Madam President, I want to thank Don Cravins, again, as my chief of staff; Liz Craddock, Staff Director of my energy committee; and Stephanie Gupta, head of homeland security. I know I am leaving them in good hands with what they are going…

Madam President, it is my pleasure to take a few minutes on the floor to give a farewell message, and I thank you for your courtesies. I begin with a Scripture, Philippians 4:7, New American Standard Bible, that reads: ``And the peace of…

I rise to say a word about my dear friend Mark Begich and to add some words on behalf of him. We saw, when he presented himself in his final remarks to this body, his compassion, his heart, and his emotions were clear in relation to his…

I ask unanimous consent that Jonathon Burpee, a National Park Service fellow on the staff of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, be granted floor privileges for the duration of the 113th Congress. ____________________

Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Rhode Island. I am so happy to follow him on the floor today and to see him again. We have worked together on so many important issues. It is wonderful to see the Presiding Officer to be back on the…

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a business meeting has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The business meeting will be held on Wednesday…

Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at…

Mr. President, yesterday we had a very different topic--the Keystone XL Pipeline--on the floor of the Senate. That fight is over for now, but the fight for adoption, foster care children, and all children in the world who are in desperate…

I wish to call attention to the bill itself. We talk about many bills, but we don't really debate many bills, so this has been a refreshing day on the floor of the Senate. I have not really seen a day like this in 8 years. I am encouraged…

Senator Hoeven is on the floor. Senator Boxer is also. I know our vote is at 6:30, and it is 4:30. Should we divide the time equally or how do we think this would work? If Senator Hoeven would say what he thinks, we could do one-third…

I thank the Presiding Officer. First of all, let me associate myself with the remarks of my cosponsor, Senator Hoeven, who before he had to slip out the door to take a call relative to this vote was really very clear on so many important…