E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 No. 177 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The baseball team, the Indians. He can still called to order by the President pro clerk will read the bill by title for the rattle off Cleveland’s 1948 roster. Just tempore (Mr. HATCH). second time. ask him. f The legislative clerk read as follows: HARRY himself played some baseball. He was the catcher in high school, and PRAYER A bill (S. 3516) to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a best-prac- during his sophomore year, HARRY’s The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- tices peer review of each medical center of team was crowned State cham- fered the following prayer: the Department of Veterans Affairs to evalu- pions. Later, after a close game on the Let us pray. ate the efficacy of health care delivered at coast, his team won the Ne- Eternal God, in this season of peace each such medical center. vada-Arizona-California tristate play- on Earth, we acknowledge that You Mr. MCCONNELL. In order to place offs as well. HARRY still treasures the govern in the affairs of humanity. If a the bill on the calendar under the pro- big white jackets each member of the sparrow cannot fall to the ground with- visions of rule XIV, I object to further team received, not because, under- out You noticing it, may our law- proceedings. stand, he was the best player on the makers never think that You are indif- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- team—HARRY says he wasn’t—but be- ferent to what they think, say, and do. tion having been heard, the bill will be cause of what that jacket represented: Lord, keep them ever mindful of the placed on the calendar. his hard work, his contributions, his scarcity of their days and the impor- f worth. tance of their work. May they seize Like many young men, HARRY once life’s second chances to fulfill Your TRIBUTE TO dreamed of a life in the majors, of purposes on Earth. Transform the days cheering crowds and Commissioner’s of our Senators into redemptive mo- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, it seems like any speech about the Demo- Trophies. So did I. I wanted to throw ments so that they will rise to the fastballs for the Dodgers. HARRY want- challenges of these momentous times. cratic leader requires a mention of Searchlight, NV. There is a reason why ed to play center field at Fenway. We May they strive always to live worthy wound up as managers of two unruly of Your great Name. Give them the that is. You cannot begin to under- stand the man until you understand franchises instead. wisdom to use Your precepts to avoid As the leaders of our parties, we are where it all began, and here is where it life’s pitfalls, enabling You to guide charged with picking the batting order, began—a tiny mining town at the them through life’s seasons of darkness controlling the pitch selection, and southern tip of Nevada. One teacher. to a safe harbor. trying our best to manage 100 opening- Zero indoor plumbing. Miles of desert. We pray in Your sacred Name. Amen. day starters. It isn’t always easy. As That is Searchlight, at least the f HARRY has often pointed out, baseball Searchlight HARRY REID knew when he represents a nice reprieve from the se- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was growing up. It is the kind of place rious work of the Senate. So no matter The President pro tempore led the where you might learn to drive at 13 or how contentious the issue before us, we Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: spend your summer roping cattle with try to put politics aside—at least brief- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the a cowboy named ‘‘Sharky.’’ In fact, if ly—to trade our views on the Nats and United States of America, and to the Repub- your name is ‘‘Harry Reid,’’ that is ex- . HARRY is probably look- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, actly what you did. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ing forward to having even more time HARRY grew up in a tiny wooden f to dedicate as a fan of the sport and shack with a tin roof. He hitchhiked never having to miss another game be- RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY more than 40 miles to school and had a cause of votes. LEADER father who toiled in the hard rock But if there is one thing HARRY loves The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. mines. It goes without saying this was more than baseball, it is his wife HELLER). The majority leader is recog- not an easy life. It taught some tough Landra and the family they built to- nized. lessons, but HARRY had his escapes. He gether. When HARRY first met Landra found one in the snap and crackle of f Gould, the two of them were in high his radio. school, and HARRY was hardly con- MEASURE PLACED ON THE Searchlight didn’t exactly have a flicted about his feelings for her. He re- CALENDAR—S. 3516 radio station of its own, but every now called: Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and then, HARRY could pick up a faint She looked like she belonged in the mov- understand there is a bill at the desk signal from California. During the reg- ies. She was smart [too]. And she’d been due a second reading. ular season, it carried his favorite places. Out of my league, that’s for sure.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S6849

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.000 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 But if there is one thing we know RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY mentioned, my dad was a miner, a about HARRY, he doesn’t give up easily. LEADER hard-rock miner, an underground It wasn’t long before the two of them The PRESIDING OFFICER. The miner, but work wasn’t very good in were heading off on their first date. As Democratic leader is recognized. Searchlight. The mines during World many dates do, it started with a movie War II were especially gone—all over f and ended—as no dates do—with America but especially in Nevada. Landra push-starting his car. HARRY THANKING MITCH MCCONNELL There were a few things that went on worried, as many of us might, that this Mr. REID. MITCH, thank you very after the war, promotions. He would could well be their first date and their much for those nice remarks. work, and sometimes they would pay last date. But then he looked over at Mr. President, I have heard for him, sometimes there were bad checks Landra. She smiled as she pushed along years—especially from the press and that would bounce. Sometimes they beside him. He said it was the kind of others—how do you get along with wouldn’t pay him, they would just smile that said: Who cares about the MITCH MCCONNELL? It is obvious it is leave. car? I am with you. It was a smile that not very good. My mom worked really hard. We had has stayed with him ever since. HARRY It is simple, everybody. He and I un- this old Maytag washer. There were said: ‘‘There are moments that turn a derstand our relationship. We are both lines outside. She worked really hard. life . . . that stay with you until the lawyers. I have been to court lots of Searchlight had about 250 people last breath, [and] this was one of those times, over 100 jury trials, and when I then. It had seen its better days. moments for me.’’ would go to those trials, I would really Searchlight was discovered in 1898 fix on my opponent. How could he feel when gold was discovered, and for 15 or The Reids have never been strangers 18 years, it was a booming, booming to pushing through challenges. They that way about an issue? He is wrong on the law, he is wrong on the facts, town. It was one of the most modern have confronted a lot over nearly six and we are going to take care of this in cities in all of Nevada. It had elec- decades in marriage. But hand in hand, court. tricity—turn of the century, elec- sweat on the brow, they have always Fortunately, I was fairly blessed with tricity. It had a telegraph. It had tele- moved forward together. Through it my trials; it turned out OK most of the phones. It had a fire station, all, Landra has never stopped smiling time. But MITCH and I understand that firetrucks. It had roads with signs on and HARRY has never stopped counting is what we do here. When the trial was them designating the name of the every lucky star for Landra. His idea of over—I have walked out of a courtroom street. It had a railroad. When I grew the perfect night out is still a quiet with Neil Galatz or whoever it was—it up, that was all gone. Searchlight, as I night in with her. Landra is his con- was over with. It was gone. We were said, had 250 people. fidant, his high school sweetheart, and friends. We were there, each doing our So people may ask: How did my his best friend. She is his everything. thing to effect our cause, and that is mother work so hard in a town with 250 For a guy who grew up with nothing, what we do here. people? We had at that time no mines, that is something. MCCONNELL and REID don’t need to be but 13 brothels at one time in Search- HARRY REID didn’t have an easy hugging out here every day. That is not light—13, not over time but at one childhood. He faced tragedy from a what we do. We are advocates for our time. The biggest was the El Rey Club. young age. There were times when he cause. I do the very best I can; he does So that tells everyone what wash my just wanted to leave Searchlight and the very best he can. And he laid that mom did, from the casinos and from never look back, but these experiences out just fine a few minutes ago. the brothels. She worked really hard. helped shape him too. This is a guy So this is not a love session for REID She ironed. She washed. As I look back on my growing up in who has seen it all. He has been on the and MCCONNELL, although I want ev- Searchlight, I never felt, during the wrong side of electoral nail-biters, and eryone here to know that MITCH time I was a boy, that I was deprived of he has been on the other side of them MCCONNELL is my friend. He and his anything. I never went hungry. Some- too. He even won a primary against wonderful wife have been kind and times we didn’t have, I guess, what my somebody named ‘‘God Almighty.’’ thoughtful to us. I have said that be- fore; let me repeat it. When Landra was mom wanted, but we were fine. HARRY will now retire as the longest But as I look back, it wasn’t that in that very dreadful accident, they serving U.S. Senator from his State good, I guess. We had no inside toilet. were there—letters, flowers. They took with some three decades of Senate We had a toilet outside. You had to care of us. When Landra had the dev- service behind him. It is clear that walk about 50 yards to that because my astating breast cancer, they were HARRY and I have two very different dad didn’t want it close to the house, there. When I hurt myself, MITCH world views, two different ways of and we had a good time, even with called me. doing things, and two different sets of that. My poor mother, what a wonder- So everybody go ahead and make up legislative priorities, but through the ful woman she was. Sometimes, my all the stories you want about how we years we have come to understand younger brother and I sometimes, just hate each other. Go ahead. But we some things about one another, and we to be funny, when my mother would go don’t. If it makes a better story, go to the toilet, which had tin walls—it have endeavored to keep our disagree- ahead and do it, but maybe somebody was made out of tin—and we would ments professional rather than per- should write this. sonal. We have also found some com- throw rocks at that. ‘‘Let me out,’’ she Thank you very much, MITCH. mon ground through baseball. OK, everybody, now my final speech. would say. It doesn’t sound like much I hardly know what it is like to serve fun, but it was fun at the time. f When I started elementary school, here without HARRY—he came into of- FAREWELL TO THE SENATE there was one teacher for grades one fice just a couple short years after I through four and then another teacher did—but I do know this: Come next Mr. REID. Mr. President, the history for grades five through eight, but when month, you will know where to find of Searchlight starts this way, the first I got to the fifth grade, there were not him. He will be right next to Landra, paragraph of that book: enough students for two teachers so writing new chapters, making new Searchlight is like many Nevada towns and one teacher taught all eight grades. I memories, and continuing a love story cities: it would never have come to be had gold not been discovered. Situated on rocky, learned at that time in that little that began with a smile more than 50 school that you can really learn. I have years ago. windy, and arid terrain without artisan wells or surface water of any kind, the place we never ever forgotten a woman by the Today the Senate recognizes the call Searchlight was not a gathering spot for name of Mrs. Pickard. I can still see Democratic leader for his many years Indian or animal. her with those glasses, just a stereo- of service to Nevada, to the country, Searchlight. It is a long way from type spinster teacher—but she was a and to his party. We wish him and Searchlight in the U.S. Senate. teacher. She taught me that education Landra the best as they set off on their I grew up during World War II in was good, to learn is good. When I next journey. Searchlight. As Senator MCCONNELL graduated, we had a large graduating

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:46 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.003 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6851 class: six kids. The Presiding Officer tion. I worked really hard, long hours. I walked out of that event that night from Nevada should feel good about I took all the hours they would give a different person, a new man. From me. I graduated in the top third of my me. I saved up enough money—I had that day forward, I was from Search- class. $250—I was going to buy my mother light. When I got out of law school, I My parents did the best they could. some teeth. I went to a man—he was a bought little pieces of property so I had My dad never graduated from eighth big shot. They named a school after contacts there. My parents lived there, grade. My mom didn’t graduate from him, and he was on the school board in and I went there all the time, but I be- high school. In Searchlight—this is Las Vegas. He married this beautiful came HARRY REID, the guy from probably no surprise to anyone—there woman from Searchlight. I went to Searchlight. was never ever a church service in him. I had never met him before, but So one thing people ask me all the Searchlight that I can ever remember. Dr. Smith knows who I am. His name time—they say: You have done OK. There was no church, no preachers, no was J.D. Smith. Tell me what you think are the impor- nothing regarding religion. That is how I said: I want to buy my mother some tant aspects—especially young people I was raised. teeth. ask all the time—and ‘‘young’’ is a rel- My brother and I were born in our He said: I don’t do credit here. ative term—what would you rec- house. There was no hospital. It had He insulted me. So I went to Dr. Mar- ommend? What do you think is the way long since gone. I didn’t go to a dentist shall in Henderson and bought my to success? I tell them all the same until I was 14 years old, but I was for- mom some teeth. It changed my moth- thing. I didn’t make it in life because tunate. I was born with nice teeth, es- er’s life. My mother had teeth. of my athletic prowess. I didn’t make My parents lived in Searchlight until pecially on the top. The bottoms aren’t it because of my good looks. I didn’t they both died. There are a number of so good, but rarely have I had a cavity make it because I am a genius. I made people who know, at least my staff of any kind. I have just been fortunate it because I worked hard. I tell every- knows, that my dad killed himself. I in that regard. one, whatever you want to try to do, can remember that day so plainly. I We didn’t go to doctors. It was a rare make sure you work as hard as you can had been out and spent 2 hours with occasion. There was no one to go to. I Muhammad Ali, he and I, one of his to try to do what you want to do. I be- can remember my father having such a handlers and one of my staff. It was lieve that is a lesson for everyone. bad toothache, I watched him pull a The little boy from Searchlight has so—for me, as someone who has always tooth with a pair of pliers. been able to be part of the changing wanted to be an athlete, an athlete My mother was hit in the face with a State of Nevada. I am grateful I have want-to-be, that was great. Some of softball when she was a young woman been part of that change. you know I fought, but he was in a dif- in Searchlight and it ruined her teeth. When I graduated from law school, ferent world than I, but he was nice. He As I was growing up, I saw her teeth the population of Nevada was less than was generous with his time and he was disappear—a few, a few less, and finally 300,000 people. The State of Nevada has so much fun. He said: Pay no attention no teeth. My mom had no teeth. now 3 million people. We grew from one to me. I am fighting some White guy My brother was riding his bicycle, Member of Congress in 1864 to 1882. One and I am going to cause some trouble slid on the dirt, broke his leg, never was all we had. Now we have four. Dur- out here. He kicked the walls and went to the doctor. I can remember it yelled and screamed, and I was happy. ing my 34 years in Congress, I have as if it were 10 minutes ago, my broth- I walked to my car, got to my office, seen the country change. I have seen er Larry in bed. We couldn’t touch the and my receptionist, Joanie, said to Nevada change. The change for the bed, it hurt him so much, but it healed. me, Mr. REID, your mom is on the country and Nevada has been for the The bottom part of one leg is bent, but phone. I talked to my mother all the better. it healed. time—many, many times a week. She Now I am going to spend a little bit I can remember once a TB wagon said: Your pop shot himself. So she of time talking about some of the came through Searchlight, the only lived in Searchlight. It took me an things I have been able to do as a Mem- time I remember. People had tuber- hour, an hour and a half to get out ber of the . I know culosis, or TB. I can remember Con there. I can still remember seeing my it is long and I know it is somewhat te- Hudgens had TB. I don’t remember who dad on that bed. I was so sad because dious, but I have been here a long time, else. We had miners who were there my dad never had a chance. He was de- so please be patient. who had silicosis, some of them, my pressed always. He was reclusive. I did My legislation. dad included. My mom had one of those things; he never came to anything that Reducing tax burdens. I am sorry he tests. She went into the big truck and I did. I never felt bad that he didn’t be- is not here—David Pryor from Arkan- had her chest x-rayed—I guess that is cause I knew my dad. My mom came to sas. I don’t want to hurt the feelings of what they did. A few weeks later, she everything she could. But I felt bad any of my very capable friends, but the got a postcard that said her test was about that. I will talk a little more best legislator I have ever served with positive and she should go see a doctor. about suicide in a little bit, but I think in State government, Federal Govern- She never went to see a doctor. I wor- everyone can understand a little bit of ment, was David Pryor. He was good. ried about that so much. I can’t imag- why I have been such an avid supporter He was not a big speaker, but he was ine how my mother must have felt, but of ObamaCare, health care. good at getting things done. obviously it was a false positive. Think I was ashamed, embarrassed about The first speech I gave as a Member about that, never going to the doctor Searchlight. When I went to college, of the Senate was way back there when you are told you have tuber- when I was in high school, law school, where CORY BOOKER is right now. I gave culosis. I just didn’t want to talk about Search- a speech. I tried to do it in the House; As I learned more about my dad, I light. I was kind of embarrassed about it was called the Taxpayers’ Bill of know how important health care would it. It was kind of a crummy place. I Rights. I couldn’t get Jake Pickle, the have been for him, to be able to see didn’t show people pictures of my chair of that subcommittee on Ways somebody to try to explain more to my home. and Means, to even talk to me in the dad so he could understand himself a Many years later, I was a young man, House. But I came over here and gave little better. and I was in government. Alex Haley, a that speech, and David Pryor was pre- I am sure I haven’t done all the good famous writer who wrote the book siding. He was subcommittee chair of in life I could do, but I am here to tell ‘‘Roots,’’ was a speaker at the Univer- the committee dealing with that in fi- everyone that there is one thing I did sity of Nevada foundation dinner in nance. CHUCK GRASSLEY was also lis- in my life that I am so proud of, and I Reno. He gave a speech that was stun- tening to my speech. Pryor sent me a will always be. I hope I am not boast- ning. It was so good. Basically, what he note when I finished and said: I want to ing; if I am, I am sorry. I worked long said to everyone there—he directed his help you with this. GRASSLEY did the hours at a service station. As MITCH in- remarks to me, I thought, and of same thing. So my first speech led to dicated, there was no high school in course he didn’t, but he said: Be proud the passage of the Taxpayers’ Bill of Searchlight so I went to school in Hen- of who you are. You can’t escape who Rights, with the help of David Pryor derson, NV. I worked in a Standard sta- you are. and CHUCK GRASSLEY. It was landmark

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:04 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.004 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 legislation. It put the taxpayer on but he became one of America’s leg- was a big project. We had 11,000, 12,000 more equal footing with the tax col- endary entrepreneurs. workers there at one time. An above- lector. Everybody liked it so much, we Many years ago, as a young new law- ground test—I could remember seeing have done two more iterations of it yer, I met him, and for many years I them. We were a long ways away in since then to make it even stronger. helped him and especially his brother Searchlight, but you could see that Source tax. I am sure it is just a bor- with their legal issues. He is the man flash. You wouldn’t always feel it. ing thing to everybody, but it wasn’t who helped create Las Vegas the way it Sometimes it would bounce over boring to people who came from Cali- is. He did something unique. He decided Searchlight. But it was a very big deal. fornia and tried to retire someplace he was going to build something on the We didn’t know it was making people else. The State of California was merci- Las Vegas Strip called CityCenter. sick, but they were good enough to less in going after people. They had the When you go to Nevada, look at that make sure the tests didn’t go off when law on their side, they thought. If you sometime. You could be in the middle the wind was blowing toward Las had worked in California, it didn’t mat- of New York —you would think Vegas. It blew up toward , and ter where you went, they would go you were there, basically. This is a Utah suffered terribly because those after you—for your pension, is what it magnificent operation. Well, it started were aboveground tests. So we worked amounted to. I tried for 15 years to get before the Recession. They were des- to make sure the test site workers that changed, and I got it changed. No perate to get it finished. More than were a part of it because they were the longer can California—with all due re- 10,000 people worked on that project. I reason we were winning the Cold War, would drive by there and count the spect to FEINSTEIN and BOXER—do that. because what they did was dangerous. They can’t do that anymore. If you re- cranes—25, 30 cranes at one time there We passed that. It took a number of tire in California and move someplace at work. Well, I interceded in that. I different segments to get it done. So did some things that probably a lot of else, they can’t tax that money. we have done a lot to protect people. Mortgage tax relief. We all partici- people wouldn’t do, but I did it because Nevada transportation. McCarran pated in that. I initiated it when the I thought it was very important that Airport. I have tried for years to get the operation didn’t shut down. collapse of Wall Street took place. the name taken off—a Democratic Sen- Kerkorian had already put billions of That was a big help. ator from Nevada who was an awful Tax incentives for solar and geo- dollars of his own money in it, and man. I tried to get his name off that, they had an investor from one of the thermal—very important. I will talk a and it didn’t work. I tried to get J. Middle Eastern countries. I did a lot of little bit more about that. Edgar Hoover’s name off the FBI Build- Payment in lieu of taxes. All my things, I say, that a lot of you probably ing; that didn’t work. We had a vote western Senators will appreciate that. wouldn’t do, but I did it and I saved here. I can still remember how mad that project. I won’t go into detail, but It was just 4 or 5 years ago that we ORRIN HATCH was when I did that, but, I called people whom I doubt any of were able to fully fund PILT, payment anyway, everybody had to vote on it. I you would call. I called bank presi- in lieu of taxes. I worked very hard think I made a mistake. I tried to dents, and I called leaders of countries. with Baucus and Wyden, and we did name it after Bobby Kennedy. That Anyway, it is completed now. I take things to take care of some issues they was a mistake I made on that. some credit for that. Anyway, McCarran Airport. It is I had. That is the first time it had ever The stimulus, the American Recov- think the fifth busiest airport in Amer- been fully funded. ery and Reinvestment Act. We got that Cancellation of indebtedness. Those ica now. We have gotten money for a done. Yesterday, the Presiding Officer new air traffic control center. It is one are buzzwords for people who under- was the senior Senator from Maine. Oh, of the largest structures in the Western stand taxes a little better. But what she was so helpful. I will probably get United States. We have done a good job happened is people—everything col- her in trouble by boasting about her taking care of McCarran, with all kinds lapsed. They would try to get out of here today, but she and her colleague of construction funding for runways the debt they had. They couldn’t be- from Maine, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen and rehabilitation of runways. In the cause the IRS would tax them at the Specter—we only had 58 votes as Demo- stimulus bill, one of the last things we value of it when they bought it. It was crats, and they were the difference. We put in that was bonding capacity that unfair, and we got that changed. That were able to get that passed only be- allowed McCarran Field to build a big was in the stimulus bill. We got that cause of them, and it was so good for new terminal. More than $1 billion we changed. our country. got in that legislation. It was really Let’s talk about the economy a little President Obama—the first 2 months important during the recession to have bit. I know some of my Democratic col- after having been elected, the country all those workers. There were thou- leagues will say: Why did you do that? lost 800,000 jobs. Can you imagine that? sands and thousands of them on that Here is what I did. I worked with Re- One month. But because of the stim- new terminal, which is now completed. publican Senator from ulus bill, we were able to reverse that. Reno. I was also able to direct money Oklahoma. There was a Republican We did a lot of wonderfully good things toward getting a new traffic control President. Don and I talked about this. in that that were important for the center there, a new control tower. We We knew the administration would country. have done all the construction funding. change and it would affect every Presi- The Travel Promotion Act. AMY KLO- A lot of stuff, good stuff for the airport dent, Democratic and Republican. It BUCHAR is here; she worked so hard in Reno. was called the Congressional Review helping get that done. It promoted So I feel good about what we have Act. What that said is the President travel to get foreigners to come here, done to help Nevada transportation, promulgates a regulation and Congress come to America, and it worked out so not the least of which, everybody, are has a chance to look it over to see if it well. Seven different clotures I had to the billions of dollars in directed is too burdensome, too costly, too un- file on that to get it done, but we got spending for roads and highways in Ne- fair. And we have done that quite a few it done finally, and it has been remark- vada. It has made a change in Northern times. That was because of REID and ably good for America. Other coun- Nevada and in Southern Nevada. Nickles. That was legislation that I tries—you will see them on TV—are al- It is important for us to be able to did, and it was great when we had Re- ways advertising: Come visit Australia. bring people to Las Vegas, so we made publican Presidents, not so great when Come visit the Bahamas. Come visit deals with the California State Depart- we had Democratic Presidents, but it England. Come visit everyplace. But ment of Transportation, and we par- was fair. now there is advertising around the ticipated in big construction projects One person who has been so impor- world: Come visit America. Now, every- that took place in California, in Bar- tant to the State of Nevada is a man by one knows that Las Vegas gets more stow and San Bernardino. We did that the name of Kirk Kerkorian, an than its share, probably, of visitors, because it would make it easier for uneducated man. He flew over the but it was good for Nevada and it was people to go to Las Vegas. So I wasn’t North Atlantic during World War II for also good for the country. just giving money to Las Vegas, NV; England at great personal sacrifice to Nevada test site workers. We were we also did it, of course, for California himself. As I said, he had no education, the Cold War veterans in Nevada. That because it helped us.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:04 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.006 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6853 Health care. The . you shouldn’t deal with; it should be tory of the State of Nevada, we can I have talked about that a little bit. It something for a woman. But I went move power from the north to the would have been wonderful if we had ahead, and I did something about it. south of Nevada. That is underway something like that around to help my We haven’t done as much as we should now. That line will go up into the family when we were growing up. I do, and I hope that we have people who north-northwest. That was good legis- worked hard to help a number of you will pick up this issue. I had a meeting lation. on the Children’s Health Insurance last Friday—the biggest audience I I have had clean energy summits for Program. ORRIN HATCH was certainly have ever had. There was a conference many, many years. We bring in na- involved in that. on female genital mutilation. I say tional leaders. Democrats and Repub- Just like I had trouble coming to that word because that is what it is. licans have focused attention on the grips with my home in Searchlight, I Millions of little girls have been cut. problems America has with energy. had trouble coming to grips with the That is what it is called—‘‘cut.’’ Last The Clintons have come. Obama has fact that my dad killed himself. I was year, no one knows for sure, but prob- been there. We have had Republicans. like most—we are called victims. We ably 250,000 little girls were cut. Here is one who came and did a great shouldn’t be, but that is what we are Last Friday, I had 200 people there. I job—Tom Donohue. Everybody knows called. said: This is wonderful. I said: I have him. We Democrats know him, for sure. This year, about 32,000 people will had 10 people a couple of times. Two or He is head of the U.S. Chamber of Com- kill themselves in America. That three of the people were lost and didn’t merce. doesn’t count the hunting accidents really want to be there. I have no problem with coal. I have that are really suicides or the car acci- It is really important that we do helped fund clean coal technology. The dents that are really suicides. So I something about it. We have some laws Tracy powerplant, outside of Reno, was couldn’t get my arms around the sui- now. It is against the law in the United a clean coal plant. It didn’t work. So cide. Republican Senator Cohen from States. They can’t go away for the pur- they had to go to another type of fuel. Maine was chairman of the Aging Com- pose of being cut. There is a lot more I have nothing against coal. However, I mittee upon which I served, and we that needs to be done. Our government was upset about this. Nevada is very were doing a hearing on senior depres- has done almost nothing. pristine. I have told a couple of people I am going to spend a little bit on the sion. Mike Wallace came—the famous this. journalist—and here is what he said: I environment. I have been chairman of People don’t understand Nevada. Ev- the Environment and Public Works have wanted to die for years. I would erybody thinks it is the deserts of Las Committee twice—not for very long. I take the most dangerous assignments I Vegas, but it is not. Nevada is the most gave it up once because I had to, be- could hoping I wouldn’t come back. mountainous State in the Union, ex- cause of the control of Congress, and You know, I am OK now, though. I cept for . We have 314 separate one time I gave it away. Remember? I want to live forever. mountain ranges. We have a mountain gave it away. I gave my chairmanship He said: I take a pill once in a while, that is 14,000 feet high. We have 32 and my committee spot to Jim Jef- I see a doctor once in a while, and I am mountains over 11,000 feet high. It is a fords. I love that committee. good. I am OK. I have been involved in environment very mountainous State. I said for the first time publicly: Mr. When I learned from reading the pa- and energy issues since I came here. Chairman, my dad killed himself. That pers that we were going to have power The State of Nevada is 87-percent was a long time ago, but I think it owned by the Federal Government; 87 companies come to Nevada in the most would be extremely important for this percent of the State of Nevada is Fed- pristine areas and they were going to committee to hold a hearing on senior eral land. The rest, 13 percent, is pri- build three or four new powerplants suicide because we have learned—since vate land. Of course, I should be con- fueled by coal, I said no. My staff said: You can’t do that. You my focusing on suicide, we have done cerned about it. As to Yucca Mountain, some good things as Members of Con- I am not going to get into a long dis- are up for reelection, and they will de- gress. We have directed spending to sertation about that. We spent about $8 stroy you. They tried. They left leaflets on all study why people kill themselves be- billion there so far, maybe more. It is the cars in the parking lots and said I cause we don’t know for sure. gone. Isn’t it interesting that most suicides Someone asked me the other day: was running up the power bills. I won; take place in the western part of the Well, you know, Republicans are in they lost. There are no coal-fired pow- United States? You would think it power now. They are going to come erplants in Nevada. There are two left. would be in the dark places, like Maine back to Yucca Mountain now. I said: One of them is going out of business in and Vermont, where it is so dark and Well, they better bring a checkbook 2 weeks; the other is on its way out, cold, but, no, it is in the bright sun- with them because there is nothing probably within a year. We are not shine of the West. We are learning a lot there. They would have to start all going to have coal-fired plants in Ne- more. That has been so good to me as over again. With the big auger, they vada, but we do have a lot of renewable a person, and we have now funded spent well over $1 billion digging that energy. projects around America where there tunnel. That is scrap metal. There is I have done work, especially with are suicide prevention programs that nothing there. You can probably get it , when he was here, on are extremely important. There are going again now for $10 billion, $12 bil- major land bills—Clark County, Lin- suicide victims programs where people lion. If you have a way to pay for it, coln County, White Pine County, Car- can get together after a loved one kills good luck. If you were smart, what you son County—and we were able to do a themself. That is something I am glad would do is leave it where it is in dry lot of good things to save land. He was I worked on. cast storage containers, which is prov- a real conservative guy, and because of Finally, health care. So 24 years ago, en to be extremely safe and effective. him, I had to make deals to make some one of my friends from Las Vegas That is what should be done. of the 87-percent land private. I was called me, Sandy Jolly, and she said: I transmission. Part able to do that. He was able to work would like you to look at this film I of the stimulus bill said one of the with me to create more wilderness, and am going to send you. You are not problems we have with energy is that we worked together to get that done. going to want to watch it, but I want we don’t have a way of transmitting I created the first national park in you to watch it. What it showed was a electricity to where it should go. We Nevada, Great Basin National Park. It beautiful little girl in Africa in a white talk about all this renewable energy, is wonderful. Everything within the party dress. She looked so pretty. It which is produced in places where there Great Basin is in that park. It is hard was a party. Suddenly, two men aren’t a lot of people, but you can’t get to believe, but in Nevada we now have grabbed her, spread her legs apart, and it anyplace where there are a lot of a glacier. We have the oldest living cut out her genitals—right there, with people. That has been changed with the trees in the world on that mountain. a razor blade. stimulus bill. Those old pine trees are there. They I thought: Man, that is hard to com- For example, in Nevada we have Line are 6,000 or 7,000 years old—bristlecone prehend. My staff said it is something One, and for the first time in the his- pine. It is a beautiful, beautiful park.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:04 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.007 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 As to Basin and Range National back to them. It has been good for Ne- millions of dollars for both of those op- Monument, I worked with President vada because we can use that water in erations because they have been impor- Clinton on this. There are more than the meantime. tant. 700,000 acres in a remote place of Ne- We have done good work with Cali- We hear a lot about drones. Every vada. It is a place where John Muir fornia. California got most of the water drone attack that takes place in the came as a young man, camping there, out of the River. They took a world takes place 30 miles outside Las and talked in his diary about how lot more than they should have, and we Vegas at Creech Air Force Base. We beautiful this was. Now everyone can were able to work on that. We worked have all of these great servicemembers, see that. In part of that wonderful with California in a very positive way. mostly airmen, who take care of that. place is a man who is a world famous We help pay for port reservoirs. We They protect us around the world. artist. His name is Michael Heizer. He help line canals. We have done a lot of BARBARA MIKULSKI is here. She was worked for 40 years building this monu- good things to help water in that whole in a position to help me on appropria- ment in the middle of nowhere. It is in area. I am happy about that. tions. She said: This facility in Reno is the middle of nowhere, and it is done. We share Lake Tahoe with Cali- awful, and I—BARBARA MIKULSKI—am It is called the City. It is magnificent. fornia. Lake Tahoe is a stunningly going to do something about it, and she We don’t have roads coming there yet, beautiful place. There are only two al- did, very quickly. We renovated that but we will pretty soon. That is done. pine lakes in the world. One of them is place. It was so bad. It was a little VA Tule Springs. People came to me and in Siberia, and the other is there. I hospital with hallways so narrow they said: We have this place in Nevada have had 20 summits there. We have couldn’t bring in new hospital equip- where we have the oldest and most gotten over $1 billion there with the ment because they couldn’t get it down abundant source of fossils anyplace in cooperation of the California delega- the hall. I appreciate what Senator MI- America. To make a long story short, tion and many others. We have done KULSKI did for that hospital. that is now a national monument. You well in stabilizing and helping the clar- I requested money for two VA hos- can come to Las Vegas if you are an ar- ity of that beautiful lake. pitals, and they were built in Southern chaeologist, or if you are interested in Walker Lake is another lake that Nevada. We had one that was an experi- old fossils, you can come there. I don’t was originally controlled by the Indi- ment. It was a joint venture between mean old people. You can come there. ans. It has been stolen from them by the Veterans’ Administration and the There are all these studies going on us. We now have gotten hundreds of Air Force. It worked great except we with Tule Springs Fossil Beds National millions of dollars directed toward had a Middle East war and the veterans Monument. that, and we have bought up water had to go someplace else so we don’t When I came to Congress, we had rights, and we have saved Walker Lake. have that hospital anymore, but we about 70,000 acres of wilderness in Ne- There are 21 desert terminus lakes in have a huge new one. It is the newest vada. Now we have about 4 million. the world. There are two in America. and best in the entire VA system. They Those are legislative initiatives of They are both in Nevada, and we saved don’t have all of the equipment they mine. We have approximately 4 million those two lakes—Walker and Pyramid need, but it has been functioning very acres of wilderness. We have a million, Lakes. well for the last couple of years. I feel 1.5 million acres of additional con- There was a great big gravel pit. It very proud of that. servation of land, and I mentioned was 10, 15 times bigger than this Cham- The Nevada Test Site is part of our some of it here. ber—huge. There were spots of black national security, and I have done ev- Water has been difficult for Nevada, that appeared on it. The State of Ne- erything I can to make sure that facil- in the north and the south. I knew I vada didn’t have the resources to take ity is taken care of, and it is. There are had been elected to the Senate, and I on the oil companies and airlines. So a lot of experiments going on there all was leaving Reno, NV, on an airplane they didn’t know what was wrong. I got the time. We have fuel spills and dif- and someone asked me: What is the Bill Bradley, who was chairman of the ferent tests that take place there. most difficult problem facing Nevada? I Subcommittee on Energy, to hold a Finally, this is one of the best things said: Water. hearing. It was so important we did I ever did. Yesterday I heard BARBARA Having said that—we have all done that because we determined that oil MIKULSKI say listen to what your con- it—I thought: What am I going to do was coming from broken oil lines, fuel stituents say. A group of veterans now? I had to do something. We did lines, going to the Reno airport. Had came—just a few feet from here—to something. Now it is all done. We set- we not done something, it would have talk to me a number of years ago. One tled a 100-year water war between the been awful. It was declared an emer- of them said: Senator, this is somewhat States of California and Nevada. We gency superfund site, and people imme- strange. I am disabled from the mili- settled all the litigation on the Truck- diately moved in and took care of that. tary, and I am also retired from the ee and Carson Rivers. It took 20 years I am giving a quick look at it. That military. I can’t draw both benefits. I to finally implement that. There were gravel pit is now a beautiful lake. It is said: What are you talking about? He many water systems—the Lake Tahoe called the Sparks Marina. There are said: I can’t. If you retire from the For- region—and they are gone. We had condos, apartments, and businesses all est Service and have a military dis- large wetlands that had gone dry, and around there. People boat on it. It is ability, you can get your pension from that is now getting fresh water in it. It wonderful. It all started out as a gravel the BLM, the Forest Service or what- involved an irrigation district for In- pit. I appreciate Bill Bradley’s good ever it is, and also get your disability, dian tribes and endangered species, and work on that. but not if it is both military. We we were able to get all that done. It I want to talk about national secu- changed that. Now, if you have a dis- made a stable water supply for North- rity. There are people in this Chamber ability and you have retired from the ern Nevada, the Reno area. much better than I am on national se- military, you can draw both. It is Southern Nevada is really a desert. It curity, and I know that, but I have called concurrent receipt. That took a has 4 inches of rain a year in Las worked hard. I worked hard. We have long time, but we got it done. It is not Vegas. We have worked hard with Pat been a dumping ground for all things in perfect, but it is 80 percent complete. Mulroy. She has done wonderful things. the military. We have Nellis Air Force I talked earlier this morning about I see the junior Senator from Arizona Base. It was named after Bill Nellis, being a lawyer. I am proud of the fact here. When he was elected, the States who was from Searchlight. He was a that I was a trial lawyer. I hear Sen- of Arizona and California wouldn’t war hero in World War II. It is the fin- ators talk all the time about these ju- speak to each other. They were fight- est fighter training facility in the dicial selection committees. They have ing over water. Now we work together world. If you want to fly jet airplanes, to help pick whom they will have on on water. It has been remarkable what then you must train at Nellis. They the Federal bench. I am glad they do we have been able to do as partners to have a large gunnery range. The Navy that because I also have a judicial se- get things done. We bank water for Ari- does the same thing in Northern Ne- lection committee. You know who is on zona, and when they need the water vada with the naval air training cen- that committee? Me. No one else is on and it is in our ground, we can give it ter. Frankly, I was able to get tens of it. I select all of my judges. I am the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:04 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.009 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6855 committee, and I am very happy with People come from all over the world to was on George Bush’s policy regarding the what I have been able to do. study what happens to earthquakes. Middle East war. It was eloquent, thought- One of the things I did when I was in Biodiversity study. For many years, I ful. Powerful. the House was name a Federal building I was so impressed that following his directed funding to the biodiversity speech, there had been a quorum call. His in Las Vegas after a very famous fam- study. It was the best science going on seat was way back there. I walked up to him ily of lawyers, the Foley family. They at the time on the environment and and he was sitting, I was standing, looking had two Federal judges, a district at- studying the Great Basin. over him. I said, ‘‘Senator, that was really torney, and a State court judge. They Native Americans in Nevada. We terrific. That was really good.’’ I will never were a wonderful family called the have 26 different tribal organizations. I forget his response. He looked at me without hesitation, with- Foley family. I attended the 10th anni- am really happy with what I have been versary of that, and when I looked up out any braggadocio, no conceit, just humil- able to do to help Native Americans, ity. He looked up at me and said, ‘‘I have a there, I saw nothing but White males. I and, believe me, they haven’t been gift.’’ thought to myself, ‘‘Gee, I hope some- treated well in Nevada or anyplace This wasn’t a boast. This was a fact. I have day I can change that,’’ and as fortune else. I have led the legislative efforts never met anyone with an ability to commu- would have it, Lloyd George decided to to make sure they have their water nicate like . Whether it is take senior staff and I had a chance to rights taken care of, settled long- writing, speaking to 30,000 people, a small do something about that. I have sent crowd or someone individually, he is without standing claims against the United equal when it comes to communicating. names to the President and selected far States. We have the Fallon Paiute Sho- His reputation was well known, even before more judges myself in the entire his- shone Tribe, Pyramid Lake Paiute he came to the Senate. He had written his tory of the State of Nevada. So what I Tribe, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, and the first book, ‘‘Dreams from My Father,’’ a dec- did with the first one, I said, well, I Duck Valley Reservation have all been ade before arriving here. Like his 2006 book, want to get a woman judge, but we able to develop their water rights and ‘‘The Audacity of Hope,’’ this book was full didn’t have a Black judge on the court economies. For example, Pyramid of lyrical, insightful writing. either. I wanted to nominate a Black In ‘‘Dreams from My Father,’’ he outlined Lake will receive almost $100 million the remarkable life story we’ve all come to judge and a woman judge, and that is and Fallon will receive $60 million. I know: born to a father from Kenya in far- what I did. Boy, was I criticized. They worked to get two new high schools away Africa. His mother was from Kansas. said: She doesn’t have enough experi- built, and they were so long overdue. It He was raised by his grandparents in Hawaii. ence. You could have found somebody took decades to get the Shoshone His mother and grandparents set positive ex- better. She was a dynamo. People loved Claims Distribution Act done, and we amples for him. They pushed him to do bet- this woman. She was so good that she finally got it done. Thanks to Presi- ter—to be the man he was born to be. That is now on the Ninth Circuit, and she upbringing would serve him well. dent Clinton, we were able to get the Barack Obama went to some of the most quickly went there. To make a long Indians who belonged up there, the elite schools in the world. Undergrad at Co- story short, she has been part of the Washoe Tribe, right on the lake. lumbia. Of course he was an honor student. talk about who could get appointed to Working with the Obama administra- Harvard Law School. He graduated with dis- the Supreme Court. She is a wonderful tion for the last 8 years has been a tinction. He made history as the first Afri- woman named Johnnie Rawlinson. dream job of mine, being the Presi- can American to be elected president of the I put Roger Hunt, great trial lawyer; dent’s point man here in the Senate. Harvard Law Review. Just to be a member of Kent Dawson, one of my predecessors the Harvard Law Review, having gone to law Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- school myself, it is significant. But he was as city attorney; David Hagan, a won- sent to have an extended speech on derful trial lawyer, and I put him on the number-one guy in that very, very pres- President Obama that I gave yesterday tigious law school. Even then, his reputation the bench. I selected as printed in the RECORD. for bringing people together and his gift for a Federal judge, and he was a good Fed- There being no objection, the mate- communication was renowned. eral judge. Things were going great rial was ordered to be printed in the He became a professor of constitutional law at one of America’s great law schools. He until he ran against my son for Gov- RECORD, as follows: ernor, and I wish he hadn’t because my became a community organizer, as he has [Dec. 7, 2016] son would now be Governor. He is my talked about a lot. He became an Illinois friend, and our family has accepted STATEMENT OF SENATOR HARRY REID PAYING state senator before giving one of the most TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA dramatic convention speeches in American that. He was the first on the history, in 2004 at the Democratic National bench. I appointed another Hispanic, It’s hard to imagine today, but it wasn’t that long ago that Barack Obama was a lit- Convention in Boston. . Her parents were born tle-known Illinois legislator with a very un- Throughout it all, his ability to commu- in Cuba, and she is now the chief judge. usual name. nicate and connect with people fueled his as- , how about that, a woman I still remember the first time I heard that cendancy. Those skills made Barack Obama who was born in Vietnam is now on the name. I was in the House gym, where ex- a terrific senator. And they have greatly bench in Nevada. How about that, Mi- members congregated. And one of the people benefited our country over the last 8 years. In a few weeks, Barack Obama will finish randa Du. She was born in Vietnam and I shared the room with was Abner Mikva, long-time Illinois Congressman, appellate his term as the 44th President of the United came over when she was 11 years old to States. I don’t know if I’m leaving with him Alabama. Jennifer Dorsey, a woman; court judge, President Clinton’s chief legal officer. or he’s leaving with me. I guess I leave a few Andrew Gordon, a Harvard law grad- I had known that Republican Senator days before he does, but we’re leaving to- uate; Richard Boulware, African Amer- Peter Fitzgerald of Illinois decided not to gether. I cannot think of a better person ican. I changed that Nevada Federal run for re-election after one term. And Judge with whom to leave public service. For 8 bench significantly. I had the pleasure Mikva turned to me and said he knew the years I was his point man and it has been an perfect person to fill that open seat. ‘‘Who honor and an effort of pleasure. of voting for and against all eight What this man accomplished—despite un- could that be,’’ I said? members of the Supreme Court who precedented obstruction from Republicans— He said, ‘‘Barack Obama.’’ now sit there. I have had a chance to is remarkable. History will remember Presi- I said, ‘‘What?’’ vote for every one of them during my dent Barack Obama’s many accomplish- He said, ‘‘Barack Obama.’’ career. ments. I said, ‘‘Who? What kind of name is that?’’ President Obama saved the country from Education. I worked hard for edu- He said: ‘‘He is one of the most talented cation in Nevada, and I have done OK. economic collapse, ushering in a new era of people I’ve ever met in all my years.’’ That growth. The Desert Research Institute is a said a lot to me. Even though, at that time, Since 2010, the economy has added more 2.6 unique organization. It is not helped by I smiled and left the room. But it didn’t take million private-sector jobs. the University in Nevada at all. They long before I understood what Mikva told Median household incomes have risen sig- all have Ph.D.s and they have been in me. nificantly. existence for 50 years. Some of the Barack Obama won that election to the The unemployment rate is now at 4.6 per- most significant research in the world Senate. Came from nowhere, the man with cent. In some states, like Nevada, it was as the unusual name. And once he was here, it high as 14 percent. is done there. They have two supercom- was obvious he was the real deal. President Obama brought the American puters. Our earthquake center is the His ability to communicate was—and is— auto and manufacturing industries back best in the world. They have more stunning. I can remember one of his first from the brink of collapse with unique pro- shake tables than anyplace in America. floor speeches he gave here in the Senate. It grams such as Cash for Clunkers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.010 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6856 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 More than 800,000 new manufacturing jobs school meals to ensure children receive the encing the longest streak of private-sector since 2010. nutrition they need to have healthy, success- job growth ever. We have the lowest unem- The auto industry added more than 646,000 ful futures. ployment rate in nearly a decade. jobs since 2009. President Obama made strides on edu- After eight years of President Obama, we Domestic production of autos doubled from cation. are now on a sustainable path to fight cli- below 6 million units per year to 12 million Our nation’s high school graduate rate is mate change and grow renewable energy. We per year in 2015. the highest in history. are more respected around the world. We President Obama brought health care to He reformed the federal student loan pro- reached international agreements to curb tens millions of Americans through the Af- gram, increased the Pell Grant, made stu- , stop Iran from obtaining a fordable Care Act. And every day we learn dent loan repayment more affordable, and and are on the path to nor- how important this bill has been. We heard expanded loan forgiveness for graduates that malizing relations with our neighbor Cuba. from a very conservative American Hospital enter public service professions. Our country has made significant strides Association today that doing away with President Obama granted deferred action in nearly every way. There is no doubt that Obamacare would bankrupt the hospital in- to immigrant youth who would have quali- the United States is better now than we were dustry. They would lose over the next few fied under the DREAM Act, bringing nearly eight years ago. And we have Barack Obama years—almost $200 billion. 800,000 young people out of the shadows. to thank for that. 21 million more Americans now have af- President Obama made our country more Thank you, President Barack Obama, for fordable health care. inclusive. being the person you are. The uninsured rate is at an all-time low— He signed the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- 92 percent of Americans have coverage. Tell. imous consent that lots and lots of Insurance companies cannot deny coverage He signed executive orders protecting stuff I have done be printed in the or charge more to cover people with pre-ex- LGBT workers. isting conditions. And how many of us have Americans are now free to marry the per- RECORD. gone out to our home states and had people son they love, regardless of gender. There being no objection, the mate- with tears in their eyes say, you know, And as Commander-in-Chief, President rial was ordered to be printed in the Debbie has been sick since she was a little Obama brought Bin Laden to justice. RECORD, as follows: girl with diabetes? Now for the first time in These are just a few aspects of President REDUCING TAX BURDENS FOR NEVADA her life she can have health insurance. Obama’s storied legacy that is still growing. RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES Insurance companies cannot discriminate What a record. It is a legacy of which he Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights—The ‘‘Tax- against anyone because of their gender. should be satisfied. America is better be- payers’ Bill of Rights’’ was the first bill Sen- Every American with insurance has access cause of this good man spending eight years ator Reid introduced upon entering the Sen- to preventive care without cost sharing. in the . ate. Several of the ideas in his bill were later That means no co-pays for immunizations, But I am even more impressed by who he is incorporated into the Internal Revenue Serv- cancer screenings, contraceptive coverage as a person than who he is as a president. He ice Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. for women, diabetes screenings, or blood is a man of integrity, of honesty. I have The ‘‘Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights’’ laid out the pressure and cholesterol tests. learned much from him. rights of taxpayers during an audit, proce- President Obama held Wall Street account- I have never heard Barack Obama deni- dures for appealing a decision or filing com- able. grate anybody, ever. There have been times plaints, the procedures the IRS may use to He signed into law the most comprehensive where he could have. Perhaps I thought a enforce laws and placed the burden of proof Wall Street and financial reform legislation negative word should be said and I suggested on all issues upon the IRS. since the—Great Depression—Dodd-Frank. that to him. But he would never take it. No, Ended the Source Tax—Senator Reid and His Administration established a new he would never do that. That’s Barack the Nevada delegation were successful in watchdog to help protect consumers from Obama. protecting Nevada retirees from taxes im- unfair financial practices And, above all, I admire the attention he posed by other states. This legislation ended He signed legislation into law that pro- has given his family. He may be President of taxation without representation by prohib- tected homeowners from mortgage fraud. the United States, but nothing gets in the iting states from taxing the retirement bene- President Obama took more action to pro- way of his family. He is a terrific husband to fits of nonresidents. tect our planet from a changing climate, in- Michelle and outstanding father to Sasha Sales Tax Deduction—Senator Reid rein- cluding the historic Paris Climate agree- and Malia. He arrives home for dinner with stated the deduction for sales taxes to level ment. his family virtually every night he is in the playing field for residents of states with I met yesterday with some Native Alas- Washington. He goes to their plays. He goes no income taxes and he has been successful kans. It was scary to talk to this woman, a to their games. President or not, he is a hus- in extending it. Native Alaskan, her town of 800 having trou- band and a father. Mortgage Tax Relief/Debt Cancellation for ble getting in and out of the town. She told His devotion extends to his staff, as well. Homeowners—Eliminates the income tax me the animals are confused because the sea- And he has had a terrific staff working for penalty for homeowners who are successful sons are changing. The caribou have traveled him. I can’t mention all of them, but I’ll in negotiating a lower mortgage with their for 20,000 years, we believe, 3,000 miles, mi- mention his present chief of staff. Denis lender. grate every year. They walk in single file, McDonough. He and I have a very close rela- Tip Tax Agreements—These are agree- not in large herds jammed together. She said tionship. Close relationships come with a lot ments between the IRS, the employer, and they’re having such difficulty. They used to of difficulty, sometimes, because it’s been tipped employees that make it easier for em- be able to walk over. tough, what we’ve tried to work through to- ployees to report and pay the tax due on President Obama made the largest invest- gether. tipped income. Senator Reid was instru- ment ever in renewable energy. He tripled , one of the nicest people I’ve mental in making sure that these agree- wind power and increased solar power by 30 ever known. He also worked for the president ments are fair for Nevada’s tipped employ- times—creating more than 200,000 jobs in very closely. He was his chief of staff as sen- ees. solar alone, with hundreds of thousands ator and of course chief advisor when he was Tax Incentives for Solar and Geothermal more jobs in the next few years. in the White House. Energy—Senator Reid was instrumental in President Obama protected more than 260 Rahm Emmanuel, now the mayor of Chi- securing the long-term extension of tax in- million acres of public lands and waters. cago, Illinois. Former chief of staff, current centives to promote the development of elec- That includes more than 700,000 acres in Ne- mayor of . A man known for his tricity generated by solar and geothermal vada with one order that he signed. It’s bluntness and his productivity as a member sources in Nevada. called the Basin and Range National Monu- of Congress and as chief of staff. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) & Secure ment, a place where John Muir came looking , former deputy chief Rural Schools—Senator Reid led a bipartisan around for special places in America. of staff. I hope that I had something to do coalition of Western senators to fully fund He camped in the Basin Range. And hope- with the romance that wound up with Alyssa PILT and reauthorize Secure Rural Schools fully someday every Senator can go to this marrying my chief of staff, David Krone. the first time since 1994 and provides $130 magnificent thing in the desert. It has taken These are a few people I had the pleasure of million over five years to rural counties in 40 years to build. One man has done it, a fa- working with. And then there’s President Nevada. mous artist by the name of Michael Heizer. Obama’s cabinet—a cabinet of quality. Cancellation of Indebtedness—Businesses It’s called City. When I talk about 40 years, That includes my friend, Secretary of the needing to restructure their debts in order to I mean days, weekends, overtime, and large Interior —a wonderful man and survive the economic downturn found them- contingencies of people he directed to this terrific public servant. A man of substance, selves facing a significant tax penalty as a magnificent thing in the middle of the like no other I have ever known. result of that process. As part of the Amer- desert. After eight years leading our country, ican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, President Obama and First Lady Michelle President Obama is leaving office on a high Senator Reid was instrumental in pushing Obama made our nation’s children a top pri- point. When he first took office, our country through relief from this tax penalty, helping ority. In 2010, President Obama signed a bill was in an economic freefall. It was hem- Nevada companies to improve their balance into law to fight child hunger and improve orrhaging jobs. Now the economy is experi- sheets and save thousands of jobs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:04 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.001 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6857 Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension—Instru- expedited eligibility category, it appears the thousands of Nevadans and millions of Amer- mental in securing an extension of the $8000 Underground Testing years are on their way icans gain access to the affordable health tax credit for first-time homebuyers and of- to being granted the expedited status. care that they need and deserve. The law has fering a reduced credit of up to $6500 for re- Nevada Test Site Workers —In 2008, resulted in 21 million more Americans being peat buyers who have owned their current Senator Reid successfully fought for the fed- covered by health insurance, and an all-time home for at least five years. eral agencies to allow Dept. of Energy work- high insured rate of 92%. NEVADA JOBS, ECONOMY AND LABOR ers at Area 51 to be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program EEOICPA, thereby reversing a Republican (CHIP) Creation and Reauthorization—This Congressional Review Act—Worked with Bush Administration policy. long overdue reauthorization ensures health Senator Don Nickles to lead passage of the Unemployment Insurance Extension—In- care for thousands of children across Nevada Congressional Review Act, making it easier strumental in passage of an extension of Un- whose parents earn too much for Medicaid, for Congress to overturn burdensome regula- employment Insurance benefits in 2009 and but not enough to afford private insurance. tions imposed by executive branch agencies. 2010 for states that have been hit the hard- Thanks to the recent expansion, an addi- CityCenter—Worked with stakeholders of est, like Nevada, and out-of-work Americans tional 4.1 million low-income children across CityCenter to ensure construction of project across the country. the country will now have access to quality continued and advanced to opening in 2009, NEVADA TRANSPORTATION health coverage. saving almost 10,000 jobs. Strengthening Medicare—Seniors and peo- Housing Loan-to-Value Ratio—Requested McCarran Airport Funding—Senator Reid ple with disabilities know the value of the the Administration raise the loan- to- value has secured tens of millions for McCarran Medicare program. In the last Congress, Sen- requirement for its mortgage modification Airport. Among the projects this money has ator Reid led the way to overriding a Presi- program, and the Administration responded funded include: new air traffic control tower; dential veto of improvements to the pro- by raising it 125 percent. increased Customs and Border Control pro- gram. This legislation ensured that physi- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act tections; wind hazard detection equipment; cians did not experience severe cuts to reim- (ARRA)—Shepherded the stimulus legisla- fiber optic telecommunications systems; and bursement that could have jeopardized ac- tion through the Senate and conference, apron rehabilitation and reconstruction. cess to care for Nevada’s seniors. Reducing Flight Delays Act—Led passage which will provide Nevada with $3 billion in Suicide Prevention—Senator Reid is re- of legislation that provided the Secretary of economic recovery funding, which is ex- sponsible for the creation of the National Transportation with flexibility to transfer pected to create or save 34,000 jobs, 90% of Strategy for Suicide Prevention and has funds to reduced FAA traffic control oper- which are in the private sector. Each worker helped enact a number of laws that will help ations, which had been reduced as a result of is eligible for up to $400 in tax relief and fam- reduce the rate of suicide, including the Gar- sequestration. ilies could receive up to $800. A tax credit of rett Lee Smith Memorial Act targeting Reno Airports Funding—Senator Reid ob- $8,000 for first-time homebuyers will help Ne- youth suicide, legislation that will lower the tained more than $55.8 million for the needed vadans invest in a home and move the excess Medicare coinsurance for outpatient mental improvements to the Reno-Tahoe Inter- supply of houses off the market. The ARRA health and the mental health parity act. provides a temporary deduction for non- national and Reno-Stead airports. These Mental Health Parity—The bipartisan leg- itemizers for sales tax paid on the purchase funds have paid for new approach lighting islation which Senator Reid helped pass en- of a car or truck. The HOPE education credit systems, new control towers, runway/taxi- sures that plans covering mental health for higher education is increased to $2,500 way reconstruction and lighting to name but services cannot provide different financial dollars. Every SSI recipient, Social Security a few projects. requirements or treatment limitations than McCarran Airport: Tax Relief for Growth beneficiary, Railroad Retirement beneficiary they would for medical or surgical benefits. and disabled veteran receiving VA benefits and Construction—Senator Reid was able to Drug Quality and Security Act—Provided will receive a one-time economic recovery save the Clark County Department of Avia- the FDA with more authority to regulate payment of $250. Federal and state pen- tion tens of millions of dollars by passing re- and monitor the manufacturing of com- sioners who are not participants in Social lief for the department’s Alternative Min- pounded pharmaceutical drugs. Security will be eligible for a $250 tax credit. imum Tax (AMT) for bonds which refinanced Interstitial Cystitis Research—Senator Travel Promotion Act—Using the Las the Terminal 3 project at McCarran Airport. Reid earmarked millions of dollars for the Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s This provision will lower financing costs for National Institutes for Health (NIH) to re- model for Las Vegas, the bill will create a this important project by at least $72.4 mil- search IC, a disease which affects women, Corporation for Travel Promotion which will lion. and has funded programs at the Centers for be responsible for marketing the United Last Highway Reauthorization Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to States around the world as a tourist destina- (SAFETEA–LU)—Increased Nevada’s high- support public and health provider education tion. Senators Reid and his colleagues from way funding by 30% and Transit funding by and outreach about the illness. both sides of the aisle believe that efforts 152%. Senator Reid was instrumental in get- Nevada Cancer Institute—Senator Reid has through this bill to make the U.S. more at- ting over $1.3 billion for Nevada transpor- secured tens of millions of dollars to support tractive abroad and easy to visit will di- tation projects included in the 2005 National the infrastructure costs to create a cancer rectly increase the number of visitors to Ne- Highway Bill. institute in Nevada. This has helped to at- vada and create tens of thousands of sorely Some Additional Major Transportation tract world class cancer researchers to Ne- needed jobs. A study by Oxford Economics Projects: vada and will help to ensure that Nevadans estimates that this plan would attract 1.6 NORTH will have access to clinic trials. In 2009, Sen- million new international visitors annually Interstate 580 Extension Between Reno and ator Reid worked on a bipartisan basis with and projects TPA could create $4 billion a Carson City—$29 million the Nevada Congressional delegation to se- year in new economic activity. Reno Transportation Rail Access Corridor cure 80 acres of federal land for the Institute Minimum Wage Increase—In 2007, Senator Cover (ReTRAC)—$15.25 million to construct a new facility devoted to devel- Reid worked with a bipartisan coalition of Virginia and Truckee Railway from Vir- oping new treatments for Nevadans afflicted Senators to increase the minimum wage for ginia City to Carson City—$10 million with cancer. the first time in ten years. Signed into law Reno Bus Rapid Transit—$12 million Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research—Sen- by President Bush, this legislation helped Lake Tahoe Passenger Ferry Service—$8 ator Reid has a long history of supporting ef- some of the hardest-working Nevadans make million forts related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ends meet. Carson City Bypass Enhancement—$2 mil- since he first became aware of this dev- Nevada Test Site Workers EEOICPA—Sen- lion astating disease in 1987 when the first known ator Reid was instrumental in the passage of Meadowood Interchange—$3.75 million outbreak of CFS cases was documented in In- the Energy Employees Occupational Illness SOUTH cline Village, Nevada. In 1999, he uncovered a Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) of scandal at the CDC and forced CDC officials Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge—$50 million 2000, which provides monetary compensation to acknowledge that they had misappro- Boulder City Bypass—$28.6 million and medical coverage to NTS workers with priated the majority of the $22.7 million he Interstate 15 Widening Project from radiation-induced cancer, beryllium disease, had earmarked for CFS research at the CDC Primm to Apex—$27 million or silicosis. in 1995. Boulder Highway Bus Rapid Transit Sys- Nevada Test Site Workers 1951–1962—Sen- Contraceptive Equity—Passed legislation tem—$12 million ator Reid was instrumental in establishing ensuring that federal employees have access UNLV Transportation Research Center— the Atmospheric Testing years at NTS in an to prescription contraception. $2.5 million expedited eligibility category. Breast Cancer and Environmental Re- Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson—$2 mil- Nevada Test Site Workers 1963–1992—Sen- search Act—Sponsored by Senator Reid, this lion ator Reid was instrumental in the writing law will help to establish a national strategy and submission of a regulatory petition to AFFORDABLE & QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR ALL to study the potential links between the en- include more Nevada Test Site workers in an NEVADANS vironment and breast cancer and would au- expedited eligibility category. According to Affordable Care Act—Led passage of the thorize funding for such research. The result- a recent position paper by the agency re- Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to ing discoveries could be critical to improving sponsible for establishing membership in the as the health reform law, which is helping our knowledge of this complex illness, which

