I am hopeful also that the full Senate will move, as well as this Committee, to approve these nominees.

It should not be the kind of marathon that it has been, in many instances, for many of our nominees.

I just want to assure, again, members of the audience that the lack of full attendance at this hearing and its apparent speed really reflects the lack of controversy, which is a good thing.

If I may ask you, Ms. Mason, I noticed that a number of the letters of support--well, you have a diverse group of people writing on your behalf, a very impressive list, but I was particularly interested in the letters from tribal nations…

in 2010, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer passed a resolution honoring the Hudson River School painters for their contributions to the United States. Today, I join my colleagues in paying tribute to this significant, historic artistic…

although the Newtown community is very much still in mourning, I stand here today to remember 20 innocent children and 6 remarkable adults. I am hopeful that the memories of loved ones can provide some solace in the face of senseless…

I rise today to honor the 11 individuals and organizations from Connecticut that have been awarded 2012 Environmental Merit Awards by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. Every year, the EPA recognizes stand-out efforts in different…

I wish to begin by thanking my colleague from Maryland, Senator Mikulski, for her kind and generous words about the recent tragedies we suffered in Connecticut and her sense of compassion and kindness. I also thank her for her vision…

I thank my colleague from Connecticut for those very moving and important comments on the Senate floor at this profoundly significant time in the history of our State and our Nation. Remembering Daniel K. Inouye I want to join my…

today I wish to congratulate a father and son team and their family from Westport, CT, whose company, Tea Importers, Inc., was recently recognized by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton with the 2012 Award for Corporate Excellence…

One quick question. Could you comment specifically on the different alternatives in terms of collateral that may be available?

Your leadership has been really tremendous in this area.

I wish to thank my colleague and friend from Connecticut on behalf of all the people of our State for his lifetime of public service. Our lives have been intertwined personally and professionally for almost 40 years. I had the privilege of…

I want to just briefly say thank you to the President for providing the strong leadership that he has in the wake of this disaster in Connecticut.

I am very proud to serve on it with you, Senator Durbin, and thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.

Thank you to you, Senator Durbin, for your leadership and your vision and your very vigorous leadership on this issue.

I not only thank you but express my admiration to you for your work in achieving progress.

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 762 and 829; that…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 3187, which was received from the House and is at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 612 submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A…

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read three times and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements related to the bill be printed in the Record. The…

If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the provisions of S. Res. 612 as a further mark of respect to the late Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. There being no…

at 2:15 p.m. tomorrow, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 3637, the TAG extension legislation. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2012; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be…

I rise today on Human Rights Day. Now, there are a plethora of days in this Nation known for various causes, for issues, and for historical occurrences. Human Rights Day is fundamentally American. The rights of human beings are the reason…