I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before Subcommittee on National Parks. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. in room SD 366 of the…

I ask unanimous consent that Aoife Delargy, who is an intern in my office, be granted floor privileges during the pendency of S. 1813, the surface transportation bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I come to the floor, along with my colleague Senator Udall, to honor Ben Lujan, who is the longtime speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives. After tirelessly representing District 46 in our State legislature for 37 years--the…

I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 10 a.m., in room SD…

I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Tribute to Ben Lujan

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it…

this is an investment in the Nation's energy future that will boost our economic growth and global competitiveness

the Department of Energy's budget request cuts funding in mature technology areas and provides increased resources for the most promising clean energy innovations

the priorities laid out in the President's proposed budget reflect a strong commitment to clean energy

let me just indicate to my colleague from Kentucky that I am encouraged to hear that this is an action that could be taken without any cost to the taxpayer. I think that is obviously important. I do not know all of the arguments for and…

maybe if I could just be clear as to exactly what action the Senator from Kentucky is requesting of the Secretary--I know he indicated that he had contacted the Secretary or written to the Secretary and had not heard back. But is there…

obviously, I do not want a monument erected to me in Kentucky. But I do appreciate the Senator from Kentucky indicating his commitment to help get these nominees approved if some accommodation could be found for his concerns. As I say, I…