before the Senator from Wyoming leaves the floor, I wish to comment about some of the things he said about PILT and assure him that should the ambassadorship go forward for China, should Ron Wyden become the chair of the Finance Committee…

I am pleased to come to the floor today to follow-up on the very eloquent remarks by the Senator from New Hampshire and the ranking member and chairwoman. I am here today to offer a few comments about the appropriations bill. But before I…

I want to commit to work with the Senator. I am very sympathetic and understand his position, and we will be talking to the leadership on both sides to see what we can do. It is very hard for that money to come away at such an abrupt time…

may I say, before the Senator from Georgia leaves, how appreciative this coalition is of his leadership. He has been literally--I am not making this up--extraordinary in his time and effort to work through the final amendment process…

I come to the floor this morning to talk about another very important bill. There was an hour exchange about unemployment, which is extremely important for the Nation. I think people got to hear arguments on both sides. They can continue…

I ask unanimous consent that the time during the quorum call be equally divided between the Republicans and the Democrats. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk…

We have delayed this fix too long, and we need to go ahead and take care of it. I am going to stay on the floor this morning. I will periodically bring everyone up to date. I will close by reminding people what we are talking about. These…

What was evidenced earlier--and the coalition knows this--there is broad consensus. There are a few Senators who want to vote against this bill. There are a few Senators who want to offer amendments. Fine. Let the record show these…

I would like another 5; I ask unanimous consent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I am aware that we are not quite there yet. But I am also aware that the clock is ticking, that it is Wednesday, that we may be out of here on Saturday, and we need to pass an appropriations bill. This is something that also deserves a…

I thank my colleagues from Minnesota and North Dakota who are on the floor. I know they want to enter into a colloquy, but they have been gracious to allow me 1 minute on a separate subject, which is flood insurance. I thank them so much…

before my colleague leaves the floor, I thank him for his leadership of the banking committee in the Senate for now several years and his commitment to try to find the right regulatory framework for the largest banks in our country as well…

Is the Senator aware of a comparable effort going on in the House? The Senator has been at a couple of news conferences with us. Could the Senator maybe speak for a minute to explain, does he think there is pretty good support building in…

I thank the Senator from Florida. I would ask unanimous consent if we want to extend our colloquy, but I think I am going to wrap up with a few remarks for about 5 minutes. I see the Senator from Texas on the floor and he may want to…

Through the Chair, could the Senator explain a little bit more clearly for so many people who are listening to what we are saying this morning, because the Senator has been around here a while in leadership. When the leader, Harry Reid…

To the Senator from Florida, through the Chair, what is the Senator's understanding of the Florida delegation? The Senator has one of the largest States in the Union and has one of the largest delegations. Is it something that the Senator…

I appreciate the courtesies of the Senator from Washington, who is on the floor managing the bill. I thank her for allowing me to make these brief remarks regarding one of the nominees of President Obama--someone we will be confirming…

I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 7 minutes as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mayorkas Nomination

If there is something in our reauthorization that you think is unnecessarily complicated, please let us know.

I want to welcome Senator Shaheen, who has been an absolutely spectacular partner and former governor.

You do need to have some kind of organizational structure in an industrial commons.

there are several other Members. Senator Menendez is the leader of our efforts. He and Senator Isakson have joined and have put together an extraordinary coalition. I would like to read the names into the Record because it is a testimony…

I see my good friend the Senator from North Dakota on the floor today, and I wish to yield to her to begin this very important discussion on the importance of flood insurance relief for the country. She has been an outstanding spokesperson…

I thank the Senator from North Dakota for her very kind and very generous comments. She underestimates her own tremendous leadership skills. Arriving here as a new Member, she jumped right into this issue. She didn't need a lot of prep…

I see the Senator from South Carolina on the floor to speak, but I wish to give some concluding remarks in this very important hour about this very important issue. We are down to the wire, and we do not have any time left to provide…