We must ensure that next-generation technologies rise or fall on their merits.

I believe we're at a critical moment in the development of satellite capability, and I'm excited to hear from our panel of distinguished witnesses today.

today I wish to honor and pay tribute to the late Army SGT Philip J. Iyotte, a hero from South Dakota who, after 66 years, has returned home. At a young age, Philip Iyotte, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was given his Lakota name of…

It is important that NOAA have its complete leadership team on board as soon as possible.

We want to strongly encourage the Administration to nominate the next NOAA Administrator as quickly as possible.

it is probably not surprising but, unfortunately, so far Democrats have shown little disposition to work with Republicans on tax reform legislation, despite the fact that parts of our plan, like lowering corporate tax rates and switching…

a recent survey reported that 50 percent of people in this country consider themselves living paycheck to paycheck, and one third of these people say they are just $400 away from financial crisis. That is not acceptable. Unfortunately…

I ask unanimous consent that I be able to complete my remarks prior to the vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I would argue, clearly, that the United States' antiquated international tax rules contribute to that and bear much of the blame.

I rise to voice my strong support for the nomination of Ajit Pai to a second 5-year term as a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Pai has served as a Commissioner at the FCC since 2012, when he was first confirmed by…

I ask unanimous consent to be able to complete my remarks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I rise to voice my strong support for the nomination of Ajit Pai to a second 5-year term as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Pai has served as a Commissioner of the FCC since 2012, when he was first confirmed by a…

one of the Senate Republicans' most important priorities for the rest of this year is passing comprehensive tax reform. Why? Because comprehensive tax reform is perhaps the single most important thing we can do to get our economy back on…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume consideration of the Erickson nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the nomination. The bill clerk read the nomination of Ralph E…

I would strongly support that, Senator.

Yes. Mr. Chairman, I think that is--well, I have got one here.

I just want to first off thank you and Senator Stabenow for having this hearing.

When we look at farm bills we look not only at, obviously, the programs that benefit directly production agriculture, but also those things that can enhance quality of life in our rural communities.

Thank you, Senator Blunt, for having the hearing today to discuss the TSA Modernization Act that we introduced yesterday along with Senators Nelson and Cantwell.

I am committed to making sure that these important independent agencies--which are charged with the responsibility of protecting the American public--can operate at full capacity, with Senate-confirmed commissioners installed expeditiously.

I support each of these nominees, and look forward to confirming them as quickly as possible.

She has done a great job during her time at the CPSC, and I'm very happy to see her elevated to be the Chairman of the Commission.

We urge the Committee's strong support and that her nomination be submitted favorably to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.

And I think we have heard discussions today about how this is going to create chaos. And I think it kind of depends on what your definition of chaos is.

In my State of South Dakota, we have seen premiums increase by 124 percent since 2013 in the individual marketplace.