On Tuesday at midnight, the Federal Government shut its doors, closed for all but the most essential business concerning national security and the safety of the American people. Mr. President, you know Vermonters, like Americans in every…

I am proud that the Senate unanimously passed legislation late last night to extend the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa--SIV--Program. This program offers nothing short of a lifeline for the Iraqi men and women who risked everything…

last Friday I was reading the press reports about the remarkable progress that has taken place at the United Nations in obtaining a legally binding resolution, with the support of Russia and the other members of the Security Council, to…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 30, 2013. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Committee on Foreign…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 30, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Committee on Homeland…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 30, 2013. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered…

we have listened to the people. I recall we had a Presidential election. We had two people running in a bad economy. Normally, the nonincumbent would win. That was a Republican. He ran on the platform: I will repeal ObamaCare if you elect…

I thank my colleague. The Senator from Illinois has heard me mention--and with pride--the time I was able to serve in law enforcement as a prosecutor. Well, I was talking to some police officers in Vermont this weekend. They were saying…

I thank the Chair. Madam President, I listened this week to the distinguished chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski, make a compelling case for passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution through November 15 of…

what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is currently considering H.J. Res. 59, the continuing budget resolution.

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., in room 406 of the…

last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan reauthorization of the Missing Children's Assistance Act. This important measure will ensure that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) can…

what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is currently considering the Hughes nomination.

the nomination of Todd Hughes to fill the judicial vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which is an extremely important court. It is also an important milestone for the court. If confirmed, Mr. Hughes will be the…

I appreciate the fact that it now has passed. I thank the Republican leader and others. ____________________

I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Todd M. Hughes, of the District of…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. committee on foreign…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. committee on health…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to meet, during the session of the Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled ``U.S. Efforts to Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections'' on…

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Rules and Administration be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Select Committee on…

I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Subcommittee on Clean…

the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan reauthorization of the Missing Children's Assistance Act that ensures the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can continue. We cleared it a week ago here on the Democratic…

I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on September 24, 2013, at…

I ask unanimous consent that the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Hearing of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to hold a meeting during the…

I ask unanimous consent the bill be read a third time and passed; and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (H.R. 3092)…