I want to thank Senator Durbin for advancing this debate and for a proposal that I think addresses many of the weaknesses and needs in the present system.

Whether you favor reform or not, most folks would rather see less of us on TV rather than more.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, let me thank Senator Durbin for his very important and really significant proposal addressing a problem that I think all of us agree is an issue most Americans feel is a problem in today's democracy.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the period for morning business for debate only be extended until 11:15 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each, with the majority leader to be recognized at 11:15 p.m…

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Georgia for those very moving and powerful remarks. I differ with him only in recognizing that the saying about digging a hole is not only a southern saying, but I think by now it is a national…

I want to focus on the area of potential legislation that you have identified as No. 6 in your testimony...

I would welcome and I do welcome that willingness to work together.

I thank the senior Senator from Connecticut for that very eloquent tribute to our team. I am not going to try to match the cheer this year but perhaps next. And I thank him for providing such a model of support for the University of…

I would just suggest--and I would be eager to work with you--that it should encompass this area which is so vitally important to consumers.

Every family has a right to expect a worker who leaves in the morning come back at the end of the day.

Miners' families continue to suffer, as they have here--29 families wanting to know what happened in the Upper Big Branch tragedy.

I want to thank you, and the Mine Safety Health Administration for its self-reflection over the past year to increase the effectiveness of current safety requirements.