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:12 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.003 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6858 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 could lead to new treatments and perhaps, ly rising premiums for their COBRA insur- ignated over 768,000 acres in new wilderness one day, a cure. ance coverage. Senator Reid was instru- areas, including over 150,000 acres of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry mental in obtaining a premium subsidy for Mormon Mountains. This legislation also Act—Sponsored by Senator Reid, this law COBRA recipients in the American Recovery provided new authority for land sales to in- will create an ALS registry at the Centers and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This provision crease Lincoln County’s tax base. for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a 65% subsidy for health insurance White Pine County Land Bill—Senator and will aid in the search for a cure for this premiums under COBRA for up to nine Reid led the Nevada delegation to pass legis- devastating disease. months for workers and their families who lation protecting 559,000 acres of incredible Genetic Information Non-Discrimination have been involuntarily terminated between wilderness lands and provided a timely eco- Act—Senator Reid was instrumental in pass- September 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2009. nomic boost to White Pine County. The bill ing legislation that establishes strong pro- NEVADA’S ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & LANDS also added important protections to the land tections against discrimination on the basis surrounding Great Basin National Park, en- Yucca Mountain—Slashed funding for of genetic information by health insurance larged two state parks and a state wildlife Yucca to record lows during the pro-Yucca companies and employers. management area, and provided lands for the Republican Bush Administration, and Affordable Birth Control—Senator Reid future growth of the Ely Shoshone Tribe. was instrumental in passing a provision that worked with President Obama to terminate Carson City Land Bill—This legislation in- would restore the practice of allowing safety the project and launch a Blue Ribbon Com- creases open space opportunities and helps net providers to have access to nominally mission to develop alternatives. the city pursue its smart growth plans. The priced drugs. Historically pharmaceutical Renewable Energy and Efficiency tax in- bill includes a land exchange between the companies have been permitted offer low, or centives—Since 2000, Senator Reid has se- city and the Forest Service, giving each enti- ‘‘nominally priced,’’ drugs to safety net pro- cured over $100 million for Nevada-based ty land that is more suited to its mission and viders to help ensure that low-income popu- projects to research and advance our na- management abilities. The legislation also lations have access to affordable medication. tion’s renewable energy and energy effi- conveys the Silver Saddle Ranch and Prison In 2005, Congress passed legislation which ciency capabilities. Additionally, the Recov- Hill to Carson City for continued public use, tightened regulations about who was eligible ery Act provided over $500 million for energy with a conservation easement retained by for nominally priced drugs. In doing so, Con- efficiency, renewable energy and weatheriza- the Bureau of Land Management. gress inadvertently cut off every safety-net tion projects in Nevada. Nevada’s institu- Ely Native Seed Warehouse—Currently provider from obtaining birth control at a tions of higher education, schools, counties under construction, the Ely Native Seed low cost, and passing on those savings to and others are working to make Nevada the Warehouse will hold one million pounds of their patients. Women who once paid five to nation’s renewable energy leader native seed used to will help reseed habitat ten dollars each month had to pay $50 or Renewable Energy Transmission—Deliv- after fires. more for basic birth control. ered $3.25 billion in financing for developing Fallon Plant Materials Center—Secured Pandemic Flu Funding—Senator Reid has transmission for renewable energy in the funding for the Center which will help de- worked to secure billions of dollars to ensure West (Recovery Act), as well $4.4 billion to velop resilient crops for the Great Basin. we are prepared to minimize the impact of build a national smart grid to accelerate re- Nevada Hunting Bill—Restored each the H1N1 flu or any potential flu pandemic. newable energy development in Nevada and state’s ability to differentiate between in- Medical Research Funding—Senator Reid across the country. state and out-of-state hunters when selling has a long history of directing funding to the Solar Energy—Worked with Department of game tags. National Institutes of Health for funding bio- Interior to designate seven Solar Energy Drop 2 Reservoir—Passed legislation allow- medical research in areas such as cancer, Study Areas in Nevada and to institute fast ing construction of a major water-saving res- Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes and stem track environmental reviews for key renew- ervoir east of San Diego, which will allow cells. Last year alone, he supported directing able energy projects (3 solar and 2 wind en- southern Nevada to take significant addi- over $40 billion to the National Institutes of ergy projects). tional water from the Colorado River. Health through ARRA and the Omnibus. Hosted Eight National Clean Energy Sum- REBUILT/RECONSTRUCTED SEVEN BRIDGES IN These investments could lead to new cures mits Established the Blue Ribbon Panel on JARBIDGE and treatments, and will address debilitating Energy in Nevada—Senator Reid, has hosted Sloan Canyon—In the Clark County Land health conditions that prevent our workforce the National Clean Energy Summit in Ne- Bill, created the Sloan Canyon National Con- from reaching optimal productivity. vada since 2008. These events have helped servation Area to preserve the beautiful FDA Reauthorization Including Drug Safe- build a dialogue among the nation’s most areas that bless southern Nevada. ty Requirements—In September 2007, Sen- distinguished leaders in clean energy policy Clark County Shooting Park—Conveyed ator Reid worked to enact the Food and Drug on how to build the infrastructure and create 3,000 acres and provided $60 million to de- Administration Revitalization Act (Public jobs to achieve energy security using renew- velop the world’s finest shooting range. Law 110–85), which extends the legal author- ables, other forms of clean energy, and effi- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation ity for the Food and Drug Administration ciency. Speakers have included President Area—Protected southern Nevada’s most no- (FDA) programs for approving prescription Barack Obama, President , Sec- table and beloved outdoor and scenic area. drugs and medical devices. While this new retary , Vice President Al Great Basin National Park—Championed law will improve prescription drug and food Gore, Energy Secretary , Energy legislation that created Nevada’s first Na- safety for all Americans, it also will improve Secretary , Interior Secretary tional park in 1986; secured funding for and programs focused just on our children. These Ken Salazar, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, along dedicated a new visitor’s center in 2005; and improvements represent a victory for con- with many other leaders from government, stopped two coal plants that would have sumers and patients who depend on our na- business, labor, and the non-profit commu- wrecked the park’s incredible clean air. tion’s system for ensuring that life-saving nities from Nevada and beyond. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monu- drugs and devices come to market in a time- Geothermal Energy—Prevented the Repub- ment—In 2012, Senator Reid authored and in- ly and safe way. lican Bush Administration from closing troduced legislation to establish Nevada’s Federal Medical Assistance Program down the geothermal energy R&D program. only current National Monument in the (FMAP) Increase—Senator Reid worked very Mormon Crickets—Was successful in get- north . The legislation was hard to increase temporarily the federal ting over $20 million appropriated for Ne- passed in 2014 and created a 22,600 acre Na- medical assistance percentage (FMAP) as in- vada. tional Monument that protects the best col- cluded in the American Recovery and Rein- BLM California Trail Center in Elko— lection of Ice Age mammal fossils in the vestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111–5). The goal Passed authorizing legislation and secured United States. The legislation also provided was to enable states to maintain their Med- more than $10 million to build the Center. economic development, educational and icaid services, while also targeting addi- Clark County Heliport—Conveyed 230 acres recreation opportunities throughout Clark tional funds to the states most in need like to create a new, dedicated facility. 100,000 County. ours. Nevada will receive more than $450 mil- people are safer as a result. Basin and Range National Monument— lion in additional funding as a result, which Ivanpah Airport—Authored and passed leg- President Obama used his authority under is the largest percentage increase of any islation that designates 6,500 acres for a new the Antiquities Act on July 10, 2015, to per- state in the Federal Medical Assistance Pro- long-haul airport. manently protect more than 700,000 acres of gram. Clark County Land Bill—In 2002, led Ne- land in eastern Nevada as the Basin and Cobra Expansion—The Consolidated Omni- vada delegation to pass a comprehensive Range National Monument. Senator Reid ad- bus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 public lands management plan for Clark vocated for years to protect this truly spe- (COBRA) requires most employers with County. This strong bipartisan legislation cial area where the Mojave Desert meets the group health plans to offer employees the op- released wilderness study areas to enhance Great Basin, and Joshua trees and cactus portunity to continue their coverage under economic opportunities in Clark County give way to a sea of sagebrush. It is home to their employer’s plan if their coverage is cut while also adding 440,000 acres to the na- desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and off or suspended due to a layoff, or other tional wilderness system. pronghorn antelope. It is an area that pro- qualifying change in their employment sta- Lincoln County Land Bill—Led Nevada del- vided food and shelter for Native Americans, tus. Many Nevadans who have recently be- egation to pass the largest wilderness bill in and one can see their history today in in- come unemployed are troubled by the steep- the history of Nevada. This legislation des- credible rock art panels there. The Basin and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:12 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.004 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6859 Range Monument will also protect the cul- and modernized demilitarization facilities. Members of Congress and staff regarding tural integrity of world-renowned artist Mi- Senator Reid also helped protect the Depot stock and commodity transactions. chael Heizer’s expansive sculpture, ‘City’. from closure during the BRAC process saving Honest Leadership and Open Government Lake Tahoe—Hosted the first Tahoe Sum- hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in Act—Senator Reid authored the ‘‘Honest mit to help preserve the lake’s clarity; impact for the community. Leadership and Open Government Act of passed the original Lake Tahoe Restoration Nevada National Guard (Army and Air)— 2007,’’ which passed on a bipartisan basis and Act; sent over $300 million in federal funds to Secured over $195 million in funding for Base was signed into law by President George W. help the Lake. Infrastructure and equipment. Bush. Sen. Reid’s measure was recognized as Fallon Water Treatment Plant—Senator Cold War Heroes—As part of the Omnibus one of the toughest and most sweeping ethics Reid secured funding for the construction of Lairds Bill of 2009 (PL111–11), Senator Reid reforms in a generation. Among the many the Fallon Water Treatment Plant which secured passage of the Cold War Historical accomplishments of this law include: opened in April of 2004. The residents of Sites Study Act which requires the Depart- Closing the ‘‘revolving door’’ between gov- Fallon and the neighboring Naval Air Sta- ment of the Interior to evaluate sites and re- ernment & lobbyists by former Senators & tion had been subjected to high levels of ar- sources for commemorating and interpreting staff senic in their drinking water that were ten the Cold War, including the Mount Charles- Reforming and increasing transparency for times greater than the national standard set ton Plane Crash Memorial. earmarks and conference reports by the EPA. Concurrent Receipt for Nevada’s Vet- Prohibiting pensions for Members of Con- Walker Lake—In line with Senator Reid’s erans—Senator Reid was instrumental in gress convicted of certain crimes commitment to protecting the environment getting concurrent receipt legislation passed Expanding the lobbying disclosure require- and Nevada’s natural resources, saving in 2004 that enabled our veterans with 100 ments Walker Lake is one of his top priorities. In percent service-related disability to collect Toughening limits on gifts and travel response, Senator Reid has secured more both disability and military pay. The fol- NEVADA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH than $375 million in federal funds for efforts lowing year, Senator Reid won passage of his Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act— to preserve the lake. amendment that expanded concurrent re- Changed the federal student loan program Truckee River Operating Agreement—Sen- ceipt to cover America’s disabled veterans from fixed interest rates to rates based on ator Reid helped negotiate the settlement rated as unemployable. This issue has been a the Treasury note plus a percentage for un- for Truckee and Carson Rivers. top priority of Nevada’s 250,000 veterans, as dergraduate, graduate or parent loans. Sparks Marina—Senator Reid worked with well as veterans across the country. GI Bill of Rights—Under Senator Reid’s the residents and community leaders of New Las Vegas Veteran’s Hospital—Sen- leadership, the Post 9/11 GI Bill of Rights— Sparks and used his position in the Senate to ator Reid has secured more than $600 million the largest expansion of educational benefits clean up the once-contaminated gravel pit for the construction of the Veterans Admin- since the original GI Bill of Rights—was into the Sparks Marina. Now the Sparks Ma- istration’s new Las Vegas Hospital and Com- passed. rina is a popular recreational area used by munity Living Center on Pecos Road in Teach for America—Reid worked to bring thousands each year for boating, fishing and North Las Vegas. Additionally, the $75 mil- Teach for America to Nevada, which has re- other outdoor activities. lion Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital at sulted in the hiring of several hundred high- 2 Million Acres of Wilderness Land—Begin- Nellis Air Force Base opened its doors in 1994 ly qualified teachers in the Clark County ning with the Nevada Wilderness Act of 1989, due to Senator Reid’s leadership. School District. which designated 740,000 acres of land as pro- New VA clinic in Laughlin, Nevada—In America COMPETES Act—Reid led pas- tected wilderness, Senator Reid has been de- January 2015, Senator Reid announced the sage of the America COMPETES Act, bipar- voted to protecting Nevada’s wilderness. To opening of a VA Outreach Clinic in Laughlin, tisan legislation to improve math and this date, he has continued working hard to which will allow Veterans in the Southeast science education and increase the federal turn more than 2 million acres into pro- area to more easily access high quality care. commitment to research. tected wilderness. One of the highlights of The Laughlin Clinic will provide primary UNR Fire Science Academy—The Fire the Senator’s efforts includes the Black care for eligible Veterans who are appro- Science Academy located in Carlin opened Rock Desert—High Rock Canyon Emigrant priate for care at an outreach clinic as well its doors in 1999. In cooperation with the Trails Act of 2000 which provided 750,000 as some mental health and social work care. University of Nevada, Reno, Senator Reid acres of wilderness in Nevada. Nevada Test Site—Maintained the Nevada succeeded in getting the Department of En- Rural Water—Secured more than $100 mil- Test Site as part of the National Domestic ergy to award the facility with an $8 million lion to rural water systems across Nevada to Preparedness Consortium, and provided ap- in grant and appropriations support. improve drinking water quality and treat- propriations of over $20 million annually. Nevada State College Campus—In 2002, ment systems. Urban Area Area Security Initiative—Re- Senator Reid successfully pushed through a Water Security—Enhanced Nevada’s water instated Las Vegas onto the UASI (Urban land transfer in Southern Nevada that pro- security by directly authorizing develop- Area Security Initiative) city list, thereby vided campus land for the newly created Ne- ment of the All American Canal, a critical securing millions in funding to help prepare vada State College. piece in implementing the lower Colorado and protect the city from attack. Desert Research Institute (DRI)—Secured River Basin multi-state shortage agreement. Implement the 9/11 Commission Rec- more than $70 million in appropriations for NATIONAL SECURITY AND VETERANS ommendations—As Majority Leader, Senator projects. Secured Vital Funding for All of Nevada’s Reid pushed to have the recommendations of UNLV Super Computers—Secured $2.7 mil- Military Installations. Over the course of his the bipartisan 9/11 Commission written into lion. UNR Earthquake Center & Biodiversity tenure, Senator Reid has secured millions for law. This law made Nevadans and all Ameri- Study—Secured $2.5 & $7.5 million respec- Nevada’s troops, veterans, military families cans more secure by: giving first responders the tools they need to keep us safe; making tively. and installations. In fiscal year 2017, Senator UNLV Research Park—Conveyed 122 acres it more difficult for potential terrorists to Reid worked to obtain over $204 million in of federal land to UNLV Research Founda- travel into our country; advancing efforts to federal funding for projects at the Nellis Air tion for construction of a research center secure our rail, air, and mass transit sys- Force Base, Naval Air Station Fallon, and and provided special authority to allow the tems; and improving intelligence and infor- Reno VA Medical Center. In addition, $90 Foundation to keep and reinvest 100% of any mation sharing between state, local, and fed- million was allocated nationwide for con- lease revenues from the land. struction of state veteran extended care fa- eral law enforcement agencies. Dandini Research Park Conveyance Act— cilities, including one to eventually be built NEVADA’S JUDICIARY Passed legislation signed into law by Presi- in Reno. Nevada Federal Courthouses and Build- dent Bush transferring 476 of the 467–acre Base Closure and Realignment Commission ings—Senator Reid secured more than $83 parcel north of downtown Reno from the Bu- (BRAC)—Successfully fought to keep Haw- million in funding for construction of a new reau of Land Management to the Board of thorne Army Depot open through the BRAC federal building for Southern Nevada, the Regents of the University and Community process and prevented the Nevada Air Na- Lloyd D. George Courthouse and Federal College System of Nevada for use by Truckee tional Guard from losing their C–130 aircraft. Building in Las Vegas. Senator Reid was also Meadows Community College and the Desert Senator Reid’s leadership position in the instrumental in securing funding for the Research Institute. Senate was pivotal in allowing him to ap- Bruce R. Thompson Courthouse and Federal point a Nevadan to the Commission. NATIVE AMERICANS Building in Reno. Indian Water Settlements—Senator Reid Nellis Air Force Base—Secured more than Mills B. Lane Justice Complex Security $350 million in funding for Base Infrastruc- has led the legislative effort to quantify In- Upgrades—Secured nearly $1 million for the dian water rights and settle long-standing ture. Reno Municipal Court and the Washoe Coun- Creech Air Force Base (Indian Springs)— claims against the United States. The Fallon ty District Attorney’s security following the Secured $128.8 million in funding for Base In- Paiute Shoshone Tribe (1990), the Pyramid 2006 sniper shooting. frastructure and for a new Center of Excel- Lake Paiute Tribe (1990), and the Shoshone- lence for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ETHICS & LOBBYING REFORM Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reserva- (UAVs). Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge tion (2009) have been able to develop their Hawthorne Army Depot—Secured over $59 Act (STOCK Act)—Senator Reid led the way water rights and their economies because of million in funding for Base Infrastructure in creating new reporting requirement for these settlements.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.006 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6860 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Western Shoshone Claims Distribution George Mitchell, what a wonderful were there. They were there to work Act—Senator Reid led efforts to enact a law extemporaneous speaker. He was the him over. He said: What am I going to ordering the United States to distribute set- best. He was a Federal judge, U.S. at- do? Just about then a miracle hap- tlement funds resulting in the resolution of pened. Our cousin Jeff walked in. He the Western Shoshone land and accounting torney, and a good man. claims against the United States. The settle- I was a junior Senator and didn’t hadn’t been to Searchlight for a couple ment funds, now totaling nearly $160 million, have a lot of interchange with Bob of years. But Cousin Jeff was known as will be distributed to an estimated 6,000 eli- Dole when he was the leader, but I have being a really tough guy. gible Shoshones. They and their descendents had a lot lately. He calls me to talk So Larry said: Here’s the deal. will be eligible for benefits from a $1.5 mil- about some issues he is working on Cousin Jeff looked them over and lion educational trust fund. now. One of the most moving times of went over to the biggest one, grabbed Washoe Tribe: Additional Land for Resi- my life was when Dan Inouye was lying his nose, twisted it as hard as he could. dential and Commercial Development. As He said: Do you guys want any part of part of the Omnibus Public Land Act of 2009, in State in the Rotunda. Senator Reid passed a measure to address called me and asked if I would go over me or my cousin Larry? the Washoe Tribe’s need for more land for there with him, and I said of course I They said no. They left. residential and commercial development. would. He was in a wheelchair and The reason I mention that—the rea- Under the bill, about 300 acres of Forest somebody pushed him over there, and son I say DURBIN is my Cousin Jeff—I Service and BLM land near the Carson and he said stop. There was a little alcove was in my office watching the floor, Stewart Colonies will be conveyed to the and MCCONNELL was up there. I was so there, and Bob Dole, as hard as it was Washoe Tribe, with nearly half of those acres damn mad. He was talking about stuff. for him, walked over to the crypt available for development. I was mad. I called my office: Why where Danny was and he climbed up on Ely Shoshone Tribe Land Transfer—Sen- don’t we have somebody out there say- ator Reid, working with his Nevada col- the bier and said, ‘‘Danny, I love you.’’ leagues in Congress passed the White Pine ing something? If that doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, They said: Senator, that was re- County Lands Bill as part of a braid tax nothing will. I will always remember package in 2006. The bill transferred 3,526 corded earlier today. We are out of ses- that. sion. acres to the Ely Shoshone Tribe for tradi- was a really good leader. tional, ceremonial, commercial and residen- So DURBIN has been my man, my tial purposes. He was extremely conservative but ex- Cousin Jeff. Whenever I have a prob- Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Land—In 1983, Sen- tremely pragmatic. We got lots of stuff lem, I call , and he can ator Reid (then in the US House of Rep- done. I was Senator Daschle’s point come. DICK DURBIN can talk about any- resentatives) passed a measure—which was person to get legislation out of this thing, and it sounds good. OK. signed into law by President Reagan—to de- body, and we did some really good clare 3850 acres of land held in trust by the . My kids said: Make things. sure you tell everybody about how federal government would thereby be ‘‘de- always gave me lots of clared to be part of the Las Vegas Paiute smart you think he is. OK. I am going Reservation.’’ room to do things. I can remember one to do it. One day I said to SCHUMER—we ENSURING EQUALITY FOR NEVADANS occasion when I was the whip, I have known each other for a long time. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’—As Majority lead- thought he had been too generous with But I said: How the hell did you ever er, Senator Reid led passage of the repeal of one of the other Senators and I com- get into Harvard? ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ plained. He said: Look, you are going He said: It helped that I got a perfect Mr. REID. I am winding down, every- to make this whip job whatever you SAT and a perfect LSAT. body. I know you are glad, but it has want it to be. I took him at his word, That is true. He did. He is a brilliant been 34 years. I served with 281 dif- and I did. I never left the floor. When man. He has a big heart. He works ex- ferent Senators during the time I have the Senate opened, I was here, and tremely hard. He has been so good to been here. I have such fond memories when it was closed, I was here. me. We have worked together. He took of so many. There was the hilarious is a fine human being. I a job he did not want, the chair of the and confident Fritz Hollings. I have really cared for him a lot. He wasn’t an DSCC twice, but it worked out great. never known a better joke teller than experienced legislator, but that is OK. We were able to get the majority. So I . I asked him to tell He is an experienced human being, and will always have great affection for the same story so many times, I could I liked him a lot. I already talked him, and I wish him well in being my have told it. He had one about two about MITCH. replacement. I am confident he will do wrestlers, but I am not going to repeat Diversity. We don’t have enough di- a good job. He will not be me, but he it. He was very, very funny. I am not versity in the Senate, but I do take will go a good job. going to go through the whole Ted credit for creating a diversity office My staff. We checked yesterday—my Kennedy list and all of that, but I have here with Democrats. Senator SCHUMER staff did. It is hard to comprehend how had wonderful experiences with my has indicated he will continue that, many people I have had work for me Senate friends. and I am very happy he will do that. I over 34 years—almost 3,000, everybody. When I came here as a Democratic repeat, we don’t have enough diversity. I feel so strongly about my staff. They Senator, there was only one woman, I want to tell everyone here I am are my family. I really, really do be- BARBARA MIKULSKI, and that was it. I grateful to all of my Democratic Sen- lieve that. I feel they are my family. am very happy now that we have 17 ators. They have been so good to me Chiefs of staff—I haven’t had that Democratic women, and we have four during my time as leader, but I have to many, surprisingly, over 34 years. Republican women. I want to make the mention DICK DURBIN. He and I came Claude Zobell, Ray Martinez, Susan record very clear that the Senate is a here together 34 years ago. He has been McCue, Gary Myrick, David Krone, better place because of women being so supportive of me. He has been my Drew Willison, and, of course, Dave here. There is no question about that, ‘‘Cousin Jeff.’’ Can I tell the story? McCallum, who has done so much to for many different reasons, but they Here I go. make sure I did not overspin things, have added so much to the Senate. The My brother still lives in Searchlight, and my utility man, Bill Dauster. He only problem we have now is that there and he is an interesting man. He had a can catch, pitch, play any position on aren’t enough of them, but we did our girlfriend there who was married and the field. He has been great for me. I best this go-round. We have four new brought her home one night. appreciate Bill’s work very much. Democratic Senators. Her husband or boyfriend, whatever Thank you, Adelle, because I would Leaders. I have already talked about it was, jumped out of the tree on my be so embarrassed if I did not say Senator MCCONNELL. It has been my brother’s back, and they had a fight. something about . She good fortune to have served with such My brother won. So a couple of weeks has been part of this little leadership good leaders like . I don’t later, he is at the 49er Club, a bar, a lit- team I have had. We have never had know if it is true. I accept it because tle place in Searchlight. He is having a anything like this before in the Senate. that is what I want to believe, but a beer, whatever he drinks. The leaders prior to me did it all on number of people told me I was his pet. He looks around, and he sees the guy their own. But I have had these three As I said, I don’t know if I was or not, he beat up, but the guy has a couple of wonderful human beings helping me for but he sure was good to me. people with him. He knew why they all these years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:12 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.007 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6861 We meet every Monday night and get the huge amount of money currently in it has never been more important to be set up for the caucus on Tuesday, lead- Federal elections and excessive par- able to distinguish between what is ership meetings on Tuesday. So, tisanship. The cracks are that the real and what is fake. We have law- PATTY, you and Rob, I just care so American people don’t like it. They makers pushing for tax cuts for billion- much about. I want you to know how I don’t like this money. They don’t like aires and calling it populism. We have appreciate your loyalty, your hard the partisanship. So there are cracks— media outlets pushing conspiracy theo- work. You have taken some jobs that cracks, I repeat—because the American ries disguised as news. you did not want to take: a budget job, people are complaining big time about Separating real from fake has never that super—whatever the hell it was excessive use of money and objecting been more important. I have met him, called. That was awful. I don’t know to the partisanship. That is the crack. but I wish I could sit down and talk to how long she is going to live, but that That is how the light is going to get in. him sometime because I so admire took a few years off her life. You and That is how America has an oppor- Pope Francis. Here is what he said yes- Rob have been great. Loretta is my tunity to become a better place, where terday: The media that focuses on friend. Iris I love. So thank you very money will not control our political scandals and spreads fake news to much, you guys. system over partisanship. smear politicians risks becoming like I have told everyone on my staff, So just a little bit of advice to my people who have a morbid fascination with rare exception: You represent me. colleagues: It has worked OK for me. It with excrement. If you are on the phone, when you an- does not matter if I am in Elko, really That is what Pope Francis said. He swer that phone, you are representing a conservative place in Nevada, 400 added that using communications for me. You are as if you are HARRY REID miles from Las Vegas. If a question is this rather than to educate the public on the phone. I say the same to those asked of me in Elko, I give the same amounted to a sin. who speak, write, and advocate for me. answer there as I give in Las Vegas. We Well, he can categorize sin; I can’t. They represent me. They have done so should all do that. But I agree with him on what he said. well. They have helped me in good People in Nevada have never had to I acknowledge the importance of the times and bad times. weigh how I stand on an issue. I tell press. I admire what you do and under- What is the future of the Senate? I them how I feel. That is why I have stand the challenges ahead of you. But hope that everyone will do everything never had any big-bang elections. Peo- be vigilant, because you have as much they can to protect the Senate as an ple at least know how I stand. People to do with our democracy as any institution. As part of our Constitu- don’t necessarily like how I vote, what branch of government. This is best un- derstood by listening to what George tion, it should be given the dignity it I talk about, but at least they know Orwell had to say a long time ago: deserves. I love the Senate. I don’t need how I feel. I think that is good advice ‘‘Freedom of the press, if it means any- to dwell on that. I love the Senate. I for everybody. At least that has thing at all, means the freedom to care about it so very, very much. I worked well for me. have enjoyed Congress for 34 years. As What is your formula for success? criticize and oppose.’’ So, press, criticize and oppose. Please the leader of the Senate, I have had What do you recommend? I tell them such joy and times of awe. Wow. What do that. the same thing about working hard. Of This really is the end of my speech. I are we going to do now? course that is important. Of course it That is what these jobs are like. have five children: Lana, Rory, Leif, is important, but also stay true to who They are so exhilarating, until, oh, Josh, and Key. They have been role you are—your roots. man, something happens, and I think models for me and for Landra. They Now my social life. My time in Wash- all of you have done as I have just said: were role models. We learned from ington has been different than that of Wow. What are we going to do now? them when we were young, and we are The Senate has changed, some for the many. I am not saying it is better, but still learning from them. We appreciate good, some for the bad. I want to say it has been different. Every year there the exemplary lives they have lived. I this, though. It is not the same as when are galas: White House Correspondents’ am confident, hopeful, and determined I first came here. There is change in Dinner, the Gridiron Club Dinner, to make sure that they understand how everything. The biggest change has Radio and Correspondents’ Dinner, Al- much affection and admiration I have been the use of the . I do hope falfa Club. So during my 34 years in for each of them, for their wonderful my colleagues are able to temper their Congress, I had approximately 135 to spouses, and our 19 grandchildren. use of the filibuster; otherwise it will 136 of these. I have attended one of OK. Here goes. Whatever success I be gone. It will be gone first on nomi- them. For me, that was enough. had in my educational life, my life as a nations, then it will be gone on legisla- I have attended one Congressional lawyer, and my life as a politician, in- tion. This is something that you have picnic in 34 years. That was because cluding my time in Congress, is di- to work on together because if you con- my son Key had a girlfriend named rectly attributable to my Landra, my tinue to use it the way it has been used Maile and he wanted to impress her. I wife. We met when Landra was a sopho- recently, it is really going to affect guess he did because they are married. more in high school and I was a junior. this institution a lot. But one was enough for me. That was more than six decades ago. Something has to be done about the I have attended one State dinner. We married at the age of 19. As I have outrageous amount of money from That is because I had a son who spent said, we have five children, and we sources that are dark, unknown, and 2 years in Argentina. I wanted him to have 19 wonderful grandchildren. now involved in our Federal elections. meet the President of Argentina. I did She has been the being of my exist- The Citizens United case in January that for my son Rory. But one was ence in my personal life and my public 2010—if this does not change and if we enough. I have not been to another one. life. Disraeli, the great prime minister don’t do something about this vast I have never been to a White House said in 1837—listen to what he said: money coming into our elections, in a Congressional Ball. That is going to be ‘‘The magic of first love is that it never couple of more election cycles, we are held tonight. I guess I am inquisitive of ends.’’ I believe that. She is my first going to be just like Russia. We are how it would be, but I don’t want to go. love. It will never end. Landra and I going to have a plutocracy—a few rich I have seen one World Series. That have talked. We understand we are guys telling our leader what to do. was enough. I have been to one Super going to have a different life. We have Leonard Cohen, who recently died, Bowl. That was plenty. I have flown said and we believe that we are not was one of America’s great music once in an F–18. That was enough. Over going to dwell on the past. We will be geniuses. He recently died, as I said. In the years, I have gone to hundreds of involved in the past any way we need one of his songs called ‘‘Anthem,’’ he fundraisers for my friends and col- to be, but we are going to look to the says it all: leagues, but everyone has to acknowl- future. There is a crack in everything (there is a edge, I can get in and out of those pret- I wish everyone the best. I am sorry crack in everything) ty quick. I have talked so long. I usually don’t That’s how the light gets in Let me talk about the press a little do that. I thank everyone for listening That is what he said. I believe there bit and their responsibility, as I see it. to my speech. I appreciate my wonder- are cracks in what is happening with We are entering a new gilded age, and ful family being here, my friends, my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:12 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.013 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6862 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 staff, and each of you. Thank you for dren, and grandchildren. That is some- We will not allow Nevada to turn your friendships over the years. thing we all respect and something I into America’s nuclear dump against (Applause, Senators rising.) wish to emulate. the will of its own people. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. So what can I say? It is an end of an HARRY, you share the Nevada values ROUNDS). The Senator from Nevada. era for my home State of Nevada. such as faith in God, hard work, and Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I will HARRY has devoted his entire adult life commitment to family. I know, be- yield for a couple more minutes for to one cause, the State of Nevada and cause you displayed these values at sentiments, and then I wish to say a serving it. home, at work, and at church. In fact, few words. Trust me, though we have had our actually, that is how we first met The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without differences when it came to our State, HARRY. It was during his tenure as objection, it is so ordered. I can attest to one thing; that is, there Lieutenant Governor when he spent f is no stronger partner to serve the peo- time in Carson City. Our families were able to meet each other and become RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME ple of Nevada than HARRY REID. It has been said victorious leaders friends. Eventually, I became very good The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under feel the alternative to winning is to- friends with his son Leif. HARRY, your the previous order, the leadership time tally unacceptable so they figure out dedication to family is extraordinary is reserved. what must be done to achieve victory, and it serves as a model to all of us. f and then they go after it with every- I would be remiss if I didn’t share a thing at their disposal. I believe that couple of my favorite HARRY REID sto- NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- ries. There are a lot of them. There are describes HARRY REID in a nutshell. TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR a few I cannot share, there are a few I Another measure of success, some- 2017—CONFERENCE REPORT can so I will share with you the ones I thing HARRY and I have found amusing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under in the past, is being blamed for all can. the previous order, the Senate will re- Before serving in the Senate, I was things—all that is good, all that is bad, sume consideration of the conference elected to the House of Representatives and all that is ugly. Let me assure you, report to accompany S. 2943, which the in 2007, until my appointment to the HARRY has been blamed for a lot, some clerk will report. Senate in 2011. Late one evening, I was fairly and some unfairly. The legislative clerk read as follows: sitting in my office with my chief of Senator REID has served in every staff, Mac Abrams, discussing a few Conference report to accompany S. 2943, a level of government, from city attor- bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal last-minute details before leaving for year 2017 for military activities of the De- ney, the State assembly, Lieutenant the day. It must have been near the partment of Defense, for military construc- Governor, U.S. Congressman, and Sen- end of the week because staffers in the tion, and for defense activities of the Depart- ator. As a Senator, he is one of only House offices were milling around the ment of Energy, to prescribe military per- three to serve at least 8 years as major- hall celebrating a birthday party, en- sonnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for ity leader. Even in retirement, due to other purposes. joying each other’s company, playing his far-reaching influence in just about loud music, and taking a few moments The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- every facet of State, local, and Federal to relax. I was having a hard time ator from Nevada. Government, I totally expect he will keeping the noise from the halls out of TRIBUTES TO HARRY REID operate as Nevada’s third Senator. my office because of the thin walls. All Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I stand After 26 elections, HARRY knows a of a sudden, it was if it all stopped im- in front of you to commemorate the thing or two about representing his mediately. A quiet hush came over the long life and service of a fellow Ne- constituency. He is one of the sharpest crowd. It became so quiet, to the point vadan who has given his all to serve tactical minds ever to enter the polit- I could hear a small echoing—tap, tap, our State and this country. ical arena. Having worked together tap. The taps were magnified. The hall- It has been said it is better to be over the years, my hope is that we way, which was previously full of life, feared than loved if you cannot be have sent a message, not only to all just immediately died. I began to walk both. My colleagues in the Senate and Nevadans but to everyone across this toward the hall to see what it was. I those in the Gallery probably agree country, that two people who you can could tell the tapping noise was the with me, no individual in politics em- tell differ on many opinions can work sound of footsteps. As they grew louder bodies that sentiment today more than well together, get things done for their and closer, I barely heard a peep in my colleague from Nevada, HARRY constituents when both are willing. that hallway. Sure enough, the next MASON REID. That is why it is fitting this week sound I heard was the doorknob to my Today I am on the floor to pay re- that the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act office turning, and in walks HARRY: spect to Senate Minority Leader will pass the Senate and will be sent to ‘‘Hi, Dean. Do you have a few min- HARRY REID, after 30 years of service in the President’s desk to be signed into utes?’’ To me, that story illustrates this Chamber, in addition to the years law. After fighting for years to refocus how much presence HARRY has and the of public service before entering into Federal policy on the 21st century respect he commands no matter where the Senate. threats to the lake, we teamed up to he is. He quieted an entire hallway full I know HARRY is notorious for his ensure important work that preserves of lively staffers by just passing short conversations—minus today—for the ‘‘Jewel of the Sierra’’ for future through and walking down that hall- hanging up the phone before our con- generations and that it will advance. way. versations end, and sometimes even One of HARRY’s lasting legacies will The second story occurred more re- midsentence, so I will try to keep my be that he and I worked to improve cently. We were in HARRY’s office on a comments respectfully short. water clarity, reduce wildfire threats, January morning soon after I was Before I truly get into the speech, I jump-start transportation and infra- elected to my first full term. During must first recognize HARRY’s family. structure projects, and combat that campaign, HARRY and his special As a public official, very often it is invasive species at Lake Tahoe. Be- friends gave me 12 million reasons why time with your family that is most cause of this work, Lake Tahoe has I shouldn’t be standing there in his of- often sacrificed the most, and it is very once again been made a national pri- fice that day, but, hey, this is the Sen- true, as stated by a leader in our ority. ate and collegiality reigns supreme so I shared faith when he said, ‘‘Nothing Another policy initiative that we was at that breakfast because our con- compensates for failure in the home.’’ worked together on was the fight stituents were there. HARRY has been keenly aware of this against Yucca Mountain. HARRY, rest HARRY and I have known each other fact and he shows his adoration. He has assured, I will continue to fight Yucca. for many years, and he made it a point shown it for his wife Landra and his My mantra is borrowed from one of to tell those in attendance how close five children: Lana, Rory, Leif, Josh, your late friends, the late Senator Ted we were. We were having a good break- and Key. He has made sure to keep a Kennedy, when he said: ‘‘The work goes fast. He gets up to tell everyone how very close bond with his wife, his chil- on, the cause endures. . . . ‘’ long he had known me, some of my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.014 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6863 background—but he kept highlighting resenting them effectively. When my own classmates because I have how close we were. HARRY makes a commitment, he keeps heard these stories so many times. It is So after his short speech—a little it. I knew at that moment and I have part of who he is, and it is part of his shorter than today—HARRY looks at known it ever since. value system. It explains some impor- me, offers for me to say a few of my Four years later, he was in the Sen- tant decisions in his life. own words. So I just got up in the front ate, I was still in the House, but the When he talks about the Affordable of the room and made sure that every- day came when I finally got elected to Care Act, we understand that he still body knew I could attest that at least the Senate and joined HARRY REID. remembers that his mother needed den- one Reid voted for me—HARRY’s son I know we had a good friendship to tures, and he saved up money to buy Leif. The look on HARRY’s face was start because we came to the House to- his mother a set of teeth. He thought priceless. Seeing HARRY process the gether, but I remember the day and I about the fact that there was no med- fact that there was a Reid who voted remember the moment when that ical care for his family when they need- for me is a memory seared in my brain friendship became something special. ed it the most. He thought about the forever. It was right there in the well of the depression that took his father’s life For me, this speech is not a goodbye Senate. and how that might have been averted because I know we will be seeing you The most important bill in HARRY’s with the right medical care. That is back home in our great State. HARRY, political career was up for a vote. It what has inspired him to public life. people, like me, may disagree with you was on Yucca Mountain. The one thing that has inspired him at times, but we will always respect He came before the rollcall was being the most is Landra. Over and over, I have heard these stories about this you for three things: your devotion to announced and he said: How are you courtship. Now, by most standards, your family, your service to our State going to vote? getting married when you are 19 is not and Nation, and your commitment to I said: Well, HARRY, I have kind of recommended but, clearly, in this case, fighting for what you believe in. mixed feelings on this. it worked out beautifully. When he This Chamber has been blessed with He said: Stop. I need you. I think I tells the story of how he finally got some of the greatest men and women have enough votes, but I may need you. Landra to marry him, it appears there who have ever served our Republic. So can you promise that if I need your was a little bit of tension between Today I recognize and rise to recognize vote you will be there? Landra’s family and this young HARRY your place among these figures and I said: Well, all right. REID, to the point where Landra’s dad hope your career will give inspiration But he said: But I don’t think I will basically said to him: Stay away; I to a young child from Carson City or need your vote. You know what happened next. They don’t want you dating my daughter. Searchlight or anywhere else in Nevada Well, they had words and other things, to follow in your footsteps. called the roll, and at the very end, one and HARRY insisted. He dated Landra, Again, congratulations on your ca- of the Democratic Senators he counted and they were married. The interesting reer. We, the people of Nevada, thank on voted the other way. He turned to thing about that is that despite that me and said: Well? you for your service. Lynne and I wish tension with her father in those early you and Landra all the best in the I said: I am giving you my word. years, HARRY wears a ring that her fa- And I voted with HARRY REID on years ahead—and as your new senior ther used to wear, and he carries it Senator, I hope I can count on your Yucca Mountain. That was the moment when our around with pride in memory of her fa- vote. ther and her family. He manages to friendship became solid. In this busi- I yield the floor. keep those memories as part of his life ness, your word is your bond. When you The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. and his inspiration. RUBIO). The assistant Democratic lead- promise somebody you are going to Another thing my colleagues may or stick with them come heck or high er. may not know is that HARRY is a vora- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I wish to water, that is when it is tested. cious reader. He reads books con- say a few words about HARRY REID, our Our friendship grew from that point. stantly. Even after he lost the sight in departing, retiring, Democratic leader. I didn’t know the time would come, but his right eye, he has continued to read. It is appropriate he is not on the floor it did, amazingly, when Tom Daschle I love to read as well. It has been one because it is painful for him to sit and lost in the Senate race in South Da- of my real joys in life, exchanging kota. The next day, I got a call from hear anybody say anything nice about books with HARRY. He reads everything him. I am sure he is going to be happy HARRY REID. He said: I hope you will under the sun. One time he told me he not hearing these words, but I want the consider running for whip. You ought was reading the Koran cover to cover. rest of the folks following the pro- to call every Member of the caucus, I thought: Man, that is something I am ceedings in the Senate to hear them. and I did. not sure I could even do. He has this I was first elected to the House of I quickly learned that many of them curiosity, this interest in learning. Representatives the same year as had called him and said: Whom do you Even at this point in his life, as he HARRY, 1982. A friend of mine, who is want to be your whip? And he said: nears the end of his public career, he an attorney in Chicago named Ed Well, I think DURBIN would be a good wants to continue to learn about peo- Joyce, said: Be sure and look up this choice. ple and history and important things. HARRY REID from Nevada because he is That is why I am sitting here today. I look back on experiences we have a great fellow and a great lawyer. So I Twelve years later, I am still serving had together. It was 9/11 when HARRY did. We came in with a large class of as HARRY REID’s whip and still count- and I were in a room just a few feet over 50 Members. I went up to HARRY ing the votes on key issues, and during away from here when there was an at- and said: Hi. I am DICK DURBIN from Il- those 12 years, I probably spent more tack in New York, and in Virginia, and linois. We have a mutual friend in Chi- time talking to HARRY REID, my col- we thought the Capitol would be the cago. league in the Senate, than to any other next target. We had to race out of this He said: Well, great. I am looking for- Member of this body. It is a close, per- building and stand outside, not know- ward to working with you. sonal friendship and relationship, and ing which way to turn as we were I said: So are you headed up to Har- we have gone through a lot together. afraid that we were the next target vard for the orientation? I will see you I listened to his stories. He told some here at the U.S. Capitol. Those were up there. of them today. He returns to his youth, moments we spent together that I He said: No, I am headed to Kansas growing up in Searchlight, which we won’t forget. City. We have settlement conference in heard about today in just wonderful de- I remember as well that he was one a personal injury lawsuit that I tail, but he also returns to all of those of the first to say to my junior Senator couldn’t miss. friendships that were made during from Illinois, Barack Obama, that he And I thought to myself, this is some those years with people he grew up should seriously consider running for lawyer. Up to the bitter end of his legal with in Searchlight and in Henderson, President. President Obama the other career, he was still devoted to the where he went to school. I have come night said that was one of the most im- cause of representing clients and rep- to know these people as if they were portant pieces of advice he received in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:46 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.016 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6864 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 making his decision to be a candidate him of the people he had grown up the 1970s, HARRY wore a wire for the for President of the United States. It is with—real people who had nothing but FBI to catch a bribery attempt. The an indication of HARRY’s credibility— hard work as their life. Like many of tape that was transcribed from that how much people trust him, and how the cases HARRY decided to take, his wire ends with HARRY jumping out of when he gives his word, you know he is colleagues said: What are you doing his seat and shouting: You SOB, you going to be there. wasting your time on this case? Spend tried to bribe me. HARRY couldn’t tol- When President Obama was elected, your time on worthwhile cases. But erate that somebody thought he could he needed a person—more than one, but every step of the way, despite the ridi- be bought. he certainly needed a leader in the Sen- cule, HARRY decided to stand up for In an effort to retaliate, the mob was ate whom he could count on. He this cocktail waitress. HARRY was de- mad at HARRY, and they planted a couldn’t have had a better ally than termined to keep at it and to make bomb in his family car. Thank good- HARRY REID. When I look back on the sure that she had a strong voice in ness, a watchful Landra spotted it and battles over the last 8 years that were court. Ultimately, Joyce won her case, told HARRY: Don’t start the car. They waged on behalf of America and and HARRY REID ended up with a vic- are alive today because of Landra’s vig- HARRY’s leadership role with the Presi- tory that he still counted many years ilance, but they suffered that indignity dent, there wasn’t another person in later as one of his great successes as a because of their courage in standing up this Chamber who could really take as lawyer. for ethics and integrity. Today, when much credit. He would be the last per- He also made sure the store that we hear people talking about how son in the world to do so. brought the charges against her had to rough politics can be, it certainly When it came to the stimulus pack- follow the law in the future. So he doesn’t lead to a bomb, in most cir- age to turn this economy around, it didn’t just help Joyce, he helped a lot cumstances. In this case, HARRY proved was HARRY REID counting the votes. It of other people as well. then and today that he is up to that was HARRY REID working every single For HARRY, this is what the law was kind of a challenge. day the holding hands of those Mem- all about as a lawyer and what it was Let me conclude with this. In bers of the Senate who weren’t quite all about as a Senator—making life HARRY’s childhood home in Search- sure they could be there when he need- better for people and families across light, there were words embroidered on ed them. the United States. a pillowcase that his mom hung on the It was HARRY REID who was counting He has fought for so many important wall. As we have heard, it was a simple up to 60 votes to pass the Affordable causes, and there is one that I want to and barren little shack that they lived Care Act. It took every single Demo- give special thanks for. It was his com- in, but this pillowcase had the fol- crat. Not a single Republican would mitment to the DREAM Act. I intro- lowing words: ‘‘We can, we will, we join us in that effort. And HARRY REID duced this legislation 16 years ago must,’’ Franklin Delano Roosevelt. had to do it. What was he up against? when I discovered a young woman in HARRY never forgot those words. He was up against , who Chicago, undocumented, who sadly They are engrained in his spirit. I want sadly was giving his life up to cancer at couldn’t go on with her life and go to to thank him for what he has done for that moment and fighting to stay alive college because of her legal status. I in- the Senate, for the State of Nevada, for until he could vote for that important troduced the DREAM Act to say those me, and for his decades of service to bill. It was HARRY REID working with young people brought to the United the United States. I want to thank other Members of the Senate who States as kids deserve a second chance. Landra and their five kids and their would get cold feet on the issue and HARRY REID heard my speeches and wonderful family for sharing her hus- had to be brought back in. He did it then met his own DREAMer in Nevada: band and their father with us for all of time and again, day after day after Astrid Silva, a DREAMer who would these years. day. In the end, 20 million Americans often write to HARRY with updates on HARRY is leaving the Senate, but I have health insurance because of her life. On December 8, 2010, HARRY am sure he is not going to quit. He is HARRY REID’s determination that what REID kept his promise to me and a going to be fighting for Nevada to the he went through as a kid growing up in promise to Astrid and to other end, and he will be fighting for the Searchlight would not be repeated for DREAMers by allowing the DREAM causes he believes in. He will continue families across the United States. Act to be brought to the floor for a to be a fearless advocate. I wish him When it came to Wall Street reform vote. The Senate Gallery was filled and his family all the best. and the Frank and Dodd bill that with DREAMers wearing their gradua- I yield the floor. passed through the Senate, HARRY tion gowns and caps to remind people Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, Senator stuck with it and made sure we passed they were students who wanted to use HARRY REID and I were both elected to it, hoping to avoid the kind of reces- their education and talents for the fu- the House in 1982, and over the last 34 sion we have been through and the ture of America. Fifty-five Senators years, HARRY has become more than a damage that was done to businesses voted for the DREAM Act that day. colleague to me. He is like family. and families and individuals all across HARRY had given us our chance. But it I call him the ‘‘brother I never had,’’ the United States. wasn’t enough to pass because we need- and he calls me the ‘‘sister he never I knew he was a fighter because I ed 60 votes under the Senate rules. had.’’ knew his record when it came to being HARRY REID joined me and 22 other Only a brother can hang up on you a lawyer. There are so many stories Senators in sending a letter to the like HARRY does. about his clients that I have heard over President of the United States asking And because a sister’s job is to em- and over. I feel like they were my cli- that he do everything he can to protect barrass her brother, I want to talk ents because I have heard those stories these DREAMers, and he did, with an today about HARRY’s incredible, ex- so often. Executive order known as DACA. To traordinary career and how much he One of the things I remember and date, 744,000 of these young people have means to me. read about in his book I want to share been protected with President Obama’s HARRY, his wife, Landra, my hus- with you. There was a woman named Executive order, because HARRY REID band, Stewart, and I have all grown to Joyce Martinez who was working in believed, as I believe, that these young be dear friends and enjoy quiet dinners Las Vegas, and the police came in to people deserve the chance. together. Stew and I even invited them the casino where she was working and Let me tell my colleagues one last to stay with us in our California desert arrested her for writing bad checks at story that I think really defines home once—where I cooked, much to the local grocery store. Joyce tried HARRY—his courage, as well as HARRY’s disbelief. going to several lawyers and kept in- Landra’s courage. It goes back to his Theirs is a truly beautiful love story. sisting they were wrong. She had never days as chairman of the Nevada Gam- They met in high school and have been done anything like that, but none of ing Commission. Being a Mormon, not together ever since. these lawyers would take the case. gambling, not drinking, he was the per- There was one incident early on that Then she met HARRY REID. HARRY be- fect choice for gaming commissioner. could have derailed them. When HARRY lieved her. HARRY said she reminded It was hard to consider bribing him. In went to pick Landra up for a date, her

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:46 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.017 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6865 father, a Jewish immigrant, was op- One December night in 2009, I got a At his core, that is who HARRY REID posed to his daughter dating a man call from HARRY and Senator CHUCK is: When he believes something to be with no religion. SCHUMER. They were trying to nego- right, he doesn’t think twice about But that wasn’t going to stop HARRY. tiate the final issue on the Affordable putting the gloves on, hopping in the He actually got into a fistfight with his Care Act, and this was our last chance ring and fighting for what he believes future father-in-law and punched him to get the bill passed. in. He just does it. in the face. We needed every single Democrat in For this, and for so many other rea- As HARRY simply said, ‘‘It wasn’t the order to end the Republican filibuster, sons, HARRY has made the Democratic greatest beginning.’’ but we had reached a stumbling block: Party better. He has made Nevada bet- But love always prevails. HARRY and Senator believed the Fed- ter. He has made our country better. Landra eloped during college, and eral subsidy in the ACA should not go And on a personal level, HARRY has Landra’s parents eventually came towards abortion. made me better. I will forever be grate- around to supporting them. If he voted against the bill, ful for his leadership, his mentorship, And throughout HARRY’s career— Obamacare would be gone. So HARRY and most of all, his friendship. throughout every campaign, every trusted Senator PATTY MURRAY and me In closing, I would like to read the election, every bump in the road— with the crucial responsibility of find- words I wrote about him. Landra has been by HARRY’s side, and ing a solution. Harry . . . thank you for the strength you he by hers. For 13 grueling hours, my team and I give to us. Though he has risen to the highest would come up with an idea, Senator Harry . . . thank you for the way you make levels of success, HARRY has never for- SCHUMER would run it over to Senator them cuss. gotten where he came from and has al- Nelson, and we would volley back and So you’re not a TV star, ways fought like hell for his State. He forth until we finally landed on a com- We just take you as you are. Harry, blue and true, was born in what he calls a ‘‘flyspeck promise. No one like you. on the map’’—Searchlight, NV in 1939, The bill was saved, and today, more Harry . . . working from the day until the a year before me. than 20 million Americans have health night. To say he grew up poor is an under- care—many for the first time ever— Harry . . . never turns away when there’s a statement. His childhood home had no thanks, in large part, to HARRY REID. fight. toilet or running water, and in order to He never gave up, and he trusted mem- Good thing there are no Senate duels! attend high school, he had to move in bers of his caucus to help get this bill— Harry, blue and true, with relatives 40 miles away. one of the most important health care No one like you. Nothing came easy for HARRY, but he bills in a generation—across the finish The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- never let that deter him. In high line. ator from Iowa. school, he wanted to buy a car, so he HARRY has perfected the art of strat- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUDIT took a job at a bakery that required egy and negotiation. He knows when to Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I him to wake up at 4 a.m. during the compromise and when to stand up and come to the floor today to alert the week—3 a.m. on weekends. In his spare fight—especially when it comes to his new Trump administration to a prob- time, he took up boxing, which earned beloved Nevada. lem in the Defense Department. There him a college scholarship. He has accomplished far too many is a festering sore needing high-level His very humble beginnings taught things to mention, but I want to quick- attention. I am talking about what him the value of hard work. We have ly talk about a few issues. turns out to be a formidable barrier. It all heard HARRY tell the story of work- No one fought harder against the stands in the way of an important goal: ing six days a week as a U.S. Capitol plan to dump nuclear waste at Yucca auditing the books of the Department Police Officer while putting himself Mountain, which would have threat- of Defense. At times, this barrier through law school full-time at George ened the health and safety of Nevad- makes the goal seem unattainable. Washington University. For years, he ans. Since he was first elected to Con- The need for annual financial audits proudly displayed his badge here in his gress 34 years ago, HARRY fought pro- was originally established by the Chief D.C. office. Upon graduation from law posal after proposal until the plan was Financial Officers Act of 1990. By school, he returned to Nevada as an at- finally scrapped—almost entirely be- March of 1992, each agency was to torney specializing in what he called, cause of him. present a financial statement to an in- ‘‘the cases nobody would take’’ before He has been instrumental in the fight spector general for audit. Today, all starting his career in elected office: to protect and restore Lake Tahoe— have earned unqualified or clean opin- First, as the Henderson city attorney, which is shared between our two ions, except one, and guess what. The then as an assemblyman, Lieutenant States. HARRY created the Lake Tahoe Department of Defense is that one. It Governor, and chairman of the Nevada Summit and worked across party lines has the dubious distinction, out of all Gaming Commission, before winning to help keep Tahoe blue. of the Federal Government, of earning election to the House of Representa- He has protected more than three an unblemished string of failing opin- tives. million acres of wilderness, established ions known as disclaimers. After two terms in the House, HARRY Great Basin National Park, and has In the face of endless stumbling, Con- won a seat in the Senate, where he fought to protect our landmark envi- gress drew a new line in the sand. It is gained a reputation for integrity and ronmental laws. in section 1003 of the fiscal year 2010 fairness. He was elected as our leader And when we were in the throes of National Defense Authorization Act. in 2004, and I believe he will go down in the worst economic crisis in a genera- The Pentagon was given an extra 7 history as one of the best. tion, HARRY fought tooth and nail to years to clean up the books and get HARRY is a workhorse, not a show stop the hemorrhaging of jobs and help ready. Guess what. The slipping and horse. Americans keep their homes—espe- sliding never stopped. The revised Sep- He is soft-spoken and a wonderful lis- cially in Nevada, which was one of the tember 2017 deadline is staring us in tener, but is not afraid to speak up. hardest hit States. the face, and all the evidence tells us He doesn’t seek the spotlight—in HARRY worked tirelessly to shepherd the Department will never make it. fact, he often avoids it at all costs—but the Recovery Act through Congress—a The 25-year effort to audit the books he also knows how to use it to fight for monumental task in our political envi- is stuck in the mud. those without a voice. ronment. At every turn, the right wing Billions of dollars have been spent And, he takes the time to know every threw everything they had at us, but trying to solve the root cause of the member of his caucus—what makes us HARRY took it all on the chin with his problem, and that root cause is a bro- tick, what our core issues are, and strength, stamina, and fortitude. ken accounting system. But the fix is where we each draw the line. He stepped up and helped us avoid nowhere in sight. Until control at the I want to relate one particular story Armageddon, and I give a great deal of transaction level is achieved, auditing that truly exemplifies the leader credit to Senator REID and President the books is nothing more than a pipe- HARRY is. Obama for that. dream.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:12 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.008 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6866 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Under the fiscal year 2010 law, the Fi- January 2015 was when the report I I said to Bishop Komanic: Please give nancial Improvement and Auditing was referring to was first put out, but me one task that I can take on for you. Readiness Plan, called FIAR, is sup- it was just now made public. Recent He said: If there is one thing I need, posed to tell us whether the financial revelations about the $125 billion in it is to get my human rights office statements of the Defense Department ‘‘administrative waste,’’ which was al- head, Father Tomislava Matanovic— ‘‘are validated as ready for audit by legedly suppressed by senior defense of- who was recently captured by a very not later than September 30, 2017.’’ ficials, is living proof of bad decisions. notorious criminal, the police chief of The latest FIAR report hit the street If the time ever comes when the De- Prijedor, Bosnia, who was infamous for last month, but it does not answer the partment of Defense’s accounting sys- starting the first concentration camp key question: Is the Department of De- tem can generate reliable information, in Europe after 1945. It was called the fense ready for audit? I read it, and I then such mistakes could be avoided. Omarska Camp. The man who ran this don’t know for sure. It is a study in So I keep coming back to the same place was named Simo Drljaca. He fuzzy thinking. It is kind of like a rid- old questions: Why has faulty account- pushed 700 bodies down the shaft of this dle, and here is why. ing information been tolerated at the mine. In this work, he had probably True, the Department boldly declares Pentagon for all these years? How is it captured the priest I wanted, that it is audit-ready. But in the very that the Pentagon is able to develop Tomislava Matanovic. same breath, the Comptroller and Chief the most advanced weapons the world When I went back to the States, as a Financial Officer, Mr. Mike McCord, has ever known with relative ease and reservist, I ransacked the DOD data- takes a step backward. He warns that yet, for some strange reason, it seems bases. We found from intelligence re- earning a clean opinion is ‘‘many unable to acquire the tools it needs to ports that we suspected this police years’’ away. Being audit-ready should keep track of the money it spends? chief of Prijedor had been the kid- offer a reasonable prospect for success, Why is this national disgrace being tol- napper of Tomislava Matanovic. I went but something is really out of whack erated at the Pentagon? to the CIA and asked to meet with this here. There are never-ending bureaucratic man so I could urge him to give this So the ultimate objective of section explanations, but there don’t seem to priest back to me. When Simo Drljaca 1003 is a successful audit or clean opin- be any solutions. met with me, he gave me this memento ion. Mr. McCord’s words seem to turn With good leadership, this problem of . It has the markings of St. that objective upside down. How can can be solved. The man nominated to George slaying a dragon, with a date of the Department be audit-ready and be the next Secretary of Defense, Mr. 1994, and various Serbian markings. meet the deadline if it is still years James Mattis, strikes me as the kind After I learned so much about Simo away from a clean opinion? of person who will tackle this problem Drljaca, I asked the Clinton adminis- Mr. McCord’s message appears to be head-on and run it to the ground until tration to make sure they could indict downright confusing, contradictory, fixed. His record suggests he will not him for war crimes, crimes against hu- and possibly misleading. If he knows tolerate this kind of endless foot-drag- manity, to make sure we could eventu- the Department of Defense is years ging and inexcusable failure. Twenty- ally bring him down. away from a clean opinion, then he five years of lameduck excuses prob- When the Bosnian secret police must also know that it is not audit- ably won’t sit too well with this ma- brought him to me, he gave me this ready or even close to it. He has to rine general. Either he will whip the memento, which I have kept under my know that the accounting system is in- accounting system into shape or heads desk. He gave that to me hoping maybe capable of producing reliable informa- will roll. According to press reports, he would not get picked up. Luckily, tion that meets prescribed standards. ‘‘failure’’ is not a word that he knows the Clinton administration had decided That tells me the Department of De- or uses. to pick him up. They had a typically fense is not audit-ready yet, and he With a new sheriff in town, maybe obscure DOD acronym to cover the sta- knows it—like everyone else. the endless, helpless ‘‘woe is me’’ hand- tus of this kind of person. They called Before he steps down, Mr. McCord wringing at the Pentagon is about to them PIFWC, persons indicted for war owes us an explanation for the con- come to a screeching halt. A modern, crimes. fusing statements. And once the new fully integrated finance and accounting Eventually we got an operation to- Pentagon leadership is up to speed, I system might be more than just the gether to arrest Simo Drljaca, and the look forward to further clarification. dream it has been. British Special Air Service carried it I also hope this new team will ad- I yield the floor. out. When they waited for Simo, they dress the wisdom of doing full financial The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- waited by a riverbank for him to do his statement audits when there is limited ator from Illinois. Sunday fishing with his son. control at the transaction level. By Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I ask unan- An officer had painstakingly memo- proceeding with full-scale audits with- imous consent to be allowed to have a rized the Serbian’s arrest record and out it, Mr. McCord has put the cart in prop with me. indictment so he could read it to front of the horse. Spending hundreds The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Drljaca in his British accent. When he of millions of dollars a year for audits objection, it is so ordered. started reading the indictment, Drljaca with a zero probability of success is FAREWELL TO THE SENATE reached down into his fishing tackle wasteful. Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise here box and shot the British arresting offi- I would like to remind my colleagues in the Chamber to give my last speech cer. Luckily, the British officer did why a successful audit is so important. in the Senate. I want to describe some survive, was wearing body armor. When First and foremost, it would conform experiences I have had that are at the that shot rang out, the security team with constitutional requirements. It heart of my service in the Congress. across from the river put several would strengthen internal controls and As a staffer, I worked for the House rounds into Drljaca’s chest. He dropped facilitate the detection of fraud and International Relations Committee and dead right there at the beach. theft. But it is also important for more for Chairman Benjamin Gilman. He had After I heard about this, I was so practical reasons: It would help bring been asked by Cardinal John O’Connor proud to be part of this congressional about better, more informed decision- of New York to investigate the plight team and to still be an officer in the making. Management can’t make good of Catholics in northern Bosnia. From U.S. Navy. decisions with bad information. If ac- that assignment, I went to northern I will say that this institution, and counting information is inaccurate and Bosnia to meet with Bishop Komanic, the U.S. military that has given rise incomplete—as it is today at the De- who started out the meeting in a very from the appropriations we have given, partment of Defense—then manage- difficult fashion. is the greatest force for human dignity ment doesn’t know what anything He started by saying: Am I a human? that has ever been put forward. I was costs or how the money is being spent, Am I a human? Am I? so proud we brought this monster to and if they don’t have that information I said: Yes, you are. justice. The guy who put together the at their fingertips, how could they pos- He said: You foreign delegations al- first concentration camp in Europe had sibly make good decisions? ways don’t do anything for me. been stopped, and he could no longer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.019 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6867 hurt anyone. And this memento has nally killed the curse of the goat and sions in this bill. I am not yet satisfied been underneath my desk here in the all the curses that befell our profes- that sufficient consideration has been Senate ever since to remind me of the sional baseball team. given to how the caps on general offi- basic human values that we share so I would say take heart, Illinois. You cers affect the National Guard, where dear—that we have here. I would say are so inventive that you produce most leadership often alternates between the United States is now the greatest of the pumpkins in the country. When Army and Air Force officers. No one force for human dignity that we have we sit down to Thanksgiving pumpkin has accounted for why the vice chief of ever seen. To make sure those values pie, that is 80 percent Illinois. the National Guard Bureau is the only continue has been at the heart of my Mr. President, with that, I yield the Vice Chief to not have a grade estab- service here in the Senate and in the remainder of my time to the victor of lished by statute. And I remain con- Congress. the Illinois Senate race, Senator-Elect cerned that this bill removes the re- Let me conclude by thanking some TAMMY DUCKWORTH. quirement that the deputy commander critical people. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, it is be- of the U.S. Northern Command be I thank Congressman John Porter for coming too common a theme that the drawn from the ranks of the National hiring me back in 1984, when I started U.S. Senate, in the closing days of ses- Guard. It is our National Guard leaders my service here in the Congress; Chair- sion, rushes to consider a conferenced who are most capable of responding to man Ben Gilman of New York for put- defense authorization bill. Earlier this domestic disasters. ting me on that international com- year, we considered one of the largest Regrettably, this year’s defense au- mittee; the people of the 10th Congres- defense authorization bills in history, thorization bill also misses an oppor- sional District of Illinois who first sent and the Senate considered few amend- tunity to provide the Obama adminis- me to the House and the people of Illi- ments and was afforded a truncated de- tration with the flexibility it needs to nois who also sent me to represent bate period. Worse, the authorization finally close the detention facility at their State here; all the family and threatened to bust a carefully balanced Guantanamo Bay. Rather than putting friends who put me here: Karen Garber budget agreement, by misusing over- an end to this shameful chapter in our and Michael Morgan, especially Dodie seas contingency operations, OCO, Nation’s history, the bill maintains the McCracken, who was always at my funds for base spending. I opposed that status quo by extending the unneces- side—people who wanted to make sure bill. Now, in the closing hours of the sary prohibition on constructing facili- we had a person of thoughtful, inde- Congress, we are faced with a vote on a ties within the United States to house pendent values who could serve here in conferenced version of that bill. It is Guantanamo detainees and continues the Congress. far from perfect. the counterproductive ban on transfer- To conclude, I want to give a mes- However, like open government ring detainees to the United States for sage to the people of Illinois. For the groups across the spectrum, I am detention and trial. Closing the deten- people of Illinois, I would say: Take pleased to see that a dangerous provi- tion facility at Guantanamo is in our heart, Illinois, that you come from one sion concerning the Freedom of Infor- national security interest. It is the of the most industrious States in the mation Act, FOIA, that Senator right thing to do. I strongly oppose the Union, the fifth largest industrial GRASSLEY and I strongly opposed has needless barriers to doing that in this State. been removed from the final bill. This bill. Especially after the problems we had overbroad provision, which was part of In the end, I do believe this author- with Governor Blagojevich, we have the reason I opposed the Senate bill, ization bill more appropriately pro- been a little down in the dumps. could have categorically exempted a vides for the common defense. None- A lot of times, I will pull out my vast amount of Department of Defense theless, Members of Congress, on either iPhone and ask people in the State the information from public disclosure, in- side of the aisle, should not tolerate same question: Who invented the cluding potentially the Pentagon’s this perennially constrained debate iPhone, the cell phone? And the answer handling of sexual assault complaints, over the authorization of over half of is, Martin Cooper from Winnetka, IL. reports about defective equipment our Nation’s budget. Similarly, if Con- On the top of the iPhone is a trans- issued to soldiers in combat zones, and gress considers legislation next year mitter, and I remind us that the first documented health hazards faced by about the important question of civil- cell phone call in the world was made military families living on bases ian control of the military, it should from the 50 yard line of Soldier Field in abroad. Hiding such information from not do so under the abbreviated, re- Chicago. That trillion-dollar industry public scrutiny would directly under- stricted debate by which we will finally started right in the middle of our mine the transparency required to ad- approve the National Defense Author- State. That, we should always remem- dress threats to the safety and security ization Act for fiscal year 2017. ber. of our troops. As the chairman and It was my highest honor when Lots of times when I am giving this ranking member of the Judiciary Com- Vermonters voted to send me back to speech, I will say: If it weren’t for the mittee, the committee with jurisdic- the Senate this past November. In a people of Illinois, a lot of the people tion over FOIA matters, Senator time of uncertainty, they are looking you know would be missing teeth, be- GRASSLEY and I are glad that our con- for leaders. I am, too. I hope Senate cause we invented modern dentistry cerns were taken seriously and ad- leaders next year will insist on regular with GV Black in Jacksonville, and our dressed. Now that this provision has order and the deliberative process that houses would not be so clean, because been struck, our Nation’s premier has long been the hallmark of this we invented the vacuum cleaner. transparency law can continue its crit- body. People on the southwest side of Chi- ical mission of watching over the safe- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I cago say: KIRK, tell them that we in- ty of those who risk it all to keep us wish to discuss the passage of my legis- vented the zipper—which they did. safe. lation, the Global Magnitsky Human People in Peoria will say: Hey, re- I am also grateful for the vital sup- Rights Accountability Act, which was mind them that we invented the elec- port this bill provides to our military included in the fiscal year 2017 Na- tric blanket. And they did. personnel and their families and the tional Defense Authorization Act, From the electric blanket to the vac- augmentation of our preparedness to NDAA, conference report. I especially uum cleaner and the cell phone, the deter, or meet, future threats through want to thank Senator MCCAIN who people of Illinois have been so innova- a wise investment in technology and partnered with me on this legislation tive. people. As the world becomes less sta- and who has been a true champion in Now we have a unique time in his- ble, this bill includes a number of the Senate for human rights and the tory. I can safely say without con- measures to reaffirm our long-standing fight against corruption. I also thank tradiction here in the Senate that the commitments to our partners abroad Senator BOB CORKER, Senator JACK Chicago Cubs are now the World Series who work with us to make the world REED, Congressman ED ROYCE, and champions. As I have said so many safer. Congressman ELIOT ENGEL for their times, any professional baseball team Nonetheless, I still have concerns help getting this important bill over can have a bad century, but we have fi- with a number of ill-considered provi- the finish line.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.021 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6868 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Before I discuss the specifics of the I, again, thank my Senate colleagues House and the Senate together. My Global Magnitsky Human Rights Ac- for their support for this important bill first term in the House of Representa- countability Act, I want to discuss how and for joining me in standing up for tives was BARBARA’s last term in the we got here. In the 112th Congress, we all those who seek a more just world, House before she was elected to the passed the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of even though doing so often puts their Senate. She is an extraordinary, tena- Law Accountability Act. That act own lives in jeopardy. cious fighter—remarkably so. She has placed sanctions on Russian officials The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fought for women’s rights. She has responsible for the death of Sergei ator from Rhode Island. fought for the rights of families, for Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS people who needed economic assist- arrested after he uncovered massive Mr. REED. Mr. President, I want to ance, and for people who needed a corruption in Russia. In 2009, Sergei take an opportunity to salute and chance because she realized that the Magnitsky died after suffering tor- thank and commend my colleagues essence of America is opportunity—op- turous conditions in pretrial detention. who are departing. portunity for all, not just for those who Those responsible for his torture and MARK KIRK are privileged or who have the benefit death were not brought to justice in Mr. President, Senator KIRK, my col- of wealth or power but for all. She has Russia and some were even decorated league from Illinois, just finished his done this extraordinarily well. and promoted. remarks. A great deal of her energy was di- With enactment of the Magnitsky MARK and I had the opportunity and rected to environmental protection be- legislation in 2012, the United States the privilege to work on many things cause that is something that benefits sent an unambiguous warning to gross together. He is a Navy commander. He all of us and that is something that is violators of human rights in Russia never lets me forget that. He always really the biggest legacy we will give that we will not allow them to travel called me Major; I always called him to the next generation and the genera- to our shores and to use our financial Commander. He served the State of Il- tions that follow. No one has more system. The Magnitsky Act resulted in linois with great integrity, great en- fiercely defended the environment—not dozens of Russians implicated in his ergy, and great spirit, and we thank death from receiving travel visas and just for a narrow interest, not just for him for that very much. a temporary expedient but for the long- from benefiting from our financial sys- Thank you for your service to the tem—and represented an extraordinary term health and wealth of the Amer- Nation in the uniform of the United ican people. victory for human rights defenders in States Navy. DAN COATS Russia. We also have other colleagues depart- Mr. President, DAN COATS and I As we know all too well, however, ing: Senator AYOTTE from New Hamp- served together. This goes back to both human rights violations against dis- shire; Senator BOXER of California, his tenures in the Senate. DAN and I sidents, journalists, whistleblowers, Senator COATS of Indiana; as I men- served in the Armed Services and and rights advocates aren’t unique to tioned, Senator KIRK of Illinois; Sen- HELP Committees. He was a remark- Russia. That is why Senator MCCAIN ator MIKULSKI of Maryland; Senator able Member. He continues to be a re- and I introduced the Global Magnitsky REID of Nevada; and Senator VITTER of Human Rights Accountability Act, Louisiana. Each has brought passion in markable Member. He left us for a which gives the President the author- their work to best serve their constitu- while to serve as Ambassador to Ger- ity to deny human rights abusers and ents, and the institution of the Senate many. Once again—no surprise—he dis- those engaged in significant acts of and the Nation are better for this serv- tinguished himself with his thoughtful corruption entry into the United ice. I am better for knowing them, support of American policy, with his States and access to our financial in- working with them, and having the op- international approach to issues of stitutions. portunity to share with them, and I concern, and with the ability to bring Including significant acts of corrup- want to thank them for their service. people together, not just colleagues in tion as a sanctionable offense is an im- Let me mention a few words with re- the Senate but, also, international col- portant addition to this legislation. leagues. The correlation between corruption, spect to all of these distinguished Sen- ators. When he returned, I was very, very human rights abuses, and repressive grateful for his help. Senator DEAN governments is clear. Corruption desta- HELLER and I were working very hard Mr. President, KELLY AYOTTE and I bilizes democracies, weakens a coun- together on a bipartisan basis to help try’s rule of law and can stall a na- worked together for many years on the Armed Services Committee. What she unemployment insurance extension. tion’s development. And those who call DAN joined us in that effort, and I out these abuses are often threatened, brought was an unparalleled commit- ment to and passion for the men and thank him for that. It reflects the huge physically or psychologically abused, range of talent and interests that he or worse. women who wear the uniform of the United States. She wanted them to has and, also, his commitment to the As many of my colleagues know, the men and women of Indiana, particu- United States has long struggled with have a quality of life that reflects their service and their sacrifice. She wanted larly the working men and women of the best way to address human rights Indiana. violations and corruption around the them to have the training and the MARK KIRK globe. With passage of the Global equipment that would protect them as Magnitsky Human Rights Account- they engage our foes, and she wanted Mr. President, MARK KIRK I have ability Act, I believe we now have the to make sure they knew that we were mentioned. I had the privilege, the op- tools to hold accountable gross viola- always conscious of their sacrifice and portunity, and the pleasure of being tors of human rights and those who en- service. She did this in so many dif- able to salute him as he was here. gage in serious acts of corruption in a ferent ways, and she did it so well. Again, we always greet each other as way that bolsters both our national se- She was particularly committed to Major Reed and Commander Kirk, and curity and foreign policy goals. Bad ac- making sure that the A–10 aircraft re- I see deep symbolism and deep affec- tors from South Sudan to Venezuela mained in our inventory. As someone tion in regard to that exchange. I wish and Azerbaijan to Cambodia are on no- who as a younger person was an infan- him well as he goes forth. tice that they can no longer escape the try officer, I appreciated having seen in DAVID VITTER consequences of their actions, even training how effective that system is Mr. President, DAVID VITTER and I when their home country fails to act. to protect our forces on the ground, served together on the Armed Services But in my view, the most important and her efforts were unstinting to Committee, and we continue to serve message this legislation sends is that make sure that our forces were fully together on the Banking Committee. the United States stands in solidarity protected. Again, that is just one ex- As a senior member of the Environ- with all those who stand up against ample of her commitment. ment and Public Works Committee, he corruption and human rights viola- has been very critical in ensuring that tions—and we do so through both words Mr. President, BARBARA BOXER and I we continue our commitment to infra- and actions. had the privilege to serve both in the structure. Infrastructure is a word now

