woirveghts violent criminals and drug traffickers and major financial fraudsters. they also work closely with local law enforcement to ensure that local and federal resources are used efficiently and effectively to prevent crime and lock up criminals. for example, the office won a conviction in the $3.65 billion ponzi case, the second biggest ponzi scheme in united states history. the biggest was the madoff case. the second came out of the district of minnesota. $3.65 billion. of course that case was initiated when we had a full-time u.s. attorney. that case was prosecuted mainly when we had a full-time u.s. attorney. what else does the office have? an ongoing terrorist negotiation that has led to charges for three people aiding the terrorist organization al-shabaab. if you ask anyone at the f.b.i., including the f.b.i. director who was quoted in a story in

"the los angeles times" about the importance of this legislation, i think he would tell you it would be pretty nice to have a full-time u.s. attorney in that office. eight of the people that have already been charged have been convicted. some receiving sentences of up to 20 years in prison. other major work from the office include operation high life, a major drug trafficking investigation involving more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers and resulting in 26 indictments, 25 guilty pleas and sentences up to 200 months in prison. i would note that right now we are experienced as they are in many places around the country, mr. president, a heroin epidemic in minnesota. over 50 people in one county alone, hennepin county, died last year from heroin overdoses. that's what we're talking about here. we're having a heroin epidemic and then we have to go home and tell the people of our state that the senate has not yet confirmed a u.s. attorney, someone who went through the committee unanimously without one objection, a committee that includes a very diverse group of

senators, all the way from senator cruz who serves on that committee, to senator grassley, to senator cornyn who sefrbgs -- serves on that committee to senator whitehouse. the person i nominated to the president, andrew lugar who has the support of the republican congressmen near the cities, that person went through the committee without objection and deserves to be now voted on by this senate. operations brothers keeper, another example, successful investigation and prosecution of a rico case involving a regional 200-member gang which took 22 dangerous members off the street. operation mulverde, the prosecution of 27 defendants associated with the mexican drug cartel including the apprehension of the cartel's regional leader whose sentence is as high as 20 years in prison. the office also recently prosecuted a case involving a major synthetic drug seller in

duluth, minnesota. this was a huge problem, a scourge in the community. they went after it, prosecuted the owner, they found $700,000 in plastic bags hidden in his bathroom and they won that case. these are a few of the major cases this office has worked on just over the last few years. after 890 days without a full-time boss in part because there was delay, as we all know, in filling the position of the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives because it took nearly a year for this body to act on that nomination, because that -- this body hadn't confirmed anyone for that full-time job for seven years. and after operation fast and furious and the disaster with that case, it was decided maybe we need a full-time director in front of the a.t.f.. our attorney general decided to go do that job for two years, was finally confirmed and now we have a nominee and that person is now waiting.

that's how we get to 890 days without a full-time boss. the senate has always served the people of minnesota well in making sure that our state has a u.s. attorney. i think we need to continue that tradition and honor the value our founding fathers entrusted in this position. it is time that we vote on mr. lugar's nomination. he is a dedicated public servant whose breadth of experience, strength of character and commitment to justice makes him a well-qualified candidate. no one has questioned that, mr. president. no one has even shed any doubt on his qualifications to have this job. that is not the issue here. oftentimes that is an issue with nominees. that is not the issue here. the issue is that we simply, as we have in the past, have allowed a voice vote on these kinds of nominations. they have gone through average of eight days coming out of committee for the district of minnesota, first u.s. attorney from minnesota two days. this in fact now we wait 890 days. mr. president, it's time to get this done.

i yield the floor. i note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call:

quorum call:

quorum call:

mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent the call of the quorum be terminated. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid:: i now ask for regular order. the presiding officer: the motion to proceed to s. 1963 is pending. mr. reid: i have a cloture motion at the desk. the presiding officer: the clerk will report the cloture motion. the clerk: we, the undersigned senators in accordance with the provisions of rule 22 of the standing rules of the senate, hereby move to bring to a close the debate on the motion to proceed to calendar number 298, s. 1963, a bill to repeal section 403 of the bipartisan budget budget act of 2013. signed by 17 senators as follows. reid of nevada -- mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent that reading of the names be waived. the presiding officer: without objection. reid reid: i ask unanimoumr. res

consent that the manned cory quorum call be waived and the vote on the motion to invoke cloture occur at 5:30 p.m. monday, february 10. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: i ask consent that the senate proceed to morning business with senators permitted to speak up to ten minutes each. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: i ask consent that the senate proceed to calendar number 302, s. res. 270. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 302, s. res. 270, supporting the goals and ideals of world polio day and commending the international community and others for that efforts to prevent and erad cat polio. the presiding officer: any objections to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to

reconsider be laid on the table. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent the commerce committee be discharged from further action on s. reserving 289. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: s. res. 289, expressing the sense of the senate that ambush marketing adversely affects the united states olympic and paraolympic teams and should be discouraged. the presiding officer: is there objection? without objection, the committee is discharged and the senate will proceed to the measure. mr. reid: i ask that the rockefeller amendment to the resolution which is at the desk be agreed to. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: the resolution as amend be agreed to, the rockefeller amendment to the preamble which is deck be agreed to, the preamble as amend be agreed to, and that the rockefeller title at the desk be agreed and the motion to reconsider be laid on the table, with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection.

mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to calendar number 303, s. res. 333. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: calendar number 3 303, s. res. 333, strongly recommending that the united states renegotiate the return of the rocky jewish archive to iencht. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid on the table. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: i now ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to s. res. 352, submitted by senators clop klobuchar, hatch, and others today. the presiding officer: the clerk will report. the clerk: s. res. 352, commemorating the success of team u.s.a. in the past 22 olympiowelimb pick winter gameso forth. the presiding officer: is there objection to proceeding to the measure? without objection. mr. reid: i ask that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the

motion to reconsider be laid on the table, with no intervening action or debate. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: i am told there are two bills due for their first reading. the presiding officer: the clerk will read the 250eu9s for the first time. the clerk: h.r. 350, an act to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting and for other purposes. h.r. 3964, an act to address certain water-related concerns in the sacramento-san joaquin valley and for other purposes. mr. reid: i ask for second reading on both but object on both of them. the presiding officer: objection having been heard, the bill will be read for the second tile on the next legislative day. mr. reid: i ask unanimous consent when the senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 2:00 p.m. monday, february 10. following the reading of the prayer and pledge, the journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be he is reserved for

their use later in the day. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reid: the next roll call vote will be this coming monday. if there is no further business to come before the senate, i ask that it adjourn under the previous order. the presiding officer: the the presiding officer: the

a house oversight subcommittee held a hearing earlier today on the alleged targeting of conservative groups by the irs. illinois representative tammy duckworth in an investigation of voting rights investigations. here is more. >> mr. chairman i think it's an inappropriate to provide the platform today to unfairly attack ranking member of the full committee with her comings. like any member of this committee he has the authority and one might even say the moral obligation to conduct investigations into serious concerns that are raised to his attention. in this case the ranking member requested documents to investigate serious public allegations of voter disenfranchisement regarding true the vote. he wrote letters laying out these allegations provided the sources for this information and he asked true the vote to provide documents to prove or disprove these allegations. mr.,'s actions were no different than those of congressman issa

when he served as this committee's ranking member and representative ice has sent letters in his making similar requests from all kinds of government and private entities. i would expect that you and every other member of this committee would defend the right of all members to seek information and documents regardless of party affiliation. it's no surprise that the group the ranking member has been investigating should lash out against him. what is surprising is that they would suggest the fbi investigations actions as a potential illegal activity. the what is surprising to me is that you would give them a public form to do so. distributed by this committee in advance of today's hearing and hosted on the committees web site. you knew this was coming in you about it to happen. earlier today mr. cummings wrote a letter to the board of the office of congressional ethics easily debunking these plans in

writing copies of his correspondence with true the vote. he also made those letters available to the public on the democrat -- democratic committee web site. as that these letters be made part of the hare's today and i regret the use of such a blatant political stunt. on the next "washington journal" drexel university eric zellmer looks at the history and politics of the olympic games.

>> and if the honorable member has the guts to stand against her she would be swept from office. >> the privatization i believe will go fairly successfully indeed. it will go very successfully indeed and perhaps we can pontificate in the light of the facts. >> there's a whole list of the rules of the unparliamentary expressions and indeed it was only a few weeks ago that the present prime minister i seem to recall was required by the

speaker to withdraw over a remark he made that suggested the leader of the opposition was in some way dishonest. i can't remember the details. the liar thing of course was said that churchill was instructed by the speaker to withdraw for lying instead of accusing whoever it was of telling a lie. he just said i will call it a terminological and exactitude. they could never find that in the official report so it's probably a myth. >> i think the american public sees the first lady and very glamorous circumstances usually

for a state dinner in a beautiful gown and you know some speech where the heads of suit are or whatever but i think what they may not imagine looking at the white house from the outside is that it's actually a very normal life upstairs on those two floors that are the white house residence. the first ladies probably and i know i did actually would lie on the couch and read a book ended my case my cat would always curl up next to me. >> no today's white house briefing with press secretary jay carney. he said russia was responsible in leaking a phonecall between american diplomats and also discussed immigration issues and

securities concerns that the sochi olympics. this is 45 minutes. >> life is full of changes for everyone. one happens tomorrow when jamie smith has her last day with us and we are going to be extremely sad to see. this is her last briefing with me because i will be traveling tomorrow so i wanted to thank jamie here in the briefing for everything she has done for our operation behind that door and for you here in the press so thank you jamie. [applause] another transition i want to congratulate rhianna keeler on her promotion but some things don't change even as others do so i would like to congratulate anne compton on her lifetime achievement award.

that was remarkable. congratulations. [applause] really that is terrific and well deserved. have no other announcements certainly to top those so i'll go straight to your questions. josh. >> speaker boehner talked about immigration saying that it would be hard to get anything through the house unless the president is able to regain some trust. he is pointing to things such as the liberties of the administrative's implementing the health care law. if you take the speaker at his word that this is an obstacle for republicans is there anything the president can do to help restore that trust? >> well i would say a couple of things. first of all we remain optimistic about the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform in 2014. we have seen significant movement among republicans on this issue and it is heartening to see that republican leaders in congress including the

speaker of the house and others identify immigration reform is a necessary priority. that's a good thing. when it comes to the president's record on issues encompassed within comprehensive immigration reform i think it's very important to look at what he has done already. helping build a bipartisan consensus, and helping build the most effective order enforcement that we have ever seen over the five years that he has been president. we have seen significant improvement in border security. cpd employs over 21,000 border patrol agents keeping staffing levels at an all-time high. and they have deployed proven effective surveillance technology tailored to the operational requirements among the highest trafficked areas making progress for a safer stronger and more secure border. that's an issue that i think has been of particular concern to republicans as well as democrats and i think it is reflected in

the fact that the legislation in the senate that the president supports further enhances border security. and when it comes to the presidents record on that i think it speaks for itself. but look nothing like this, nothing this important, i think this comprehensive ever comes fast or easy in washington so he this won't be any different but it remains an absolute fact that we have made enormous progress in building that consensus and that even the republican party which had as its operative policy position not that long ago on this issue self deportation to has become a significant way towards the middle if you will or towards the consensus that is now shared by businesses big and small, labor, law enforcement, religious communities

republicans and democratdemocrat s across the country. ..

