We are considering a reform of the bankruptcy code... to try to change the bankruptcy code in a way that will reduce abusive filings--in other words, people who may be going into bankruptcy court to file for bankruptcy in a situation where…

I would agree. Similarly, I believe the Federal Trade Commission should keep in mind that when we talk about a dependent of the debtor we are referring to people like an elderly parent or relative, or a disabled person. Property belonging…

We will, indeed, have to be vigilant in regard to the consumer-oriented provisions in S.1301, and I hope that we will be joined in this effort both by our Senate Republican colleagues, who have agreed to accept most of these provisions…

The first job that I ever had where I was paid an hourly wage was the result of two lies. I walked into a delicatessen at age 14 in the home State of the Presiding Officer, in St. Louis, MO, a place called Union Station. I bought a half…

I say to those who are opposing this minimum wage, that it is a sad day when we have reached the point when the U.S. Congress is so unresponsive to the reality of workers in America, so insensitive to what is really going on among workers…

let me say I am happy to support this amendment. I am happy to be a cosponsor with my friend from Utah, Senator Hatch. I had prepared an amendment on this subject and I am happy to join him in making this a bipartisan effort. I will not…

It has been said on the floor of the Senate that because of the amendment of the Senator from Connecticut, that someone serving in the U.S. military under the age of 21 could not get a credit card. Is that true or false?

I have been in and around public life for 32 years. It has not gotten any easier in 32 years, at least not since the Roe v. Wade decision, because the American people are basically conflicted internally about this issue of abortion. There…

Let me speak to the contents of this letter, because I think it is an important letter when we consider the medical debate here--not the legal or political debate but the medical debate. Dr. Hale wrote to me: Dear Senator Durbin: I am…

I am fortunate to be a Senator representing the great State of Illinois, the great city of Chicago, at great ballpark named Wrigley Field. Yesterday afternoon it was my good fortune to see at least part of the very historic game, a game…

Thank you, Madam President. During the course of this debate on the bankruptcy bill, we will be talking about a number of aspects of this procedure. When you consider a nation of 260 million Americans, and I guess about 1.3 or 1.4 million…

I am particularly happy to represent a great State like Illinois. I am honored to be a Member of the Senate with my colleagues and, in particular, Senator Kennedy who, time and time again throughout his career, has taken this floor to…

Many people who are watching this debate are not quite sure it is on the square. Is it possible that incumbent Senators now standing on the floor of the U.S. Senate really want to change the system that brought them to this body? I think…

Mr. President, I have submitted three amendments for consideration by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. The first amendment that I will offer is one which addresses the…

my second amendment is one that deals with an issue of some controversy in my State of Illinois and one that we have followed very closely. Several years ago, two young people from Illinois made a very serious mistake. These young, I…

I have one last amendment. Let me apologize. I thought they were going to be considered en bloc. I understand now. This last amendment is an attempt to address a matter of great concern in an objective manner, and that is the concern of…

Is it not a fact that the Republican approach on this--should they call their legislation--on Patients' Bill of Rights--if you can characterize it as such--only protects 29 percent of all the American population from managed care abuses…

What is it that is so--if the Senator knows--what is it that is so frightening to the majority that they will not allow this issue to come to the floor? We know it is timely. We know it is important. The Republican Senators have put forth…

I have the deepest respect and admiration for those who serve in the armed services. They have given up their lives to protect this Nation and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. What we are talking about is how this decision is made…

I am glad the Senator reminded us that we had this morning penalty issues on the tobacco bill. The Senators who voted to table that tobacco bill had actually voted to table the marriage penalty then, did they not?

For those of us who want to make certain the surplus is used first to guarantee the longevity and solvency of the Social Security trust fund, are we going to have an opportunity with the amendment that the Senator is going to offer to…

I started in opposition to this amendment, but I now rise in support of this amendment. I think the Senator from Idaho is right. I think we should adopt this amendment with an overwhelming margin, and I believe he was right yesterday…

I urge my colleagues to understand that 15 States have enacted these laws to protect children. We all read about these horrible situations in Jonesboro, in Springfield, in Pearl, MS. Let us not just lament this situation, let us do…

I believe they are complementary. They both relate to guns. As I understand the amendment of the Senator from Idaho, he is seeking to reduce gun crime. I believe I will be able to support him. It appears to be consistent with my view, that…

with every right in America, there is a responsibility, even with the second amendment right to bear arms. Every gun owner has a responsibility to store his gun safely. What I find interesting about the argument from the Senator from Idaho…