I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 409. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The bill clerk read as follows: The resolution (S. Res. 409) congratulating the Penn…

Reserving the right to object, I clearly understood the diversion-and-delay tactics of my friend from Louisiana, and I object. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The objection is heard.

Reserving the right to object, Mr. President, we have had millions of people over the last many months who have lost their unemployment benefits. In most instances it is real tragic. Many of the people who lost these benefits are past…

I would object to any further proceedings to both of these matters at this time. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Objection having been heard, the measures will be placed on the calendar. House Budget

in what has become an annual frustration for the American people, the tea party-controlled House Budget Committee released its budget proposal yesterday. This budget is frustrating for Americans because it doesn't reflect what they…

we are doing our best to reach an agreement both on the unemployment insurance and some executive nominations during tomorrow's session. ____________________

I move to table and ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is on agreeing to the motion. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk called the…

there are two bills at the desk due for a second reading. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will read the bills by title for the second time. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2198) to direct the…

following my remarks and those of the Republican leader, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 3979, which is the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension bill, with the time until 10 a.m. equally divided and…

I move to proceed to Calendar No. 250. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report the motion. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 250, S. 1737, a bill to provide for an increase…

one of the privileges of addressing the Senate each morning is the opportunity to call attention to what I believe and what I think the country believes are noble causes. I certainly hope so. Today is World Autism Awareness Day. To the…

from time to time I have to express my apologies to everyone--staff, the Presiding Officer--but I just can't come to the floor until we know what we are going to do tomorrow, and that takes a lot of time. That is what is going on while I…

I ask unanimous consent that on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at a time to be determined by me, in consultation with Senator McConnell, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: 520, 679, 705; that there be…

we hope this is the last vote of the day-- at least the next vote we hope will be by voice. There could be other votes procedural in nature this afternoon. We hope not, but you never know. I am not going to agree to anything. I yield back…

I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 371 and the Senate proceed to its consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the…

I now ask unanimous consent that today at 2:15 p.m. the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar Nos. 532 and 683; that there be 15 minutes for debate equally divided between the two leaders or their designees; that upon…

we also hope to reach agreement on another nomination, and hopefully we can do that during the break we are going to have now. I have nothing further. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that the Menendez amendment to the resolution, which is at the desk, be agreed to, the resolution, as amended, be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the Menendez amendment to the title, which is at the desk, be…

I move to proceed to Calendar No. 250. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 250, S. 1737, a bill to provide for an increase in the Federal…

following my remarks and those of the Republican leader, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour, with the majority controlling the first half and the Republicans the final half. Following morning business, the Senate…

as I went about my business in the Senate yesterday, I was informed the Koch brothers are at it again. We know they are at it, but now they are at it in Nevada, among other places. I am told one of their puppet organizations is going to…

There are two bills at the desk due for their first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bills by title for the first time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2198) to direct the Secretary of the Interior…

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.; that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to…

I ask for a second reading for both bills but object to my own request. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The bills will be read for the second time on the next legislative day. ____________________