today, along with my colleague Senator Carper, I am introducing the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act. This bill would ensure that we have accurate, detailed information about the extent of mercury pollution in the United…

I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nebraska. ____________________

government shutdowns are never the answer. No matter how difficult the problem, we should never resort to shutting down government. It harms too many innocent Federal employees--in this case, 800,000 Federal employees and their families…

today I wish to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city of Auburn, ME. Auburn was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today, and this is a time to celebrate the generations of…

I stand here today with a heavy heart, as we pay tribute to our friend and colleague, Claire McCaskill of Missouri. Senators represent their State and, not surprisingly, they often reflect their State's heritage, traditions, and values…

I am pleased to be here this morning to join my colleagues in saluting the public service of our friend Senator Jeff Flake. In his remarkable book, ``The Conscience of a Conservative,'' Senator Jeff Flake offered these words that apply to…

Thank you, Mr. President. This September, at the height of yet another contentious campaign season, Senator Orrin Hatch authored an op-ed for Time magazine which we should all read. Its theme was reflected in the remarks he delivered today…

In his two terms in the Senate, Bob Corker established a strong reputation as a visionary leader who offered innovative, commonsense solutions and developed an extraordinary expertise in foreign policy. He has served the people of…

I am pleased to be joined by my colleague Senator Angus King in sponsoring this resolution to designate December 15, 2018, as Wreaths Across America Day. Throughout human history, the evergreen wreath has been offered as a tribute to…

as I listened to Senator Heitkamp's farewell remarks to us today, I could not help but think of the fact that she used her final speech on the Senate floor not just to talk about her accomplishments, of which there are many, but to inspire…

on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, ME, stands a simple yet powerful monument, a gift from the people of that small community to a friend and neighbor. The monument is a U.S. Navy anchor, and the friend and neighbor was President George…

I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following…

I ask unanimous consent that Rowan Kurtz and Grant Cummings, interns in Senator Murkowski's office, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the week. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

each year, the 1.4 million members of the National Association of Realtors recognize five of their own with the Good Neighbor Award for their service to others, locally or globally. I am delighted to congratulate 2018 Good Neighbor Elias…

As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, I rise today to introduce the ``Guardianship Accountability Act of 2018,'' a bill that would assist States in improving guardianship oversight and data collection. I am pleased to be joined by our…

Several States are, however, making significant progress in reforming their guardianship procedures.

Many of these recommendations are reflected in legislation that the Ranking Member, Senator Casey, and I have authored, called the 'Guardianship Accountability Act.'

Protecting older Americans from financial fraud and exploitation has long been one of my top priorities as Chairman of this Committee.

I want to thank our witnesses for your contribution to this important discussion about what States are doing to better protect those placed under guardianship arrangements.

The Guardianship Accountability Act that Senator Casey and I introduced this morning would further support guardianship reform.

I am delighted to commend Yarmouth Elementary School in Yarmouth, ME, on being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. Serving 358 students from second through fourth grade, this outstanding school is one of…

I am delighted to commend Dr. Levesque Elementary School in Frenchville, ME, on being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. This outstanding school is one of only 349 schools across the country to receive Blue…

I am delighted to commend Falmouth High School of Falmouth, ME, on being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. This outstanding high school is one of only 349 schools across the country to receive Blue Ribbon…

for Americans struggling with high health care expenses, the tax deduction for certain medical expenses continues to be of significant assistance for many taxpayers. But unless it is extended, the income threshold for this vital deduction…

today I wish to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the town of Falmouth, ME. As one of the oldest communities in Maine, Falmouth holds a very special place in our State's history and one that exemplifies the determination and resiliency…