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.049 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6869 that is getting a lot of attention. Years I have always appreciated his coun- Both the Vice President and Val are ago, DAVID was interested in that, not sel, his guidance, and his support, quick to note the real credit goes to only interested but instrumental in which were important to my constitu- their parents—Catherine Jean making sure we did our best to keep up ents and important to all Americans. Finnegan Biden, his mom, and his late, with infrastructure so that we could We have worked on numerous pieces of great father, Joe Sr. The Vice Presi- have a productive America, so that legislation together to address the dent and I would often joke—and it is people could enjoy the benefits, and so housing crisis, to extend unemploy- not a joke; it is actually a truth: Al- that we could be competitive in a glob- ment insurance, to make college more ways aspire to be half as good as mom al economy. affordable, and to improve mental and dad. That is an Irish aspiration. He has done a great deal. One area health services, to name just a few. Joe has made it. I am still working on where we also shared an interest is his As he said today in his remarks, one it, but he is at least half as good as Home Owner Flood Insurance Afford- of his achievements is to be able to these extraordinary people. ability Act, which became law in 2014. give health care protection to millions If you have spent any time with the This was critical not just to Louisiana of Americans who didn’t have it and if Vice President, you know that he is fa- but to every coastal State, including it is taken away will not have it. He mous for quoting his father and his Rhode Island. His energy, his commit- did that because it was the right thing mother and the wisdom they imparted ment, and his dedication made it a suc- to do, because he understood from his to all the children—Joe, Val, Jimmy, cess. I want to thank him for that, and own personal experience how trauma- and Frank. I think you have heard Sen- I wish him well as he goes forward. tizing and how debilitating and, ulti- ator BIDEN, Chairman BIDEN, and Vice BARBARA MIKULSKI mately, how destructive the lack of ac- President BIDEN say: ‘‘I give you my cess to good health care—both physical Mr. President, BARBARA MIKULSKI— word as a Biden.’’ You know you can health care and mental health care—is what an extraordinary individual. She take that to the bank. He meant it. to America, and, also, how it does is a pioneer. She was the first Demo- Once you heard that, without hesi- make us productive. Simply having cratic woman Senator elected in her tation, you know he was there with health care is not just a good thing to own right. She is the longest serving you and would not equivocate, would woman in the history of the Congress. do, it is a smart economic thing to do. not deviate, and would be with you. He led that fight for us. BARBARA MIKULSKI and history are one I had the privilege of not only work- in the same. She has made it. She came It has been an honor to serve along- ing with Senator BIDEN, but I also had from very modest roots in Baltimore. side HARRY REID and to see this ex- the privilege of working with a young She talked yesterday on the floor traordinary legislator work his way captain in the U.S. Army, at least about her father and mother running a quietly sometimes—many times—but briefly, as we visited him, and that was small grocery store in her neighbor- persistently. There is no one more per- CPT Beau Biden of the Delaware Na- hood. She took that sense of commu- sistent than HARRY. His steady, unself- nity, that sense of dedication, and that ish leadership will continue to guide us tional Guard. Beau Biden didn’t have sense of selfless service to others. As and his example will continue to guide to join the National Guard. He didn’t she said, she was inspired by the nuns us. have to volunteer for Iraq, but he felt that taught her, and that inspiration I have been very fortunate. I have it was his duty and his obligation. was extraordinary and fully realized in had the privilege to serve with these When we were together with him in her life. There are a lot of Sisters of ladies and gentlemen, and I want to Iraq, you saw someone who personified Mercy and Sisters of Notre Dame who thank them for their service. the very best of this Nation—a soldier, are sitting back today thinking: I knew TRIBUTE TO VICE PRESIDENT someone conscientious, someone who that young lady had it in her. Mr. President, I was also very privi- would give his all, give his life for oth- She certainly did. She led us on the leged to serve with the Vice President ers and, particularly, give every ounce Appropriations Committee, the first of the United States, JOE BIDEN. The of energy and service to this great Na- woman to chair the committee. She Vice President was here yesterday. I tion. has done so much to assist me on was here listening to the comments. I Anyone who met Beau knew he was a issues that are so important to Rhode must add, if I could, some words of my Biden. He didn’t have to say it. He Island. I must say that she and Kit own. looked like his dad but, more impor- Bond, one of her colleagues, were ex- JOE BIDEN is a true statesman. I had tantly, he acted like his dad—strong, traordinary in recognizing the prob- the privilege of serving with him for tough, proud, dedicated, committed to lems of lead exposure in children and over a decade. We traveled together to helping others, particularly those who providing needed resources. I thank her places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. I needed a chance, who needed a hand up. for that. am honored to have gotten to know He had a passion for social justice, She has assisted the fishermen in him and his wonderful family. Even compassion, and that element of kind- communities in Rhode Island with real though he is Vice President of the ness. In the sum of his days—of Beau’s assistance and real aid. She has done it United States of America—the second days—he certainly surpassed that test over and over. She has given me pro- highest office of the land—I know the of kindness, decency, and compassion. found advice, counsel, and kindness. titles he is proudest to hold are father, The Biden family has known a great She said yesterday on the floor: The grandfather, husband, brother, and, deal of tragedy—more than most fami- best ship in the world is friendship. I after that, Senator. lies—but they have stuck together, and agree, but ultimately the measure of A tribute to JOE BIDEN really has to they have shared both moments of tri- our service and of our days is kindness. extend to some others, and one person umph and moments of profound sad- I must say that by that measure, she is I want to single out is his sister, Val- ness. Together, they have shaped his- a very towering figure in the Senate, in erie Biden Owens. Val is not only his tory and made this a better nation and the history of the United States, and I closest adviser but the architect of his a better world. All of us who have had thank her. first campaign and every one there- the privilege of knowing JOE, Jill, and HARRY REID after. At a time when very few women their family are better people. Mr. President, finally, there is our were running U.S. Senate campaigns, Mr. President, let me thank you. Mr. leader, HARRY REID. Much has been Val was responsible for electing a 29- Vice President, Senator, JOE, thank said about HARRY today. I will not go year-old newcomer. When tragedy you. over the extraordinary tale of a young struck, she was the one who helped With that, I yield the floor. man from Searchlight, NV. He was a bring him back, who enabled him to I suggest the absence of a quorum. boxer and a Capitol Police officer while serve the people of Delaware and, ulti- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The he was working his way through law mately, the people of the United States clerk will call the roll. school. He has always been a fighter— and of the world. She is a brilliant The bill clerk proceeded to call the and a fighter for those who need help, strategist who has gone on to advise roll. not for the powerful but for the people many officeholders. We thank her for Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, I ask without power. For those without a her lasting contributions, and I wanted unanimous consent that the order for voice, he has given a voice. to make sure she got some credit. the quorum call be rescinded.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.023 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6870 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. This review was borne out of concern led Congress to create it in the first FISCHER). Without objection, it is so that the organization of the depart- place. I will repeat that. The National ordered. ment too often inhibits, rather than Security Council was created to give The Senator from Arizona. enables, the talented people serving advice and counsel to the President of Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, the Con- there to fulfill their duties at a time of the United States, not to give rules of stitution gives the Congress the power major strategic and technological engagement and specific instructions and responsibility to provide for the change. Building on this work, the to officers, generals, and admirals in common defense, raise and support ar- NDAA seeks to improve strategic inte- the field. mies, provide and maintain a Navy, gration across functional components Former Secretary Gates quite often make rules for the government and of the Office of the Secretary of De- tells the story of when he was visiting regulation of the land naval forces. For fense. Kabul, Afghanistan, and walked by an 54 consecutive years, Congress has ful- At a time when the Department of office where there was a red phone, and filled these more important constitu- Defense faces numerous threats that Secretary Gates said: What is that? tional duties by passing the National all span different regions, functions, They said: That is our line to the NSC. Defense Authorization Act. Today the and military domains, the Secretary of My friends, we have 30-something Senate has a chance to make it 55 Defense needs better tools to more ef- staffers at the NSC who are giving di- years. fectively develop integrated solutions rections as to how to carry out oper- It is precisely because of this legisla- and strategies for critical department ations in the field. It is simply out- tion’s critical importance to our na- objectives. To this end, the NDAA rageous. By the way, it not only has an tional security that it is still one of would allow the next Secretary of De- effect on morale but also on the ability the few bills in Congress that enjoys bi- fense to create and delegate decision- to address the challenges on the battle- partisan support year after year. In- making authority to a series of cross- grounds. deed, this year’s NDAA has been sup- functional teams to achieve core objec- For years after the end of the Cold ported by Senators on both sides of the tives of the Department. These cross- War, the United States enjoyed a near aisle. The Senate Armed Services Com- functional teams would support the monopoly on advanced military tech- mittee overwhelmingly approved the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in per- nology, such as stealth, precision-guid- NDAA in a 23-to-3 vote back in May. forming strategic integration more ef- ed munitions, unmanned systems, and The full committee followed by passing fectively in efficiency. the advanced communications that en- the NDAA with a bipartisan vote of 85 Improving the effectiveness of our able network-centric warfare. That is to 13. After a collaborative and produc- defense enterprise also requires tar- changing rapidly. From China and Rus- tive conference process, the House geting excess bureaucracy. Over the sia to Iran and North Korea, we see passed the NDAA conference report past 30 years, the end strength of the militaries that are developing, fielding, with an overwhelming vote of 375 to 34. joint forces has decreased by 38 per- and employing long-range, precision- I hope the Senate will deliver another cent. I want to emphasize that. The guided weapons, advanced fighter air- resounding vote today. end strength of the uniformed military craft, anti-access and aerial denial sys- I thank the committee’s ranking has decreased by 38 percent, but the tems, and growing space in cyber capa- member, the Senator from Rhode Is- ratio of four-star officers to the overall bilities. The result is that we are at land, JACK REED. Despite his lack of force has increased by 65 percent. Espe- real and increasing risk of losing the education at West Point and the im- cially at a time of constrained defense military technological dominance that pending doom of the Army football budgets, the military services must we have taken for granted for 30 years. team this weekend, I appreciate the right-size their officer corps and shift That is why innovation cannot be an thoughtfulness and bipartisan spirit as many personnel as possible from auxiliary office at the Department of with which he approaches our national staff functions to operational and other Defense. It must be the central mission security. This is a much better bill vital roles. That is why the NDAA di- of its acquisition system. Unfortu- thanks to the Senator from Rhode Is- rects a reduction of 110 general and flag nately, that is not the case with the land. I appreciate his friendship, and officers on Active Duty, and it requires Office of the Under Secretary of De- more than that, I appreciate the com- the Secretary of Defense to conduct a fense for Acquisition, Technology, and mitment he and I share to the defense study that will identify a further 10- Logistics, known as AT&L. It has of this Nation and the men and women percent reduction. Likewise, the NDAA grown too big, tries to do too much, who serve it. includes a reduction to the number of and is too focused on compliance at the I also thank the majority leader, the senior executive service civilian em- expense of innovation. That is why the Senator from Kentucky, for his com- ployees in the Department of Defense NDAA disestablishes AT&L and divides mitment to bringing the NDAA to the commensurate with a reduction to gen- its duties between two new offices, a floor and for his support throughout eral and flag officers. new Under Secretary of Defense for Re- the year to make sure this legislation The legislation also imposes a limita- search and Engineering, and an Under received full consideration and debate. tion on funds used for staff augmenta- Secretary for Acquisition and Our Nation faces the most diverse tion contracts in the Office of the Sec- Sustainment. and complex array of crises since the retary of Defense and the military de- The job of research and engineering end of World War II—great power com- partment, a practice which has gotten will be developing defense technologies petition with Russia and China, rogue completely out of control. that can ensure a new era of U.S. quali- states like Iran and North Korea, and The NDAA also caps the size of the tative military dominance. The job of the enduring threat of radical Islamist National Security Council staff at 200 acquisition and sustainment will focus terrorism. Rising to the challenges of a professional staff and detailees. The on the execution of acquisition func- more dangerous world requires bold re- past 25 years has brought a consistent tions, ensuring compliance, and low- form to our national defense, and that and steady growth of the NSC staff ering risks to taxpayers. God knows we is exactly what the NDAA delivers. from 40 during the George Herbert need to lower risks to taxpayers. These The last major reorganization of the Walker Bush administration to more organizational changes complement Department of Defense was the Gold- than 100 in the Clinton administration, the additional acquisition reforms in water-Nichols Act, which marks its to more than 200 during the George W. the NDAA. The legislation creates new 30th anniversary this year. Last fall, Bush administration, to reports of pathways for the Department of De- the Senate Armed Services Committee nearly 400 under the current adminis- fense to do business with nontradi- held a series of 13 hearings on defense tration. tional defense firms. It streamlines reform with 52 of our Nation’s foremost In addition to the growth and size, regulations to procure goods and serv- defense experts and leaders. We fol- and largely enabled by it, we have seen ices. It provides new authorities for the lowed up these hearings with a com- an expansion of the NSC’s staff role rapid prototyping, acquisition, and prehensive review of the roles, mis- into tactical and operational issues. fielding of new capabilities, and, criti- sions, and organization of the major NDAA will push the staff toward cally, the NDAA establishes a pref- actors in the Department of Defense. prioritizing the strategic mission that erence for fixed-price contracts. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.025 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6871 overuse of cost-type contracts and the Taken together, the provisions con- Putin, the same Vladimir Putin whose complicated and expensive government tained in the NDAA constitute the anti-air system shot down an airline, bureaucracy that goes with them most significant reforms to the Uni- the same one who is slaughtering and serves as a barrier to entry for com- form Code of Military Justice in a gen- killing brave Ukrainians as we speak. mercial, nontraditional, and small eration. As we implement these impor- This President has refused to give businesses that are driving the innova- tant defense reforms, we have to re- them weapons to defend themselves. tion our military needs. build a modern and ready Armed This will be, again, the third year in a Continuing down the path of reform, Forces prepared to meet current and row where we have authorized it. This the NDAA initiates a comprehensive future threats. The NDAA authorizes a is another shameful chapter in the his- modernization of the military health total of $619 billion for defense discre- tory of Obama’s feckless administra- care system to provide beneficiaries tionary spending, which is $3.2 billion tion as far as national defense is con- with higher quality care, better access above President Obama’s budget re- cerned. to care, and a better experience of care. quest. That includes the $5.8 billion in Finally, the legislation includes $600 The NDAA includes provisions that ex- supplemental funding requested by million to modernize Israel’s layered pand DOD telehealth capabilities, re- President Obama for operations in missile defense system. As we continue form TRICARE health care plans, mod- Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. The to support allies and partners against ernize TRICARE medical support con- NDAA prioritizes modernization to common threats, the NDAA makes tracts, streamline the administration provide critical military capabilities to major reforms to the Pentagon’s com- of the Defense Health Agency and mili- our warfighters, fifth-generation fight- plex and unwieldy Security Coopera- tary medical treatment facilities, and er aircraft, stealth attack submarines, tion Enterprise, which has complicated establish high-performance military-ci- vital munitions, more lethal and sur- the ability of the Department of De- vilian integrated health delivery sys- vivable armored vehicles and heli- fense to effectively prioritize, plan, tems. copters. execute, and oversee these activities. The NDAA ensures we maintain bat- The legislation also fully supports The NDAA consolidates security co- tlefield medicine as a pocket of excel- the modernization of our nuclear triad operation authorities from Title 10 and lence in the military health system by and makes timely investments in re- elsewhere in public law into a single taking steps to improve trauma care in search and development efforts to chapter of U.S. Code. For the first military hospitals and develop endur- produce cutting-edge military tech- time, this legislation requires the Sec- ing partnerships with civilian military nologies. Through a combination of retary of Defense to submit a consoli- centers and hospitals. These reforms added funds and redirected savings, the dated security cooperation budget, and constitute an important first step in NDAA directs $4.6 billion to address the legislation modernizes the security the evolution of the military health the military readiness crisis by reduc- cooperation workforce. Together, these system from an underperforming, dis- ing training shortfalls, supporting steps will improve operational out- jointed health system into a high-per- comes, program management, congres- forming, integrated health system that weapons maintenance, and sustaining sional oversight, and public trans- gives beneficiaries what they need and facilities. Critically, the NDAA stems the draw- parency. deserve—the right care, at the right down of military end strength that has This legislation takes several steps time, in the right place. to bolster border security and home- In a world of multiplying threats and exacerbated the readiness crisis, espe- land defense. It authorizes $933 million increasing danger, we count on young cially in the Army and Marine Corps. for Department of Defense counterdrug Americans to enlist or commit to serve As we meet our commitments to our programs. The legislation codifies the in the All-Volunteer Force that pro- warfighters, we must also uphold our authority of the Secretary of Defense tects us and our families. The NDAA commitment to American taxpayers. sustains the quality of life for the men The NDAA imposes strict oversight to provide support to Federal, State, and women and the total force and measures on programs such as the F–35 local, and tribal law enforcement for their families and addresses the needs Joint Strike Fighter, B–21 Long Range counterdrug and countering of our wounded, ill, and injured service- Strike Bomber, the Ford-class aircraft transnational organized crime oper- members. carrier, the littoral combat ship. ations. It enhances information shar- The NDAA authorizes a 2.2-percent These provisions will ensure account- ing and operational coordination be- across-the-board pay raise for members ability for results, promote trans- tween the Department of Defense and of the uniformed services, the largest parency, protect taxpayers, and drive the Department of Homeland Security. military pay raise for our troops since the Department to deliver our Finally, this legislation takes impor- 2010. The legislation authorizes over 30 warfighters the capabilities they need tant steps to strengthen cyber secu- special pays and bonuses to support re- on time, as promised, and at a reason- rity. The legislation elevates U.S. cruitment and retention and ensures able cost. The NDAA upholds Amer- Cyber Command to a unified command. fair treatment for our Reserve mem- ica’s commitments to its allies and As our senior military leadership has bers under their survivor benefit plan. partners. It authorizes $3.4 billion to testified, this step is critical to pro- The NDAA also addresses a dis- support our Afghan partners as they viding the Commander of U.S. Cyber turbing situation affecting members of take the fight to our common terrorist Command with the necessary unity of the California National Guard who enemies. command and streamlined decision- have been caught up in a scandal in- The legislation authorizes $3.4 billion making. volving the improper issuance of bo- for the European initiative to deter The NDAA also prevents the pre- nuses. The legislation holds the De- Russian aggression. This is a very crit- mature termination of the dual hat ar- partment of Defense responsible for ex- ical item, as we see more and more ag- rangement under which the Com- pediting the review process, reaching gressive behavior, both in cyber, propa- mander of U.S. Cyber Command also out to each impacted servicemember, ganda, and actual on-the-ground activi- serves as the Director of the National and notifying credit reporting agencies ties by Vladimir Putin—a fourfold in- Security Agency. when debts have been forgiven. crease from last year in the European Let me close by saying that we ask a The NDAA also implements the rec- deterrence initiative. lot of our men and women in uniform. ommendations of the Department of It provides $1.2 billion for counter- They a never let us down. We must not Defense Military Justice Review Group ISIL operations. It authorizes up to let them down. So let’s be bold on their by incorporating the Military Justice $350 million in security assistance to behalf. This NDAA is an ambitious Act of 2016. The legislation modernizes , including lethal assistance. piece of legislation, but in the times we the military court-martial trial and One of the things that has disappointed live in, we can’t afford business as appellate practice, incorporates best me as much as anything else, in some usual in the Department of Defense. We practices from Federal criminal prac- ways more, is that this President has can’t afford these terrible cost over- tice and procedures, and increases refused to give defensive weaponry to runs. We just had a hearing on the lit- transparency and independent review the Ukrainians who are watching their toral combat ship. It was supposed to in the military justice system. country be dismembered by Vladimir cost $200 million each. Now it costs $460

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.026 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6872 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 million each, and it has a 30-millimeter lowup to last year’s, has significant re- cause that does not allow the Pentagon gun and a helicopter pad on it. forms in the way the Pentagon does to move money around. It is an overall We cannot do this to the American business. cut of many billions of dollars at a taxpayers. There was a front page I would like to tell you that now we time that any observer will tell you is story in just a have reformed the Pentagon and every- more challenging to our national secu- couple of days ago about some $125 bil- thing is fine. My friends, we have a rity than any time since December 7, lion that, in the view of an outside long way to go. We have a long way to 1941. study, had been wasted. We cannot con- go. I am proud of the bipartisanship I urge my colleagues to vote for the tinue to do that to the taxpayers of that exists on our committee. I am NDAA. America, and we certainly cannot af- proud of the seriousness with which I yield the floor. ford to continue to do it given the chal- most—not all, but most—of the mem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lenges we face all over the world, which bers of the committee take their duties ator from Louisiana. are unprecedented in the last 70 years. as members of the committee. I am Mr. VITTER. Madam President, I Yesterday, I was honored to be asked proud that my friend and colleague suggest the absence of a quorum. to speak at the World War II Memorial from Rhode Island and I work so close- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The commemorating the 75th anniversary ly together, not only we but our staffs, clerk will call the roll. of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was in the spirit that is demanded if we are The senior assistant legislative clerk an uplifting experience because, thank going to carry out our higher respon- proceeded to call the roll. God, there were so many of our brave sibilities to the men who serve. Mr. ENZI. Madam President, I ask I am not proud—I am not proud—to warriors who fought and were present unanimous consent that the order for see sequestration continue, the mind- in the war that was fought by our the quorum call be rescinded. greatest generation. There were even a less, across-the-board cuts that have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without couple who had been on board the USS characterized the last few years. It is objection, it is so ordered. Arizona, which was sunk with 1,117 supported by both sides of the aisle, All postcloture time has expired. brave officers and men on board. not just Democrats. I love to blame the You know, one of the lessons at Pearl Democrats for it, but both Democrats The question is on agreeing to the Harbor was that we were not ready. We and Republicans have refused to ad- conference report. were not prepared. The Japanese air- dress sequestration, which is destroy- Mr. ENZI. Madam President, I ask planes that came in and bombed those ing the readiness, which is—not de- for the yeas and nays. ships and killed so many brave Ameri- stroying—it is harming the readiness The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a cans—we had nothing that could com- of our men and women to serve and sufficient second? bat them. At that time, the Japanese fight. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Zero was so far superior to anything Operations are being canceled, parts ond. that we had that it was a relatively are not available, the training is not The clerk will call the roll. easy mission for those Japanese Zeros available. It goes on and on and on. The senior assistant legislative clerk to attack and destroy a good portion of Why don’t we listen? I am not asking called the roll. America’s Pacific Fleet at that time. you to listen to the civilians. Ask the Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator What I fear is not another Pearl Har- leaders that we have asked to be the is necessarily absent: the Senator from bor, but what I fear is that with seques- chiefs of their services. Ask the leaders Arkansas (Mr. COTTON). tration and with the continuing resolu- who are component commands. They Further, if present and voting, the tion—which apparently we are going to will all tell you the same thing: We are Senator from Arkansas (Mr. COTTON) do, although I will fight as hard as I going to have to spend more money, would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ can against it—we are reducing the but we are also going to have to spend The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ability of our men and women to serve it more wisely. SASSE). Are there any other Senators this Nation with effectiveness. By the way, the Pentagon bureauc- in the Chamber desiring to vote? All of the four service chiefs—every racy does not like many of these The result was announced—yeas 92, one of them—when asked about seques- changes, just as last year we forced nays 7, as follows: tration and this kind of continuing res- these changes on them, and now they [Rollcall Vote No. 159 Leg.] olution, have said one thing: We are all take credit for them. Fine, but now, YEAS—92 putting the lives of the men and there is another year of reforms. Next Alexander Feinstein Murray women who are serving our Armed year, we are going to have to do more Ayotte Fischer Nelson Forces in uniform in greater jeopardy. reforms, but unless we have the fund- Baldwin Flake Perdue Are we going to take the responsibility ing that is necessary to make these Barrasso Franken Peters here with another continuing resolu- men and women who are serving in our Bennet Gardner Portman Blumenthal Graham tion to place the lives of the men and military fully prepared to counter the Reed Blunt Grassley Reid women serving this Nation at greater new challenges, we are going to relive, Booker Hatch Risch risk? in some form, December 7, 1941, in the Boozman Heinrich Roberts Boxer Heitkamp Rounds That is a terrible burden—a terrible words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Brown Heller Rubio burden I say to my colleagues, who, ‘‘A day that will live in infamy.’’ Burr Hirono Sasse Cantwell Hoeven maybe because they want to get out of So I ask my colleagues to vote for Schatz Capito Inhofe here for Christmas, will be voting for a this NDAA. We have had the input Schumer Cardin Isakson continuing resolution that again cuts from literally every Member of this Carper Johnson Scott defense spending—cuts it—reduces it. body, I am happy to say. I hope they Casey Kaine Sessions That is not acceptable in light of the will vote for this legislation. But I Cassidy King Shaheen Coats Kirk Shelby fact, by the way, that the President- also—when they do—recognize that un- Cochran Klobuchar Stabenow elect has said he wants to spend more less we fund these programs, unless we Collins Lankford Sullivan on defense. The President-elect has fund these reforms, unless we provide Coons Leahy Tester said: We are not spending enough. We sufficient funding, then they are not Corker Manchin Thune Cornyn McCain Tillis are not doing enough. going to be able to carry out their mis- Crapo McCaskill Toomey By the way, we have to do it right. sion in the most effective fashion. Cruz McConnell Udall We need to spend more. We need to do I say to my colleagues: Vote for this. Daines Menendez Vitter it right. But when we see a front page Vote for this, but do not vote for an- Donnelly Mikulski Warner Durbin Moran Warren story on the Washington Post that other continuing resolution that will Enzi Murkowski Whitehouse shows—I think it showed $125 billion harm the ability of us and the men and Ernst Murphy Wicker was wasted, then we also have an obli- women who are serving, and their lead- NAYS—7 gation to spend those taxpayer dollars ers, to defend this Nation. It is a heavy Gillibrand Merkley Wyden correctly. This legislation, which I responsibility you take on when you Lee Paul urge my colleagues to vote for as fol- vote for the continuing resolution be- Markey Sanders

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.028 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6873 NOT VOTING—1 will continue to push Congress and the I suggest the absence of a quorum. Cotton Forest Service to move ahead to reduce The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The conference report was agreed to. fire risks in Arizona. clerk will call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I look forward to continuing my The legislative clerk proceeded to ator from Arizona. work on these issues and to fighting for call the roll. other water needs in Arizona. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask f f unanimous consent that the order for MORNING BUSINESS the quorum call be rescinded. ADA DRIVEBY LAWSUITS Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent that the Senate be Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, in a objection, it is so ordered. in a period of morning business, with driveby lawsuit, an attorney will drive Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, what is Senators permitted to speak therein by a place of business and look for the parliamentary situation? for up to 10 minutes each, for debate technical ADA violations. These are The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are in only, until 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. usually minor violations that are eas- morning business, with Senators per- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ily correctable, like the width of a mitted to speak for 10 minutes. objection? parking space or the height of a van ac- f Without objection, it is so ordered. cessible sign. Oftentimes, if a technical violation TRIBUTE TO HARRY REID f exists, the attorney will either send a Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, earlier WRDA demand letter or threaten the business today we heard a moving speech by the Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I rise with a lawsuit. Oftentimes, the demand Democratic leader and my longtime today to speak about drought legisla- letter will request a settlement that is friend, HARRY REID. He spoke of his life tion that is critical to the State of Ari- just under what it would cost the busi- and his time here. zona. ness to litigate, so the business owner An amateur boxer turned police offi- As everyone knows, water is a con- picks the lesser of the two evils and cer, turned lawyer, turned majority troversial issue in the West. Arizona pays the settlement. leader, that is the supercondensed out- and California have long been at odds The scope of the problem is only line of the life of HARRY REID. When on a number of water-related issues, growing. From the first 6 months of the book closes on this 114th Congress, particularly the Colorado River. 2015 to the first 6 months of 2016, there so too will it close on the congressional Since the beginning of this Congress, was a 63-percent increase in the num- career of Senator REID. He is a fighter I have worked to advance Arizona’s ber of suits filed under title III of the and a champion. That is an understate- water priorities. That included work- ADA. This year is on pace to see al- ment. ing with our neighbors across the Colo- most 7,000 of these cases brought for- He is a fellow country boy, but he rado River to get a Flake-Feinstein ward—7,000. Compare 7,000 to the 4,800 had a much tougher upbringing in the amendment included in the Energy lawsuits filed in 2015 and 2,700 in 2013, isolated hamlet of Searchlight, NV. bill. This amendment, which was and we can see what a boon this has You can read about that in his book. adopted on the floor, would allow dams been for trial lawyers. In fact, this past That upbringing has bred traits that I to be more efficient and enhance water Sunday, ‘‘60 Minutes’’ did a special re- have admired since he arrived in the storage. port on driveby lawsuits and the toll Senate in 1987. His humble upbringing, In addition to this amendment, I they are taking on small businesses raised in a shack with no indoor bath- have introduced the Western Water throughout the country. I would en- room or hot water, sowed the seeds of Supply and Planning Enhancement Act courage anyone to watch that piece. It a life in public service and of the per- in the Energy and Natural Resources explains the problem very well. spective that has infused and driven his Committee. I have worked with many While California, , and New public service. He first came to Capitol of my colleagues on the committee to York have the highest incidents of Hill as a police officer, working nights move this western drought bill through these driveby lawsuits, my home State to pay his way through George Wash- regular order, work that included at- of Arizona has seen a dramatic increase ington University Law School. Little tempting to find a way to reconcile in these suits over the last 3 years. In did he know he would end up being one this bill with the California drought 2013, there were three ADA title III of the longest serving majority leaders bill in order to advance all of our prior- suits brought in Arizona—three. By in the history of the U.S. Senate. ities. 2015, that number was up to 207. As of He can point to so many of the things I am disappointed that instead of September of this year, Arizona has al- he has done, including steering the Af- continuing with the committee proc- ready seen 284. fordable Care Act to Senate passage. ess, a California-only deal was It is clear that the problem is only But I want to thank Senator REID for airdropped into an unrelated WRDA getting worse. My legislation would go his strong support of justice bills that conference report. This was done at the a long way to solve it. If enacted, prop- I have championed. An original cospon- last minute, circumventing regular erty owners must first be given notice sor of the Violence Against Women Act order, and leaving Arizona and other of their alleged ADA violation, at Reauthorization that I introduced in western State priorities out to dry. which point they would have 120 days recent years—to strengthen and renew Not only does the WRDA conference to cure the violation before a lawsuit the transformative and lifesaving work report disregard the good work the En- could be brought. If the property owner that is made possible under VAWA—he ergy and Natural Resources Committee fails to address the violation in a time- has always worked to combat the has carried out over these past 2 years, ly manner, then they can be sued. The scourge of domestic violence, helping but it also fails to address western bill also instructs the Department of to shepherd the reauthorization of this water matters in a holistic way. Let Justice to promote further ADA com- vital legislation across the finish line. me be clear, important Arizona water pliance through education so small He has also supported vital grant pro- issues still need to be addressed by business owners know what is expected grams to put more cops on the street in Congress, and I will continue to fight of them. I think these reforms will help communities small and large and to for these priorities. business owners and persons with dis- keep them safe. His commitment to ad- For example, the Colorado River abilities achieve their mutual goal of vancing our comprehensive immigra- Basin States are very close to reaching ADA compliance. tion reform bill, we got it through the a groundbreaking agreement to deal The ADA has been a great success in Senate by a large bipartisan majority. with the prolonged drought on the its 25-year history. It is essential that When the history books are written, river. We will seek legislation to imple- business owners continue to see it as a one of the huge mistakes made was ment this deal early in the next Con- tool to ensure fairness for people with when that the House of Representa- gress. disabilities and not as a weapon to line tives did not take up that bill, even Our watersheds are also under great the pockets of unscrupulous lawyers. though they had the votes to pass it. threat from catastrophic wildfires. I Mr. President, I yield the floor. These are all examples of how true

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.010 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 leadership takes action—not merely grandson. She has been a tireless advo- Pentagon. Senator COATS has been a talking points—no matter how dif- cate for her home State and for the watchdog of government spending, a ficult, to make a difference. country. And now, in retirement, I supporter of critical home assistance HARRY REID was at the Edmund hope she enjoys even more time with programs for low-income families such Pettus Bridge in 2015, commemorating Stewart and her wonderful family. Far as the Low-Income Home Energy As- the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. from finished fighting, I know BAR- sistance Program, and was a supporter I looked at him there with Congress- BARA’s voice will not be one soon for- of our most recent efforts to reauthor- man JOHN LEWIS and President Barack gotten in the U.S. Senate. ize the Violence Against Women Act. Obama—the first African American f Senator COATS has come a long way elected as President—as one of the tow- since his early days as a State staffer ering figures in America. But the true TRIBUTE TO DAVID VITTER for then-Representative and future measure of a man is revealed not when Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would Vice President Dan Quayle. I am sure he pauses to remember past injustices, like to briefly recognize the service of Hoosiers have not seen the last this he works to prevent them from hap- retiring Senator DAVID VITTER. Sen- public servant will offer. I wish him, pening. From pay equity to restoring ator VITTER has served the people of his wife, Marsha, and their entire fam- the Voting Rights Act, from the repeal Louisiana in Congress since 1999, ily the best in retirement. of don’t ask, don’t tell, to the enact- through the aftermath of Hurricane f ment of the Matthew Shepard Hate Katrina, across three different admin- TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE Crimes Prevention Act, there can be no istrations, and through countless de- doubt that Senator REID fights for bates. As he retires from the Congress Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, New Eng- every American, every day. after nearly two decades of service to land is in itself a small community. We And yet, no matter how large a na- Louisiana, I wish him, his wife, Wendy, Senators who represent these States tional leader Senator REID has become, their four children and his entire fam- band together to fight for our urban he has never forgotten the people of ily all the best in the next chapter. and rural communities, to protect our Nevada. In him they have a tireless and borders, and to preserve the rich herit- effective champion of the highest cal- f age on which our country was founded. iber. Senator REID’s work on behalf of TRIBUTE TO MARK KIRK For the last 6 years, one of those part- ners has been New Hampshire Senator Nevada has been relentless. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, for near- He has been our fighter. He has been KELLY AYOTTE. She has diligently ly 16 years, Senator MARK KIRK has our champion. And he has been a sought to represent the Granite State. given voice to his Illinois constituents friend. He has faced and risen above Senator AYOTTE and I share a back- here in Washington. His long record of personal adversity. He is a truly Amer- ground in law enforcement; as New service includes work as a congres- ican story. And his presence here in the Hampshire’s attorney general, she sional staffer, a 24-year career as a Senate will be missed next year. When prosecuted many important cases. naval intelligence officer, a U.S. Con- Marcelle and I leave Washington for After her election to the U.S. Senate in gressman, and a U.S. Senator. the last time, we will think of the spe- 2011, Senator AYOTTE was recognized as Dedicated to several matters of na- cial friends we have had. HARRY REID, one of the most influential women in tional and international importance, Landra Reid—we will think of them. her party. She has taken a practical, Senator KIRK has supported a range of We wish them all the best as they New England-style approach in the legislative efforts during his Senate begin their next chapter together. Senate. Like many of us from New tenure and has not shied from opposing f England, she has been persistent in her his party’s position. From supporting efforts to call national attention to the TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER the Employment Non-Discrimination opioid epidemic ravaging our commu- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, moun- Act and efforts to repeal don’t ask, nities and particularly hitting hard tains, rivers, cities, and plains separate don’t tell, from his opposition to rural communities in Vermont and Vermont and California, two States as defunding and the New Hampshire. She was a partner as different as any in the country. But blockade of President Obama’s Su- we sought to advance and ultimately here in the U.S. Senate, we are on preme Court nominee, Senator KIRK pass the Comprehensive Addiction and equal footing. It is one of the hall- has emerged as a conservative voice in Recovery Act, which should provide marks of our Constitution and rep- support of some of the most critical much needed support for those facing resentative government. For over three civil rights protections debated today. this crippling addiction. Her attention When Senator KIRK returned to the decades, BARBARA BOXER worked to ad- to this public health crisis will surely vance the priorities of Californians. Senate following his traumatic stroke be a cornerstone of her Senate legacy. in 2012, he showed his commitment to Thankfully, in many ways, those prior- I wish Senator AYOTTE, her husband, ities, despite the diversity of our Illinois’ voters. As Senator KIRK begins Joseph, and their children well in their States, have mirrored those of this new chapter, I wish him the very future endeavors. Vermonters. best. I yield the floor. A trailblazer in her own right, Sen- f I suggest the absence of a quorum. ator BOXER rose to become the first The PRESIDING OFFICER. The TRIBUTE TO DAN COATS woman to chair the Senate Environ- clerk will call the roll. ment and Public Works Committee, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, it is an The legislative clerk proceeded to where she fought to protect and pre- honor for anyone to serve in the U.S. call the roll. serve our environment, promote clean Senate. Giving voice to your constitu- Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I ask and safe drinking water, update our an- ents’ views is a humbling responsi- unanimous consent that the order for tiquated infrastructure, and improve bility. It is one thing to be called to the quorum call be rescinded. public safety. serve; it is another to come back for a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senator BOXER was an early and second tour of duty. Senator DAN objection, it is so ordered. vocal supporter of our efforts to reau- COATS’ life is one of public service, be- f thorize and expand the important Vio- ginning with military service and cul- lence Against Women Act. Her pas- minating for now in his retirement this FINANCIAL REFORM sionate pleas to Senators and Members year from the Senate—his second ten- Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, we all of the House to approve this critical— ure representing the people of Indiana. remember the very severe financial cri- and lifesaving—bill was essential to the Senator COATS has championed a sis of 2008, which precipitated a very Senate’s debate. number of efforts during his terms in severe recession from which we have Of course, most important in Senator the Senate. I am particularly grateful had a very, very weak recovery. In BOXER’s life is her family. Like many, for his support of the National Guard many ways, we are still trying to re- I was touched when she announced her and his support for our efforts to em- cover from that. I want to talk a little retirement in an interview with her power the National Guard within the about that, and I want to talk about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.033 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6875 the opportunity that is before us to tensive control and not by freeing up that needs to buy another pickup make some very constructive changes market discipline to prevent the crisis truck. It is community banks that pro- to help us have a more robust recovery, from occurring. I think that is very vide the lending for these kinds of the recovery we have been waiting for. much at the heart of the fundamental small business opportunities that allow Let’s first review, very briefly, the conceptual flaw of Dodd-Frank. families and individuals to live their causes of this financial crisis because Some of the specifics, broadly speak- dream and create jobs all across Amer- the misguided response to it has con- ing, were to severely restrict what fi- ica. That is what community banks did tributed to our lack of a robust recov- nancial institutions could do, essen- for years. ery. The causes of the financial crisis tially turn medium- and large-sized For decades, prior to Dodd-Frank, we were of course principally government banks into public utilities, give regu- launched, on average, about 125 new causes. It was principally the failure of lators, the same folks who missed the community banks per year—many government policy that created the fi- last crisis, virtually unlimited powers more in really good times, fewer in bad nancial crisis that led to this recession. to micromanage these institutions times but about 125 per year. From the What specific government policies? I with the thought that somehow in the day they signed Dodd-Frank into law would say several. Briefly, first of all, future they will catch the next one. in July of 2010 through this afternoon, it was failed monetary policy. The pol- Then, as a failsafe in Dodd-Frank, the we have launched two new community icy in which the monetary authorities sort of final backstop, was to actually banks in America—two in over 6 years. kept interest rates too low for too long codify a category of financial institu- This industry is done. It is dead. It actually had negative real interest tions as too-big-to-fail. The termi- doesn’t happen anymore because when rates, and that policy, quite predict- nology they use in Dodd-Frank is a lit- business folks sit around the table and ably, created a bubble, a bubble in resi- tle different. They call them system- say, gee, wouldn’t it be a good idea to dential real estate, the explosion of atically important financial institu- launch a bank because we need one in which led to this crisis. This was com- tions, but that is what it is. It is carv- our community, we don’t have a small pounded by the failed legislative pol- ing into law a category that we will community bank willing to provide icy, which actually required mortgage deem too big to fail and the creation of these loans, what they have discovered lenders, especially the government- an explicit bailout mechanism, where- very quickly is, they can’t possibly sponsored enterprises of Fannie Mae by taxpayers will have to once again make a go at it because the regulatory and Freddie Mac, to lend money to peo- bail out these financial institutions if expense and costs are so staggering ple who were very unlikely to be able they fail. that they can’t see their way to a sur- to pay it back. It is generally a very There are many problems with this viving business model. As a result, we bad idea to lend money to people who whole approach, not the least of which don’t have these community banks are not able to pay it back, and it was is—there should be no institution in anymore. They aren’t being launched a bad idea in this case as well. America that is too big to fail. A pri- and haven’t been for years. Who knows Thirdly, I would suggest that there vate for-profit organization, if it fails, how many small businesses haven’t was a failure of government regulators. it must be allowed to fail. There is no launched and haven’t been able to grow There were many thousands of regu- justification for forcing taxpayers to because people could never get the lators crawling through all of the fi- bail out any kind of firm, including funding. Let me just promise you, nancial institutions of America, but banks. That is a bad and fundamental Citigroup is not in the business of somehow this gigantic bubble escaped flaw, but there are many adverse con- doing the kind of lending that new their notice, and the interconnected sequences that have come along. We community banks do every single day. nature of the firms and the exposures have seen a huge concentration in This is just one of the many problems, that firms had to financial risk seemed banking assets directly in response to and one of the most fundamental ones to escape their attention. The com- Dodd-Frank that arguably con- is that taxpayers have this big contin- bination of a failed monetary policy, centrates risks. We have seen costs to gent liability hanging over their head failed legislative policy, and failed reg- consumers rise, and costs for financial in the form of that bailout mechanism ulatory policy was the government’s services that consumers need has gone I alluded to earlier—this requirement enormous contribution to this crisis. up. Liquidity and securities have gone that they will be forced to bail out big I think everybody would agree that done, and that just means pension financial institutions all over again. one of the things we learned from the funds and savers have to pay more to Dodd-Frank codifies it. Dodd-Frank financial crisis was just how inad- invest their savings in the stocks and spells out exactly how it should hap- equate the resolution mechanism was bonds they are relying on for their re- pen. that we had for the failure of a large, tirement security. Innovation has dried It is my strongly held view that we complex financial institution. We up because bureaucrats have to ap- need to reform Dodd-Frank. It is over- didn’t have an adequate one at all. The prove everything and anything a finan- due. It needs substantial reforms, and failure of Lehman Brothers was a good cial institution can do. those reforms should include making case in point, and the worry at the By the way, it actually destroyed a sure taxpayers never have to bail out time was that if large financial institu- whole industry. This is not reported on another giant institution. That is just tions were simply allowed to fail, they nearly as much as I think it should be, wrong. That should not be on the table. would have a knockdown effect that but Dodd-Frank, together with the ab- In fact, it should be precluded. would bring down the entire global fi- normally low interest rates we have A second issue is, taxpayers should nancial network and beyond so that had once again, has completely ended not be forced, through the mechanisms was the concern. I think it is valid that the entire industry of startup commu- of this bill, to make banking products the resolution mechanism at the time nity banking. It is worth noting that in more expensive for consumers—less was insufficient. the United States of America, prior to available, more expensive, fewer prod- In the wake of this crisis, Congress the passage of Dodd-Frank, Americans ucts and services. We can do this while stepped in and decided we have to do launched new banks for decades. It is we maintain our ability to deter, de- something about it, and of course what something business folks would rou- tect, prevent, and prosecute fraud when they did was give us Dodd-Frank, tinely do. A handful of businesspeople it occurs. That is absolutely a funda- which is a law that is very badly flawed would pull their resources together, mental responsibility we have, and we in many ways and failed, in part, be- start up a bank, contribute the capital, can do that. cause the authors failed to fully com- do their own banking business there, Most importantly, we have to enable prehend the cause of this crisis and be- and then what would they do? They a vigorous, competitive market for fi- cause they took the wrong funda- would provide lending services to con- nancial services to respond to con- mental approach to dealing with it. sumers and small businesses in their sumers with new services and new Most fundamentally was a conceptual towns and communities. They would be products at ever-lower costs and to flaw which is that future financial cri- there for the local pizza shop that have a market discipline that forces sis would be avoided by having the gov- needs to add a walk-in cooler in the those institutions to behave prudently ernment impose enormous and very ex- back or the local HVAC repair shop because their future depends on it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.039 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6876 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 We are coming into a new Congress over the next 10 years. By the way, pact their community, their neighbors, soon, and I am hoping our Democratic that $20 billion is bailout money. We their friends. This is particularly true colleagues will work with us to correct can fix that. The office of financial re- for the thousands of young people who the fundamental flaws in Dodd-Frank, search costs over $1 billion. applied for temporary status under the repeal the things that don’t work, and There are many cases in which we DACA Program. roll back the problems with this legis- can save serious taxpayer money, in Over the last few years, I have come lation, but the incoming Senate minor- the process reduce our deficits, thereby down to the floor to tell stories of ity leader is on record in interviews al- achieve the goal of the reconciliation DREAMers from my home. I told the ready declaring they will not do so. instructions given to the Banking story of twin sisters who graduated They will not help us in this endeavor. Committee, and along the way help en- from college and are now both seeking They are not interested and can deny courage stronger economic growth by advanced degrees, one in law, one in us the 60 votes we will need to make modifying some of these misguided medicine. I told the story of a young substantive reforms to Dodd-Frank. policies in Dodd-Frank. man who applied for DACA and wanted Let me suggest to my colleagues I suggest that the election we just to pursue graduate school for biology. I that—first of all, I hope there is a went through was about several things, am happy to report that he is currently change of heart on the other side. I but one of them was certainly shaking studying to earn a joint Ph.D. and hope, first and foremost, as we go up the status quo and getting some M.D., with the hope of working on dis- through this process, that some of our things done and not just continuing ease prevention. I will continue to tell Democratic colleagues will work with what we have always been doing. Well, the inspiring stories of DREAMers who us and will agree that there are for too long now we have been putting demonstrate why we should protect changes that need to be made and that up with the Dodd-Frank bill that is them from deportation. we can make them, hopefully, with a costing us a lot of economic growth Today, I would like to tell you about very broad consensus. If that is not and opportunity. I am hoping our one of those New Mexicans, someone I possible, I suggest there is an alter- Democratic colleagues will work with heard from last week when I held a lis- native. The alternative is that we use a us so we can begin to make the con- tening session with community and budget resolution that would contain structive changes we need, but, if not, faith leaders, immigrant rights advo- reconciliation instructions to the I think we should use all tools avail- cates, and DREAMers from across New Banking Committee. For that matter, able to get this job done. . She and her family live in the this could apply to other authorizing I suggest the absence of a quorum. Mesilla Valley in southern New Mex- committees, but I am specifically re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ico. ferring to the Banking Committee. The clerk will call the roll. The Mesilla Valley is a rich agricul- reason that is important is because The legislative clerk proceeded to tural region. It is home to dairy farms, that will allow us to pass subsequent call the roll. pecan orchards, and many of New Mexi- legislation in compliance with the rec- Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, I ask co’s famed green chile fields. Genera- onciliation instructions that can pass unanimous consent that the order for tions of farmers and families in the the Senate with a simple majority the quorum call be rescinded. Mesilla Valley have shaped the rich vote. That is not my preferred way to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without history and, fundamentally, the cul- do it, but we have to do this. We have objection, it is so ordered. ture of my home State. to get this done. This change in Dodd- f Today, families like the family of the DREAMer I heard from are working Frank will have a very profound im- DACA pact on our economy. It will encourage hard each and every day to improve and enable us to have growth that we Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, I their community, many of which lack have been waiting for, for too long. come to the floor today to share the adequate transportation and water in- This device might be what we need to story of an incredible DREAMer from frastructure. They are working to cre- get there. my home State of New Mexico, but ate a better future for the next genera- Let me point out that there are first I would like to commend my col- tion. precedents for this. The Deficit Reduc- league, Senator DICK DURBIN of Illinois, This young woman’s strength is root- tion Act of 2005 used a budget resolu- for his tremendous leadership in stand- ed in her family and in her faith. She is tion to create reconciliation instruc- ing up for DREAMers—young undocu- the oldest child in her family and is the tions, which in turn switched some of mented immigrants who are brought to first person in her family to seek high- the FHA funding streams from manda- the United States as children. I am er education. She told me that through tory spending to discretionary spend- proud to join him in this effort. her education and her work ethic, she ing, from spending that is on autopilot Four years ago, the President an- wants to set an example to her five to spending that is at the annual dis- nounced that DREAMers would have younger brothers and sisters. She cretion of Congress. That was done the opportunity to apply for temporary teaches catechism classes for children through exactly this mechanism. protection from deportation through at her church, where she also helps The FDIC and NCUA are deposit in- the Deferred Action for Childhood Ar- with fundraisers, cooks meals, and as- surance funds. They were restructured rivals Program, known as DACA. sists with church events. and reformed, and it was done under Today, more than half a million young Since graduating from high school, the same device using the same proce- people across the country have bene- she has started working toward her as- dural mechanism. Those changes were fited from DACA, including more than sociate’s degree in nursing. In a State possible because they had a very sig- 6,500 in my home State of New Mexico. like New Mexico, where we badly need nificant budgetary impact, and that is Across this country, there are more nurses and medical professionals one of the criteria for using the rec- DREAMers working to become doctors, in our rural and underserved commu- onciliation device, which in these cases scientists, lawyers, and engineers. nities, her professional dreams and as- was something on the order of a couple They want to start businesses and pirations are truly critical. of billion dollars of taxpayer savings teach in our classrooms and serve in DACA allowed her to get a work per- over 10 years. our military. DREAMers want to earn mit to hold a job that assists her in Reforming Dodd-Frank can save tax- an education and contribute to our paying for her education, for her text- payers a lot of money. The CFPB economy, to pay taxes and give back to books, but now, with the President- alone, over 10 years, is expected to con- their communities and their country. I elect pledging to rescind DACA, this sume—on its current path—over $6 bil- would argue that most DREAMers young woman fears that everything she lion. That is a lot of money. Some real don’t know how to be anything but has worked so hard to achieve could be sensible, thorough reforms there could Americans. lost. She fears that her family will be save taxpayers. Over the last month, I have heard separated and that she might be de- The Congressional Budget Office esti- from many New Mexicans who are fear- ported from the only community she mates that the Orderly Liquidation ful and uncertain about just how the knows and the community she calls Fund will cost taxpayers $20 billion new Trump administration could im- home. She told me, ‘‘If [DACA] were to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.041 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6877 be removed, then my dream would be reform, I will continue to be focused on care Part B plan. They threatened to destroyed.’’ pragmatic and accountable policy deci- terminate her coverage, which is when This young woman’s dream and her sions that include the many concerns she contacted my office. Fortunately, drive to give back to her community in of our border communities. As the son we were able to resolve the situation southern New Mexico are incredible, of an immigrant myself, I am familiar within a few weeks. Phyllis started re- but her story is far from unique. Her with the unique promise that America ceiving a cheek and continues to pay story is similar to thousands of other represents for so many families. I am her premiums. Only a short time later, DREAMers in my home State and hun- grateful that when my father and my Phyllis fell and broke her arm. It re- dreds of thousands across our country, grandparents fled Germany in the quired surgery and years of ongoing some of whom have escaped unthink- years leading up to World War II, our physical therapy. The final bill: able hardships. They are working to country chose to see them for what $200,000. Phyllis and Tommy were only contribute to their communities and to they were—enthusiastic American im- weeks away from understanding just create a brighter future. These migrants. how devastating it would be to live DREAMers should be met with compas- Our Nation’s remarkable spirit is without Medicare coverage. sion. rooted in our diversity, our history, It is because of people like Phyllis During my listening session, I also and our culture, which has always been and Tommy that I fought tooth and heard from a Catholic priest who serves enriched by our immigrant commu- nail to make sure Medicare will always many immigrant families in his parish. nities and their family members. I en- be there for our kupuna. It is why I He said he was deeply impacted by courage my colleagues and our incom- have been on the frontlines to beat hearing this young woman’s story dur- ing President-elect to look at the back every attempt to privatize and ing our listening session. He told me human faces of our broken immigra- voucherize Medicare since I have been that her story ‘‘reflects exactly what tion system and to work toward real in Congress. [he’s] seen and heard from many fami- solutions. That is why I will do everything in lies not only from [his] parish but also I yield the floor. my power to stop our new President from neighboring parishes.’’ He said, I suggest the absence of a quorum. and his allies in Congress from shred- ‘‘There is a lot of fear and people are so The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ding this crucial safety net program. concerned and worried—especially fam- clerk will call the roll. Over the past month, Speaker RYAN ilies—[about] what can happen after The legislative clerk proceeded to has made it clear that he intends to the election.’’ call the roll. resurrect his plan to turn Medicare I want to make it very clear that in Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I ask into a voucher program for private in- the coming years, I will not waiver in unanimous consent that the order for surance. Under his system, private in- standing up for all New Mexicans in my the quorum call be rescinded. surers could deny or delay coverage be- role in the Senate. We should never be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cause seniors would no longer have a country that kicks out some of our objection, it is so ordered. Medicare’s consumer protections. His best and brightest students, and we f plan caps the value of these vouchers should not be a nation that tears fami- to the point where they will not keep MEDICARE lies apart. I will not stand for policies up with the rising costs of health care. that are contrary to our fundamental Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, every The Congressional Budget Office cal- American ideas and values. year I hear from hundreds of constitu- culated that the Ryan plan would in- I would like to thank the young ents about the transformative impact crease out-of-pocket expenses by $6,000 woman who shared her story with me Medicare has on their lives. For many per year for millions of seniors—mil- for having the courage to speak out, of them, Medicare is literally the dif- lions who are already on fixed incomes. particularly with the uncertainty of ference between life and death, be- My colleagues know that I am not her situation and in the wake of the re- tween living with dignity or in abject given to hyperbole, but this attempt to cent election. The idea that young men poverty. It is as dramatic as that. privatize Medicare is a clear and and women like this hard-working Before we passed Medicare 51 years present danger to millions of seniors. nursing student in southern New Mex- ago, slightly more than half of our sen- I know from talking with kupuna in ico will have to retreat back into the iors—in Hawaii we call our seniors Hawaii that one of the things they shadows or fear being removed from kupuna—had health insurance. Only worry about most is their health and their homes as a consequence of con- half. The insurance they had was very whether their needs will be met. Any- gressional inaction on immigration re- expensive and did not cover much. Mil- one who talks to seniors and under- form is simply unconscionable. lions could barely afford routine med- stands what they are going through I am calling for the Obama adminis- ical care, let alone treatment for a cat- would recognize that privatizing Medi- tration to take every possible legal ac- astrophic illness. For the past 50 years, care means seniors will have to go out tion to protect DREAMers—individuals our seniors have approached retire- and find medical insurance on the pri- who are American in every way but for ment with the peace of mind of know- vate market. How can you think they their immigration status—so that they ing that Medicare will be there for will be able to accomplish that? Are in- are not targeted for removal by the in- them. It is part of a commitment we surance companies going to step up to coming administration. Last week, I have made to care for and honor our take care of some of the most vulner- sent a letter to the White House urging kupuna. able members of our population even President Obama to use his pardon au- To understand what life would be though it is not profitable for them to thority to protect DREAMers from de- like for our seniors without Medicare, do so? I don’t think so. portation. we don’t need to look to the distant During the campaign, President- I also plan to continue pushing for past before we had Medicare; we can Elect Trump said the right thing about comprehensive immigration reform in learn from what happened, for example, protecting Medicare, but choosing TOM the new Congress, which I still strong- 3 years ago to a family in Maui, to PRICE to head the Department of ly believe has bipartisan support Phyllis and Tommy Duarte of Maui. Health and Human Services sends the among my colleagues—those col- Phyllis and Tommy contacted my of- opposite message. For years, Congress- leagues who want real solutions rather fice after they received a notice that man TOM PRICE has been PAUL RYAN’s than rancorous rhetoric. We need to the Social Security Administration closest ally in his crusade to privatize modernize our immigration system to had canceled Phyllis’s Social Security and voucherize Medicare. The Ryan- meet the needs of our economy and payments. Like millions of kupuna Price plan would hurt more than 217,000 provide an accountable pathway to across the country, Phyllis and Tommy seniors in Hawaii and millions across earn citizenship for the undocumented live on a fixed income and depend on the country, including those who live workers living here in the shadows, in- Social Security to pay their bills. After in Janesville, WI, and Roswell, GA. I cluding making the DREAM Act law. several months without receiving her wonder how Speaker RYAN and Con- As southwest border security is dis- Social Security check, Phyllis could no gressman PRICE would explain to sen- cussed in the context of immigration longer pay the premiums for her Medi- iors in their districts, their States, how

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.043 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6878 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 voucherizing Medicare will not hurt University and supported his young In 2012, Miranda Du became the first them. family by working as a U.S. Capitol Asian-Pacific American to serve as a Saving Medicare is going to be a Police Officer. judge on the Nevada District Court. daunting fight, but I am not going to Senator REID started his career in In 2014, Richard Boulware became the shy away from it. I am going to do public service as Henderson’s city at- first African-American man to serve as whatever I can, whenever I can, to pro- torney. He revised the city charter and a judge on the Nevada District Court. tect Medicare for our seniors. extended the city’s boundaries by ac- The Senate still has the opportunity I yield the floor. quiring Federal land. In 1968, when he to confirm Anne Traum, who would be was just 28, he was elected to the Ne- f the first Jewish person to serve on the vada State Assembly. As an assembly- TRIBUTE TO HARRY REID Nevada District Court. man, he introduced the first air pollu- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to tion legislation in Nevada’s history. Senator REID has fought hard on be- take a moment to express my apprecia- Two years later, Senator REID became half of his fellow Nevadans. He has pre- tion to the Democratic leader, Senator the youngest lieutenant governor in vented the Federal Government from HARRY REID, who spoke earlier on the Nevada history, winning election as building a nuclear waste repository at floor. Governor Mike O’Callaghan’s running Yucca Mountain. He authored and I was here with many of my col- mate. Mike O’Callaghan had been Sen- passed legislation establishing Ne- leagues and listened to his incredible ator REID’s mentor in high school as a vada’s first national park, Great Basin story about his background from teacher, boxing coach, and friend. National Park. He has led the fight to Searchlight, NV, to his ascension to In 1977, Senator REID was appointed protect and restore Lake Tahoe. He the Senate and becoming the Demo- chairman of the Nevada Gaming Com- prevented the removal of the Nevada cratic leader. mission. For 5 years, he was engaged in Air National Guard’s C–130 aircraft and When I first came to the Senate, Sen- an unrelenting fight with organized the closure of the Hawthorne Army ator REID asked to meet with me. I crime syndicates to clean up Nevada’s Depot, and he secured over $600 million thought he was going to talk about my gaming industry. In 1981, his wife—high for the Southern Nevada Veterans Ad- philosophy on different issues or what school sweetheart Landra—found a ministration Medical Complex. my interests would be or how I was bomb attached to the family station When it comes to combatting climate going to try to move forward on par- wagon. change and promoting the development ticular bills, but what he really wanted In 1982, Senator REID won the first of and adoption of clean, sustainable, re- to talk about was my family, what I two elections to serve in the House of newable energy, Senator REID has been thought was important in life. He was Representatives and then he was elect- a visionary. He has incentivized $5.5 very interested in my family traditions ed to the Senate in 1986. In 2005 he be- billion in investments in Nevada’s and how that would be impacted by my came the Democratic Leader, two clean energy resources through tax life in the Senate. years later, he became the majority credits, grants, and loan guarantees. I must tell you, it was very personal. leader, a post he held until the Repub- He helped to create a new fast-track I think many of us have seen many licans gained control of the Senate last permitting process for clean energy de- sides of HARRY REID, but one side of year. As the put it, he velopment on public lands. He facili- him is clear. He treats the Senate as went from being the underdog to the tated the public-private partnership his family, and he treats each one of us top dog. needed for the One Nevada Trans- as his family. I have talked about Senator REID’s mission Line, which connects northern I wish to express my appreciation for and southern Nevada’s electricity grids his service in the U.S. Senate and for hardscrabble upbringing because it has made him one of the toughest people I for the first time, helping to unlock his public service over so many years. the State’s vast clean energy potential. Myrna and I are friends of Landra have ever known. Yet he is also one of the kindest, and most compassionate. While his interest in promoting clean and HARRY. We wish them only the best energy—especially solar—may have a as he moves forward from his career in Senator REID may be the top dog, but he has always fought for the underdog. local origin, the benefits will accrue to the Senate. all humanity for generations to come It has really been a pleasure to serve I think that quality is best exemplified by his advocacy on behalf of Native as we transition from our reliance on with him in the Senate. This is an in- fossil fuels. credible place to serve. Senator REID Americans, which includes helping to has certainly made this Senator’s life build the Nation’s first utility-scal Serving as the Leader, whether in the in the Senate much more enjoyable and solar project on tribal land in Nevada. majority or the minority, is a tough productive. I know how much he is respected in In- job. The leader has to fight the most Mr. President, part of American cul- dian country. intense partisan battles. The Leader ture is to celebrate our small towns. Senator REID was instrumental in has to say ‘‘no’’ on many occasions. There are few American towns smaller passing the Affordable Care Act, ACA, The leader has to stand up for other than Searchlight in Clark County, NV. which—along with the Medicaid expan- members of the party. Senator REID That is the hometown of our beloved sion—has provided health care to more has been tough enough to be an ex- Democratic Leader, Senator HARRY than 20 million Americans. traordinary leader. If I were in a fox- REID. Senator REID’s efforts to choose hole, I would want HARRY REID by my Senator REID epitomizes the Amer- qualified Federal jurists for the U.S. side. I know every other Democratic ican Dream. He grew up without indoor District Court for the District of Ne- Senator feels the same way—and surely plumbing, in a small cabin built out of vada will be felt for decades after he most Republicans. We are going to scavenged railroad ties, and attended a leaves office. Senator REID has rec- miss HARRY REID. I wish him, his wife two-room elementary school. His fa- ommended and helped confirm five of Landra, their five children, and 19 ther was a hard-rock miner. As a young the six judges currently serving on the grandchildren all the best. boy, Senator REID would go deep into court. As a result of Senator REID’s Mr. President, I suggest the absence the mines with his father. Searchlight commitment to diversity, there have of a quorum. didn’t have its own high school so Sen- been numerous ‘‘firsts’’ for the court. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ator REID had to hitchhike each week In 1998, Senator REID recommended HOEVEN). The clerk will call the roll. to Henderson, 40 miles away, where he Johnnie Rawlinson to be the first The senior assistant legislative clerk attended Basic High School and woman to serve as a judge on the Ne- proceeded to call the roll. boarded with relatives and other fami- vada District Court. At his request, she lies. was elevated to the Ninth Circuit in Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Local businessmen saw his potential 2000. unanimous consent that the order for and helped him attend Utah State Uni- In 2010, Gloria Navarro became the the quorum call be rescinded. versity, a debt he repaid. He earned his first Hispanic woman to serve as a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without law degree from George Washington judge on the Nevada District Court. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.045 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6879 WORK BEFORE THE SENATE while complying with all environ- we all should take to heart and learn Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, earlier mental laws. Of course, with some co- from by her good example. today we moved the Defense authoriza- operation we can get all of these mov- I want to add my thanks to our tion bill across the finish line. This leg- ing parts done for the American people friend, Senator KELLY AYOTTE, for her islation authorizes funding for things soon. years of service on behalf of the people such as training our troops to counter f of New Hampshire. I also thank her the ever-evolving threats emanating husband Joe Daley and their two chil- TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING dren, Katherine and Jacob, for their from around the world. The Defense au- SENATORS thorization bill will also give our men steadfast support of Joe’s wife and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I know and women in uniform the most up-to- their children’s mom over these past it is always difficult to come to the date weaponry and the other equip- years. floor and talk about the departure of ment they need, including advanced I don’t know in what capacity Kelly our good friends and valued colleagues. aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. will continue to serve her community Fortunately, the bill also authorizes The word I have heard mentioned the and her State and her Nation, but I needed improvements in military fa- most this week is ‘‘bittersweet’’—peo- know we will be hearing and seeing her cilities such as those in Fort Hood, TX, ple looking forward to the next chapter more in some capacity of service, and I Joint Base San Antonio, Red River of their lives but regretting the fact look forward to seeing where and in Army Depot, and Ellington Field. that good friends and valued colleagues what capacity she finally decides to Finally, it provides a much needed are moving on to the next chapter of serve next. pay raise for our troops. I am pleased their lives. But every other December, DAN COATS we were able to finish our work on that we find ourselves bidding farewell to Mr. President, next I wish to recog- to better serve our men and women in some of our most admired and re- nize our friend, Senator DAN COATS. uniform. spected Members. Today I wish to Senator COATS is a well-known com- I hope the President reconsiders his speak briefly about four of them, start- modity not just in Hoosier country but stated intention to veto this legisla- ing with our good friend from New across the United States. He has tion. It makes absolutely no sense to Hampshire, Senator AYOTTE. earned the reputation of a distin- me, and I think it would be an insult to KELLY AYOTTE guished statesman who genuinely the troops—whom we all claim to sup- Mr. President, Senator AYOTTE and I doesn’t need an introduction because port—to deny them the resources and have more in common than may meet his sterling reputation precedes him. the pay raise that this bill provides for. the eye, so let me explain. Our home- We know his impressive resume. We still have more work ahead of us, towns are 2,000 miles away, so it After serving the country as a soldier including the continuing resolution. I doesn’t seem obvious. She served as at- in the Army, he decided he wanted to know there are Members of this body torney general of the State of New continue in public service, so he who say: Well, we want to change that Hampshire and holds the distinction of worked as a congressional staffer for appropriations bill to add some other being New Hampshire’s first and only then-Congressman Dan Quayle. When provisions. But I just came back from female attorney general. She was first his boss decided to run for the Senate meeting with some of the Members of appointed to that position by a Repub- and won, Senator COATS took his boss’s the Texas House delegation. They tell lican Governor, and she did such an congressional seat to serve in the me the House is leaving. So even if outstanding job serving the people that House of Representatives. And when changes are made, the House is not she was reappointed to that position by Senator Quayle became Vice President going to be here and in session to make a Democratic Governor. Quayle, Representative Coats became changes to the continuing resolution. Everybody who knows KELLY AYOTTE Senator COATS, following on in his ex- Our friends across the aisle need to knows that she epitomizes the spirit of ample. face up to the reality that if they bipartisanship and comradery that He broke that pattern of following in somehow prevent us from passing this makes a good public servant a great the footsteps of the former Vice Presi- continuing resolution, it will be on one. That has been evident in her work dent when he was appointed Ambas- their hands. I hope they will reconsider she has done here in the U.S. Senate. sador to Germany. In the aftermath of because they are not going to be able From the Comprehensive Addiction the 9/11 attacks, he was an instru- to achieve the goal they are seeking. and Recovery Act to multiple national mental diplomat, working with our al- We are close to wrapping up the security issues, Senator AYOTTE has lies in Europe as we responded and as Water Resources Development Act as been eager to work with Members on the world responded to the worst terror well. This bill has also experienced a both sides of the aisle when it comes attack on our country in our history. little bit of a hiccup. It has been held down to doing what is best for the peo- I know I speak for every Member up over questions about how to best ad- ple of her State and for the United here when I say that we are grateful dress the drought in California, but the States. Senator COATS came out of retirement bottom line is that California needs Senator AYOTTE and I both come and came back to the Senate in 2010. this legislation to help deliver water to from military families. My dad flew in We have come to know that he is a its people and to keep producing bil- the Army Air Corps in World War II, warrior when it comes to wasteful lions of dollars’ worth of crops each with the 303rd Bomb Group of the Air Washington spending, and every week year. Force. Her grandfather also served in he comes to the floor to talk about his I know the folks in California con- World War II. And, as many of us know, waste of the week. It is a service to all sider themselves to be the breadbasket Joe, her husband, served in the Air of us, really, to remind us that we have for America and literally the world be- Force and the Air National Guard, and a lot of work to do in that area but also cause of all the food we export, but he flew combat missions in Bosnia and to point out how we can save tax- that is one reason why this legislation Iraq. Senator AYOTTE’s firsthand payers’ dollars and use them more effi- is so important and why the senior knowledge of the military has been a ciently. Senator from California, Mrs. FEIN- great help to us, particularly in her Many folks wouldn’t know that he STEIN, and Majority Leader MCCARTHY role on the Armed Services Committee. regularly attends the weekly Prayer negotiated this package. KELLY will tell us that she does her Breakfast we have here in the Senate I know Senator BOXER is not pleased best to listen first, to take in the con- as well, which is a great time for Sen- with it, but the fact is, under the cur- cerns and priorities of her fellow Gran- ators to come together and to support rent procedures, we are going to finish ite Staters, discuss the merits of each one another. It reflects Dan’s commit- this legislation one way or another— side’s policy position, and only then ment to faithfully encourage his col- perhaps as late as Monday, but we need carefully and methodically reach a leagues day in and day out. to get it done. well-considered decision. That patience My colleagues know that Senator This legislative package will make and willingness to listen and consider COATS is also a big fan of getting sure that California and the rest of the all views has served her well during her things done during votes, and he knows country get the resources we need tenure in the U.S. Senate. It is a lesson how to work a room. He has been on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:47 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.046 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6880 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 the deputy whip team and helped con- the ground running. When the people of they have become a victim of slavery. sult with and helped inform our col- Louisiana needed him most, he worked So I am thankful to Senator KIRK for leagues in a way that has helped us to at every level of government to bring standing up for the victims of human actually get legislation passed by uni- them together and get the help they trafficking and taking care of and fying us. needed. Of course, just a few years prioritizing our veterans and service Suffice it to say Senator COATS is a after Katrina, Hurricane Ike pummeled men and women. true diplomat wherever he goes, and its way through the Gulf Coast of Mex- Let me close by saying thank you this Chamber has been a better, more ico before making landfall on the again to our friends Senator KIRK, Sen- civil place with him in it. Texas coast. So I have had a number of ator VITTER, Senator COATS, and Sen- I know DAN would be the first to tell opportunities to work with Senator ator AYOTTE for the indelible mark and us that his decades of public service VITTER not only on recovery efforts for contributions they made to the Senate were made possible because of the our States but to make sure our com- and my sincere appreciation for how equal partner he has in his wife Mar- munities along the coast stand ready they have faithfully served our coun- sha. They met in college. They have to help each other and particularly as try. I am grateful for their friendship been married more than 50 years, and we prepare for future storms. and wish them and their families well they are a great example to all of us. I wish him and his wife Wendy and as they tackle new ventures ahead. So thanks to Marsha and their children their entire family well as they look to I will just close by saying we have and grandchildren for sharing DAN all more adventures and more opportuni- another colleague who has been nomi- these years. ties to serve. I have no doubt he will nated to serve as Attorney General, I have a suspicion that Senator continue to take his passion for help- who still has to go through the process COATS doesn’t have it in him to step to- ing the people of Louisiana with him of confirmation and tally away from public service, and wherever the future may lead. by the Senate. That, of course, would there has been some news and discus- MARK KIRK be the senior Senator from Alabama, sion as to whether he might be in the Finally, Mr. President, I wish to rec- Mr. SESSIONS—not to jinx him; I will running for another important posi- ognize the senior Senator from Illinois, wait until that process is concluded, tion, perhaps in the next administra- MARK KIRK. If my colleagues have no- but I will be back here speaking about tion. I know we all look forward to see- ticed Senator KIRK’s interests on the him at the appropriate time. ing where he goes next to serve our floor, they will notice a trend. In addi- With that, I suggest the absence of a country, which we know is so impor- tion to supporting measures that help quorum. tant to him. the people of Illinois, he is laser-fo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The DAVID VITTER cused on keeping America safe. He pro- clerk will call the roll. Mr. President, I would also like to vides us a declassified situation map The assistant bill clerk proceeded to say a few words about the senior Sen- that shows us where the U.S. military call the roll. ator from Louisiana, DAVID VITTER. is engaged in fighting the War on Ter- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Back in the 113th Congress, in 2013, I ror in the Middle East and in Africa. unanimous consent that the order for began my tenure as the Republican He is a former member of the U.S. the quorum call be rescinded. whip, and at the same time I invited Navy, and so he has worked long and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senator VITTER to serve the conference hard to strengthen our military at objection, it is so ordered. as a deputy whip. One thing we always every turn. He has been a thoughtful f know about DAVID VITTER, whether you and vocal critic of some of our Nation’s EXTENSION OF MORNING are a colleague, a staffer, or a con- biggest adversaries, like North Korea BUSINESS stituent, is that no matter what, he is and Iran. MARK has never been one to going to have thought carefully about shy away from more sanctions or Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask the issue in ways that perhaps surprise steeper penalties for those countries if unanimous consent that the Senate many of us, and when he has something it means the United States will be now be in a period of morning business, to say about an issue, it is always safer as a result. To put it simply, with Senators permitted to speak something worth listening to. I can’t MARK KIRK is a great patriot. therein for up to 10 minutes each, for say that about all of us, but certainly We all know his personal story of debate only, until 3 p.m. this after- Senator VITTER adds to the value of overcoming a stroke and his great per- noon. our deliberations every time he speaks. severance and fortitude. It really has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there But, of course, nothing is closer to been an inspiration to watch MARK as objection? his heart than the people of Louisiana, he has recovered from that devastating The Senator from Oregon. and what he has done diligently and stroke and continued to be an enor- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, reserving faithfully here is serve the people of his mously productive Senator on behalf of the right to object, I would like to have State. I have had the pleasure of work- the State of Illinois. a colloquy with my colleague. ing with him on issues we share in It has been a joy to see him turn that It is my understanding that Senator common, like coastal protection issues difficult circumstance into a rallying CARPER was interested in 5 minutes, that affect both of our States with our cry to help others get the best care and Senator MERKLEY was interested in 5 gulf coast. rehabilitation available today. minutes, I was interested in 5 minutes, Senator VITTER was sworn into office So I am personally grateful to Sen- and I think Senator ENZI was inter- the same year Hurricane Katrina ator KIRK for many things, but in par- ested in 5 minutes. struck New Orleans. As a matter of ticular I want to mention his strong Could I ask my colleague if he would fact, for a time, he and his family lit- support of anti-human trafficking leg- amend his UC so that each of those erally lived outside the Houston area islation. I joined him in Chicago a few four Senators would have 5 minutes? I because of the devastation wrought by years ago to speak with law enforce- think that would take us to about 3:10, that terrible hurricane—a storm that ment about the connections between as opposed to 3 o’clock. FEMA called the ‘‘single most cata- organized crime and sex trafficking. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- strophic natural disaster in U.S. his- MARK has never wavered from his sup- ator from Texas. tory.’’ Katrina did billions of dollars’ port for important legislation that we Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I would worth of damage, killed almost 2,000 passed here this last year called the like to accommodate my friend from people, left thousands without a roof Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Washington, but the House message over their heads, and cut the popu- He understood right from the begin- containing the continuing resolution is lation of New Orleans in half. About ning that human trafficking was essen- due here at 3 o’clock. There are a num- 100,000 of those, I am told, made perma- tially modern-day slavery, targeting, ber of procedural matters that need to nent residence in Texas, having had as it did, vulnerable children—typi- be attended to, so we will have Sen- their homes destroyed. cally a child of 12 to 14 years old who ators coming to the floor for that pur- I know Senator VITTER took this dev- has run away from home, only to find pose. I am told that after that process astation as a personal challenge. He hit themselves unable to leave because occurs, which shouldn’t take very long,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:47 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.047 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6881 the floor will be wide open for Senators pended on in many areas for law en- these counties. Remember, these were to speak as long as they like. forcement. Unfortunately, our col- county lands that were transferred I object to the modification. leagues have not been willing to extend back to the Federal Government to es- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there it. Senator MERKLEY and I, and Sen- sentially hold in trust for them. objection to the original request? ator CRAPO and Senator RISCH, in a bi- I share with my colleague the desire Without objection, it is so ordered. partisan way, have wanted to work in that we address this in a fashion that The Senator from Oregon. the Senate to get this extended, but to provides a strong foundation, a strong f put these vital county payments on the commitment to the promise made to rural America, to rural forested coun- FORESTRY POLICY back burner would be an enormous mistake. ties. As mentioned, 720 counties in 41 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am I want to yield the remainder of our States—that is a pretty significant speaking in morning business with my time to my friend and colleague, but deal across the country. We need to colleague and friend Senator MERKLEY there are really three legs to this stool: act, and we need to act now. to talk about forestry policy and to fight unfair trade practices, get the I turn this back over to my col- give the Senate a little bit of an update harvest up in a sustainable kind of league. Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am on where we are because we have so fashion, and understand that you are going to wrap this up simply by saying many resource-dependent communities not going to be able to meet the needs a program like this has generated a that have been devastated as a result of hard-hit rural communities without tremendous amount of community in- of a variety of policies. I want to touch the safety net program—the Secure briefly, and then yield to Senator volvement. There are advisory commit- Rural Schools program. tees that bring the industry and envi- MERKLEY, on what some of those ele- Senator CRAPO, Senator RISCH, Sen- ronmental folks together. That is what ments are. ator MERKLEY, and I are going to keep we are going to need to get this job No. 1 is that our softwood lumber coming back here again and again until done right. It is called collaborative producers are now in a titanic battle we get it reauthorized. forestry. The Secure Rural Schools with the Canadians, fighting the Cana- I yield the remainder of our time to program is something that Senator dian system of heavily subsidizing Senator MERKLEY. their industry, thereby cutting ours. A The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- MERKLEY and I want to reauthorize. It group of 25 Senators—a quarter of the ator from Oregon. is a textbook case for what you want to Senate—have joined me in an effort so Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ap- do for collaborative forestry. We didn’t even really get into forest that our trade representative pushes preciate the comments of my colleague health because we all know our forests, back and continues to fight this un- from Oregon, who, back in the year particularly in the West, are burning just, inequitable system until we no 2000, fought so hard to right a wrong. up, so Senator RISCH, Senator CRAPO, longer see Oregon and American jobs The wrong was that a variety of meas- and I went into something called fire destroyed as a result of the Canadians’ ures related to these timbered acres re- borrowing, which is an extraordinarily unfairly subsidizing their industry. duced the ability to pull as much har- inefficient policy that discourages pre- No. 2, we feel very strongly about vest off as in the past. Part of that was vention with respect to fire. getting the harvest up in a sustainable the fact that there was simply a lot of We are going to be back to talk about fashion. We know there is an awful lot second growth that wasn’t ready to be the nuts and bolts of sensible forest of work to do in the woods. We can do cut yet. Another was a variety of rules policy. We need to build on this col- it with an environmental ethic, with related to environmental protections, laborative effort, as we have sought to an ethic of forest health, and I strongly to forest fire prevention. There were a do in our O&C bill—the bill that Sen- support that. I have introduced legisla- whole series of things. ator MERKLEY and I have been involved tion to do that in my home State and The bottom line is that these coun- with—which will double the harvest, on have been supportive of colleagues’ ef- ties, which originally had these lands average, for the next 50 years, accord- forts to do it in their parts of the coun- before they transferred them to Fed- ing to the experts. We want it to be un- try. eral Government for safekeeping, are derstood that we are going to be fight- The reality is—and the Forest Serv- dependent upon revenue from the tim- ing on a number of fronts. We will fight ice has said this—you would have to in- ber sales on these lands. My colleague with respect to the trade policy, which crease logging on our public lands by pointed out that those timber sales is long overdue, as it relates to getting 400 percent in order to no longer need a simply can can’t operate at the same a fair shake for our softwood lumber third leg of the forestry stool, which is level to provide the resources those producers and value-added forestry. We the Secure Rural Schools program. counties operated on. Much as with are going to focus on collaborative ap- I want it understood that we are Payments in Lieu of Taxes, or the proaches and get the harvest up in a going to push back against inequitable PILT program, we stepped in—my col- sustainable way. trade practices that are hurting jobs in league stepped in and led the effort to Senator MERKLEY has talked about rural Oregon and rural America. We honor the promise made to those coun- the promise of Secure Rural Schools, are going to support increasing the ties. We have been doing so now for 16 and I feel it is very regrettable that harvest in a sustainable fashion, but years. when Senator CRAPO and Senator RISCH there is no realistic increase that One of the challenges that has tried to convince the other side of the might possibly win passage here in emerged is that we reauthorize it only aisle to accept Secure Rural Schools Washington and be upheld legally that for a short period of time. We say we now, we couldn’t get it done. involves taking the harvest up to 400 will still honor the promise but only I think anybody who knows us knows percent. You are going to need a safety for a year or only for 2 years, which we are persistent, and you don’t get net. means the counties never know what is anything important done without bi- Senator MERKLEY and I, Senator going to be coming. They are really partisan support. That is the way we CRAPO, Senator RISCH, and many col- caught in limbo. Because they are will approach our forestry policy in the leagues on both sides of the aisle have rural counties—they don’t have a great days ahead. fought to get this program, which has I yield the floor. amount of manufacturing; a lot of the I suggest the absence of a quorum. now expired, extended for one more counties don’t have a lot of farmland— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The year. This program began in 2000 as a they are really dependent upon the for- clerk will call the roll. result of a bipartisan piece of legisla- est industry as the heart of their econ- The senior assistant legislative clerk tion, which Senator Craig and I au- omy. This is very important to them. proceeded to call the roll. thored, called the Secure Rural Schools We need to honor the promise to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I bill. It now benefits more than 700 these counties, just as we have through ask unanimous consent that the order counties, and we see it benefiting com- the PILT program. It is a situation we for the quorum call be rescinded. munities all over the country. This can debate at whatever level that The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- program is depended on for education. should be, but it needs to be a long- SIDY). Without objection, it is so or- It is depended on for roads. It is de- term commitment to this promise to dered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:54 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.051 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6882 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 CONTINUING RESOLUTION AND ment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2028 The amendment is as follows: WRDA with an amendment numbered 5139. Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas consent that the reading of the amend- would like to call everybody’s atten- and nays on my amendment. tion to the House vote that just oc- ment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a curred on the continuing resolution sufficient second? and on the WRDA bill. The continuing objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: There is a sufficient second. resolution passed 326 to 96; 208 Repub- At the end add the following: The yeas and nays were ordered. licans voted for it and 33 voted against ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- AMENDMENT NO. 5143 TO AMENDMENT NO. 5142 it. On the Democratic side, 118 Demo- actment.’’ Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I crats voted for it and only 63 voted Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I have a second-degree amendment at against it. ask for the yeas and nays on the mo- the desk. The WRDA bill passed 360 to 61. Re- tion to concur with the amendment. publicans voted for it 222 to 17; Demo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a clerk will report. crats voted for it 138 to 44. The House sufficient second? has clearly—with two overwhelming The senior assistant legislative clerk There is a sufficient second. read as follows: votes—sent us the last two measures The yeas and nays were ordered. The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- that we need to deal with here before AMENDMENT NO. 5140 TO AMENDMENT NO. 5139 we wrap up this Congress and head NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5143 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I to amendment No. 5142. home for the holidays. have a second-degree amendment at The amendment is as follows: f the desk. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOP- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’. MENT AND RELATED AGENCIES clerk will report. APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2016 The senior assistant legislative clerk f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- GEORGE P. KAZEN FEDERAL ask the Chair to lay before the body BUILDING AND UNITED STATES the message to accompany H.R. 2028. NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5140 to amendment No. 5139. COURTHOUSE The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I House of Representatives: consent that the reading of the amend- ask the Chair to lay before the body Resolved, That the House agree to the ment be dispensed with. the message to accompany Calendar amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without No. 65, S. 612. 2028) entitled ‘‘An Act making appropria- objection, it is so ordered. The Presiding Officer laid before the tions for energy and water development and The amendment is as follows: Senate the following message from the related agencies for the fiscal year ending Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’. House of Representatives: September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.’’, MOTION TO REFER WITH AMENDMENT NO. 5141 with an amendment. Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I 612) entitled ‘‘An Act to designate the Fed- MOTION TO CONCUR move to refer the House message on eral building and United States courthouse Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I H.R. 2028 to the Committee on Appro- located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, move to concur in the House amend- priations with instructions to report Texas, as the ‘George P. Kazen Federal ment to the Senate amendment on back forthwith with an amendment Building and United States, Courthouse’.’’, H.R. 2028. numbered 5141. do pass with an amendment. CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The MOTION TO CONCUR Mr. President, I send a cloture mo- clerk will report. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tion to the desk on the motion to con- The senior assistant legislative clerk move to concur in the House amend- cur. read as follows: ment to S. 612. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- CLOTURE MOTION ture motion having been presented NELL] moves to refer the House message to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I under rule XXII, the Chair directs the accompany H.R. 2028 to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report send a cloture motion to the desk on clerk to read the motion. the motion to concur. The senior assistant legislative clerk back forthwith with an amendment num- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- read as follows: bered 5141. ture motion having been presented CLOTURE MOTION The amendment is as follows: At the end add the following: under rule XXII, the Chair directs the We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- clerk to read the motion. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the ‘‘This act shall be effective 3 days after en- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby actment.’’ The senior assistant legislative clerk move to bring to a close debate on the mo- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: tion to concur in the House amendment to ask for the yeas and nays on my mo- CLOTURE MOTION the Senate amendment to Calendar No. 96, tion. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- H.R. 2028, an act making appropriations for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the energy and water development and related sufficient second? Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- There is a sufficient second. move to bring to a close debate on the mo- tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes. The yeas and nays were ordered. tion to concur in the House amendment to Mitch McConnell, Roger F. Wicker, Orrin AMENDMENT NO. 5142 Calendar No. 65, S. 612, an act to designate G. Hatch, Johnny Isakson, John Cor- the Federal building and the United States Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I nyn, Thad Cochran, Mike Crapo, Pat courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Roberts, Bill Cassidy, John Hoeven, have an amendment to the instruc- Laredo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Fed- , Thom Tillis, John tions. eral Building and United States Court- Boozman, , Daniel Coats, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The house.’’ , Roy Blunt. clerk will report. James M. Inhofe, Roger F. Wicker, Orrin MOTION TO CONCUR WITH AMENDMENT NO. 5139 The senior assistant legislative clerk G. Hatch, Johnny Isakson, John Cor- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: nyn, Thad Cochran, Mike Crapo, Pat move to concur on the House amend- The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- Roberts, Bill Cassidy, John Hoeven, ment to the Senate amendment to H.R. NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5142 John Barrasso, Thom Tillis, John 2028, with a further amendment. to the instructions of the motion to refer the Boozman, John Thune, Daniel Coats, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The House message to accompany H.R. 2028. Marco Rubio, Mitch McConnell. clerk will report. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous MOTION TO CONCUR WITH AMENDMENT NO. 5144 The senior assistant legislative clerk consent that the reading of the amend- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: ment be dispensed with. move to concur in the House amend- The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment to S. 612, with a further amend- NELL] moves to concur in the House amend- objection, it is so ordered. ment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.074 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6883 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- faith, have been fortunate to have DAN clerk will report. NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5147 to rely on. He has been a steady and de- The senior assistant legislative clerk to the instructions of the motion to refer the pendable force for taking better care of read as follows: House message to accompany S. 612. our Nation’s finances and keeping a The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous close watch on our security. NELL] moves to concur in the House amend- consent that the reading of the amend- Last year, after a great deal of pray- ment to S. 612 with an amendment numbered ment be dispensed with. er and thought and consideration, DAN 5144. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without did announce that he would not be run- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. ning for another term in the Senate. It consent that the reading of the amend- The amendment is as follows: was a decision he made once again with ment be dispensed with. Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’. the people of his home State in mind. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas He has always been determined to have objection, it is so ordered. and nays on my amendment. the best representatives in place to The amendment is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a serve the people of Indiana and address At the end add the following: sufficient second? those issues that most concerned him. ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- There is a sufficient second. With that in mind, DAN announced actment.’’ The yeas and nays were ordered. that he believed ‘‘the time has come to Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas AMENDMENT NO. 5148 TO AMENDMENT NO. 5147 pass this demanding job to the next and nays on the motion to concur with Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I generation of leaders.’’ We will miss the amendment. have a second-degree amendment at DAN. We will miss his background and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a the desk. experience. We will miss his reason- sufficient second? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The able, appropriate, and well-timed com- There is a sufficient second. clerk will report. ments and his ability to get results. I The yeas and nays were ordered. The senior assistant legislative clerk look forward to his next challenge or AMENDMENT NO. 5145 TO AMENDMENT NO. 5144 read as follows: adventure and know he will continue Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- to look out for what is best for our Na- have a second-degree amendment at NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5148 tion and our people. the desk. to amendment No. 5147. DAN has been a great source of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The amendment is as follows: strength and support for our party and he will be missed. To you, DAN, Diana clerk will report. Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’. The senior assistant legislative clerk and I join in sending our best wishes The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- read as follows: and our appreciation to you and Mar- ator from . The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- sha. Together, you have been great ex- TRIBUTE TO DAN COATS NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 5145 amples of the importance of public to amendment No. 5144. Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, as this ses- service. The organization you founded, sion of Congress draws to a close, it Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous the Foundation for American Renewal, consent that the reading of the amend- provides us with an opportunity to ac- and the Project for American Renewal ment be dispensed with. knowledge and express our apprecia- that you created have helped you to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tion to those Members of the Senate focus on and work toward solutions to objection, it is so ordered. who will be retiring in a few weeks. many of our problems. The amendment is as follows: One of those who will be retiring and That is also a part of our legacy and Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’. will be greatly missed is DAN COATS of why you will continue to receive the MOTION TO REFER WITH AMENDMENT NO. 5146 Indiana. DAN has had an interesting ca- recognition you deserve. You have also reer and through his more than 15 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I been a part of a number of community move to refer the House message on S. years in the Senate has made a dif- and volunteer organizations. For these 612 to the Committee on Environment ference. and so many more reasons, we thank and Public Works with instructions to He has been a reliable vote for the you and Marsha for devoting so much report back forthwith with an amend- best interests of his home State and of your life to making our Nation a ment numbered 5146. the future of the Nation, and he leaves better place to live. You certainly The PRESIDING OFFICER. The behind a legacy of which he should be achieved that goal and we wish you clerk will report. very proud. DAN’s first years of service both the best. The senior assistant legislative clerk in the Congress began in 1981, when he TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI read as follows: served in the House of Representatives. Mr. President, I also want to take He was then appointed to the United The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- some time today to speak about the NELL] moves to refer the House message on States Senate when Dan Quayle was senior Senator from Maryland, BAR- S. 612 to the Committee on Environment and elected Vice President. BARA MIKULSKI. In the years to come, Public Works with instructions to report He served in the Senate from 1989 to Senator MIKULSKI will be known for a back forthwith with an amendment num- 1999, when his self-imposed term-limit lot of things that made her years of bered 5146. pledge brought to an end his first years service to the people of Maryland quite The amendment is as follows: in the Senate. It was not long there- remarkable. It will always be men- At the end add the following: after that DAN was again asked to tioned that she has been the longest ‘‘This act shall be effective 3 days after en- serve, this time as Ambassador to Ger- serving woman in the history of the actment.’’ many. . Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I He arrived in Germany and took up Although that is important, Senator ask for the yeas and nays on my mo- his service there just before our Nation MIKULSKI did not come to Washington tion. experienced the tragic event of Sep- to see how long she could stay. She The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a tember 11. Our relationship with our came here to see how much of a dif- sufficient second? allies took on prime importance after ference she could make. In the end, she There is a sufficient second. that, and we were fortunate to have served for so many years because of The yeas and nays were ordered. DAN abroad to maintain our strong what she was able to do with her time AMENDMENT NO. 5147 friendship with the German Govern- in the House and then in the Senate. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ment and people. The people of Maryland have such a have an amendment to the instruc- Several years later, the Indiana Sen- strong affection for Senator MIKULSKI tions. ate seat was open again, and DAN took because they always felt like she was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The up the challenge to run again to serve one of them. She never lost touch with clerk will report. the people of his home State in the the people back home. The senior assistant legislative clerk Senate. The people of Indiana and our Her family name was well known to read as follows: Nation, conservatives and people of the people in her neighborhood because

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:47 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.085 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6884 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 her parents ran a grocery store. Every low-income housing in Jackson, one of then returned home to Nevada and morning they opened their store early the rich areas of our State. With her took up what would be his lifelong am- so people could stop by to pick up support, we got that done and made bition, serving the people of his home something before they headed off to sure there was a mix in the community State. work. of different occupations and people. It wasn’t long before HARRY had In that, and so many other ways, her Her reputation has been to not only served in Nevada’s State legislature family played an important role in the help the Members of the Senate with and on the Nevada Gaming Commis- day-to-day life of their neighborhood whom she has served, it also helped sion. When the opportunity presented and her neighbors never forgot that. serve to encourage the women of Mary- itself, he served in the House and then When the opportunity came for Sen- land to get active and involved in the moved on to the Senate. ator MIKULSKI to run for a seat in the work that must be done to make her He didn’t win every election, but House representing Baltimore, she home State and our Nation better each disappointment only served to didn’t hesitate. She took her case to places to live. In a very real sense, her make him more determined to make a the people and they liked what they leadership skills have inspired the next difference for the people of his State. heard. She won what was to be the first generation of Maryland’s leaders. His statistics are impressive—more of a long series of elections, each of Now Senator MIKULSKI is leaving the than 30 years in Congress, serving which she won easily and impressively. Senate after having made a difference under five Presidents, and being a part Senator MIKULSKI has a number of in- and leaving her mark on the history of of both the minority and majority. And terests, and one of the things I am sure Congress. One of the key things she all the time, HARRY has found ways to she enjoyed about Congress has been will be remembered for is her tireless pursue and support agendas to benefit her ability to take up a number of support of NIH. I know they will miss the people of Nevada. those issues to make a difference in her and her commitment to the prin- One of my favorite memories will al- people’s lives. In everything she has ciples and values that guided her ways be the work HARRY, and I did to done, she has always found a way to through her career, from her service on enable the LDS Church to purchase a help the people back home. A key ex- the Baltimore City Council to her work site that has a great deal of historic ample of that is her fight over ‘‘the in the House of Representatives and significance to them. The legislation road.’’ The battle dates back to 1966 then the Senate. She made a difference had already passed the House, but was when BARBARA was a social worker in everywhere she served. For that reason stuck in the Senate as some concerns Baltimore. The city council proposed and for many more, she will never be were raised. HARRY knew what he need- building a highway to connect down- forgotten. ed to do to make it possible for the bill town Baltimore to its suburbs, a plan My wife Diana and I join in sending to clear the Senate, and together, we that BARBARA worried would cause Pol- our best wishes to Senator MIKULSKI figured out a way to make it happen. ish Americans, , and for her years of service. Now that her Today Martin’s Cove is a popular site lower income residents to lose their Senate adventure has come to an end, that draws large crowds every year. homes. As is her way, BARBARA sprung she will undoubtedly come up with This is one of those moments most of to action by forming a community more challenges to pursue in the years us thought would never happen. It group of opposition. The road was to come. I am hoping these plans might seemed like HARRY REID would always blocked. BARBARA wound up on the city include a followup to her mystery be in the Senate. He has not only left council, and the area where the road novel that was set in the Senate. We a remarkable record, he also seems to was supposed to be built is now one of are looking forward to seeing what the be the last of an era. I have no doubt Baltimore’s biggest draws. next chapter of her life may include. those who will take up his position in As far as her work in the Senate Good luck to these fellow Senators. the years to come will do a good job goes, one of her many legislative vic- TRIBUTE TO HARRY REID and get results, but they will never do tories that I will long remember is Mr. President, at the end of each it ‘‘like HARRY did.’’ He will forever work she did on something that came Congress, the Senate tradition is to stand as a unique mix of personality, to be known as Rosa’s Law. Rosa was a pause for a moment to share our character, history, and background. 9-year-old young lady who was diag- thoughts about those Senators who Diana joins in sending our best wish- nosed with Down syndrome. Her moth- will be retiring when the final gavel es to HARRY and his wife, Landra. To- er was well aware of what a hurtful brings the session to a close. One of gether they have been quite a team and label things like ‘‘mental retardation’’ those senators who will be leaving the have accomplished a great deal. We and ‘‘mentally retarded’’ were to those Senate is HARRY REID. Senator REID is didn’t always agree on the issues, but who saw them in the Federal laws that quite a remarkable individual, and his one thing can be said: If you had a were written to help them. BARBARA story should be read and considered by tough battle before you and you needed knew there was only one solution to students of government and history—of someone by your side who wouldn’t this problem and that was to eliminate all ages. give up until the battle was won, those terms from Federal law. Over the years, I have spent some HARRY was the kind of guy you would I was pleased to able to help in the time with HARRY at prayer breakfasts want in the fight. If you were on the effort to pass that bill, seeing how and listened to his reflections on his other side of an issue, you would al- much it meant not only to Rosa and life—personally and politically. He has ways prefer someone like HARRY would her family but to Senator BARBARA MI- lived a life that few would ever believe not be opposing you. KULSKI. Our work on that bill will stay to be possible. Thank you for your service, HARRY. with me and will be a reminder of the HARRY makes for a great example of You have left an example that will in- reason we work so hard to pass legisla- how to take your life and make the spire and encourage others in the years tion and answer the needs of the people most of it. He was born in a small to come. Whenever faced with an im- back home. cabin that offered few of life’s com- possible task, people will remember In the end, it is all about making forts, but he didn’t complain about it. you and realize that with some cre- lives better. That is something BAR- He took what he was given in life and ativity, determination and an under- BARA has done every day of her service worked to make things better. standing of the rules of the Senate, in Congress. As the longest serving As a young man, he served as the stu- much can be done. woman in Congress, she has continued dent body president of his high school TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER to earn the title of ‘‘Dean of Senate and drew the notice of his teachers and Mr. President, at the end of each Women.’’ She has been a mentor and his boxing coach. He attended Utah Congress, the Senate takes a moment source of good advice to her colleagues State University, and his next stop was to express our appreciation and ac- who appreciated being able to ask for George Washington University—my knowledge the efforts of those Mem- her opinion and her guidance on their alma mater—where he worked to earn bers who will be retiring in just a few work on the Senate. a law degree. To make that possible, weeks. This year one of our colleagues She certainly helped me when I was a HARRY needed a job, and so he worked who will be returning home is Senator new Senator and was advocating for as a U.S. Capitol Police officer. HARRY BARBARA BOXER.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:52 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.090 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6885 BARBARA will be leaving us after a TRIBUTE TO MARK KIRK goal could not have been more clear to career of over 30 years in the House and Mr. President, when the current Con- those of us who watched him climb the Senate. During her service, she has im- gress is brought to a close with the stairs. pressed all those with whom she has banging of the gavel, several Members The stroke that affected him phys- worked with the strength of her views, will be departing our Senate commu- ically also had an impact on his per- her courage, and her determination to nity. Whatever they will be doing after sonal outlook on life. When he was fight for the things in which she truly closing this chapter of their lives, we able, he wrote of his experience, ‘‘I was believes. Regardless of the cir- wish them well and share with them once a pessimist. I’m not that man cumstances that drew her into each our great appreciation for their will- anymore. And that change, brought legislative battle, she has always held ingness to serve and make a difference about by misfortune, is the best thing true to the principles that have guided over the years. that ever happened to me.’’ her in her life. MARK KIRK, one of our current sen- I have enjoyed the opportunity to come to know MARK over his Wash- For BARBARA, her early career work ators from Illinois, has left a mark on ington years, and I wish he were going as a stockbroker soon found her head- the Congress that will not soon be for- to stay with us so we could continue to ing to California with her husband gotten. He has served with great dis- follow his life as he works on his goals, after he had completed his work in law tinction, and he has made a difference dreams, ambitions, and efforts to keep school. She then got interested in poli- in the Senate. MARK’s time in Washington began us safe. tics and became a strong voice for the MARK, Diana joins me in sending our political views of the people who re- when the people of Illinois voted to send him to the House of Representa- best wishes and our appreciation for sided in the area she now called home. your willingness to serve. You have a Her constituents liked what they heard tives. He represented their interests in that Chamber from 2001–2010. In 2010, record of which you should be very from BARBARA—and the way she ex- proud—just as proud as we are of you. MARK ran for and won an open Senate pressed her views on the issues and pro- You leave having made a difference far posals she wanted to work on. seat. When he was sworn in, he brought with him what had earned him the beyond your years of service. Her style of speaking soon became TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE her trademark in Congress. She has a trust and support of the people back home throughout his years in the Mr. President, at the end of each convincing way of presenting her case, Congress, it is a tradition for the Sen- and that is one reason why it was al- House—an independent streak and an open mind to everything that drew his ate to pause for a moment to acknowl- ways good to be on her side. She calls edge and express our appreciation for it speaking ‘‘extremely candid and interest and captured his attention. The statistics of the past 6 years bear the service of each Senator who will straight from the shoulders, and not to that out. Whatever came before the not be returning for the next session. be mealy-mouthed or waffle.’’ Anyone Senate gave MARK reason to review One of those we will miss next year who has had a chance to come to know each issue considering the best inter- will be KELLY AYOTTE of New Hamp- her—or to tackle an issue either with ests of the people of his state. He shire. her or opposed to her—knows how ac- During the past 6 years, those of us wasn’t always found exclusively on one curate that description is. who had a chance to come to know and side of the aisle or the other when it Right after the tragedy of 9/11, I work with KELLY have been impressed came time to vote. joined BARBARA as ranking member of During his years of service in the with her dedication to the people of her home State, her involvement with the the subcommittee she chaired regard- Senate, two issues that particularly issues of concern to them, and her will- ing terrorism financing. I was proud to drew his attention were Iran and the ingness to work with members on both join her in that work, and I have appre- treatment of our Nation’s veterans. ciated the significant role she has sides of the aisle to find solutions to MARK has been focused on Iran and the problems and concerns of the peo- played on a number of highway bills, what our Nation should be doing to en- which are important to both of our ple of New Hampshire and America. sure that Iran’s threat to the Middle There were at least three key steps home states. East and other nations is minimized. that brought KELLY to the Senate after Over the years, there have been some He has been tireless in keeping watch other issues that we could discuss and she earned her law degree from over their potential nuclear program. Villanova. First, she spent a year work on with an eye towards com- As chairman of the Appropriations promise. For each of us, however, there clerking for the New Hampshire Su- Subcommittee on Military Construc- preme Court. Then she spent the next were other issues that were of such im- tion and Veterans Affairs, MARK has fo- portance to our constituents it would part of her career in private practice. cused on ensuring that those veterans The third step brought her into the have been hard for either of us to move who retired from duty with medical too far from the path that we had been State attorney general’s office and issues have received the care they then on to serve as New Hampshire’s following from our early days in poli- needed to recover and live better, more tics. attorney general. When Senator Judd healthful lives. This was an interest Gregg announced his retirement, BARBARA and I both have a strong that stemmed from his service in the KELLY knew the time was right for her touch of the West in our hearts that we Navy Reserve from 1989–2013 and is yet to pursue another goal. She decided to express every day in everything we do. another way for MARK to make a dif- run for the Senate. That is why I was not surprised when ference in the lives of those who had It wasn’t easy, but those who doubted she mentioned as she spoke about her served our nation. her underestimated KELLY’s innate po- retirement that she felt that it was Before I close, I must recognize the litical sense and her ability to reach time for her to return home—as she challenge MARK overcame by recov- the people of New Hampshire. In the said so well—‘‘to the state I love so ering from a stroke during his Senate end she brought about a closely fought much, California.’’ service. It was a long and difficult road but well-earned victory in the primary BARBARA, Diana joins me in sending back to the Senate so he could again and a big win in the general election. our congratulations for your hard work represent the people of his home State, KELLY came to Washington in 2010 and your dedication to your home but MARK persevered. All told, it took and started working right away on a State. You have left your mark here in him a year before he was strong enough number of issues that she knew were a Congress, and I think it is safe to say to return to Washington on a perma- concern to the people back home. She you will not be forgotten. Thanks nent basis. made it clear that she would fight for again for your willingness to serve and One moment I will always remember what was best for the people of her work so hard for what you believe in. is the day he came back to the Senate, home State and worked hard on na- You have helped to encourage and in- walking the steps with Vice President tional security, veterans issues, health spire the next generation of leaders JOE BIDEN and West Virginia Senator care, and substance abuse. She has also from your State. In that way and so . The courage, determina- been a tireless advocate and an out- many others, you have made a dif- tion and step by step success MARK standing partner for me on the Budget ference. made in achieving another difficult Committee.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:52 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.042 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6886 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 I am sad to see KELLY leave the Sen- Now DAVID has decided to end his has been one of our best partners in the ate at the end of this year, but if her Senate career and take on some new administration. past is any indication of her future, I challenges. I have no doubt that his All of us were glad to be able to think she will make good use of her skills and his background will lead him honor JOE and his son, Beau Biden, by talents, abilities, background, knowl- down a new path to help the people of naming the cancer section of 21st Cen- edge, and experience in her future en- Louisiana. I wish him well and look tury Cures Act after Beau. I expect JOE deavors. I hope it is in some part of our forward to seeing what he will do. will continue to be a voice for ending government. There is no doubt that we DAVID, Diana joins me in sending our cancer, and I hope to work with him need good people like KELLY to make best wishes and our appreciation for towards that cause. this a better country for us all. your service, as well as that of your JOE, Diana and I send our best to I have a prediction to make about family. Together with Wendy, you were you, Jill and your family. You have her future—we haven’t seen the last of able to make a difference that will last served the people of Delaware and the KELLY AYOTTE. She has a lot more to for a long time in the Senate and in people of the United States with dis- give, and I think we are all looking for- Louisiana. It is good to know you tinction. ward to seeing it. won’t be far away and we can get in I yield the floor. KELLY, Diana joins me in sending our touch with you whenever we need your The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- best wishes to you and your family, advice. ator from Maine and our appreciation for your willing- TRIBUTE TO VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN SENIOR$AFE ACT ness to serve New Hampshire and the Mr. President, today I wish to recog- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, at the Nation. There are countless sayings nize the service of a former colleague end of a Congress, we all know how about how politics isn’t for anyone but and our current Vice President, JOE easy it is for just one Senator to block the brave and the resilient. I think BIDEN. a bill. I rise today to express my great your experience, especially this past JOE was born in Pennsylvania, but disappointment that we have been un- year, has shown that you are more moved with his family to Delaware able to overcome objections from just than tough enough for any career chal- when he was 13. He left Delaware for one Senator from the other side of the lenge. Good luck in whatever you brief stints at St. Helena School and aisle who is blocking the passage of choose to do next. Clearly, you spe- Law School, but legislation called the Senior$afe Act cialize in making the world a better he has always returned to Delaware, that is designed to help protect our place and that is a win/win for us all— including the daily trips he made home seniors from financial fraud and exploi- especially our children and grand- during his Senate career and the reg- tation. This is a bill I introduced with children. ular trips he makes home to this day. my colleague, Senator CLAIRE MCCAS- TRIBUTE TO DAVID VITTER Because of his devotion to Delaware, KILL, as a result of extensive hearings Mr. President, each year at the end JOE quickly got his start in politics, and investigations that we have con- of the Congress, it has been a tradition first on the New Castle County Council ducted in the Senate Aging Committee. for the Senate to pause for a moment and then in the U.S. Senate, where he A companion bill passed the House on a to express our appreciation for the became the fifth-youngest U.S. Senator voice vote. service of those Members who will be in history in 1972. He also has the dis- Nationally, as many as 5 million sen- retiring. One of those who will be leav- tinction of being Delaware’s longest iors may be victims of financial abuse ing this year is DAVID VITTER. serving Senator. annually. Stopping this tsunami of DAVID will be a loss for my party’s I worked with JOE on many different fraud has been one of the top priorities membership in the next Congress be- issues during his time in the Senate of the Senate Aging Committee. cause he was a hard worker and we and served on the Foreign Relations In the many hearings we have held could always count on him for his sup- Committee when he was our Chairman. on this issue, what we found is that port of our conservative positions. JOE is known as a foreign affairs ex- scammers seek to gain the trust and Simply put, he made the most of the pert, and he has many reasons to be active cooperation of their victims, terms he served and made an impor- proud of the work he’s done in that who are usually older Americans. With- tant difference on a number of issues. area. One of those things that we out that trust and cooperation, their Over the years, DAVID would study schemes would fail. Unfortunately, sen- each bill in Committee and on the floor worked on together was the President’s iors often do not see the red flags that carefully to determine how those who Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. signal that fraud is likely involved in would fall under its provisions would I remember being at the 2003 State of these sophisticated schemes. Some- be affected. He had a good sense of the Union speech when President Bush times seniors are simply too nice, too what needed to be strengthened or said, ‘‘We’re going to put $15 billion tweaked to make legislation more ef- into an AIDS effort.’’ That shocked all trusting. In other sad cases, they may fective and less costly. The people of of us who were there. It was a lot of suffer from diminished capacity. But Louisiana and the Nation have had a money. But we worked together to de- just as often, they miss these flags be- friend in him, and they greatly appre- velop a bill that passed the House and cause the swindlers who prey upon ciated how well he looked out for them. Senate unanimously. them are extremely crafty and they One issue that drew DAVID’s and my JOE managed the floor when we reau- know how to sound convincing. Any of attention was Obamacare. We both had thorized that program in 2008, and we us who have received these calls at a lot of concerns about how it would worked with Senators Coburn, BURR, home know how persuasive and per- work and whether or not it would pro- and Lugar to develop that reauthoriza- sistent these con artists can be. vide the kind of care its supporters tion. At the time, JOE suggested histo- Whatever the reason, a warning sign promised. That is one of the reasons rians will regard PEPFAR as President that can slip by a victim might trigger why I hate to see him leave. We have a Bush’s ‘‘single finest hour,’’ and I tend a second look by a financial services lot of work to do on health care, and to agree. A few years ago, I visited the representative who is trained to spot DAVID would have been someone who Kasisi Orphanage in Zambia. We were common scams and who knows enough could help with the heavy lifting. told that before PEPFAR, they had to about a senior’s habits to question a DAVID also chaired the Small Busi- bury 18 kids a month that died of transaction that just doesn’t look ness Committee in this Congress and AIDS, but because of PEPFAR, they right. In our work on the Senate Aging was able to put forward some ideas to got that down to one a month. I know Committee, we have heard of so many preserve jobs and businesses. I have JOE shares my pride in the difference cases where an alert bank teller or been proud to work with him in that that program is making. credit union employee on the frontlines effort. We were all a little sad to see JOE has stopped a financial fraud in its In short, Senator VITTER has had a move to the White House in 2009, when tracks, saving seniors untold thou- remarkable career and has done his he became our 47th Vice President. sands of dollars. In fact, the Govern- best to serve the people of his State Lucky for us, he has been able to keep ment Accountability Office estimates and champion the issues that were of his ties to the Senate in his role as that our seniors lose an astonishing importance to them. President of this body, and I think he $2.9 billion a year to this kind of fraud,

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Earlier this ican Securities Administrators Admin- consider and allow us to send this im- year, an attorney in the small coastal istration, which is known as NASAA. portant bill to the President for his city of Belfast, ME, was sentenced to 30 The Senior$afe Act and this model signature. months in prison for bilking two older State legislation are complementary There being no objection, the mate- female clients out of nearly half a mil- efforts, and I am very pleased that the rial was ordered to be printed in the lion dollars over the course of several association of securities administra- RECORD, as follows: years. The lawyer’s brazen theft was tors has endorsed our bill. LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, uncovered when a local bank teller no- As I mentioned, the House Financial ticed that he was writing large checks FREE LEGAL HELP FOR MAINE’S Services Committee approved our com- SENIORS, to himself from his clients’ accounts. panion bill by a vote of 59 to 0 in June, December 5, 2016. When confronted by authorities, he of- and it passed the House by a voice vote Re Senior$afe (S. 2216). fered excuses that the prosecutor later in July. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senator SUSAN COLLINS, described as ‘‘breathtaking.’’ For ex- a quarter of the Members of this body, Chair, Senate Special Committee on Aging, ample, he put one of his clients into a balanced nearly evenly on both sides of Dirksen Senate Office Building, Wash- nursing home to recover from a tem- the aisle, and has the support of a wide ington, DC. porary medical condition and then range of stakeholders looking out for DEAR SENATOR COLLINS: I want to thank managed to keep her there for 4 years the interests of consumers, including you for inviting me to speak with the Senate until the theft of her funds came to the securities administrators whom I Special Committee on Aging about the seri- light. In the meantime, he submitted have already mentioned, the Con- ous problem of financial exploitation of sen- bills for services, sometimes totaling iors by guardians and others in a position of ference of State Bank Supervisors, and power. I also want to thank you for your $20,000 a month, including charging her the National Association of Insurance $250 per hour for 6 to 7 hours to check leadership in working to ensure there is Commissioners. These are all regu- training of financial institution employees on her house, which was a 1-minute lators who are looking out for our con- in reporting elder abuse and an improvement drive from his office. sumers. in the timely reporting of financial exploi- Financial institutions are in a crit- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- tation when it is suspected through passage ical position to check these fraudsters. sent to have printed in the RECORD of the Senior$afe Act. I strongly support this If properly trained, employees can be these letters of endorsement imme- legislation that is based upon work done the first line of defense. Regrettably, here in Maine. diately following my remarks. certain laws can inadvertently impede Under our bill, liability protections I served for over two years on the working efforts to protect seniors because fi- are only provided for good-faith, rea- group that developed Maine’s Senior$afe nancial institutions that report sus- training program for financial institution sonable reports of suspected fraud. managers and employees. It is a voluntary pected fraud can be exposed to law- The legal obstacles facing financial suits. Our bill, the Senior$afe Act, en- training program. Through that work I came institutions that report this kind of to fully appreciate the very real concerns of courages financial institutions to train suspected fraud and abuse are not lim- their employees and shields them from the financial industry regarding the con- ited to just privacy laws because these sequences of violating, or being perceived as lawsuits for making good-faith, reason- institutions have also been threatened violating, the broad range of state and fed- able reports of potential fraud to the with claims such as breach of contract, eral privacy laws that apply to their indus- proper authorities. bad faith, slander, unfair practices, and try. I also came to appreciate that absent As Jaye Martin, the head of Maine even harassment. As one compliance broad immunity for reporting of suspected fi- Legal Services for the Elderly, put it in nancial exploitation, privacy regulations a letter describing her support for the officer for one of my community banks would continue to be a barrier to good faith Collins-McCaskill bill, ‘‘In a landscape put it, without this kind of immunity reporting of suspected financial exploitation. that includes family members who for good-faith reporting, small commu- In a landscape that includes family members often wish to keep exploitation from nity banks will face the ‘‘freeze effect’’ who often wish to keep exploitation from and won’t make reports that could help coming to light because they are perpe- coming to light because they are perpe- trating the exploitation, the risk of facing trating the exploitation, the risk of to protect our seniors; thus, ‘‘the effec- tiveness of Senior$afe will be under- potential nuisance or false complaints over facing potential nuisance or false com- privacy violations is all too real. plaints over privacy violations is all cut.’’ I just cannot believe we cannot clear This is a barrier that must be removed so too real.’’ that financial institution employees will act This is a barrier that must be re- this commonsense bill for the Presi- dent’s signature when it would help so immediately to make a report to the proper moved so that financial institutions authorities upon forming a reasonable belief will act immediately to make a report many seniors avoid becoming the vic- that exploitation is occurring. These profes- to the proper authorities upon forming tims of financial fraud and abuse, when sionals are on the front lines in the light a reasonable belief that exploitation is it is supported by groups like Maine against elder financial exploitation and are occurring. These professionals are on Legal Services for the Elderly, when it often the only ones in a position to stop ex- the frontlines in the fight against elder has won the support of national organi- ploitation before it is too late. financial exploitation and are often the zations of State securities administra- I want to add that tying the grant of im- only ones in a position to stop the ex- tors, State insurance commissioners, munity to required training for not just su- ploitation before it is too late. State bank regulators, when it would pervisors, compliance officers, and legal ad- visors, but to all who come in contact with Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- make such a difference. Sadly, because of the objections of seniors as a part of their regular duties, will sent to have printed in the RECORD the have the direct result of bringing more cases full letter from Ms. Martin imme- just one Senator on the other side of of exploitation to the timely attention of the diately following my remarks. the aisle, we are stymied. That means proper authorities because it will signifi- Our bipartisan bill is based on the we will have to start all over again cantly increase the knowledge and awareness State of Maine’s innovative Senior$afe next year. Much needed help for our in the industry of the red flags for elder Program. It has been a collaborative seniors—that could help them avoid abuse. In Maine, where our training program effort by my State’s regulators, finan- being swindled out of what GAO esti- is entirely voluntary and carries no legal cial institutions, and legal organiza- mates is almost $3 billion a year—will status or benefit, we have already seen what tions to educate bank and credit union have to wait for another day. I just a difference training can make. employees on how to identify and help don’t understand it. Senior$afe is a much needed step in the stop the exploitation of older Mainers. I have made many good-faith efforts fight against financial exploitation of sen- in this regard, but regretfully, because iors and there is no doubt it will make our It was pioneered by Maine’s securities nation’s seniors safer. I thank you again for administrator, Judith Shaw, and it has we are at the end of the session, we your leadership in this important area. led to a significant increase in reports don’t have the time to go through all Sincerely, of suspected senior financial exploi- of the procedural steps that would be JAYE L. MARTIN, tation and fraud. needed to pass this bill, which I am Executive Director.

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NORTH AMERICAN SECURITIES their duties; and employees who review or JULIE MIX MCPEAK, ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION, INC., approve the financial documents, records, or NAIC Vice President, Washington, DC, October 27, 2015. transactions of senior citizens as a part of Commissioner, Ten- Re the Senior$afe Act of 2015. their regular duties. nessee Department Senator SUSAN COLLINS, The benefits of the types of reporting that of Commerce and In- Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging, the Senior$afe Act aims to facilitate and en- surance. Dirksen Senate Office Building, Wash- courage are far-reaching. Elderly Americans ERIC A. CIOPPA, ington, DC. stand to benefit directly from such report- NAIC Secretary-Treas- Senator CLAIRE MCCASKILL, ing, because early detection and reporting urer, Super- Ranking Member, Senate Special Committee on can minimize their financial losses from ex- intendent, Maine Aging, Dirksen Senate Office Building, ploitation, and because improved protection Department of Pro- Washington, DC. of their finances ultimately helps preserve fessional and Finan- DEAR CHAIRMAN COLLINS AND RANKING their financial independence and their per- cial Regulation, Bu- MEMBER MCCASKILL: On behalf of the North sonal autonomy. Financial institutions reau of Insurance. American Securities Administrators Asso- stand to benefit, as well, through preserva- tion of their reputation, increased commu- ciation (‘‘NASAA’’), I’m writing to express CONFERENCE OF STATE nity recognition, increased employee satis- strong support for your work to better pro- BANK SUPERVISORS, tect vulnerable adults from financial exploi- faction, and decreased uninsured losses. April 29, 2016. In conclusion, state securities regulators tation through the introduction of the Senator SUSAN COLLINS, Senior$afe Act of 2015. Your legislation will congratulate you for introducing the Chairwoman, Senate Special Committee on better protect seniors by increasing the like- Senior$afe Act of 2015. We share and support Aging, Dirksen Senate Office Building, lihood that financial exploitation targeting the goals of this legislation, and look for- Washington, DC. ward to working closely with you as the leg- the elderly will be identified by financial Senator CLAIRE MCCASKILL, services professionals, and by removing bar- islation is considered by the Senate. Ranking Member, Senate Special Committee on riers that might otherwise frustrate the re- Sincerely, Aging, Dirksen Senate Office Building, porting of such exploitation to state securi- JUDITH M. SHAW, Washington, DC. ties regulators and other appropriate govern- NASAA President and Maine DEAR CHAIRWOMAN COLLINS AND RANKING mental authorities. Securities Administrator. MEMBER MCCASKILL: On behalf of the Con- Senior financial exploitation is a difficult ference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), I but critical policy challenge. Many in our el- NAIC & THE CENTER FOR INSURANCE POLICY AND RESEARCH, write to express strong support for S. 2216, derly population are vulnerable due to social the Senior$afe Act of 2015. State regulators isolation and distance from family, care- September 14, 2016. Re Senior Safe Act. are committed to combatting financial abuse giver, and other support networks. Indeed, of elderly residents and believe that S. 2216 evidence suggests that as many as one out of Chairman SUSAN M. COLLINS, recognizes the contribution of states while every five citizens over the age of 65 has been U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Dirk- empowering institutions to reduce financial victimized by a financial fraud. To be suc- sen Senate Office Building, Washington, exploitation of the elderly. cessful in combating senior financial exploi- DC. tation, state and federal policymakers must Ranking Member CLAIRE MCCASKILL, State regulators supervise a diverse credit come together to weave a new safety net for U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Hart ecosystem, are locally-focused, and have a our elderly, breaking down barriers to iden- Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. unique insight on the consequences of abu- tify those who are best positioned to identify DEAR CHAIRMAN COLLINS AND RANKING sive practices in their communities. State red flags early on and to encourage reporting MEMBER MCCASKILL: On behalf of the Na- banking regulators supervise approximately and referrals to appropriate local, county, tional Association of Insurance Commis- 4,850 state-chartered depository institutions, state, and federal agencies, including law en- sioners (NAIC), which represents the chief representing over 75% of our nation’s banks. forcement. insurance regulators from the 50 states, the Additionally, most state banking depart- As you know, state securities regulators, District of Columbia, and five U.S. terri- ments regulate a variety of non-bank finan- working within the framework of NASAA, tories, we write to express our support for cial services providers, including mortgage are in the late-stages of our own concerted the Senior $afe Act and applaud you for your lenders. effort to bolster protections for elderly in- leadership to increase identification and re- Since the 1980s, several states have enacted vestors at risk of exploitation, including porting of suspected senior financial exploi- laws to address the abuse, neglect, and finan- through the development of model legisla- tation. cial exploitation of their elderly residents. tion to be enacted by states to promote re- It is estimated that older adults in our These state laws provide immunity for finan- porting of suspected exploitation. While the country lose $2.9 billion annually from finan- cial service professionals to report abuse in approaches contemplated by the recently an- cial exploitation, and these losses can result good faith, contain penalties for failing to nounced NASAA model legislation and the in a diminished quality of life for those who report or making false reports of elder abuse, Senior$afe Act differ in some respects, they fall victim to such exploitation. State insur- and combat power of attorney abuse. S. 2216 are complementary efforts, both undertaken ance regulators share your commitment to recognizes the important work of states and with the shared goal of protecting seniors by protecting seniors from financial exploi- creates a consumer protection floor upon increasing the detection and reporting of el- tation. State and federal officials entrusted which states can build. derly financial exploitation. with the responsibility of protecting con- Financial services professionals are in a The Senior$afe Act consists of several es- sumers must remain vigilant in their over- position of trust and have a unique window sential features. First, to promote and en- sight. That is why a key component of the into the financial condition of seniors. Their courage reporting of suspected elderly finan- NAIC’s Retirement Security Initiative is en- expertise and vantage point should be lever- cial exploitation by financial services profes- suring consumers have clarity and trans- aged to forcefully combat the growing epi- sionals, who are positioned to identify and parency into the insurance products they are demic of elder abuse. report ‘‘red flags’’ of potential exploitation, being offered, that the products are suitable the bill would incentivize financial services for their needs, and that bad actors do not The Senior$afe Act incentivizes financial employees to report any suspected exploi- undermine efforts to address lifetime income services employees to report any suspected tation by making them immune from any and retirement security challenges. We look exploitation by making them immune from civil or administrative liability arising from forward to continuing to work with you and any civil or administrative liability arising such a report, provided that they exercised your committee on these important issues. from such a report, provided they exercised due care, and that they make these reports Thank you again for your efforts to com- due care and reported in good faith. Addi- in good faith. Second, in order to better as- bat financial exploitation of seniors. tionally, to ensure financial services per- sure that financial services employees have Sincerely, sonnel have the requisite expertise, the bill the knowledge and training they require to JOHN M. HUFF, requires, as a condition of receiving immu- identify ‘‘red flags’’ associated with financial NAIC President, Direc- nity, that financial institutions train key exploitation, the bill would require that, as a tor, Missouri De- personnel regarding the identification and condition of receiving immunity, financial partment of Insur- reporting of senior financial exploitation as institutions undertake to train certain per- ance, Financial In- soon as practicable. sonnel regarding the identification and re- stitutions and Pro- Early detection is key to combatting elder porting of senior financial exploitation as fessional Registra- financial abuse. Not only can it minimize soon as practicable, or within one year. tion. losses, but it may be able to prevent abuses Under the bill, employees who would be re- THEODORE K. NICKEL, from occurring in the first place. Moreover, quired to receive such training as a condi- NAIC President-Elect, this bill can deepen the involvement of fi- tion of immunity include supervisory per- Commissioner, Wis- nancial institutions in their community, en- sonnel; employees who come into contact consin Department hance the training of financial services per- with a senior citizen as a regular part of of Insurance. sonnel, and reduce insured losses.

