today we will vote on the nomination of John Michael Vazquez to fill a judicial emergency vacancy in the Federal district court in the district of New Jersey. His confirmation is long overdue. He was nominated over 10 months ago and…

tomorrow marks the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade recognizing a woman's constitutional right to liberty and personal autonomy in her decision of whether to have an abortion or not. This landmark case not…

it is unfortunate that the fear and xenophobia being peddled by some Republican candidates for President is now being given time on the Senate floor. Instead of solving the real problems facing Americans--like the student debt crisis or…

yesterday, our Nation celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is a hero to millions of Americans for helping to break down racial barriers in this country. It is fitting that today the Senate is turning to a confirmation…

I know the time for the vote is upon us. Have the yeas and nays been ordered? The PRESIDING OFFICER. They have not.

I thank the distinguished Senator from Ohio. We are finally going to vote on the long overdue confirmation of Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo to fill a judicial emergency vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the third circuit in…

I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second.

hard-working Americans deserve more than living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about having to choose between paying an electric bill or putting healthy food on the table. This appropriations law ends a year of continuing budget…

I want to take a moment to celebrate the success of another Vermont business, Danforth Pewter, which this year celebrates 40 years of producing quality, hand-crafted pewter products. Danforth Pewter--owned and operated by Fred and Judi…

for more than 235 years, the United States has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions coming to our shores seeking a better life. Ours is a nation founded upon the ideal of freedom, and throughout our history, there have…

as we close the book on the first session of the 114th Congress, our attention is on the thousands of pages in the omnibus spending bill. But as the Republican leadership rushes to spin the press about what the Senate has accomplished in…

today is an important day for two reasons. One, it is a sad day because it was just a few years ago today when a dear friend, Senator Dan Inouye, died--one of my closest friends and former President pro tempore and senior Member of this…

I hope both Senators and Members of the other body listened to what the distinguished senior Senator from Illinois just said. We all extol the virtues of Main Street America-- small towns, big towns. I think of the businesses I go into…

many talented Vermonters support local agencies charged with ensuring the safety of Vermont communities throughout the State, each and every day. Today I would like to recognize one such department--the Grand Isle County Sheriff's…

I want other Senators to be aware of information I received about Ecuadorian National Assembly member Lourdes Tiban, a prominent and respected leader of Ecuador's indigenous people. As an indigenous leader, Ms. Tiban has become one of the…

whistleblowers serve an essential role in providing transparency and accountability in the Federal Government. It is important that all government employees are provided with strong and effective avenues to come forward with evidence of…

last week, a distinct honor was bestowed upon Vermont Army National Guard Specialist Skylar Anderson and, by extension, the Vermont National Guard. I want to recognize this milestone. After graduating from a rigorous program at the 164th…

Senate Democrats are proposing important legislation to help combat the threat of ISIS and to keep Americans safe. It would strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program and close the terrorist gun loophole. I am a cosponsor of these…

tomorrow the Senate will approve landmark legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Since 2001, the failed policies of No Child Left Behind have unfairly burdened students, families, educators, and…

today we will vote on the nomination of Travis McDonough to be a Federal district judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee. He was nominated over a year ago, and his nomination was voted out of the Judiciary Committee by unanimous voice…

Vermonters take great pride in our historic downtowns and small communities. In our cities and towns, we have a culture of getting things done--and finding a way to accomplish our shared goals. That is why, like many Vermonters, I have…

as you can see, there is bipartisan support for these coffee farmers who face oppressive economic constraints that limit their ability to be competitive in the marketplace and earn a decent living. I join my colleagues who have spoken on…

like many Senators, I have followed the appalling situation facing citizens of the Eastern Congo, where armed groups have fought for years over control of minerals and territory, pillaging, raping, and killing civilians in the process. The…

this week, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England marked its 50th anniversary with a well-attended gathering in South Burlington, VT. The event came less than a week after the deadly tragedy at a Planned Parenthood center in Colorado…

I understand that there is going to be a request for a 60-vote margin on this vote. If my understanding of that is correct, I withdraw my point of order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.