I rise today to indicate my resolve that our men and women in uniform have this Senate's full support in whatever actions might be taken regarding Iraq and in our ongoing war against terrorism. The question has never been whether Saddam…

I thank the leader for refocusing on the critical issues of economic security at this time. When I am home in Michigan, there is no question that while people are concerned about national security, the issues in front of them every…

I believe what Senator Levin has put forward is the right approach. It minimizes the risk to our country, to our troops, and maximizes the ability for the world community, including the United States, to come together, to make sure that…

Mr. President, I rise to address the issue of importance of the day-- I think it is important to all of us and to our country--the issue of taking military action against Iraq. As Members of Congress, the most important vote that we cast…

I did want to follow up on the discussion this morning on the economy. A few minutes ago, I indicated that every economic indicator that should be going down is going up: job losses; health care costs; foreclosures; national debt; interest…

Every economic indicator we want to go up is going down, and every one we want to go down is going up. The Senator and I have worked together on one of the most critical issues that affect Americans, their pocketbook and quality of life…

I support the Byrd amendment as an addition to this effort, not as a detraction, because I believe what Senator Byrd has articulated is a very important part of the way we put together a Department of Homeland Security. I think it is…

I believe the Byrd amendment is a more disciplined process that will help us create a Department that is cohesive, responsive, and effective with its duties and missions clearly defined. I urge my colleagues to join with so many of us in…

Mr. President, I wonder, also, if the Senator might add to his list-- I know he is aware of the fact we have passed a very important prescription drug bill. We had two focuses in the Senate: One, to add Medicare coverage and, two, to lower…

I rise to submit a resolution, along with Senator Levin, to honor Ernie Harwell, the voice of the Detroit Tigers. As Tiger fans across the country know, Ernie Harwell is retiring this year after broadcasting major league baseball for 55…

I urge in the strongest possible terms that we pass this disaster relief package. The years 2001 and 2002 have been absolutely devastating years for Michigan agriculture. When I was home in August, I had an opportunity to visit from…

I believe it boils down to this: The drug companies of America like the system the way it is today. They want nothing to happen. The seniors of America are counting on us to stand up and do the right thing: Not privatizing Medicare with a…

I want to take a few moments, as we are working in earnest this week to complete the session and focus on where we are as it relates to the critical issue of prescription drug coverage and making sure that our seniors have help in Medicare…

I completely understand and support what they are fighting for and join them in that fight. We also have had in northern and western Michigan disasters that happened as late as this spring where we have seen our cherry crop wiped out…

I rise today, as I have now for many weeks, and in particular in the last 2 weeks, focusing on prescription drugs, which is another disaster, quite frankly, that has been facing our seniors, our families, our farmers who are trying to find…

When we look at the Medicare system and the inability to cover prescription drugs for our seniors, when we look at the explosion in the price of the prescription drugs, I would say it is very tough to find a system that is more broken than…

I will simply say in closing that AARP, representing seniors, and other senior organizations across this country do not believe this, in fact, is a good deal. There is no question they want action now, but it has to be real and meaningful…

I thank both of my friends and colleagues, who are such champions on this underlying issue--the entire issue of Medicare and prescription drug coverage and lowering prices. In fact, as our leader, the Senator from Massachusetts, indicated…

But does that mean you will, in the future--as opposed to what has happened in the past--object to anything that comes to the floor, any amendment that comes to the floor that has not gone through the committee process? I would be…

I find it interesting, there is great concern about expanding discounts to people who are not on Medicaid. Do you know what is unfair in this country right now? The only people who pay retail, the only people who pay the highest prices in…

I appreciate very much being recognized and having an opportunity this morning to speak regarding the situation I believe we are in and the challenges right now as they relate to moving forward on addressing prices and cost containment in…

The trading of drugs is probably more highly regulated than any kind of trade. I am wondering if my friend would also object to all the food that comes into the United States from Canada and other countries. We have foods and vegetables…

I think it is being held up because it is not supported by the pharmaceutical industry. We know there are six drug company lobbyists for every Member of the Senate. It is clear they would prefer the House plan, which they helped to write…

this is a very important second-degree amendment that not only will help our seniors be able to lower the prices they pay for prescription drugs, as my colleagues have said. I thank the Senator from Minnesota for his ongoing leadership on…

I am wondering if my friend might also respond then to the well-known practice now that the companies are spending 2 rac{1}{2} times more on advertising than they are on research and development, and how you might feel about that.