Floor Remarks on S. J. Res. 39 – Resolution of Disapproval of the Saudi Arms Sales
I rise today to lend my support – and to urge my colleagues to lend theirs – to Senate Joint Resolution 39, offered by my friend, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. The purpose of this resolution is to reconsider the billion-dollar arms sale between the United States and Saudi Arabia that was negotiated by the two governments earlier this year.
Consolidation and Competition in the U.S. Seed and Agrochemical Industry
Thank you Chairman Grassley. I know how important the issues we are here to discuss are to you, Mr. Chairman, and I’d like to thank you and your staff for your leadership on this hearing.
The subject of today’s hearing is the unprecedented consolidation in the seed and agrochemical industry involving five of the so-called “Big Six” companies. Each of these deals raises complicated antitrust questions. Taken together, these deals propose to fundamentally reshape the agricultural industry. This hearing will help assess the competitive risks—and benefits—these transactions may present, both on their own and collectively.
Keeping Our Republic
Perhaps the most famous words spoken on the day we commemorate today – September 17, 1787 – were those of Benjamin Franklin. After the Constitution had been signed and the Convention adjourned, Franklin was asked by a group of curious Philadelphians gathered outside Independence Hall what type of government the delegates had created. “A republic,” he replied, “if you can keep it.”
Saving Internet Freedom
The essence of human freedom, of civilization itself, is cooperation: cooperation between friends and family; businesses and customers; entrepreneurs and employees.
Lee, Hatch Introduce the Utah National Monument Parity Act
WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Utah National Monument Parity Act, Tuesday, a bill that would extend the same Antiquities Act protections Wyoming now enjoys to Utah.
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Modern Government Travel Act
“Millions of Americans have saved themselves time and money by using new innovative travel services such as Uber, Lyft, and bikeshare,” Sen. Lee said, “but current federal travel reimbursement regulations have made it difficult for federal employees to use these new technologies while on the job. This bill would require the GSA to clarify the availability of these options so our federal employees can increase efficiency and decrease costs.”
Sen. Lee Introduces the Pay for Printing Act
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Pay for Printing Act Wednesday, a bill that will require the senator sponsoring a ceremonial or commemorative Senate resolution to reimburse the Government Printing Office for the cost of printing.
Lee, Klobuchar React to Proposed Bayer- Monsanto Merger
“The proposed acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer raises serious antitrust issues,” said Sen. Lee.
When the Regulated Become the Regulators
Utahns have a lot to be proud of. We’re one of the happiest and healthiest states in the nation. We have one of the lowest poverty levels and the lowest level of income inequality of any state. Our economy ranked second in the nation for job growth last year, and CNBC named Utah the top state for doing business this year.
Ransom Payment to Iran Is a Bad Deal for America
On January 17th of this year, three Americans were released from Iranian government custody in Tehran and boarded a Swiss Air Force plane, which took them out of the country. Only after that plane left did U.S. officials then send a cargo plane carrying $400 million worth of euros and other foreign currencies to Iran.