We would look with great concern on the use of force or coercion in the region.

I believe you indicated in your prior submission that you felt it would be important for our country to accede to the Law of the Sea Treaty.

I ask unanimous consent that Deanna Wilbur be granted the privilege of the floor for the purpose of being here during these remarks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

we are going to have a historic vote this afternoon--historic at least in recent history--because for the first time in 3 or 4 years we are going to pass a budget--at least I certainly hope so. It is historic because, while the process was…

I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate for 15 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I wish to associate myself with the comments of the senior Senator from Washington. I am pleased to know that it is her intent that the work of not-for-profit servicers advances and that they will continue to be allowed to compete for…

I rise to address one of the most difficult issues we have faced in this bill, an issue on which the Armed Services Committee spent a great deal of time, in fact more time than on any other issue this year. It is the issue of sexual…

Most simply put, he is a judge's judge.

He was found, in effect, by our judicial selection as an outstanding legal practitioner.

I must say, this is the first time I have sat on this side of the table. It is more fun sitting up there, I think.

There's a lot of discussion about flexibility. It seems to me in this situation a way to think about it is we're telling you that you have to cut a finger off and you get to decide which one.

The greatest threat to American national security now lies within the square mile that encompasses Capitol Hill and the White House, and that we are the problem.

I rise this morning in high hopes but with deep concern. The high hopes are that a budget conference at long last is taking place, that representatives of the Senate and the House are meeting together--met last week and I know have been…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Basic Functions Of Government

The public understands this. That's why our approval rating is below al Qaeda's. It's a sad state.

I wish to discuss the nomination of Patricia Millett to be a judge on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Pattie, as she is known, is clearly well qualified. She has received support from Attorneys General appointed by Republican…

Winston Churchill once famously observed that Americans will always do the right thing only after they have tried everything else. I think the last 2 weeks demonstrates the wisdom of that observation. I join my colleagues in…

I ask unanimous consent to have 4 more minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.

I am afraid this will become the normal way we do things around here. Police, intelligence people, and military officers tell us they don't negotiate with hostage-takers, and the reason they don't is because they would empower, enable, and…

my intention coming here was to help solve problems, to find common ground, to work together with colleagues from both sides of the aisle. That is my history, and, in fact, that was my primary motivation for running, for stepping into the…

I want to begin with a story about two young men, both 29, both married with a couple of kids, and both contracted cancer the same day--malignant melanoma, the kind of cancer that comes from a mole. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon in our…

in the 1930s there was a looming threat from Germany to the peace of Europe and to the existence of England. That threat was real, and there were multiple signs. There was data. But there were very few people who wanted to do anything…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:41 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at 9:30 a.m…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 336 and 337; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2013; that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of…