Some argue that our government of, by, and for the people has morphed into one that is bought and paid for by special interests.

For the life of me, I do not see why in a country in which we try to give one person one vote and we try to equalize as much as we can, we allow one particular privileged class, which is the chief executive officer of a corporation, to…

I think America would be a better Nation if both political parties declared a truce on this fundraising run-up.

70 percent of the American people say they do support Presidential campaign financing.

the voters in those States voted for a public financing system paid for by taxes.

Why is it that the same Congress that authorizes the VA to negotiate discounts on pharmaceuticals has made it illegal for the government to negotiate such discounts for millions more of our elderly and disabled?

Last year, a record $4 billion was spent on federal elections by outside organizations, political parties, and Congressional campaigns.

Any rules that I would be for... apply to both across the board, right and left.

I think that the effect of Citizens United on our electoral process is very pronounced and very degrading, frankly.

I would step away from that advantage and be willing to take on an opponent with a lot less money.

Transparency is critical.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate majority whip be authorized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I thank the Senator from Texas and her cosponsor, the Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Casey. They expressed the deep-felt sentiments of all of us. I am happy to be a cosponsor of this legislation. I can assure the Senator from Texas that we…

I understand there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the title of the bill for the first time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 783) to provide an extension…

I ask unanimous consent that on Tuesday April 12, 2011, at 11 a.m, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 45 and 46; that there be 1 hour for debate equally divided in the usual form…

let's make it clear where we are at this moment in time. There is an agreement. There is agreement on the budget number. It was an agreement reached between the President with Speaker Boehner and with Senate Majority Leader Reid--an…

Senators should expect a rollcall vote at approximately 12 noon on the confirmation of the Kronstadt nomination. The Briccetti nomination will be confirmed by consent. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour deemed…

I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provision of rule XIV, I object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The bill will be read the second time on the next…

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 11:57 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 10 a.m…

I ask unanimous consent to be added as a cosponsor of the legislation. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Blumenthal). Without objection, it is so ordered.

I understand there is a bill at the desk. I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 768) to provide for continuing operations of…

I ask unanimous consent the following bill be placed on the calendar: H.R. 1363. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 9:45 p.m. adjourned until Friday, April 8, 2011, at 11 a.m.

I ask unanimous consent that the period for morning business be extended until 10:30 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, and I ask that the time for morning business be for debate only. The PRESIDING…