It is one that I hope that we can resolve quickly. Again, it should be on an entirely bipartisan basis.

There are those who assert, and apparently we now have three justices--Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch--who appear to accept this independent Legislature theory.

The power in the Congress to set the date is a constraint on the Legislature acting retroactive.

If you have ambiguity and confusion, that opens the way to conflict and ultimately violence as we saw on January 6th.

I think the Reform Act does not need to address this subject because there are legal remedies in place at the state level.

Do you feel that the Electoral Reform Act adequately deals with the rogue Governor problem of a Governor who basically refuses to certify?

I am worried about the implications of the so-called independent Legislature theory.

This is not a partisan issue. This is a mechanical issue.

The core concept is the peaceful transfer of power.

I ask that the scheduled vote occur immediately. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Wang nomination?

I would argue that we have what he proposed, except we do not have the disclosure.

It seems to me there is a difference...

In a time of resurgent authoritarianism around the world, with hostile actors looking to benefit from instability and division in the United States, reinforcing guardrails to prevent manipulation of our political process could not be more…

Assume for a moment, we could draft a language that would narrowly tailor it strictly to elections and political candidates. Would that be satisfactory to you?

Don't you think the American people have a right to know who is trying to influence their position on policy or on elections?

If we can better draw the line, if we can make the definition tighter, do I understand you to say that you have no objection to the revelation of the identity of donors, to clearly what we would all agree would be political advocacy of a…

Ultimately, this is not about helping Democrats or Republicans. It is about making sure that all Americans have the means to hold political leaders and those working to elect them accountable.

I am very worried about billionaires' feelings here, I got to tell you, because it is really touching.

What is the difference? How do I tell my person--that they are there have to be disclosed, but a billionaire in California who is trying to buy a Maine Senate seat does not have to be disclosed.

as most of us here in the Senate know, this Chamber functions with a dedicated and able staff to support us. Because we are a relatively small body that has to oversee the actions of the far larger executive branch, we rely on specialists…

I commend the Administration for taking the initiative to create this office within the State Department.

I commend it to you as an urgent piece of legislation.

today I wish to recognize Dana Totman for his 22 years of service at Avesta Housing and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement. Under his leadership, Avesta Housing became northern New England's largest housing nonprofit and…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business for debate only, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING…

election laws that perpetuate attacks and harassment and impose criminal penalties or hefty fines on election administrators just trying to do their jobs are wrong.