it is my understanding that the Department of Veterans Affairs has done an extremely good job when it comes to both hiring veterans, and utilizing service-disabled veterans small businesses to execute contracts.

Mr. President, this is the third time we find ourselves debating the same rescission amendment that sounds like good policy on first blush but in fact is not. Members need to understand that this amendment is irresponsible governing, and…

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas. Amendment No. 3698

We cannot allow new safe havens to be created elsewhere as we tighten the stranglehold on al Qaeda's senior leadership in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.

We must maintain current levels of predictability while making plans to increase it.

We are committed to minimizing turbulence to Soldiers and their Families while providing the most effective and efficient trained and ready units.

I realize that, in the bureaucratic discipline, all of you are called upon to tell us that everything is fine, that we have all the equipment we need and the budget is fine.

Madam President, in the name of reducing our national debt, this amendment offered by the Senator from Oklahoma seeks to freeze discretionary spending at fiscal year 2008 levels for the next 10 years. While I understand and support the…

Mr. President, the Senator from Arkansas has made a good- faith effort to address many of flaws in the Sessions amendment. First, this amendment would require savings from discretionary spending, mandatory taxes and revenues. Second, it…

Mr. President, the Senate has already rejected this flawed plan twice in the last 2 months, and this amendment has not gotten any better in the intervening time. If we adopt the Sessions caps, we will have to gut the President's agenda for…

I have no doubt that Admiral Papp will fulfill his duties admirably, if confirmed.