we have a problem only with the Avena decision, and even so we have a range of possibilities for dealing with this problem.

I supported President George W. Bush in that regard.

Our ongoing failure to respect the Vienna Convention has placed great strains on U.S. relations with Mexico.

We need this legislation urgently to protect Americans abroad, to preserve vital bilateral relationships, and to maintain our reputation as a Nation that keeps its word.

I hope my good friend and former colleague, John Bellinger, would agree with me that the Avena decision was incorrectly decided.

The treaty power should not be, and cannot be, an exception to these fundamental constitutional principles of dual sovereignty and separation of powers.

treaties ratified by the United States are the law of the land and, like any law, must be honored.

This is not just a matter of fundamental principles. These limitations are plain and well described in Supreme Court case law.

In this increasingly interdependent world, the United States simply cannot afford to have our partners at the negotiating table question our commitment to the rule of law.

the Constitution, Federal laws, and treaties to be treated as 'the supreme Law of the Land.'

yesterday I made a statement about the need for the Senate to consider all 27 judicial nominees reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now awaiting final action by the Senate. I was disappointed that the votes on Paul Engelmayer to…

we cannot possibly tweak and adjust the Constitution without going through the process of a constitutional amendment.

I understand the vote will be at 5:30; is that correct? The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is debate for 1 hour. If no time is yielded back, the vote will be at 5:36.

I will yield back 6 minutes of my time so the vote can begin at 5:30. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Moment of Silence

I note the Senate observed a moment of silence for John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut, who were killed in the Capitol in 1998 on July 24. Both were excellent police officers--one uniformed, one plain clothes--in the protective division. My…

I would note that the delays in confirmation of President Obama's consensus nominees, nominees agreed to by both Republicans and Democrats, are to the detriment of all Americans. Most people, when they go into court, do not go in as a…

I suggest the absence of a quorum, and I ask unanimous consent that the time be equally charged to both parties. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to…

unlike any Republican in the House or the Senate, I have voted for a balanced budget. We balanced the budget under President Clinton. Not only balanced the budget, started paying down the national debt. He was able to leave hundreds of…

now that we are back in session, I thank my fellow Members, and Senator Cochran especially, for their courtesy in letting us go into recess so that we could bring a group of very distinguished British parliamentarians on the floor. I would…

we have a group of British parliamentarians meeting with us. I see the distinguished Republican leader on the floor. Senator Cochran and I are leading a delegation to meet with them, and I am about to ask to put the Senate in recess…

I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coons). The Senator from South Carolina.

on Monday I, again, set forth the history of our efforts to extend the term of Robert Mueller as the FBI Director in response to the President's request. I am glad that the Senate is now being permitted to proceed to pass the bill. The…

back on May 12, the President requested that Congress pass legislation to enable Robert Mueller to continue serving as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for up to 2 additional years in light of the leadership transition at…

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, Shall the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of J. Paul Oetken, of New…

Have the yeas and nays been ordered on the nomination? The PRESIDING OFFICER. They have not.