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.
Madam President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to allow debate on the DISCLOSE Act, a commonsense measure to fix just some of the problems created by the Citizens United decision. For a century, Congress has done everything it could…
Mr. President, today I am introducing the Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency, or TREEA, Act, on behalf of myself and Senator Bond. I want to thank him for working with me on this bill, which is inspired by models in both of our…
Mr. President, I rise today to discuss an incredibly important subject--our Nation's budget deficits. The deficit for fiscal year 2009 was about $1.4 trillion. The total national debt is now just under $13.2 trillion. These numbers are…
Mr. President, I am proud today to be joining Senator Hagan in introducing the MTM Expanded Benefits Act. We all know that prescription drugs are an essential part of health care. What a lot of people don't know is that only about 50…
Mr. President, today I note with sorrow the passing of one of America's great jurists, Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Judge Heaney died Tuesday in Duluth, MN. Judge Heaney served with distinction and honor for 40 years on the U.S. Court of…
Mr. President, on December 12, 2006, Immigration and Customs Enforcement staged raids on Swift & Company meatpacking plants in six states--Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, and my home State of Minnesota. Over 1,500 unauthorized…
Madam President, I couldn't agree more with my colleague from Rhode Island and his eloquent statement, as well as my colleague from Maryland. I think we are going to be hearing a lot about this Roberts Court as we head into and during the…
Oh, it was order in the Chamber. In that case, I will also say that it will make data public. Also, Senator Vitter and Senator Shelby weighed in on this and made it better. So it is safe for Members on both sides of the aisle to vote for…
Madam President, let me tell you about this amendment. It comes from me and Senator Snowe, and it would create the Office of the Homeowner Advocate within HAMP. It is needed because people don't really have an advocate within HAMP. They…
Mr. President, I rise to tell a very important story. Some of my colleagues have heard me talk previously about a woman named Tecora, a homeowner from south Minneapolis who is at risk of losing her home. Back in 2005, Tecora was looking…
Madam President, I rise to speak about the BP Deepwater Horizon oilspill and the need for comprehensive energy legislation. We just defeated a resolution that was an attempt to take our country backward in our energy policy at a time when…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To establish the Office of the Homeowner Advocate…
Politicians like Al Franken
