I very much appreciate the effort of the Chairman and the Ranking Member, and Senators Murray and Isakson in getting us to the place we are now.

During this upcoming reauthorization, we have the opportunity to make a real impact.

We have had in our country the highest levels of long-term unemployment since the Great Depression.

I have heard from stakeholders in my home State of Wisconsin that they feel like the current incumbent worker training programs function as more of a reactive force rather than a proactive force.

The Older Americans Act has been a nearly 50-year promise enacted in the same year that we created Medicare.

Powerful special interests always get a say in Washington, but today I want to make sure that some of these seniors' voices are heard.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business for as much time as I may consume. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Madam President, as I make my first remarks on the Senate floor, I have the honor of occupying the same Senate seat, and in fact occupying the very Senate desk, once used by Senator Robert M. LaFollette, Sr. ``Fighting Bob LaFollette,'' as…

I am very pleased that we are holding this hearing today with the nominees in attendance.

It's critical that patients continue to have access to these treatments, but it is also important to make sure that the compounded drugs that people count on are safe.

I'm concerned about patient access when the approved drug is not available for reasons other than a shortage.