I ask unanimous consent the time from 5:15 to 7 p.m. be equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees and that all quorum calls during that period also be equally divided. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

I rise in support of the same legislation, and I appreciate the work of Senator Murray and Senator Klobuchar. I introduced this legislation with Senator Harkin of Iowa and Senator Reed of Rhode Island, and in the last couple of weeks I…

the ideas we will explore today have traction on both sides of the aisle.

it is vital we take the necessary steps sooner rather than later to end Government policies that support and encourage large, complex institutions.

I now ask for a second reading en bloc, and I object to my own request en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the bills will be read for the second time on the next legislative day. ____________________

earlier today, Senator Durbin and the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights held a hearing in Cleveland to examine efforts that could hinder the ability of Ohioans to exercise one of their…

the first vote tomorrow will be at noon on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act. ____________________

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 6:46 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 10 a.m…

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Tuesday, May 8, at 10 a.m.; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed…

I understand there are four bills at the desk, and I ask for their first reading en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bills by title for the first time en bloc. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (H.R. 2050)…

Why should we take away that local control?

The legislature took away that discretion by HB 194.

It is a solution in search of a problem. It is not something we need to do.

This will affect somewhere in the neighborhood of 105,000 people.

It was the right stance.

that has to be followed. It is not unconstitutional. It does not violate any laws. That is perfectly to do.

We must never forget that democracy exists not for the benefit of elected officials or election officials, but for the benefit of all of us, we the people of this country.

As a State, over a period of decades, Ohio legislators undertook a bipartisan effort to help Ohioans vote more easily.

Does Sunday voting lower the bar?

HB 194 dismantles a number of common-sense, effectiveness, and, I underscore, bipartisan measures that assist people with voting.

These efforts under the guise of preventing fraud and cutting spending are part of a cynical effort to impede access to the ballot.

That is the way the Senate does things, by the way.

I was counsel, direct counsel on one of those cases and amicus counsel on the other two.

This is essentially giving poll workers discretion to discriminate.

there is a continuing shortage of poll workers.