>> well, i think that the challenges within the republican party on this are well-known. they certainly don't have a thing to do with the president. but as i noted before, the progress has been significant. there is a genuine recognition among leaders in the republican party that this is the right thing to do for our economy, the right thing to do for our middle-class, the right thing to do for our businesses. when we talk about expanding growth and opportunity, immigration reform is very much a part of achieving that end achieving it together, so, you know, we are just going to work steadily on this issue. there will get done. >> even some of the extraction, the things -- we would like to extract, there would not be able

to clean enough support from republicans who just don't want it raised at all. could not get 218 votes. so considering that he is also saying that we're not going to default it could create more uncertainty. >> we certainly believe the republican leaders to say that we have to raise the debt ceiling, it is the responsibility of congress to ensure that those that have already been incurred are paid in a timely fashion so that the united states does not default. our position, the president's position is what it has been for a long time. we're not going to pay a ransom for congress of filling this basic responsibility. this is something that has to be worked out in congress. secretary lou has spoken about the timing on this and the need

to move promptly, and we certainly hope and expect that that will happen. yes, josh. >> a couple of foreign policy questions for you. if the united states intervenes in any way, protesters are otherwise doing anything. >> we have been playing a direct role in urging the government to refrain from violence and to sit down and work with the opposition. you know because it has been read that that the vice-president as said a number of phone calls with president coverage, and we are committed to working with both the government and the opposition dealt the escalate this crisis so that the ukrainian people themselves can decide their own future. we condemn violence by any party in the ukraine. russian officials should be doing the same.

non-violence has been the hallmark of the main protest and opposition leaders. we support that, and we believe that part of the discussion has to be an acceptance by the government that peaceful protest needs to be allowed and that that is a fundamental principle of participatory democracy. so the answer is, you know, the assistance we have derided as ben consultation urging them to diaz to let the crisis. >> essentially intervening, arming the rebels. >> the opposition movement has been peaceful. a peaceful protest. that is the hallmark of this opposition. so i don't know honesty what he

is talking about. the assistance that we have provided has been through conversations that reflect our urging of both sides to be escalating crisis, urging the government directly to refrain from violence, urging discussion with the opposition so that the path forward can be decided upon that reflects the will of the ukrainian people. >> is the white house aware of any other support? the state department official and the u.s. ambassador talked about a future ukrainian government using colorful expletives about the you? >> well, i have seen reports about it. the state department obviously is aware of it. you know, we don't discuss private diplomatic conversations. i certainly -- it is certainly

no secret that an ambassador and the assistance secretary have been working with the government of the ukraine, with opposition and business and civil society leaders to support their efforts to find a peaceful solution to dialogue and political and economic reform. ultimately it is up to the ukrainian people to decide their future. >> do you think the call may be real? >> well, i would refer you to the state department. i think that assistant secretary has been in contact with her eu counterparts in relations are stronger and never. it is no question that the assistant secretary as a lot of experience in this area and the ambassador in ukraine with the opposition and the government to try to the escalating crisis. >> a phone call like this could be out there. private conversation, very candid conversation between diplomats. >> well, if you are talking about profanity --

>> i am talking about -- i mean, i actually not talking about profanity. >> so you are just talking about -- >> for instance, victorian in the call appears to prefer one opposition candidate over another saying she does not think it's a good idea. >> i'm not going to comment on the content of private diplomatic cover stations. you know, i would say -- >> it's not private any more. >> the video is first noted in tweeted out by the russian government, i think it says something about russia's role, but the content of the conversation is not something new going to comment on. >> brush past the so-called. >> i'm not. kendis noting that they tweeted it out. >> what does this say about the role. >> i refer you to the state department. >> is that really this game? that a diplomat should be taking?

>> i'm not going to discuss the conversation. what i can tell you is that the secretary and the ambassador and others have been working with the opposition, the government, business and political leaders in ukraine to help dsk the crisis. that is end date ukraine's best interest in the interest of the ukrainian people. >> thank you. back to the speaker of the house, would you address specifically his complaint this morning? there is a lack of trust. the speaker said the president is running around the country telling people he will act on his own. he has a phone and a pen and he is seeing the distressed because members of this caucus still believe the president would actually in force or respect the rule of law? >> well, i think and what i can say on that last point is that the president has an exceptional record of improving border

security on his watch. there are more cpb agents on the border now than never consistently. and you know, that is his record. when it comes to a comprehensive immigration reform requires legislation. that is why we have worked with members of both parties, why we support a bipartisan legislation that passed the senate with significant majority. legislation that does not reflect word for word the way the president would have written the bill, but does reflect his principles. very much so, and why we support efforts to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform in the house. i think that, as i said earlier, these kinds of issues take time. and this is certainly taking some time.

there was an effort under the previous president, the republican president, george w. bush, to pass immigration reform >> you are saying that the republicans should trust the president and he has gone as far as seeking go on deportation and border security and the rest has to be legislation. >> the president's record on border security has been well documented and has been testified to by democrats and republicans. yes, and that think that, again, the president's record on this issue bears that out. moreover when it comes to executive actions verses legislation we have been saying from the beginning that this is a question of doing both. and immigration reform is something that needs to be done through the legislature, through the congress. so, you know, we are going just keep working. you believe there has been significant progress.

we believe that -- we know the significant movement that we have seen from republicans, especially in the house on this issue. we egg knowledge of this has been historically a difficult issue for the republican party. but we are confident that the republican leaders and a lot of people who republican officials listen to, strongly support immigration reform which includes in business and law enforcement. so we're going to get this done. it is not going to be easy. if it were easy would have been done already. we are confident that we are making progress and confident that 2014 presents the best opportunity we have ever had to get comprehensive immigration reform passed and signed into law. >> follow on immigration. the cbo report this week is totally separate from health care.

slowing after 2017 in part. do you think? >> can you restate that? say it again. >> the labor force is going to be slowing after 2017. >> right. >> is that a good pace for immigration? >> i would say that the economic growth that outside experts says said would come from passing immigration reform is a strong argument for immigration reform. that economic growth would be spurred in a variety of ways. and that may well be one of them. when it comes to innovation and ensuring that some of the smartest your people in the world steady and universities are able to stay here and start

businesses, that is certainly another way to have immigration reform spur further economic growth and job creation. so this is, as i said in the past, something that has associated with it some pretty strong conservative talking points. there is a strong conservative case to be made for passing comprehensive immigration reform . and that is why the president believes that the consensus that has been built around it will ultimately lead to a passing and him being able to sign it into law. going back to some of these other questions, it is not about him. we are fully confident that house republicans are not going to support a migration reform is president obama believes it is the right thing to do. they will do it because it is the right thing for our economy, the middle class, security and because they are hearing that from all lot of different quarters, from business, from

labour, from law enforcement, from religious leaders. so that kind of consensus is not often achieved here. and i think that reflects why there is such a strong case for getting comprehensive immigration reform done. >> scaling back its star program >> you know i can't talk about operational matters. what i can say that the president made clear in his speech, by the end of 2014 in the afghan the air we will no longer have the same need for protection. in the progress we have made against court al qaeda will reduce the need for unmans tracks. again. that is something that the president spoke clearly about in his speech. so we have made significant

progress. we will also have either no troops or a significantly reduced number of troops in afghanistan after 2014. i am not -- that obviously less is the fourth protection means that we have. i think those factors play into what the president said about a reduced need for unmans tracks. >> getting better at debating the u.s. protection. is that also play into the decision? >> i did not see that particular . that is something they said. >> the measures to evade u.s. protection which is not seen on its face to be all that unusual. does that play into the decision? >> and not sure the context. we are talking about court al qaeda or other affiliates and movements elsewhere in the region. it certainly is the case that we are constantly assessing al

qaeda and court al qaeda as well as its affiliates. we continue to fight against al qaeda. but when it comes to a court al qaeda in the outback region there is no question that we have made significant improvements against them. because of that and as i mentioned, the reduced need for force protection, the president said we would be able to have -- reduce our need for unmans strikes. >> really quickly, given all the revelations of the u.s. surveillance and the back-and-forth, haven't there been steps taken to make sure that senior u.s. diplomats are speaking on those that are secure? >> i just don't have anything more for you on that. i would refer you to the state department for more on that issue. >> on health care, a lot of

stories today about dr. joyce's and also saying that the federal government is trying to push back and the regulators are taking a look at this seeing whether insurance companies a going to far the choices of doctors. with the need to do to keep costs down. how concerned are you that while the web sites is getting better, and romans to going up, that once folks to enroll them may have a problem keeping a doctor. >> well, there are many ways that the affordable care act help keep costs down including allowing insurers to spend at least 83% of premiums on care instead of overhead, justify rate increases and providing incentives for providers to deliver smarter care resulting in better outcomes and lower costs for consumers. we have looked protections in place to ensure that consumers have a choice of providers through standards for networks of providers, something that is new. consumer protections and federal

and state law require health plans to include sufficient choice of providers as well as essential community providers. dca allows individuals to appeal to insurance companies' decisions about what is there is not covered. for 2015 hhs plans to have even more aggressive efforts in place to ensure that consumers have good networks of doctors, community providers, and specials. think there are a number of professionals in place now. 2015 hhs will be launching even more aggressive efforts to ensure that consumers have been now works. >> the chief of aol had -- their earnings are out. he claimed that one cause, $7 million to implement the president's health care law. he claims he is going to make a change to benefits to pay for that. are you concerned that some companies may be making decisions like that -- he is on the record saying that. we don't know how many others

make. you may get better health benefits, but we will have to cut your retirement. >> i can speak to individual company decisions or the reasons are rationales expects with the decisions that they made. what has been the case for a long time is that employers have been making changes to the health care benefits or eliminating health insurance entirely. that is a trend that has been going on for some time. and that certainly affects changes that may be made, of the benefit programs. long predating the hca. what i would say is that every major business in america that provides health insurance to its employees' benefits enormously from the historic reduced increase in growth rates that we've seen in health care. any company that was projecting what their health care costs are going to be five years ago, we are basing those projections on estimates of health care cost

