which is the first amendment to be considered? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the Klobuchar amendment, No. 2094.

we have been able to get very good progress on the rape kit backlogs in the Leahy-Crapo bill. I wish we had passed the Klobuchar amendment. The Cornyn amendment is well intentioned, but it will undermine, rather than enhance, the progress…

we are about to vote. This is a time for both Republicans and Democrats to come together and say what we all know in our heart: We oppose violence against women. Let's say it not just in our heart, let's say it in legislation--good…

the Leahy-Crapo Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is based on months of work with survivors, advocates, and law enforcement officers from all across the country. We listened when they told us what was working and what could be…

reserving the right to object--I will not object--and I know we will be getting back onto this matter and I will be seeking time, I certainly do not object to my two friends taking time now. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is…

I do not object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Texas [Mr. Cornyn], for himself, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Bennet, Mr. McConnell, and…

how much time is remaining on each side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is 6 minutes 20 seconds for the majority.

These organizations recognize the impact VAWA has in reducing incidences of sexual and domestic violence in our country. Since its initial passage in 1994, no law has done more to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. Because of…

As we proceed to vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote. I thank the majority leader and the Republican leader for their work to bring us to this point. I commend the Senators from…

I ask unanimous consent that following the adoption of the motion to proceed to S. 1925, the Senate be in a period of debate only on the bill for the remainder of today's session; that when the Senate resumes consideration of the bill on…

I am pleased that we are able to move directly to the legislation without a cloture vote. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is a bipartisan bill. It has 61 cosponsors. I was encouraged yesterday morning to hear the majority…

I want to draw the Senate's attention to the ongoing, intensifying and intolerable oppression occurring in Tibet. Over the past year, at least 32 Tibetans, most of them young men and women, have set themselves on fire to protest Chinese…

I have heard from law enforcement all over the country saying they support this.

I saw a report way back in 1997 by Human Rights Watch. It talked about the abduction of children by a heavily armed Ugandan rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army.

I am glad we are finally moving to this. The last two reauthorizations, each one an improvement on the one before, passed this body unanimously. We should do the same. It is not a partisan issue. I ask other Senators, if they haven't…

In fact, today I was advised by Bruce Cohen in my office that we have received the statement of administrative position. It is a very strong statement from the White House, and it is a strong statement in support of the Violence Against…

I ask for the yeas and nays on the nomination. 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 Brian C. Wimes, of…

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to Carolyn Meub, Executive Director of Pure Water for the World, a Vermont-based nonprofit organization that brings clean water to thousands of families in Honduras and Haiti. Last week, the…

regaining my time on this side, I appreciate the Senator from Missouri speaking about Brian Wimes. Today, the Senate will finally vote on the nomination of Brian Wimes to fill a judicial vacancy in the U.S. District Court for the Western…

I see the distinguished Senator from Missouri on the floor, Mr. Blunt. I know he has a Republican leadership meeting he needs to get to. I yield such time as he needs on the Republican reserved time, with the understanding that when he…

today marks the beginning of the 31st annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week. It is a time to recognize the losses faced by victims of crimes and their families and to acknowledge the efforts being made to help them recover and rebuild…

what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is considering the motion to proceed to the Violence Against Women Act.

I congratulate Senator Coons on the passage of legislation that will reauthorize 30 temporary bankruptcy judgeships in districts around the country. I was pleased to support Senator Coons' very strong and persistent efforts on this…

today, Thursday, April 19, is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Observances and remembrance activities are taking place across the Nation in civic centers, schools, churches and synagogues, on military bases and in workplaces. As always, the…

one year ago, the Senate unanimously passed the Food Safety Accountability Act. This week, the Food and Drug Administration announced that raw tuna from a California supplier has sickened more than 100 people in 20 States with salmonella…