While the minority unfortunately chose to block numerous attempts we made to pass these bills on the floor through regular order. we struck a multiyear bipartisan budget deal to last through the rest of the Obama administration. Passing this legislation warded off the threat of another shutdown or a disastrous default on our debt. We have also struck a deal on an omnibus spending bill for next year that. while imperfect. makes important progress in a number of areas. such as repealing the antiquated oil ex port ban to create jobs at home and ward off the influences of Vladimir Putin and other dangerous rogues abroad. increasing resources for our military at a time of great threat. strengthening the Visa Waiver Program to protect against terrorists. and provisions to bar the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to American soil. As we look forward to next year. our leadership has built a pathway to return to regular order in the appropriations process. allowing Congress to fulfill our constitutional duty to oversee the executive branch through the power of the purse. The Senate also overcame a bitter partisan dispute to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act to further our most basic responsibility to provide for the common defense.