It seems as if you and the President-elect want to do everything the Affordable Care Act does but just do it in a totally different way.

Can you assure this committee that you're going to implement those accountability regulations to make sure that all schools are performing?

this rush job, this inability to allow the public to see this debate, the imperative to get this hearing in before we have all the information.

I do believe that segregation in our schools is a problem and I do not support policies that would increase segregation.

If we can't agree that folks shouldn't get rich off of schools, then maybe we can agree that they shouldn't be getting rich off of terrible schools.

Our Nation is stronger and a better place for all when we are educated, work and live together with people from different backgrounds, races and socioeconomic levels.

The Every Student Succeeds Act maintains the full enforcement powers of the Department of Education.

This is cruel and inhumane. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Debate is not allowed during a vote. The Senate will be in order.

How do you deter cyber attacks against the United States if you send a message that you can get away with it with no sanctions?

The U.S. is under attack today. We are under attack by Russia, by North Korea, by China through these cyber attacks.

I think we all pray that it is not true, and I certainly understand you are not in a position to testify to the contents of that report.

Could you take that question for the record and get a response to the committee?

Have you been briefed yet on these allegations and on this report?

I do not know that there is anybody on this committee that would deny that there are extrajudicial killings happening in Philippines.

once again, congratulations on your election. I haven't gotten a chance to talk with the Presiding Officer in detail about his path to the U.S. Senate, but I have had a chance to talk to a lot of my colleagues about how they got here, and…

what is happening on the floor right now is absolutely extraordinary. It is absolutely extraordinary that Republicans are using the budget process, the reconciliation process, in between the swearing in of the new Congress and the swearing…

I think the world has changed in the 21st century, and our State Department and the way it is organized has not changed.

Multiple courts have held that the policy is illegal, in part because it appears discriminatory.

There has been a ban or at least a slowdown on promotions and lateral transfers within the agency.

I think those priorities are correct. I do not know what direction or final form the budget discussion will take.

If that was really the intent of this administration, there are frankly a lot of other people who would have been better suited to play that role.

I wonder whether... you are going to Europe to try to help grow Europe or you are going to Europe to try to cheer on, not its disintegration, but those who might wish to leave.

Whenever we have a big problem anywhere around the world that needs to be solved, the first place we turn is to Europe.

They perceive this administration and this Secretary of State to be openly advocating for a fairly dramatic winnowing of authorities at the Department of State.

I always appreciate my name being name-dropped in answer to another Senator's question.