tonight I wish to talk about our responsibility in the U.S. Senate to reopen the government, to get back to work solving real problems, and to fix the system around here so we aren't tempted to play political games with government…

I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to and 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…

I have 9 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following…

I want to talk about another vulnerable group of Americans. This is an issue that doesn't relate to the looming government shutdown or the spending bill that will avoid that shutdown, but it relates to another issue that Congress has the…

constituents of mine are hearing today that there is a looming government shutdown--Friday at midnight; that if Congress hasn't passed a spending bill, it is possible the government could shut down. That would be a big mistake. Government…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 98, which was received from the House. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent resolution by title. The senior assistant…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each until 7 p.m., with the time equally divided, and that all quorum calls during that time also be…

I move to proceed to Calendar No. 165, S. 1519. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows: Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 165, S. 1519, a bill to authorize…

I think it is really important that you continue to hold firm on our position and keep the Europeans on board too.

I think that it is absolutely critical that USTR be on the front lines trying to reduce barriers to American exports in other countries.

I hope that you will, in this job, be willing to open even more markets for our farmers and our service providers and our manufacturers.

Sometimes the administration--I am concerned that there is too much criticism of trade agreements, when in fact trade agreements are not really the issue.