improving public safety, growing our economy, increasing energy independence, and protecting the environment have always been among my top priorities as a Senator. Today, the very first bill I am introducing in this new Congress will…

it is a great pleasure to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Senator Barbara Mikulski on becoming the longest-serving woman in Senate history. While this is a milestone to celebrate, the true cause for celebration is not just Senator…

I rise today to discuss the New START treaty. Before I begin, I would like to thank Senator Kerry and Senator Lugar for their leadership on this important arms control agreement. When I first began to consider this treaty, I considered the…

when George Voinovich came to the Senate in 1998, he brought with him a wealth of experience as a State legislator, county commissioner, mayor, and Governor. More important, he brought an independent mind, common sense, and a commitment to…

November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, which gives us the opportunity to honor the home health and hospice caregivers and volunteers who make such a remarkable difference in the lives of their patients and their families. The…

on Monday, the Senate took an important step toward extending critical tax relief for all Americans by approving cloture on the Reid-McConnell amendment, by an overwhelming vote. This bipartisan vote is encouraging and demonstrates that…

as I listened this afternoon to Senator Gregg's farewell address, I thought about how much all of us who have been privileged to serve with him will miss his wisdom. But for me, the loss will be even more intense, for there is no one to…

if I could pose a further question to the majority leader through the Chair, I understand what the majority leader is saying, but as he discussed his plan with me, he would, in fact, allow 15 amendments--10 to be offered on the Republican…

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on both the individual and the family. Today, an estimated 5.3 million Americans--including more than 25,000 Mainers--are living with Alzheimer's…

It seems evident to me that, unfortunately, the majority leader is not pursuing the path we discussed, or at least that is my interpretation of what he is saying. I think that is so unfortunate. I want to vote to proceed to this bill. I…

I want to make sure, since this is an important bill and an important issue, that I understand precisely what it is the majority leader is proposing. So I ask through the Chair whether the majority leader is proposing a procedure where…

I agree with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, that the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law should be repealed.

Let me start by making my position crystal-clear. I agree with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, that the don't ask, don't tell law should be repealed. It should be repealed, contingent upon the certifications…

I rise today to introduce The U.S. Postal Service Improvements Act of 2010. This bill would help the U.S. Postal Service regain its financial footing as it adapts to the era of increasingly digital communications. The storied history of…

unless Congress acts, this new year will begin with the imposition of an onerous new tax burden for American families. They will face an automatic tax increase of nearly $2.7 trillion--one of the largest tax increases in history--when the…

today I wish to honor the spirit, determination, and life of Ivy Johnson. Ivy lost her long battle with cancer on Friday, November 19. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her parents, her brothers, and the rest of her family and friends…

in honor of the hard work and generosity of all those involved in the Wreaths Across America project, U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and I have submitted a resolution in the Senate that would designate Saturday, December 11, as ``Wreaths…

Admiral Mullen, the second objection that we hear over and over and over is that we cannot implement this kind of change in the midst of a war. And I thought you made an excellent point that the opposite may be true, that war time…

I am a strong supporter of the Postal Service. It plays an absolutely vital role in our economy.

The Postal Service has to provide services that customers need.

We urge Congress to look at every single idea to try and improve the collective bargaining process which does not allow for strikes.

With an $8.5 billion loss this past year, you cannot revenue your way out of this problem.

the Postal Service should more aggressively use Negotiated Service Agreements in market-dominant products

Those who think that we can somehow ignore the problems of the Postal Service are woefully mistaken.

I would also like to thank Senator Collins for her tireless work on OPM's authority to transfer our surplus pension funds.