Diverse, accessible, and affordable places for every American to get outdoors and enjoy healthy lifestyles are crucial.

The strength of our national economy is directly linked to the treasures that are our parks, forests, waterways.

I ask unanimous consent that if the Senate receives the papers with respect to the conference report to accompany H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, by Thursday, May 22, at a time to be determined by the majority…

I rise to discuss again the urgent need to restore emergency unemployment insurance. Like many Americans, I am hopeful about our future but concerned about how the great recession has impacted our fellow Americans, particularly those who…

I ask unanimous consent that all time for debate be yielded back. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time is yielded back.

I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Gregory Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be…

today I introduce the National Guard Technician Equity Act to address inconsistencies in the dual-status technician program. Over 48,000 National Guard dual-status technicians serve our nation. They are a distinct group of workers--as…

I rise today to express my support for the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. While there is much more to be done on energy issues, we have an opportunity with this bill to make strides in increasing energy efficiency…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. Energy Savings

I thank my colleagues Senator Franken and Senator Brown for their leadership and very wise comments on this issue, which is one of the most difficult ones that young Americans face, and that is paying for college and student loans. As my…

Lead poisoning is a completely avoidable childhood disease that can cause irreparable damage to children.

I want to stress my disappointment.

Some of these savings, if they are realized, will help alleviate that pressure. It will not end it, but it will help alleviate that pressure.

We have to get rid of sequestration.

This issue of the right metric, of the right measure, which we all agree upon, is going to be absolutely critical going forward.

If you did not have it, the other was important but not as critical.

The Republican-led filibuster of the minimum wage bill-- which would raise the Federal minimum wage from $7.75 per hour to $10.10 per hour--means that an estimated 27.8 million Americans, including 91,000 Rhode Islanders, will not get a…

it has been 103 days since emergency unemployment insurance expired and 3 days since the Senate sent a bipartisan agreement to the House which would restore these benefits for up to 2.7 million Americans. These benefits are fully paid for…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Emergency Unemployment Insurance

I would ask that you look closely at this item.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Minimum Wage Fairness Act

I rise to speak about the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, which I strongly support. The minimum wage, first instituted in 1938, has served as a key way to protect workers in our economy, ensuring they are able to earn enough money to provide…

this month we solemnly recognize the 99th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Ninety-nine years ago the Young Turk leaders of the Ottoman Empire summoned and executed over 200 Armenian leaders and intellectuals, beginning an 8-year…

I would just ask you to seriously consider the option of not taking the ship out of Narragansett Bay and spending $20 million for it elsewhere but spending very little and simply transferring it across.

Given the tightness of your budget, and that's being mild, the idea of generating $20 million to do something that, frankly, could be done as well, and I would argue better, by simply moving the ship across the bay would make sense to me.