Benefits of Social Security and the Need to Make It Stronger

Mr. President, I rise to speak in morning business and address the issue which has become central to our debate about the domestic agenda for America. There is a lot of time being spent by the President and Members of Congress talking about the privatization of Social Security. Social Security is a very important program for millions of Americans. It brought dignity to senior citizens and gave them a chance in their retirement years to live with enough money to get by. Before Social … Continue Reading

Hearing--Genocide and the Rule of Law

Welcome to "Genocide and the Rule of Law," the inaugural hearing of the Judiciary Committee's newly-created Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law. We are honored to welcome as well this distinguished panel of witnesses to share their views on this important and timely issue. After a few opening remarks, I will recognize Senator Coburn, the Ranking Member, for an opening statement, and then we will turn to our witnesses. But first a word about this new Subcommittee. I want to … Continue Reading

S. 3977 Patriot Employers Bill--Providing a Tax Cut to our Best Companies

Mr. President, when companies make headlines today it is often for all the wrong reasons: fraud, tax avoidance, profiteering, etc. Yet many of the companies that are currently providing jobs across America are conscientious corporate citizens that strive to treat their workers fairly even as they seek to create good products that consumers want and to maximize profits for their shareholders. I believe that we should reward such companies for providing good jobs to American workers, and … Continue Reading

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation Approved By Senate

[WASHINGTON, DC] - The United States Senate today approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The bill balances enforcement - stronger border security, tougher sanctions on employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants - with provisions allowing undocumented immigrants who work hard and play by the rules to earn their way to legal status. The Senate approved the legislation by a vote of 62 to 36. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said that while the bill was not perfect, it was a … Continue Reading

Mine Safety Enforcement, Reporting, and Training Act

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Mine Safety Enforcement, Reporting, and Training Act. This bill will raise the minimum fine for safety violations from $60 to $500, require coal mine operators to pay fines up front, require a public yearly report of fine payments, and double funding for education and training grants to States from $10 million to $20 million. The recent tragic events in West Virginia and Kentucky have captured the Nation's attention and exposed the serious … Continue Reading