First, let me thank you, Congresswoman Fudge, our new chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for bringing us here together tonight to discuss this important issue. Also, I wanted to say that Congresswoman Fudge is such a tremendous…

I ask unanimous consent that we call up amendment No. 3373, as modified. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows. The Senator from UTAH [Mr. Lee] proposes an amendment numbered…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment, as modified, is as follows: After section 1105, insert the following: SEC. __. SPECIAL…

it is important that we begin the long overdue process of reforming the way the Federal Government responds to catastrophic disasters. Too often Federal disaster relief has been reactive, bureaucratic, arbitrary, and billions of dollars…

no one disputes the vital importance of our national security. Indeed, in Federalist No. 41, James Madison noted that ``[s]ecurity against foreign danger is one of the primitive objects of civil society,'' and he emphasized that such…

If my distinguished colleague and friend, the senior Senator from Massachusetts is correct, that this would have no impact on our law, if in fact it does nothing, then why would we make it part of the U.S. law? Why would we make it part of…

Yes, of course. It doesn't become the law of the land just because it is in the treaty. But it often does. Its entry into customary international law can become facilitated by the U.S. ratification of it.

First of all, whenever we ratify a treaty it becomes the law of the land under article VI of the U.S. Constitution. Secondly, whenever a body of law, whether embodied in U.N. convention or otherwise, becomes part of the corpus of customary…

What table is it at which we have no seat because we have not ratified this treaty? What is it that we cannot do by having the most aggressive laws, the most robust laws protecting Americans with disabilities that we somehow achieve simply…

I rise today to speak in opposition to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I understand it is a sensitive topic, one about which many of my constituents on both sides of the issue…

I appreciate the opportunity to speak regarding amendment No. 3018, the Feinstein-Lee amendment. It has come to my attention that some opponents of the Feinstein-Lee amendment have made an argument that habeas corpus is sufficient to…

I rise today to speak in favor of the Feinstein-Lee amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. At the outset, I wish to note this amendment is the product of bipartisan discussion and collaboration on an issue that is important…

I stand today to explain my ``no'' vote on cloture this morning in connection with the sportsmen's bill, S. 3525. This is a large bill. It is made up of a number of legislative proposals that have been put together. In many settings this…

I rise to respond to my friend and distinguished colleague, the Senator from Massachusetts. In the first place, it is significant. Dr. Afridi has been in prison for more than a year. It is significant that this amount of time has elapsed…

I stand tonight in support of the amendment of Senator Paul to provide limitations on the amount and scope of foreign aid the United States sends abroad. This is not a decision I have reached quickly, nor is it an issue I take lightly. I…

I rise today to recognize and honor my friend Ryan McCoy, a departing member of my staff. Ryan McCoy is, in fact, much more than just a member of my staff; he has been the energy behind many of my legislative goals, and he is also a close…

reserving the right to object, I would like to take just a few moments to explain why I plan to object. I have right here a letter that is signed by 36 Members of this body who express the viewpoint that because of the prerogative we have…

with great respect to my distinguished colleagues who are supporting this treaty and supporting a move to move it to the floor for a full vote right now, I understand and appreciate that they may not share some of the concerns expressed in…

it is bad enough that this Senate's Leadership, led by the Democrats, has not passed a budget in 3\1/2\ years. What is even worse than that is the fact they have not offered a budget in this Congress. They have not voted for or supported a…

I rise today to honor an extraordinary American from the great State of Utah--the world-renowned author and speaker Stephen R. Covey, who passed away on Monday, July 16, 2012. He was regarded as a legendary thought-leader throughout the…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California will be postponed. Amendment Offered by Mr. Brooks

That is right. I think that is the point that often goes missing in this debate, which is that when people talk about wanting to raise takes on one group of Americans and not increasing them on another, that causes problems. And we are…

I thank the Senator very much. Madam President, on Monday we heard from Democrats who insist that Congress must now raise taxes on the American people. In fact, they are so committed to this task that they are willing to take the country…

I stand to raise a concern I have regarding the conference committee report to accompany H.R. 4348. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of rule XXVIII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, we are supposed to have adequate notice of a report like this…

I rise today to speak about the Supreme Court's ruling this morning in the case involving the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. In that case, the Supreme Court rendered a decision that may be spun by many…