I will take some of that time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has that right. Zika Virus Funding

And you understand, I ask the Senator from Florida, that for generations of time, mosquitoes have caused all kinds of medical problems for people who are infected from different bites from mosquitoes; is that right?

And you understand as much, if not more, than anyone else the dangers of these mosquitoes that are ravaging your State and other States and, of course, the American citizens of Puerto Rico; is that true?

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2577 and the conference report be agreed to with no intervening action or debate. That must be the wrong one. Sorry about that…

reserving the right to object, I will give a longer presentation in just a minute or two, but I do want to say this: The consent I ask has the approval of 89 Senators here in the Senate, Democrats and Republicans. Only 11 have not voted in…

carrying on, this week the Republican leader will continue with the pointless approach that has been a hallmark of his time as leader--bringing another failed partisan bill back before the Senate for a revote. The Republican leader will…

today I wish to recognize the 60th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects, or AIA, Las Vegas chapter. Established in 1857, the AIA works to elevate the architecture profession throughout the United States. In Nevada, a small…

I yield 2 hours to the junior Senator from Oregon, Senator Jeff Merkley. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has that right. The Senator from Oregon.

my friend the Republican leader talks about playing politics. There is no better example of that than what has taken place this week. Everyone knows the innate problems with what was tried on sanctuary cities and on the so-called Kate's…

I do have to say this. To call the Democratic Party the party of disunity--look at what is going on with my Republican colleagues. Look at what is going on. They are the party of Trump. So don't call us dysfunctional. The example given by…

we are as patriotic as the Republicans. We support our military just as much as the Republicans do. We are led by a number of stalwart people, not the least of which is the ranking member on the Committee on Armed Services, Jack Reed. Jack…

I ask unanimous consent that when we finish our remarks, Senator Merkley be recognized for up to 2 minutes to make a motion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The minority leader.

it is my understanding that the next matter we will move to is the GMO cloture vote; is that right? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The next vote is the motion to invoke cloture with regard to S. 764; that is correct.

the Senate is about to hold a cloture vote on GMOs. This legislation--I personally need the conversations that are going to take place if cloture is not invoked on this matter. I will be voting no on cloture for that reason. I think it is…

I am sure the American public recognizes that we are returning from another vacation--a break, as they are called--without a serious proposal to address Zika. Zika is a threat. It is a scourge. In less than 10 days, the Senate will adjourn…

Finally, on another subject, Mr. President, Senate Republicans today will promote Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric with action. This afternoon, the Senate will vote to consider a pair of bills proposed by the junior Senators from…

I am going to take some of my leader time now. It is the only time in order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection. ____________________

I announce that the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin), the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Manchin), and the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Warner) are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber…

the Republican leader came here yesterday and came here again this morning talking about Zika. Understand how the House of Representatives works--and stunningly, the Republicans over here accept what they do in the House. In the House of…

I wish to recognize the first day of the 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which is featuring the Basque. Since 1967, the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage has honored cultural traditions during its annual festival…

today we are going to finally consider legislation addressing Puerto Rico's economic crisis. For the past year and even longer, Democrats in both Houses of Congress have proposed legislation that would empower Puerto Rico to adjust a…

further reserving my right to object, I would also say that just because you have the time, you don't have to use it. I would hope Senators on both sides would understand that the sooner we get to the votes, the better off we will be. I…

the Democrats have 150 minutes. I ask unanimous consent that that be divided as 40 minutes for Menendez, 40 minutes for Sanders, 10 minutes for Cantwell, 10 minutes for Heitkamp, and 50 minutes for proponents of the legislation. The…

often the Republican leader comes to the floor and complains about the battle against ISIS without ever offering a word as to what he would do that is not being done by President Obama and the rest of the allied forces. But let's talk a…

I don't know what planet my friend the Republican leader is living on. This conference report is the most irresponsible legislation I have ever seen in my 34 years in Congress. That says a lot. I can't think of anything that is close. This…