how much time is remaining on the Democratic side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is 18\1/2\ minutes remaining on the Democratic side.

the report this week about the rate of poverty in America is an eye opener. The numbers that have been reported are stunning. The number of Americans living in poverty now stands at 46.2 million people. That is an increase of 8.9 million…

I thank my friend and colleague from Alabama who has come to the floor. We see the world differently, but we both acknowledge we are at a moment where action is the only alternative. Doing nothing is unacceptable. When President Obama came…

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant editor of the Daily Digest proceeded to call the roll. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Louisiana.

I understand there are three bills at the desk. I ask for their first reading en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the clerk will report the bills by title. The bill clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1549) to provide tax…

the world has witnessed considerable upheaval across the Middle East this year as citizens from all walks of life have turned out by the millions to say enough to repressive regimes, stagnant political systems, and a lack of economic…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Syria

I listened carefully to the statement made by the Republican leader. I noticed that for the last few days the Republicans have been very quiet and calm and circumspect in their reaction to the President's speech to a joint session of…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 14; that following the prayer and the pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 128; that the nomination be confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 5:50 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 9:30 a.m…

we expect to begin the consideration of H.J. Res. 66 during Wednesday's session. We also hope to consider the FAA and highway extensions which were received from the House. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled…

I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration en bloc of the following resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 262, S. Res. 263, S. Res. 264, and S. Res. 265. There being no objection, the…

I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 256 and the Senate proceed to its consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the…

There is one other area I wish to speak to. I know my colleague from New York is going to be on the floor shortly. The area I wish to speak to is disaster relief. I strongly support the disaster relief funding bill. As Americans undertake…

I now ask for a second reading en bloc, and I object to my own request en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The bills will have their second reading on the next legislative day. ____________________

I announce that the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Casey), the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. Landrieu), the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Rockefeller), the Senator from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), the Senator from Michigan (Ms. Stabenow), and…

the little guy is going to get hammered worse than ever he is or she is now.

Credit needs to be given to a lot of people, to Presidents Bush and Obama, as well as law enforcement and our military intelligence community.

I cannot think of a worse development in a democracy than making it more difficult for people to vote.

I think there are political motives behind that.

It troubles me because when it comes to early voting, in the last election 30 percent of Americans felt that was the best way to exercise their right to vote.

The requirements on voter IDs are equally troubling to me.

Father Mychal Judge was a Catholic priest and chaplain of the New York Fire Department. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he rushed to where he was needed--to the World Trade Center. He was administering last rites to a fallen…

I rise to speak about the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. This is bipartisan legislation that will enhance and protect innovation in our country. I want to commend Senator Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for his leadership…