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The Sen- that EB–5 is responsible for all of these statements. I could easily read the ator from Iowa. jobs is a farce. EB–5 merely allows de- same statement I gave at that time Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, Sen- velopers to replace their conventional and it would be just as relevant today. ator LEAHY and I are on the floor for financing with dirt cheap capital sub- We are very disappointed that reforms the same issue. I defer to Senator sidized by the sale of U.S. visas. were not included in the continuing LEAHY if he prefers to go first. It is not just exploited by wealthy resolution, which simply extended this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- American developers. Chinese devel- very flawed immigration program. ator from Vermont. opers, and even the Chinese Govern- The EB–5 Regional Center Program EB–5 REGIONAL CENTER PROGRAM ment itself, are now exploiting the EB– has been plagued by fraud and abuse. It Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I have 5 subsidy. That is beyond troubling poses significant national security been here on the floor before, joined by when a foreign government is per- risks. There are serious allegations Senator GRASSLEY, to share my frus- mitted to earn tens of millions of dol- that the program may be facilitating tration with the EB–5 Regional Center lars through the sale of U.S. visas. terrorist travel, economic espionage, Program. Senator GRASSLEY and I have The proposal I developed with Sen- money laundering, and investment been working for years to improve this ator GRASSLEY would address this. It fraud. Yet considering all of those flawed program that is set to expire to- would require background checks. It things, the continuing resolution be- morrow, but, once again, unfortu- would require third-party oversight of fore us fails to include much needed re- nately, the congressional leadership on funds. It would create protections for forms. the other side has rejected our bipar- defrauded investors. It would ban for- So after a year, we have yet another tisan reforms and the program will be eign government ownership of an EB–5 missed opportunity. The chairs and extended in the continuing resolution. company. It would end gerrymandering ranking members of the House and We have done this in a way, as has and provide modest incentives to direct Senate Judiciary Committees have been pointed out, as a Republican and a small portion of investment to under- agreed on a package of reforms. We as a Democrat—two of the most senior served areas—just 15 percent to both have worked in a bipartisan and bi- Members of this body—who have intro- rural and urban poor communities—but cameral fashion. We have agreed—all duced real reforms, but time and again even this was too much for some devel- four of us—on every aspect. We insti- leadership has caved behind closed opers and some lobbyists. tuted compliance measures, we insti- doors to narrow corporate interests. I Gluttonous, shortsighted corporate tuted background checks, and we insti- believe that is a serious mistake. greed blocked these critical reforms, tuted transparency provisions. We The EB–5 Program I once cham- greed that was given a voice by the made sure rural and distressed urban pioned seems like a distant memory. U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Unfortu- areas benefited from the program, as The program was designed to bring jobs nately, the leadership has allowed a Congress already intended and as Sen- to underserved rural and distressed couple of powerful developers to ex- ator LEAHY very clearly laid out the urban communities. For some time, it ploit this program’s flaws to derail problems. Despite the bipartisan support, not a did just that. Communities in critical reforms. I find it shameful that single one of our recommendations will Vermont, like Warren and Vergennes, the worst abusers of this program have be implemented. Instead of reforming once used EB–5 to create and save jobs been given, by some in Congress, veto the program, we will have the status during difficult economic times, but power over its reform. quo. The status quo means the fol- that is EB–5 of yesterday. I commend Secretary Johnson and lowing: Today EB–5 is mired in fraud and his efforts to improve EB–5. I commend abuse. It suffers from obvious and out- Investments can be spent before busi- his efforts to change the rules to ad- ness plans are approved. rageous flaws. It is a magnet for fraud, dress fraud, inadequate investment lev- security violations are rampant, and Regional Center operators can charge els, and the abuse of development in- excessive fees of foreign nationals in the incentives Congress created to pro- centives. mote investment and create jobs in addition to their required investments. I will work with the chairmen of the None of the jobs created have to be rural and high unemployment areas— Senate and House Judiciary Commit- ‘‘direct’’ or verifiable jobs, but rather the sole reason I championed the pro- tees and the next Secretary of Home- they are ‘‘indirect’’ and based on esti- gram—have been rendered obsolete land Security to get these reforms im- mates, not knowing for sure if there through economic gerrymandering. plemented and enforced, but the EB–5 are jobs created or based upon eco- Only 3 percent of EB–5 investors now regional Senate program no longer nomic modeling—again, not knowing invest in rural areas—3 percent. The serves the American people’s interests. for sure if jobs are created. distinguished senior Senator from Iowa It certainly does not serve the rural Investment funds are not adequately and I understand what a rural area is, and urban poor communities as Con- vetted. and they are not being served. Less gress intended. Gifts and loans from anyone are ac- than 10 percent invest in true high un- Next year, I will be the vice chair- ceptable sources of funds from foreign employment areas. Almost every other man of the Appropriations Committee, nationals. EB–5 project uses gerrymandering to and I will continue to press for broad There is no prohibition against for- qualify as distressed, despite many bipartisan reform. I know Senator eign governments owning and oper- being located in the most affluent GRASSLEY and Senator FEINSTEIN, the ating regional centers or projects. areas of the country. The fact that a incoming ranking member of the Judi- Regional centers can be rented or luxury hotel in Beverly Hills can use ciary Committee, will not sit idly by sold without government oversight or gerrymandering to claim it is located either. approval. in a distressed community is troubling. If EB–5 cannot be reformed due to the Regional centers don’t have to cer- Beverly Hills is not rural Iowa or rural paralysis of leadership, it is very sim- tify that they comply with securities Vermont, but the fact that this type of ple. If it cannot be reformed, then let laws. There is no set of sanctions for abuse now represents almost 90 percent us end EB–5. any violations—in other words, no re- of the entire EB–5 Program is appall- I yield the floor. course for the bad actors. ing. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- There are no required background Anyone who maintains that today’s ator from Iowa. checks on anyone associated with these EB–5 Program is about creating jobs is Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I regional centers. The investment level either a lobbyist for the real estate in- heard my friend and colleague Senator is lower than Congress ever intended.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.060 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6890 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Gerrymandering continues, and rural major financial decisions and invest up controversial recapture mechanisms or and urban distressed areas then lose to $1 million—a 14-year-old, to do that. by exempting certain people from the out. They wanted restrictions on where annual cap. The pro-EB–5 groups want Site visits or even audits are not re- investor funds came from lifted. Our more visas for an already faulty pro- quired. package limited a foreign national gram, which makes more money and There is no transparency on how from taking out a questionable loan or puts more money in their pockets. funds are spent, who is paid, and what taking gifts from unknown sources. On top of that, they asked us to investors are told about the projects One way to find out what is wrong is to make the visas cheaper than it is even they are investing in. follow the money. We wanted to be under current law. I, of course, refused The preferential treatment we have sure that those investing were doing so to do that. I refuse to go below the $1 seen in the past is enabled without a because they obtained funds lawfully. million level that has been in law since strict code of conduct rules. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wanted 1990. The demand for visas is there. Those are just some of the things no such restrictions. There is no justification to further that are wrong. They wanted foreign governments cheapen this program and the green The four of us on the two commit- and even sovereign wealth funds to own cards that come with that program. tees, in a bicameral and bipartisan EB–5 projects. They wanted to delay We will have 5 months until we are way, tried to address awareness and rules saying foreign governments could faced with another reauthorization be- have a process for dialogue leading to not own or administer regional centers cause that is how far this continuing reform. My committee held two hear- by requiring bureaucratic rulemaking. resolution goes. In those 5 months, I ings this year. The House held one. Despite the changes we made this year expect that proposed rules changing Staff met with very interested stake- on this very strict provision, they con- the investment level and stopping ger- holders who asked for and we offered tinued to want to water it down in rymandering will be published by the more concessions than we did last year. every negotiating session we had. end of the year by the Obama adminis- To top it off, we were ready to provide They didn’t want regional centers to tration, and I will support those pro- a 6-year reauthorization. This would have to consult with local officials posed rules. I will be asking the new have provided long-term stability for about EB–5 projects to ensure that eco- Trump administration to keep those investors and regional centers. nomic development efforts were coordi- new regulations and build off them. But let’s talk about why this pack- nated. In regard to the new administration age was not acceptable to some, most They wanted to do away with a re- coming in, they took a very strong po- notably, the U.S. Chamber of Com- quirement that a foreign investor sition on various immigration issues. merce, which was the most rigid in not would have to create at least one direct In taking that position, I would expect compromising. Here is a list of issues job before obtaining a green card. Now, them to consider very closely the fraud raised by this leading voice of business here we have a situation where a pro- and misuse of the EB–5 Program. When in opposition to our package. gram was instituted 25 years ago to this administration sees things wrong They want, in effect, one investment create jobs—particularly in rural with it and they correct those things level. They don’t want any meaningful America and high unemployment that are wrong with it through regula- discount for rural or urban distressed areas—and they don’t even want the tion, those are regulations that should areas. Don’t forget that this law was investors to show that they are going be backed up very solidly by the new passed 20 years ago to help rural and to create at least one job right now. administration coming in. high-unemployment areas. That is the Then they used economic modeling Next year, we will have to start over purpose of it. to show indirect jobs. Neither the ex- again. So as we heard Senator LEAHY They don’t want visas set aside for istence of those jobs nor the location of speak about this—and we know his areas that Congress selected as tar- those jobs can truly be verified. When feelings and mine are very similar; I geted employment areas for fear that you have the Federal Government set- have already referred to the House Ju- investors in affluent areas would have ting up a program like this that is sup- diciary Committee—we will continue to wait slightly longer for a visa. posed to create jobs in rural areas and to work in a bipartisan and bicameral They didn’t want to incentivize for- high unemployment areas, wouldn’t way to ensure this program. eign investors to fund manufacturing you think there ought to be a way of Now, I want to speak about the new projects that create long-term, sustain- showing that those jobs are actually ranking member, Senator FEINSTEIN. I able, and real jobs that this country created? intend to continue this work as closely desperately needs. They raise new concerns about provi- with her as I did with Ranking Member They wanted to make it harder for sions that have been discussed way LEAHY, and Ranking Member LEAHY rural areas to qualify at a discount in- back since last June, such as requiring will still be involved in this process. I vestment level, even though it is com- regional centers to pay a fee to an en- want to point out that she is not a fan mon knowledge that small and rural forcement and monitoring fund. of this program at all, and she has been communities have a harder time at- They wanted a 3-day notification of a very vocal about closing this program tracting capital. site visit by the agency to determine if down because of all the fault we find They wanted certifications and com- the regional center truly exists. Sure, with it, whether it is fraud, whether it pliance measures to be delegated to the tell the inspectors you are coming so is misuse of the program, whether it is agency. They did not want Congress to you can get everything in order before possible terrorist activity taking ad- dictate transparencies and reporting the inspectors get there. vantage of it, or whatever it is for na- requirements. They fought efforts to require trans- tional security reasons—all of those. We must remember that our job is to parency of how investor funds were Some of these have been pointed out by legislate, not to delegate. Delegating used. Now, this is a major problem of law enforcement agencies at the Fed- authority to the executive branch on the existing program. Nearly every eral level. this program would result in more of story of fraud relates to how regional So I want everybody to know that the same, because even by the depart- center operators use EB–5 funds for change is coming. I have always want- ments in charge, there is very little their own personal gain and luxury. ed to reform the program, but I am not oversight and monitoring now, even if This program is meant to create jobs, sure that the industry will ever come it might be required by law. But not not to help individuals in charge of the around. The leadership of this body and enough of it is required by law. That is program have personal gain and, more the other body could help by ending why they get away with all this stuff. importantly, even the luxury that this program in a continuing resolu- The Chamber of Commerce didn’t might go with that. tion. Let it sunset, and let all these like a provision saying a foreign na- But the kicker in all of this is that people come to the table with a more tional had to be 18 years old to invest these business interests insist on more compromising point of view to correct and obtain a green card through the visas and to make those visas even everything that is wrong here. But the program. They would like children as cheaper. They want Congress to in- industry loves the status quo and, of young as 14 to be able to make these crease immigration numbers through course, they love the billions of dollars

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.097 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6891 that pour into affluent areas. Con- Glenn and some bald guy with him,’’ well, let’s attach it. The Cures Act sequently, the money is not directed and that was me, of course. We went came over, and it is a health care act. where it was intended to in 1990, when there and then flew back to Montpelier It was germane to that bill, and it this legislation was passed, which was where Marcelle and Annie had been should fit in perfectly. They said, no, to rural areas and high unemployment traveling around. John landed the we can’t put it in there. areas. plane in a stiff crosswind. Of course, The only thing we have left is what I am not sure, with the attitude of the pontoons did not help. He had to we are doing now, a CR. This is some- the industry, that reforms are possible. bring it in sideways. I did not worry. It thing I have never done. I have been So just leaning on Senator FEINSTEIN a was John Glenn. Then he turned to me here 6 years and have never used this little bit and considering her point of with a big wink and said: I have never procedure to say: Wait a minute. If we view, it may be time to do away with been so frightened flying anything in don’t stand for the people who have the program completely. my life. I do not think John ever was fought, worked, and died for us and ba- I said that same thing a year ago, frightened at anything, but my heart sically given us the country we have— and I repeat: Maybe we should spend did stop. we have won two wars with the domes- our time, our resources, and our efforts I will speak more about him on the tic energy that has been mined right in other programs that benefit the floor, and I appreciate my friend from here in America, an awful lot of it in American people as opposed to bene- Iowa yielding so I could speak. West Virginia, I might add. We have fiting the well-healed and the well-con- John was one of the best people I the strongest country in the world. We nected. Maybe it is time this program ever served with. When I speak of what are a superpower. That would never goes away. it was like coming here as a brand new have happened. We would never have I yield the floor and thank Senator Senator, every time I am asked about the military might we have today. We LEAHY for his speaking on it. that, I talk about the fact that I came would never have the middle class we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- here and was sworn in with John have. We just wouldn’t have the qual- ator from Florida. Glenn. ity of life we have in America if had The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- REMEMBERING JOHN GLENN not been for the domestic energy our ator from . Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, it is my miners have given us. Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, it is What we are asking for and all they sad duty to announce the passing of my understanding that I was going to are saying is this is a promise that was John Glenn. go next. But my distinguished col- made in 1946 that President Truman John Glenn was one of the original league from West Virginia has impor- said: Listen, we are going to commit to seven astronauts of this country. All of tant visitors—miners, who help fuel you that every ton of coal mined from them were characterized as having the our country. So I ask unanimous con- this day forward and the coal compa- right stuff, and if you knew any of sent that after he is recognized, I be nies you work for, we are putting them, that was certainly true. recognized immediately thereafter. money aside to make sure you have John Glenn was not only a pio- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there lifetime benefits for health care and for neering astronaut and a great Senator, objection? your pension. he was a first-class gentleman as well Without objection, it is so ordered. These are not big, elaborate pension as a devoted husband and father. The Senator from West Virginia. plans. They are very small. They are He leaves behind Annie, his beloved, MINERS PROTECTION ACT subsidies, if you will. The health care who always stood with him as he ven- Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, let me has been so very important to many tured into the unknown cosmos, and it say to my dear friend from New Jersey, people. This has been going on for quite was unknown because John was the I appreciate his support so much. He some time, and we have been involved first to go into orbit as an American. has been right with me from day one, many times. Yes, the Federal Govern- He paved the way for all the rest of us. basically for the working men and ment has been involved to make sure At his passing, America is in the women of this country but, most im- the companies put that money aside so planning and the developing of the portantly, for the miners who have they would have their health care and rockets that will take us, a human spe- given us the country we have had their pensions. cies, all the way to Mars. John Glenn today. Then, lo and behold, Congress basi- was the pioneer. He was the one who I have been doing this for quite some cally passed bankruptcy laws that let paved the way. time now. It is nothing new. This is not people walk away from their obliga- Thank you, Mr. President. new to anybody. This has not been tions through bankruptcy. Now the I yield the floor. sprung on somebody at the last promises were made and the promises The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- minute, what we are fighting for and that were kept by Congress were done ator from Vermont. what we are trying to do. away with through the bankruptcy Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I was a As of October, we had over 16,000 of laws that were so lenient that people little bit delayed getting to the floor our retired miners and a lot of elderly could declare bankruptcy and say: Lis- this afternoon because I was in tears, women—widows whose husbands have ten, I am sorry, but we are just not literally, when I heard the news about passed away—who were notified they going to fulfill that commitment. That John. I think of my last long conversa- would be losing their health care bene- legacy goes away. That is somebody tion with him just a few weeks ago. I fits December 31 of this year. We have else’s problem. will speak more on the floor about him been working for a permanent fix To fast forward to where we are later. called the Miners Protection Act, and today and why we have the problems I came to the Senate with John if that bill were brought to the floor we have, let me bring you up to speed Glenn. I enjoyed traveling with him, today, it would pass. We have all of the with what we are dealing with. We with the anonymity it gave me when Democratic caucus—all 46 of us—and have asked for the Miners Protection people said: there is Colonel Glenn. It we have at least 15 who have com- Act, which was the permanent health was not Senator Glenn, it was Colonel mitted to voting for it from our Repub- care fix and a permanent pension fix. Glenn, even after having been sworn in. lican colleagues, but that is not to be. These are for the retirees. We have an- We traveled, he and Annie, Marcelle That is not going to happen. other group of retirees here who have and I, all over the world, but the time We have been working everything we gone through bankruptcy and there I remember the most was the weekend can. We have gone through regular was money set aside, about $47 million. we spent at our old farmhouse in order. That means it has been to the That was supposed to run out in June. Vermont because they wanted to see Finance Committee. It has gone We were going to bring all of them to- the foliage. through and been debated and vetted, gether so we took care of everybody. We used a seaplane and went flying and it came out of there with an 18-to- Now, the bill they put in front of us around, landing in little ponds; taking 8 vote—very strong in a bipartisan that the House of Representatives has off, then landing in another one. We way. given us is horrendous and it is inhu- went to a trappers convention where Now what do we do? We are not going mane. They gave us a bill and said: everybody was saying, ‘‘It is Colonel to get a vote on the floor. We thought, Take it or leave it on the CR.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.098 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6892 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Nobody wants to close this great in- are here. I came here to do exactly That doesn’t play well where I come stitution, this government down—not a what I told you I was going to do—fight from. That is not a commitment, and person. You have to stand for some- for you, make sure you are treated that is not public service. I am so thing or surely to God, you will stand fairly. We have pay-fors. This is not sorry. I hope I have haven’t inconven- for nothing. That is where we find our- coming out of taxpayers’ money. This ienced anybody. I hope I haven’t made selves. They gave us a 4-month exten- is AML—abandoned mine lands. The you feel uncomfortable. I hope I sion. abandoned mine land money comes haven’t held up a bill that you have If your aunt or your mother were get- from every ton of coal. There is a cer- been working on because I have held up ting a notice in October that she would tain percentage of money from that all my bills. No one was left unscathed lose it in December—they want us now coal that goes into a fund and that is in this. All we are saying is, for Pete’s to say: OK. We are going to be so sym- put aside to do reclamation. sake, do the right thing; stand up for pathetic, we will give you 4 more Now, I have some of my Western this. Stand up for the people who gave months, through April. That same per- States that don’t have quite the rec- us what we have today. son is now going to get another notifi- lamation we have had. In the Eastern History said if you don’t know where cation in January that she is going to part of the country, in West Virginia, you come from, you sure don’t know lose it in April. On top of that, she will Pennsylvania, Ohio, Southwestern Vir- where you are going. If we are not not even be able to meet her ginia, there is an awful lot of work to going to stand up for the people who deductibles. So there is no insurance. be done, and we do that work. We have have given us the life we have, I am not There is nothing. done this for quite some time. We are sure where we are going. I know one saying: Listen, we are not denying you You remember the money I said they thing. I go home and look them in the getting your money, but you shouldn’t set aside, $47 million, for the miners eye. I can say I am doing everything I get first dibs on it and then hinder us who basically have gone through a can, and I am going to fight for you. I from taking care of the responsibility bankruptcy and lost their jobs and re- am willing to take whatever it takes, we have to the miners who have been tired, they were going through June. whatever medicine it takes here, how- giving you the opportunity to live in Those same miners now are going to ever upset people get with me, however lose May and June—2 months. They are this great country. That is really what it comes down to. uncomfortable they may be. I am ask- going to lose 2 months. There is going ing: Please, take care of the miners’ to be a $2 million surplus that goes I have been asking all of my col- leagues—this is not a fight that is health care. That is all right now. We back to Treasury. will talk about the rest later. I had one woman call me. She said: going to be damaging to anybody. This is the only time-sensitive issue we have With that, I yield the floor. Senator MANCHIN, I don’t know, but The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- back home where I come from, they before us. There is nothing else we have before us. All of the bills are on ator from New Jersey. call that thievery. She is absolutely Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I correct. This is why we are so com- hold right now. Not one bill has time sensitivity. We can come back and do came to the floor for a different pur- mitted, and we are so dug in on this it again. We have no problems doing pose, but I do want to say to my friend issue. It is a fairness. It is the right them over and over. We have been here and colleague from West Virginia and thing to do. All we have asked for is to a long time. to those he is fighting for, Senator take care of our miners’ health care. This is the only one where the miners MANCHIN has been at this in the most We will come back and fight another lose their health care—16,500 lose it De- constructive way possible, trying to day for pensions, but give us the health cember 31. You show me anything else prick the conscience of the Senate to care that has been promised and com- we have in here where someone is going do what is fundamentally right, to help mitted time after time again. to be that harmed at a time specific those who help make the country I have never seen anything this cal- when we walk out of here. That is what great, help them at their greatest time lous in my life, that we weren’t willing this is about. To tell me they are going of need—to simply be able to go to to fulfill a promise we have made and to give us 4 months and they are doing sleep at night not worried that you are the Federal Government put its stamp us a favor for 4 months, that is inhu- one illness or one black lung away of approval on. mane. How they did it and paid for it is from dying. For those who are saying it is incon- a crime. It is awful. That is why we are He has ceded time and time again, venient and the procedures I have been standing here fighting, and that is why asking for regular order. I was very using and my other colleagues with I am going to continue to fight. pleased to support Senator MANCHIN as me—I have had everybody, and I appre- I think we have a purpose in life. If a member of the Senate Finance Com- ciate them so much. And for them to you have a purpose in life in public mittee, where there was a markup and say: Hey, you have held up a lot of service, then serve the public. Don’t there was a strong vote, and members goods bills—yes, a lot of bills that I come here to serve yourself. That is all who were running for reelection got to have worked on for a year or more I people have asked for—do your job. go home and say we passed it in the Fi- have held up, but if we can’t pass for- You wonder why we have a low rating nance Committee. We will take care of ward on this and walk out of here basi- from the public, why they think so lit- it when we come back after the elec- cally knowing we did the right thing, tle of Congress. This is common sense. tions. what is our purpose for being here? It is so easy for us to do. It is so easy Well, here we are, and now it is time Why do we come? for us to do. It is so easy for us to be We all talk. I have seen everybody’s to put your votes and insist on having able to say: Fine, we are going to fulfill the miners’ health care taken care of. elections. All of our election advertise- this, and then we have a lot of other ments, whether they be Democratic or If I were a miner, I couldn’t have any- things we want to take care of. body better fighting for me. I want Republican, are we are all for the mid- That is all we have asked for, and those you have been fighting for to dle class. We are all for the working that is all we are asking for now. We know you have been doing it for some class. We are going to make sure the can do the right thing between today time and tenaciously and graciously as working men and women really get a and tomorrow. We truly can. fair shake. They have been screwed and Someone said the House has left. I well but, nonetheless, with conviction. left behind so let’s do it. OK. We are all am so sorry they were inconvenienced I strongly support my colleague. for that. All of our advertising, our and had to leave so early to go home IMMIGRATION campaigns say that. We are committed for Christmas. You go home and tell Mr. President, I rise, as I have many to it. The only thing I am saying is the people I live with, the people I was times before, to discuss the urgent now fulfill it. It is either put up or shut raised with, the people who have taken need for the United States to have an up. That is all. care of me: I am so sorry. We had to go immigration system that reflects our You have already told them, you home for Christmas. I am sorry you are values as a nation of immigrants. have asked them to vote for you be- losing your health care December 31. I Today, in my first floor speech on the cause of this reason. Now you have a didn’t mean for that to happen, but you subject since won the chance to show them that is why you know I had to get home for Christmas. election, I am deeply troubled by the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.101 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6893 fear and panic I hear from our immi- sands of parents separated from their It is not just enough to say DREAMers grant community, from our young im- children who are deported, husbands are terrific people. Protecting a tem- migrants known as DREAMers and and wives separated from their spouses, porary program is not enough, al- their families to the workers in the millions of families who are torn apart though the panic and sense of urgency field, to those in our restaurant kitch- because of our broken immigration sys- to protect these young immigrants is ens and our homes. tem. justified. It is not enough because the Their panic is justified and palpable Among his many campaign promises, reality is that DREAMers do not exist because of the inflammatory remarks President-Elect Trump pledged to end in a vacuum. They have parents. They made by the President-elect on the the DACA Program. This means that have loved ones who have instilled val- campaign trail about immigrants. His DACA recipients, a group of individuals ues and work ethic and supported them campaign promises made it seem as if the U.S. Government has deemed as to pursue an education and reach their no immigrant was safe from deporta- otherwise model citizens who pose ab- full potential to benefit our country. tion, even otherwise law-abiding, de- solutely no threat to our national secu- Their parents are also terrific people cent people who came to this country rity, would be at risk for deportation and so are so many other hard-working searching for the American dream for and could no longer continue working immigrants who have lived in this themselves and their children. The legally. country for years, have obeyed the law, threat of deportation was heard loud We are here talking about children are not criminals, and have integrated and clear by over 744,000 young, law- who have grown up in the United themselves into the tapestry of Amer- abiding immigrants who are American States and attended our schools. Many ican society. We know them. You have in every way, except for a piece of of them were the valedictorians, salu- to be blind not to know them. They are paper. tatorians, and in the top tier of their sitting next to us in the pew in church. These DREAMers were brought to graduating classes. These are children They attend parent-teacher con- the United States, many as infants or who serve our communities and were ferences. They are our neighbors. They toddlers, for reasons beyond their con- given a chance to be fully integrated pick our crops. There isn’t a person in trol or their knowledge. They grew up into the only country many of them this country who isn’t beholden to an in America going to school. The only have ever known. immigrant worker. They watch our flag they have ever pledged allegiance I have listened many times to my kids. They open businesses. They per- to is that of the United States. The colleagues talk about the core of fam- form back-breaking work—work we only national anthem they know is the ily values, and the essence of that core can’t get many Americans to do—to ‘‘Star-Spangled Banner.’’ is a family unit. I have heard that you keep the gears of this economy turn- The effects of deporting them or don’t subscribe the sins of the parents ing. Immigration is not an easy problem their families would be incomprehen- to the children, and yet those who are to fix, but I think we came close in sible and destructive. The Deferred Ac- advocates of ending DACA would undo 2013, when the Senate came together to tion for Childhood Arrivals Program, all of those things they have spoken to. pass comprehensive immigration re- or DACA, has been a tremendously suc- If the DACA Program is dismantled, form. I was part of that bipartisan cessful program. It is something I young immigrants will be stripped of Gang of 8 that produced a bill which fought for, to allow young men and the jobs, education, and forced back passed with strong bipartisan support women to come out of the shadows and into the shadows of our society. In of nearly three-quarters of this Cham- step forward to register themselves fact, the Center for American Progress ber. That bill is a strong model for re- with our government and make them finds that ending DACA would cost the forming our immigration system as we right. DACA has allowed nearly 800,000 United States $433 billion in gross do- look ahead to the Congress. undocumented youth who came to the mestic product over the next 10 years. The bill, S. 744, addressed the key pil- United States as children to obtain Having said that, I am hoping that lars necessary for a functioning, legal temporary protection from deportation when President-Elect Trump said on immigration system. It addressed the and a 2-year work permit that is re- election night, ‘‘Now is the time for 11 million undocumented so we can newable. First, they would have to reg- America to bind the wounds of divi- know who is here to pursue the Amer- ister with the government by handing sion’’—he later said in an interview ican dream versus who is here to do it over their personal information and that millions of undocumented immi- harm. It reformed the legal immigra- the information of their immediate grants are ‘‘terrific people.’’ I hope the tion for high- and low-skilled workers. families, pass a criminal background next administration thinks long and It had strong family reunification pro- check, and pay nearly $500 in fees, and hard about binding the wounds of divi- visions, it put DREAMers on a path to we said the information would be con- sion. A good start would be a clear and citizenship, and it included tough bor- fidential and not used against them. unequivocal message that there will be der security measures. The bill, S. 744, Now their fears of deportation are jus- no mass deportation task force and wasn’t perfect, but it was a significant tified. that the DACA Program will continue, milestone in our Nation’s efforts to The DACA Program now has the po- something the President-elect already truly reform our immigration system. tential of becoming a registry of mil- alluded to this week in an interview We must remember what our econ- lions of undocumented immigrants who with Time magazine, saying that omy and America needs. Our Nation are now exposed for seeking a better ‘‘we’re going to work something out will be stronger when there is an ac- life for themselves and their kids. Let’s that’s going to make people happy and countable path to citizenship for the think about this for a second. These proud . . . [DREAMers] got brought undocumented living in the United kids came into this country without here at a very young age, they’ve States, our borders are secure, employ- any notion that they were doing any- worked here, they’ve gone to school ers are held accountable for whom they thing wrong. Many of them didn’t even here. Some were good students. Some hire, jobs are filled with qualified and know they were undocumented until have wonderful jobs. And they’re in documented workers who contribute to they tried, for example, to go to college never-never land because they don’t the economy, families are kept to- or get a loan for school. We asked them know what’s going to happen.’’ gether, and we don’t have downward to come out of the shadows, volun- It appears to me that hopefully we pressures by an underground economy tarily turn over their information and are getting to a place where there is against the wages of all other Ameri- the information of their immediate rel- universal respect and admiration for cans. atives in exchange for protection from DREAMers. This acknowledgement of- With an immigration system as deportation, a work permit, and a fers a glimmer of hope for a productive flawed as ours and with so many things chance for a better life. As early as way forward, and I hope that is the still to fix, DACA has been a beacon of next year, once again through no fault case. hope—one shining light leading the of their own, these young immigrants Let me close by saying the following: way toward fairness, justice, and a bet- and their families are at risk of losing I do not intend to sacrifice one set of ter life for so many young immigrants it all. The human cost is too high to immigrants for another. Let me be looking for a chance to succeed in pay. It is a cost measured in the thou- clear about our Nation’s immigrants. America as Americans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.103 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6894 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Yes, abolishing it would be a tragic close friend and source of advice to me Now, you don’t have to go too much mistake for an administration seeking throughout the years. farther than Kokomo, IN, to arrive in to unite what they helped divide. Let When President Trump named Mike the city of Auburn, where the Cord me be clear, as I have said all along, we Pence to be his running mate, I knew Dusenberg and other popular cars were cannot lose sight of our ultimate objec- Hoosiers would continue to have a manufactured. Every year, the Cord tive. The only real solution in the end strong impact on our country, pro- Dusenberg festival, parade, and mu- is a permanent legislative solution viding guidance and leadership in one seum are open to people from around that doesn’t pick winners and losers of the top elected offices in our land. the world to see a magnificent parade amongst the most vulnerable in our so- I am honored to call both Dan Quayle of cars in that era in absolutely perfect ciety. That is why I am pleased to once and close friends and com- shape. again see a bipartisan coalition of memorate the great work they have If you find yourself in Southern Indi- voices begin to resurface so we can done for the State of Indiana and have ana, take a minute to stop by the Lin- work toward a bipartisan moment to and will do for our Nation. coln Boyhood National Memorial in fix our immigration system once and We have had excellent Governors, Spencer County. Abraham Lincoln may for all because beyond stopping those Representatives, Senators, and others have been born in Kentucky, and he who wish to turn the clock back on any who have contributed significantly to may have ended up in Illinois, but he progress we have made, we still need to this body, the Congress, and the Na- was raised and shaped in Indiana. implement a functioning legal immi- tion, and we are proud of that as Hoo- In addition to our landmarks, some gration system for all. We need to siers. of America’s most famous buildings make sure we don’t take a giant step I keep using the name Hoosiers be- have been constructed using Indiana back and focus our Nation’s resources cause we were misnamed Indianians, limestone. The Pentagon, the National against the most vulnerable, talented, which is hard to pronounce and awful Cathedral, the Lincoln Memorial, the and hardworking. hard to spell. We are Hoosiers. I could U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the I have always been and remain com- go into a long discourse on what Hoo- Empire State Building in New York, mitted to solving this problem in a siers means, but I will not take the and many more, all feature Indiana fair, comprehensive manner that re- Senate time to do that right now. limestone quarried in south-central In- forms our immigration system, and I Please contact my office and we will diana. will continue to work with a bipartisan send you a full description of what a Our State has been blessed with a cli- coalition of voices toward this goal. Hoosier is, but you will see two of them mate of soil fit for all kinds of agricul- Our DREAMers, their parents, immi- on the floor here today. tural activities. God has blessed us grant families, and our Nation deserve Loyal public servants is not the only with a climate and a soil fit for all nothing less. Irrelevant of who occu- contribution our great State has made kinds of activities. pies the White House, I will never stop to the Nation. During the Civil War, While corn and soybeans are our top fighting for those who, like my mother, over 200,000 Hoosiers answered the call commodities by value, Indiana pro- came to this country in the last cen- to serve; although only one Civil War duced $11.2 billion worth of agricul- tury to give their families a chance to battle was fought in Indiana, more tural products in 2012. This includes contribute to America’s exceptional- than 41,000 Hoosiers lost their lives and 41.5 million broiler chickens, 10.5 mil- ism in this century. an estimated 50,000 were wounded. lion hogs and pigs, numerous dairy With that, I yield the floor. During World War II, nearly 10 per- products, and 37,000 acres of vegetables The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cent of Indiana’s population joined our harvested for sale. The next time you ator from Indiana. Nation’s Armed Forces. Those who head to the movie theatre, think of In- INDIANA’S BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION stayed behind contributed greatly to diana. Indiana produces more than 20 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I am the manufacturing boom required for percent of the United States’ popcorn pleased to speak with Senator DON- the war effort, manufacturing nearly 5 supply, and a great deal is exported NELLY about a momentous occasion for percent of all weapons and equipment around the world. our beloved home State of Indiana—a required for the war. We are also a world leader in pharma- celebration of our bicentennial. Our State has continued that call to ceuticals, biologics, and medical de- On December 11, 1816, President service to the military. We have for vices. Our medical device industry is James Madison signed the Indiana Ena- years and decades been one of the lead- the fifth largest in the United States, bling Act, which allowed Indiana to be ing States providing per capita support generating more than $10 billion in an- the 19th State to join the Union and re- to our Armed Forces. nual economic output. Hoosiers are quire that Indiana’s leaders draft the In addition to these accomplished truly working hard to provide State constitution. In the two cen- Hoosiers whom I have named, the healthier, longer, and more rewarding turies since Indiana’s admission to the places and events that make Indiana lives for all Americans. Not only does Union, Indiana residents—we call our- unique are numerous. I just want to Indiana seek to enrich the quality of selves Hoosiers—have accomplished ex- mention a few, and I apologize to those life of Hoosiers through its contribu- traordinary things. that we don’t have to time to put in tions to the medical manufacturing In 1840, William Henry Harrison be- place here. But as Senator DONNELLY field, we also do this through our insti- came the first Hoosier to be elected and I know, a few months ago we com- tutions of higher education. President. In 1888, Benjamin Harrison, memorated the 100th running of the In- Hoosiers don’t need to travel far to his grandson and fellow Hoosier, fol- dianapolis 500 on this Senate floor. receive a high-quality education. We lowed in his footsteps to the Presi- Known as the ‘‘World’s Greatest boast a rich variety of world-class col- dency. Five Hoosiers have served our Spectacle in Racing,’’ the Indianapolis leges and universities, such as Indiana Nation as Vice President: Schuyler 500 is a great source of pride to Hoo- University, Perdue University, Butler Colfax, Thomas Hendricks, Charles siers throughout the State and University, Notre Dame University, In- Fairbanks, Thomas Marshall, and Dan throughout the country. Every year diana State, Rose-Hulman, Trine, Quayle. Just a few short weeks ago, our race is an epic event as drivers Grace, Manchester, Earlham, Evans- Americans elected Gov. Mike Pence to jockey for position at speeds regularly ville, Indiana Wesleyan, Valparaiso, serve as our next Vice President. He surpassing 200 miles per hour. In addi- and on and on we could go. will become the sixth Hoosier to serve tion to the ‘‘Indy 500,’’ the automotive I would be remiss if I were to neglect in this role. We have a well-deserved industry has deep ties to Indiana. mentioning my own graduate school, reputation as the mother of Vice Presi- In 1896, the Haynes-Apperson Com- the Indiana University Robert H. dents. pany opened its doors in Kokomo, IN, McKinney School of Law. As many of you know, when Dan producing one of the very first auto- This quality of education bleeds into Quayle was elected, George Herbert mobile manufacturing sites in the en- the quality of coaching found in Hoo- Walker Bush’s Vice President, I was tire United States. It operated until sier schools. There is nothing quite appointed to fill his vacant Senate 1905. Its 1904 model seated two pas- like being in the stands during a Hoo- seat. Vice President Quayle has been a sengers and sold for $1,550 at the time. sier high school basketball game. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.104 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6895 coaching quality that we have has pro- with our family in one of our extraor- all across the Nation’s Capital. Some of duced all-stars in every facet of basket- dinary parks or a national forest. the most beautiful buildings you have ball, whether it be professional, col- Indiana has a proud tradition of serv- ever seen are built from Indiana lime- lege, high school, or elementary. ing our country, and working to pro- stone and from Indiana products. There is nothing quite like being in tect our Nation’s security. Nearly Manufacturing is central to our econ- the stands during Taylor University’s 500,000 veterans and many servicemem- omy. It contributes to roughly 30 per- Silent Night, where the fans pack the bers and military families call Indiana cent of Indiana’s economic activity and basketball stadium and stay com- home. Our National Guard dates back economic growth. Manufacturing plays pletely silent until the home team to 1801, when we were still a Territory. a larger role in our economy than it scores their tenth point. Then the Today, our National Guard is the does in any other State in the Nation, noise really starts and the game fin- fourth largest in all of the United and we are really, really good at it. ishes with the fans signing singing ‘‘Si- States. Hoosiers have proudly served Manufacturing employs 17 percent of lent Night.’’ our country in all of our wars, in all of our workforce, some of the most Through the years, so many Hoosier our efforts to protect our Nation over skilled workers in the world. teams have proved to be formidable the years. Hoosier manufacturers and their foes on the court and the field. We are It is also home to Naval Support Ac- workers build some of the most ad- the home of the Colts, the Pacers, the tivity Crane, the third largest naval in- vanced, highest quality products in the birthplace of Larry Bird, James Dean, stallation in the world. I think we can world, from engines to RVs. and David Letterman. On and on I take particular pride that in the mid- Just down the road from my home in could go with that. dle of the country, about as far away as Granger, is Elkhart, the RV capital of But in addition to recognizing all you can get from and the the world. I know that the Presiding that Indiana has contributed to our Na- Pacific, we have the third largest naval Officer has traveled a few miles in RVs tion over the past 200 years, I would base in the entire world. Our State is as well, from one end of our State to like to add that one of our greatest also home to Grissom Air Reserve Base the other. More than 80 percent of glob- contributions has been and will be al- in Kokomo, where the 434th Air Refuel- al RV production is based in Elkhart, ways Hoosier hospitality. While at ing Wing is based. The 122nd Fighter and throughout the northeast region times our country is a more divided Wing is in Fort Wayne, and A–10s are and the north-central region. So if you and complicated place, Hoosiers con- training daily. As well, there is Camp see an RV on the road, there is a really tinue to demonstrate that kindness Atterbury and the 181st Intelligence good chance it was built by hard-work- and a good meal can make the world a Wing based at Terre Haute Air Na- ing Hoosier manufacturers. There is a little better. tional Guard Base. real good chance your family is going It is an honor for me to commemo- Throughout our 200-year history, In- to have an awesome time. rate this bicentennial for this great diana’s success has helped drive Amer- We boast some of the best edu- State of Indiana. I am honored to be ica’s success. The backbone of our cational institutions in the world—as able to do this with my fellow Senator State has been built from our manufac- my colleague Senator COATS mentioned JOE DONNELLY from Indiana. turing and steel plants, our small busi- as he listed them off—attracting stu- I yield the floor. nesses, and our farms. Hoosier farmers dents, professors, and researchers from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and those involved in agriculture know across Indiana, across our country, and ator from Indiana. what it means to work hard and do across the world. Our colleges and uni- Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I rise their part. Our corn and soybean farm- versities provide an exceptional edu- today to join my colleague, DAN COATS, ers, our pork producers, and our beef cation to our students and lead the way our senior Senator from Indiana, who producers have helped to feed not just in innovation and cutting-edge re- is wrapping up his time in the Senate Indiana but our country and the world. search. as of the next few weeks. What an ex- Our dairy farmers have produced in- Not surprisingly, many know our traordinary service he has provided to credible products. On a hot summer State because of our sports heritage, our Nation, to our State. We are in- night, some of the best ice cream in the particularly in auto racing and basket- credibly grateful to Senator COATS for world comes right between the Illinois ball. This year marked the 100th run- what he has done. I also want to cele- border and the Ohio border, and the ning of the ‘‘Greatest Spectacle in Rac- brate Indiana’s bicentennial. I want to Michigan border and the Ohio River— ing,’’ the Indy 500. It is a special event reflect on the past two centuries of our that beautiful place we call home. In unlike any other. State’s rich history and the important the cities and towns across Indiana, We don’t just showcase the best Indi- contributions Hoosiers have made to small businesses are the cornerstones ana has to offer on the racetrack but our State and our Nation. For nearly a of our communities. also on the hardwood. Basketball has year now, in every corner and in every Indiana is home to nearly half a mil- been part of Indiana’s identity since community of Indiana, from the big- lion small businesses, employing al- the late 1890s. It remains king today. gest to the tiniest, we have been com- most 1.2 million Hoosier workers. So Our State has achieved great basket- memorating the storied history of our many of those small businesses are in ball success, including with history- beloved Hoosier State. agriculture as well. We don’t want to making teams like the Flying Tigers of Together, we will culminate the cele- leave anybody out. There are the ag Crispus Attucks High School, who, in bration on Sunday, December 11, when producers—so many—and the turkey 1955, became the first all African-Amer- Indiana turns 200 years old. Admitted producers, the chicken producers. If it ican high school athletic team in the to the Union in 1816, Indiana has devel- grows, we make it. We feed the world country to win a State basketball title. oped and grown into the crossroads of every single day. Few things have defined our State’s America, a welcoming place, where Throughout our State’s history, steel culture and fabric as much as basket- businesses and families can grow and has been not just a major employer but ball. succeed. also a source of pride for Hoosier com- As Senator COATS, the Presiding Offi- As Hoosiers, we take pride in putting munities. Hoosier steel serves as the cer, knows, John Wooden may be con- in an honest day’s work. We don’t want foundation of buildings and bridges all sidered the father of all coaches in this a free lunch. We don’t want a handout. across the United States. What Indiana country. He came from Indiana. As we We want the chance to work, to work a makes the United States and the world reflect on our 200 years, we have so good job, to educate our children in takes. Still today, Indiana is the larg- much to be proud of. As we look to the good schools, to ensure that our kids est producer of steel in the United next 200 years, we know that through have the tools to make a better life States. hard work and by working together, we than we did—the American dream, the Speaking of construction, the lime- can make our State’s future even more Hoosier dream—and, eventually, after stone from Southern Indiana has trav- prosperous because that is the Amer- a life of hard work, to retire with dig- eled all over the world, from places ican promise—that we work nonstop, nity, to have a chance to go fishing in like Yankee Stadium to buildings in that we work together, so that when one of our lakes, to have a chance to be other parts of the world, to buildings we look at our kids and our grandkids,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.106 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6896 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 we can tell them and tell all of you: We seven individuals fighting wildfires was airdropped in as an earmark in the are going to build a stronger, better In- over the last decade and a half, I can WRDA bill and sent over to the Senate. diana. We are going to build a stronger, say, from the State of Washington’s This is an issue that should be consid- better America because that is the perspective, it is essential that we pro- ered by the Energy Committee. promise that we pass on from one gen- vide the communities the resources I say to my colleagues that, if you eration to the other. they need to fight fires. We also in- want energy policy considered in the To my friend, the senior Senator cluded a sportsmen’s bill that will help future and you want it to be a product from Indiana, I wish to tell you what a hunters and fishers. of the regular order process in the Sen- pleasure it has been to serve with you, We were also able to reach agreement ate that creates consensus, you need to what a good friend you have been, and on numerous energy provisions. For in- say to our House colleagues that are how lucky I am to have been your jun- stance, the legislation bolsters our en- refusing to move forward on a con- ior partner in this endeavor where we ergy security against cyber attacks. ference report that this situation is try to stand for America every single We improve the Department of Ener- problematic. The process that we are day. gy’s capabilities to protect the grid. We supposed to follow includes the Senate I yield back the remainder of my are not just talking about hardening and House resolving differences as part time. some of our physical infrastructure of a conference committee. Instead, if I suggest the absence of a quorum. such as hydro power projects, but actu- we pass the WRDA bill, we will be re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ally the work that it takes to make the warding those that wish to sidetrack COATS). The clerk will call the roll. grid more resilient from hacking. We regular order and drop into bills other The senior assistant legislative clerk also reached agreement on provisions items that have not been worked out proceeded to call the roll. to develop the workforce that will be and basically don’t adhere to the rules Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I ask needed to fill the 1.5 million new en- of the Senate or even the House’s own unanimous consent that the order for ergy workers that the Quadrennial En- rules against earmarks they hypo- the quorum call be rescinded. ergy Review estimates will be needed critically claim to follow. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- by 2030. We were also able to reach It is a very cynical view of the world SIDY). Without objection, it is so or- agreement encouraging investments in to allow the House to add Energy and dered. hydro power projects, geothermal en- Natural Resources Committee jurisdic- Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, as ergy, nuclear power and other emis- tional legislation into another commit- my two colleagues from Indiana sions-free resources. Finally, this con- tee’s bill and violates the House’s own leave—again, congratulations on their ference agreement also would promote rules and basically overruns the col- bicentennial. innovation in many areas of science laborative process we used for the En- There are many great Hoosiers who that are so important to us. ergy Policy and Modernization Act. have made their way to the State of What is so frustrating is that we fol- The House has, instead, turned to Washington. One was a most beloved lowed regular order in putting together backroom deal making. Mariner broadcaster named Dave an Energy bill. We held numerous hear- I join my colleague, Senator MUR- KOWSKI, tonight to describe the great Niehaus, who was from Evansville, IN. ings followed by a 3-day committee and hard work that was done in our He was a great, great part of our sports markup. On the Senate floor, we con- conference. I think she and I believe in history. Certainly, I should mention sidered in excess of 300 amendments. it. I think we believe in the Senate the Dave Calabro, who was a Hoosier and We then worked all summer long and way it is supposed to work. We believe another great announcer for our bas- all fall with our House colleagues to in the hard work that it took to reach ketball team. We also have the great reach a conference agreement. Bill Ruckelshaus, former EPA Director It is so disappointing to now have our compromise on so many issues, and I under President Nixon. He works on House colleagues refuse to consider think we want to make sure that our colleagues know that getting to yes salmon issues and does other great these important provisions. There were was just inches away. things. many hard-fought issues upon which It is very unfortunate that the Congratulations to those Hoosier we eventually agreed. We all had to Senators today. House, instead of doing its homework, come to the table and take into consid- pursued a very cynical approach to the ENERGY LEGISLATION eration all interests. Whether you are legislative arena—something I thought Mr. President, I come to the floor talking sportsmen and open access to we jettisoned a decade ago— with my colleague Senator MURKOWSKI hunting, which my colleague from airdropping things in the dark of night. of Alaska to talk about all the great Alaska so championed, or whether you I mistakenly thought the House leader- work that was put into developing the are talking about how to get water ship was being earnest about making Energy Policy Modernization Act. The agreements that involve fishermen, sure that the legislative process is Presiding Officer knows well how much tribes, farmers, and a variety of river transparent. work we put into that legislation. interests—we were able to accomplish I hope our colleagues will understand We are here today after many mark- that. Or whether you are talking about these are important policy issues and ups, many amendments, and what was fixing the fire funding budget issue take the remaining days—if we happen an unbelievable Senate vote of 85 to 12, that has been debated back and forth to be here an extra few days this week- to urge our House colleagues to con- among our House and Senate col- end or even into next week—and en- sider the conference report on this leg- leagues for almost 7 or 8 years now, we courage the House leadership to get islation before adjourning for the year. were able to reach agreement on all of our energy and natural resources bill There are so many important provi- these things. It is very irresponsible for enacted and bank what is good public sions in this legislation that should be our House colleagues to drop the ball policy in the best interests of the enacted. by failing to consider these solutions United States. We reached an agreement to mark and taking yes for an answer. I thank my colleague from Alaska for the ’s 100th What is even more outrageous is that her leadership on the Energy Com- birthday by making an investment in now the House wants to take a provi- mittee, her hard work and dedication, our national parks. In response to re- sion subject to the Energy and Natural her willingness to work across the quests from 47 Senators, the bill pro- Resource’s jurisdiction—the California aisle, and a willingness to be very tects hundreds of thousands of acres of water issue—and airdrop it into the tough on these important thorny pub- land. WRDA bill, which is subject to the ju- lic policy issues—and not to back away We were also able to reach agree- risdiction of the Environment and Pub- from that—and to find solutions for ev- ments on important issues such as lic Works Committee. erybody in the Senate. water resources, providing and secur- As much as our House colleagues like I yield the floor. ing funding for fighting forest fires, to boast about their mythical no-ear- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and making sure that communities mark rule, the California water deal ator from Alaska. that are at risk of wildfires get the at- that is now being decried in newspapers Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I tention they so deserve. Having lost in California as the ‘‘midnight rider,’’ acknowledge the very good work of my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.107 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6897 friend, colleague, and neighbor to the how a bill should be moved through a Science Committee, the House Energy south of us from Washington State, committee. Just the other day, I was and Natural Resources Committee—we Senator CANTWELL. told that our bill, the Energy bill, is have been meeting to resolve our dif- She has been a partner throughout the model that is being used as what to ferences. Again, staff has been working this 2-year process we have been en- do in that training program. around the clock. Just this weekend, gaged in as we have tried to formulate This is quite the compliment; how- we went through hundreds of pages to and format a renewed energy policy for ever we still have to get it over the fin- close out all of the issues. Again, we this country, something that has not ish line. This is where Senator CANT- did it by the book. We did what we been done in close to a decade. WELL and I are so frustrated. This is were supposed to be doing. We were the We acknowledged early on that there where we are so frustrated because, team players here. We adhered to the were going to be policy differences we after 2 years of work and being this regular order process. each have, given where we come from close to the finish line, we are being de- Senator CANTWELL said we were and some differing views, but we were nied that opportunity to share this doing the ‘‘normal’’ process. But I committed to working together to success and all because of lack of ac- think what we are doing now is ex- work through the thorny issues, to tion over in the other Chamber. traordinary. It is not normal—because work toward consensus, not only that We started this Energy bill by con- it seems that, if there is guerilla war- she and I could come to but our whole vening ideas. We held hearings in fare that is going on, that seems to be committee and, ultimately, the Sen- Washington, in Alaska, and other the way to move a bill nowadays. That ate. We were successful in doing that. places in between. We gathered the does not send a very powerful message I also acknowledge the good work of ideas for what we hoped was going to nor set a good example for how to ad- Senator CANTWELL’s staff, as well as be the first major Energy and Natural vance a consensus measure such as we my staff, on the Energy Committee. Resources bill signed into law in nearly have with the Energy bill. These folks have been working tire- a decade. We held oversight hearings We were really on the right track lessly for 2 years, but more imme- and legislative hearings. We reviewed until just a couple of weeks ago when diately—and when I say tirelessly, over 115 separate bills. We spent weeks it became pretty apparent that the pretty much 24/7 for the past several negotiating a base text of the bipar- House was, plainly stated, just done. weeks, in trying to get us to a point tisan bill. We held markups where our They were finished. They stopped nego- where instead of talking about what bill drew support from nearly all of our tiating in good faith. They stopped try- might have been in an energy bill, Members. Then we brought it here to ing to work to reach agreement. being able to stand in front of my col- the floor. So we are at that point where we leagues and tell them these are the pol- Yes, we had some bumps along the have the House going out. We are told icy changes that we will now see placed way. Flint, which certainly needed to we here in the Senate are going to be into law. be addressed, was part of it. That wrapping up shop. But, as Senator I had truly wished I would not be in seems like ancient history now. But we CANTWELL has outlined, what col- a situation where I would have to come persevered. We worked through all of leagues need to know is what is being to the floor and speak negatively about the issues. We added more priorities for left behind on the table. It is not just where we are right now because, as our Members, to the point where over the guts of this conference bill that we Senator CANTWELL outlined, the proc- 80 different Senators had their prior- have been negotiating that is on the ess we have been engaged in is one that ities incorporated into our bill. table; what is on the table a tremen- we are proud of, but also that the insti- Then, in April, 85 Members of this dous amount of time and effort put tution should be proud of. body—85 Members—voted in favor of forth into a good committee process Our committees are designed to be passage of this bill. When we think of that has built a consensus and a good incubators of good ideas and how we all that was contained in it, to gain product. That is a problem, and I think then allow these ideas to materialize that level of consensus, I think the it is something we are going to have to and come together through good de- Senator from Washington and I were work on. It looks like we are going to bate, amendments, refinement and doing something positive, to get every- have to work on this aggressively in then bringing that forward to the full body on board. the next year. body, again, for further work and re- Then the House responded to our En- There has been a lot of speculation finement. ergy bill in late May, and in July, we about what is really going on. What is We have done it by the book. There went to a formal conference. We began the problem? Why can’t you get a deal? are not too many things in Congress work right away. The negotiations Well, I mentioned that we have closed that look like what you learned about started just about immediately, even out every aspect of this bill with the how a bill becomes law. I am looking at before the first formal meeting of our exception of two issues, but there have the young pages sitting here. In your conference. been a lot of excuses out there that we classes, in American Government, you So think about it. We have been don’t have enough time; the bill is too learn about how a bill becomes law. working this conference between the complicated; there is not enough in it; If you read that and you see what two bodies since July—and not just on then suddenly, there is too much in it. happens around here, you would say: an occasional basis; rather, we have So we worked to address all of that, these are two different universes. You been working this aggressively. During and we got it down to two issues. Both are nodding because you know you are this conference, we have held more of those issues can be easily resolved in seeing that. than 75 bipartisan and bicameral nego- plenty of time for us around here if ev- What we have attempted to do and tiating sessions at the staff level. erybody is willing to sit down and work what we have done for the past 2 years There have been countless more meet- through them in good faith. In fact, on is to allow our committees to work, to ings and daily interactions amongst both of those issues, the Senate has al- take the good ideas from energy-pro- our staff. The final conference report ready written—we have already pro- ducing States such as Alaska and Lou- includes provisions from 74 Members of posed the modifications that were nec- isiana, and to work with colleagues the Senate and 224 Members of the essary to reach the final agreement. from the interior of the country with House. That means there is input from What happened when we sent them views and ideas that are perhaps dif- almost 60 percent of the U.S. Congress over? We wait. It is going to be half an ferent than ours, building consensus included in the conference report. This hour, an hour, and now it is half a day. with energy policy, with resources, is not a bill where we are cramming it That is not good faith. with access. We did it. We have been through; this is a measure of consider- I will give one specific example. This that textbook example of regular order able consensus. relates to LNG export projects. This is process. The chairmen and the ranking mem- something, quite honestly, that folks I am actually told that they have a bers of the committees of jurisdiction, had agreed was going to be a part of training course or a training program whether it is here in the Senate Energy the bill. We have included it in every offered in the Congress that walks and Natural Resources, the House Nat- Senate offer. It was taken out by the committee staff through examples of ural Resources Committee, the House House. Then, when the House says,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.110 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6898 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 ‘‘Your bill doesn’t seem to have enough around the country who loved him and 95 years on Earth. I hope my colleagues in it. What happened to LNG?’’ we say cared for him and respected him. will join me in sending out our love ‘‘You took it out.’’ Let’s not be moving It has been one of the great lessons of and prayers to John’s family at this the goalpost. my life to get to know John Glenn and difficult time during the holidays. What we have is vitally significant for Connie and me to count him and I heard John Glenn stories even for many in our Western States. It in- Annie as mentors and friends. We re- today at the ceremony unveiling the cludes forest management reform with member just a few short years ago, on portrait of our Democratic leader the potential for a fire budget fix, for the 50th anniversary of his flight into HARRY REID, which took place in the our sportsmen and women who care space, the night before, we had dinner Russell Building, and a number of about accessing our public lands for with John and Annie, Connie and I and former colleagues of John’s came up to hunting and fishing and recreational his children, David and Glen, and his me and they had just heard of his death shooting. It includes a water package daughter-in-law, David’s wife, and how that happened midafternoon today. So to help boost our water storage and interesting and joyous it was to hear I thank them for their memories. management in some of our most him recount his experiences and so f drought-stricken Western States. It much of what he has done. We loved has a robust public lands title with him. We will miss him. We will con- MINERS PROTECTION ACT more than 50 bills in it that provide ev- tinue to draw strength and wisdom Mr. President, last night Senator erything from the expansion of a VA from the lessons he shared with us over MANCHIN and I were on the floor of the cemetery in South Dakota to high-pri- the years. Senate with Senators WYDEN and DON- ority land exchanges in places like Col- The first time I met John Glenn was NELLY and CASEY, and we were again orado. We have language related to the in 1969. It was Colonel Glenn then, long asking our colleagues to honor the National Park Service Centennial that before he was elected to the Senate. commitment Harry Truman made really sets our national parks on track Colonel Glenn spoke at an Eagle Scout seven decades ago to the mine workers for a second century. It includes a dinner in Mansfield, OH. Only a few of this country, to the retired mine range of nuclear, cyber security, and short weeks earlier, in my court of workers, and to their widows. We all hydroelectric innovation policies. honor, I was awarded the Eagle Scout know that the life expectancy of mine These are good things that will help award. I was 16 years old. I got to meet workers is often less than the life ex- our country move forward and produce Colonel Glenn. His words inspired us. pectancy of a teacher or an elected of- more energy that is affordable, reli- They stayed with me as I grew up and ficial or an insurance agent or someone able, and free of any form of pollution. looked for ways to serve community who works in many other kinds of busi- We have worked so hard. and country. nesses. They are more likely to be in- To be here on the 8th of December Thirty years later, John granted me jured on the job. They are more likely, and say we are out of time—well, tell the honor of walking me down this cen- in some cases, to perish on the job. that to the sportsmen who have been ter aisle. When Senators are sworn in, They are more likely to contract an ill- working for 6 years to get a legislative any term they serve, they are often ac- ness from the air they breathe and the package. And here we are on December companied by a Senator from their conditions in the mines, whether it is 8 saying we are done. Tell that to State or a former Senator—whomever black lung or whether it is some kind those—particularly from the West— that Senator-elect or that Senator who of heart disease. So this is particularly who are concerned about wildfire is soon to be sworn in chooses—and I important to mine workers and the threats year after year and whether chose to walk down with my friend and widows, that we take care of their in- the funds are going to be there not former Senator, at that point, John surance. only to address fire but to be there for Glenn. Most of the mine workers I know got the other accounts that our agencies John had a humility and a kindness a notice in late November or early this are worried about. Tell them that we unusual, perhaps, in this business and month saying their insurance would be ran out of time on December 8. in, perhaps, somebody of his level of cut off at the end of December. What a Mr. President, I have to say that we accomplishment. His kindness and in- Christmas present. We have asked Sen- have not run out of time; we have, un- telligence, his courage—we know about ator MCCONNELL, the Republican lead- fortunately, run out of a desire to work that—and his commitment to service er, who seems to be the only one stand- together to finish important work for set an example that our country needs ing in the way, month after month this country. We have plenty of time today more than ever. His legacy will after month to fix this so these widows and should not be making excuses. Now live on not just in the pages of history and these retired miners don’t get this is not the time to run down the clock. books, it will live on through the notice saying: Your insurance will be We must recognize that we have Americans he inspired, whether it was cut off. worked for 2 long years and this work a passion for exploration that led him Finally, Senator MCCONNELL, the Re- deserves to be placed into law. to join NASA, a dedication to country publican leader, asked us to make it bi- I urge my friends and my colleagues that called him to the Armed Forces, partisan. We did. We have a number of in the other Chamber to work with us or a desire to make the world a better Republican cosponsors, including Sen- on this. Let’s not give up on energy place that led him to public service. ator PORTMAN from my State, Senator policy. John will live in the hearts of every- CAPITO from West Virginia, and a num- With that, I yield the floor. I thank one who knew and loved him, including ber of others. We did that. my colleague for the indulgence of his beloved wife Annie and his wonder- Then Senator MCCONNELL said: Go some additional time. ful children, Glen and David. through regular order; put a bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I spoke with Annie and John on their through committee. We did that 18 to 8 ator from Ohio. 73rd wedding anniversary, and Annie in the Senate Finance Committee— Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I appre- told me the story that—I knew they every Democrat joined by a third or so ciate the good work Senator MUR- knew each other in grade school. They of the Republicans. We did that. KOWSKI does in cooperation with people dated beginning—I don’t know exactly Then he said: That is not good in this institution. when. I asked Annie if they wanted to enough; now we want you to find a way REMEMBERING JOHN GLENN marry in high school, and she said yes, to pay for it. We did. No tax dollars in- Mr. President, today our country lost but her parents said they couldn’t do volved. This is money in the abandoned an American hero, Col. John Glenn, that because it wouldn’t last. So they mine funds assessed against the mine Senator John Glenn. I will be back on waited until after Pearl Harbor, when I companies, accumulated over the a later date to deliver a more formal believe John was 20 and Annie was 21, years. tribute with my colleague Senator and they were married for 73-plus We did all three of those things. Still, PORTMAN, but I wish to share some ini- years. Senator MCCONNELL, because of his an- tial thoughts as I, along with my wife Ohio and the United States have lost tipathy, apparently, toward the United Connie and so many Ohioans, mourn a great light today, but that pales in Mine Workers union—if he wants to for John Glenn and join so many people comparison to what we gained over his have antipathy towards the union, if he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.111 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6899 hates unions, that is his business. I Mr. GRAHAM. Just to make sure. American soldiers, diplomats, and in- would rather he didn’t, but that is his JASTA telligence officers serving in some of business. But to stand in the way of Very briefly, I will let Senator the world’s most dangerous and dif- these widows and these retired mine MCCAIN lead off, but I want to talk ficult countries will be forced to justify workers because of his animosity to- about the way forward regarding their actions and defend the policies we ward the union is pretty troubling. JASTA. have made to defend this country be- Last night, Senator MANCHIN and I, Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I would fore courts that may not share our issue after issue after issue, continued like to join my friend and colleague on standards of due process and fairness. to object to other generally non- this issue that is of transcendent im- Our allies will wonder if it is wise to controversial bills that we support— portance to America’s relationship join our coalitions to fight terrorism if some I cosponsored—until this body with our friends and allies—literally they, too, will face legal liability in does its job. But if this Senate doesn’t placing Americans and American com- courts around the world. Thus, we are act—it looks like a number of Sen- panies and corporations and govern- faced with the twisted irony that the ators, as House Members, apparently ments in great danger—particularly men and women who put themselves in have already gone home for Christmas, governments. harm’s way to bring the 9/11 attackers so I will have plenty of colleagues go I would just like to mention in pass- to justice and to defeat those who still home and celebrate the holidays. Re- ing, if my colleague will indulge me seek to attack the United States are gardless of their faith, they will cele- very quickly, because I have here in the people placed directly at risk by brate the holidays in the 3 upcoming front of me—and I will ask that it be JASTA. weeks. But these thousands of mine included in the RECORD—statements We must be concerned with the diplo- workers and thousand of mine worker from the President of the United matic and economic fallout of this law. retirees and thousands of widows of States, the Director of the CIA, the Our allies and partners around the mine workers—their Christmas isn’t Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, world, particularly those who struggle going to be so good because now—Sen- the Secretary of State, and the Sec- with terrorism at home, now wonder ator MCCONNELL offered a little bit and retary of Defense, all on this issue we when they might be hauled in to courts said: We will give you a 4-month exten- are talking about. for terrorist actions. They face poten- sion. But do you know what that The leaders of our government, from tial court-ordered damages and asset means? That means they will get the the President on down, including the seizures. Their citizens and companies heads of our most important defense letter. They have already gotten the doing business in the United States are agencies, have expressed—and I will first letter saying their insurance runs at risk. It is only reasonable that these out at the end of December. Now they quote them in just a minute. My friends, Congress passed the Jus- countries will consider pulling their as- will get a second letter, if we do the 4- sets and resources out of the United month extension, in January or Feb- tice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA. It was well-intentioned States out of fear. ruary saying: Sorry, it is going to run In short, JASTA could cause our al- to allow claims against foreign govern- out again in April. lies in the fight against terrorism to How would we like to live that way? ments that might be complicit in ter- rorist attacks against the United distance themselves from us as a coun- You are going to have insurance until try that most needs their support this date, and then we will give you a States. The spirit behind the legisla- tion is noble. Any foreign government against those who mean to do us harm. little extension and you can have it Now I would like to provide some behind the attack on our homeland or until that date. That is simply not fair. quotes. Our Nation’s top national secu- our citizens must be held accountable. Maybe it is OK for us because we have rity officials have issued statements good benefits and we have good insur- But it has become clear that the unin- tended consequences of this legislation and written to Congress to warn us ance, but it is not OK with them. about the unintended consequences of So I am hopeful that Senator MCCON- are quite grave. As it exists now, JASTA presents a JASTA. NELL and Republican leaders will bring Let’s begin with President Obama. I this to the floor, will support a 1-year— significant risk to the United States and our military and diplomatic per- will quote from his letter from White we want more. We would like to see the House. He wrote: pension problem fixed too. But before sonnel serving across the globe. As it currently exists, as my col- JASTA . . . would neither protect Ameri- the holidays, let’s do a 1-year extension cans from terrorist attacks nor improve the on the insurance. It is a commitment league from South Carolina will ex- plain in greater detail, JASTA under- effectiveness of our response to such attacks. President Truman made and Presidents Doing so would instead threaten to erode mines a fundamental international of both parties for seven decades have sovereign immunity principles that protect honored. It is the least we can do. I norm of sovereign immunity that pro- the United States, including our U.S. Armed tects governments from being sued in think we should stay here and work up Forces and other officials, overseas. court except in narrow circumstances. until Christmas if it doesn’t happen. I will admit that Senator GRAHAM I suggest the absence of a quorum. If this law is not narrow—and please, and I have a special relationship with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The my colleagues, understand, the Senator the men and women who are serving— clerk will call the roll. from South Carolina and I are not for his 22 years as a member of the U.S. The legislative clerk proceeded to abolishing this law; we are for putting Air Force Reserve and every year going call the roll. in a scope that protects the United to Iraq or Afghanistan; I obviously States of America; that is, if we allow Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask have sons who have served. I don’t our laws to target governments indis- unanimous consent that the order for want to see my sons or anybody else’s criminately, we will expose our coun- the quorum call be rescinded. sons in court because they might have try to grave risk and undermine our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without violated a sovereign nation the way ability to pursue justice in a complex objection, it is so ordered. that we are saying JASTA affects our Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask world. country. unanimous consent to enter into a col- No country in the world stands to Enacting JASTA into law, however, would loquy with Senator MCCAIN when he lose more from an erosion of these legal standards than the United States neither protect Americans from terrorist at- arrives. tacks nor improve the effectiveness of our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of America. The United States has response to such attacks. Doing so would in- objection, it is so ordered. more bases and more forward-deployed stead threaten to erode sovereign immunity Mr. GRAHAM. Right on cue, so I will personnel protecting peace and secu- principles that protect the United States, in- start off here. rity than any other country. JASTA cluding our U.S. Armed Forces and other of- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask now gives these countries an incentive ficials, overseas. unanimous consent for a colloquy be- to bring these brave men and women to The Secretary of Defense wrote: tween myself and the Senator from court to answer for U.S. counterterror- U.S. Servicemembers stationed here and South Carolina. ism policies. overseas, and especially those supporting our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without If other countries pass similar legis- counterterrorism efforts, would be vulner- objection, it is so ordered. lation, it means the United States and able to private individuals’ accusations that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.113 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6900 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 their activities contributed to acts alleged We need to fix this law. Let me give you an example of how to violate a foreign state’s law. I ask my colleague, let’s make it that can come back to haunt us. We He continued to say that, whether clear, are we asking to have this law are engaged in a conflict in Syria guilty or innocent, ‘‘the mere allega- repealed? Are we asking that people in today. We are training, providing weap- tion of their involvement could subject countries that are responsible for acts ons, and training a lot of groups inside them to a foreign court’s jurisdiction of terror to be let off the hook? Are we Syria to destroy ISIL. One of those and the accompanying litigation and trying to say committing acts of terror groups is the WPG Kurds. They are lit- intrusive discovery process that goes can be sponsored by any nation and we erally the cousins of the PKK, a ter- along with defending against such law- will turn the other way? That is basi- rorist organization inside Turkey. suits. . . . Our servicemembers might cally the argument that is being There is friction between the Kurds be required to testify about or provide mounted in sometimes hysterical fash- and Syria and the Turkish Govern- documents on operations that they are ion, and what we are trying to do is to ment, and it is beginning to bubble up. obligated under U.S. law not to dis- ensure that a government must know- We are knowingly providing training close, exposing them to punishment for ingly—maybe not even have done it to Kurdish elements inside Syria for contempt by the foreign court, includ- themselves but knowingly. Isn’t that the express purpose of enlisting them ing imprisonment.’’ the key, particularly coming from in the fight against ISIL. What I don’t According to the Secretary of De- someone with your background as an want to have happen is that the CIA of- fense, we could be risking imprison- officer trained in the Uniform Code of ficer, the special forces soldier, any- ment for the men and women who are Military Justice and the International body in our government who is work- serving in our military overseas. Rule of Law? ing in the training, equipping process Mr. GRAHAM. Thank you, Senator The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of to be held liable if that training and MCCAIN. Your overview was excellent Staff—I think we all respect the Chair- those weapons are used to go into Tur- about the perils we face as a nation if man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Here key or some other place where we we don’t modify the law. I will try to is his view: didn’t intend for it to happen and give you a couple of minutes of how did Any legislation that risks reciprocal treat- didn’t know about it. we get to here. After 9/11—the most ment by foreign governments would increase As this law is written now, it is my horrific attack on our homeland, the vulnerability of U.S. Servicemembers to fear the very act of helping them do maybe ever, I guess, since the Civil foreign legal action while acting in an offi- one thing could make you liable for ev- War—the bottom line was that we re- cial capacity. erything they do. We are trying to nar- In those cases . . . the Servicemember sponded as a nation in many ways. The row the scope, and we are trying to could be held in civil, or criminal, contempt 9/11 families have a special place in make sure that whatever claim against should he or she refuse to appear or other- American history and our hearts. They a foreign government lies for the 9/11 wise comply with the foreign court’s orders. have been pursuing legal claims attack, that we don’t open the door to The Secretary of State, , against those responsible for the at- lawsuits, imprisonment, criminal com- wrote: tack. JASTA could encourage foreign courts to Sovereign immunity is a concept plaints, liability by us as a nation- exercise jurisdiction over the United States that protects our government and state for all of the activities we are or U.S. officials. every other government from doing doing throughout the world. The same thing. business because if you don’t have the We are training people in Mosul, in The Director of CIA wrote: sovereign immunity, you can’t func- Iraq today. We have been training the (JASTA) will have grave implications for tion as a government. There are waiv- Iraqi Security Forces. We have been the national security of the United States. ers to that concept—a tort. If some- training tribal militia. The one thing I The most damaging consequence would be body in is driving a car don’t want to have happen is the people for those US Government officials who duti- down the streets of New York and they who provide the weapons and train- fully work overseas on behalf of our country. ing—that if a Sunni group, for some The principle of sovereign immunity pro- are working for the Embassy and con- sulate and they hit you, there is a reason out of our control, goes into a tects US officials every day, and is rooted in Shiite village and commits a genocide reciprocity. If we fail to uphold this standard process where you can sue. You can sue for other countries, we place our own na- your own Federal Government—the or the reverse or we are helping the tion’s officials in danger. No country has Federal Tort Claims Act—if you are in- Shiites and they go on a sectarian more to lose from undermining that prin- jured as a result of being hit by a mili- binge, I don’t want us to be held liable ciple than the United States—and few insti- tary vehicle. Even though sovereign unless you can prove that we know- tutions would be at greater risk than the immunity applies, we waived that to ingly engaged in the act in question; CIA. allow citizens who have been injured that it wasn’t enough just to help the Which certainly makes sense. torturously to bring claims in a very tribal leaders, Sunni tribal leaders, So here we have the Director of the controlled process. fight Al Qaeda; that if they do some- CIA, the Vice President of the United The 9/11 families, for well over a dec- thing outside of what we intended, the States, the Chairman of the Joint ade now, have been pursuing nation- only way we can be liable and people Chiefs of Staff, the President of the states like Saudi Arabia in court, try- working for us can be liable is if we United States, the Secretary of De- ing to hold them liable for the act of knew about it and we are involved in fense—all want us to narrow the inter- terrorism of the 19 hijackers. Under it. That is what is missing. pretation of this law. What does it re- our law, a tort does not include acts of It may be harder for the lawyers rep- quire? Whose word more do you want? international terrorism. I was very resenting the 9/11 families to prove the All I am saying is that we need to open-minded to say, certainly, that is a case, but if we don’t make the standard narrow the law. We must make it clear tort. If you are injured or killed be- as I described, we are opening ourselves that countries will not be held respon- cause of an act of international ter- up as a nation and all of those through- sible for rogue actions of their citizens. rorism, you have been harmed, and I out the world. Unless we can show that a nation don’t mind holding somebody respon- Nobody understands the world better knowingly assists a terrorist group, sible who caused that harm. than Senator MCCAIN. I promise you, sovereign nations should not be Now you are getting into the oper- we are providing aid and assistance to dragged into our courts. ation of a nation-state. If you believe groups who are very questionable at If we don’t fix JASTA, our ability to the Saudi Government collaborated best, but that is the world we live in. defend ourselves will be undermined with the 19 hijackers and they knew or The Mideast is a complete mess. I don’t and the people we ask to go into should have known about the attack want my country, our country, and harm’s way on our behalf will be placed and assisted in the attack, not only those who serve under our flag to ever in jeopardy. America must pursue jus- should they be held liable in our courts be hauled into a foreign court because tice, but in the long run, JASTA will as probably an act of war under inter- they were doing the training and the make it harder, not easier, to bring national law. Unfortunately, the way equipping that our Nation ordered terrorists to justice and prevent ter- we have structured this law, that re- them to do, and I don’t want us as a na- rorism in the first place. quirement does exist. tion to be responsible for acts we did

