Barack Obama has been President of the United States for 2 weeks and 2 days. He did not create this economic crisis; he inherited this economic crisis. This economic crisis we face in this country has brought down growth of our gross…

I think that perhaps some elements of history have been forgotten. We don't want to dwell on the past, but those who don't learn the past are usually destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. When President Clinton left office, he left…

I wish to call to the Senator's attention two amendments that have been adopted, both of them initiated by Republican Senators and both of them now in the bill, the first by Senator Grassley and Senator Menendez in committee that added…

If the President desires only a rubber stamp, the Office of Legal Counsel will have to struggle mightily to provide an effective check on unlawful action.

I would not attempt to define in the abstract the limit of a President's constitutional powers.

which prohibited cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

I think that is absolutely wrong and that Congress clearly has the authority to make torture a crime.

I share his concern about the impact of debt on future generations. It is an interesting moment in time when many of my friends from that side of the aisle are raising the issue of deficits and debt. We are in one of the most serious…

Today many of our constituents are in town for the annual March for Life. They are expressing their strong concerns about an issue that has divided our Nation for decades: abortion. This issue divides legislatures. It divides churches and…

this is truly a historic week in Washington. Those of us who were among the millions who were on the Mall a few days ago witnessed a moment in history which I am sure we will talk about, and future generations will refer to, for a long…

Forecasts now predict the Federal Highway Trust Fund will be insolvent for years.

I'm glad to hear it will be an active committee.

I know the fine work you did there.

The means by which we fund Federal infrastructure need to be carefully reexamined.

I am very pleased that President Obama selected such a strong and accomplished nominee with a reputation for fairness and pragmatism.

One of your first duties as Secretary of Transportation will be to issue regulations on the Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act.

A good deal of the economic stimulus is going to be directed toward transportation infrastructure.

I can't think of a better person to be given that assignment. And that's why I come here today to completely support his nomination.

I can recall coming to the Congress and meeting right off the bat, not only the Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill, but one of his closest friends, the Republican leader, Bob Michel from my State of Illinois.

The lifeblood of our economy, the ability to move goods and people efficiently from place to place, is in jeopardy.

I fully expect to see action from the new Secretary of Transportation that complies with the law.

I recognize at least part of that decision will be made in the White House.

This Administration did a pilot project. This Congress, just over a year ago, passed legislation prohibiting it.

the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (S. 22) combines more than 160 individual bills to protect America's wilderness and responsibly manage our natural resources. The individual measures in this bill were originally introduced by…

I first thank the majority leader for his kind statements. He is, indeed, more than just a colleague. For 26 years, we have worked on Capitol Hill together, and never more closely than the last 6 when I have had the honor to serve as his…