Al Franken

We can honor the Second Amendment, and we can honor Minnesota's culture of responsible gun ownership while taking basic measures that will make our kids and our communities safer.

I have been talking to my constituents about their ideas on how to make our communities safer.

We were heartbroken for the families in Sandy Hook. We were heartbroken for the families in Tucson.

It actually costs us money when people aren't insured.

They have lower health costs and as good outcomes, if not better, right?

I think your status is partly determined by your salary.

It's vital, absolutely vital, that we detect earlier and intervene earlier with something that's effective.

So, in a sense, Newtown did prompt this.

I think it is extremely important.

I think that translates into the courtroom as well.

The life of the law has not been logic. It has been experience.

I have come to the floor to talk about Medicare. My esteemed colleague from Alabama just talked about Medicare reform. The Presiding Officer and I--all of us--pay into Medicare every month, so we are entitled to Medicare benefits when we…

I thank Senator Merkley. I would like to echo the concerns of my friends and colleagues, Senators Harkin, Udall, Merkley, and Chairman Johnson. This legislation is intended to provide relief from a physical signage requirement that is…

Thank you, Judge, for that.

And that is what the Promise Neighborhoods do.

Some of that exposure to violence is at home, and what I understand is that exposure to trauma... we are maybe so focused on academic and cognitive achievement that we are not focused enough on the emotional skills and emotional…

It is reauthorizing your bill.

This is a bipartisan issue. There is no question about that.

Sorry. I could not resist.

We have a piece called VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act, that I wish we would get passed in the House.

I would love that, because my understanding is that kids who come out of a quality early childhood program have a far lower rate of incarceration.

I just want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this incredibly important hearing.

If we had one student to every 800 counselors, we would be in great shape.

You use this Committee to raise awareness about issues that otherwise might not get the attention they deserve.

I commend the Secretary for focusing on early childhood in the new Race to the Top stuff and the Promise Neighborhoods.