Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are the most vibrant and vital job creators.

I recommend her because I think she would be an excellent fit for this agency based on her experience and expertise as a business leader.

I will never question whether she has the experience and the determination necessary to lead this great agency.

This Administration ends on January 20, 2017. It is incumbent on Administration officials to do their constitutional duty to exercise their authority to execute the laws as entrusted by Congress until that date.

I will be introducing a measure that would prohibit look-alike toy guns, which can cause tragedies.

shouldn't the President of the United States do the same?

that conflict of interest is inevitable so long as the President of the United States refuses to divest himself.

I'm asking you to commit to make this issue a priority and agree to enforce the anti-boycott laws to the fullest extent of your authority.

This system is broken. It is broken from an environmental and an economic standpoint. It's costing jobs, and it is preventing the United States from using its fish stocks.

And we should send the Russians or any other country that would threaten us in that way an unmistakable message that such an attack will be met by a aggressive effective response.

I am concerned about the new Administration's orientation toward Russia and their autocratic leader, Vladimir Putin.

Would you agree with me that deterrents against this kind of attack should include measures not only in the cyber domain but also economic sanctions if necessary, and foreign exchange sanctions?

Creating the trust as he has done is no substitute for complete divestiture.

I'm asking for your support to ensure that toy look-alike or imitation firearms are not allowed to enter Commerce unless they are made abundantly clear to be toy guns.

There has to be a robust public investment in our infrastructure, taking advantage of the low-interest environment as you very correctly suggested.

I would like your commitment that you will work with me to use your emergency powers, but also to support legislative reform.

the Senate is holding hearings on each of President-Elect Trump's nominees to his Cabinet. Traditionally, Presidents are accorded a very high level of deference on assembling their own team, in part because these nominees are directly…

I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak as in morning business for 15 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Nomination of Jeff Sessions

Madam Clerk, on behalf of all the people mentioned here tonight-- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Debate is not allowed during a vote. The Senate will be in order.

--and all who will be mentioned, and on behalf of the people of Connecticut, I vote no.

I look forward to working with you on issues that concern investment in infrastructure.

We see this issue particularly in Connecticut on our roads and bridges, but also the safety and reliability and speed of our rail system.

Tax breaks are an insufficient way to rebuild roads, highways, and rail.

Would you plan to make sure that that deadline is fulfilled and that, in fact, Positive Train Control, which is a life-saving technology, is implemented by 2018?

I hope the promise again is not just to be briefed, but also to take action.