The Public Record
Al Franken is an American politician, comedian, and author who served as the junior United States Senator from Minnesota from 2009 until 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, Franken gained national prominence as a writer and performer on 'Saturday Night Live' before transitioning to politics. During his time in the Senate, he focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and consumer protection, and was known for his sharp wit and advocacy for progressive policies. He was a member of several Senate committees, including the Judiciary and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committees.
★ Featured Quote
September 10, 2025
Never thought I’d say a prayer for Charlie Kirk. But here goes. Political violence has no place in this country.
— Al Franken
Mr. President, this is my final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I have come to the floor many times, as we all have. We come to the floor to cast our votes on bills and amendments. We come here to discuss and debate the issues that…
Mr. President, unlike most of my colleagues, the time I spent here in the Senate represents the sum total of my experience in elected office. For most of my life I approached politics and public policy from a very different perspective. I…
Mr. President, I rise to deliver the second in a series of floor speeches that I offer as I close out my time in the Senate. This afternoon, I want to talk about Americans' relationship with telecommunications and technology companies and…
Mr. President. I thank the Senator from Oregon, my friend, for his extraordinarily kind words. He, too, has been a leader introducing the first net neutrality bill back in 2006, before I came to the Senate. I rise to talk about tomorrow's…
Mr. President, a couple of months ago, I felt we had entered an important moment in the history of this country. We were finally beginning to listen to women about the ways in which men's actions affect them. The moment was long overdue. I…
Mr. President, I rise this evening in opposition to the tax bill before us. I think the problem in our country isn't that wealthy people in this country aren't wealthy enough; the problem is, the wealth gap has grown to the highest levels…
Madam President, I thank Senator Leahy, my good friend. New developments in the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the election have, once again, raised concerns about the accuracy of statements made by Attorney General…
Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the importance of bipartisan action on healthcare, as the Senator from New Hampshire just did. Over the past year, I have traveled all around Minnesota to talk with individuals and families and…
Thank you, Mr. President. Like the Senator from Illinois, I rise to voice my opposition to the nomination of Bill Wehrum to serve as the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency. The Office of…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that my energy policy fellow, Shuchi Talati, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of this Congress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that my health policy fellow, Laura Knudtson, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of this Congress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________
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