if I need a speech to introduce Mark Wetjen, I am in bad shape.

I think it is fair to say that he is one of the most popular staff members on Capitol Hill.

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., tomorrow, Thursday, July 21; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be…

I ask unanimous consent that the Johnson- Kirk amendment No. 556 be modified further with the changes that are at the desk; that Senator Warner be added as a cosponsor to the Johnson- Kirk amendment; that the pending amendments be set…

tomorrow morning, the majority leader will move to proceed to H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. There will be a full debate on this bill. We will decide how much time is needed. We will work on this as we proceed. If all the time…

I express my appreciation to the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee for the work they have done on this bill. It took a little longer than we wanted, but they got it done. They have been excellent managers of this…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour. The majority will control the first half and the Republicans the final half. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of…

there is a fundamental principle we have to focus on in the Senate, and I think we have focused on it; that is, we cannot default on our debt. We have 11 or 12 days until that crucial time comes. We have a number of plans that are being…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate receives H.R. 2560, it be ordered to be read twice and placed on the calendar. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I ask unanimous consent that at noon tomorrow, July 20, Senator Johnson of South Dakota be recognized to move to table Vitter amendment No. 568; that there be no amendments or points of order in order to the Vitter amendment prior to the…

following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for up to 2 hours, with the two sides alternating 30-minute blocks, with the Republicans controlling the first block. Following morning business, the Senate…

today the House will consider legislation that would force the Nation to default on our financial obligations for the first time in history, unless Congress adopts a new--well, let's put it this way: What the House is working on today…

following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:30 this afternoon. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and related…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent the Senate adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 7:18 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 10 a.m…

we are continuing to work on Senator Johnson's military construction appropriations bill. The Senate will be notified when votes are scheduled on that matter. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, Senator Durbin be recognized to give a brief presentation and, following that, Senator Grassley will have one-half hour. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I did not know it was John Glenn's birthday. I am so happy I was on the floor when my dear friend from Ohio talked about John Glenn. John Glenn--when I came to the Senate, one of the first Tuesday caucuses we had I watched John Glenn stand…

if I could interrupt my friend and through the Chair say this: I would hope the Republican leader noted the tone and content of my statement where I did not lump all Republicans in one big bundle. Pardon the interruption. Mr. McCONNELL. I…

Senate Democrats sat down with Secretary Tim Geithner, and he painted a picture of what our world would look like if Republicans in Congress force this Nation, for the first time in its history, to default on its financial obligations. The…

I would object to any further proceedings on this bill at this time. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Objection is heard. The bill will be placed on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV. ____________________

H.R. 2018 is at the desk and due for a second reading, I am told. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will read the bill by title for the second time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Con. Res. 25. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A concurrent resolution (S…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until tomorrow morning, Tuesday, July 19, at 10 a.m.; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning…

per the request of Senator Kyl's office, I ask unanimous consent that a letter from myself and Senator Kyl to the Attorney General be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as…