America is spending only 2 percent of its GDP on infrastructure. Europe is spending 5 percent, China is spending 10 percent.

It is strikingly of concern to me that Europe is spending 5 percent of its GDP on infrastructure and we are spending, I believe, about 2 percent.

Everywhere I go in my 36 town halls every county, every year, folks are concerned about the state of the infrastructure.

I do not think we are that far off from what was anticipated.

in a moment I will ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment. I think there is a better way to tackle this particular issue. But I will use this moment to note for my colleagues that I appreciate all the Senators who have come to me…

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside so I may call up amendment No. 2709, and that the amendment be modified to correct a typographical error. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk…

I will take this occasion to make a couple of remarks about the content of this amendment. This amendment is about a predatory practice that is involved in the flood insurance world, and that predatory practice occurs when a servicer of…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 2709, As Modified

So, I think many folks might consider the current low rates to be the anomaly and that a higher rate might be more expected over time.

Thank you very much, and I think folks are interested in another round of questions.

A healthy, safe financial system is vital to a robust economy that works for middle-class America.

Dodd-Frank has sought to restore protections and oversight to make our system work better for the middle class and to prevent future crises.

I have come to the floor to talk about the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. This bill is a bill that is designed to fix the damage that has been done by the Biggert-Waters Act, and this damage is extensive. This bill would…

I am going to speak briefly. My Republican colleague across the aisle has noted he would like to speak next. I want to take a moment and talk about what has been unfolding on Capitol Hill, with the House, Senate, the Republican caucus, and…

We have had three worst ever droughts in the Klamath Basin in a 13-year period.

We have pine beetle infestations that are out of control because we don't have the cold snaps.

No matter where you travel in our State, you see the assault of carbon pollution on our natural resources.

We are having trouble with oyster seed, the baby oysters that are distributed throughout the industry.

I am very pleased to be here with my colleagues, from Ohio, the Senator in the Chair, and the Senator from Connecticut who just spoke, to draw attention to this incredibly important health issue here in America: addiction to tobacco and…

I ask unanimous consent to utilize a visual aid. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

The Department of Energy has an early version of their study from Los Alamos National Laboratories that says that western forests will be largely wiped out by the year 2100.

this is an example of the cigarillos my colleagues were talking about. This one is flavored apple. This one is flavored sweet cherry. How about this one. That is strawberry. These products are all about addicting our children. Here is the…

But aren't you also supposed to look at the impact on the financial system generally?

So it is a yes and yes situation in that regard.

I will note they have still not resumed, though, doing full notification as required under WTO nor have we done counter-notifications since 2011.