let me thank Senator McCain, not just for taking time for this colloquy concerning Mr. Magnitsky but for his longstanding commitment to justice issues, human rights issues, and the values the United States represents internationally. We…

I rise to explain why I voted against the motion to invoke cloture on S. 990, the legislative vehicle for S. 1038, the reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT ACT. I opposed cloture because I believe the Senate has an obligation to consider…

I ask unanimous consent that floor privileges be temporarily granted to Kyle Parker, a staff member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which I cochair, during the pendency of this colloquy in which I am engaging with…

I rise today to introduce the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act of 2011. I am pleased to note that the junior Senators from Missouri, Mr. Blunt, and Michigan, Ms. Stabenow, are original cosponsors of this measure. Our bill extends for…

Will my colleague yield for just one final comment? I think the Senator is right on target as to what he has said. I appreciate the Senator bringing this to the attention of our colleagues in the Senate. I will respond to one other point…

I say to Senator McCain, you are absolutely right. This is not isolated. Magnitsky is not an isolated case of a lawyer doing his job on behalf of a client and being abused by the authorities. We have a lot of examples of lawyers trying to…

Well, it is very interesting, I say to Senator McCain. I just came from a Senate Finance Committee hearing, and we were talking about a free-trade agreement. I am for free-trade agreements. I think it makes sense. It is funny, when a…

That was a statement made by the 56 states of the OSCE at a meeting of the Heads of State, which happens about every 10 years. It just happened to have happened last year. Russia participated in drafting this statement. Russia was there…

Well, what period of time are we talking about, just so we have the time frame?

I want to talk a little bit about human rights, basic rights, and labor rights, because one of the only times that we can get the attention of our government officials on international labor issues is when we have an agreement before us.

Congress has the final word here, and that is very clear.

I know they support it. But I am trying to figure out, if our expectation is that we are going to go from 6,100 cars to about 9,000 cars and trucks, that is not very great.

That is not very many cars.

If we find any products that originate from the Kaesong Industrial Complex, it would violate the terms of this agreement.

Its safe and reliable operation is of paramount importance to my constituents.

As far as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is concerned, extremely important position.

I am pleased to be joined today by Senators Snowe, Reid, Shaheen, Whitehouse, and Menendez in introducing a resolution calling upon the government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of…

I look forward to hearing from the nominees, each of whom is being considered for a role that is critically important to the protection of our environment.

The Federal Government has made an investment in Poplar Island which is the site of a lot of dredged material, but also an environmental restoration site.

The challenge is how the Administration is going to help us make sure that we move forward with these types of important projects.

It is vital. If we don't plan ahead and have sites for dredged materials that are economically viable, it will jeopardize the economy of our region and our Nation.

I have the honor of representing Maryland. That means I am close by.

Once again, let me thank all three of our nominees for their willingness to continue in public service.

Keeping our channels properly dredged is absolutely vital to our economy, as a Nation.

I want to thank all three of our nominees for their willingness to serve in the public.