I wish to discuss the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act (S. 2432). Student loans in this country are at an unprecedented $1.2 trillion and now exceed credit card debt as the largest consumer debt market after mortgages…

I wish to speak in support of Dr. Stanley Fischer to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. While we are only voting on Dr. Fischer's nomination to be a member of the Board today, he has also been nominated to…

today Senator Murkowski and I introduce the Native American Languages Reauthorization Act of 2014. We are also joined by our fellow colleagues and cosponsors of this bill: Senators Begich, Franken, Heinrich, Hirono, King, Schatz, Tester…

today the Senate will finally adopt, after some unfortunate delays, urgent bipartisan aid and sanctions legislation on Ukraine developed with the cooperation of a number of committees here in the Senate, and constructed by Foreign…

I wish to speak about U.S.-Taiwan relations. In just a few weeks, on April 10, 2014, we will recognize the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA. This important legislation has served as the legal basis for our…

I rise today to discuss a widespread problem affecting rural communities in South Dakota and across our country. This issue represents both a public safety and economic issue for rural America. For far too long, rural communities have…

I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the farm bill conference report. It has taken a long time to get to this point, with several unnecessary roadblocks along the way, but we are finally near the finish line, and it is time we…

the omnibus funding bill before the Senate today is a remarkable accomplishment and a welcome reminder that Congress can function effectively when Members are willing to sit down and work through their differences. The large margin by…

I rise to speak in support of Dr. Janet Yellen to be chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. As we continue to recover from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, we need a strong and thoughtful…

Congress is facing two fast-approaching budget deadlines: December 13 for a budget deal and January 15 for a funding bill to avert another government shutdown. Given the complexity of the issues, the brief window of opportunity, and the…

I rise to speak on behalf of Congressman Mel Watt to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It has been over 5 years since the FHFA's inception, and it still has never had a confirmed Director. First, Senate Republicans…

today I wish to describe the damaging impacts that the Federal Government shutdown is having on the nine treaty tribes in my home State of South Dakota and across Indian Country. It is my hope that today we can come to solution to this…

I rise to talk about the devastation that has been inflicted on many in my home State. An early season snowstorm has dumped 1 foot of snow and heavy winds on much of western South Dakota. The thoughts and prayers of Barbara and I are with…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from South Dakota is recognized. SOUTH DAKOTA BLIZZARD

any discussion of the national security impacts of a long-term continuing resolution or a potential government shutdown would be incomplete without including the potential impact on America's 22.3 million veterans. The good news is that…

I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Fred Hochberg to be the President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Despite taking the helm of the Bank in the midst of the worst financial crisis since the…

3 years ago this week, the Senate passed the Wall Street reform act to address the historic instability of our financial system. Turmoil in our financial system had revealed that many Americans were trapped with financial products they did…

today I am introducing the Mni Wiconi Project Act Amendments of 2013 to facilitate completion of a rural water supply system that was first authorized in the 100th Congress. As a freshman Member of the House of Representatives, I…

I rise in strong opposition to amendment No. 340. The amendment is another attempt to block Wall Street reform. This amendment would slow down rulemaking and invite Wall Street to bring lawsuits against their financial regulators. GAO…

I come to the floor today in strong opposition to Amendment No. 115, offered by the junior Senator from Pennsylvania, to strike funding for the Department of Defense's, DoD, Advanced Drop-In Biofuel Production. The intent of this amendment…

I rise today to reintroduce the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act with my friend, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho. This bipartisan bill would exempt Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, VMLRP, awards from…

the bill Chairwoman Mikulski and Senator Shelby have compiled is an excellent example of how hard work, cooperation, and good-faith negotiating can produce results in a body which is too often paralyzed by gridlock. The combined omnibus…

I thank Chairwoman Mikulski for organizing this colloquy among Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs regarding the real consequences of the upcoming sequester on this Nation. Fortunately, America's veterans are spared from the direct impact…

today the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs adopted Rules of Procedure for the 113th Congress. I ask unanimous consent that the Rules of Procedure be printed in the Record. RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON BANKING…

I rise today to join with my friend and colleague from Iowa, Chuck Grassley, in introducing the Farm Program Integrity Act of 2013, which would establish commonsense, meaningful farm program payment limitations. I am pleased that Senator…