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.114 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6901 not know about or intend to happen. for the fundamentals of this law but seized or attached if we didn’t know Just simply helping somebody doesn’t also a deep concern about the ramifica- the people in question were actually make you liable for all the things they tions my colleague from South Caro- going to attack Saudi Arabia and col- might do down the road. lina just described. laborate in that attack. If there is evidence that the Saudi Let’s for a moment put yourself in Mr. MCCAIN. I have another sce- Government knowingly or should have their position. You face now the possi- nario—drone strikes. We commit drone known about the attacks of 9/11 and bility of a lawsuit brought against strikes literally everywhere in the aided that attack, you can bring a your country because some acts of ter- Middle East where we find there are claim. If it is any less here for the 9/11 ror have taken place by citizens of terrorists who are capable of mounting attack, then that lesser standard would your country without your knowledge attacks on the United States of Amer- be used against us because countries, or assistance. You are about to go into ica. They are precision strikes, but on as I speak, are adopting their version court in the United States of America, many occasions, civilians, as collateral of JASTA. The one thing we don’t want and you have significant assets—and damage, have also been killed. Those to do is open up the international legal you are the lawyer and I am not, but it are just facts. system to claims against America seems to me the first thing a good law- What exposure are we subject to based on what we did here at home and yer is going to want to do is freeze the now? not have thought it through very well. assets, pending the outcome of the suit Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, that is I would end on this. We all voted for that is being brought. By the way, I a really good question because the pur- it because we are sympathetic to the have received no threats in our con- pose of this legislation is to hold na- cause and want to make sure the 9/11 versations with these countries. tion-states responsible for aiding ter- families can proceed in court to hold Wouldn’t anybody in their right mind rorist organizations. The YPG Kurds, those accountable for the horrific acts say, Hey, I am not going to risk having in the eyes of Turkey, could be a ter- against their families. I don’t think we my assets frozen there and maybe rorist group. Al Qaeda is certainly con- are helping those families by passing a spend years in litigation in the courts. sidered a terrorist group in the eyes of law that is not well thought out and Mr. GRAHAM. Yes. I think the for- everybody. We are now chasing terror- putting other families at risk who are eign policy of nations and the willing- ists all over the world. We are receiv- in the fight today. ness to assist us as a nation is very ing information from one organization, This is not suing for a war that is much up in the air if we don’t somehow taking that information, militarizing over. The damage is done after the war. modify this law because if you are it, using it in a lethal fashion, and hit- The war on terror is very much alive doing business in the United States— ting people we don’t intend to hit. and well. As far as the eye can see, let’s pick Saudi Arabia. The claims can Here is what would solve this prob- America is going to be involved in be brought against the Saudi Govern- lem. For a liability to exist on any na- equipping, training, aiding, and assist- ment. If there is a judgment, those as- tion-state, including the United States, ing groups. I don’t want our country to sets can be attached and they can be the only time you can be sued is if you be held liable and the people we ask to taken. If you are not doing business intended and knowingly engaged in the do the training and equipping to find here, you don’t have to worry about activity, partnering with a terrorist themselves in a foreign court unless we your assets being taken by a court. group or separately, with the knowl- as a nation knew and intended the con- I want to stress this. There can be a edge that you meant for this to hap- sequence in question. claim, but that claim has to be able to pen. If we don’t have that knowing re- If we don’t change this law, we will prove that the nation-state—example, quirement, we are going to open our- have not served those in the fight very Saudi Arabia—knew or should have selves up to a lot of heartache through- well. We can modify this law in a way known of the attack itself and aided out the world. to allow claims to go forward post-9/11. the attack. If you can prove that, we Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, isn’t it All of us agreed to a process to allow not only should allow all lawsuits, we logical to say that you shouldn’t hold a the 9/11 families to move forward. I should rethink our relationship with government of a country liable if some- hope all of us can agree, or at least Saudi Arabia. thing happened by attack from their most of us, to modify that process to Here is what the Saudis tell me. If we country or by one of their citizens that make sure we don’t have unintended actually did that, I don’t blame you for we didn’t know about? I mean, this is consequences that everybody in the na- rethinking the relationship with us. why I am confused as to why that just tional security infrastructure of the What you say is very true, Senator doesn’t have a logical aspect to it. We United States is telling us we created. MCCAIN. If this law stands in the don’t want to hold people who are not No Member of the Senate, in wanting United States—and this is an emo- guilty liable for damages. to help 9/11 families, I believe, wants to tional time in the world. Juries render Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, this is expose other families and those who justice, but Mideastern nations are not a really good question. One of the con- serve this Nation to being hauled into very popular right now, for sometimes cepts we want to introduce into the foreign courts and being accused of a good reason. The Saudis are helping new modification is discretionary deci- crime and being sued. We have a people in Yemen. They are helping peo- sions by nation-states. The original bill chance to fix it. I will tell you this. If ple in Syria. Sometimes they are help- said you couldn’t sue based on a discre- we don’t fix it, we are going to regret ing people differently than we are help- tionary decision—a planning activity, it because the activities we are en- ing because they are more worried a strategic decision. Apparently, there gaged in today, I am afraid, could be a about Iran than Assad. is some evidence that lower-level Saudi basis of action against our Nation It is a complex world, and I think na- officials or people in Saudi Arabia pro- under the law we passed. tion-states are going to be reluctant to vided some money, helped people get If you did exactly what this law al- do business in America if they come passports, helped people do this, helped lows in another country and the ter- from a complex part of the world if we people do that. We don’t want to be rorist organization was helped by the don’t modify this law because all of held liable if we have a rogue employee United States, even if you view them their assets are subject not only to in a consulate somewhere. It has to be as terrorists, even though we didn’t being confiscated through a court proc- that the nation-state at the highest know about what they did, we could be ess, it would no longer be a safe place level of government—to be liable for liable, and I don’t want that. to do business. the torturous act—knew or should have Mr. MCCAIN. May I ask my colleague I would stress this. The same thing known. If we don’t want to be guilty by one additional question? could happen to us in other countries. association, you don’t want to be held We have heard from literally every If some groups we are helping in Syria liable as an entire nation-state because Middle Eastern country on this issue. somehow want to take on Saudi Arabia you have one part of the government No threats have been made. The con- because they don’t like their govern- doing a function that was not approved versation between us and Ministers of ment, I don’t want us to be sued in by the government as a whole. various countries in the Middle East Saudi court and the American business All I can say is we are making stra- have been of grave concern of support assets that lie in Saudi Arabia be tegic decisions today. I don’t know how

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.115 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6902 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 much money we have given to the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- bers stationed here and overseas, including Kurds and other allies in Syria fighting sent that the letters from the Presi- those supporting our counterterrorism ef- ISIL, but I can tell you some of these dent of the United States, the Sec- forts, would be vulnerable to accusations groups in the eyes of other people in that their activities contributed to acts that retary of State of the United States, allegedly violated foreign laws. Without im- the region are terrorists, and they have the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of munity, we could be forced to defend our- an agenda outside of fighting ISIL. I Staff, and the Secretary of Defense be selves in foreign courts regardless of whether don’t want to be liable because we printed in the RECORD. the United States or its officials had in fact helped them in the cause of fighting There being no objection, the mate- provided support for terrorist acts or com- ISIL if they go and do something else rial was ordered to be printed in the mitted acts in violation of foreign laws. Such to harm somebody else, some other na- RECORD, as follows: lawsuits could subject the United States and tion, unless we knew about it, because its officials to intrusive and time-consuming THE WHITE HOUSE, discovery, including demands from foreign it will stop our ability to have part- Washington. litigants and courts for sensitive U.S. Gov- ners. Unfortunately, in the war on ter- Hon. HARRY REID, ernment information or intelligence. Such ror, you are not going to win the war if Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, lawsuits could also lead to sizeable money you don’t make alliances, and some- Washington, DC. damages and efforts to attach U.S. Govern- times these alliances are with pretty DEAR SENATOR REID: Thank you for speak- ment property to satisfy those judgments— ing with me about the Justice Against Spon- efforts to which we would be particularly unsavory people. sors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA. As I noted Saudi Arabia is in the same position vulnerable given our substantial worldwide in my message vetoing the bill and reiter- presence. And foreign states could create ex- we are. If you open the floodgates and ated on our call yesterday, I strongly believe the United States is liable because of ceptions to sovereign immunity that do not that enacting JASTA into law would be det- directly mirror those created by JASTA, the activity that occurred, people from rimental to U.S. national interests. which would exacerbate these risks. your country are involved, but you I am firmly committed to assisting the The JASTA also threatens to expose even don’t have the requirement of saying families of the victims of the terrorist at- our closest allies and partners to litigation you knew about it and you wanted it to tacks of September 11. 2001 (9/11) in their pur- in U.S. courts. JASTA would go well beyond suit of justice. Over the last eight years, my happen. Then we are opening ourselves 9/11 or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a Administration has continued and expanded number of our allies and partners have ex- up to a liability all over the globe be- upon the U.S. Government’s unprecedented cause, unlike Saudi Arabia, we are all pressed serious concerns about the bill. I am response to the 9/11 attacks. We have relent- concerned that the enactment of JASTA over the place. We are everywhere—in lessly pursued al-Qa’ida, killed Osama bin would risk eroding the cooperation we must the Philippines. I can’t think of a re- Laden, supported and signed legislation that have from partners and allies to defend the gion in the world where there are not provides treatment for first responders and Nation. And as I noted in my veto message, American operatives, intelligence offi- other survivors, and declassified additional JASTA threatens to take decisions con- cials, or military officials who are not information on the attacks so the families of cerning potential foreign state involvement 9/11 victims can better understand the infor- somehow joined in the fight against in terrorist attacks out of the hands of na- mation investigators gathered following that tional security and foreign policy profes- different forms of terrorism, and all I dark day. am asking is that we modify this law. sionals and to place such decisions instead in Enacting JASTA into law, however, would the hands of private litigants and courts. You can bring a claim against anybody neither protect Americans from terrorist at- This is neither a coordinated nor an effective you think caused 9/11, including a tacks nor improve the effectiveness of our way to respond to such concerns. country like Saudi Arabia, but you response to such attacks. Doing so would in- To be clear, my opposition to JASTA is have to prove that the government stead threaten to erode sovereign immunity based primarily on its potential impact on knew about it, should have known principles that protect the United States, in- the United States. Sovereign immunity prin- cluding our U.S. Armed Forces and other of- ciples do protect all Nations. But the United about it, and aided in the actual act. ficials, overseas. This is why I vetoed the bill That is not in the law, and if we don’t States has a larger international presence, and why I believe you should vote to sustain by far, than any other country—we are ac- put that in the law, it will bite us all, that veto. tive in a lot more places than any other and everybody fighting this war is try- In general, JASTA would allow lawsuits in country, including Saudi Arabia. This means ing to tell us we have gone too far. U.S. Federal Courts against foreign coun- we benefit more from the principles that Next year Senator MCCAIN, Senator tries for actions taken abroad that are al- JASTA threatens to erode than any other GRAHAM, and hopefully others, will leged to have contributed to acts of ter- country and have more to lose if those prin- make it a top priority to modify this rorism in the United States, notwith- ciples are eroded than any other country. law so we can conduct foreign policy as standing long-standing principles of sov- ereign immunity. We already have ways of THE SECRETARY OF STATE, a nation and not put our warfighters at addressing state-sponsored terrorism. In risk and those we rely upon to win this Washington, April 15, 2016. fact, under existing law, lawsuits may be Hon. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, war, because we are not helping the 9/ brought for actions taken abroad that con- Chairman, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Op- 11 families by putting people at risk for tribute to acts of terrorism only against erations, and Related Programs, Committee no good reason who are out there all countries that have been designated as state on Appropriations, U.S. Senate, Wash- over the world trying to protect us. sponsors of terrorism. Under JASTA, this ington, DC. That is exactly what we have done if very limited class of potential foreign state DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am writing to ex- we don’t modify this law. defendants would be expanded to encompass press the Department of State’s concerns re- every country in the world. JASTA therefore Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, this is garding S. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors threatens to upset immunity protections of Terrorism Act (JASTA). not the opinion of the Senator from that benefit the United States more than We deeply sympathize with all victims of South Carolina and myself. This is the any other Nation. terrorism and appreciate the motivation be- opinion of the President of the United The consequences of JASTA could be dev- hind this legislation. The U.S. government States. This is the opinion of the Sec- astating to the Department of Defense and condemns all acts of terrorism, and the De- retary of Defense. This is the opinion its Service members—and there is no doubt partment has long supported efforts of U.S. of the Secretary of State. This is the that the consequences could be equally sig- terrorism victims to pursue compensation opinion of the Director of the Central nificant for our foreign affairs and intel- while also leading international efforts to ligence communities, as well as others who Intelligence Agency. This is the opin- combat terrorism and prevent more attacks work in furtherance of U.S. national secu- and more victims. ion of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs rity. The United States relies on principles However, as it presently stands, JASTA of Staff. of immunity to prevent foreign litigants and would strip sovereign immunity protections I have had a lot of support in my foreign courts from second-guessing our from all nations (not just designated state time on various issues. I cannot re- counterterrorism operations and other ac- sponsors of terrorism as under current law) member a time in the last 30 years tions that we take every day. Other coun- for a wide range of actions taken outside the where literally every leader in govern- tries could attempt to use JASTA, however, United States that lead to injury or loss in ment has come out in the strongest to justify the creation of similar exceptions the United States, including but not limited possible fashion not to do away with to immunity targeted against U.S. policies to acts associated with terrorism. This broad and activities that they oppose. As a result expansion of the Foreign Sovereign Immu- JASTA but to fix it so the United our Nation and its Armed Forces, State De- nity Act’s jurisdictional provisions will be of States of America itself is not put in partment, intelligence officials, and others deep concern to many foreign governments jeopardy as other nations adopt this may find themselves subject to lawsuits in with potentially grave repercussions for U.S. same law. foreign courts—for example, Service mem- national security interests. The United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.117 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6903 States benefits significantly from the pro- may subject them to the jurisdiction of a which could lead to efforts to attach U.S. tection afforded by foreign sovereign immu- foreign court. Government property to satisfy those nity given its extensive diplomatic, security, Sincerely, awards. Given the broad range of U.S. activi- and assistance operations around the world. JOSEPH F. DUNFORD, Jr., ties and significant presence around the JASTA could encourage foreign courts to ex- General, U.S. Marine Corps. world, including our Department’s foreign ercise jurisdiction over the United States or bases and facilities abroad, we would have U.S. officials—including members of our STATEMENT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH numerous assets vulnerable to such at- military and intelligence community—for CARTER, DECEMBER 7, 2016. tempts. actions taken here which may cause injury I appreciate the opportunity to provide Third, it is likely that litigants will seek outside our borders. JASTA could also ex- views on the potentially harmful con- sensitive government information in order to pose U.S. allies and partners to litigation in sequences that the Justice Against Sponsors establish their case against a foreign state U.S. courts that will raise significant foreign of Terrorism Act (JASTA) may have on the under JASTA in U.S. courts or against the policy sensitivities and could limit their co- United States, the Department of Defense, United States or U.S. personnel in a foreign operation on key national security issues, and Service members. court. This could include classified intel- including counterterrorism initiatives. It As I stated in my testimony before the ligence data and analysis, as well as sen- could also generate concerns about the secu- Senate Armed Services Committee on Sep- sitive operational information. rity of foreign state assets in the U.S. finan- tember 22, 2016, I agree with the intent of Furthermore, if the United States or U.S. cial system. JASTA, which is to honor the families of 9/ personnel were to be sued in foreign courts, I ask you to consider the unintended con- 11 victims. However, the potential second- such information would likely be sought by sequences of passing this legislation in its and third-order consequences of JASTA foreign plaintiffs, and it would be up to the current form. We remain prepared to work could be devastating to the Department and foreign court whether classified or sensitive with Congress on appropriate changes that its Service members and could undermine U.S. Government information sought by the would mitigate the harmful impacts on U.S. our important counterterrorism efforts litigants would be protected from disclosure. foreign policy and national security. abroad. Moreover, the classified information could Thank you for your leadership on so many In general terms, JASTA allows lawsuits well be vital for our defense against the ac- critical national security issues. in U.S. Federal Courts against foreign states cusations. Disclosure could put the United Sincerely, for actions taken abroad that are alleged to States in the difficult position of choosing JOHN F. KERRY. have contributed to acts of terrorism in the between revealing classified or otherwise United States, notwithstanding longstanding sensitive information or suffering adverse DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, CHAIR- principles of sovereign immunity. Under the rulings and potentially large damage awards MAN OF THE JOINT OF CHIEFS OF law that existed before JASTA was enacted, for our refusal to do so, and could even result STAFF, similar lawsuits were available for actions in the imprisonment of U.S. personnel for re- Washington, DC, 7 December 2016. only against designated state sponsors of fusing an order of a foreign court to disclose such classified or sensitive information. Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, Chairman, terrorism. JASTA has extended the stripping Finally, foreign lawsuits will divert re- Committee on Armed Services, of immunity to states that are not des- sources from mission crucial tasks; they U.S. Senate, Washington. DC. ignated sponsors of terrorism, potentially could subject our servicemembers and civil- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for the op- subjecting many of the United States’ allies portunity to offer advice on congressional ef- and partner nations to litigation in U.S. ians, as well as contractor personnel, to forts to mitigate concerns I expressed re- courts. depositions, subpoenas for trial testimony, and other compulsory processes both here garding legislation that may expose U.S. We have concerns that JASTA may cause and abroad. Indeed, such personnel might be Service members to the jurisdiction of for- foreign governments to enact legislation to held in civil or even criminal contempt if eign courts. create exceptions to immunity for conduct On 27 September 2016, I forwarded concerns by the United States and its personnel. Such they refused to appear or to divulge classi- regarding the potential second- and third- legislation may not directly mirror, and may fied or other sensitive information at the di- order consequences of legislation that erode be more expansive than, the exceptions cre- rection of a foreign court. the long-standing principle of sovereign im- ated by JASTA. This is likely to increase Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I urge munity. These were: our country’s vulnerability to lawsuits over- my colleagues to pay attention to the Any legislation that risks reciprocal treat- seas and to encourage foreign governments most respected individuals in this ment by foreign governments would increase or their courts to exercise jurisdiction over country and pay attention to why they the vulnerability of U.S. Service members to the United States or U.S. officials in situa- object, not to the entire bill but to the foreign legal action while acting in an offi- tions in which we believe the United States provisions that would, as Director cial capacity. is entitled to sovereign immunity. U.S. Serv- In those cases where a foreign government ice members stationed here and overseas, Brennan said, cause the most damaging decides to exercise jurisdiction over a U.S. and especially those supporting our counter- consequences for those U.S. Govern- Service member, the Service member could terrorism efforts, would be vulnerable to pri- ment officials who dutifully work over- be held in civil, or criminal, contempt should vate individuals’ accusations that their ac- seas on behalf of our country. he or she refuse to appear or otherwise com- tivities contributed to acts alleged to violate The Director of the CIA said that the ply with the foreign court’s orders. a foreign state’s law. Such lawsuits could re- principle of sovereign immunity pro- If a U.S. Service member were to be sued in late to actions taken by members of armed tects U.S. officials every day and is a foreign court, it would be up to the foreign groups that received U.S. assistance or train- rooted in reciprocity. If we fail to up- court to decide whether classified or sen- ing, or misuse of U.S. military equipment by hold the standard for other countries, sitive U.S. Government information would foreign forces. be required as part of the litigation process. The implications of JASTA are severe. I we place our own Nation’s officials in This could put the United States in the posi- will highlight a few of them. danger. No country has more to lose tion of choosing between the disclosure of First, whether the United States or our from undermining that principle than classified or sensitive information. and sub- Service members have in fact provided sup- the United States. Mr. Brennan adds jecting a U.S. Service member to an adverse port for terrorist acts or aided organizations that few institutions would be at great- foreign court ruling. that later commit such acts in violation of er risk than the CIA. While any attempt to alleviate the above foreign laws is irrelevant to whether we I urge my colleagues not to abolish risks is commendable, increasing the burden would be forced to defend against lawsuits by JASTA, but let’s fix it because the peo- of proof required to prevail in a civil matter private litigants in foreign courts. Instead, ple we respect and admire the most and would not alleviate the above concerns as the mere allegation of their involvement victims may still file suit against a foreign could subject them to a foreign court’s juris- to whom we give the responsibilities to state. If a foreign government enacted recip- diction and the accompanying litigation and defend this Nation have unanimously rocal legislation, suits could be brought intrusive discovery process that goes along argued that we need this fixed. against the United States and may implicate with defending against such lawsuits. This I say to the President: I fear the pro- U.S. Service members. While at the end of a could result in significant consequences even found consequences that may arise if trial such a suit may not prevail if the vic- if the United States or our personnel were we, with the best of intentions, do tim is not able to meet a heightened stand- ultimately found not to be responsible for great, great damage to this Nation and ard of proof—a heightened standard may not the alleged acts. For example, our service its security. stop a suit from being filed. In such a situa- members might be required to testify about I yield the floor. tion. Service members may be subpoenaed to or provide documents on operations that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- appear in court and prevented from depart- they are obligated under U.S. law not to dis- ator from Ohio. ing the country. close, exposing them to punishment for con- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I My concerns would only be hilly alleviated tempt by the foreign court, including impris- by legislation that restores the principle of onment. thank my colleagues for their thought- sovereign immunity and protects U.S. Serv- Second, there would be a risk of sizeable ful and informed analysis of an impor- ice members from reciprocal legislation that monetary damage awards in such cases, tant national security issue.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.064 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6904 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 I ask unanimous consent to speak He was tenacious. This was, by the for recalling the memory, the life of briefly, and I thank my colleague from way, an issue that not all Democrats John Glenn and his wife Annie. I was Delaware for allowing me to do so. agreed with him on; yet he did what he privileged to know him. I am an Ohio The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without felt was right in the name of good gov- State graduate, Navy ROTC. I am a re- objection, it is so ordered. ernment. tired Navy captain and a huge admirer REMEMBERING JOHN GLENN We also worked on other projects to- of John Glenn and his bride. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I rise gether, and I always found that his One of my fondest memories of them today on a sad occasion, and that is to focus was on his State, the people he was at an Ohio State football game a talk about the loss of an American represented, and how to make their few years ago. As the Senator from icon. He is a fellow Ohioan. He held lives better. Ohio knows, one of the big attractions this seat in the Senate. He is one of our After his Senate career, he started a at an Ohio State football game at half- true heroes, as an astronaut, fighter new project. It was called the Glenn time is to script ‘‘Ohio,’’ where the pilot, successful business person, Sen- School of Public Affairs at the Ohio band spells out the word ‘‘Ohio.’’ Usu- ator, and later someone who helped State University. I had the honor of ally one of the tuba players kind of young people throughout the State of teaching there for a few years before dances around for a while and then Ohio by establishing his own school at running for the Senate. I was a co- dots the ‘‘i.’’ So fans are used to that Ohio State University. I am talking teacher for four different courses and happening. On this particular occasion, about John Glenn. We lost him today got to know John Glenn in an entirely no tuba player came forward to dot the at age 95. different way. He asked me to join ‘‘i,’’ but John Glenn and Annie went I was watching some of the coverage their advisory board, which I did join. onto the field and dotted the ‘‘i,’’ to on television about his career, and it I am still on the advisory board for the amazement and delight of 100-and- focused a lot on his being the first to now the Glenn College. Last year we some-thousand fans. Later on, they orbit the Earth on Friendship 7, a cap- elevated the school to a college. This came up. I was up in the President’s sule you can see at the Air and Space was John Glenn’s greatest single ac- box with President Gordon Gee. I am Museum. It is not much bigger than complishment in the latter years of his not sure; maybe my friend from Ohio two of these desks put together, but life—creating an institution where was there as well. But what a joyous somehow he wedged himself in and did young people can go and be inspired to memory that was. He ran for President briefly too. I something heroic and important at the go into public service and given the was pleased to support him. He didn’t time. In a spaceflight competition with tools to be able to succeed. He loved stay in the race for long. I thought he the Soviets, he was one who succeeded. that school. He loved those students. was a great marine, great pilot, great What I didn’t hear too much about He chaired a board meeting only last astronaut, great Senator, and would was his career before being a famous month. He did it with humor, as he al- have been a great leader for our coun- astronaut and that amazing flight that ways did, and passion. try. ended up with him addressing a joint One of his big issues he talked about The last thing I will say is this. Who session of Congress or what he did after last month was how he wanted to have is it that said this? Maybe—Alan Simp- that amazing feat. So I want to talk a leadership institute to ensure that son, former Senator from Wyoming. He about that for a second and say that I more young people could understand used to say this about integrity: If you appreciate that tomorrow my col- the importance of government service, have it, nothing else matters. If you leagues will help me in joining to pay which he felt was a noble under- don’t have it, nothing else matters. tribute to him through a Senate reso- taking—military service, government When you look up the word ‘‘integ- lution. service, service for your country, serv- rity’’ in the dictionary—and ‘‘courage’’ But prior to his being a famous astro- ice greater than yourself. We lost an as well—you see John Glenn’s picture. naut, he was a famous American hero American icon. Thank you for your kind and wonder- in my mind because he was a fighter He was also a man who loved his fam- ful words about John Glenn and Annie. pilot who signed up after Pearl Harbor, ily. His wife, Annie Glenn—many of us Thanks for letting me say a few words the 75th anniversary of which we cele- here in this Chamber know her, and we as well. brated this week. He flew 59 missions love her because she is an amazing TRIBUTE TO FEDERAL EMPLOYEES as a fighter pilot in World War II. He woman in her own right. For 73 years, Mr. President, I have been coming to later flew about 90 missions in Korea. they were married. They knew each the floor, as the Senator from Ohio He was highly decorated as a fighter other as little kids. They virtually knows, for months—a couple of years, pilot. He then was a test pilot, and ac- grew up from the crib until now to- actually. I come maybe once a month. tually he broke the transcontinental gether. Annie Glenn was at his side The Presiding Officer and I serve to- flight time record as a test pilot. Then constantly. That relationship, their gether, along with Senator PORTMAN, he decided to join the astronaut corps. partnership, is an example for my wife on a committee called Homeland Secu- He was part of that group of friendship Jane and me and for all of us here in rity and Governmental Affairs. Part of astronauts who became famous later as this Chamber. our job is to do oversight over the De- being called ‘‘The Right Stuff.’’ He was Earlier this year, my staff and I had partment of Homeland Security. the right stuff. a retreat in Ohio. We brought all of our I started doing something a couple of He then had a successful career in DC staff and Ohio staff together to talk years ago. Instead of coming to the business. He decided he loved public about how to better serve our constitu- floor to talk about some controversy or service, and he wanted to be in the ents, how to define the mission. I asked things we disagree on with our col- Senate. He won election to the Senate John Glenn to come address that leagues across the aisle, I came to the and was actually reelected with his- group. What a treat. Our staff had the floor for a different purpose. I came to toric numbers in my home State of opportunity to sit and talk to John the floor in order to say thank you to Ohio. I got to serve with him during Glenn about his career, but more im- some of the 240,000-some men and part of his time here. I was in the portantly, to talk about his passion for women who are part of the Department House; he was in the Senate. We public service. The mission he gave us of Homeland Security, who work hard worked on projects together. was one of honor and respect and de- to help secure our country and make it He was on the same committee my cency for our constituents and to serve safer in many ways. colleague from Delaware was on, and the people. That was his life. Over the last 4 years, I have been both of them have chaired it, the Gov- John Glenn’s life story touches our privileged to serve with our Presiding ernmental Affairs Committee. He loved hearts today, and his life story is also Officer and a number of others—Sen- good government. One of his big issues part of American history. ator PORTMAN and others—as the sen- was stopping unfunded Federal man- I yield the floor. ior Democrat on the Homeland Secu- dates. I was the House sponsor on the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. rity and Governmental Affairs Com- Republican side; he was the Demo- SASSE). The Senator from Delaware. mittee, first as chairman for a couple cratic sponsor here. We ended up in the Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I just of years with from Okla- Rose Garden together for a ceremony. want to thank our colleague from Ohio homa as our ranking member and for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.118 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6905 the last 2 years as ranking member of agency, any department in the Federal means that leadership across the De- the committee while RON JOHNSON has Government. The diversity of the em- partment is vital to the success of that been our chairman. ployees I have highlighted these past organization, as it is to any other orga- I am incredibly proud of the fact that many months is the best illustration of nization but especially one this large our committee is filled with hard- the challenges facing the Department and unwieldy. I have always said that working men and women, Democrats of Homeland Security every day and the key to success for any organiza- and Republicans, who work across the facing our country every day. tion, no matter what size, is leader- aisle and party lines to bolster our na- Last month, I highlighted a U.S. Se- ship. Just like integrity—if you have tional security and to help agencies cret Service officer named Codie it, nothing else matters; if you don’t and programs across government work Hughes, who patrols the White House have it, nothing else matters. better. We follow what I call the three grounds as a uniformed Secret Service SECRETARY C’s: Communicate. Compromise. Col- officer, and also Special Agent Tate Thankfully, the Department of laborate. Jarrow, who protects Americans from Homeland Security has been blessed Those are things we do in Delaware, cyber criminals and financial schemes with enlightened, committed leaders and on our committee I am happy to that are designed to cheat those Amer- since its creation. I, for one, cannot report that the three C’s hold forth as icans out of their hard-earned dollars. begin to say enough about the leader- well. In January, I highlighted a fellow ship shown these past 3 years by DHS Serving as the senior Democrat on named Milo Booth who serves as the Secretary Jeh Johnson, pictured here our committee has truly been one of Federal Emergency Management Agen- on my left. the great honors of my 16 years in the cy’s tribal affairs officer, ensuring our Soon after being sworn in, Secretary Senate. During my time as chairman Native American communities are pre- Johnston immediately made clear that and ranking member, I have had lit- pared for natural disasters too. his highest priority would be manage- erally thousands of Department of In September, I thanked Tito Her- ment reform—he called it the Unity of Homeland Security employees—I have nandez, who travels around this coun- Effort Initiative—intended to promote seen firsthand the exceptional work try—and he does that about 9 months the coordination and cohesion through- they do 240 hours a day—it probably out of the year—in the aftermath of out the Department. He also focused on feels that way—24 hours a day, 7 days a natural disasters to coordinate the sup- employee engagement and the Depart- week across our country and even port of State and local officials as they ment’s hiring practices. He wanted to around the world. I am pictured here work through some of the most trying make sure that the good work at the with some of them. They do extraor- situations. Department was not going unnoticed. Last year, last July, I spoke of the dinary things that some of us don’t Through his steady leadership, DHS Department of Homeland Security even know about. has begun to slowly but surely turn— What we do is every week we come to Science and Technology Directorate kind of like an aircraft carrier in the and the state-of-the-art research work the floor, and one of the best things Navy—improving morale by 3 percent being done by Dr. Michelle Colby and you can do when people do great work across the Department in the last year Jon McEntee, who are researching how is thank them. That is what I like to alone—the first increase in the Depart- to protect us against, among other do. Since my first speech on this front ment I think in some 6 years. We are things, emerging diseases, such as a couple of years ago, I have come to happy to see them bottom out and the avian flu and foot-and-mouth disease, the floor almost every month the Sen- improvement of the morale—the De- while helping the Department develop ate has been in session just to say partment is heading in the right direc- the technologies of tomorrow. thanks to a lot of deserving individ- This past July, I thanked LCDR tion again. Jeh Johnson and his team uals, to teams, even entire agencies at Tiana Garrett and Ingrid Hope with the deserve a lot of credit for that. I think, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs for their work frankly, so does our committee, the that are doing extraordinary work to prepare our border agents, doctors, Homeland Security Committee, and quietly, behind the scenes, without a medical professionals, and first re- the good work we have done to try to lot of attention, to enable the Depart- sponders for the emerging threats make sure there is a good leadership ment to carry out its vital missions— posed by the Zika virus. team in place at DHS and that we con- actually its many vital missions. From the Domestic Nuclear Detec- voy clearly our gratitude to those men To everyone who has allowed me to tion Office, which tracks radiological and women who work there—240,000 of share their stories with our colleagues materials across our country, to the them. here in Congress and the American peo- National Cybersecurity & Communica- Being a change agent in the Federal ple, thank you so much. To all of those tions Integration Center, which mon- Government can oftentimes be dif- folks at DHS who I have not had an op- itors cyber security attacks and co- ficult, but I am confident that Sec- portunity to talk about or any agency ordinates Federal cyber security ef- retary Johnson’s dedication and his I have missed, I want you to know that forts with the private sector, the De- perseverance will make a lasting im- the work you do every day makes a partment of Homeland Security is pact on the agency’s greatest assets— real difference and is truly appreciated. truly remarkable in its ability to work its dedicated employees. While some of your accomplishments together as one cohesive unit to To Secretary Johnson, to his family, are hard to measure, they are nonethe- achieve its common mission. to his bride, I just want to say thank less important. They are reflected in While it has not always been easy, you for your extraordinary service. lives saved, tragedies prevented, and a the Department of Homeland Security Every American is safer thanks to your sense of security that Americans feel has matured by leaps and bounds in leadership and your tireless efforts. as they go about their day. order to become more than the sum of Thank you, Jeh. Across the Department of Homeland its parts in the 14 years since its cre- Security, there is so much good work ation. The Department remains the Until recently, Secretary Johnson’s going on each and every day that if I youngest Cabinet-level agency in the right-hand man was a fellow named stood here every day for the next 2 Federal Government. It is also the Alejandro Mayorkas, a native of Cuba years, I would have no shortage of re- third largest agency in our Federal who came here a long time ago with his markable public servants to highlight. Government, behind only the Depart- family, on the run, if you will. I like to As some of you may recall, the De- ment of Defense and the Department of call him Ali; so do most other people. partment of Homeland Security em- Veterans Affairs. It was created by Ali recently stepped down as Deputy ploys over 240,000 Americans doing ev- bringing together more than 22 dif- Secretary of the Department of Home- erything from securing our cyber net- ferent Federal agencies. Let me say land Security—that is the No. 2 slot work from cyber attacks, to guarding that again—22 agencies sort of there—but for 7 years, including one- our ports of entry, to helping commu- glommed together a dozen or so years third or so as the No. 2 person, Ali was nities recover from natural disasters. ago into one big Department, DHS. working tirelessly to improve the secu- Their mission is one of the most di- The sheer scope of the extraordinary rity of our Nation and improve the op- verse and challenging, I think, of any challenge DHS and its employees face erations of the Department before he

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I know I of us can go about our lives uninter- the Department’s cyber security poli- speak for countless Americans when I rupted every day. cies, as well as developing critical im- say: Craig, thank you for your dedica- SUZANNE SPALDING AND PHYLLIS SCHNECK migration programs that cut down on tion to the mission of FEMA, for your At something called the National fraud and helped promote economic years of leadership to our country, and Protection and Programs Directorate, growth. the leadership you provided for a very Under Secretary Suzanne Spalding Ali was a dedicated and thoughtful good team across America. works with her great team to protect leader. His impact on the Department PETER NEFFENGER our Nation from ever-evolving cyber will continue to be felt for years to At the Transportation Security Ad- attacks. Her diligent team includes her come in streamlined DHS operations ministration, affectionately called deputy at the Directorate, Deputy that allow employees to spend less TSA, retired Coast Guard VADM Peter Under Secretary Phyllis Schneck. I kid time on paperwork and more time on Neffenger has helped his agency re- her. She is from Georgia Tech. I call protecting Americans. spond quickly and effectively to a his- her ‘‘Ramblin Wreck’’—Phyllis RUSS DEYO toric surge in airline travel and navi- Schneck, the Ramblin Wreck from When Ali left the Department a gate some of the busiest travel days in Georgia Tech. She is a dynamo. She month or two ago to return to the American history. Last month, over left the private sector where she was practice of law, the Department’s the course of just 7 days, TSA helped making a lot of money to come to Under Secretary for Management, a 16.5 million Americans travel safely to serve her country and help lead the fellow named Russ Deyo—rhymes with visit family and friends over the cyber security efforts of the Depart- Rio—stepped in to fill his shoes. Thanksgiving holiday. His continued ment of Homeland Security. As Under Secretary for Management, efforts to innovate while ensuring uni- JOSEPH CLANCY Russ has proved to be an effective lead- form training for all TSA officers—we Also over at the Secret Service, we er also. With a strong but quiet de- call them TSOs—have streamlined se- have a Director named Joe Clancy, who meanor, he is not afraid to make tough curity screening at our airports and leads an organization of men and decisions. ports of entry without compromising women who performed flawlessly as the Russ has been responsible for over- passenger security. The millions of agency has protected dozens of officials seeing the Department’s efforts to get Americans who travel through our air- during the recent election season. the Department off of GAO’s high-risk ports each week are measurably safer, KATHY BRINSFIELD list. What is that? Well, the high-risk thanks to Vice Admiral Neffenger’s Over in the Office of Health Affairs, list is something the GAO puts out service and that of the men and women Chief Medical Officer Kathy Brinsfield every other year. It is a high-risk list he leads. of wasting taxpayer money. I just wish to say about the folks at leads some of the best and brightest DHS, as well as a lot of other agen- TSA that whenever I go through air- scientists in the world in their cutting cies, has been on it for quite a while. port security, I always thank them. I research into emerging diseases. Russ has made very clear, with the tell them who I am, tell them who the REGGIE BROTHERS support of Jeh Johnson and Ali Senator is—the junior Senator from At the Science and Technology Di- Mayorkas, that they want to get off of Nebraska—and tell them how much we rectorate, Reggie Brothers has led ef- that list the best they can. I think one appreciate the work they do. When you forts across the Department to make of the greatest accomplishments may see people doing a good job, when you smart investments in research and de- have been overseeing the creation of are going through an airport, just take velopment for DHS and their State and employee satisfaction programs in a minute and thank these folks. Thank local partners. each and every component. I think these men and women. It goes a long To all of you and to your agencies, they also got a clean audit. I think the way. They have had a very tough job again, a big thank you. These are just Department of Defense, which has been because over the course of Thanks- a few of the incredible leaders at the around since the late 1940s, has never giving weekend, they had 16.5 million Department of Homeland Security, just gotten a clean financial audit. I think people trying to get through security— a few. for each of the last 4 years, the Depart- actually, get to the airport, get their SARAH SALDANA, , LEON ment of Homeland Security has set a families packed up, in their vehicles, RODRIGUEZ, ADMIRAL PAUL ZUKUNFT great example. It has gotten a clean fi- cab, Uber, or a transit bus, and try to There are so many more who deserve nancial audit. get to the airport, get a place to park, our thanks for steady leadership, lead- I wish to say if you can’t manage get through security, get on a plane— ers such as Sarah Saldana, who leads your finances, how do you expect to make their plane. Immigration and Customs Enforce- manage your whole department? That For the folks at TSA, their job is to ment, known as ICE. is just one aspect of the improvements make sure that nobody with malintent Gil Kerlikowske at Customs and Bor- being made. gets through security. You have all der Protection is a terrific leader. With this information, Secretary these people trying to get through as Leon Rodriguez—I call him ‘‘Leon Johnson and his leadership team across fast as they can, get on their plane, Red Bone’’—is director of U.S. Citizen- the Department can ask every single and get going. Then you have folks at ship and Immigration Services. DHS employee: How are we doing? How TSA who are trying to make sure that We have the commandant of the U.S. can we help? What can we do better? nothing tragic happens in the mean- Coast Guard, ADM Paul Zukunft, CRAIG FUGATE time. That is a tough job. It is a tough whom everyone understandably simply Another DHS leader whom we all ad- job, and I urge you to give them a little calls ‘‘Admiral Z.’’ mire for his leadership and steady hand bit of love and thank them for what We say a very big thank you to all of during some of those challenging times they are doing from time to time. you for your service and the hard work is the Administrator of FEMA, the Every time I speak on the floor about of those across your agencies. A retired Federal Emergency Management Agen- TSA, I encourage people to say thank Navy captain salutes the Coast Guard. cy. His name is Craig Fugate and he you, and I have just done it one more After 4 years as the lead Democrat on hails from Florida. time. the Homeland Security and Govern- For the last 8 years, Administrator Our Nation is truly fortunate to have mental Affairs Committee, having met Fugate has admirably led Federal re- the Department of Homeland Security thousands of DHS employees, I believe sponses and efforts through numerous we have today. The few men I men- our country is in many more ways disasters, including Superstorm Sandy, tioned just now are the tip of the ice- more secure today than it was yester- which landed a direct hit on the east berg when it comes to truly great pub- day. However, given the evolving na- coast, including a hit to my own State lic servants at the helm of DHS. There ture of the threats we face, this is not of Delaware. Throughout his tenure, are many more. A number of them are the time to spike the football; this is Craig has used his whole community charged with organizations that work not the time to become complacent. approach to strengthen our national behind the scenes, quietly accom- We need to remain vigilant, continue

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.121 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6907 to work smarter, and continue to work icemembers, made our Armed Forces lation we had the honor to vote for harder. second to none. Less visible are things today. With that thought in mind, I close by such as training, maintenance, and I yield the floor. expressing the gratitude of all Ameri- adequate munitions, without which Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I would cans to the Presiding Officer and to ev- success on the battlefield would be in like to associate myself with the objec- eryone at the Department of Homeland doubt. tions raised by my colleague from Ari- Security. I wish you and your families I am pleased that this year’s NDAA zona, Senator JEFF FLAKE, concerning a very merry Christmas and a joyous adequately authorizes funds for the the 2016 Water Resources Development holiday, as well as a more peaceful New DOD’s operations and maintenance ac- Act, WRDA, conference agreement. Year for all of us. Keep up the good count, which provides the dollars for I must express my dissatisfaction work. We are proud of you. Stay safe. these vital but less visible functions. with the WRDA conference agreement. God bless you all. The NDAA also stops the Department While I applaud the hard work by the With that, I yield the floor. of Defense’s proposed drawdown of an conferees to advance a number of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- additional 15,000 soldiers, 2,000 marines, worthwhile flood control projects— ator from South Dakota. and approximately 4,000 airmen for fis- some of which are located in my home Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask cal year 2017. State of Arizona—my objection centers unanimous consent to speak as in Additionally, it addresses munitions around the inclusion of a massive morning business for up to 10 minutes. shortfalls and provides funds for depot drought relief package for California at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without maintenance and facilities the expense of drought priorities for objection, it is so ordered. sustainment. Arizona. LAKE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL Importantly, it does not require For the past 2 years, Senator F Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, my women to register for the Selective and I have been negotiating with the friend the Senator from Delaware has Service and does not contain TRICARE committees of jurisdiction and certain spoken very eloquently about the need prescription drug co-pay increases, offices of the California delegation to to say thank you to our Members who both of which have been of concern to ensure that any drought legislation work within TSA. I wish to speak in me and many other South Dakotans. that comes to the Senate floor would terms of members of the Armed Forces I am pleased it includes a number of be applicable to all Western States. We won provisions in the Senate-passed and to remind the people of America provisions which I offered to address WRDA bill and the energy bill to expe- that we are free and we will be able to the serious cyber threat our Nation dite salt cedar removal and increase enjoy a very precious holiday season faces. One of those requires the Presi- storage capacity for reservoirs across coming up because the men and women dent to define when an act in cyber the West. Unfortunately, our WRDA who wear that uniform are on the space requires a military response. An- provisions have been stripped by the frontlines. It is their families who are other requires training for DOD hiring conferees. making that sacrifice as they are away officials on how to use the special au- I cannot support a drought package from home. We should keep all of them thorities Congress gave them to expe- that is overly California-centric while in our prayers and remember to say dite the hiring of cyber security profes- my home State and other Western thank you to their families for the sac- sionals and pay these civilian employ- States are also suffering under an op- rifices they have made. Thank you to ees more than what is normally au- pressive 16-year drought. the men and women on the frontlines thorized for civil service. who keep us safe. I am also pleased that the conference f With that, as a member of the Senate report includes my mental health MORNING BUSINESS Armed Services Committee, I am measure requiring the Department of pleased that we came together once Defense to more carefully monitor pre- again to pass the National Defense Au- scriptions dispensed at military treat- RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN thorization Act, a vital piece of legisla- ment facilities for the treatment of EGYPT tion. It is a testament to the leadership PTSD. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I have of the chairmen and ranking members I join my colleagues in urging the visited Egypt many times, and I have in the House and Senate that Members President to continue the decades-long voted for billions of dollars in U.S. as- on both sides of the aisle have contin- tradition of signing the NDAA into sistance for Egypt to support economic ued to work together to pass the NDAA law. While we champion this year’s and security programs in that country. again this year, and I thank them for bill, the most significant defense re- I have recognized positive develop- their leadership. form legislation in decades, we must ments in Egypt when they occur, such It is important to continue this 55- extend our view beyond fiscal year 2017. as the recent decision by the govern- year-plus tradition of passing the For the past 2 years, I have served as ment to undertake economic reforms, NDAA to show our troops and their a member of the Senate Armed Serv- including by reducing some subsidies. families that they have our full sup- ices Committee, bearing witness to po- I also recognize the security chal- port. As in years past, this year’s tential challenges that could threaten lenges Egypt faces from instability and NDAA includes policies to support our our national security if we do not ad- violence in Libya and in the Sinai. The wounded warriors, our troops, and their dress them now, including arbitrary U.S. has an interest in helping Egypt families. It also provides our military budget caps. These arbitrary budget confront these challenges by address- with the tools needed to combat our caps have forced the kinds of false ing the underlying causes in a manner enemies around the globe. choices that are potentially so dev- that is consistent with international However, it is also the most signifi- astating for our Armed Forces. In par- law. cant defense reform legislation in dec- ticular, we must avoid the false choice Today I want to speak briefly about ades. An example is its significant pro- of paying for readiness while assuming the Egyptian Parliament’s recent pas- visions to reform how the Department risk for modernization or vice versa. sage of a restrictive new law on non- of Defense acquires new weapons. The American people expect us to governmental organizations, NGOs, Given that the No. 1 responsibility of adequately defend America next year that would effectively cripple Egypt’s the Federal Government is the defense and for every year to come. Job one in civil society for years to come. Rather of our Nation to keep Americans safe, that regard is to remove the arbitrary than sign this legislation, I hope Presi- it is reassuring that Congress has con- budget caps and the threat of seques- dent Sisi calls for a new version to be tinued to pass the NDAA every year for tration. Only by doing so can Congress drafted in cooperation with inde- over half a century. fulfill its No. 1 responsibility—keeping pendent NGOs. If President Sisi does To many Americans and even Mem- Americans safe. sign this law, it will be yet another bers of Congress, the most visible man- In closing, I thank Chairman step in the wrong direction by a gov- ifestation of our NDAA is our combat MCCAIN, Ranking Member REED, my ernment that professes to be making vehicles, ships, and combat aircraft Armed Services Committee colleagues, progress on civil and human rights that have, with our outstanding serv- and all of our staffs for the great legis- when the facts indicate otherwise.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:43 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.123 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Such a development would be further REMEMBERING DAVID BUDBILL the lives of everyone who has read and evidence of the need to strengthen ex- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Vermont loved his poems. isting democratic and human rights is saddened by the death of the poet In short, David Budbill’s poetry and plays accurately, meaningfully and conditions on U.S. aid for Egypt. David Budbill, whose poetry celebrated profoundly depict rural Vermont—his According to information I have re- the simple pleasures of life in Vermont place, that is also our place. They have ceived, the law passed by parliament and highlighted the lives of working a universality that have and will en- on November 29 would place all NGOs Vermonters. He died on Sept 25, at the rich lives in Vermont and in the larger in Egypt, both local and foreign, under age of 76. world forever. the supervision and control of a com- In the State that gave the world Rob- mittee that would be dominated by ert Frost, Vermonters know and love f representatives of the Defense, Inte- our authentic poets. Through David TRIBUTE TO HENRY JARECKI rior, and Justice Ministries, as well as Budbill’s 10 books of poetry, 7 plays, an Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Henry the General Intelligence Service, the opera libretto, 2 children’s books, and and Gloria Jarecki are two of my long- country’s top spy agency. Among other many public performances and read- est and best friends. I speak, of course, things, the law would criminalize work ings, he became the most widely known both because of our personal friend- that harms ‘‘national security, na- and loved Vermont poet since Robert ship, but also of their efforts with the tional unity, public morals or public Frost. important Scholar Rescue Fund, a pro- order’’ but leaves those terms unde- He was born in Cleveland, OH, in 1940, gram designed to provide fellowships fined, allowing the authorities to bring and after attending Union Theological for scholars whose are persecuted or such charges against any group they Seminary in and teach- threatened at home for the important choose. Anyone convicted of violating ing at Lincoln University in Pennsyl- work they do. This commitment is es- the law would face sentences of up to 5 vania, he moved to Vermont—to Wol- pecially poignant, when considering years in prison and a fine of up to cott—in 1969. that, as a child, Henry fled the Holo- $56,000. He then learned to use a chainsaw caust in Germany, ultimately settling The proposed law comes at a time and worked in the woods to make a liv- in the United States. when independent voices in Egypt are ing, while also writing poems about the Both Henry and Gloria have worked facing an existential crisis. Instead of people he met and about his experi- to bring about recognition and under- passing a new NGO law that would ences there. His first book of poems, standing of people of different races, allow both domestic and international ‘‘The Chain Saw Dance,’’ was published religions, and cultures. To me, Henry groups to operate without burdensome in 1976. has been more than just a friend. He restrictions, the Egyptian authorities Other poems and books of poems fol- has been a mentor and a confidant. have escalated their crackdown on lowed, and David gradually created a Some of the happiest times for independent NGOs, particularly fictionalized version of his own com- Marcelle and me have been with Henry against groups that focus on human munity, which he called Judevine—a and Gloria. Dr. Henry Jarecki recently received rights, the rule of law, and democratic place where rough-hewn loggers, saw- the Order of Merit, Officer’s Cross, in norms. yers, farm wives, gas station attend- ants, and shattered Vietnam veterans Heidelberg, Germany. The Order of Over the past year, a court has frozen struggled to make a living amid the Merit is the only federal decoration in the assets of human rights groups and rugged beauty of rural Vermont. That the Federal Republic of Germany. This the personal assets of human rights de- material was later shaped into a play, high honor is befitting not only of fenders. At least 15 NGO founders, lead- also entitled Judevine, which was wide- Henry’s history, but of his long dedica- ers, or staff—many from prominent ly produced, both in Vermont and na- tion to promoting the simple but some- groups—have been banned from leaving tionally. times difficult principles of freedom the country. An investigation into the Then in the 1990s, Budbill’s focus and liberty. foreign funding of dozens of local NGOs Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- deepened. He began writing poems could result in criminal charges car- sent that the text of Dr. Henry about his own life in Walcott, thinly rying sentences of up to 25 years in Jarecki’s moving remarks upon receiv- disguising himself as ‘‘Judevine Moun- prison. This pattern of harassment and ing this prestigious honor be printed in tain,’’ an old Chinese sage, who some- arrests is not a new phenomenon. It the RECORD. how was settled on a nearby Vermont has been happening for years, and, con- There being no objection, the mate- hillside. He wrote with the spareness, trary to representations of Egyptian rial was ordered to be printed in the directness and clarity of the ancient officials, it is getting worse. RECORD, as follows: Asian poets he admired. One short ex- DR. HENRY JARECKI: ACCEPTANCE OF ORDER I urge the Egyptian authorities to ample is ‘‘What Issa Heard.’’ Issa is an adhere to their constitution, and the OF MERIT, OFFICER’S CROSS—NOVEMBER 17, 18th century Japanese haiku poet. Here 2016 pledges they have made in inter- is what David wrote: OPENING THANKS national fora such as the United Na- ‘‘WHAT ISSA HEARD’’ tions Human Rights Council, by guar- It is a great honor to receive this award Two hundred years ago Issa heard the morn- from the President of the Federal Republic anteeing freedom of expression and as- ing birds of Germany, Joachim Gauck, a leader hon- sociation. I urge President Sisi to re- singing sutras to this suffering world. ored by Germany for transforming his expe- ject this draconian legislation. I heard them too, this morning, which must riences with totalitarianism into support for I also want to reiterate what I said in mean, freedom, human rights, and democracy. this chamber on September 27, 2016, Thank you, Minister Bauer and Mayor since we will always have a suffering world, Wu¨ rzner, for presenting it to me. Thanks when I spoke about Aya Hijazi, a young we must also always have a song. also to Rektor Eitel for his thoughtful wel- Egyptian American social worker cur- David wrote poetry and plays that come. Let me also thank two special individ- rently being detained in Egypt. tapped into and expressed the essence uals who have played a prominent role in Ms. Hijazi, along with her Egyptian of northern Vermont, and he plumbed this award: the former Consul General of husband and five employees of their these subjects so deeply that they be- Germany to New York, Busso von Alvensleben, who is here with us tonight, NGO Belady, has been accused of sala- came universal through his pen. His and the current Consul General of Germany cious crimes—accusations that the rural characters, Antoine, Grace, to New York, Brita Wagener. government has yet to corroborate Tommy, and others, are quintessential I am of course thrilled to have so many with credible evidence in a court of Vermonters, but they are also vivid friends and members of my family here with law. Ms. Hijazi has been jailed and de- human beings with the same sorts of me at this special event, including my sons nied due process since May 21, 2014. She hopes, fears, triumphs, and disappoint- Andrew, Tom, and Nick and my grandsons Alexander and Tyler. Most of all, I acknowl- and the other defendants should be re- ments that we all experience. Simi- edge my wife, Gloria. It was on this very day leased immediately or provided a fair, larly, his ‘‘Judevine Mountain’’ poems in 1957 that the lovely Gloria Friedland be- public trial so they can defend them- were expressions of his own life, but came my. wife After 59 years of marriage, I selves. they continue to resonate deeply with think she deserves her own award!

