It is important to go back to the point I made in my testimony that the majority of victims of violent crime are assailed by people who they know intimately.

We need the Justice Department to be at its best.

I cannot think of anybody better.

And frankly, those who trivialize it and say it is not a crime are ignoring too many people in this country.

the complete text of the Secretary's speech, which, again, I urge all Senators to read in its entirety, can be found at the following Web site: https://www.state.gov/secretary/ remarks/2016/12/266119.htm. ____________________

last week the junior Senator from Texas spoke about Secretary of State Kerry's recent speech explaining the administration's decision to not veto U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334 and supporting a two-state solution to the conflict…

the basic rights enshrined in the Constitution that we try to form a more perfect union

I have long fought to promote transparency and accountability in our Federal Government. From standing up to defend and strengthen the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to protecting government whistleblowers, promoting transparency and…

whistleblowers play an essential role in providing transparency and accountability in the Federal Government and exposing waste, fraud, and abuse. It is important that all government employees have safe and effective avenues to come…

Congress has now passed the bipartisan Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act. In 2015, I hailed the signing of a new agreement between the United States and Canada designed to improve cross-border travel, commerce, and…

the Northern Triangle countries of Central America--El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala--face many similar challenges: poverty, gangs, violence, corruption, and organized crime. Another one of these challenges is weak judicial systems…

I have served in this Chamber for 42 years and served as chairman or ranking member of the Judiciary Committee for nearly two decades. I have seen a lot of debates, even contentious ones, and good-faith disagreements between Senators. But…

today the Senate will vote to put the government on autopilot for the next 4 and a half months. Coupled with the continuing resolution we are currently under, that is 7 months of fiscal year 2017 priorities funded--or not--under the terms…

the election of Donald Trump as our next President has ignited a rash of speculation about the future of U.S. policy toward Cuba. What we know is that the President-elect has said contradictory things about President Obama's decision to…

what is the parliamentary situation? The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are in morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for 10 minutes. ____________________

Robert Paquin is retiring after 40 years working as a dedicated public servant in Vermont and on Capitol Hill in Washington. Bob has committed his entire career to making the Federal Government a positive force in the lives of individuals…

Vermont is saddened by the death of the poet David Budbill, whose poetry celebrated the simple pleasures of life in Vermont and highlighted the lives of working Vermonters. He died on Sept 25, at the age of 76. In the State that gave the…

I have visited Egypt many times, and I have voted for billions of dollars in U.S. assistance for Egypt to support economic and security programs in that country. I have recognized positive developments in Egypt when they occur, such as the…

Henry and Gloria Jarecki are two of my longest and best friends. I speak, of course, both because of our personal friendship, but also of their efforts with the important Scholar Rescue Fund, a program designed to provide fellowships for…

I was a little bit delayed getting to the floor this afternoon because I was in tears, literally, when I heard the news about John. I think of my last long conversation with him just a few weeks ago. I will speak more on the floor about…

I have been here on the floor before, joined by Senator Grassley, to share my frustration with the EB-5 Regional Center Program. Senator Grassley and I have been working for years to improve this flawed program that is set to expire…

mountains, rivers, cities, and plains separate Vermont and California, two States as different as any in the country. But here in the U.S. Senate, we are on equal footing. It is one of the hallmarks of our Constitution and representative…

New England is in itself a small community. We Senators who represent these States band together to fight for our urban and rural communities, to protect our borders, and to preserve the rich heritage on which our country was founded. For…

it is an honor for anyone to serve in the U.S. Senate. Giving voice to your constituents' views is a humbling responsibility. It is one thing to be called to serve; it is another to come back for a second tour of duty. Senator Dan Coats'…

for nearly 16 years, Senator Mark Kirk has given voice to his Illinois constituents here in Washington. His long record of service includes work as a congressional staffer, a 24-year career as a naval intelligence officer, a U.S…