North Korea's reported cutoff of North-South Red Cross communication links at Panmunjom on March 11, 2013, is not conducive to ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

I rise today to speak about International Women's Day. International Women's Day is an occasion to honor and praise women for their accomplishments and to celebrate women who are making a difference, both here in America and around the…

I ask unanimous consent to speak as if in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Remembering Deamonte Driver

I come to the floor to note a sad anniversary. Friday, March 1, marked 6 years since the tragic death of a 12-year-old Maryland child named Deamonte Driver. I have spoken about him many times since his passing, which happened just weeks…

We have, in the past when we have imposed sanctions, tried to figure out ways that we can get direct aid to NGOs that we have confidence in to provide the type of humanitarian aid that is appropriate.

today I am proud to reintroduce legislation to support greater public involvement in the administration of one of Maryland's most treasured National Historical Parks. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Advisory…

It is clear that North Korea is moving aggressively on its nuclear weapons program.

One of the best ways we can do that is to strengthen and continue to strengthen our relationship economically and militarily with South Korea.

What we need to do is continue to support the Republic of Korea.

I think this is a significant development. It is somewhat stunning that this has not been the case in the past.

I think the planets are lining up. It is going to happen, I hope.

We need to begin to create the conditions, God willing, for reunification, which is impossible today.

We should never allow the world to forget who these people are and what they are doing.

We have to do everything we can to delay and preferably prevent them from accomplishing the goal of being able to reach the United States or the West with these weapons.

For Congress to allow that type of assistance, we need to know and have confidence that we can account for how the aid is being used since we are not present in the country to be able to do that.

I do not share this guarded optimism. I hope I am wrong.

But even as we think about potential measures and actions necessary to safeguard the United States and our allies, there should also be no doubt about our determination to work with the international community through peaceful diplomatic…

The record on human rights violations in the country is one of the worst of any country in the world.

There should be no doubt about our determination, willingness, and capability to neutralize and counter any threat that North Korea may present.

I am taking this time on the floor to speak in support of the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to be U.S. Circuit judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. I think my comments are at the right time, following…

I believe we all hope to get a permanent policy on the therapy caps so we do not have to deal with it every year.

If you would keep my office informed as to the resources being devoted to these efforts and the progress that is being made, we would very much appreciate it.

I yield back all remaining time. I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be. There is a sufficient second. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of…

shortly, I hope, we will be voting on the confirmation of Jack Lew to be the next Secretary of the Treasury, and I urge my colleagues to support that nomination. He is the right person at the right time to be Secretary of the Treasury. He…

I am concerned that you are implementing discriminatory policies similar to those that were put in place decades ago for mental health services--policies that say this is 2nd-class health care rather than part of the essential benefit…