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SYMMETRY courageously doing what it can to help. Earlier today, we dedicated a new cre- This is a very personal moment for me. There were 60 million people displaced after ativity-oriented adventure playground in the When I look at my life, I see that it has been the Second World War, 21/2% of the world’s Emmertsgrund, a part of the city in which defined by one thing: the desire to make un- then-prevailing population. Today, there are many families of modest means live, many of ruly things symmetrical, to smooth over the 65 million refugees among the world’s 7 bil- them from immigrant and refugee back- bumps of life, and to identify and align the lion people, less than 1%. The proportion grounds. ¨ parts that do not fit. makes today’s situation sound better than it Just as Mayor Wurzner repeatedly looks This is how I made sense of the events that is, however. After World War II, most refu- for new ways for us to help our city, Rektor first took me away from Germany and have gees were resettled within a few years. Eitel finds new ways for us to collaborate in the development of the university. He start- now brought me back, accepting an award in Today, a refugee’s average stay in a camp is ed by taking me to see the dilapidated Anat- this most distinguished Alte Aula. over 15 years. omy building and asked me to help restore Over 75 years ago, I had to flee in fear from During both times, refugees (we called our- it. He now asks for help in refurbishing the this very country that is now presenting me selves ‘‘refs’’) remained controversial. Some University’s Max Weber House, an important with this great honor. The Hitler regime had people think of them only as weak, poor, and part of Heidelberg’s recent intellectual his- come to power less than three months before burdensome. Others think they are smart op- tory. I point out to my many American my birth, gaining strength by finding scape- portunists or terrorists just waiting for the chance to become violent or, at the very guests that this university, my alma mater, goats for the troubles of the German people founded in 1386, is the oldest university in that were caused by World War I and the least, take our jobs. We need an alternative narrative. I propose Germany. It is indeed one of the oldest in the peace treaty, and from the ensuing inflation this: Germany’s new incoming refugees are world. It, too, owes its existence to refugees: and depression. The Nazis alleged that the smart, strong, ambitious, and young. Our it was the Great Schism of 1378 that made it country’s defeat, hunger, and chaos were due support of them now will yield great results possible for Heidelberg, a small city at the to traitors and to Jews, whom they called for Germany into the future. time, to gain its own university. Two popes foreigners despite the fact that they had Throughout history, such refugee flows were elected that year—one in Avignon by been in Germany ever since the Romans have always been with us. The world has in the French, and one in Rome by the Italians. drove them here in the 70th year of the fact made the best of them; it has come to When Germany supported Rome and not Christian Era. My family, which could trace use them like an accelerated form of Dar- France, German students and teachers in itself back for generations, was unwilling to winian natural selection. Faced with the tur- Paris were thrown out, becoming (yes, we see believe that this land of Goethe and Heine moil and xenophobia that is a never-ending this again) academic refugees. This led to could be governed by a nativist group of part of our flawed psyches and world, only the founding of the university, bringing to criminals: ‘‘Surely they can’t mean us,’’ my the strongest and smartest, the most resil- full circle its willingness to take in today’s family said. But they did. ient and the hardest workers, are able to re- refugees. We didn’t believe it until we had all been establish themselves. The philosopher Lin- SCHOLAR RESCUE arrested and stripped of almost everything Manuel Miranda, speaking of Alexander This brings me quite neatly to my final we owned. Only then did we flee, first to Hamilton, said it well: ‘‘Immigrants get the topic of the evening: a scholar rescue part- England and then to America. America wel- job done.’’ nership I wish to create with the state of comed us, as it usually does welcome refu- Their youth is part of their strength. Over Baden-Wu¨ rttemberg. gees, despite the occasional internal bigot. two-thirds of them are below the age of 33. My own scholar rescue work started in This rescue and welcome gave us the oppor- Germany’s rapidly aging population makes 2002. Drawing upon my own background as tunity to transform ourselves into hard- these migrants just the people Germany an academic and a former refugee, I joined working patriots. needs for its future. They are, moreover, am- together with several other trustees of New The Nazis had forced us out of Germany bitious, smart, and anxious to learn. York’s Institute of International Education, but they couldn’t force the German out of us. COMMITMENT TO HEIDELBERG or IIE, to form a new entity that would re- We held on to our roots. We held on to some spond to what seemed like an ever-present My own life serves as an example of the ac- of the language, especially after we heard need to rescue persecuted scholars. With our parents lapse into German when telling celerated natural selection premise. IIE’s long history of this work in mind, and As I mentioned before, Heidelberg readily each other secrets. ‘‘Aber nicht vor den with the blessing of IIE’s President, Dr. welcomed me and my family and gave me an Kindem.’’ Our father taught us skat and told Allan Goodman, who is here with us tonight, education that made me thrive. We have us about Heidelberg, where he had studied we formed the Scholar Rescue Fund. done what we could to reciprocate. Soon before going to the front in the First World Over the past 14 years, IIE’s Scholar Res- after he came to office, I asked the Mayor War. cue Fund has saved the lives and work of Unlike some of our fellow refugees, we what I could do to express my gratitude. He nearly 700 professors from 56 countries, plac- made sense of what had happened not by re- suggested that I help to develop a dilapi- ing them in over 350 safe haven universities jecting Germany but by re-engaging with it dated rail yard into a science campus that in more than 40 countries around the world, as soon as we possibly could. In fact, my would attract talent from all over the world. including Germany. It was this work that led Over the past few years and through the brother and I returned to Heidelberg in 1951 us, last year, to partner with the Philipp Max Jarecki Foundation, Tony and I have to pursue the same medical studies as our fa- Schwartz Initiative, fostered by Foreign worked with a dedicated team to develop a ther had. Minister Steinmeier and managed by the whole new part of the city—the Bahnstadt. I Doing so was our way of re-assuming our Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with thank Mayor Wu¨ rzner, his chief of staff Ni- character as Germans. Philipp Schwartz, the federal resources. I am pleased to see its Di- cole Huber, Giles Hemmings, who manages Frankfurt professor of pathology who fled to rector-General, Dr. Enno Aufderheide, and the Max Jarecki Foundation, Tobias Zurich in 1933 and rescued over 1,000 dis- Director of Strategy, Dr. Barbara Sheldon, Wellensiek, who is not only our legal advisor missed German scholars, years later said of here with us tonight. This program enables but also the son of my friend of 60 years his work: ‘‘We committed ourselves to rep- German universities to host threatened Jobst Wellensiek, and city officials who have resent the true spirit of the German nation scholars from around the world, thus further helped make our Bahnstadt project a re- to the world.’’ emphasizing Germany’s role and status as a This re-engagement, which brought my ality—including Mr. Mevius, Mr. Dietz, and safe haven country. past and present into alignment, is the rea- Mrs. Friedrich—for their help. The As evidenced by the history of the Univer- son for my award today. In seeking to make Bahrtstadt is one of the greenest develop- sity of Heidelberg, this is a very old story. the different parts of my life fit, I have en- ments in this country, with full access to From the burning of the great library of Al- gaged actively with both the city of Heidel- new technologies, and within minutes of Hei- exandria, scholars have fled persecution to berg and the city of New York. I have looked delberg’s preeminent educational institu- safe havens, bringing their knowledge and for ways to further strengthen the U.S.-Ger- tions. This project is a great example of Hei- skills with them and greatly enriching aca- many relationship. And I have felt perfectly delberg’s successful integration of tradition demic life in their new homes. The sack of Constantinople in the year 1204 caused its at home in both places, perhaps, as my wife and innovation, science and business, the best scholars to flee from Turkey to Europe, and closest friends would say, just a bit more past and the future. As the British writer and is said to have produced the European exuberantly in Germany, like the eighteen- G.K. Chesterton said, ‘‘Tradition means not Renaissance. More recently, the U.S. bene- year-old I was when I found myself in my that the living are dead; it means that the fitted greatly from scientists and scholars lost homeland. dead come alive.’’ I am fortunate to have had an outstanding expelled by the Nazis, as did the Turkish REFUGEES team facilitating our efforts. This team has higher education system, which was rebuilt My U.S.-German outlook, as well as my been led by the talented Tony Detre, who in the 1930s and 1940s by over 1,000 German own personal experience as both a refugee took the ideas proposed by the Mayor and scholars. As collaborators of the Scholar and an academic, give me a unique perspec- helped to make them a reality. I simply Rescue Fund for the past 10 years, Jordan’s tive on what is happening in Germany today could not have done this work without him. Prince Talal and Princess Ghida valiantly and have brought me to a new initiative, Today, I would like to make several new made their country into a safe haven for about which I will tell you in a few minutes. commitments to the city and the university Iraqi scholars, welcoming hundreds of tal- Germany finds itself at the center of a new and to undertake a new partnership with the ented academics into their universities. And refugee crisis, and this time the country is state. now Germany has stepped up to help.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:18 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.055 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6910 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 The need today is very great. Scholars Vermont and on Capitol Hill in Wash- is known for his troubleshooting and around the world are facing fresh repression ington. Bob has committed his entire advocacy for Vermonters in every cor- and conflict. More scholars are fleeing Iraq career to making the Federal Govern- ner of the State. and Syria, a new crisis looms in Turkey, and ment a positive force in the lives of in- In 2009, I gave my highest rec- increasing threats to academics have emerged in countries as diverse as Ban- dividuals and communities. He has ac- ommendation to the incoming adminis- gladesh and Ethiopia. complished much, particularly on be- tration of President Obama for Bob to Today, I would like to tell you about devel- half of our State of Vermont. be appointed as executive director of oping a new partnership. Over the past few Bob, as Marcelle and I have always the Farm Service Agency in Vermont. weeks, several colleagues and I have met known him, was my longest serving Bob has distinguished himself in that with Theresia Bauer, Minister of Science, staff member and is among the longest role—helping Vermont farmers recov- Research and Art for the state of Baden- serving personal staff members in U.S. ering from Tropical Storm Irene, im- ¨ Wurttemberg, of which Heidelberg is a part. Senate history. He began in my Wash- plementing new programs under the We have discussed an innovative idea to add to Germany’s current scholar rescue efforts ington office in 1977 and then moved to 2014 farm bill, assisting new Americans by joining together SRF, private funds, and Vermont to serve as one of my out- from the refugee community to start the state of Baden-Wu¨ rttemberg. We are standing field representatives. He farms, supporting our dairy farmers happy to have the Baden-Wu¨ rttemberg ended his congressional staff service 32 through tough times, and nurturing his Stiftung as a partner who, with the Ministry, years later, in 2009, to take a leader- dedicated USDA staff across Vermont. will support a new group of persecuted aca- ship role at the U.S. Department of Ag- Robert Paquin has been a truly ex- demics to be placed specifically in this state. riculture, USDA, in the Obama admin- ceptional and dedicated public servant The supervisory board of the Baden- istration. for Vermont and the Nation for four ¨ Wurttemberg Stiftung just decided last week On my staff in Washington, Bob to join the program. I am happy to welcome decades. I will continue to seek his ad- the Executive Director, Christoph Dahl, worked on defense, foreign policy, and vice, and Marcelle and I wish him and today. appropriations, and in Vermont, he his wife, Theresa, all the best in the fu- While the details of such a unique multi- supported my work on agriculture, ture. lateral partnership remain to be confirmed, conservation, energy, and environ- f and we all look forward to guidance from our mental protection. He also helped to friends at the Humboldt Foundation, I can manage my Vermont offices and pro- TRIBUTES TO HARRY REID say a few things. First, this very much fol- vided constituent services to countless Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, as a lows in the tradition of Baden-Wu¨ rttemberg, young man growing up in Searchlight, under Minister Bauer, showing leadership on Vermonters. such issues, most recently with a new pro- Bob brought Vermont values on con- Nevada, HARRY REID was an accom- gram to provide scholarships to refugee stu- servation, sustainable and organic ag- plished amateur boxer. During his 30 dents. Second, such a new program makes riculture, dairy, and rural development years of service in this Chamber, Sen- best use of SRF’s power to find and vet per- to my work on many farm bills, affect- ator REID has demonstrated time and secuted academics from any country and ing national agricultural practices, again the qualities of skill, hard work, every field. Third, it shows both the power policy, and economics to this day. and determination that he learned in and promise of private philanthropy to bring Bob also helped to develop the Lake the ring all those years ago. different groups together to find creative so- Champlain Special Designation Act of Prior to joining the Senate in 1987, lutions to urgent problems. It is just this 1990, worked on its reauthorization in Senator REID established a deep com- type of collaborative thinking that we need in our inter-connected world. 2001, and supported my efforts every mitment to public service in the House What we see now as a refugee problem may year to maintain sufficient Federal of Representatives and in State and well become an even greater deluge in the support for the Lake Champlain clean- local offices. And before that, he served near future as climate change devastates up efforts. He worked day in and day Congress and supported his young fam- ever more of our planet, and technology en- out to nurture and grow important ily working nights as a Capitol police ables tyrants to maintain power more cru- partner organizations in Vermont, in- officer while attending law school at elly. cluding the Lake Champlain Basin Pro- George Washington University. As a We live on a tiny ball spinning through a largely empty space. And if we don’t share gram, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, the Senate leader, serving as Democratic this small world that we inhabit, it will be Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the whip, majority leader, and, currently, its end. Building walls is futile; equally bad, Lake Champlain sea lamprey control Democratic leader, he has been a for- they put the people on each side into prisons, program, and many more that have midable advocate for his caucus. no matter how prettily they are wall-pa- helped to leverage Federal investments In the Senate, Senator REID has been pered. in conservation and the cleanup of a passionate voice for education, envi- We in the so-called first world are, with Lake Champlain. ronmental protection, health care, and our ferocious energy consumption, deeply I strongly believe that land conserva- renewable energy. His commitment to implicated in the changes we see today, and the greater ones we will see tomorrow. More tion is an important part of the herit- those who serve our Nation in uniform and more people will come to us, dragging age of every Vermonter. Bob worked on is evident through his support for mili- their young children across the seas and the the ground to help establish the Marsh- tary readiness and for our veterans. mountains to come to a place they don’t Billings-Rockefeller National Histor- The great Jack Dempsey defined a know a continent away. We should feel deep- ical Park, the Nulhegan/Conte National champion as ‘‘someone who gets up ly honored, but we must live up to it. If we Wildlife Refuge and the Upper when he can’t.’’ In his many years of don’t, the liberties they hope we have will be Missisquoi and Trout National Wild service to the people of Nevada and to lost to us all. and Scenic Rivers. He also helped me our nation, Senator HARRY REID has ‘‘Giess Wasser zur Suppe und heiss alle willkommen’’ (‘‘Add water to the soup and as I fought for the addition of more proven himself to be a fighter who al- make everyone welcome’’) is an old German than 100,000 acres to the Green Moun- ways answers the bell. I wish him and folk saying. Those ancestors well understood tain National Forest, protection of the his wife, Landra, health and happiness that a meal cannot be enjoyed, a peace not Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and for many more years to come. maintained, and one’s own not protected establishment and expansion of eight Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I have without sharing and compromise. It is a bit Federal wilderness areas in Vermont. had the honor and privilege of serving of German folk wisdom that has survived all He also worked on the delivery of Cap- with HARRY REID for all of my 16 years imperializing regimes and their detriments. itol Christmas trees from Vermont’s in the Senate. He has been a resolute Once again, I thank you for the great honor of this award and commit myself, in Green Mountain National Forest to leader for our Caucus, a fearless legis- the spirit of true and authentic partnership, Washington, DC. lator who has brought landmark legis- to do this critical and urgent work together. Time does not allow me to catalogue lation to the floor and a tireless advo- f all of Bob’s accomplishments while on cate for Nevadans and all Americans. my staff, but his greatest impact may More importantly, I am proud to call TRIBUTE TO ROBERT PAQUIN have been his simple and honest inter- HARRY a friend. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Robert actions in helping thousands of We all know the story of HARRY’s Paquin is retiring after 40 years work- Vermont constituents with problems journey to elected office from that ing as a dedicated public servant in and requests over so many years. Bob small mining town in Nevada. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:18 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.056 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6911 humble way he grew up inspired him to Park, and led passage of the Post–9/11 while campaigning in Nevada, a young help others who faced similar hardships G.I. Bill of Rights. woman named Astrid Silva slipped a his family had faced. He carried that As majority leader, he shepherded note to HARRY. Astrid was brought to perspective with him from Searchlight, landmark legislation through the Sen- the United States when she was 4 years NV, to the halls of the Capitol, where ate—The Affordable Care Act, Wall old. Unable to work legally, Astrid he became a champion for causes Street Reform, the Recovery Act, and babysat to earn money. She excelled at meant to improve the lives of all many more. Despite the powerful inter- school but feared deportation if she ap- Americans. ests lining up to defeat these efforts, plied to college. In the following years, HARRY is a fighter. That has been HARRY didn’t back down. He worked Astrid and HARRY corresponded, and he said by so many of his friends and col- hard and got things done. As a result, learned of the hopes, dreams, and leagues over the years, and it is truer millions of Americans have health struggles of the DREAMers. of him than almost anyone I have ever care. In a 2013 interview hours before the worked with. That title, of course, has We have fought our way back from Senate passed comprehensive immigra- more than one meaning for HARRY. His the Great Recession of 2008. Consumers tion reform, HARRY said, ‘‘This is why years of amateur boxing taught him now have more protection against pow- I did this . . . because of some things strategy and relentless willpower in erful companies. It is fair to say, she said.’’ the face of his opponents. His years in HARRY’s leadership has improved our Later, when speaking on the floor be- the Senate have been no different. He country and our families’ lives. fore the vote, HARRY said, ‘‘I appre- has had to fight for historical legisla- Today I want to focus on a few issues ciate every one of those letters she tion in an increasingly vitriolic polit- where I was particularly proud to have sent me, because each was a reminder ical climate, things like the Affordable worked with him. Leader REID has been of what is at stake in this debate.’’ A Care Act and the stimulus bill, legisla- a longtime champion for the Filipino testament to HARRY’s character, even tion that gave millions of Americans World War II Veterans. This group of while serving in one of the most power- hope for their futures. over 260,000 Filipino veterans answered ful roles in Washington, HARRY never HARRY has also been a very powerful President Roosevelt’s call during World forgot who he was fighting for. ally for me and my fellow Floridians, War II and fought heroically under the Aloha, HARRY. As we say in Hawaii, a specifically in the fight to protect the U.S. flag. Unfortunately, they have had hui hou, ‘‘until we meet again.’’ State’s fragile environment. He has al- to endure another fight over the course f ways been right there with me in push- of seven decades—the fight for the rec- TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER ognition and benefits they were prom- ing for Everglades funding and vigor- Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise ously defended our coastline from drill- ised. Leader REID has been at the fore- today to speak about my longtime front of this fight. He has helped secure ing proposals that threatened Florida’s friend and colleague BARBARA BOXER, economy and unique environment. compensation from the Department of who is retiring from this body along His leadership has been a source of Veterans Affairs. We have worked to- with me this year. guidance and great strength for me gether to reunify the remaining vet- Senator BOXER will be remembered during my time in the Senate. I am erans with their children. And just last as an inspiration to young women honored to have served with him and week, the House passed and sent the across our country. Her career is a wish him and his family well in his re- President my legislation awarding Fili- textbook of how to get involved in pub- tirement. pino World War II veterans the Con- lic service. Starting at the local level, Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I wish to gressional Gold Medal, the highest ci- she came out of the antiwar movement recognize the many accomplishments vilian honor Congress can bestow. and got involved in the environmental of my friend, Senator HARRY REID, my Leader REID was instrumental in get- movement and local causes. Taking colleague from Nevada, during his sto- ting this bill through the Senate, and I lessons from grassroots organizing, she ried career in the U.S. Senate. deeply appreciate his support. ran for the Marin County Board of Su- Growing up in a modest household Nevada is home to a vibrant Filipino- pervisors. She lost that first race, but without an indoor bathroom, hot American community. Leader REID is she didn’t give up. She ran again and water, or a telephone, HARRY learned deeply familiar with the experiences won and became the first female chair. the values of family, faith, and edu- and struggles of Filipino veterans and Eventually, she made her way to the cation. HARRY understood that it is the their families. He worked with Ha- U.S. House of Representatives. Along most vulnerable in society that need waii’s late Senator Dan Inouye to cre- the way, she heard a lot of ‘‘no,’’ but the strongest champions, someone to ate the Filipino Veterans Equity Com- always turned it into a ‘‘yes.’’ She fight for them. pensation Fund within the VA in 2009. never quit, never lost faith in herself, HARRY’s service to the people of Ne- The fund’s creation was a significant and never stopped trying. vada began long before he came to Con- step forward in recognizing the dedi- When it looked like the accusations gress. After attending law school at cated service and sacrifice of these vet- of Anita Hill would be swept under the George Washington University, Leader erans. I was proud to have Leader REID rug, I spoke out in the Senate against REID returned home and served as Hen- join me in our successful effort to se- it, but I was only one female voice. derson’s City Attorney. At the age of cure appropriations language prohib- BARBARA BOXER came to my aid. Even 28, he was elected to the Nevada State iting any attempts to direct these though she was in the House, she led a Assembly. Two years later, Leader funds to other programs. troop of fierce House women running REID became the youngest Lieutenant This past May, the Obama adminis- up the steps to the Senate to face down Governor in Nevada history. HARRY ex- tration finalized a parole program that the Judiciary Committee and demand perienced political losses early in his would allow family members of Fili- they shed light on the accusations of career, but he never let that hold him pino World War II veterans to come to sexual harassment. BARBARA had the back. After 5 years as chairman of the the United States to be reunited with crack team of ELEANOR HOLMES NOR- , HARRY their aging parents and siblings. These TON, Pat Schroeder, LOUISE SLAUGH- won election to the U.S. House in 1982. veterans had already waited decades to TER, NITA LOWEY, Jolene Unsoeld, and He served two terms before winning his be reunited with their children in the Patsy Mink to back her up. They mar- first U.S. Senate race in 1986. Philippines. shalled the press and marched right up HARRY’s stint as an amateur boxer Speaking at my press conference an- these steps. They knocked on the door taught him to never back down from a nouncing the program, HARRY honored and were going to be turned away be- fight, no matter how big. Throughout the veterans’ sacrifice saying, ‘‘in cause they weren’t Senators. But they his Senate career, the people of Nevada those islands where MacArthur left, pointed to that group of photographers have been able to count on HARRY to the Filipinos were left there with some and said, We are going to tell them fight for them. of our troops and they fought valiantly that you turned us away, what do you He has spearheaded investments in and were not recognized.’’ think will happen then? So they were clean energy, established Nevada’s first Finally, I want to highlight Leader let in and made their case. Those Sen- national park, Great Basin National REID’s work on immigration. In 2009, ators couldn’t face the calculation and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:18 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.071 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6912 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 fury of BARBARA BOXER and the House BARBARA and her husband, Stewart, his principles. When the decision went women, and those hearings were con- many happy days ahead as they start against him, he conceded graciously, vened. The Anita Hill hearings made an writing this new chapter in their lives. reminding Americans that what unites indelible mark on this country. Even if we are on opposite sides of the us is far stronger than what divides us. It really woke America up as to what country, I know I will always have a It has been an honor to serve with was going on in the workplaces around friend in California. Senator KIRK in the U.S. Senate. It has the country for women and how little f been a joy to develop our friendship, representation women really got in one I will cherish always. I wish him TRIBUTE TO MARK KIRK Congress. Watching that all-male Judi- all the best in the years to come, and ciary Committee tear into Professor Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on Jan- I know that he will meet any chal- Hill for daring to accuse her boss of uary 3, 2013, Senator MARK KIRK lenges that lie ahead with the strength sexual harassment, the women of climbed the 45 steps to the U.S. Cap- and fortitude he brought to those 45 America took action and elected BAR- itol, triumphantly returning to work steps of the U.S. Capitol. BARA BOXER, , Carol after a year of intensive recovery from Mosely Braun, and PATTY MURRAY to a stroke. To the cheers of colleagues f the U.S. Senate. and friends, he called it one of the TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI I was thrilled when BARBARA came to greatest moments of his life. me thinking about running for the Sen- It was a moment of courage and de- Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, ate. I told her it was the perfect time: termination that defined a life dedi- today I wish to honor my friend, col- she can do more in the Senate and be cated to serving the people of Illinois league, and mentor from Maryland, heard in the Senate. I said would be and of our Nation. From his service in Senator BARBARA MIKULSKI, who is re- worth the fight to get her here with the Navy Reserve as an intelligence of- tiring at the end of this year. BARBARA me, even if just to have someone I ficer, to the World Bank, the State De- has an impressively long and distin- could see eye-to-eye with on a daily partment, the House International Re- guished career in public service, rep- basis. lations Committee, and five terms rep- resenting her home State of Maryland BARBARA even started an exercise resenting the 10th Congressional Dis- in Congress for nearly 40 years. program in the House when we were trict of Illinois, Senator KIRK brought Since I came to the Senate in 2013, it there together. She showed up in color- to this chamber a wealth of experience, has been a pleasure to serve alongside ful leotards, and wisdom, and commitment. titans like Senator MIKULSKI. As a came looking like a photo op for Van- I had the pleasure of working along- matter of fact, my first official Senate ity Fair, and Olympia Snowe wore this side Senator KIRK on the Appropria- office was tucked in-between hers and gorgeous outfit. I show up, chunky yet tions, Health, Education, Labor, and then-Senator Rockefeller’s on the fifth funky, and the instructor is yelling, Pensions, and Aging Committees. His floor of Hart. As neighbors we formed a ‘‘Go for the burn! Put your hands on approach to legislating has been in the friendly bond, and I oftentimes would your waist and bend, bend, bend!’’ And highest traditions of the Senate: In- stop by to chat with her or sometimes I turned to BARBARA and said, ‘‘If I had formed, passionate, and always civil. just Mrs. O’Malley, who runs a tight a waist, I wouldn’t be here.’’ Well, He looked at the issues before the Sen- ship. On occasion, Senator Rockefeller those exercise classes may not have ate not through the lens of a political and I would overstay our welcome, and lasted long for me, but her energy just partisan, but rather through the lens of Mrs. O’Malley would kick us out and couldn’t be beat. a pragmatic problem solver and con- send us back to our offices. For those Her zip and zest is pure California sensus builder. of you who don’t know, Mrs. O’Malley sunshine, and Californians have more Senator KIRK has been a valued ally has played a critical role in Senator sunshine in their spirit because of her on many fronts. We introduced the RE- MIKULSKI’s office for nearly 30 years work. Her energy has brought light to GROW Act to accelerate the develop- and has helped instill the values of California and light to the sometimes ment of new therapies for patients liv- hard work and dedication to a genera- dreary Capitol hallways. tion of Hill staffers. I am going to miss my good friend ing with such diseases as Alzheimer’s As the longest serving woman in Con- and irreplaceable political partner. disease and diabetes and to achieve gress, Senator MIKULSKI has inspired a Democrats have had a lot of tough breakthroughs in stroke recovery. I generation of women to pursue careers fights over the last 25 years, and the was proud to be named with him to serve on the Women’s and Family in public service and run for higher of- two BARBARAs have always been there, fice. As dean of the women Senators, side by side. We voted against the war Global Health Task Force so that the in Iraq, both believing it was a mis- United States will continue to be a BARBARA worked to mentor new women take. We were in the minority, but leader in preventing maternal and Senators on how to be effective legisla- both of us still believe it was one of the childhood deaths from treatable tors and build coalitions across party best votes we have ever taken as Sen- causes. We joined together on vital leg- lines to advance landmark legislation. ators. We stood up for what we believed islation to keep firearms out of the The bipartisan women’s group has met in and what we thought was right— hands of terrorists and in addressing regularly under her leadership, helping which is exactly what our constituents our Nation’s opioid addiction crisis. He bridge partisan divides that so often sent us here to do. has always had a deep commitment to plague this Chamber by getting Sen- BARBARA BOXER has been there for good government and was a strong ators to know each other on a personal our children, leading the way for after voice for accountability through inde- level over her homemade Maryland school programs and making sure they pendent, effective inspectors general. crabcakes. are kept safe. She has fought against As chairman and former ranking One cannot mention Senator MIKUL- wasteful spending in the Pentagon—the member of the Appropriations Sub- SKI without also mentioning her fierce $400 hammer and the $7,000 coffee pot. committee on Military Construction advocacy and determination to make She has defended women’s right to and Veterans Affairs, Senator KIRK has Maryland and our country a better choose and protected women against worked tirelessly on behalf of the men place to live, work, and raise a family. domestic violence. She has held the and women who serve our country. Fol- One of the first bills I cosponsored feet of polluters to the fire as the lowing in the tradition of Illinois Sen- when I came to the Senate was the Vio- champion of clean air, clean water, and ator , who helped pass lence Against Women Reauthorization our natural resources. It is too hard to the Civil Rights Act a half-century Act, VAWA, which BARBARA played a pinpoint just one thing the Senate will ago, Senator KIRK has been a leader in critical role in originally passing. miss about her: her political prowess, ensuring the rights of America’s LGBT Since its passage in 1994, VAWA has her dedication and determination, her community. been effective in responding to domes- undying loyalty and friendship. All of The past election brought disappoint- tic violence. Additionally, she has those and more will be missed. ment, but it also revealed character. worked tirelessly in the fight to close As we end this session of Congress Senator KIRK ran a vigorous but honor- the pay gap for women, who currently and our careers in the Senate, I wish able campaign and never compromised earn about three-quarters of what men

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:18 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.059 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6913 earn, by advancing the Paycheck Fair- KELLY and I worked with each other questionable loyalty. He has proven to ness Act, which I have proudly cospon- to make real and substantial progress be one of the most successful nego- sored twice now. Women shouldn’t on many issues using common sense tiators for the President. make 77 percent of what men earn for and our desire to do what is best for I have traveled the world with JOE the same job. This hurts families who our States and the country. We both and the private man is exactly what are just looking to take care of their came to the Senate with an under- you see in public. JOE BIDEN is articu- kids, put food on their table, and keep standing of rural America. As the wife late, determined, kind, gracious, funny, a roof over their heads. of a small business owner, KELLY un- and an eternal optimist. I am confident Just as Senator MIKULSKI has been derstands the real life implications pol- he will continue to serve the nation he an advocate for families, she also un- icy can have on small businesses, loves so much. derstands the critical role science, re- which she displayed as we worked to- Vice President JOE BIDEN stands out search, and innovation play in creating gether on the Small Business Com- in all the right ways. economic growth in the United States. mittee. We also sat next to each other f Maryland is home to several great in- on the dais for 4 years as we served to- 21ST CENTURY CURES BILL stitutions, such as the Goddard Space gether on the Homeland Security and Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I Flight Center, which I had the pleasure Governmental Affairs Committee. Her wish to address the 21st Century Cures of visiting last fall, that are at the commitment to keeping our Nation Act legislation, which the Senate forefront of their respective fields. safe shined through time and time passed yesterday with my support. I When I was at Goddard, the Director again as our committee worked on bor- voted for this bill and support many of showed me the fascinating work their der security, cyber security, and im- its provisions. However, I also have researchers and engineers are engaged proving our Federal Government’s effi- some serious concerns regarding the in and how NASA’s various missions ciency and effectiveness. manner in which the bill is funded. help us enhance crop production and be Together we passed two bills, one of I would like to congratulate two of better stewards of our planet. Her work which has been signed into law and the my Senate colleagues for their remark- on the Senate Appropriations Com- other which awaits the President’s sig- able commitment to this bill: the sen- mittee has helped keep the United nature. The first was the Breast Cancer ior Senator from Tennessee, LAMAR States at the forefront of scientific dis- Awareness Commemorative Coin Act, ALEXANDER, and the senior Senator covery and technological innovation. which created a commemorative coin from Washington, PATTY MURRAY, who Senator MIKULSKI is the best of to help fund the Breast Cancer Re- worked long hours in good faith to American public service. She is smart, search Foundation’s efforts to fight forge a bipartisan compromise on both honest, empathetic, and outrageously breast cancer. Her dedication to help sides of the Capitol. funny. She has earned her reputation the one in eight women who will de- Washington State is a laboratory for as a force to be reckoned with. And on velop invasive breast cancer over the health care innovation. From Spokane her next chapter, I wish her Godspeed— course of their lifetimes will not be for- to , my State has a culture of and may the force be with her. gotten. The second bill was the North- collaboration and inventiveness in f ern Border Security Review Act to en- which the entire health care commu- sure that our Nation’s northern border TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE nity—including researchers, providers, gets the attention and resources it insurers, employers, policymakers, and Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, needs to keep our communities safe. I others—come together to find better today I wish to honor my dear friend am extremely proud to have worked ways of preventing, managing, and and colleague from New Hampshire, with her on these issues. treating disease. This collaboration Senator KELLY AYOTTE, who is depart- Senator AYOTTE has been an out- makes my State unique and on the cut- ing from the Senate at the end of this standing public servant for the people ting edge of developing innovative year. Over the last 4 years, I have been of New Hampshire and this country. I health care delivery. consistently impressed with KELLY’s know that she is proud of her accom- That is why Washington is the origi- pragmatic approach to her role as a plishments in her time as a Senator, nal home of the Basic Health Plan, a U.S. Senator. Time and time again, I and I am proud to be a part of some of State-run option that gives working have seen her be a strong advocate on those accomplishments. The women’s people without employer-sponsored behalf of her State and have admired softball team will definitely miss her health care the negotiating leverage to her willingness to forge the tough, bi- because, let’s face it, she is a better get a better deal on health insurance. partisan compromises that our country softball player than I am. I know It is why the Boeing Company has needs. KELLY will continue to be a champion partnered directly with health care Senator AYOTTE started her career for New Hampshire no matter what she providers like the Everett Clinic to re- clerking for an associate justice of the does. And since we each have taken our duce sick days and improve the health New Hampshire Supreme Court. After turns in the batting cages, we never of its workers. about a year of clerking, she started step down from the plate. I guess imi- It is why community leaders in Yak- practicing law. She eventually moved tation truly is the best form of flat- ima and Spokane have banded together on to be a prosecutor for the New tery. I truly wish her the best. to break ground on new medical Hampshire Attorney General’s office, f schools to fill unmet primary care quickly gaining experience and know- needs in their regions. how to become the first female attor- TRIBUTE TO VICE PRESIDENT JOE And it is why so many lifesaving ney general of her State—something BIDEN medical discoveries and treatments, in- we have in common. Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, in a po- cluding immuno-oncology, dialysis, When I came to the Senate in 2013, litical world getting more contentious and the mapping of the brain have KELLY and I were the only female by the day, with even greater divisions their roots in our State. Many of these former attorneys general in the Cham- and an increasing lack of civility, JOE discoveries started with NIH-supported ber at the time. She had been elected BIDEN has always stood out. basic research at public research uni- to her first term 2 years before me, so The reason so many Republicans and versities like the University of Wash- as new Senators, we bonded through Democrats appreciate him is because ington and Washington State Univer- our common experience that later he has touched us all in a special way. sity. pushed us to pass laws and create real When it comes to JOE BIDEN, his word The 21st Century Cures legislation change. Our shared knowledge of the is his bond. He is a fierce competitor, gives a big boost to Washington’s issues, dedication, and common inter- but never takes the fight too far. If he health care innovators. ests led us to become good friends. I am can help you, he always will. He tries, First, the bill’s investment in Presi- also proud to say that our relationship as much as possible, to ensure every dent Obama’s Precision Medicine Ini- extended beyond the Senate Chamber, decision is a win-win. tiative will help get the right treat- as we played together on the congres- As Vice President, he served Presi- ment into the hands of patients, build- sional women’s softball team. dent Obama extremely well with un- ing on the longtime work of renowned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.055 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 researchers like Dr. Leroy Hood and Congress, the funding in Cures is in- longer term energy security assets to the Institute for Systems Biology. deed welcome. satisfy near term budget scoring Tools like big data and sophisticated The 21st Century Cures legislation needs.’’ blood analysis can predict effective also contains positive new policies that Second, the Cures legislation pays for therapies based on a patient’s unique aim to improve access to mental its investments in part by cutting dis- biology, reducing ineffective prescrip- health care, including efforts to better ease prevention funding. While I appre- tions, and lowering health costs over integrate mental health and physical ciate current legislative realities, this time. health as well as strengthen rules to policy approach is not sustainable es- Second, the bill’s funding commit- ensure health insurance companies pecially in light of dwindling public ment to Vice President BIDEN’s Cancer cover mental and physical health health resources throughout my State. Moonshot will advance groundbreaking equally. Unfortunately, many of these Third, the final version of the Cures research at organizations like the Fred policies are not funded and require fu- legislation omits a widely supported Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. ture appropriations. and bipartisan child welfare reform By directing the body’s own immune Washington communities continue to bill, the Family First Preventive Serv- system to attack cancer cells, new can- confront a severe mental health treat- ices Act, which I have been proud to cer treatments can save lives for pa- ment shortage at all levels of the care cosponsor with my colleague Senator tients who may not respond to tradi- continuum, including community clin- RON WYDEN. Washington State is cur- tional interventions. ics and psychiatric units. A 2015 report rently using a Federal waiver, which I Third, the bill’s support for President by Mental Health America, a national helped secure, to do a better job of Obama’s Brain Research through Ad- advocacy group, ranked Washington keeping families together and reducing vancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, State 48th in the Nation when it comes unnecessary foster care placements. BRAIN, Initiative will continue the to mental health treatment, due to a This approach is better for kids and leadership of organizations like the high prevalence of mental illness and families, and it can save States money. Allen Institute for Brain Science in poor access to care. In the face of over- The Senate’s failure, up to this point, unlocking the mysteries of the brain. whelming emergency room admissions to pass this bill is a lost opportunity Neuroscience is one of the final fron- and a State legal ruling on psychiatric for children in Washington and tiers of medicine, and future revela- ‘‘boarding,’’ community partnerships throughout the Nation. tions in this field hold immense prom- like the Alliance for South Sound Last, I note that the funding author- ise to better treat conditions affecting Health in Pierce County have stepped ized by the Cures legislation must be the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and up to build more treatment capacity. appropriated by future Congresses. I traumatic brain injury. And Governor Jay Inslee and the State will continue to work with my col- In addition to my strong support for of Washington have announced ambi- leagues on the Appropriations Com- research into future medical miracles, tious goals to integrate mental health mittee to fund these important health many of my constituents need treat- with chemical dependency and physical care priorities. ment for acute and chronic conditions health. I view the funding and policies in the now. I will continue to fight for real Cures legislation as a step forward that That is why I am encouraged that the money for mental health, including continues to support Washington’s 21st Century Cures legislation takes policies to ease the Medicaid Institu- health care innovation and pave the positive steps to combat the dual crises tions for Mental Diseases, IMD, exclu- way for future medical breakthroughs. of mental health care and opioid addic- sion, an archaic barrier to needed inpa- The mental health and opioid response tion. tient care for people in crisis, as well provisions in the legislation are wel- The legislation includes a $1 billion as policies to improve mental health come in addressing these crises, but are funding commitment to combat the delivery. far from sufficient. Moving forward, I opioid and heroin epidemic. In recent I am also pleased that the 21st Cen- will work to ensure that appropriators years Washington has experienced a tury Cures legislation includes a provi- make good on the funding commit- doubling in heroin-related deaths, ac- sion I sponsored, S. 2261, the Rural ACO ments in Cures, and I will fight to open cording to data from the Washington Provider Equity Act, to drive coordi- up greater access to health care for State Department of Health. Earlier nated health care in medically under- Washingtonians. this year, PBS’s ‘‘Frontline’’ profiled served areas, as well as legislation I the courageous stories of some of my have cosponsored to preserve access to f constituents who are battling addic- vital outpatient therapeutic services at HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES tion, as well as new public responses small rural hospitals. Medical facilities Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I that municipalities like the city of Se- in these remote communities—such as wish to pay tribute to four service- attle are deploying to address this pub- Forks, Brewster, and Newport—need members from California or based in lic health crisis. our support to keep essential health California who have died while serving The reality in too many Washington services accessible in the face of doctor communities is that needed addiction our country in Operation Freedom’s and clinical staff shortages. I thank Sentinel and in Operation Inherent Re- services are simply out of reach for the senior Senator from South Dakota those in the throes of acute with- solve since I last entered names into for his partnership and support on the record. drawal, relapse, or in need of ongoing these important issues. recovery supports. The Cures legisla- While I supported the Cures legisla- STAFF SERGEANT JOHN W. PERRY tion helps by authorizing much-needed tion, the package incorporates trou- SSG John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, State grants for treatment services, bling budget offsets that are con- CA, died November 12, 2016, of injuries prescription drug monitoring, preven- cerning. sustained from an improvised explosive tion, and health professional training First, the Cures legislation finances device in Bagram, Afghanistan. Staff programs, which will bolster efforts by itself in part by selling millions of bar- Sergeant Perry was assigned to the public health departments like the rels of oil from the Strategic Petro- Headquarters and Headquarters Com- Spokane Regional Health District to leum Reserve. pany, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st meet urgent community needs. This The use of this budget offset steadily Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi- funding is far from sufficient, given weakens the energy security of the sion, Fort Hood, TX. that 90 percent of people who need ad- United States and again uses the re- CHIEF PETTY OFFICER JASON C. FINAN diction treatment in the United States serve as a piggy bank to pay for non- CPO Jason C. Finan, 34, of Anaheim, do not receive it, according to the Sub- energy priorities. In its November 29, CA, died October 20, 2016, in northern stance Abuse and Mental Health Serv- 2016, Statement of Administration Pol- Iraq, of wounds sustained in an impro- ices Administration, SAMHSA. How- icy on the Cures legislation, the White vised explosive device blast. Chief ever, given that Senate Democrats House Office of Management and Budg- Petty Officer Finan was assigned to have been calling for real money for et concurred, noting this offset ‘‘. . . Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile the opioid epidemic throughout this continues a bad precedent of selling off Unit Three.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.061 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6915 STAFF SERGEANT MATTHEW V. THOMPSON implementing firearms and less-lethal duced overall costs and hiring delays SSG Matthew V. Thompson, 28, of use of force simulator training; imple- for CBP officers and Border Patrol Irvine, CA, died August 23, 2016, in menting National Standards on Trans- agents. The agency was recognized by Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of in- port, Escort, Detention, and Search, Monster.com and Military.com’s ‘‘Best juries caused by an improvised explo- the first nationwide standards that Companies for Veterans 2016’’ as the sive device that detonated near his pa- govern interaction with detained indi- second best organization for veterans trol while conducting dismounted oper- viduals. among government and private sector ations. Staff Sergeant Thompson was He engaged stakeholders and part- employers. assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Spe- ners globally to enhance U.S. border I would like Congress to recognize cial Forces Group (Airborne), Joint security. Such actions include signing the significance of these accomplish- Base Lewis-McChord, WA. new preclearance agreements with ments and to express my appreciation PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS CHARLES H. Sweden and the Dominican Republic; and the appreciation of the American KEATING IV creating increased security, economic people for Gil Kerlikowske’s selfless PO1 Charles H. Keating IV, 31, of San growth opportunities, and an improved dedication to service. I wish him the Diego, CA, died May 3, 2016, in Tall passenger experience with CBP per- best of luck as he pursues the next Usquf, Iraq, of combat related causes. forming the same immigration, Cus- chapter of his life. Petty Officer First Class Keating was toms, and agriculture inspections of air f assigned to a West Coast-based Navy passengers on foreign soil prior to HONORING OFFICER JOSE GILBERT SEAL Team. boarding a direct flight to the United VEGA States; assisting the Government of f Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I Tanzania in establishing a sophisti- ask my colleagues to join me in hon- TRIBUTE TO RICHARD GIL cated canine program to combat the oring the life of Police Officer Jose Gil- KERLIKOWSKE smuggling of contraband; and spon- bert Vega, a beloved husband, father, Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I rise soring ten Customs Mutual Assistance grandfather, and uncle who was trag- today to honor my friend from the De- Agreements with various countries. partment of Homeland Security—U.S. He worked to advance border secu- ically killed in the line of duty on Oc- Customs and Border Protection Com- rity and management by addressing tober 8, 2016. Jose ‘‘Gil’’ Vega was born in Texas to missioner Richard Gil Kerlikowske, the surge of unaccompanied alien chil- a family of migrant farm workers. who is retiring in January 2017. I have dren and family units by enhancing the When Gil was 6 years old his family re- known Gil since his days as Director of agency’s capabilities and coordination located to Coachella, CA, where he the Office of National Drug Control with Federal partners while sustaining graduated from Indio High School. In Policy, during which time he worked all border security responsibilities; de- 1979, Gil began his career in law en- tirelessly to promote policy reforms, ploying advanced technological solu- forcement by serving as a reserve po- particularly in the area of substance tions to provide additional layers of lice officer for the Indio Police Depart- abuse treatment. In 2013, he visited surveillance; initiating a Naloxone ment. He was hired as a community North Dakota at my request and saw pilot program, becoming the first Fed- service officer by the Palm Springs Po- firsthand the substance abuse dilemma eral law enforcement agency to train lice Department in 1982, and the fol- that we were experiencing in the west- and equip officers with the potentially lowing year, he accepted additional re- ern part of the State. He worked with lifesaving drug for the treatment of sponsibilities as a jail and reserve field me to direct Federal resources to assist overdoses; installing facial comparison training officer. Gil’s hard work and our State partners in reducing drug technology in two airports and con- dedication was recognized in 1985 when abuse, and for that, I will always be tinuing work towards a comprehensive the city of Palm Springs hired him as grateful. biometric exit system; establishing the a police officer trainee. Upon comple- Gil was appointed Commissioner of Missing Migrant Initiative in the south tion of his program at the San U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Texas corridor—a proactive program to Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, CBP, in 2014, and, as a Senator on the establish preventative procedures in Gil was promoted to police officer. committee that oversees CBP, I saw order to preserve human life. Officer Vega worked on various as- firsthand the dedication he brought to He worked to enhance economic signments throughout his career, in- the position. On his retirement, it is competiveness through lawful trade cluding serving as a detective for the fitting that we recognize the successes and travel with a continued commit- Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction De- achieved under his leadership. ment to the strong partnership be- tail, RAID, and the Palm Springs Gil worked to counter terrorism and tween the U.S. and Canada by leading Crimes Against Property Unit. Over transnational crime by creating a CBP to deliver on key Beyond the Bor- the course of three decades, Officer counter-network capability to identify der Action Plan commitments related Vega mentored over 30 police officers and disrupt illicit networks and adapt to joint commerce and travel facilita- and was consistently recognized for his to emerging threats along the border tion and security initiatives; commitment to his job and the commu- and abroad, placing under one roof the transitioning to the Automated Com- nity. He was awarded a lifesaving National Targeting-Center Passenger mercial Environment, which serves as medal for performing CPR on an infant and Cargo facilities to enhance the the ‘‘single window’’ for the electronic in 2010 and received the Medal of Merit agency’s efficiency and effectiveness in transmission of import and export in- in 2013. He is also the only officer in identifying potential high-risk individ- formation for 47 agencies; streamlining the history of the Palm Springs Police uals and freight. the import-export process and elimi- Department to have been selected He made efforts to enhance trans- nating more than 200 forms; developing twice by his peers as ‘‘Officer of the parency and accountability by imple- ten centers for excellence and expertise Year,’’ in 1992 and 2011. menting the CBP Integrity Strategy, to facilitate trade for compliant im- Officer Vega truly embodied the very enhancing the agency’s ability to ad- porters; achieving positive results in best of law enforcement and his coura- dress corruption and misconduct in the CBP’s Traveler Satisfaction Survey ad- geous service will be forever remem- workforce; initiating a review and re- ministered at the top 25 airports be- bered. On behalf of the people of Cali- design of CBP’s complaint and dis- tween September 2015 and February fornia whom Officer Vega served so cipline system to promote a timely, 2016. bravely, I extend my heartfelt condo- transparent, and accountable dispute He promoted organizational integra- lences to his wife, Susana; his eight resolution process; fostering the agen- tion, innovation, and agility by raising children; and his entire extended fam- cy’s commitment to respond to use of levels of engagement and commitment ily. force incidents by creating an incident higher than at any other time since TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN LEWIS LARKIN O’HERN III team to conduct investigations and by 2011, according to the 2016 Federal Em- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today initiating a National Use of Force Re- ployee Viewpoint Survey. He led cre- I wish to recognize U.S. Army CPT view Board to assess policy compliance ation of advanced hiring hubs and Lewis Larkin O’Hern III for his ex- and best law enforcement practices; other recruitment initiatives that re- traordinary dedication to duty and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.052 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 honorable service to our Nation. Dur- It is my honor to recognize this re- ahead of the disease. His wife, Mary ing his exemplary career with the markable couple and congratulate Cap- Dewhurst, has shown great love and Army from May 2008 to January 2017, tain O’Hern on his military retirement courage through this trying time and Captain O’Hern made an immense im- as he proceeds to the next chapter of is Ayo’s steadfast partner in every pact on those he worked with both in his life. I ask the entire country to winding step of their journey. the Army and here in Congress. thank him for his service and dedica- ‘‘You must work very hard,’’ Maurice Captain O’Hern was born at Madigan tion. Ravel once wrote to a fellow composer, Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, f ‘‘because someone who is gifted must WA, and grew up in a military family work harder than someone who is not.’’ TRIBUTE TO AYO GRIFFIN before graduating from Belton High I am grateful for both the ample gifts School in Belton, Texas, in 2004. He re- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, and hard work of Ayo Griffin. ceived his commission from the U.S. for many years, the Judiciary Com- I thank Ayo for his faithful service. Military Academy at West Point in mittee and the Senate have been well My entire staff and I offer our 2008. After completing the infantry of- served by the distinguished service of unending support. And I wish him and fice basic course, airborne school, and Ayo Griffin. Ayo is a talented lawyer Mary health and much happiness in Ranger school at Fort Benning, GA, he and a principled public servant, re- their days to come. was assigned to the 101st Airborne Di- spected and admired by his peers, who f vision, Air Assault, at Fort Campbell, has ably guided some of my most sig- KY, where he served as a rifle platoon nificant legislative initiatives. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS leader. He deployed to Kandahar in Ayo’s career has always dem- June 2010 and, after 7 months in Af- onstrated what Victor Hugo called TRIBUTE TO LISA M. CLINE ghanistan was severely wounded, suf- ‘‘conscience in the service of justice.’’ fering the loss of both legs and a hand. By the time Ayo joined my Judiciary ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to In the course of his 2 and a half year Committee staff in 2011, he had already recognize educator Lisa M. Cline for recovery, Captain O’Hern completed taken on difficult work conducting for- over 30 years of service as a K–6 STEM the Defense Strategy Course and eign corruption investigations in pri- educator throughout the State of Mon- worked as a future operations planner vate practice. He had volunteered with tana. Mrs. Cline’s love of STEM, par- at U.S. Army North. In 2013, Captain human rights litigation and ticularly biology, was inspired by her O’Hern was accepted into the Army’s anticorruption training in Cambodia. mother, Nancy Yonkee, who grew up on prestigious Congressional Fellowship In the important tradition of making a ranch during the Great Depression Program. He earned a master’s degree legal aid available to all people, even era and was among the first women to in legislative affairs from George unpopular defendants, he had rep- study premedicine at her university in Washington University and in 2014 resented pro bono detainees at the the 1950’s. served as my defense legislative fellow. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base detention Mrs. Cline grew up on a ranch near Following his fellowship, Captain center in Cuba. Broadus and studied animal science at O’Hern continued to serve as an Army Here in the Senate, Ayo took on leg- State University, with the legislative liaison in the Office of the islation to improve our prisons and goal of becoming a veterinarian. Later, Chief Legislative Liaison. strengthen law enforcement, to prevent Mrs. Cline decided that she could have Captain O’Hern has performed at the domestic violence and sexual assault, the greatest impact on her commu- top of his profession throughout his ca- to reform our immigration regime, to nities by sharing her love of STEM reer, providing motivation and serving curb gun violence, and to undo the with children and earned an additional as a role model for his fellow service- degree, also from MSU, in education. In members and colleagues. Captain damage done to our campaign finance her time as an educator throughout the O’Hern demonstrated his impressive in- system by the Citizens United Supreme State, including in the communities of tellect in all duties, questioning as- Court decision. In the wake of the flood Bozeman, Plevna, Great Falls, and Cut sumptions and pushing team members of secret money unleashed by Citizens Bank, Mrs. Cline has passionately to achieve their highest potential. He United, Ayo helped me craft the DIS- brought to her students a love for the easily grasped the complexities of pol- CLOSE Act to require groups spending STEM disciplines that is grounded in icymaking and the appropriations large amounts to influence our elec- her agricultural upbringing, her back- processes, greatly contributing to both tions to identify their donors and to ground in biology, and her genuine ex- while in my office. prevent corporations and other Part of what makes Captain O’Hern wealthy interests from using shell cor- citement about asking tough ques- such a remarkable leader is that his porations to funnel secret money to tions, solving tricky problems, and great intellect is coupled with incred- super PACs. learning along the way. ible humanity and compassion. I wit- Ayo worked closely with good gov- Throughout her career, Mrs. Cline nessed his inexhaustible drive to pro- ernance advocates, campaign finance strived to bring a rigor to her class- vide assistance to fellow servicemem- experts, and our colleagues here in room that prepares her students to be- bers and veterans, which is in the Congress to build a strong coalition be- come the best scientists, engineers, and image of some of the Army’s greatest hind the legislation. When Republicans mathematicians. She does this both in- leaders. I was privileged to have Cap- blocked the legislation from pro- side and outside of the classroom, tain O’Hern as an enormously impor- ceeding in 2012, Ayo helped me coordi- working tirelessly over the years to or- tant member of my legislative team. nate a midnight vigil, with the bill’s ganize innovative, inquiry-based as- His contributions continue to resonate Democratic sponsors holding the Sen- signments, student debates, local today. ate floor into the morning hours until science fairs, field trips to archae- Captain O’Hern models resilience and we secured a vote on the measure. In ological sites, and voyages into the determination. His story is a testa- the end, the DISCLOSE Act twice won mountains. Most recently, she brought ment to the power of a positive can-do support from a majority of Senators in her sixth graders to Glacier National attitude and a shining of example of votes before this body. Ayo’s contribu- Park, where they learned about its in- the refusal to let obstacles stand in his tion to that effort not only channeled a tricate ecosystems and rich geological way. Captain O’Hern’s inspirational groundswell of popular support, but history. journey would not have been possible shone a bright light on an issue at the I want to express my deep gratitude without the unfailing support from his very heart of our democracy. to Mrs. Cline for her dedication and exceptional wife. Mrs. Rachel Brooks Today Ayo is facing a much different service to educating our country’s O’Hern was an integral partner in Cap- challenge. Some time ago, he was diag- youth, particularly for cultivating tain O’Hern’s recovery. In addition to nosed with a rare form of brain cancer, within them a love for STEM and in- undertaking her substantial caregiver requiring intensive therapy. He has quiry-based learning. And a big thank role, Rachel also built an impressive tackled his treatment with signature you to Dr. Angela Person for her nomi- career of her own, serving the wider determination, working intently with nation of Mrs. Cline as Montanan of veteran community. his specialists and therapists to stay the Week.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.060 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6917 TRIBUTE TO DAVE RAU Dedicated and selfless in his ap- back to.’’ Five from Taos Pueblo sur- ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I proach to public service, this son of vived till the end of the war, and Gov- would like to recognize Lewis and Madison County has surely left a last- ernor Reyna was the last surviving of Clark County undersheriff Dave Rau ing mark on the people of his commu- them. His American Legion garrison who announced his retirement after 20 nity and his State. I am honored to ac- hat—honoring his service—bears an years of service to the people of Mon- knowledge his retirement from public eagle feather in the band. According to tana. Dave is the prime example of law service and recognize this great Flo- Governor Reyna, ‘‘This feather rep- enforcement’s tireless efforts to pro- ridian.∑ resents all the Indian veterans, men tect and serve Montanans at any cost. f and women.’’ Today marks the 75th anniversary of Undersheriff Rau launched his law REMEMBERING TONY REYNA enforcement career in Texas as a pris- the Bataan invasion, which began on ∑ on guard, and after 7 years he came to Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I wish to December 8, 1941—just hours after the the last best place. He began serving pay tribute to Taos Pueblo Governor attack on Pearl Harbor—when soldiers Montanans with the East Helena Po- Tony Reyna, who passed away Decem- from the 200th Coast Artillery Regi- lice, then his path led to the Lewis and ber 5, 2016, at the age of 100, in Taos, ment became the ‘‘first to fire’’ to de- Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Through- NM. fend the Philippines from Japanese out the last two decades, Dave has gar- Governor Reyna’s life was defined by bombers. It is fitting that we Honor nered countless advocates in the Hel- service to others: he served his coun- Governor Reyna today. ena community. Sheriff Leo Dutton try, his State, his community, his After the war, Governor Reyna re- has said, ‘‘There will never be another Pueblo. turned to Taos Pueblo and, as he said, Dave Rau.’’ Governor Reyna was born February 1, ‘‘. . . got busy.’’ He married, and he and Dave is a husband to Tammy and fa- 1916, to Helario and Crucita Reyna of his wife, Annie Cata Reyna, had four ther to their children, Aaron and Whit- Taos Pueblo. He was given the name children, Diane, John Anthony, Phillip, ney. He is unsure what his next adven- ‘‘Chuta,’’ which means ‘‘Hunter’s and Marie. ture will entail, but he is sure he will Call.’’ According to Governor Reyna, Governor Reyna wanted to open an remain active in the community that ‘‘It was so important, the care my fa- art shop in Taos, but banks would not he loves. ther and mother gave us, their commit- loan to a Native American, even a vet- Undersheriff Rau, the U.S. Senate ment to us they said, ‘Don’t take. Give eran. ‘‘I went to the bank, but they commends you for your service to the something back.’ That’s the philosophy weren’t interested in loans to Indians people of Helena and Lewis and Clark we live by.’’ because they had nothing in the way of County. Thank you for your diligent Governor Reyna was raised in the security,’’ he said. He found two busi- work in keeping the people of Montana traditional pueblo of Taos—occupied nessmen in town who would lend to safe. I hope that your path continues to for 1,000 years and considered the old- him, and over the next 2 years, he be blessed with success.∑ est continuously inhabited community hand-built an adobe shop and home and in the United States. The five-storied f paid the men back in full. adobe pueblo—dramatic and pictur- ‘‘I opened the doors to the shop May TRIBUTE TO TIM SANDERS esque—lies at the base of the Mo-ha-loh 1, 1950,’’ he said. ‘‘There was no shop ∑ Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I want or Ma-ha-lu, which we call the Sangre like this at the Pueblo at the time. I to pay tribute to the public service of de Cristo Mountains. Governor Reyna felt I had a responsibility to promote Tim Sanders, a longtime clerk of the maintained a home there, where the Indian craft.’’ At the time, Governor Courts for Madison County, FL. Tim family gathered for pueblo ceremonies. Reyna’s shop—Tony Reyna Indian has served admirably as county clerk Governor Reyna attended the Taos Shop—was the only Native-owned store and comptroller for six consecutive Pueblo Day School as a young boy. ‘‘By dealing strictly in Native-made crafts. terms and will retire after 24 years, the time we could carry a bucket, we The shop is open to this day—run by which is an incredible achievement. were carrying water and wood for Governor Reyna’s son Phillip—and is His contributions to Madison County mother to cook. We would run home the oldest shop in Taos selling Native- and Florida long predate the start of from school to water and feed the made art. his tenure as county clerk. He began horses. We would ride into town bare- Governor Reyna served Taos Pueblo his career at Madison County Memorial back to get kerosene. Those were very as secretary for the Governor’s office Hospital, where he worked on the floor, enjoyable days. We thought it was very in 1975 and Lieutenant Governor in in the emergency room, and in the x- hard, but looking back, it was very 1977. He served two terms as pueblo ray department. After earning a second worthwhile. We learned to work and to Governor, in 1982 and 1992, and was a degree from the University of Florida, take responsibility.’’ lifetime member of the tribal council. Tim spent time surveying in Madison He attended Santa Fe Indian School ‘‘I served in the Army, I served the and nearby counties for a business that and graduated from Santa Fe High state of New Mexico, and I served the he later acquired himself. Tim accom- School in 1936. After high school, he city of Taos, but the most important of plished all of this before starting his taught woodworking at Albuquerque all was serving my people as gov- career in public service as county Indian School. ernor.’’ clerk. Governor Reyna was a member of the Governor Reyna was instrumental in A true man of the community, Tim New Mexico National Guard in 1941 the successful effort to return Blue currently serves on the board of trust- when he was shipped to the Phil- Lake to Taos Pueblo. Nestled in the ees at the Madison First United Meth- ippines. At that time, Native Ameri- mountains northeast of the pueblo, the odist Church, as well as on the boards cans were not considered full citizens. lake is sacred to the pueblo. It and of directors at Big Bend Hospice, the They served in the military with brav- 48,000 acres were taken from the pueblo Madison County Foundation for Excel- ery and distinction, yet did not have and appropriated as Federal lands in lence in Education, and the Treasures the right to vote. Governor Reyna was 1906. After much work, the area was re- of Madison County Museum. captured by the Japanese, along with turned to the pueblo in 1970. Tim was born, raised, and attended 10 other servicemen from Taos Pueblo. As Governor, Governor Reyna was in- public schools in Madison. In fact, he He endured and survived the 65-mile strumental in securing Taos Pueblo’s has devoted a great deal of time sup- Bataan Death March and 3 and one-half designation as a UNESCO World Herit- porting public education and children years of brutal captivity. He was tor- age Site in 1992. He secured that status in Madison County. To give a sense of tured and forced to bury hundreds of without compromising the pueblos’ this man’s character, Tim has per- his fellow servicemen, including his conditions for privacy. After the des- formed as the American folk hero best friend. ‘‘I was raised a farm boy ignation, he convinced the U.S. Air Johnny Appleseed for elementary from sunrise to sundown, so I was Force to change flight patterns of su- school children in Madison and sur- tough enough to survive starvation,’’ personic jets over Taos Pueblo. The rounding counties each fall for 20 he said. ‘‘Determination kept me flights were damaging the structure of years. going. I had a family, a home to come the buildings. As a veteran, Governor

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.067 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 Reyna had credibility and assured the speed DSL internet service and a fiber- nomic engine since its founding in 1718. Air Force he understood the need for to-the-home program. He managed ex- Its location at the mouth of the Mis- national security, but firmly demanded penditure of $116 million to install over sissippi River, influential and innova- the damaging flights stop. The Air 5,200 miles of fiber-optic cable across tive population, and unique accessi- Force rerouted the flights. eastern and central New Mexico and to bility to natural resources have al- Governor Reyna served as police expand high-speed internet access to lowed the Big Easy to prosper, but it commissioner for the town of Taos, as critical community institutions. This wasn’t until recently that New Orleans a member of the Taos Municipal facilitated distance learning so chil- has become a hub of new technology School Board, as a trustee for the dren in rural schools can access re- and entrepreneurship. A major part of Millicent Rogers Museum in El Prado, sources that are not available in their that success is due to Idea Village, an and as a tribal judge at the Santa Fe hometowns. And it has enabled hos- independent nonprofit organization Indian Market. pitals to use telehealth to improve care that is dedicated to driving economic In 1992, he was honored as a Santa Fe and provide services they can’t offer in growth in and around New Orleans. Living Treasure. The Heard Museum person. Plateau’s service area now ex- In 2000, a group of New Orleans-based gave him the Spirit of the Heard Award tends in 25 counties in New Mexico and technology entrepreneurs came to- in 2010. The chair of the advisory com- western Texas, covering 25,000 square gether to discuss how to spark eco- mittee stated that Governor Reyna was miles. Under his leadership, Plateau’s nomic growth for small businesses and selected ‘‘. . . because he dedicated his technology has been and continues to entrepreneurs in the Crescent City, in life to the betterment of Indian people be state-of-the-art. In 2015, Plateau was order to make New Orleans the hub of and, in particular, to helping preserve the fastest home internet service pro- entrepreneurship in the South. Allen the culture, resources and traditions of vider in New Mexico. Bell, Sally Forman, Sam Giberga, his tribe.’’ And, ‘‘[h]e is a man who has Bringing affordable and reliable tele- Darin McAuliffe, Michele Reynoir, Tim given much, but has asked for little in phone service to rural areas is key to Williamson, and Robbie Vitrano all return.’’ The New Mexico Legislature economic development. Plateau agreed that in order to see a lasting proclaimed his 100th birthday, Feb- brought service to rural New Mexico change, they should create a business ruary 1, 2016, as ‘‘Tony Reyna Day.’’ when larger, national companies would accelerator program that partners with Governor Reyna was buried Decem- not. Its investments in telecommuni- the local community in order to rein- ber 5, 2016, dressed in a deerskin robe cation services created many business vest in New Orleans-based businesses. and with full military honors, at the opportunities in rural Eastern New Idea Village was officially established Taos Pueblo cemetery, following a Mexico, supporting and enhancing eco- in 2002 and immediately went to work mass at the pueblo’s San Geronimo nomic stability in the region. in identifying, supporting, and retain- Church. When Plateau decided to sell its mo- ing local entrepreneurs. That year, War hero, husband, father, business- bile wireless operations, the company each founder contributed $2,000 to the man, pueblo leader, community lead- anticipated having to lay off 70 em- first business plan competition and er—Governor Reyna’s contributions to ployees. At that time, Tom was eligible successfully raised a total of $125,000 to arts, culture, politics, community, and to retire, but he stayed until he made award to the winning business. the Nation are astounding. His life sure his employees were taken care of. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed demonstrates the value of service to As the company transitioned, he pro- much of southeast Louisiana and parts ∑ others. He will be missed. vided early retirement for employees of Mississippi. Several New Orleans f and made sure there were no layoffs. businesses were damaged and closed, Under Tom’s management, Plateau TRIBUTE TO TOM M. PHELPS putting an enormous strain on the continually contributed to the commu- local economy. In 2006, Idea Village ∑ Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I wish to nities it served. Plateau collected congratulate Tom M. Phelps on his re- launched IDEAcorps in partnership school supplies for local school chil- with local universities, including tirement as chief executive officer, dren, provided economic development CEO, of Plateau Telecommunications, Tulane University, to help New Orleans grants for new businesses, and annu- businesses rebuild and reopen their New Mexico’s oldest telecommuni- ally gave over $70,000 in scholarships to cations company. Tom leaves Plateau doors. Following the success of area high school students. IDEAcorps, Idea Village since has after a distinguished career of more Tom has been active in many local, launched over 25 initiatives to provide than 20 years in my home State of New State, and national activities. He re- strategic guidance and resources to ac- Mexico and more than 50 years in the ceived the New Mexico Distinguished cess capital to local businessowners, telecommunications industry. Public Service Award in 2014, which including IDEApitch, IDEAinstitute, Plateau began as Eastern New Mex- recognizes those who have made ‘‘un- among others. One of its most success- ico Rural Telephone Cooperative in usual contributions to the public serv- 1949 when a group of civic leaders, ice and to the improvement of govern- ful ventures is the annual New Orleans farmers, and ranchers responded to the ment at all levels by both government Entrepreneur Week, NOEW, a festival need of rural New Mexico for afford- employees and private citizens.’’ His celebrating innovation, entrepreneur- able, reliable telephone service. The service as a member of the Clovis Com- ship, and new thinking and which next year, the cooperative received its mittee of 50, Cannon Air Force Base awards thousands of dollars to several first Federal loan of $581.00 to con- support groups, and the Plains Re- entrepreneurs through various pitch struct and operate telephone lines and gional Medical Center Board, as well as competitions and challenges. Each facilities in Curry, De Baca, Quay, Roo- his continued support for the Clovis/ year NOEW engages thousands of en- sevelt, and contiguous counties. Curry County Chamber of Commerce trepreneurs, investors, professionals, Tom joined Plateau in 1995 as assist- and United Way of Eastern New Mexico students, and community members to ant general manager. However, it was contributed to his selection. showcase regional startup ventures in not long before he took the helm in Tom’s dedication, leadership, and industries important to New Orleans, 1997 as general manager. The title business acumen—and personal com- including technology, water, edu- changed to CEO in 2001. mitment to Plateau employees and his cation, energy, healthcare, and food. During his 21 years of leadership at community—have made a difference in Going into its 10th year, NOEW has be- Plateau, he has improved the quality of the lives of many people across our come an important part of New Orle- life for those in our rural communities State. ans’ festival season. through deployment of modern tele- We wish him continued success and Since its inception, Idea Village has communication services, community that he and his wife Candyce enjoy re- provided direct support to more than economic development partnerships, tirement.∑ 5,794 entrepreneurs and invested $25 and participation in many local philan- f million in New Orleans businesses. Cur- thropic projects, community events, rently, entrepreneurial activity in New and educational enterprises. RECOGNIZING IDEA VILLAGE Orleans is 64 percent higher than the Tom oversaw the company as it grew ∑ Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the city national average, and much of that and changed—when it first offered high of New Orleans has served as an eco- success can be attributed to the efforts

