we are in a position now where we are trying to work between the White House, the House, and the Senate

I do think it is a fundamental point here that the President believes, we all believe, that sequestration is not the right policy, and that we ought to reverse it, that we can reverse it.

These families are paying the price for the fact that Washington, DC, continues to lurch from crisis to crisis instead of compromising around a balanced deficit reduction plan.

The truth is these cuts are having an impact. And in so many cases, it is an impact that is being felt by the most vulnerable in our society.

Because they do not have the personnel to do it?

These programs have long provided low-income Americans with safe, affordable housing and shelter in times of crises.

The budget we recently passed in the Senate provides a path forward that balances responsible spending cuts with necessary investments.

This debate is about more than just numbers, it is about people's lives and the Nation's values.

I am concerned for the Maine housing authority directors, with whom I recently met, who told me they are being forced to reduce spending at the expense of families in need.

But most of all, it's about the results we deliver for the vulnerable people and places who depend on us most.

on Saturday, March 23, 2013, the Senate passed the budget, S. Con. Res. 8. In my statement, I thanked a few members of my staff and I would like to acknowledge the rest of my dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to pass the Senate budget…

I move to reconsider the vote and lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington. Amendment No. 525

I think a lot of people want to know the answer to that question. If we could move to the Flake amendment, ask me any question you have, and I will have the answer for you.

I move to reconsider the vote, and I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.

It is late--early in the morning. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague Senator Sessions for a vigorous debate and for all of our colleagues participating in this debate. I am very proud of my colleagues. I urge a ``yes''…

I yield to the Chair of the Finance Committee. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.

The budget already includes a deficit reduction reserve fund for the elimination, consolidation, and reform of Federal programs to achieve savings. Our budget goes even further to instruct committees to review the GAO report on duplication…

Access to a telephone is beneficial for anyone trying to get a job or attempting to communicate with their family or receiving help in an emergency. Since 1985, the Lifeline Program has made it easier for low-income Americans to have a…

I would just note there is nothing in a unanimous consent which precludes a Senator from withdrawing an amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair thanks the Senator from Washington. The Senator from Louisiana.

Voter photo identification laws are overly burdensome and have the ability to disenfranchise voters. We should not attempt to implement these policies nationwide, especially at 3:15 in the morning on a budget resolution. I urge my…

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

The Senate budget resolution that is in front of us, that we are hoping to get passed tonight, provides strong investments in transportation infrastructure. It fully funds MAP-21, the recent highway bill. It provides $50 billion for urgent…

We will then move to these amendments. Again, all Senators sit in your seats and vote. We will get through these as quickly as possible. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.

I ask unanimous consent that the next amendments in order to be called up be the following: Barrasso No. 184, Paul No. 382, Vitter No. 526, Vitter No. 338, Cruz No. 471, Cruz No. 702, Lee No. 673, Lee No. 521, Coburn No. 414, Coburn No…

I ask unanimous consent that the following package of amendments, 17 Democratic and 13 Republican amendments, be considered and agreed to en bloc: Shaheen No. 149, Blumenthal-Moran No. 577, Johnson No. 593, Manchin No. 316, Wyden No. 394…