The second major concern we have, of course, is not only making sure these programs work for kids, but making sure they are administered in a way that is consistent with the expectations of taxpayers.

In Pennsylvania, we have not only a lot of children participating in both school lunch and school breakfast... but at the same time, we have almost a half-a-million children in poverty in our State.

I have always been a believer that these programs... can help us not only ensure that more children have a measure of food security and get the nutrition they need, but it can also help them learn.

I rise to speak about one aspect of the budget debate that has been before us, and it involves a major program that affects the lives of not just millions of Americans but literally tens of millions. We have debates and discussions in this…

I am honored to be able to appear before you and to appear on behalf of Dr. Shulkin.

Senator Wicker and I would like to thank all of the individuals who were involved in making the 2015 National Prayer Breakfast a great success. Thousands of people from across the country and world participated, including President Obama…

Mr. Chairman, thank you. I want to thank you and the Ranking Member for the hearing.

I just have a last question, I guess, for Dr. Austin regarding the so-called tissue chip.

I wanted to ask you, in the context of rare pediatric diseases--I understand that FDA recently awarded the third and final priority review voucher as authorized under FDASIA.

I appreciate that, and maybe we'll followup with some questions about companies that are interested in seeking a priority review voucher.

I want to go on the record sharing Senator Cardin's concerns about the process here.

Neither political party has come up with an answer to that central challenge.

I would argue, and in a very similar way to what Senator Schumer said about the middle class, that our central challenge as a country, at least our central domestic challenge, is, how do we solve this wage problem?

I think this process is wholly inadequate in terms of being able to consider such an important policy.

My concern here, with both Trade Promotion Authority and TPP, is the same concern I had about NAFTA...

I think the country can do better.

When you analyze the so-called May 10th provisions and how they have fallen short--I think very few Americans, very, very few, a very tiny percentage of Americans, know the story about what has happened in some of these countries to trade…

I am honored to be working on this amendment with Senator Shaheen and Senator Murray. This amendment will create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to support efforts to prevent employment discrimination against pregnant workers. In the United…

just a brief description of both. Both are deficit-neutral reserve funds. The first provides reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. That is No. 632. We have had a standard in place for a quarter century pursuant to the Americans…

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside so I can call up amendments Nos. 632 and 633 en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendments are called up en bloc. The amendments are as…

I rise to talk tonight about one issue: the issue of children. But I wish to speak about that one issue in two separate contexts: One is the budget we are debating now and will continue to vote on all week and the second is with regard to…

I see it extending coverage to more than 60 million Americans, many Hispanic Americans who have seen among the largest increase in insurance coverage.

It sharply reduced the cost of prescription medications under Part D, saving seniors $11.5 billion while keeping premiums flat.

It now guarantees that nearly 130 million Americans can no longer be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition.

It has not led to massive increases in health spending or premiums, but rather it slowed the growth in health costs to the lowest level in half a century.