First and foremost, I wish to thank the Senator from California for her efforts in negotiating the difficult issues within the Energy and Water portion of the omnibus bill. As the Senator knows, the original House language would have kept…

I thank Senator Boxer. As chairman of the Appropriations Committee and lead author of the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus appropriations bill, I agree with her understanding of section 425.

I note the Senator from Massachusetts wishes to speak and I will yield to her. But before the Senator from Vermont leaves, first I thank him for his leadership in chairing the Subcommittee on the State Department and Foreign Operations…

I urge the Senate to schedule an immediate vote on the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States. One year ago, President Obama nominated Dr. Murthy to serve as our next Surgeon General. Ten…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Nelson). Without objection, it is so ordered.

I rise to speak on the consolidated and further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2015. Every year we have a particular responsibility that is mandated by the Constitution, which is that the Congress of the United States shall pass…

I yield to the Senator from Massachusetts. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Booker). The Senator from Massachusetts.

I wish to give an update. The leadership on both sides of the aisle is negotiating the time and method by which we will continue to proceed with this bill, the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2015. But what I have been happy about is…

I rise to speak on the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2015. I wish to thank the Democratic leader, the majority leader, for his kind words. But it is not only about his kind words about me, it has been his advocacy to make sure that…

I come to the floor today during the consideration of the national defense authorization to bring my colleagues up to date on the appropriations bill. As we know, the continuing resolution expires on Thursday at midnight, but I am here to…

I rise today to speak on the release of the declassified Senate Select Intelligence Committee report on the CIA's past rendition, detention and interrogation practices. As a longtime member of the committee, I strongly support today's…

today, I join with my colleague, Mr. Kirk, in introducing a resolution honoring the heroic life of Jan Karski. Jan Karski was born in Lodz, Poland, on April 24, 1914. He began his life of service in the Polish diplomatic service before he…

I wish to recognize the fifth anniversary of the unfair arrest and imprisonment of an American citizen in Cuba from Maryland, Mr. Alan Gross. I stand with his wife Judy, and their two daughters in calling for the immediate release of Mr…

This is an issue hurting patients nationwide.

We must do something about it.

When it comes to the health care law and FDA's actions and inactions, we already know the answer.

I think we need a functioning NLRB.

I rise to commend Senator Landrieu for her work on the bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. Since coming to the Senate in 1997, Senator Landrieu has worked tirelessly to reach across the aisle and get things done for her constituents…

I wish to speak on a legislative matter on which we will be voting later on this evening. I yield myself 10 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is recognized. ____________________

I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.

in a few minutes we will be voting on the child care and development block grant reauthorization bill. I am here to urge my colleagues to vote for final passage. This bill is authored by myself, working shoulder to shoulder with Senator…

a parliamentary inquiry: What is the pending business? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in morning business.

The language calls for procedures to permit enrollment of homeless children, after an initial eligibility determination, while required documentation is obtained. To implement this language and its intent, States will need to implement…

I thank the Senator for raising the issue of local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless education liaisons. Given their central role and responsibility in identifying homeless children and ensuring they receive education and early…

November 9, 1989, was the day the Berlin Wall came down, a day we can all be proud. It is a day that reminds us of the power of democratic values and ideals. I am filled with happiness as I remember that wonderful day 25 years ago. I am a…