on climate, I am pleased to share that the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works did something amazing and groundbreaking yesterday. It passed the first ever climate title in a transportation reauthorization bill. Thanks to the…

finally, during the debate last night, when it came to healthcare, half of the Democratic Presidential field engaged in a healthy debate, a great deal of which was focused on the No. 1 issue to American voters--healthcare. Despite…

over 2 weeks ago, the four congressional leaders in the White House reached an agreement to raise the budget caps and extend the debt ceiling. The House has already passed the legislation that codifies the agreement into law. The President…

Looking back on this work period, it is a shame that the Senate, once again, has made no progress--none--on the issue of election security. Only a week ago, Special Counsel Mueller called Russia interference one of the greatest threats to…

As trade negotiations with China continue this week, I want to press the President again to stay tough and hold out for the best possible deal. If China is unwilling to make significant reforms to its economic model, President Trump must…

on another matter, last week former Special Counsel Mueller testified that Russian interference in our democracy ``wasn't a single attempt. They're doing it as we sit here and they expect to do it in the next campaign.'' The Russians, he…

today I join my friend the majority leader in offering a heartfelt thank you, congratulations, and happy retirement to the principal of the Senate Page School, Ms. Kathryn Weeden. She leaves the Senate and the Page School after 26 years of…

on one last subject, after I conclude my remarks, I will yield to my friend, colleague, and former roommate from Illinois, who will ask this body to take up and pass what I believe is a very important measure, temporary protected status…

the Senate has just a few more days this week to pass legislation to lift the budget caps and extend the debt ceiling before the summer State work period. As the minority leader, I don't have control over the schedule here on the floor…

a few minutes ago, the majority leader came to the floor to express his frustration at being accused of blocking election security legislation. I would make three factual points. First, Russia did interfere in our 2016 elections. Every…

viewing the awful conditions at DHS detention facilities in Texas crystalized my belief that continued tough, independent oversight and accountability from Congress and Homeland Security inspector general is imperative to change the…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Recognition of the Minority Leader The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic leader is recognized. Election…

finally, one more point on Puerto Rico. Last night, the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello, announced he will resign on August 2. I am glad that the Governor has listened to the voices of the people of Puerto Rico. It is clear he…

just for a moment, there are bipartisan bills on this issue which the Republican majority has objected to. I suggest to my friend the majority leader, if he doesn't like this bill, let's put another bill on the floor and debate it. So far…

I ask unanimous consent that the Rules Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2722, the SAFE Act; that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; that the bill be read a third time and passed; and that the…

we all know that yesterday former Special Counsel Mueller testified before two House committees. I believe it was crucial for the American people to hear straight from Robert Mueller's mouth that the President was not--underline ``not''…

finally, on climate, I want to congratulate my dear friend, one of the most intelligent, hard-working, articulate Senators we have, Sheldon Whitehouse, on reaching a rhetorical milestone. Usually ``rhetoric'' and ``milestone'' don't go…

on another matter--this is on deficits. I am not in the habit of commenting on every opinion issued by newspapers I don't typically agree with, but this week, the Wall Street Journal wrote such a howler of an editorial that I feel…

I have a unanimous consent request. I know my colleague from Connecticut has one as well. In deference to the leader's schedule, I will speak for a few minutes on mine, and then I will yield to Senator Blumenthal. He will speak for a few…

I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a letter from 21 attorneys general saying they need more election assistance to protect against foreign interference. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in…

it is the morning after. This is a happy morning after because the 9/11 bill passed. Now it is on its way to the President's desk. My understanding is he is certain to sign it, and our first responders can breathe a sigh of relief. It is…

last Friday, I went with a group of Senate Democrats to visit several detention centers at our southern border, including the Border Patrol facility in McAllen and processing centers at Donna and Ursula, TX. The searing accounts about the…

finally, there is something we can vote on today at long, long last--the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for those brave heroes who rushed to the Towers on 9/11. The light at the end of the tunnel of what has been a very long and sometimes…

I am speaking on the bill as well as the amendments. In a short time, the Senate will vote on and pass a permanent reauthorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. In my short time on the floor, I can't do justice to the years upon…

last night, we saw the President of the United States, who has spent years maligning America, continue to malign Americans. The President once again whipped up a toxic brew of racism, xenophobia, and nativism, with his crowd chanting…