Cutting and limiting the use of DERA funding, which has shown a consistent high return on its investment--for every $1 invested, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return--just doesn't make sense.

As we work through the budgeting process, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration on efforts to curb our Federal debt and deficit while ensuring that we invest in key priorities for the First State and for the…

I have returned to the Senate floor today to talk about what is a true crisis for many Louisianans, many Americans, which is the ever-rising price of gasoline at the pump. This hits everybody in their tough pocketbook in a horrible…

I am happy and honored to join my colleague from Alaska, and also our colleague Senator Barrasso to talk about a vital issue, U.S. energy--doing something about the price at the pump, including by accessing more of the vital U.S. energy we…

I urge support of this amendment. It is bipartisan. This concept is supported by multiple outside groups, as well as the administration, and it is fully offset. It does not increase the deficit. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time in…

I call up my amendment No. 1535 which is at the desk, and I ask it be reported by number. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. Vitter] proposes…

amendment No. 1535, the Vitter amendment, is very simple and straightforward, and it goes to an awfully important issue. It goes to the issue of the price of energy, particularly the price of gasoline at the pump. There will be a vote…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Brown of Ohio). Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 1535

I certainly join with my two colleagues and others in strong, passionate support of the RESTORE Act amendment. As has been mentioned, that will be an upcoming vote, the fifth vote in line once we start voting very shortly. This approach of…

I rise in strong, passionate support of the Blunt amendment. It is a very important amendment which we will be voting on as an entire Senate at 11 a.m. this morning. The Blunt amendment is an absolutely necessary measure to fix what is a…

I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Mr. Vitter pertaining to the introduction of S. 2138 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'') The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana is…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Udall of New Mexico). Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Louisiana is recognized.

I come to the Senate floor to talk about important and bipartisan legislation that I am introducing today, along with Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. It is about the Corps of Engineers, and it is intended, and will once passed, to make a…

I am concerned about some of the negatives, which could clearly grow over time, about the zero interest rate policy.

I fully understand and support improving efficiencies within the U.S. Government.

I'm concerned that the Air Force decision to cut that is being made in a narrow smokestack...

Is there any discussion whatsoever now about reversing that decision and going to the pre-Global Strike Command model?

it is my true honor and distinct pleasure--joy, really--to help host Reverend Smith today. As the Acting President pro tempore said, Reverend Smith is the senior pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pioneer, LA. He is from…

First of all, if they are not getting information timely, I think that is in many cases the same thing as not getting information. Time is of the essence.

That strikes me in politics as a classic non-apology apology.

I ask for the yeas and nays. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is, Shall the joint resolution pass? The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative…

We had better make the time for this.

I appreciate that very much. Picking up on the information flow issue, Mr. Chairman, does the whole Commission not vote on a budget or budget issues?

My guess is these women don't want to have a conversation with you, for obvious reasons.

Wouldn't it be reasonable for any budget matter information requested by a Commissioner when they are voting on the budget for that Commissioner to be able to get it, which apparently he or she can't?