inflation that have turned out to be much higher than reality. resulting in significant savings. and that is tied in part to the affordable care act. >> this has been the case. what i can tell you is that when it comes to the planning that companies make those decisions are made easier by the fact that health care costa been growing at the slowest pace in 50 years is the obamacare act was passed into law. critics proclaim with great assurance that the opposite would happen. turns out that there were wrong. you know, some of those same critics proclaim that the

clinton budget when it passed would lead to recession. longest. economic history. sometimes the critics are wrong. the former deputy director of the central intelligence is not overly concerned about this particular threat. this administration concerned about this particular thread and more importantly should americans be concerned? >> what i can tell you is that out of an abundance of caution t h as routinely shares relevant and permission with its domestic and international partners l.a. including those associated with international events such as this energy olympics. this is an example of bat-to-bat

if we should receive information in the coming days and weeks that changes our assessment of whether people should travel, we will make that information public to the state department usual channels. earlier in the year in january, the names in effect would not advise americans. precautions that those sued to go should take with regard to this particular notice that went out i would note that over the years certainly sense 9/11 there have been many threats that resulted in us sharing information with airlines, and our job as always been to provide information to our partners so that collaborative weekend best mitigate the threat we are doing so again in this

case. >> i guess the question for a lot of americans, questions from you guys, but the way that this was reported out. there was what appeared to be a real concern. and then this morning there was some reporting of much concern. was the threshold for you to communicate. >> for that discussion i would have to refer you to the hsn csa because they evaluate the information and as does our intelligence community and decide whether it crosses the threshold there is no question the uptake in that report and the root of there is also something the you would expect and we did expect in this kind of event.

it is not unusual. but our intelligence community is quite focused, and we will not be able to comment on the reported threat. we will take them all seriously. again, if there is information that the icy receives that changes our assessment about whether or not americans ought to travel, we will certainly make that information available and change their public statements to that effect. you know, i think, that the president convened a meeting earlier this week in the white house situation room to receive an update from his team and the u.s. government efforts to support security. this is something that obviously has the attention and focus of the intelligence community and other elements of our national security apparatus and the patent to -- attention of the president. we will keep monitoring and provide information if necessary if it changes our view about the security situation. >> the following yesterday's meeting monopolists senate

democrats him one of the colleagues referred to as the field of advanced, a democrat who was there said that the president basically talked a little bit about his standing. to that effect, does the president conceded his appearance in some states or he is unpopular would do more harm than good? >> the president is going to assist democrats in every way he can. >> more harm than good in some states? >> i think that the decisions about how different candidates campaign and what they would like in terms of assistance, you know, something you can ask those individual candid it's about. >> but he doesn't think that way. >> i think that the president is just going to do what he can to assist democrats. i think he has in the well. i don't think, you know, the environment this year is qualitatively different than it has been most of the years i have been in washington when it

comes to election cycles. so, you know, the president is taking an approach that he believes will be of assistance to democrats because the and the democrats he supports share the same priorities when it comes to expanding the opportunity in taking action that rewards hard work and responsibility. >> on a lighter note the president was the first-ever sitting president to sit on jay leno's couch and the tonight show after a decade-long run. do you think the president had any conversations with jay leno? >> see is a fan, and he has enjoyed his times on the set with jay leno. you know, it is the end of an era, i think, for a lot of folks who have watched him on the tonight show overall of these years. you know, the president wishes him well. we all do. and like i said, we have enjoyed

-- i have enjoyed being with the president the times is been out there, and i know he has enjoyed the experience. >> will the president sticks to his absolute position on no concessions for the debt limit even if enough members of the republican caucus cause trouble in demand something? >> all i would say is, that position, the president's position has not changed. is the same as it was in the fall, and that is that he is not going to pay a ransom on behalf of the american people so that congress does its job. this is a core responsibility of congress as. charge some things on a credit card, you have an obligation to pay the bill when it comes, and that is all this says. that is what raising the debt ceiling is about. so he expects that congress will

fulfil its responsibility. republican leaders have said again and again that they will do that. they will ensure that the united states pays the bills. the united states will not default. hopefully that will take place in a timely fashion. >> currently not on board. >> well, there has been a lot of reporting about that. you guys would know better than i about the different discussions. i can just say that we are over here making very clear what our position is, the president's position is which is that this is something congress needs to do. and we are hearing that republican leaders are saying that it is going to get done. it should get done because we can to threaten the american economy or the global economy in order to try to extract ransom on some issue or the other. that has been our position, and it is not changing. [inaudible question] >> in terms of what? there president's view is clear.

one of the kutcher default. they understand it is the responsibility of congress to ensure that our bills are paid. so, you know, that -- our position has not changed, and we expect to congress to act. he is not going to pay a ransom. anybody else? >> the president -- how does the president interpret the fact that the republicans talking theoretically has anything to do with spending or the deficit or the debt? times have changed from years past, dollars in dollars. >> well, again, i think there has been a lot of reporting about those discussions. you know, so i am not going to characterize that reporting. i will simply say what our position is which is, you know, we're not going to pay ransom. the american people should not have to in the president will not pay ransom to congress or

the house republicans in order for congress to fulfill its basic responsibility. that position won't change. in know, last year they shut the government down in an effort to do it by shutting the government down and do it by trying to all the economy hostage, which they could not do through legislation or the election of the supreme court. came to the affordable care act. so i think that ended badly. certainly for the republican party, but much more importantly for the economy in the american people. we are hopeful that that is not a path republicans want to travel again. in the back. >> something for the debt limit. the provision basically requiring the said to actually pass a budget resolution. and it was not necessarily -- you are not actually paying something.

