we are now prepared to have a voice vote on Senator Wicker's amendment; therefore, I know of no further debate on the Wicker amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate? If not, the question is on agreeing to the amendment…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on November 18, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., in room SR-418 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, just a very brief explanation on both of these amendments. Senator Mikulski's amendment simply allows the Secretary of Transportation to select the Federal appointees for the Washington metro…

I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, I am pleased that we are making progress, and I encourage other Members to come to the floor and share their proposals with us so we can continue to dispense with amendments. I suggest the…

strong clean air protections remain very important for our health and environment. I have voted previously to protect the EPA's ability to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and I will oppose the two resolutions of disapproval…

I am concerned about the sudden, aggressive price hikes in certain off-patent drugs where there is just one supplier.

I rise on the eve of Veterans Day to urge my colleagues to support the fiscal year 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. This marks the first time in 2 years that we have had the opportunity to debate, amend…

I come before the Senate to express my strong support for proceeding to the fiscal year 2016 Defense appropriations bill. This bill provides vital funding for the men and women of our armed services at a time of serious and growing threats…

as Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, I am delighted to be joined today by my ranking member and good friend, Senator Claire McCaskill, in introducing the Senior$afe Act of 2015, a bill that would put in place a common sense plan to…

One of the issues in our current mental health system is that it is often far too difficult for parents to get help for their adult children who are suffering from serious mental illness.

I thank the Senator from California. This is not going to work for me, so I am going to return to my office. I understand this was unanticipated, and that is the way it goes sometimes.

I was struck by the news stories that I have read that, in most cases, it has been extremely difficult to identify the owner of the drone.

As technology advances, the FAA must ensure that its priority of protecting the flying public does not stifle innovation.

The subcommittee will come to order.

safety has to be the top priority.

And just for clarity, I assume that we are not talking about registering what used to be called model airplane systems that are very tiny, very lightweight, and have very little range.

The FAA's campaign, Know Before You Fly, is a step in the right direction.

Collaboration with local, State, and other Federal officials is essential.

There have been a number of troubling incidents with drones coming in close proximity to aircraft flying near our Nation's airports.

We believe the fixes contained in section 2 of Senators Collins' and Nelsons' bill represent viable approaches.

The private sector has increasingly shown an interest in the future impact of unmanned aircraft systems.

Yet we cannot allow the excitement of these potential benefits distract us from the critical work that still must be done to ensure the safety in the air as well as on the ground.

These are just a few examples of irresponsible operators flying drones and demonstrate, in my judgment, the need for more education and regulation.

It seems to me that it would make identifying the perpetrator far easier but also that it would prompt better behavior.

I look forward to hearing the testimony of Mr. Rogers as he identifies ongoing research on the groundbreaking ways unmanned aircraft are being used.