On the recordNovember 30, 2015
this year is quickly drawing to a close, as I mentioned earlier. That means the Senate has precious few days left to finish vitally important legislative matters, and it is not a small list. Before we leave this year, we need to address funding to prevent a government shutdown, a surface transportation bill, the elementary and secondary education conference report, important expiring tax provisions, including those for the middle class, not just for the big corporations, and a growing backlog of nominations, particularly those involving national security positions. Each of these matters I just mentioned is essential. We have to get them done, and we don't have a lot of time to do it. There is certainly no time for demagoguery and political distractions such as repealing Obama Care or defunding Planned Parenthood that have been the hallmarks of the Republican Congress. Instead, I hope my Republican colleagues will work with Democrats to accomplish all of the Senate's work in a timely fashion. Madam President, Senator McConnell and I have finished our remarks. What now is the business of the day? ____________________
