Inaction, causing policies to be formed because of inaction, is not, I think, the best interest of our country.

Which is worth the risk of transportation and a centralized site, I take it?

So are you saying that from a long-term perspective the dry cask storage, is it an acceptable option, or do we need to move forward on regional or national depositories?

To Cuba and other governments across the hemisphere, our message must be clear: nonviolent dissent is not criminal behavior.

Opposition to the government is not criminal behavior. Exercise of free speech is not criminal behavior.

I wish to commemorate the life of retired Navy LCDR Wesley Anthony Brown, who passed away on May 22, 2012, at the age of 85. Lieutenant Commander Brown was the sixth African American to attend and first to graduate from the U.S. Naval…

I rise to support the Paycheck Fairness Act that we are going to have a chance to vote on tomorrow. I hope my colleagues will support the effort of my colleague Senator Mikulski in allowing S. 3220 to move forward. I congratulate my…

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have given ``the last full measure of devotion'' in the service of our great country. I believe this Memorial Day is especially significant as we pause to reflect on some of the events of…

I rise to discuss the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, the bill now under consideration here in the Senate. I applaud Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Enzi for their leadership in moving this critical legislation through the HELP…

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amended be set aside so that I may call up amendment No. 2125. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 5 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 10 a.m., to conduct a committee hearing entitled ``Implementing Derivatives…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 10 a.m., in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER…

I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Subcommittee on Airland

I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. National Small Business Week

I take this time to bring to the attention of my colleagues that we are celebrating National Small Business Week, which is a very important occasion because, as the Senator from New Hampshire understands, the growth engine for America is…

I thank my friend from Arizona for his courtesy. I will try not to use the entire 5 minutes. There are other areas where we have also moved forward to help our small businesses, including credits for their health insurance so they can…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Airland of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 22, 2012, at 2 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I will just make one last observation. That is, we know that we are going to reduce costs and hospital infection rates. We know that.

But I want to get back to reality. You all are facing additional cuts in the Medicaid programs in every State in this Nation.

I found your presentations to be as comprehensive a presentation that I have ever received on the treaty, and I thank you for that.

I think it would strengthen our standing to support our allies who are dealing with some of these issues particularly in the South China Sea.