yesterday we began yet another week of considering Cabinet nominations in the Senate--our fourth week, to be precise--and we still have a long way to go. If anyone is wondering whether this is a normal confirmation process, the answer is…

I ask unanimous consent to be able to complete my remarks before the Senate recesses. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Cabinet Nominations

I have four requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following…

we will continue to adjust our oversight approach as FirstNet grows and as its challenges become greater.

we continue to just sort of--at a glacial pace--work our way through the nominations. We have in front of us the nomination for Attorney General of Senator Jeff Sessions, a colleague of ours. I am very excited to be able to support his…

I will just point out to the Senator from New Hampshire--perhaps she knows it, perhaps she doesn't, but her leader has suggested a 60-vote threshold for this nominee. I am delighted to hear her say that they are going to provide a hearing…

last night President Trump announced the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. He will fill the spot left vacant by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia left a profound mark on our judicial history. He had a…

To ensure that demand and output improve this year, the United States needs not only improved economic conditions but also government policies more attuned to the realities of global competition.

Thank you for the invitation to speak today about the opportunities to promote a pro-growth agenda by reducing regulatory burdens.

I have sought recognition to speak in support of Secretary Elaine Chao to be the Secretary of Transportation. It would be hard to come up with a more qualified nominee than Secretary Chao for this important role. In addition to serving for…

I'd like to extend a thank you to Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson and this committee for passage of the Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act last week to address these concerns.

To reduce unnecessary burdens at the CPSC and across this Committee's jurisdiction, we recommend the following: encourage the current Chairman of the CPSC to step aside and confirm a new Chair.

The oil and natural gas industry remains committed to regulatory structures that promote safety, environmental protection, and responsible operations.

encourage better retrospective review of rules by planning for reviews at the time a rule is written, like in Senator Heitkamp's and Senator Lankford's Smarter Regulations Through Advanced Planning and Review Act.

A Growth Agenda: Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens.

Thank you for convening this important hearing on regulatory burdens.

Thank you, Senator Thune, and the esteemed members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for convening this full committee hearing about Reducing Unnecessary burdensome regulations.

give Congress an analytical office to review the costs and benefits of regulation like in Senator Klobuchar's SCORE Act.

Chairman Thune has indicated the importance of updating our communications laws.

Manufacturers greatly appreciate the efforts by Chairman Thune and Senator Moran to hold the CPSC accountable.

Letter dated February 1, 2017 to Hon. John Thune and Hon. Bill Nelson from Edward R. Hamberger, President and CEO, Association of American Railroads.

every year around this time, House and Senate Republicans get together for a joint conference to share ideas and develop our action plan for the year. Last week, we gathered in Philadelphia for this year's conference, and we had a very…

Letter dated February 1, 2017 to Hon. John Thune and Hon. Bill Nelson from Cal Dooley, President and CEO, American Chemistry Council.

with respect to the pending Chao nomination, we yield back the remainder of our time so that we can proceed to the vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Time is yielded back.

We can do a much better job, and hopefully in a way that preserves the important elements of our regulatory environment.