that kind of procedural kind of resolve the differences here. >> our position is the same as it was last time, the same as it was last fall. no ransom. you know, how -- you know, leaders on capitol hill to figure out the way ford is up to them. but we are not going to pay a ransom in order for congress to do his job. roger. >> the president meets later today with the president of haiti, one of his concerns, and wondering how concerned the united states is that the country has not held elections yet. >> i know that to the president looks forward to welcoming the president of haiti to the white house this afternoon. as you know, the united states has stood with 80 throughout its recovery from the devastating earthquake of 2010. but our relationship with haiti is broader and deeper than

short-term reconstruction alone. together with 80 we're working to create the conditions for sustainable long-term development, stability, growth, and prosperity. we are -- we know that nearly all earthquakes level -- rubble has been cleared away. more than 90 percent of haitians have transitioned out of cans and in the housing. hiv aids is on the decline. cholera is down. the rate of fatality is below 1%. crime is down, gdp growth is on the rise. reliable access to electricity. when it comes to elections we want to see elections that are free, fair, and transparent that allow haitians to express their views as part of the political process and provide the political stability that is critical for hayes continued progress. we know that building a vibrant democracy is not easy babesia and it does not take place overnight. the united states has been an effort to hundred and 37 years, and we continue to work at it every day.

we do see great hope and potential and we will continue to work closely together to build a brighter, more prosperous future that the haitian people deserve. >> we will see. i expect some sort of reaction. >> yes, roger. >> this morning and immigration. talk about the -- the also said the president is going to have to provide some. is their response to that? >> provide somewhat? i think that the democratic party is strongly in support of immigration reform. i am not sure that i would disagree with the speaker that he can expect democratic support for comprehensive immigration reform. >> a follow-up on immigration. this speaker signaled that the at least wanted to pursue some sort of immigration reform.

today he comes out and says -- he seems to throw cold water on that. as the white house see this as a strategy by the speaker to move this contentious issue in a delicate way forward and as an effective strategy so far, or do you read it as they're not sure what they want to do and this is reactionary? >> well, they are focused on working with congress to try to move this forward. and doing that in no way that reflects the principles the president laid out, reflects the principles embodied in the senate and reflects the views of the president and democratic party but of this broad and deep consensus across the country. so we know that this is a difficult issue for the republican party. and we know the substantial progress that we have seen in terms of news about it among the

and the rank-and-file. so we're going to continue to work with the house and look forward to progress on this issue and ultimately, as i said earlier, to legislation passing that the president can sign. >> more than a year and house republicans make that clear, what the president considered even as a measure some kind of executive action stopping deportation? >> the president has addressed this many times, and i have, to. you need a permanent solution to these problems which is what comprehensive immigration reform represents. he has to enforce the law. we operate under prosecutorial discretion and enforcement discretion so that the focus is on criminals. but when it comes to the broader

issues that need to be resolved here it has to happen through legislation. as to happen through comprehensive immigration reform the hypothetical as the ual are not was that we are your to accept. we believe that there has been significant progress and that this is an opportunity for the consensus that is built out in the country as well as here in washington to push this thing over the finish line. and it won't be easy. nothing comes easy in washington. nothing except ben naming of a post office. so, you know, we are not under any illusion that this is it hard work by our friends in the house or by any stakeholder, but it is the right thing to do for the economy, the right thing to do for the middle-class, our security, our businesses, innovation and ultimately because of that we believe this will get done. >> on the president's trip to

new york and saudi arabia was any consideration given to going to israel and palestine? >> i don't have readouts of our travel discussions. you know the travel the we have announced. obviously the secretary has been very engaged in that issue. we continue to work hard to help move the middle east peace process forward. >> made reference. did he then bring up the issue because there is growing anti-semitism? >> i don't have a preview of his meeting with the president. the president this morning, anti-semitism is an issue that we are always concerned about and vigilant about. in terms of the specific conversation, i don't have a preview for you. [inaudible question] >> there are no more agents in place than ever for. and did not catch that. >> to be precise cdt employs

over 21,000 border patrol agents keeping staffing levels at an all-time high. so i read all time high as all-time. and they have deployed proven, effective surveillance technology tailored to the operational requirements alumni as traffic areas. natalie and a putting boots on the ground, but they're using technology to make the effort more effective and efficient. the combination of manpower and improvements in technology makes the border even more secure. [inaudible question] >> the executive order, the termination was under consideration being looked at by the white house. the protective order was call hypothetical. is there re-evaluation taking place? >> so we said is we don't have any updates on that issue. we're pushing congress to move

toward. you know, we look at and consider a lot of things. our focus is on getting congress to pass something that was comprehensive, that represents the president's view that we need to extend equal rights to the lgb t community, and we are working with congress to remove that issue for. i don't have any updates on that hypothetical. i can tell you that we strongly support action by the house in keeping with what the senate to to get the employment nondiscrimination act passed into law. if you look at the data on this issue and specifically on the employment nondiscrimination act, i think it is overwhelmingly demonstrated that this has the support of the american people. across the country. and as i said again and again, you know, this is -- history is moving on this issue in the right direction. and opposing these kinds of

things means finding yourself on the wrong side of history, and i don't think ultimately that any member of congress wants to be on the wrong side of history. so hopefully we will see progress. nobody thought or at least a lot of people did not think we would see this move through the senate. did, and we remain hopeful that it will move through the house. >> strategy is for comprehensive legislation. why for the minimum wage? >> i take your point. what i can tell you is that our position on this is not changed. i don't have any update for you to another potential or hypothetical. like until you is that we're supporting legislation and we continue to press hard for congress to take action on the minimum wage because that is the right thing to do. the president has made that clear again and again.

