Speeches

Why federalism is key to restoring civic connectedness and faith in the American government

The other week, I stumbled across a headline that I think illustrates the challenges facing American communities. It’s from CNBC, paraphrasing Mark Zuckerberg. “Facebook can play a role that churches and Little League once filled.” Zuckerberg was celebrating an impressive milestone for his social media platform: It now has two billion monthly users.

More truth about Planned Parenthood

Mr. President, Last year the nation was shocked by undercover videos produced by investigative journalists with the Center for Medical Progress, exposing Planned Parenthood’s sale of fetal body parts . . . and the callousness with which Planned Parenthood officials described their grisly work.

Protecting the Internet for Consumers and Innovators

Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the Federal Communication Commission’s welcome proposal to end utility-style regulation of the Internet by reversing the 2015 Open Internet Order.

How Can Congress Reassert Control Over Federal Agencies?

Thank you, Dean. And thanks to all my friends at the Federalist Society for putting this event together. Notwithstanding the views of some of my colleagues in the Senate, who see the Federalist Society as a dangerous cabal, it’s always a treat to speak to the Society and I appreciate your hard work and dedication to promoting the rule of law and individual liberty. A little more than a year ago, I launched the Article 1 Project, or A1P, along with several other conservative lawmakers. Today, I want to update you on our progress.

America First Diplomacy

“Like much of the federal government, American diplomacy under the Obama administration took a decidedly leftist turn, often elevating ideological politics above core national interests.”

Trade Speech at AEI

I. Introduction: Re-opening the Trade Debate Thank you for that kind introduction, Claude. It’s an honor to be here this morning. Thank you to the American Enterprise Institute for putting this event together. Thanks to our esteemed panelists for your insights and scholarship. And thanks to all of you for being here.

Floor Statement on Montenegro accession to NATO

The most solemn and serious act that the United States government can undertake is the decision to send Americans to war. From time to time, war is an unfortunate but necessary function of a Republic in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of its citizens from foreign threats. Yet we should enter into wars, and alliances that could lead to war, only after utmost deliberation and strategic consideration focusing on the wellbeing of American citizens.

Confirmation Hearing on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

“In a former life, when I was a practicing attorney, I had the good fortune of appearing before you. So, I know from personal experience that you are one of the very best judges in the country. You come to oral argument prepared and you ask probing, fair questions that help you understand the arguments.”

The Time for Regulatory Reform in Congress

Executive-branch bureaucrats work in… the HHS headquarters, and the Labor Department – nondescript, Soviet-style concrete slabs that look more like nuclear vaults than government buildings.

Floor Remarks on Violence Silencing Speech

“I am truly saddened that I must rise today to address what I am afraid is a growing threat to our democracy: the silencing of political debate by totalitarian mob violence on college campuses.”