I just hope we can all continue to be as persistent as you and others have been to make this point

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Reed). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that the period for morning business be extended until 7 p.m, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I do not think they have made anywhere near substantial progress.

I think there are so many of us that, even as we introduce, as I have, legislation to try to move forward in terms of humanitarian and other assistance to the Syrian people, we have a real concern about refugees.

It is in their interest, as much as it's in our own interest, to stop the flow of ammonium nitrate.

I have two lines of questioning, one on the special immigrant visas, which we know are a program that allows Iraqis who have helped American forces and helped our efforts in Iraq to have their visas expedited.

this is a tough assignment even for someone who has spent a lot of time there as you have.

Antigovernment forces continue to target prominent Iraqis for assassination.

I would urge you, upon confirmation, to use every bit of energy and persuasion and cajoling and anything else you can bring to bear on the leadership in Sri Lanka to get results.

These are people of uncommon courage and who were of great assistance to us.

the consequence of not doing it was I think 19,700 jobs.

It is a difficult problem to manage.

I know this is a generalization, but do you feel positive about the Iraqi Government's and either the government or other support systems, their capacity to handle the inflow, or do you think that there are some pretty significant…

Well, Mr. Ambassador, we want to thank you for your testimony today and your presence here in answering our questions.

I think from this hearing and the testimony that has been offered, one bipartisan note, we need to extend the Payroll Tax Cut and Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the end of 2012.

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet on December 16, 2011. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I rise to speak about the payroll tax cut we have been debating and considering these many weeks and which we seem to be making some progress on today. I know we will hear more about that later today. I wish to make a couple points--first…

it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Guion S. Bluford, Jr. for being the 2011 recipient of the Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. Mr. Bluford was born on November 22, 1942, to Guion Senior…

I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, Senator Hutchison be recognized for floor remarks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. 2009, introduced earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The bill clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2009) to improve the…

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read three times and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements relating to the matter be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING…

I ask unanimous consent that the period for morning business be extended until 5 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I rise this morning to talk about an issue that the American people expect us to take action on, and that is to provide another extension of the payroll tax cut we put into place in 2010. I want to provide a little bit of background by way…

We're very encouraged that there's movement, and we look forward to this committee's role in reaching solutions.