. We borrow it from our children.

We applaud Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall for their efforts, as well as Representative Scott Tipton.

I thank the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Mr. President, I rise, as the Senator from California did, in support of a tough, adaptable, and smart national security policy. What do I mean by that? In this case, that means we…

due to unexpected family commitments, I was unable to cast a vote relative to rollcall vote No. 204 on the nomination of Todd Hughes to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Had I been present, I would have voted…

I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate for 5 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words today in support of my fellow Coloradan, Katherine Archuleta, and her nomination to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management. I have known her for years and have tremendous respect…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 11 a.m., in room SD-215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``The…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 2 p.m., in room SR-418 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 10 a.m., to conduct a…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 9:15 a.m., in room SD-430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Indian Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on October 30, 2013, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled…