I thank the Senator from Oklahoma. Madam President, I rise in opposition to the amendment. I appreciate the concerns raised by the Senator, but I rise in strong opposition to block granting and cutting the food assistance program called…

before the Senator from Wisconsin leaves the floor, I would like to indicate how thrilled I am to have another Great Lakes Senator with us in the Senate. Senator Baldwin is an invaluable member of the Budget Committee. She is fighting hard…

before speaking on the amendment, I wish to share--and I know everyone in the Senate wishes to share--their thoughts and prayers with the people of Oklahoma. As the distinguished Senator from Oklahoma knows, I have a strong connection with…

on behalf of Senator Shaheen, I called up her amendment No. 925. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Michigan [Ms. Stabenow], for Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Kirk, Mr…

for the information of Members, we are working to set up a vote later this afternoon on this particular amendment. I am working with Senator Cochran and his Republican colleagues in order to set up that vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The…

as we continue debate on the Agricultural Reform, Food and Jobs Act, I want to remind my colleagues how important this bill is for our economy and for the 16 million people whose jobs rely on agriculture. When we go home at night and sit…

we know we have other colleagues who will be coming to the floor to talk about the very important jobs bill, reform bill, and food bill we have in front of us--a conservation bill as well--but I just wish to take a moment to say to our…

first, I would I ask unanimous consent that at 12 noon today the Senate observe a moment of silence for the victims of the tornado in Oklahoma. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 9:30…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Schatz). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

We are also working on a Sessions amendment No. 945, which we had hoped to line up as well. I understand there is an additional modification being made. If that modification is agreeable to both sides, it is our intention to adopt that…

I call for regular order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. S. 954 is the pending business.

On behalf of Senator Leahy, I call up amendment No. 998. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Michigan [Ms. Stabenow], for Mr. Leahy, proposes an amendment numbered…

It appears at this moment we are going to have to have a little bit more time before we do that, but I thank the Senator.

We are now going to resume discussion on the farm bill, but before doing that I see one of the distinguished members of our committee on the floor who I know would like to make some other comments. But I just wish to thank her in advance…

we have made great progress today. I thank colleagues for their work today bringing forth amendments. We will continue to work with Members as we go forward tomorrow, putting together a number of votes to bring before the body. We are…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 10:15 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Financial Stability Oversight…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 10 a.m., in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 10 a.m. in room SD-215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``A Review of…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 2:15 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Committee on Foreign Relations

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 2:45 p.m., to hold a Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs subcommittee hearing entitled…

I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. subcommittee on consumer…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on May 21, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., in SH-216 of the Hart Senate Office Building, to continue its executive business meeting…

I reluctantly rise in opposition. I am a full supporter of this program to make sure families who find themselves in a situation beyond their control because of the economy, because of what has been happening to so many around the country…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business until 6:30, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Louisiana…