I come to the floor this afternoon, in the presence of Senator Coburn of Oklahoma and Senator Harkin of Iowa, to discuss an issue I have worked on literally for my entire congressional career--food safety. This is an issue which has…

when I reflect on the current state of frustration most Americans feel about our political system, I know there are many reasons, not the least of which is the state of our economy. When people are uncertain about their economic future…

We simply cannot keep kicking the can down the road. It is not fair to property owners or to taxpayers.

Senator Shelby and I worked together on flood insurance reform legislation to put the National Flood Insurance Program on a stronger footing.

Just as the door was closed on Dan Inouye of Hawaii when, as a Japanese American from Hawaii, he wanted to serve his country, the unanimous consent request from the Republican leader closed the door on anyone who wished to serve this…

As long as I can stand behind this desk and grab this microphone and use my power as a Senator, I will be pushing for this DREAM Act. It is my highest priority. It is a matter of simple American justice, and I would hope the 11 Republicans…

The Defense Department's fiscal year 2010-2012 strategic plan for the defense of America specifically includes the DREAM Act as a means of meeting the strategic goal of shaping and maintaining a mission-ready, all-volunteer force. In 2007…

They reach legal status. They have to make application to go beyond it. In this situation, young people, undocumented in the United States, who want to voluntarily serve in our military, cannot do so. They are willing to risk their lives…

Almost 10 years ago, I introduced this bill called the DREAM Act. The reason I introduced it was because I felt there was a serious injustice and unfairness going on in America. We have within our borders thousands of young people who were…

I have concerns that this significant investment in flood protection is not being accurately depicted on FEMA's flood maps.

We estimate, as Senator Schumer said, this could cost $2,500 a year.

Include language to achieve the following goals. Ensure FEMA updates flood maps on a watershed basis.

This program is well underway in Illinois and has affected thousands of homeowners and businesses in my State.

I believe Congress should still offer residents in high-risk areas flood insurance and make them aware of potential risks, but we certainly should not mandate it before the new technology and data are proven accurate.

I would like to see a 5-year phase-in of flood insurance premiums for individuals purchasing flood insurance for the first time.

This levee system is one the most, if not the most, advanced and successful flood control structures in the world.

Flood insurance provides critical assistance to 5.5 million families and businesses, insurance to help them recover from flood damages.

The program faces some serious challenges that threaten its ability to carry out its mission.

Reform and long-term renewal of the program is long overdue.

Senator Durbin's concern and why he wanted to look at it rather than from a scientific point of view, just sort of relative economics.

I think Senator Schumer, my colleague, has really summarized the State of New York's situation, comparable to my State of Illinois.

I think that is fundamentally unfair and unreasonable.

I am frustrated because it seems like FEMA has dismissed my concerns as trivial rather than working with Congress to find a real solution.

If you can afford it, buy it. Buy it now. Protect yourself.

Let me emphasize that I do support modernizing our maps. I think it's a good thing to do.