the fact that minority health disparities continue to be a big issue, you know, to me warrants a larger increase in its budget.

Thank you very much. Dr. Collins, let me ask you a couple of things about sickle cell research.

this subcommittee really is the subcommittee that can address issues as it relates to poverty and income inequality.

we are better than this. This farm bill is a monument to every dysfunction Washington indulges in to defend our policies and twist our economy to benefit itself at the expense of the American people. The top-line talking point among…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Omnibus Spending Package

I stand before this body today to talk about the omnibus spending package the Senate will be considering over the next few days. I have some concerns related to this omnibus spending package that relate to a program called PILT. It is an…

I thank my colleagues from Rhode Island and Iowa for their cooperation in establishing the speaking order this evening. I would like to speak for a moment about the vote we just cast. We just confirmed Judge Wilkins to the U.S. Court of…

this week marks the 125th anniversary of the first week of classes at Weber State University, and I would like to take a moment to officially recognize this valued Utah institution. In the mid-1800s, pioneers from the Mormon Church, also…

I first thank my distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from Wyoming, who is a good friend and a fine example to all those who know him. People from both sides of the aisle can learn and benefit from my friend from Wyoming who, as a…

in Utah I have a program that I call the Mobile Office. It is a way for many of my constituents, many of whom live some distance from my two offices in the State, to meet with members of my staff in order to discuss various concerns they…

the President of the United States promised: If you like your plan, you can keep it. We all know now that simply wasn't true. Though many of us have been saying this for years, many Americans, including many in my State, are realizing the…

here we are again: Another unnecessary crisis; a proposal that maintains the status quo; very little time to read and evaluate the bill. In fact, we still don't have a final version of the text. No time to explain it to our constituents…

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and thank you once again for your leadership and also for your assistance last Congress in getting our legislation, Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, passed, and I look forward to working with you on this…

there can be no doubt that no one wants to be here. Not one Member of this body wants to be in shutdown. We all may have different reasons, different explanations as to why we are here. We might differ with regard to our own beliefs as to…

I know how State and USAID conduct their contracting, and you-all have a pretty dismal record in terms of contracting with minority and women-owned businesses.

And to our ranking member Mr. Engel, thank you so much for your continued leadership as it relates to the Caribbean region.

I would like not only repeat it, we need to enhance this and make it a priority.

I want to see how that is working and if, in fact, that has been a priority within your funding mechanism.

I served on this committee for over 10 years, and with Chairman Hyde and Chairman Lantos, and I am glad to see it still remains bipartisan.

That is not accurate. The House of Representatives has voted on things, sent them back in the form of messages, with some of those messages carrying two amendments that we considered. I see the Senator's point. It is a valid one in that we…

someone wisely declared: After all is said and done, much more is said than done. A lot has been said in the well of this Chamber this week. Unfortunately, not much has been done. On the other hand, Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader…

The House has not voted on all the things passed by the Senate just as the Senate has not voted on all the things passed in the House.

In response to the question posed by my distinguished colleague, my friend from Rhode Island, yes, I will acknowledge that we have taken votes--some votes in response to many of the pieces of legislation enacted within the House of…

I object to the proposed modification. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the original request?

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate receives H.J. Res. 72, making continuing appropriations for veterans' benefits for fiscal year 2014, the measure be read three times and passed; that the motion to reconsider be considered made…