These cuts are the opposite of strategy, but they appeal to those who want to duck responsibility for their own policies.

this amendment is very simple. It sets up a pilot program for real ultra-high-speed Internet in rural areas. We are going to have this in urban areas. All we are saying is let rural areas--and every single Senator represents a rural area…

across Vermont's food system, businesses are starting, expanding, and creating good jobs. Ever more local food is available in stores, restaurants, and institutions throughout the State and in greater supply, for more months of the year…

let me speak on an important issue the Senate will be voting on later today, my amendment to the farm bill. The Internet has made a fundamental difference in our lives. From how we shop to how we stay connected to one another, there are…

when the Senate Judiciary Committee held lengthy and extensive markup sessions to consider the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, or S. 744--the bill before us--we worked late into the evenings…

I would like to take a moment to recognize Bob Conlon, a coowner of Leunig's Bistro, a fixture on Burlington's historic Church Street for decades. Bob was recently honored by the Burlington Business Association, BBA, for his contributions…

it is good to see the Presiding Officer here as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. As the Presiding Officer knows, the Senate Judiciary Committee held lengthy and extensive public markup sessions on the Border Security, Economic…

I thank the majority leader for his kind comments. I also note that throughout the markup and debate on the immigration bill, his advice and his counsel was always there. We discussed it many times, and I appreciate the fact he made it…

Vermont boasts a number of historical treasures, and among them is the Round Church in Richmond, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary. The Old Round Church earned a national historic landmark distinction from the National Park…

today the Senate will confirm Judge Charles Breyer, Rachel Barkow, and Judge William Pryor to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. While it is good that the Senate is acting to confirm Judge Pryor and Rachel Barkow following their unanimous…

I was going to speak on a different subject, but I will speak further about our dear colleague Senator Lautenberg. I look at the flowers on his desk--it seems in the years I have been here I have seen too many colleagues' flowers there. Of…

before the Senate went into recess, I was disappointed with the statements made to the Senate that misstated the history of Judge Srinivasan's confirmation process. The Senator who said the chairman of the Judiciary Committee made ``no…

as we vote today on two nominations to the Court of International Trade, I want to note that this week we reached a milestone. It is 5 months into President Obama's second term, and we have just now reached the same number of circuit and…

I wish to recognize a man who is a leading contributor to the preservation of the Italian community in Burlington, VT. John Varricchione grew up in a former Italian neighborhood adjacent to downtown Burlington. I have my own fond memories…

this year, as I do every year, I have met with many Vermonters who have come up to me to express their views about the future of the U.S. Postal Service. But this year, these meetings have taken a different tone. Today, rather than asking…

what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan to the D.C. Circuit Court.

after several hearings and five lengthy markup sessions, the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday evening voted with a strong bipartisan vote of 13-5 to report the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act to…

I do not see anyone else seeking recognition. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

I yield back the remainder of my time and 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…

Vermont is home to many treasures, from our natural beauties to our manufactured goods to our award-winning agricultural industry. It is also home to many spirited personalities, and today I would like to honor one of them: a good friend…

Thank you, Mr. President. I am glad to hear what my friend from Utah said about voting for this nominee because this is the second time this year the majority leader had to file cloture on one of President Obama's well-qualified nominees…

I personally called Senator Grassley on Sunday morning to let him know that we had agreed to that request.

I do not hold him responsible for those numbers.

last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee once again reported to the full Senate a bipartisan farm bill, and I am pleased the Senate has turned to its consideration this week. I compliment the distinguished chair, Senator Stabenow, who…

over the past several weeks the Senate Judiciary Committee has considered the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. In addition to the three hearings the Committee held this year on the need for…