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Tom Harkin is a former U.S. Senator from Iowa who served from 1985 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, Harkin was known for his advocacy on disability rights and health care reform. He played a significant role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and was a strong proponent of mental health services and education initiatives. Throughout his tenure, Harkin focused on issues affecting working families and rural communities in Iowa.
I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on July 30, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. committee on banking, housing…
I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on July 30, 2013. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. committee on foreign relations
I ask unanimous consent that a legal fellow in Senator Blumenthal's office, Afton Cissell, be granted floor privileges for the duration of July 30, 2013. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
tomorrow we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the ADA. This landmark civil rights legislation will always be the highlight of my almost 40 years here in the Congress. The Americans With…
this week Americans are celebrating the 23rd anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. As chief Senate sponsor of that legislation, I know that we could not have prevailed without the tireless, passionate, never-give-up…
we are now on the student loan bill, so to speak. There is going to be a few hours of debate on the bill itself--actually 3 hours. As I understand it, there will be three amendments in order under the rule on this bill. So we will probably…
the vote comes on what we are going to do and that is--as my good friend Senator Manchin said--to keep interest rates low for students. What this means for our students is that the student loans for all undergraduate students will be…
I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 1911, as provided under the previous order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, the clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant…
The Senator from Rhode Island knows I have the highest respect and affection for him. I might say that he makes excellent points. As I said earlier, this amendment looks good, looks pretty, sounds pretty, and might be nice in a perfect…
I ask unanimous consent that Gabe Sandler, Madeline Walker, Katie Kasten, and Megan Miraglia of my staff be granted floor privileges for the duration of today's session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…
I spoke on the floor earlier today about the proposal that is before us. I wish to reiterate what I said then: I cannot stress enough that this bill represents a number of compromises made on both sides to come to a solution on how to keep…
I can't support this amendment. By sunsetting this effort 2 years because CBO uses a 10-year window, the amendment would cost an estimated above $20 billion, and there is no offset to pay for it. So, again, the lack of that offset would…
Again, I thank my friend from Illinois for his great leadership. Before I get right to the answer, I would point out the art of compromise, which we did. The Republican proposal we had before us a few weeks ago raised $15.6 billion over 10…
And that would be true for this year and next year and the year after, almost--not quite--this is 3.86, it would be 6.8. So they would be paying 6.8 percent on every loan they take out this year rather than 3.86 percent, which I might…
4 years ago today, July 24, 2009, was the last time the minimum wage was increased. It rose from $6.55 an hour to $7.25 an hour. And it has been stuck there ever since. Four years is too long. It is time to raise the minimum wage. To that…
I yield the floor. Amendment No. 1774 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
Confirming these nominees is vitally important because in the absence of Senate action, the Board will lose a quorum in August and will be effectively forced to shut down.
The National Labor Relations Board is the guardian of these fundamental rights.
Today's nominees will help us restore the Board to its full strength and capacity.
I hope that this agreement brings a new beginning for the Board so that we can ratchet down the political rhetoric.
I ask unanimous consent for 1 more minute to conclude my remarks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
I am pleased we are finally at the point where we can vote on the nomination of Thomas Perez to serve as Secretary of Labor. Indeed, it seems as though the most important question before us today has gotten lost in all of the debate. Will…
I wish to announce that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will meet in executive session on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at 10 a.m. in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to mark-up the nominations of Kent…
I wish to announce that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will meet in open session on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 10 a.m. in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``Hearing on…
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