I announce that the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Conrad), is necessarily absent.

Thanks, Senator Lugar. And I want to thank the two witnesses for coming today and answering the questions.

I am pleased to stand in for Senator Kerry, who is unable to join us.

Burundi points out has not often been a major focus of United States foreign policy. But it needs to be.

I think it has to work.

This administration, yourself, everyone in this room places a great emphasis on human rights.

The last point I will make is that I learned while I was there that what was once a thriving coffee industry has all but disappeared in Haiti.

It would seem that a police force may be more important at this moment in terms of establishing at least basic law and order in this island.

One of the enduring memories of that trip, and it was many years ago, to Kenya and Uganda was the contrast in one important respect.

Ultimately, I think democracy is going to come to Belarus just as it came to most other corners of the former Soviet empire.

Congratulations to both of you. I am pleased the President has nominated two experienced individuals.

With the tragic deaths in the last several days of four Americans serving in our consulate in Libya...

If confirmed, Ms. Liberi will face enormous challenges in Burundi.

They cannot reclaim this land for agricultural purposes or any purpose until they deal with that issue.

As Polish-Americans have been vibrant and active members of the fabric of our Nation since the 19th century...

for some Members of Congress, 2 years in office is too long. For some Members of Congress, 20 years in office is not long enough. Who should make that decision? The Constitution in its wisdom says the voters of America make that decision…

over the last several months, I put my staff on a little mission. I asked them to identify manufacturing companies in my home State of Illinois that have not only weathered this recession but are doing well and are hiring. I wanted to meet…

this year's political campaigns are different than just 2 years ago. There is a dramatic infusion of money from so-called super PACs. Now we are starting to learn the identity of those who were behind it. Just yesterday there were…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia be authorized to meet during the session of…

too many Americans are out of work. We know that. Without a steady income, it is hard for families to stay current on their monthly expenses. We have all talked about the consequences of losing a job. When I meet with the unemployed in…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 1, 2012, at 2:30 p.m., to hold a European Affairs subcommittee hearing entitled, ``Ukraine at a Crossroads…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on February 1, 2012, at 10 a.m. in room 432 Russell Senate Office building, to conduct a roundtable…

I listened to the comments made by the Republican leader about how he believed President Obama is trying to change the topic and not talk about the economy and, rather, talk about ethical standards in the U.S. Congress. I have to say this…

the only way is to urge and pressure our government and Yanukovych to change his course even maybe by applying certain restriction measures to their luxuries and wealth.

many years ago when I graduated from Georgetown Law School, I was offered a job by the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Paul Simon. He asked if I would join his staff in Springfield, IL, in the State capital and if I would serve as his…