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.
I am glad the Senator brings up the phony-baloney doubt, especially with this extreme weather we have been experiencing. Some of my colleagues on the other side have pointed to the extreme snowstorms--at least one of my colleagues has--in…
Explain why the bark beetle is doing this. What is happening and how does that relates to climate change?
Now, let's make a distinction between people who are climate skeptics and people who are climate deniers. This is kind of an important distinction. There is nothing wrong with skepticism. In fact, we love skeptics. Scientists are, by…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that my legislative fellows, Erin Boyd and Sharon Hessney, be given the privileges of the floor for the duration of today's session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…
I thank my colleague for bringing this up. Let's talk about that. This is the leak of thousands of e-mails from scientists at the University of East Anglia Climate Research Unit back in 2009. It was done right before the Copenhagen…
This is actually an interesting area. There is a well- established link between the scientists who have worked for think tanks such as George C. Marshall Institute, Heartland Institute, and other foundations, which were funded at first by…
Yet, in spite of all of this--and these are all new reports on top of this 97 percent number that was established. Yet the conservative media and some of my colleagues in Congress seem to think it is just fine to ignore what these…
Mr. President, I rise today to address an alarming trend that I see in our national discourse. As legislators, our decisions need to be rooted in facts. Science driven by data and rigorous analysis needs to inform our policymaking…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Whitehouse and I be permitted to engage in a colloquy. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________
OK. The conservative media--remember, this doubt is amplified in the conservative echo chamber, talk radio, et cetera. You know what it is, the Wall Street Journal editorial page, Fox News, et cetera. Conservative media pounced, taking…
Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to honor the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of Golden Valley, MN. As a child growing up in St. Louis Park, I have many fond memories of time spent in my neighboring town to the north…
Mr. President, I rise today to strongly support Richard Cordray, the President's nominee to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Three years ago our economy was tumbling into the deepest recession since the Great…
Politicians like Al Franken