so, you know, i think it is important to note. americans' views on these issues have become increasingly clear. to oppose legislation that enshrines equal rights is to oppose the tide of history. and we certainly hope that in the end members of congress, members of the house don't want to be on the wrong side of that. thank you all very much. >> consideration. >> the house oversight subcommittee held a hearing earlier today on the lead starting of conservative groups bareass. a ranking member realizes cummings also discussed his investigation of alleged voting rights violations. here's a look. >> i am the ranking member of this committee. i did nothing different than what mr. ice has done when looking into this situation.

and i don't want to put out there that i was trying to act on behalf of the committee or anything unusual. we're basically looking into voting situations and whether voters straw or anyway, in any way being impede from voting. we have the letters, by the way. chairman iso was sent copies of all the letters. so we were not hiding anything. >> and i think the gentleman and certainly want to make sure that you have the opportunity. and so the gentleman from maryland obviously is one that from a targeting standpoint -- so i would just let him follow up on that and make sure and give him -- yields to a.m. in terms of following a to assure you that neither he nor his staff or anyone would have

contacted the irs to investigate you and to do that. and so i would yields to the gentleman and let him give you those personal assurances. >> let me just -- and i want to think is an affair that. there is no one that i know of that cares more about the rights of our citizens than i do. i am sure all of us to. but just as you all have the passion that you have, and i respect that, i too have the passion to make sure that no one -- i don't give -- whether it's tea party, republican, or democrat, nobody is blocked from voting. there is no way that i would be sitting here today, no way unless it was -- unless we head gear. my 88 year old mother who is watching as right now could not cope. and the lasting -- i said, one of the things she said to me, do

not want to die with the thought that my people losing their right to vote. and so i have to tell you, i want to thank the gentleman. i want to be clear. and i will fight until i die, until i die for the right to vote. it is not about me. it's about generations yet unborn and they're right speed read just like you all care about the ira's not doing the things that you feel that they have done, i feel the same weight. i don't want the irs targeting anybody. the same time i have the same passion about that right to vote. he went -- and i will let him speak to this. he did not direct, nor his staff direct anybody to investigate you and look into this particular matter. >> i can assure you that.

>> i think the gentleman. i think the chairman for his patience. the lead starting of conservative groups. you can see the entire hearing tonight at 8:00 eastern on c-span. here on c-span2 a senate markup of the postal service reform act which was approved in a 9-1 buy a parcel of. and on c-span 3s house foreign affairs hearing looks at the rising threat of al qaeda in iraq. all these programs tonight starting in a:00 eastern. on the next washington journal drexel university professor looks at the history and politics of the olympic games. more on that topic with the american enterprise institute.

after that former new york city police commissioner discusses efforts to secure the so chi olympics and u.s. preparedness. plus your phone calls and comments on facebook. washington journal is live at 7:00 a.m. eastern on c-span. montana senator max baucus was unanimously confirmed 96-0 to be the next u.s. ambassador to china. the sixth term senator and chairman of the finance committee replaced gary locke who has served since to teeeleven. after the confirmation vote senators orrin hatch, tom carper , and dick durbin came to the floor to offer to be speeches. this is 15 minutes. >> madame president, i am pleased that my colleague is confirmed by this body the way was. he will make a fine ambassador to china. we all know what an honorable and decent man he is. we all know of his abilities.

we all know that he has run a very tough committee and an important committee and has done a terrific job in doing so. all i can say is i rise today to wish my good friend good luck as he departs the service. the next year as ambassador to china. we will miss him. i do not think it is fair. nevertheless, i think it is fair to our country. he will make a great ambassador. he first came to the senate in 1978 and has the distinction of being 110 as long as serving u.s. senator. as you can see, i served with senator baucus for a long time, longer than the two of us would like to admit sometimes. and over the years i have come to respect his commitment to his constituents and his principles. working side by side on the senate finance committee. i knew a lot about his constituents and his principles.

his principles, i don't think he ever waivers. if you want to understand my friend's priorities, take a look at the sign on his senate office desk. it is to the point and unequivocal. whatever comes first. plain and simple. the languages pretty decorative, but declared if. that is next. as long and distinguished senate career, he always does the people of montana first. we are westerners. the westerners expect a certain amount of independence and that senators. they expect us to work across the aisle an attempt to work together. no, of course, we republicans tend to do that problem-solving. democrats tend to view that as more government. that is not universal, but is where the two sides usually condemn.

that being the case we have often found ourselves on different sides of some of these issues. however, we sarah desired result problems. and to put our constituents' interests first. the senator has always understood that notion well and to everybody listens. as a result of his disposition particularly as chairman of the finance committee, he will try to find a way to get a bipartisan yes rather than a partisan note. over the last two years as i have served alongside max as the ranking member of the finance committee i greatly appreciate his willingness to put partisan differences aside for the greater good of all. used by his predecessor.

