I know the President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget does not completely reflect the implementation of the recently enacted improvements legislation.

As the melting of the polar ice caps in the summer months reveals new natural resources, navigational routes and introduces new national security considerations, the United States will be subcontracting critical icebreaking duties with…

I am deeply concerned, first of all, in the lack of communication and the lateness in getting this to us.

That is really a huge barrier for women veterans today.

And the budgetary implications if the government does not continue running. I just heard the Secretary say that caring for a homeless veteran costs three and one-half times that of one that we have in the system, and the budgetary…

It was the intent of Congress that the law not be narrowly defined.

I wanted to ask what funds in this budget are directed toward expanding operating hours in women's clinics to make sure that women get the care they need.

VA's plan on the caregivers' issue was overdue, and once submitted, it hardly resembled the bill that unanimously cleared this Congress.

I would also note that I am as committed today as I was during my early years on the Committee to the belief that the Government can be fiscally responsible while still fulfilling its commitments to the most deserving among us, including…

We have work to do for these veterans, and work that begins today.

I am encouraged to see that the Administration has increased funding for homeless programs.

Like all budgets, the VA budget is a reflection of our values, and that each of those values has a direct impact on the lives of thousands, if not millions, of our veterans.

I want to say that we are all thankful for Senator Akaka's efforts, particularly those who have been given peace of mind.

Everyone agrees we have to take some smart steps to cut waste and reduce our debt and deficit, but cutting back doesn't mean cutting blindly. It doesn't mean indiscriminately cutting programs that not only create jobs but, importantly…

we are here today to debate the FAA reauthorization bill, very important legislation. It will create thousands of jobs and put in place the infrastructure for us to make sure we are competitive in the future. It is disheartening to me that…

I applaud you on that, because we always hear about how competition is what drives the cost down.

I am very concerned that the administration is choosing to cut funding for job training programs.

I cannot think of any reason why the administration would err on the side of diminishing that benefit.

I rise to recognize and congratulate my good friend from Maryland, Senator Barbara Mikulski, on today becoming the longest serving female Senator in the history of the Senate. This is an achievement that takes courage and passion and…

This is very important for that region of our State--actually, for our entire economic region there.

we are asking for a level playing field with a bill that passed the House. This is a discussion we have had many times. It says that illegal subsidies from any company should be taken into account on a deal in front of the Pentagon. I will…

I rise this afternoon to call on the Senate to move and pass H.R. 6540, which is the Defense Level Playing Field Act, a bill which was passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives yesterday. This is a bill that is identical to a…

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I come to the floor this afternoon to speak and join in the effort to repeal don't ask, don't tell. This policy has failed in its intended goals. It has done a tremendous disservice to the men and…

I have confirmed with my staff that these projects have been properly disclosed and have been certified to be free of any pecuniary interest.

I would ask the leader through the Chair, is he aware that the bill that is before us, that apparently we do not have enough votes for now, has gone through a very long committee process? The transportation and housing bill that I worked…