I come to the floor on the verge of what could be a government shutdown. I have listened to my colleagues throughout the day suggest-- particularly on the other side of the aisle--that this is only about Dreamers. Dreamers should be able…

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Alexander). The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll. (Mr. TILLIS assumed the Chair.) Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that…

let me start off by thanking my colleague from Colorado, who got here earlier than I and is giving me the opportunity to move ahead. My daughter is in town. I would like to see her, but this is important, and I appreciate his courtesy. I…

The facts sometimes will tell us very clearly that the country that is trafficking, human trafficking in violation, ultimately should not have that preference.

Maduro will use every tool at his disposal to perpetuate his authoritarian objectives.

As someone who has been the architect of sanctions laws impacting Iran and Russia and North Korea, I understand how important it is to prevent criminals and sanctioned individuals from anonymously accessing the financial system.

Do you believe that an optional dispute mechanism is an effective way to make labor standards enforceable in NAFTA?

The President says he wants to accommodate China in our trade disputes if they will apply pressure to deal with North Korea--something that I have not seen happen.

If confirmed, you will be overseeing our trading relationships with several countries that have poor records on combating trafficking.

Will you commit to this committee that any trade agreement you would be part of negotiating would contain enforceable labor provisions?

Let me just say, in your opening statement, you noted that last year the State Department announced a memorandum of principles...

I hope we are going to see the pursuit of the sanctions that we gave.