We miss him--that this is just the type of project we envisioned, a large essential public works project, susceptible to major flooding.

I thank my colleagues. They did an amazing job on the Climate Action Task Force, particularly Senators Boxer and Whitehouse, who led the task force, and the indefatigable new Member Senator Schatz for organizing and coordinating this…

Let the record show, Mr. Chairman, only Casey and I clapped.

It is a shame that America is declining in the percentage of people who graduate from college.

One of the great problems in America is we do not save enough the way we used to.

So for several Congresses, I have introduced--Congressman Gingrich was a sponsor, Senator Santorum, so it has real bipartisan support--the ASPIRE Act, which would establish a universal child savings account with Federal seed funding and…

I do not understand why our colleagues on the other side--this is a tax break to help middle-class families pay for college.

I hope we can count on your support and the administration's support for both technical guidance as we move forward with this proposal, but also support of the basic concept: creating a lifetime savings fund for every child when they are…

If we really want to make sure that we equip the next generation with the skills they need to grow the economy and to make sure that everyone who is willing to work hard has a chance, we have to open the doors to education.

the number-one problem facing America is the decline of middle-class incomes.

over the next several months the Affordable Care Act is going to become less important as a Republican campaign issue because more and more Americans--from young adults all the way through seniors--are going to realize the benefits it has…

Understood. My next question talks about some of the qualitative versus quantitative guidance.

It is a statement of fact about the economy. It is not supposed to be partisan.

In a sense you moved away from a purely quantitative measure and are moving more toward the qualitative, which I think is a good thing.

And if it is not mostly weather, would you consider pausing or changing the rate of tapering?

But if Congress had done more on the fiscal side to deal with the damage the economy suffered, the Fed would not have to do this.

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be…

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:34 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at 9:30 a.m…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 307, H.R. 2431. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 2431) to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System…

I further ask that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill…

I would urge my colleagues not to be dogmatic on this issue but look at the practical reality of the situation.

I believe it is very important we reauthorize the program and extend it as soon as we can for as long as possible.

The TRIA program is one of the, if not the, best post-9/11 pieces of legislation. It is the Government working with the private sector when neither could solve the problem on its own.

At the very least, it would raise the cost of things, wouldn't it?

You can be a purist and say this is something the Federal Government should not be involved in.