In Rhode Island, under the leadership of Director Wall, we passed reforms that allowed inmates to earn credit toward their sentences.

If we do nothing, we are choosing to let the corrections budget take away from the FBI's ability to disrupt terrorist groups.

during this time of budget constraints, sequestration, and continuing resolutions, it is crucial that every Federal department and agency identify maximum cost savings and improve efficiencies to minimize the impact of reductions on…

I am pleased that the Senate passed yesterday bipartisan legislation that will improve the enforcement of the antitrust laws. The bipartisan Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act extends whistleblower protections to employees who report…

Many States, led by Senator Hirono's home State of Hawaii's example, the HOPE program, have implemented parole systems that impose 'swift and certain' sanctions.

It is a problem that Congress created, but it is also a problem that Congress can fix, and it is high time we do so.

Those are not choices my colleagues wish to make. Those are not smart choices.

I want to thank you for the prompt attention to concerns that I have raised and Senator Blumenthal and others have raised regarding the proposed closing of the only secure facility for female inmates in the Northeast.

We should be willing to reevaluate mandatory minimum sentences.

I won't go on so much on the numbers, but I did hear my friend say there is a question whether President Obama has been treated differently than President Bush. I would note that when President Bush nominated John Roberts for the ninth…

is there time remaining? The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time has expired. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Gregory Howard Woods, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District…

I am sure the Senator is concerned about costs. Yet, the same Senators blocking Patricia Millett's confirmation were not concerned when an unnecessary shutdown of the government cost the taxpayers billions of dollars. I also note that…

I ask unanimous consent that there be 2 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual format. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I ask unanimous consent that there be 2 more minutes equally divided. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to retired BG Jonathan Farnham, who is retiring after having honorably served his community, State and country for 34 years in the Vermont National Guard. Jon was commissioned in 1981 through…

Patricia Millett is unquestionably qualified to be the next judge on the DC Circuit. The Senate will soon vote to end debate on her nomination and I hope that the rank partisanship that shut down our Government earlier this month will not…

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to a Vermont woman who personifies inspirational. Carmen Tarleton's journey as a survivor of domestic violence began nearly 6 years ago, when her estranged husband broke into her home, attacked…

today we are debating whether the Senate is going to be allowed to vote on the confirmation of Patricia Millett. She is nominated to fill the vacancy that our current Chief Justice John Roberts previously occupied on the U.S. Court of…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Vermont. Millett Nomination

what is the parliamentary situation? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senate right now is considering the Estevez nomination, and the time is equally divided between both sides.

the United States Parole Commission is scheduled to expire tomorrow. After significant bicameral negotiations, 2 weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent a bipartisan bill, H.R. 3190, to reauthorize the…

I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum, and I ask unanimous consent that the time be equally divided. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk…

I read with great interest the recent opinion piece on congressional budget negotiations written by my good friend Kent Conrad, our former colleague here in the Senate and distinguished chair of the Budget Committee. I have been fortunate…

the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, was enacted 35 years ago to limit the government's ability to engage in domestic surveillance operations. In the years since September 11, 2001, Congress has repeatedly expanded the scope…

the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ECPA, one of the Nation's premiere digital privacy laws, was enacted 27 years ago on October 21. I join the many privacy advocates, technology organizations, legal scholars and other Americans who…