I rise to address a problem facing too many communities across the country, including small towns and big cities, suburbs and remote rural areas. Servicemembers who have risked their lives protecting our Nation shouldn't have to wonder…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Hagan). Without objection, it is so ordered. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on July 12, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I so appreciate the leadership of Senator Durbin on the DREAM Act. Nobody has kept the DREAM Act alive more than he, and nobody has spoken more passionately or cares more about young people. The point of so much of what he is talking about…

we hope to begin consideration of the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act tomorrow. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed…

If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand adjourned under the previous order. There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:34 p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at…

I ask unanimous consent that the Wicker amendment at the desk be agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment (No. 2507) was agreed to, as follows: On page 4, line 14, strike ``strongly supports''…

I ask unanimous consent that S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, be printed as passed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar 433, S. Res. 429. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk…

I understand that S. 3369, introduced earlier today by Senator Whitehouse, is at the desk. I ask for its first reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the first time. The assistant legislative clerk read…

it is my privilege to honor the Montford Point Marines, who today will be collectively decorated with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Montford Point Marines served our country bravely during World War II, despite being segregated from…

I want to say thank you, Senator Burr, for working on Camp Lejeune.

I have many Massachusetts families affected by that too.

I would like to thank the Committee, the VA leadership, particularly Secretary Eric Shinseki; Mike Galloucis, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs; Chris Nowak, the…

If you have been to Walter Reed or visited a VA medical center back home, you know the critical role that that facility plays in helping troops and their families navigate the difficult and often painful road to recovery.

It gives the VA the authority to award grants to the Fisher House Foundation for the construction of additional temporary lodging facilities.

I come to the floor this evening to discuss the bipartisan transportation jobs bill that has been lingering since March 14. March 14 was pretty early in the construction season. If the House had moved as quickly as they should have, if the…

let me begin by thanking the chair of the Senate veterans committee for her incredible leadership on one of the most tragic issues of our times--the suicide rate among active-duty personnel in our Armed Forces, and especially among…

the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act, or the 2012 farm bill, represents the most significant reform of U.S. agriculture in decades. This bill is the product of many months of policy discussions and late night deliberations guided by…

for many Ohio children, schools have let out for the year, and summer vacation is just beginning. During the school year, in my State--a State of about 11 million people--840,000 Ohio children receive some nutrition assistance through free…

I call up my amendment No. 2445. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Ohio [Mr. Brown] proposes an amendment numbered 2445.

Congress has provided an average of $400 million for farm bills in the rural development title. The bill we are considering includes no funding at all. My fiscally responsible amendment funds rural business development programs, a portion…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To strengthen rural communities and foster the next generation…