I think that we need to restrict it to truly small businesses, not very large businesses.

I read both Dr. Mason's testimony and Judge Bennett's testimony as recognizing substantial problems with Chapter 11 as a vehicle for small businesses.

The national unemployment rate stands at almost 10 percent, and the situation is even worse in some areas.

OK. You can see that we need to make Chapter 11 more efficient for small businesses.

more than a year ago I came to the Senate floor to share stories I had heard from Rhode Islanders who are struggling in our broken health care system. Since then I have been here on many occasions continuing to share those stories and…

What we have seen is, at the State level there is much less support for State bonds than there are for local, because people see more of a direct connection between their tax dollars and those investments.

We have considerable infrastructure in this country that is decrepit, that is in urgent need of repair and replacement

My point is also about the transparency of the selection process.

The pattern, I think, is beyond distinct. It is now unmistakable. And it is that where corporate interests are involved, the corporation is highly likely to win.

At what point should the Court lose the benefit of the doubt that these are each independent on the merits decisions as the evidence piles up?

the simple fact that one of our decisions remains controversial does undermine the precedent's ability to contribute to the stable and orderly development of the law.

one of the things that most concerned me about the Citizens United decision was not actually in the decision itself

I do think it is regrettable that the five-member majority of the Supreme Court found as a fact on that question.

as I have traveled throughout Rhode Island, I have heard from countless constituents about the sacrifices they have made during these difficult economic times. Many of my constituents have adjusted to the economic climate by cutting back…

Isn't that the purpose of environmental regulation, is to assure that a chemical is safe for its intended use?

We have a chemical safety deficit in this country, and we need to catch up.

I assumed that there was, I don't know, some mistake here.

The time to modernize TSCA has come.

How well did that work out with tobacco? How well did that work out with lead?

So to put a limiter on that sentence, we do not think that EPA should be burdened with the determination that each chemical is safe for its intended use.

Congress should reform TSCA; there is an emerging consensus that reform is necessary.

I would rather solve that problem with protections at the border to make sure that harmful products are not imported to our country.

Thank you, Madam President. My amendment, cosponsored by Senators Schumer, Bingaman, and Merkley, would authorize a series of new programs designed to encourage energy efficiency in homes. I am offering this amendment--based on S. 1379…

Senators Tom Udall of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island met with the delegation

I remember Richmond as being the birthplace during the Clinton administration of the Federal firearms enhanced prosecution initiative.