I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to speak in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I also ask unanimous consent that following my statement, the Banking Committee's ranking member be recognized, followed by Senator Menendez of New Jersey, and that all time they consume be counted toward the postcloture time. The…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet, during the session of the Senate, in order to conduct a hearing entitled ``Pain in America: Exploring Challenges to Relief'' on…

I want to recognize Mark Jickling, a dedicated public servant who has served as a financial economist with the Congressional Research Service and is retiring after nearly 33 years of providing expert analyses to the U.S. Congress on…

2 months ago the Senate Banking Committee voted along party lines to send to the full Senate the nomination of Richard Cordray to be the first Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Due to an unprecedented and irresponsible…

I agree that we must address the problem of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies doing business in Iran not being penalized for it under U.S. law. I know that, as in the past, there will be opposition from some in the business community…

I want to discuss the amendment to the pending Defense authorization bill negotiated between my two Banking Committee colleagues, Senators Menendez and Kirk, designed to address the deceptive and fraudulent practices, sanctions evasion…

I thank Senator Lautenberg for his longstanding leadership on this issue. It is timely for him to raise it again now in the wake of the IAEA's recent report on Iran's illicit nuclear activities and in the midst of our efforts in the…

We all agree that interactions by the international financial community with Iran's financial system should be severely reduced, not least because such interactions pose serious risks for the international banking system. But we do not…

I rise today to acknowledge November as National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day on Nov. 19, 2011. With over 107,000 children waiting to be adopted from the U.S. foster care system, I think it is crucial to celebrate the parents…

this amendment would essentially force the wind-down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac prematurely without any structure to take their place. The Banking Committee has heard from witnesses, including Dwight Jaffee and Mark Zandi, that taking…

today I rise to reiterate and again offer my full support of the United States Department of Agriculture Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration's, GIPSA, authority to continue promulgating its proposed rule concerning…

I rise today to recognize Taiwan as it prepares to celebrate its National Day on Monday. Double Ten Day, as it is known, marks the anniversary of the uprising on October 10, 1911, that led to the collapse of imperial rule in China. This…

today I rise to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime and…

I rise today to speak about the Export-Import Bank. Earlier today, I filed the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011. This legislation was approved unanimously by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last Thursday…

I rise today to recognize the 37th annual National Suicide Prevention Week, which began on September 4 and culminated with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. I take this opportunity to reflect on the destructive effects of…

I rise today to pay tribute SPC Dennis G. Jensen and his heroic service to our country. A member of the South Dakota National Guard, Spc. Jensen was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On August 16, 2011, he died of injuries…

today I rise to recognize September 9, 2011, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD, is an umbrella term describing the varied range of alcohol-related birth defects that may…

I rise today to pay tribute to SSG Lex Lewis and his heroic service to our country. As a cavalry scout in the B Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, of Fort Carson, CO, Staff Sergeant Lewis was serving in…

shortly we will be voting on final passage of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill. I would like to thank Leaders Reid and McConnell and Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Cochran for their leadership and support in getting us to this point. I…

I am hopeful that the Senate will be able to complete action on the MILCON-VA appropriations bill today. Members have had ample opportunity to offer amendments, staff has been working to clear them, and I believe we now have a clear path…

I thank the Chair. Amendment No. 575 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the question is on agreeing to amendment No. 575. The amendment (No. 575) was agreed to. Amendment No. 577, As Modified The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business until 2:15 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I ask for the yeas and nays on passage of the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll.

what is the pending business? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the question is on agreeing to the Vitter amendment.