I am very regretful and disappointed that the decision has been made to abandon it after devoting a billion dollars.

I now ask for a second reading, but in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The bill will be read for the second time on the next…

I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title for the first time. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 209) to require…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:41 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, February 7, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. ____________________

at noon on Thursday, Senator-designate Cowan will be sworn in. We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the Violence Against Women Act on Thursday. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2013; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be…

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read three times and passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 227)…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. 227, introduced earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 227) to…

the measure we have approved today to move forward, the Violence Against Women Act, so far as it defines us, states our values and articulates the vision we see of our Nation as caring for people who are victims of domestic abuse and…

I wish to thank my colleague Senator Harkin for his leadership on the Family and Medical Leave Act, along with my predecessor Chris Dodd's very strong dedication to this cause and the historic difference he and Senator Harkin have made on…

I'd like your commitment that you will do everything possible to provide a drastic and dramatic increase in humanitarian aid to the refugees in Syria and elsewhere.

I would like the same kind of commitment that you have expressed very persuasively on the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' on the issue of sexual assaults.

I'd like your commitment that you will help us, in effect, improve the law in that regard.

I want to join, Senator Hagel, in thanking you for your service.

What would have to change for those helicopters to be purchased from an American manufacturer such as Sikorsky or any of the others that are more than capable of providing better aircraft to the Afghans?

I think in connection with that question, what additional kinds of resources we should consider stopping if there is no status of forces agreement?

This program really has to be spared any impact as a result of sequester.

Will you make it your policy and practice that, that movie, among other training aids, is seen by all of the commanders?

I personally deeply respect the solution that the chairman and ranking member have helped to lead.

The effort to test and improve the airplane really requires a close working relationship.

I hope that you will share the sense of urgency that many of us feel about this situation and about the very dire predicament of many of those courageous fighters who are opposing the murderous and barbaric regime that the Assad…

I think special care should be taken before removing commanders from the administration of military justice

In a more perfect world--not a perfect world necessarily, but a more ideal world, that program would be implemented without the delay.

But, simply as an attorney, as the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, wouldn't you value the experience of a trained prosecutor in making these decisions?

Finally, we hear a lot about readiness and about the impact of sequester on readiness.