It is unfortunate that it takes a tragedy on the scale of Sandy Hook, Tucson, Aurora or Virginia Tech to refocus our attention on the need for better access to mental health services.

We also need to address the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.

I am confident that they each possess the crucial qualities necessary to be outstanding federal judges: the intelligence, the integrity, and the commitment to public service and respect for the limited role of the judiciary.

I am proud to join my colleagues in remembering our friend and colleague Senator Daniel Inouye. Dan Inouye dedicated his life to Hawaii and represented Hawaii from when it achieved statehood until his death. Senator Inouye was respected…

I want to know more than anybody what happened. Do not hold any punches. Tell us what the facts are.

I'd say by way of summary of all three that they possess all of the qualities we would hope for in a judge.

Judge Schmehl is a well-respected judge who brings a keen intellect and a breadth of experience to the federal court.

She is widely lauded in the community for her commitment to mentoring law students and advancing civic education for high school students.

Aside from his legal duties, he has devoted significant time to his community, founding the Police Barrio Project.

They are well-regarded members of their communities, and they possess an admirable sense of civic duty.

Yeah, I would agree with that, it is.

I certainly think he was right that we oughtn't to continue to run the store based on borrowing.

as we confront a whole range of difficult issues at the end of this year and at the end of this Congress, we should also be reminded we have fighting men and women serving for us all over the world. We think especially tonight of those…

I thank the Senator for reading the first half of our names, and I will continue with 20 more names: Sgt Derek Lee Shanfield, U.S. Marine Corps, Hastings, PA; SFC Robert James Fike, U.S. Army, Conneautville; SFC Bryan Alan Hoover, U.S…

I rise to discuss the National Defense Authorization bill and how it will impact the structure of the Air Force moving forward. Of particular concern to me and my constituents is the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, home of the 911th…

I ask to speak as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Farm Bill

I rise today to talk about the farm bill, which is typically a 5-year bill, and we hope we can achieve that once again. We know the Senate passed a farm bill a number of months ago-- actually, in June--but the House has yet to bring the…

The questions that we are debating are so grave and so meaningful.

We are certainly grateful for his service, and I know he will continue to serve in another capacity or many capacities.

We do have to get it right every time. And taxpayers expect that, and they expect us to put forth every effort.

The good news is we are doing a much better job of finding, detecting, and also protecting our soldiers.

I know we are pretty much out of time, but I know that Members of Congress have an obligation to be constructive, have an obligation to try to undertake efforts that will lead to a better relationship between our two countries, our two…

I am going to do my best to try to continue to be constructive, but I am also going to be, as we all must be, vigilant and determined to get results, not just promises.

I was encouraged by the October meeting and that engagement.

I want to give even for a couple of minutes the benefit of the doubt to the Pakistani Government.