I know my colleagues and good friends are waiting. I will be very brief. I agree with the Senator from Texas that it was totally inappropriate that Mr. Aboutalebi was nominated in the first place. He was a member of the Muslim Student…

My concern about voluntary compliance is it really does not deal with the scofflaws.

Last week, in this room, on a bipartisan basis, our committee committed to dealing with what are called the tax extenders.

We begin the effort at overhauling the tax system and particularly making it simpler, doing it in a bipartisan way.

We called the proposal the EXPIRE Act because it was meant to expire.

The challenge is to figure out, with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the appropriate oversight of preparers.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amtrak

I rise today to talk about one of the most recent American transportation success stories--Amtrak's Northeast corridor--and how Congress can help it grow. First, however, I would like to thank two great leaders on the Senate Appropriations…

First, I thank my colleague from Louisiana for letting me butt in a little bit. I also praise the three people who are on the floor, one can say without each of whom this would not have happened. I don't think we can say that about anyone…

I met with the Army Corps of Engineers yesterday, in fact, on this, Colonel Owens; talked, in fact, to Congressman Bishop yesterday; and we are making good progress on getting that money available.

Zero dollars for New York City makes you scratch your head and wonder if something is wrong with the way they set it up.

You obviously want to see the money only go to people who need it and deserve it.

If you make the program so onerous and you have got to dot the 'I' and cross the 't' 48 times before you get a nickel, something is wrong.

My view is this has to be funded federally.

I hope you will let the State and localities know how important it is.

HEARING--ELECTION ADMINISTRATION: INNOVATION, ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS AND COST SAVINGS

I can tell you, as the author of the bill here in the Senate, along with Senators Menendez, Gillibrand, and--is there another Senator?

It has been over 18 months since Sandy. I have heard from small business owners who want these loans and are not getting them.

I talked to Mayor de Blasio within the last hour about this. He called me, which shows his concern, which I appreciate.

Well, thank you, Senator Menendez.

If people had $80,000 of damage and got $70,000 from their insurance company, the only amount we want them to get is $10,000.

We need a Nassau County plan.

I am concerned about the speed of money flowing to New York City.

We do not yet have a plan in place for the rest of Nassau County.

I will be deeply disappointed if we do not have a Nassau County plan.