preparing for running a marathon, walking across the wide expanse of his own state or working with one of the many jobs to regularly undertook back, and recent visits. max has been indefatigable. he has been a tireless legislator. just ask his staff. as a senator he was always working. i have no doubt that he will do the same as our nation's ambassador to china, arguably the most important diplomatic post in the world today. as we saw today, the vote on his confirmation was not even close. that is because all of his colleagues know that max baucus is a committed public servant who will serve the american people with confidence, dignity, and a tireless commitment to our nation and its interests. i have to say that i feel personally about this nominee and about this nomination. i like max very much. having served with him on the senate finance committee, he has always tried to consider the

other point of view, always tried to consider different ways of solving problems, and he has worked to do so. that is about all we can ask from our colleagues on the other side, either democrats or republicans. i just want to at this time which senator baucus and his lovely wife, melanie and, of course his family the best of luck in this and all future endeavors. as max to parse the senate senator baucus sees behind a great legacy and really big shoes to fill. at this particular time i hesitate to say farewell to my friend, max baucus, but i say farewell knowing that he will belong to a very important job for our country where i think you will to a very, very good job. and you will have my support. let's just hope that we on the

finance committee can do a better job, at least an equivalent job to lomax's done. these very, very important issues on the most important committee in the congress moving along. i have nothing but respect for max. i appreciated very much. i am his friend and contents to continue his as long as we both live. with that, i just want to congratulate you, senator baucus. i am proud of you and intend to support you while you are there, as well. i yield the floor. >> madam president. >> senator from delaware. >> to the chinese new year began as you probably know a couple of days ago. i don't know a lot of words in chinese, but among the words that i have learned is how to say happy new year. and this is the new year in china, a new year for

chinese-americans in this country as well. i think it is the way that we see happy new year. and so i say that. the word came out, madam president, that he had been nominated by the president for this role, i said to my friend from utah, i ran into max. he was about to go into an elevator. i said i know the president has nominated you for this. you can't leave. we need your lead on tax reform, sgr and all these other issues. you can't leave now. and he said, well, the president has nominated. i will put a hold on your nomination. he was about to get in the elevator. he stuck his head back out and said, oh, no, you are not. i was tempted to. there is lot that he leaves. i can't think of a time when it is working better.

i am encouraged by that and the relationship kindled with senator hatch. i am encouraged by the relationship that you have kindled with my friend, dave camp from michigan over in the house, chairman of the ways and means committee. set an example for the rest of us. the ranking members across the aisle from each other, but the two of them in terms of providing personal examples, the kind of, do not as i say. both of you are terrific. the principal compromises, get things done. and i want to mention, maybe not his head, but my recollection is when we took up the issue of whether or not this would be a medicare prescription drug program that was supported initially by senator kennedy and by president george w. bush. in the end the diversion is

preferred by president bush. my recollection is that senator baucus may have gone across the aisle and supported that version of the bill. another tenor so democrats with him. it is not an easy thing to do. aaron burr going back to delaware. and just tell the number of town hall meetings on that issue. and just got eviscerated by mostly democrats. how could you do this? how could you support the description drug program. i explained that was a principled compromise. but it worked. a year later i have 85 percent approval rating. for 67 straight years the 785 percent approval rating. bud if you look at how we are doing in terms of anticipating efforts, seven years under

budget, seven consecutive years under budget. when the time came to try to find a compromise on comprehensive health care reform , i remember you did not just work with the republican colleagues at the time. senator grassley, senator snowe, even judges were to -- work with them for a couple of days. a difficult mock up in committee. here on the floor. well i no there are reservations , change and make it better. that was the right thing to do. thank you for your. on a personal level i would say senator hatch's said this is a personal to me.

but you leave behind a wonderful legacy. and behind me you leave behind a whole lot of people. they all have their resonates. one of two of them may have. reputations to surrender seven really good people. senator hatch. people smarter than me. it is not hard to find them. you have done a great job. i hope you feel for all of us. whatever the case may be.

fair winds and the following see. that is what i wish to you. we're going to miss you here. we hope the same is that we will have an opportunity. good luck to both of you and may god bless you. >> madame president. >> the senator from illinois. >> madam president, i just want to make a brief statement before senator baucus beaks. thank you for representing montana and accepting some of the tough assignments of the head states senate. we have a similarity in our background. we aspire to this position by senators to serve before us. in your case an extraordinary

leader in the united states senate and an extraordinary man when you consider his contribution to our country serving in two world wars, and fun not mistaken, perhaps in three different branches of the military. and it is just an exceptional level public-service. and no senator baucus who has aspired to public life, followed in his footsteps and representing a senior senator for the state of montana serving one of the highest spots in the united states senate. singularly the most important ambassadorial assignment with the united states can make. today there is overwhelming bipartisan of is a fitting tribute to the senator for a service from his, and his continued dedication i wish to

the very best and we hope to get a chance to come see you and also more importantly to work with you to make sure that our relationship with china remains strong for many decades to come. thank you for being such a great colleague and friend. i yield the floor. >> coming up next on c-span2, members of the senate homeland security and governmental affairs committee consider legislation that would address the u.s. postal service deficit. and a discussion on energy policy with members of the house energy and commerce committee. ..