I have been doing oversight of the executive branch for a very long time. I have done it as ranking member, I have done it as chairman, I have done it when my party held the White House, and I have done it when the other party held the…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:46 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10 a.m.

to help ensure that our Federal judicial system remains free of corruption, bias, and hypocrisy, today I rise to reintroduce the Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act. This important bill would establish within the Judicial…

I understand that there is a bill at the desk that is due for a second reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the second time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2192) to strengthen border…

as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Democratic leader, the Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of Calendar No. 167, the…

In order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to further proceedings. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the bill will be placed on the calendar. ____________________

I want to make a few brief remarks regarding the introduction of the Security, Enforcement, and Compassion United in Reform Efforts, and we have selected the acronym SECURE for this piece of legislation we are introducing today. This bill…

the last time Congress modernized the Tax Code was in 1986. That was more than 30 years ago, which is quite obvious to anybody who can subtract. In the generations since, the Tax Code has grown out of control. It has been a dream come true…

I rise to commemorate November as National Adoption Month. During this month, we are reminded of the importance of adoption to so many families and children in Iowa and all across the country. As Americans are celebrating the season of…

today the Senate is voting to confirm Gregory Katsas to serve as U.S. circuit judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Mr. Katsas's 28-year legal career has prepared him well to serve as a Federal judge. His nomination has garnered…

I ask unanimous consent that Abby Hollenstein and Laura Nowell, law clerks at the Judiciary Committee, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the day. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered ____________________

earlier this week, I spoke about the history of the blue-slip courtesy. I hope my colleagues will read that history as well. I explained in that speech earlier this week that in my nearly four decades in the Senate, I have regularly…

I thank the leader. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Nebraska.

in the last several weeks, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the blue-slip courtesy that applies to judicial nominations. I want to take a moment to clarify a few things. My position hasn't changed. Like I said in November of…

I have a request for a committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is…

I join my colleague, the ranking member of the Rules Committee, as she seeks unanimous consent to adopt our antiharassment training resolution. It is closely modeled on a Senate resolution I introduced 2 days ago with Senators Feinstein…

the last time Congress really did the big job that is before us right now was 1986. It did quite a bit to modernize the Tax Code. That was 30 years ago. In the generation since, the Tax Code has grown out of control. Everybody knows that…

I associate myself with the remarks of Senator Ernst and also add that there are good people coming out of Atlantic besides Mr. Smith.

allegations of sexual harassment against a growing number of people have surfaced recently. Some facing the accusations have issued public apologies, while others have maintained their innocence. But the allegations continue to mount, and…

today the Senate will confirm Steven Engel to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel. The Office of Legal Counsel, which we refer to as the OLC in the Judiciary Committee, functions as legal advisor to the…

we are about to vote on our fourth circuit court nominee this week, and I am glad to speak in support of the nomination of Professor Bibas to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. That court sits in Philadelphia. Professor Bibas is…

today Senators Klobuchar, Tillis, Schumer, Durbin and I will introduce legislation to help America's families locate missing loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease, autism or related conditions that may cause them to wander. Congressman…

it is my understanding that I have 25 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa is recognized.

I would like to address the issue we are voting on in a few minutes. The Senate will vote on the nomination of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Though she currently lives in…

I yield back all time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time is yielded back. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Larsen nomination?