Max Baucus

I rise to share a few remarks involving the overwhelming disaster that has hit Southeast Asia. I hope the distinguished deputy leader would heed my remarks because I very much hope we can get this legislation passed this year--not only…

I suggested to the chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Grassley, and he agreed, that it would be appropriate and, in fact, it would be a good idea, to pass legislation today which would allow Americans to give a full deduction that…

Last week the Senate lost one of its most dedicated public servants. Stan Kimmitt was deeply devoted to this great body and to his beloved country. He never forgot his humble beginnings and strong Montana roots. Stan devoted his life to…

Yes, those were the halcyon days when this country was represented really well. But I might say the provision we have been discussing; namely, the degree to which Members of Congress should have access to any American's income tax returns…

I am pleased, frankly, that in the final days of the 108th Congress, the Senate is set to pass at long last the miscellaneous tariff bill. This bill reduces or eliminates tariffs on literally hundreds of products that U.S. companies use to…

I know he had a hard time deciding whether to retire, a very hard time. I spoke with him several times. I did not want to prejudice him or bias him: Is there some way I can help John make this decision? And I mean that in the best sense of…

Finally, my greatest thanks are to the people of the State of Montana. I express my gratitude and thanks to the people of Montana for sending me here as their representative. I will never forget the people I work for. They are my bosses…

The British historian Thomas Carlyle said all work is noble. And Psalm 97, attributed to Moses, the psalmist's prayer says: Establish the work of our hands. We all know the value and the meaning of work. It is so fundamental. Hard work…

I want to confirm that footnote 30 of the statement of conferees, relating to the methods and means of distribution of films, should not be read to create a negative inference with respect to the means of distribution of any other…

I congratulate Chairman Grassley for assuring that the conference committee included Section 703, civil rights tax relief, in the conference report. As a member of the conference committee, I was very pleased to support this very important…

This important legislation attempts to comply with the World Trade Organization, WTO, rulings on the Foreign Sales Corporation, FSC, Extraterritorial Income, ETI, benefit in order to prompt the European Union to rescind trade tariffs…

Yes, and I believe we can both agree that our efforts were successful in preserving the revenue functions, commercial functions, and commercial operations of the Customs Service, including oversight of those functions and operations within…

I would like to add that it's my understanding that the Finance Committee has had jurisdiction over customs for 188 years, and so I am glad to see today that the Committee's expertise will continue to be brought to bear on the customs…

at this moment there are several matters pending before the Congress before we recess and/or adjourn. One of them is something that is extremely critical to a lot of people in our country and that is disaster assistance. It is not only the…

I offer this technical clarifying amendment to the underlying resolution. It delineates committee jurisdiction. Part of it is with respect to the Customs Service, which the Finance Committee has had jurisdiction over for 188 years. Now the…

this amendment goes to the heart of our debate over the structure and purpose of the U.S. intelligence community. My amendment addresses the allocation of resources at Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC. Much of our…

this legislation would not have been possible without the help of many. I appreciate the cooperation we received from the Republican staff, especially Kolan Davis, Mark Prater, Dean Zerbe, Ed McClellan, Elizabeth Paris, Christy Mistr, John…

I totally agree. He said it much more directly, as he customarily does. I was a little more oblique and indirect, as I sometimes am. Chuck Grassley is basic good Chuck Grassley representing the State of Iowa in a very thoughtful and great…

very briefly, I heard two arguments from one Senator as to why this pending amendment, agricultural disaster assistance, should not pass. It is a very technical argument that it violates the Budget Act. I remind my colleagues, the…

I think the growing support indicates we should adopt this amendment. There may be a point of order raised. It would be a technicality. I hope if that is raised, Senators will vote to waive that point of order so we can help some people in…

The more I speak, the more I am getting cosponsors. I ought to keep talking. They are coming in at a rate of about four a minute. With that, I urge Senators to support this legislation.

This amendment provides for emergency agricultural natural disaster assistance. Some might ask why I am offering this amendment, particularly on this bill. The answer is very simple. First of all, there is a tremendous need, a need in…

this is quite an important amendment for our Nation's security. I think it will help strengthen a key component of our national security strategy. We all know our Nation's security begins here at home, by securing our land borders, our…

I spoke yesterday about the Morocco free-trade agreement and its benefits for both the United States and Morocco. I hope and expect that when we vote on the Morocco implementing bill, the bill will pass by an overwhelming margin. That is a…

this position paper has been prepared by R-CALF USA, an industry association representing ranchers across the country including Montana. Future trade agreements must seek to eliminate the distortions that undermine the prosperity of U.S…