The Public Record
Patrick Leahy is a former United States Senator from Vermont, serving from 1975 until 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the longest-serving senator in Vermont's history and held significant leadership roles, including President pro tempore of the Senate. Throughout his tenure, Leahy was known for his work on issues such as civil liberties, health care, and environmental protection. He played a key role in various legislative efforts, including the Violence Against Women Act and initiatives to reform the criminal justice system.
The Senate is today turning its attention back to the America Invents Act--a measure that will help create jobs, energize the economy and promote innovation without adding a penny to the deficit. This legislation is a key component of both…
I thank the Presiding Officer. Mr. President, I was disappointed that before the August recess, the Senate was not allowed to take greater steps to address the serious judicial vacancies crisis on Federal courts around the country. As we…
this is not a solution I would have preferred, but the compromise finally reached by the White House and congressional leaders has the potential to end this manufactured crisis. It is a solution that puts common sense and the national…
for the second year in a row, the Senate has failed to take significant steps before the August recess to address the serious crisis of judicial vacancies on courts around the country. Last August, Senate Republicans left 17 judicial…
today, I joined Senator Cornyn in reintroducing the Faster FOIA Act of 2011, a bipartisan bill to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA. Last week, the House Republican leadership stripped these FOIA provisions from legislation…
I would just add to what Senator Reid, Senator Durbin, and Senator Levin have said: that a 60-vote requirement is a filibuster. It is to block this. Now, speaking of how long people have been here, I came here when President Ford was…
this evening, the Senate is considering S. 627, as amended by the House of Representatives--the bill now called the Budget Control Act of 2011. Earlier this week, the House Republican Leadership used a procedural maneuver to strip from…
I see no one else seeking the floor, so I yield back the remainder of the time, which is now about 30 seconds. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time has expired. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Robert S…
I do not think the President or Secretary Vilsack could have selected a more qualified and practiced professional to help lead the Department of Agriculture's Office of Congressional Relations than Brian.
You helped Vermont dairy farmers find consensus across the nationwide industry in which consensus is like transporting bullfrogs in a wheelbarrow.
I have always been proud of you and I am glad that you are willing to take on this job.
He has earned the respect of members from both parties and from all regions of the country.
I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cardin). Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________
I know my distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from West Virginia, is going to be seeking recognition, and perhaps others. I certainly have no objection to that. I realize we are on the Mueller nomination. I ask unanimous consent…
have the yeas and nays been ordered on the Mueller nomination? The PRESIDING OFFICER. No.
how much time remains until the vote on the Mueller nomination? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Four minutes.
I hope all Senators will step forward and vote for this nomination. I can think of no reason why they should not. Director Mueller is typical of many in our government who serve the people of America tirelessly, without any gain to…
I ask for the yeas and nays on the Mueller nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The yeas and nays were ordered.
If we fail to honor our consular obligations at home, American citizens, including your constituents, pay the price overseas.
I will be brief. I have been asked by a number of people how I feel about the efforts made to get the United States out of the quandary in which it now finds itself over the debt limit. Let me be very clear. I applaud President Obama and…
what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in a period of morning business in which Senators may speak for 10 minutes. ____________________
In my view, bending these rules and principles of federalism is not just a bad policy decision, but would compromise the liberty of all Americans.
If a statute like S. 1194 can be constitutionally enacted and upheld, there would be no remaining area... in which the States would retain their autonomy.
Politicians like Patrick Leahy