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G08DE6.062 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6919 of Idea Village. I would like to recog- comes together to honor and com- PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE nize the entire team at Idea Village memorate the service and sacrifices of and look forward to their continued our veterans. The week of October 31 leadership and success in supporting through November 4, 2016, is officially New Orleans entrepreneurs and our National Veterans Small Business SOCIAL SECURITY TOTALIZATION economy.∑ Week. When our brave men and women AGREEMENT WITH BRAZIL, TI- TLED ‘‘AGREEMENT ON SOCIAL f in uniform return to civilian life, some SECURITY BETWEEN THE RECOGNIZING KREWE DU OPTIC turn to entrepreneurship. In fact, there UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ∑ Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, whether are more than 2,500,000 veteran-owned AND THE FEDERATIVE REPUB- it is our food, architecture, or drawl, small businesses, employing nearly LIC OF BRAZIL,’’ AND A RE- New Orleans is undoubtedly home to 6,000,000 individuals, in the United LATED AGREEMENT TITLED one of the more unique cultures across States. This week, I would like to rec- ‘‘ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGE- America. However, while we are not ognize the veteran-owned Ruston Ani- MENT BETWEEN THE COM- necessarily known for our contribu- mal Clinic as Small Business of the PETENT AUTHORITIES OF THE tions to the fashion industry, one Week. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA young entrepreneur is changing that AND THE FEDERATIVE REPUB- with his popular Crescent City-inspired The Ruston Animal Clinic first LIC OF BRAZIL FOR THE IMPLE- eyewear line Krewe du Optic. I would opened its doors in 1970 to provide pre- MENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT like to recognize Stirling Barrett’s ventative medicine, dental care, ortho- ON SOCIAL SECURITY’’—PM 58 Krewe du Optic as Small Business of pedic surgery, bathing, and boarding the Week. Barrett’s artistic designs for animals in north Louisiana and The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- have earned him not only tremendous over the decades has become an inte- fore the Senate the following message success in the last 3 years, but they gral part of the local community. from the President of the United have also caught the attention of the States, together with an accompanying national fashion industry, helping to Following a 4-year stint in the U.S. report; which was referred to the Com- develop New Orleans’ role and reputa- Marine Corps, Marion Sewell moved to mittee on Finance: tion in national and international fash- Louisiana to earn an undergraduate de- To the Congress of the United States: ion. gree from Louisiana Tech University New Orleans native Stirling Barrett and a doctorate in veterinary medicine Pursuant to section 233(e)(1) of the is an artist, designer, and entrepreneur from Louisiana State University’s Social Security Act, as amended by the who launched Krewe du Optic in 2013. Social Security Amendments of 1977 School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2007, The unique eyewear line combined (Public Law 95–216, 42 U.S.C. 433(e)(1)), Barrett’s love of art, fashion, and the Dr. Sewell moved to Ruston, began I transmit herewith a social security Crescent City and has been embraced working at the Ruston Animal Clinic, totalization agreement with Brazil, ti- by the fashion industry across the and 2 years later took ownership of the tled ‘‘Agreement on Social Security be- United States and around the world. small business. In the dual role of tween the United States of America Two years after his initial investment small business owner and veterinarian, and the Federative Republic of Brazil,’’ into the New Orleans-inspired eyewear Dr. Sewell has taken a leadership role and a related agreement titled ‘‘Ad- concept, Barrett cemented his commit- in the Louisiana Veterinary Medical ministrative Arrangement between the ment to the industry and his home- Association and currently serves as Competent Authorities of the United town by opening a flagship brick and president-elect. States of America and the Federative mortar store on the 10th anniversary of Republic of Brazil for the Implementa- Hurricane Katrina’s historic landfall. Worthy of recognition is Dr. Sewell’s tion of the Agreement on Social Secu- Despite the geographical challenges of work during the deadly, historic Au- rity’’ (collectively the ‘‘Agreements’’). running a designer line from New Orle- gust flooding disaster in south Lou- The Agreements were signed in Wash- ans, Barrett has been quoted as saying, isiana. In the wake of one of the Na- ington, D.C., on June 30, 2015. ‘‘Krewe is about doing something from tion’s worst natural disasters over the The Agreements are similar in objec- somewhere no one expected.’’ This phi- last decade, Dr. Sewell traveled across losophy rings true since New Orleans, tive to the social security agreements the State to lend her time and talents which certainly serves as a hub for en- already in force with most European trepreneurship, has not been histori- to assist in animal evacuation and res- Union countries, Australia, Canada, cally associated with the fashion indus- cue efforts. Chile, Japan, Norway, the Republic of try. Earlier this year, Krewe expanded Today Ruston Animal Clinic has es- Korea, and Switzerland. Such bilateral agreements provide for limited coordi- its operation by opening a second store tablished a strong social media pres- nation between the United States and in Savannah, GA. ence in order to update north Lou- Most recently, the growth of the foreign social security systems to isiana pet owners and animal lovers Krewe brand has reached historic pro- eliminate dual social security coverage portions, becoming the first New Orle- with pet adoption notices, missing ani- and taxation and to help prevent the ans-based top-10 finalist for the pres- mal alerts, and helpful information on lost benefit protection that can occur tigious Council of Fashion Designers of proper pet care. when workers divide their careers be- America/Vogue Fashion Fund. Krewe Congratulations to Dr. Sewell and tween two countries. received the runner-up award for tech- the entire team at Ruston Animal Clin- The Agreements contain all provi- nological creation of sunglasses that ic for being selected as Small Business sions mandated by section 233 of the double as a camera and are able to cap- of the Week. I look forward to your Social Security Act and other provi- ture memories in a natural way. continued success.∑ sions that I deem appropriate to carry For their unique creativity and com- out the purposes of section 233, pursu- mitment to community, Stirling Bar- f ant to section 233(c)(4) of the Social Se- rett and the entire team at Krewe du curity Act. Optic have made New Orleans proud. Congratulations for being named Small MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I also transmit for the information of Business of the Week, and I wish you the Congress a report required by sec- continued growth and success.∑ A message from the President of the tion 233(e)(1) of the Social Security Act on the estimated number of individuals f United States was communicated to the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- who will be affected by the Agreements RECOGNIZING RUSTON ANIMAL retaries. and the Agreements’ estimated cost ef- CLINIC fect. The Department of State and the ∑ Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, during Social Security Administration have the month of November, our Nation recommended the Agreements to me.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:31 Mar 21, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\DEC2016\S08DE6.REC S08DE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 I commend the Agreement on Social source study of Chicano Park, located in San 1994, to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Security between the United States of Diego, California, and for other purposes. Disease Patient Alert Program, and to pro- America and the Federative Republic H.R. 4298. An act to direct the Secretary of mote initiatives that will reduce the risk of the Army to place in Arlington National of Brazil and the Administrative Ar- injury and death relating to the wandering Cemetery a memorial honoring the heli- characteristics of some children with au- rangement between the Competent Au- copter pilots and crew members of the Viet- tism. thorities of the United States of Amer- nam era, and for other purposes. The message also announced that the ica and the Federative Republic of H.R. 5099. An act to establish a pilot pro- House agreed to the amendment of the Brazil for the Implementation of the gram on partnership agreements to con- Senate to the bill (H.R. 2028) making Agreement on Social Security. struct new facilities for the Department of appropriations for energy and water de- BARACK OBAMA. Veterans Affairs. H.R. 5143. An act to provide greater trans- velopment and related agencies for the THE WHITE HOUSE, December 8, 2016. parency and congressional oversight of inter- fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, f national insurance standards setting proc- and for other purposes, with amend- esses, and for other purposes. ment, in which it requests the concur- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE H.R. 6076. An act to require the Adminis- rence of the Senate. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED trator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish a program for The message further announced that At 11:05 a.m., a message from the the House has passed the following bill, House of Representatives, delivered by the medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of astronauts, and for other pur- with amendment, in which it requests Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerics, an- poses. the concurrence of the Senate: nounced that the Speaker has signed H.R. 6130. An act to provide the victims of S. 612. An act to designate the Federal the following enrolled bills: Holocaust-era persecution and their heirs a building and United States courthouse lo- S. 817. An act to provide for the addition of fair opportunity to recover works of art con- cated at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, certain real property to the reservation of fiscated or misappropriated by the Nazis. Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon. H.R. 6400. An act to revise the boundaries Building and United States Courthouse’’. S. 818. An act to amend the Grande Ronde of certain John H. Chafee Costal Barrier Re- Reservation Act to make technical correc- sources System units in New Jersey. At 5:20 p.m., a message from the tions, and for other purposes. H.R. 6431. An act to ensure United States House of Representatives, delivered by jurisdiction over offenses committed by S. 2873. An act to require studies and re- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- ports examining the use of, and opportuni- United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives. nounced that the House has passed the ties to use, technology-enabled collaborative following bills, in which it requests the learning and capacity building models to im- H.R. 6435. An act to authorize the Directors prove programs of the Department of Health of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of concurrence of the Senate: and Human Services, and for other purposes. the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter H.R. 6450. An act to amend the Inspector S. 3076. An act to amend title 38, United into contracts with appropriate civilian ac- General Act of 1978 to strengthen the inde- States Code, to authorize the Secretary of creditation entities or appropriate health pendence of the Inspectors General, and for Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets and urns care evaluation entities to investigate med- other purposes. for burial in cemeteries of States and tribal ical centers of the Department of Veterans H.R. 6451. An act to improve the Govern- organizations of veterans without next of Affairs. ment-wide management of Federal property. kin or sufficient resources to provide for cas- The message further announced that H.R. 6452. An act to implement the Conven- kets or urns, and for other purposes. the House has agreed to the following tion on the Conservation and Management of S. 3492. An act to designate the Traverse concurrent resolution, in which it re- High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean, to implement the Convention City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic quests the concurrence of the Senate: of the Department of Veterans Affairs in on the Conservation and Management of H. Con. Res. 181. Concurrent resolution di- Traverse City, Michigan, as the ‘‘Colonel High Seas Fishery Resources in the South recting the Secretary of the Senate to make Demas T. Craw VA Clinic’’. Pacific Ocean, and for other purposes. a certain correction in the enrollment of S. H.R. 6477. An act to amend chapter 97 of The enrolled bills were subsequently 1635. title 28, United States Code, to clarify the signed by the President pro tempore The message also announced that the exception to foreign sovereign immunity set (Mr. HATCH). House has passed the following bills, forth in section 1605(a)(3) of such title. with amendment, in which it requests H.R. 6480. An act to authorize appropria- At 11:46 a.m., a message from the tions for fiscal year 2017 for intelligence and the concurrence of the Senate: House of Representatives, delivered by intelligence-related activities of the United S. 2854. An act to reauthorize the Emmett States Government, the Intelligence Com- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007. nounced that the House has passed the munity Management Account, and the Cen- S. 2971. An act to authorize the National tral Intelligence Agency Retirement and Dis- following bills, without amendment: Urban Search and Rescue Response System. ability System, and for other purposes. S. 1632. An act to require a regional strat- ENROLLED BILL SIGNED The message also announced that the egy to address the threat posed by Boko At 12:28 p.m., a message from the Haram. House has agreed to following concur- House of Representatives, delivered by rent resolution, in which it requests S. 3028. An act to redesignate the Olympic Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Wilderness as the Daniel J. Evans Wilder- the concurrence of the Senate: ness. nounced that the Speaker has signed H. Con. Res. 183. Concurrent resolution di- S. 3183. An act to prohibit the circumven- the following enrolled bill: recting the Secretary of the Senate to make tion of control measures used by Internet H.R. 34. An act to accelerate the discovery, a correction in the enrollment of the bill S. ticket sellers to ensure equitable consumer development, and delivery of 21st century 612. access to tickets for any given event, and for cures, and for other purposes. other purposes. The enrolled bill was subsequently At 6:00 p.m., a message from the The message also announced that the signed by the President pro tempore House of Representatives, delivered by House has passed the following bills, in (Mr. HATCH). Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, which it requests the concurrence of announced that pursuant to section the Senate: At 3:04 p.m., a message from the 201(b) of the International Religious H.R. 329. An act to amend the Indian Em- House of Representatives, delivered by Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6431) and ployment, Training and Related Services Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, the order of the House of January 6, Demonstration Act of 1992 to facilitate the announced that the House has passed 2015, the Speaker appoints the fol- ability of Indian tribes to integrate the em- the following bill, without amendment: lowing individual on the part of the ployment, training, and related services S. 2974. An act to ensure funding for the House of Representatives to the Com- from diverse Federal sources, and for other National Human Trafficking Hotline, and for mission on International Religious purposes. other purposes. Freedom for a term ending May 14, H.R. 1219. An act to authorize the Sec- The message further announced that 2018: Dr. Tenzin Dorjee of Fullerton, retary of the Interior to convey certain land and appurtenances of the Arbuckle Project, the House has passed the following bill, California, to succeed Ms. Hannah Oklahoma, to the Arbuckle Master Conser- in which it requests the concurrence of Rosenthal. vancy District, and for other purposes. the Senate: The message also announced that H.R. 3711. An act to authorize the Sec- H.R. 4919. An act to amend the Violent pursuant to section 4 of the Virgin Is- retary of the Interior to conduct a special re- Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of lands of the United States Centennial

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.013 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6921 Commission Act (Public Law 114–224), Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Attainment Date for the 2008 Ozone National and the order of the House of January ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Ambient Air Quality Standards; Pennsyl- 5, 2011, the Minority Leader appoints titled ‘‘Quizalofop ethyl; Pesticide Toler- vania; Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley’’ (FRL No. the following individual to the Virgin ance’’ (FRL No. 9950–89) received in the Of- 9955–91–Region 3) received in the Office of the fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- President of the Senate on December 1, 2016; Islands of the United States Centennial ber 1, 2016; to the Committee on Agriculture, to the Committee on Environment and Pub- Commission: Ms. Stacey Plaskett of Nutrition, and Forestry. lic Works. the United States Virgin Islands. EC–7833. A communication from the Direc- EC–7842. A communication from the Direc- The message further announced that tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1011c, and the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- order of the House of January 6, 2015, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and upon the recommendation of the titled ‘‘Oxathiapiprolin; Pesticide Toler- titled ‘‘Air Quality Plans; Kentucky; Infra- ance’’ (FRL No. 9954–69) received in the Of- structure Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Majority Leader, the Speaker appoints fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality the following individual on the part of ber 1, 2016; to the Committee on Agriculture, Standard’’ (FRL No. 9955–96–Region 4) re- the House of Representatives to the Nutrition, and Forestry. ceived in the Office of the President of the National Advisory Committee on Insti- EC–7834. A communication from the Direc- Senate on December 1, 2016; to the Com- tutional Quality and Integrity to fill tor of the Regulatory Management Division, mittee on Environment and Public Works. the existing vacancy thereon: Mr. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–7843. A communication from the Direc- Brian Jones of Washington, DC. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Muscodor albus strain SA–13 and the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- f volatiles produced on rehydration; Exemp- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tion from the Requirement of a Tolerance’’ titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Kentucky; Revi- MEASURES PLACED ON THE (FRL No. 9952–88) received in the Office of sions to Louisville Definitions and Ambient CALENDAR the President of the Senate on December 1, Air Quality Standards’’ (FRL No. 9955–90–Re- The following bill was read the sec- 2016; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- gion 4) received in the Office of the President ond time, and placed on the calendar: trition, and Forestry. of the Senate on December 1, 2016; to the EC–7835. A communication from the Direc- Committee on Environment and Public S. 3516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Works. Veterans Affairs to conduct a best-practices Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–7844. A communication from the Chief peer review of each medical center of the De- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, partment of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the titled ‘‘Bicyclopyrone; Pesticide Tolerances’’ Internal Revenue Service, Department of the efficacy of health care delivered at each such (FRL No. 9954–63) received in the Office of Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the medical center. the President of the Senate on December 1, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Application of Sec- f 2016; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- tion 108(a)(1)(E)(ii) to the Federal Housing trition, and Forestry. Finance Agency’s (FHFA’s) Principal Reduc- ENROLLED BILLS PRESENTED EC–7836. A communication from the Dep- tion Modification Program (PRMP) and the The Secretary of the Senate reported uty Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Home Affordable Modification Program Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, that on today, December 8, 2016, she (HAMP)’’ (Notice 2016–72) received during ad- the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Commodity journment of the Senate in the Office of the had presented to the President of the Pool Operator Financial Reports’’ (RIN3038– President of the Senate on , 2016; United States the following enrolled AE47) received in the Office of the President to the Committee on Finance. bills: of the Senate on December 1, 2016; to the EC–7845. A communication from the Chief S. 817. An act to provide for the addition of Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and of the Publications and Regulations Branch, certain real property to the reservation of Forestry. Internal Revenue Service, Department of the the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon. EC–7837. A communication from the Hon- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the S. 818. An act to amend the Grand Ronde ors Attorney, Legal Division, Bureau of Con- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Applicable Federal Reservation Act to make technical correc- sumer Financial Protection, transmitting, Rates—December 2016’’ (Rev. Rul. 2016–27) re- tions, and for other purposes. pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ceived during adjournment of the Senate in S. 2873. An act to require studies and re- ‘‘Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)’’ (RIN3170– the Office of the President of the Senate on ports examining the use of, and opportuni- AA67) received in the Office of the President December 2, 2016; to the Committee on Fi- ties to use, technology-enabled collaborative of the Senate on December 1, 2016; to the nance. learning and capacity building models to im- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban EC–7846. A communication from the Chief prove programs of the Department of Health Affairs. of the Publications and Regulations Branch, and Human Services, and for other purposes. EC–7838. A communication from the Hon- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the S. 3076. An act to amend title 38, United ors Attorney, Legal Division, Bureau of Con- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the States Code, to authorize the Secretary of sumer Financial Protection, transmitting, report of a rule entitled ‘‘SB/SE Fast Track Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets and urns pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled Mediation—Collection’’ (Rev. Proc. 2016–57) for burial in cemeteries of States and tribal ‘‘Consumer Leasing (Regulation M)’’ received during adjournment of the Senate organizations of veterans without next of (RIN3170–AA66) received in the Office of the in the Office of the President of the Senate kin or sufficient resources to provide for cas- President of the Senate on December 1, 2016; on December 2, 2016; to the Committee on Fi- kets or urns, and for other purposes. to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and nance. S. 3492. An act to designate the Traverse Urban Affairs. EC–7847. A communication from the Chief City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic EC–7839. A communication from the Hon- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, of the Department of Veterans Affairs in ors Attorney, Legal Division, Bureau of Con- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Traverse City, Michigan, as the ‘‘Colonel sumer Financial Protection, transmitting, Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Demas T. Craw VA Clinic’’. pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled report of a rule entitled ‘‘Treatment of ‘‘Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Amounts Paid to Section 170(c) Organiza- f Loans Exemption Threshold’’ (RIN3170–AA68) tions Under Employer Leave-Based Donation received in the Office of the President of the Program’’ (Notice 2016–69) received during EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Senate on December 1, 2016; to the Com- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of COMMUNICATIONS mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- the President of the Senate on December 2, The following communications were fairs. 2016; to the Committee on Finance. laid before the Senate, together with EC–7840. A communication from the Direc- EC–7848. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, accompanying papers, reports, and doc- tor, Civil Rights Center, Department of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- uments, and were referred as indicated: ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- port of a rule entitled ‘‘Implementation of EC–7831. A communication from the Direc- titled ‘‘Renewable Fuel Standard Program: the Nondiscrimination and Equal Oppor- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Standards for 2017 and Biomass-Based Diesel tunity Provisions of the Workforce Innova- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Volume for 2018’’ (FRL No. 9955–84–OAR) re- tion and Opportunity Act’’ (RIN1291–AA36) ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ceived in the Office of the President of the received during adjournment of the Senate titled ‘‘Tau-Fluvalinate; Pesticide Toler- Senate on December 1, 2016; to the Com- in the office of the President of the Senate ance’’ (FRL No. 9954–33) received in the Of- mittee on Environment and Public Works. on December 2, 2016; to the Committee on fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- EC–7841. A communication from the Direc- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ber 1, 2016; to the Committee on Agriculture, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–7849. A communication from the Direc- Nutrition, and Forestry. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tor of Regulations and Policy Management EC–7832. A communication from the Direc- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Determination of Attainment by the partment of Health and Human Services,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.015 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- EC–7868. A communication from the Attor- a rule entitled ‘‘Submission of Food and sion’s twelfth annual report on ethanol mar- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department Drug Administration Import Data in the ket concentration; to the Committee on of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- Automated Commercial Environment’’ Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Spe- ((RIN0910–AH41) (Docket No. FDA–2016–N– EC–7860. A communication from the Sec- cial Local Regulation; Ouachita River, Mon- 1487)) received in the Office of the President retary of the Commission, Bureau of Con- roe, LA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG– of the Senate on December 2, 2016; to the sumer Protection, Federal Trade Commis- 2016–0666)) received during adjournment of Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- the Senate in the Office of the President of Pensions. port of a rule entitled ‘‘Used Motor Vehicle the Senate on December 2, 2016; to the Com- EC–7850. A communication from the Direc- Trade Regulation Rule’’ (RIN3084–AB05) re- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- tor of Regulations and Policy Management ceived in the Office of the President of the tation. Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- Senate on December 1, 2016; to the Com- EC–7869. A communication from the Attor- partment of Health and Human Services, mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of tation. of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- a rule entitled ‘‘Food Additives Permitted in EC–7861. A communication from the Sec- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Spe- Feed and Drinking Water of Animals; retary of the Commission, Bureau of Con- cial Local Regulation; Saint Andrew Bay; Guanidinoacteic Acid’’ (Docket No. FDA– sumer Protection, Federal Trade Commis- Panama City, FL’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket 2015–F–2337) received during adjournment of sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- No. USCG–2016–0932)) received during ad- the Senate in the Office of the President of port of a rule entitled ‘‘Energy Labeling journment of the Senate in the Office of the the Senate on December 2, 2016; to the Com- Rule’’ (RIN3084–AB15) received in the Office President of the Senate on December 2, 2016; mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and of the President of the Senate on December to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 1, 2016; to the Committee on Commerce, Pensions. and Transportation. Science, and Transportation. EC–7851. A communication from the Direc- EC–7870. A communication from the Attor- EC–7862. A communication from the Attor- tor of Regulations and Policy Management ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- partment of Health and Human Services, ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘An- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Safety Zone; Arkansas River, Little Rock, chorage Grounds; Delaware Bay and River, a rule entitled ‘‘New Animal Drugs for Use in AR’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG– , PA’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket Animal Feed; Category Definitions; Con- 2016–0992)) received during adjournment of No. USCG–2016–0110)) received during ad- firmation of Effective Date’’ (Docket No. the Senate in the Office of the President of journment of the Senate in the Office of the FDA–2016–N–1896) received during adjourn- the Senate on December 2, 2016; to the Com- President of the Senate on December 2, 2016; ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- to the Committee on Commerce, Science, dent of the Senate on December 2, 2016; to tation. and Transportation. the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, EC–7863. A communication from the Attor- EC–7871. A communication from the Attor- and Pensions. ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department EC–7852. A communication from the Treas- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- urer, National Gallery of Art, transmitting, ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Se- pursuant to law, the Gallery’s Performance ‘‘Safety Zone; Great Egg Harbor Bay, curity Zone; Potomac River and Anacostia and Accountability Report for the year Marmora , NJ’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. River, and adjacent waters; Washington, DC’’ ended September 30, 2016; to the Committee USCG–2016–1011)) received during adjourn- ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG–2016– on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- 0675)) received during adjournment of the fairs. dent of the Senate on December 2, 2016; to Senate in the Office of the President of the EC–7853. A communication from the Sec- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Senate on December 2, 2016; to the Com- retary of Agriculture, transmitting, pursu- Transportation. mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ant to law, the Semiannual Report of the In- EC–7864. A communication from the Attor- tation. spector General for the period from April 1, ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department f 2016 through September 30, 2016; to the Com- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled REPORTS OF COMMITTEES mental Affairs. ‘‘Safety Zone; Illinois River mile 69.3 to 69.8; EC–7854. A communication from the Treas- Meredosia, IL’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. The following reports of committees urer, National Gallery of Art, transmitting, USCG–2016–0678)) received during adjourn- were submitted: pursuant to law, the Gallery’s Performance ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on and Accountability Report for the year dent of the Senate on December 2, 2016; to Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ended September 30, 2016; to the Committee the Committee on Commerce, Science, and fairs, with an amendment in the nature of a on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Transportation. substitute: fairs. EC–7865. A communication from the Attor- S. 2852. A bill to expand the Government’s EC–7855. A communication from the Direc- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department use and administration of data to facilitate tor, Congressional Affairs, Federal Election of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- transparency, effective governance, and in- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, ant to law, the report of a rule entitled novation, and for other purposes (Rept. No. the Commission’s Agency Financial Report ‘‘Safety Zones; San Francisco, CA’’ 114–396). for fiscal year 2016; to the Committee on ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. USCG–2016– Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 0154)) received during adjournment of the f fairs. Senate in the Office of the President of the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND EC–7856. A communication from the Direc- Senate on December 2, 2016; to the Com- JOINT RESOLUTIONS tor, Congressional Affairs, Federal Election mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, tation. The following bills and joint resolu- the Commission’s Agency Financial Report EC–7866. A communication from the Attor- tions were introduced, read the first for fiscal year 2016; to the Committee on ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department and second times by unanimous con- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- sent, and referred as indicated: fairs. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–7857. A communication from the Assist- ‘‘Safety Zone; Tennessee River, Knoxville, By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative TN, MM TNR 646.9–647.1’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) Mr. RUBIO): Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- (Docket No. USCG–2016–0845)) received dur- S. 3520. A bill to amend the Trafficking ting, pursuant to law, the Office of Commu- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office Victims Protection Act of 2000 to clarify re- nity Oriented Policing Services Report on of the President of the Senate on December port dates, modify the criteria for deter- the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National 2, 2016; to the Committee on Commerce, minations of whether countries are meeting Blue Alert Act; to the Committee on the Ju- Science, and Transportation. the minimum standards for elimination of diciary. EC–7867. A communication from the Attor- trafficking, and highlight the importance of EC–7858. A communication from the Assist- ney-Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard, Department concrete actions by countries to eliminate ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursu- trafficking, and for other purposes; to the Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Spe- Committee on Foreign Relations. ting, pursuant to law, the Office of Commu- cial Local Regulation; Arkansas River; Lit- By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. HATCH, nity Oriented Policing Services Report on tle Rock, AR’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. and Mr. CASSIDY): the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National USCG–2016–0887)) received during adjourn- S. 3521. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- Blue Alert Act; to the Committee on the Ju- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- cation Act of 1965 to provide students with diciary. dent of the Senate on December 2, 2016; to disabilities and their families with access to EC–7859. A communication from the Sec- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and critical information needed to select the retary of the Federal Trade Commission, Transportation. right college and succeed once enrolled; to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.019 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6923 the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, purpose of promoting economic revitaliza- Federal employees, and a flexible cred- and Pensions. tion, diversification, and development in it hour program to help balance the de- By Mr. WHITEHOUSE: economically distressed communities mands of work and family, and for S. 3522. A bill to amend title XVIII of the through the reclamation and restoration of other purposes. Social Security Act to modify the payment land and water resources adversely affected amount for direct graduate medical edu- by coal mining carried out before August 3, S. 1200 cation costs for certain hospitals; to the 1977, and for other purposes; to the Com- At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Committee on Finance. mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. the name of the Senator from Arizona By Mr. FRANKEN (for himself and Ms. By Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. (Mr. FLAKE) was added as a cosponsor MURKOWSKI): TESTER): of S. 1200, a bill to promote competi- S. 3523. A bill to amend the Indian Civil S. 3533. A bill to amend the Forest and tion and help consumers save money by Rights Act of 1968 to extend the jurisdiction Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning of tribal courts to cover crimes involving Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Policy and giving them the freedom to choose sexual violence, and for other purposes; to Management Act of 1976 to discourage litiga- where they buy prescription pet medi- the Committee on Indian Affairs. tion against the Forest Service and the Bu- cations, and for other purposes. By Mr. FLAKE (for himself and Mrs. reau of Land Management relating to land S. 1559 FEINSTEIN): management projects; to the Committee on At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the S. 3524. A bill to amend Rule 611 of the Fed- Environment and Public Works. name of the Senator from Delaware eral Rules of Evidence to prohibit cross-ex- By Mrs. FISCHER: (Mr. CARPER) was added as a cosponsor amination by the accused of minor victims S. 3534. A bill to amend title 31, United of sexual assault; to the Committee on the States Code, to permit the Secretary of the of S. 1559, a bill to protect victims of Judiciary. Treasury to locate and recover certain assets domestic violence, sexual assault, By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. of the United States Government; to the stalking, and dating violence from BROWN, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. WARREN, Committee on Finance. emotional and psychological trauma Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. PETERS, Mr. By Mr. FLAKE: caused by acts of violence or threats of TESTER, and Mr. HEINRICH): S. 3535. A bill to amend title 38, United violence against their pets. S. 3525. A bill to enhance the security oper- States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of S. 1588 ations of the Transportation Security Ad- Veterans Affairs from employing any indi- ministration and the stability of the trans- vidual who has been convicted of a felony At the request of Mr. FRANKEN, the portation security workforce by applying a and medical personnel who have had their name of the Senator from Rhode Island unified personnel system under title 5, medical licenses or credentials revoked or (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a co- United States Code, to employees of the suspended, and for other purposes; to the sponsor of S. 1588, a bill to amend the Transportation Security Administration who Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Public Health Service Act to revise and are responsible for screening passengers and By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. property, and for other purposes; to the Com- extend projects relating to children CASEY): and violence to provide access to mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- S. 3536. A bill to impose sanctions on per- tation. sons that threaten the peace or stability of school-based comprehensive mental By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. WAR- Iraq or the Government of Iraq and to ad- health programs. NER, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. dress the emergency in Syria, and for other S. 1714 BLUMENTHAL, Mr. DURBIN, and Mrs. purposes; to the Committee on Banking, At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the GILLIBRAND): Housing, and Urban Affairs. S. 3526. A bill to provide incentives for name of the Senator from Delaware States to invest in practices and technology f (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1714, a bill to amend the Surface that are designed to expedite voting at the ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS polls and to simplify voter registration; to Mining Control and Reclamation Act of the Committee on Rules and Administration. S. 386 1977 to transfer certain funds to the By Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself, Ms. At the request of Mr. THUNE, the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan WARREN, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mrs. name of the Senator from Wisconsin and the 1974 United Mine Workers of BOXER): S. 3527. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- (Mr. JOHNSON) was added as a cosponsor America Pension Plan, and for other enue Code of 1986 to prevent high net worth of S. 386, a bill to limit the authority of purposes. individuals from receiving tax windfalls for States to tax certain income of em- S. 1866 entering government service; to the Com- ployees for employment duties per- At the request of Mr. HELLER, his mittee on Finance. formed in other States. name was added as a cosponsor of S. By Ms. HEITKAMP: S. 539 S. 3528. A bill to provide for mandatory 1866, a bill to establish the veterans’ training for Federal Government supervisors At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the business outreach center program, to and the assessment of management com- name of the Senator from New York improve the programs for veterans of petencies; to the Committee on Homeland (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- the Small Business Administration, Security and Governmental Affairs. sponsor of S. 539, a bill to amend title and for other purposes. By Mr. CARDIN: XVIII of the Social Security Act to re- S. 1911 S. 3529. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- peal the Medicare outpatient rehabili- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the enue Code of 1986 to provide for a progressive tation therapy caps. consumption tax and to reform the income names of the Senator from New York tax, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. 627 (Mr. SCHUMER), the Senator from West mittee on Finance. At the request of Mr. HELLER, his Virginia (Mr. MANCHIN) and the Sen- By Mr. CASSIDY: name was added as a cosponsor of S. ator from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITE- S. 3530. A bill to allow the use of claims, 627, a bill to require the Secretary of HOUSE) were added as cosponsors of S. eligibility, and payment data to produce re- Veterans Affairs to revoke bonuses 1911, a bill to implement policies to end ports, analyses, and presentations to benefit paid to employees involved in elec- Medicare, and other similar health insurance preventable maternal, newborn, and programs, entities, researchers, and health tronic wait list manipulations, and for child deaths globally. care providers, to help develop cost saving other purposes. S. 2175 approaches, standards, and reference mate- S. 742 At the request of Mr. TESTER, the rials and to support medical care and im- At the request of Mr. HELLER, his name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. proved payment models; to the Committee name was added as a cosponsor of S. MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 742, a bill to appropriately limit the au- S. 2175, a bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. RISCH: S. 3531. A bill to designate certain National thority to award bonuses to employees. States Code, to clarify the role of po- Forest System land in the State of as S. 803 diatrists in the Department of Vet- wilderness; to the Committee on Energy and At the request of Mr. HELLER, his erans Affairs, and for other purposes. Natural Resources. name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2725 By Mr. MANCHIN (for himself, Mr. 803, a bill to amend the Fair Labor At the request of Mr. HELLER, his BROWN, Mr. KAINE, Mr. CASEY, and Standards Act of 1938 to provide em- name was added as a cosponsor of S. Mr. WARNER): S. 3532. A bill to amend the Surface Mining ployees in the private sector with an 2725, a bill to impose sanctions with re- Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to pro- opportunity for compensatory time off, spect to the ballistic missile program vide funds to States and Indian tribes for the similar to the opportunity offered to of Iran, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Mar 17, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\DEC2016\S08DE6.REC S08DE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 S. 2726 the public disclosure of Missing Armed five per cent of Federal workers actu- At the request of Mr. HELLER, his Forces Personnel records, and for other ally live and work outside of the D.C. name was added as a cosponsor of S. purposes. area. Federal workers live and work in 2726, a bill to hold Iran accountable for S. 3478 every town, city, and State. In many its state sponsorship of terrorism and At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the places, the Federal Government is the other threatening activities and for its names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. main employer—and those jobs are human rights abuses, and for other SCHATZ) and the Senator from Ohio vital to the local economy. The Fed- purposes. (Mr. BROWN) were added as cosponsors eral workforce represents the diversity S. 2957 of S. 3478, a bill to require continued of our country. At the request of Mr. NELSON, the and enhanced annual reporting to Con- Since 1960, the GDP has multiplied name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. gress in the Annual Report on Inter- five times, new agencies have been REID) was added as a cosponsor of S. national Religious Freedom on anti-Se- added to the government, and the re- 2957, a bill to require the Secretary of mitic incidents in Europe, the safety sponsibilities of Federal workers have the Treasury to mint commemorative and security of European Jewish com- grown exponentially, and yet hiring coins in recognition of the 50th anni- munities, and the efforts of the United has stagnated. The civilian workforce, versary of the first manned landing on States to partner with European gov- not including Postal Service employ- the Moon. ernments, the European Union, and ees, is roughly the same size it was S. 2962 civil society groups, to combat anti- during the Kennedy administration, at At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the Semitism, and for other purposes. around 2 million. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. S. 3491 Pledges from short-sighted politi- SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. BROWN, the cians about privatizing government 2962, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- name of the Senator from Vermont services and programs like Medicare enue Code of 1986 to reform the low-in- (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- and Social Security would cause many come housing credit, and for other pur- sor of S. 3491, a bill to amend the Truth Federal jobs to vanish and impair ac- poses. in Lending Act and the Electronic cess to Federal services. This would S. 2989 Fund Transfer Act to provide justice to put real Americans out of work and At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the victims of fraud. cause measurable economic hardship to name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. f local and State economies. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. In addition, the government is the 2989, a bill to award a Congressional STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED number one employer of veterans, par- Gold Medal, collectively, to the United BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS ticularly disabled veterans who have States merchant mariners of World By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. trouble finding jobs in the private sec- War II, in recognition of their dedi- BROWN, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. WAR- tor. Freezing hiring or cutting the cated and vital service during World REN, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. PETERS, workforce means fewer opportunities War II. Mr. TESTER, and Mr. HEINRICH): for America’s heroes. S. 3052 S. 3525. A bill to enhance the security That is why I want the next adminis- At the request of Mr. HELLER, his operations of the Transportation Secu- tration to understand the importance name was added as a cosponsor of S. rity Administration and the stability of Federal workers. Their jobs cannot 3052, a bill to amend title 38, United of the transportation security work- be outsourced, replaced by machines, States Code, to authorize the Secretary force by applying a unified personnel cut, or consolidated. I would urge the of Veterans Affairs to provide for an system under title 5, United States next administration to stop using our operation on a live donor for purposes Code, to employees of the Transpor- Federal workforce for purposes of par- of conducting a transplant procedure tation Security Administration who tisan rhetoric and political games. for a veteran, and for other purposes. are responsible for screening pas- I want to let Federal workers know sengers and property, and for other S. 3177 that I will continue to work in the Sen- purposes; to the Committee on Com- At the request of Mr. HELLER, the ate to fight efforts to undermine you name of the Senator from Louisiana merce, Science, and Transportation. and the work that you do. I will look Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, the leg- (Mr. CASSIDY) was added as a cosponsor for opportunities to improve the Fed- of S. 3177, a bill to amend the Internal islation I will introduce shortly focuses eral workplace and strengthen the Fed- Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the on a small sector of the Federal work- eral workforce. So keep up the good tax-exempt financing of certain gov- force. But there is a broader message work across America. You can count ernment-owned buildings. that I would like to deliver as well on me for support. today. There is something I want to S. 3237 say to all Federal workers: I have got Today I also rise to introduce the At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the your back. Strengthening American Transpor- names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. We have all been hearing statements tation Security Act of 2016, SATSA. SCHATZ) and the Senator from Alaska by politicians in the halls of Congress, This bill would extend to Transpor- (Ms. MURKOWSKI) were added as cospon- in the news, and even on Twitter tation Security Officers, TSO, the same sors of S. 3237, a bill to amend the In- threatening to gut the Federal work- worker rights and protections under ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform force, cut earned benefits, reduce pay- Title 5 of the U.S. Code that most the low-income housing credit, and for checks, make it easier to fire people at other Federal workers enjoy and that other purposes. will, and other destructive and mis- TSOs are currently denied. S. 3384 guided actions. TSOs are Federal employees who At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, his To Federal employees, these state- work on the frontlines of aviation secu- name was added as a cosponsor of S. ments must be particularly hurtful. rity, and make up 70 percent of the 3384, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- Some may feel anxious and disheart- Transportation Security Administra- enue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for ened. But I want to assure all Federal tion’s workforce. They provide essen- middle-income housing, and for other workers that I am on your side. Your tial protection to all Americans by purposes. contributions are integral to our Na- screening passengers and baggage at S. 3448 tion. You live and work in small towns, our airports. At the request of Mr. HELLER, his in urban centers, and around the coun- Every day TSOs stop eight guns from name was added as a cosponsor of S. try. You do crucial work for our gov- getting on our airplanes. That’s nearly 3448, a bill to provide for the creation ernment and for the American people. 3,000 guns a year. They hold life-saving of the Missing Armed Forces Personnel As the capital of the United States, jobs and TSOs deserve parity under Records Collection at the National Ar- Washington, D.C., is often mistaken as Title 5 of the U.S. Code. My bill would chives, to require the expeditious pub- the primary location for Federal work- provide fair treatment to TSO’s and, in lic transmission to the Archivist and ers. But this is patently false. Eighty- doing so, would improve passenger

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.024 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6925 safety and enhance the overall capac- majority of the Transportation Security Of- (2) AGENCY.—The term ‘‘agency’’ means an ity of the Federal workforce respon- ficer workforce performing screening func- Executive agency, as defined by section 105 sible for protecting our aviation trans- tions, while all other Transportation Secu- of title 5, United States Code. portation system. rity Administration employees, including (3) CONVERSION DATE.—The term ‘‘conver- managers, are subject to title 5, United sion date’’ means the date as of which para- I am proud to introduce SATSA, States Code, as incorporated in title 49 of graphs (1) through (3) of section 3(b) take ef- which would improve the morale and such Code. fect. stability of TSOs, the Federal workers (6) In November 2006, the International (4) COVERED EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘cov- keeping our airports and aviation trav- Labor Organization ruled that the Bush Ad- ered employee’’ means an employee who el safe. I want to thank my colleagues ministration violated international labor holds a covered position. that have joined as original cosponsors law when it prohibited Transportation Secu- (5) COVERED POSITION.—The term ‘‘covered of this bill: Senators BROWN, MERKLEY, rity Officers from engaging in collective bar- position’’ means— gaining. (A) a position within the Transportation WARREN, FRANKEN, PETERS, TESTER, (7) After the Federal Labor Relations Security Administration; and and HEINRICH. Board approved a petition for the election of (B) any position within the Department of Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- an exclusive representative, on February 4, Homeland Security, not described in sub- sent that the text of the bill be printed 2011, TSA Administrator John Pistole issued paragraph (A), the duties and responsibilities in the RECORD. a binding determination stating that ‘‘it is of which involve providing transportation se- There being no objection, the text of critical that every TSA employee feels that curity in furtherance of the purposes of the the bill was ordered to be printed in he or she has a voice and feels safe raising Aviation and Transportation Security Act the RECORD, as follows: issues and concerns of all kinds. This is im- (Public Law 107–71), as determined by the portant not just for morale; engagement of Secretary. S. 3525 every employee is critically important for (6) EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘employee’’ has Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- security.’’. the meaning given such term by section 2105 resentatives of the United States of America in (8) This determination was superseded by a of title 5, United States Code. Congress assembled, second determination issued on December 29, (7) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 2014, which changed the previous guideline means the Secretary of Homeland Security. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as for collective bargaining and resulting in (8) TSA PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.— the ‘‘Strengthening American Transpor- limitations in the subjects that can be bar- The term ‘‘TSA personnel management sys- tation Security Act of 2016’’. gained, issues in dispute that may be raised tem’’ means any personnel management sys- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- to an independent, third-party neutral deci- tem established or modified under— tents for this Act is as follows: sion maker (such as an arbitrator or the (A) section 111(d) of the Aviation and Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Merit Systems Protection Board), and bar- Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 Sec. 2. Findings; sense of Congress. riers to union representation of the Trans- note); or Sec. 3. Definitions. portation Security Officer workforce. (B) section 114(n) of title 49, United States Sec. 4. Conversion of screening personnel. (9) The 2011 and 2014 determinations both Code. Sec. 5. Transition rules. cited TSA’s authority under section 111(d) of the Aviation and Transportation Security SEC. 4. CONVERSION OF SCREENING PER- Sec. 6. Consultation requirement. SONNEL. Sec. 7. No right to strike. Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) to create a per- Sec. 8. Regulations. sonnel system that denies the Transpor- (a) TERMINATION OF CERTAIN PERSONNEL Sec. 9. Delegations to Administrator. tation Security Officer workforce the rights AUTHORITIES.— Sec. 10. Authorization of appropriations. under title 5, United States Code, that are (1) TSA PERSONAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.— SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. provided to most other Federal workers, in- Section 114 of title 49, United States Code, is (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- cluding— amended by striking subsection (n). lowing: (A) the right to appeal adverse personnel (2) TERMINATION OF FLEXIBILITY IN EMPLOY- (1) On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists, who decisions to the Merit Systems Protection MENT OF SCREENER PERSONNEL.—Section 111 underwent airport security screening prior Board; of the Aviation and Transportation Security to boarding domestic flights, were able to (B) fair pay under the General Services Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) is amended by commandeer 4 airplanes and use those air- wage system, 2011; striking subsection (d). planes to perpetrate the most deadly ter- (C) fair pay and raises under the General (3) HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYS- rorist attack ever to be executed on United Services wage system, including overtime TEM.— States soil. guidelines, access to earned leave; (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 9701 of title 5, (2) In the aftermath of those attacks, Con- (D) the application of the Fair Labor United States Code, is amended— gress passed the Aviation and Transpor- Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.); (i) by redesignating subsection (h) as sub- tation Security Act (Public Law 107–71), (E) fair performance appraisals under chap- section (i); and which was signed into law by President ter 73 of title 5, United States Code; and (ii) by inserting after subsection (g) the George W. Bush on November 19, 2001— (F) direct protections against employment following: discrimination set forth in title 7, United (A) to enhance the level of security screen- ‘‘(h) LIMITATION.—The human resources ing throughout our aviation system; and States Code. management system authorized under this (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of (B) to transfer responsibility for such section shall not apply to covered employees Congress that— screening from the private sector to the or covered positions (as such terms are de- newly established Transportation Security (1) the personnel system utilized by the Transportation Security Administration fined in section 3 of the Strengthening Amer- Administration (referred to in this section as ican Transportation Security Act of 2016).’’. ‘‘TSA’’). pursuant to section 111(d) of the Aviation (B) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (3) By establishing TSA, Congress and the and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) provides insufficient workplace made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect American public recognized that the highest on the date set forth in subsection (b). level of screener performance was directly protections for the Transportation Security linked to employment and training stand- Officer workforce, who are the frontline per- (b) COVERED EMPLOYEES AND POSITIONS ards, pay and benefits, and the creation of an sonnel who secure our Nation’s aviation sys- MADE SUBJECT TO SAME PERSONNEL MANAGE- experienced, committed screening workforce. tem; and MENT SYSTEM AS APPLIES TO CIVIL SERVICE (4) Section 111(d) of the Aviation and (2) such personnel should be entitled to the EMPLOYEES GENERALLY.—On the earlier of a Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 protections under title 5, United States date determined by the Secretary or 60 days note) authorizes the Under Secretary of Code. after the date of the enactment of this Act— Transportation for Security to ‘‘employ, ap- SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. (1) all TSA personnel management per- point, discipline, terminate, and fix the com- In this Act: sonnel policies, directives, letters, and guide- pensation, terms, and conditions of employ- (1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis- lines, including the Determinations of Feb- ment of Federal service for such a number of trator’’ means the official within the Depart- ruary 2011 and December 2014 shall cease to individuals as the Under Secretary deter- ment of Homeland Security who is respon- be effective; mines to be necessary to carry out the sible for overseeing and implementing trans- (2) any human resources management sys- screening functions of the Under Secretary portation security pursuant to the Aviation tem established or adjusted under section under section 44901 of title 49, United States and Transportation Security Act, whether 9701 of title 5, United States Code, shall Code’’. The functions of the TSA were trans- designated as the Assistant Secretary of cease to be effective with respect to covered ferred to the Department of Homeland Secu- Homeland Security (Transportation Security employees and covered positions; and rity by section 403 of the Homeland Security Administration), the Administrator of the (3) covered employees and covered posi- Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 203). Transportation Security Administration, the tions shall become subject to the applicable (5) TSA has interpreted the authorization Undersecretary of Transportation for Secu- labor provisions under title 49, United States set forth in paragraph (4) as applying to the rity, or otherwise. Code.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.027 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 SEC. 5. TRANSITION RULES. SEC. 8. REGULATIONS. As important, these countries can sus- (a) NONREDUCTION IN RATE OF PAY.—Any The Secretary may prescribe any regula- tain reductions in their corporate in- conversion of an employee from a TSA per- tions that may be necessary to carry out this come tax rates, because they have an sonnel management system to the provisions Act. alternative and more pro-growth rev- of law referred to in section 4(b)(3) shall be SEC. 9. DELEGATIONS TO ADMINISTRATOR. effected, under pay conversion rules pre- enue source—a consumption tax. The Secretary may, with respect to any The Progressive Consumption Tax scribed by the Secretary, without any reduc- authority or function vested in the Sec- tion in the rate of basic pay payable to such retary under any of the preceding provisions Act puts this country on a competitive employee. of this Act, delegate any such authority or playing field by providing for a broad- (b) PRESERVATION OF OTHER RIGHTS.—The function to the Administrator of the Trans- based progressive consumption tax, or Secretary shall take any necessary actions portation Security Administration under PCT, at a rate of 10 percent. The PCT to ensure, for any covered employee as of the such terms, conditions, and limitations, in- would generate revenue by taxing conversion date, that— cluding the power of redelegation, as the (1) all service performed by such covered goods and services, rather than income. Secretary considers appropriate. employee before the conversion date is cred- This is not simply an add-on tax. The ited in the determination of such employee’s SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. revenues generated by the act would be length of service for purposes of applying the There are authorized to be appropriated used to eliminate an income tax liabil- provisions of law governing leave, pay, group such sums as may be necessary to carry out ity for most households. This bears re- life and health insurance, severance pay, ten- this Act. peating: instead of paying an income ure, and status, which are made applicable to By Mr. CARDIN: tax, most Americans households, under such employee under section 4(b)(3); S. 3529. A bill to amend the Internal this bill, would only pay a consumption (2) all annual leave, sick leave, or other Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a tax. paid leave accrued, accumulated, or other- progressive consumption tax and to re- Those who do still have an income wise available to the covered employee im- form the income tax, and for other pur- tax liability would see a much sim- mediately before the conversion date re- poses; to the Committee on Finance. mains available to the employee, until used, plified income tax with their marginal while the employee remains continuously Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I am rates reduced—the top marginal indi- employed by the Department of Homeland pleased to introduce the Progressive vidual income tax rate, applying to Security; and Consumption Tax Act of 2016. taxable income over $500,000 for joint (3) the Government share of any premiums We need a tax code that is fair for filers, would be 28 percent. The current or other periodic charges under the provi- American employers and fair for Amer- top marginal rate, applying to taxable sions of law governing group health insur- ican families. We need a tax code that income over approximately $450,000 for ance remains at the level in effect imme- makes our U.S.-based businesses more joint filers, is 39.6 percent. diately before the conversion date while the competitive. Finally, we need a tax employee remains continuously employed by Four important tax benefits remain: the Department of Homeland Security. code that allows us to responsibly and the charitable contribution deduction, SEC. 6. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT. reliably collect reasonable revenues. the state and local tax deduction, (a) EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE.—The labor I introduced a version of this bill in health and retirement benefits, and the organization certified by the Federal Labor the 113th Congress to provide an open- mortgage interest deduction. Relations Authority on June 29, 2011, or suc- ing for discussion and a first oppor- The act would also slice our cor- cessor organization shall be deemed the ex- tunity to review legislative language porate rate by more than half, to 17 clusive representative of full- and part-time for this type of comprehensive tax re- percent. nonsupervisory personnel carrying out form. Finally, the act would provide re- screening functions under section 44901 of bates to lower- and moderate-income title 49, United States Code under chapter 71 Since the introduction of the Pro- of title 5, United States Code, with full gressive Consumption Tax Act, many families to counteract their consump- rights under such chapter 71. policymakers, including in Congress, tion tax burden and to replace essen- (b) CONSULTATION RIGHTS.—Not later than have become increasingly interested in tial support programs like the Earned 14 days after the date of the enactment of moving to a border-adjustable con- Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Cred- this Act, the Secretary shall— sumption tax base. it. Like the EITC and CTC, Individuals (1) consult with the exclusive representa- As we move towards consideration of and families who do not have an in- tive for employees under chapter 71 of title 5, come tax liability would still be able to United States Code, on the formulation of comprehensive tax reform in 2017, I wanted to reintroduce an updated receive these rebates. plans and deadlines to carry out the conver- A key part of the act is progressivity. sion of covered employees and covered posi- version of this bill, which I think tions under this Act; and shows what progressive, fiscally re- By eliminating an income tax liability (2) provide final written plans to the exclu- sponsible, pro-growth tax reform could for a significant number of households sive representative on how the Secretary in- look like. and providing rebates, the act is meant tends to carry out the conversion of covered As many of my colleagues recognize, to be at least as progressive as the cur- employees and covered positions under this the extent to which we rely on income rent system. Act, including with respect to— The act is also meant to responsibly taxes is very out of step with the rest (A) the proposed conversion date; and raise reasonable revenues. I know that of the world. (B) measures to ensure compliance with some have concerns that the act would Compared to other countries that are section 5. just provide a new lever for the govern- (c) REQUIRED AGENCY RESPONSE.—If any in the OECD—developed countries with views or recommendations are presented ment to raise funds. That is why the advanced economies, countries that we act contains a revenue ‘‘circuit break- under subsection (b)(2) by the exclusive rep- want to be competitive with—all taxes resentative, the Secretary shall consider the er’’ mechanism that returns excess views or recommendations before taking as a percentage of GDP in the United PCT revenues to taxpayers if a certain final action on any matter with respect to States are low. threshold is met. The PCT is not meant which the views or recommendations are pre- But, the U.S. is not a low income tax to be a means to quickly raise revenues sented and provide the exclusive representa- country. Our income tax revenues as a while disregarding the effects of higher tive a written statement of the reasons for percentage of GDP are higher than the consumption taxes on U.S. families and the final actions to be taken. OECD countries. We have some of the (d) SUNSET PROVISION.—The provisions of employers. this section shall cease to be effective as of highest statutory income tax rates in Overall, the Progressive Consump- the conversion date. the world. tion Tax Act has many advantages SEC. 7. NO RIGHT TO STRIKE. What accounts for the difference is compared to past reform efforts. Nothing in this Act may be construed— that all OECD countries except the First, it encourages saving. Under (1) to repeal or otherwise affect— U.S. have a consumption tax. In fact, current law, families and individuals (A) section 1918 of title 18, United States about 150 countries now have a con- are taxed on income, which includes Code (relating to disloyalty and asserting sumption tax, many of which were en- savings. Under the act, most house- the right to strike against the Government); acted decades ago. holds would be exempt from the in- or Unlike the U.S., these countries can (B) section 7311 of title 5, United States come tax, and thus would be able to Code (relating to loyalty and striking); or tax imports and subsidize exports by save tax free. (2) to otherwise authorize any activity rebating their consumption taxes for The act enhances U.S. economic com- which is not permitted under either provi- exports—without violating current petitiveness. The U.S. corporate in- sion of law cited in paragraph (1). World Trade Organization, WTO, rules. come tax rate would be lowered to 17

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.026 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6927 percent, encouraging multinational AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes; corporations to locate here, not PROPOSED as follows: abroad. OECD countries currently at- SA 5139. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an At the end add the following: tracting U.S. multinationals often im- amendment to the bill H.R. 2028, making ap- ‘‘This act shall be effective 3 days after en- pose higher consumption or corporate propriations for energy and water develop- actment.’’ tax rates than those envisioned by the ment and related agencies for the fiscal year Mr. MCCONNELL proposed act. ending September 30, 2016, and for other pur- SA 5142. In fact, if the Progressive Consump- poses. an amendment to amendment SA 5141 tion Tax Act became law, every top SA 5140. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill statutory rate in the United States— amendment to amendment SA 5139 proposed H.R. 2028, making appropriations for our individual income tax rate, our by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill H.R. 2028, energy and water development and re- supra. lated agencies for the fiscal year end- corporate tax rate, our consumption SA 5141. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an tax rate—would be at least five per- ing September 30, 2016, and for other amendment to the bill H.R. 2028, supra. purposes; as follows: centage points lower than the OECD SA 5142. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an average. amendment to amendment SA 5141 proposed Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’. The act encourages economic growth. by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill H.R. 2028, In a study that examined 35 years of supra. SA 5143. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed data on 21 OECD countries, consump- SA 5143. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an an amendment to amendment SA 5142 tion taxes were found to be more amendment to amendment SA 5142 proposed proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the growth-friendly than both personal in- by Mr. MCCONNELL to the amendment SA amendment SA 5141 proposed by Mr. 5141 proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill MCCONNELL to the bill H.R. 2028, mak- come taxes and corporate income H.R. 2028, supra. taxes. Corporate income taxes, espe- ing appropriations for energy and SA 5144. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an water development and related agen- cially, appear to have the most nega- amendment to the bill S. 612, to designate tive effect on GDP per capita. Growth- the Federal building and United States cies for the fiscal year ending Sep- oriented tax reform should move away courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes; from income tax revenues and towards Laredo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Fed- as follows: consumption tax revenues, as the act eral Building and United States Court- Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’. does. house’’. The act also enhances U.S. trade SA 5145. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an SA 5144. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed amendment to amendment SA 5144 proposed an amendment to the bill S. 612, to des- competitiveness. Countries with con- by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill S. 612, supra. sumption taxes can adjust their taxes ignate the Federal building and United SA 5146. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an States courthouse located at 1300 Vic- at the border by rebating exports. That amendment to the bill S. 612, supra. toria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the means that these countries can agree SA 5147. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an to reduced tariffs under trade agree- amendment to amendment SA 5146 proposed ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and ments, can still tax imports with their by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill S. 612, supra. United States Courthouse’’; as follows: consumption taxes, and can export SA 5148. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an At the end add the following: their own goods without a full tax load. amendment to amendment SA 5147 proposed ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- by Mr. MCCONNELL to the amendment SA actment.’’ Because the PCT is border-adjusted, 5146 proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill the U.S. would be able to maintain ex- S. 612, supra. SA 5145. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed port and import tax parity in the same SA 5149. Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mr. an amendment to amendment SA 5144 way as these other countries. In addi- BROWN, and Mr. CASEY) submitted an amend- proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill tion, the PCT is designed to achieve ment intended to be proposed by her to the S. 612, to designate the Federal build- these benefits while being compliant bill S. 612, supra; which was ordered to lie on ing and United States courthouse lo- with WTO rules. the table. SA 5150. Mr. HELLER submitted an cated at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, The act reduces income tax compli- Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal ance costs. Most households would not amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2028, making appropriations Building and United States Court- have an income tax liability under the for energy and water development and re- house’’; as follows: act—although they would need to pro- lated agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’. vide key pieces of information to the tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes; which IRS in order to obtain their rebates. was ordered to lie on the table. SA 5146. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed Finally, the act protects low- and f an amendment to the bill S. 612, to des- middle-income families from an unfair ignate the Federal building and United TEXT OF AMENDMENTS tax burden. Through the income tax States courthouse located at 1300 Vic- exemption and rebate feature, the Pro- SA 5139. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed toria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the gressive Consumption Tax Act aims to an amendment to the bill H.R. 2028, ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and ensure that this new tax system is at making appropriations for energy and United States Courthouse’’; as follows: least as progressive as the current in- water development and related agen- At the end add the following: come tax system. cies for the fiscal year ending Sep- ‘‘This act shall be effective 3 days after en- When my colleagues and others talk tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes; actment.’’ to me about comprehensive, respon- as follows: sible, pro-growth tax reform, this to At the end add the following: SA 5147. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed me is what we need to do. ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- an amendment to amendment SA 5146 That is why I am pleased to reintro- actment.’’ proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill duce the Progressive Consumption Tax S. 612, to designate the Federal build- Act in this Congress. This newest SA 5140. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed ing and United States courthouse lo- version of the act responds to input an amendment to amendment SA 5139 cated at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, from stakeholders that we received last proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal year. As important, the act shows ex- H.R. 2028, making appropriations for Building and United States Court- actly what serious, comprehensive con- energy and water development and re- house’’; as follows: sumption-based tax reform legislation lated agencies for the fiscal year end- Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’. looks like. ing September 30, 2016, and for other As this Congress closes and the new purposes; as follows: SA 5148. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed Congress convenes, I hope we will stand Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’. an amendment to amendment SA 5147 for what is right in our tax code, and proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the enact the type of reform that allows SA 5141. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed amendment SA 5146 proposed by Mr. our country to have among the lowest an amendment to the bill H.R. 2028, MCCONNELL to the bill S. 612, to des- tax rates in the industrialized world, making appropriations for energy and ignate the Federal building and United and the fairest system for all Ameri- water development and related agen- States courthouse located at 1300 Vic- cans. cies for the fiscal year ending Sep- toria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.047 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE S6928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 8, 2016 ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and States obligations under international (iii) provide timely certification of the de- United States Courthouse’’; as follows: agreements. terminations under clauses (i) and (ii) upon ‘‘(F) MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT.—The the request of the Secretary of the Senate. Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’. Administrator may use not more than 0.25 (2) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.— percent of any funds made available to carry (A) REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATIONS.—On Oc- SA 5149. Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, out this title for management and oversight tober 1 of each year, the Chief Administra- Mr. BROWN, and Mr. CASEY) submitted of the requirements of this paragraph.’’. tive Officer of the House of Representatives an amendment intended to be proposed shall submit a request to the Chairpersons of by her to the bill S. 612, to designate SA 5150. Mr. HELLER submitted an the Committee on the Budget and the Com- the Federal building and United States amendment intended to be proposed by mittee on Appropriations of the House of courthouse located at 1300 Victoria him to the bill H.R. 2028, making ap- Representatives for certification of deter- Street in Laredo, Texas, as the propriations for energy and water de- minations made under clause (i) and (ii) of ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and velopment and related agencies for the subparagraph (B). (B) DETERMINATIONS.—The Chairpersons of United States Courthouse’’; which was fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes; which was or- the Committee on the Budget and the Com- ordered to lie on the table; as follows: mittee on Appropriations of the House of Strike section 2113 and insert the fol- dered to lie on the table; as follows: Representatives shall— lowing: At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (i) on October 1 of each year, make a deter- lowing: SEC. 2113. TAXPAYER-PRODUCED IRON AND mination of whether Congress is in compli- STEEL IN PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS. SEC. lll. NO BUDGET NO PAY. ance with subsection (c) and whether Mem- Section 1452(a) of the Safe Drinking Water (a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be bers of the House of Representatives may not cited as the ‘‘No Budget, No Pay Act’’. Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–12(a)) is amended by add- be paid under that subsection; (b) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ing at the end the following: (ii) determine the period of days following ‘‘Member of Congress’’— ‘‘(4) REQUIREMENT FOR THE USE OF AMER- each October 1 that Members of the House of (1) has the meaning given under section ICAN MATERIALS.— Representatives may not be paid under sub- 2106 of title 5, United States Code; and ‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF IRON AND STEEL PROD- section (c); and (2) does not include the Vice President. UCTS.—In this paragraph, the term ‘iron and (iii) provide timely certification of the de- (c) TIMELY APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT RES- terminations under clauses (i) and (ii) upon steel products’ means the following products OLUTION ON THE BUDGET AND THE APPROPRIA- made, in part, of iron or steel: the request of the Chief Administrative Offi- TIONS BILLS.—If both Houses of Congress cer of the House of Representatives. ‘‘(i) Lined or unlined pipe and fittings. have not approved a concurrent resolution (f) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall ‘‘(ii) Manhole covers and other municipal on the budget as described under section 301 apply on and after the date on which the One castings. of the Congressional Budget and Impound- Hundred Sixteenth Congress convenes. ‘‘(iii) Hydrants. ment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632) for a ‘‘(iv) Tanks. fiscal year before October 1 of that fiscal f ‘‘(v) Flanges. year and have not passed all the regular ap- ‘‘(vi) Pipe clamps and restraints. propriations bills for the next fiscal year be- ‘‘(vii) Valves. fore October 1 of that fiscal year, the pay of AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO ‘‘(viii) Structural steel. each Member of Congress may not be paid for MEET ‘‘(ix) Reinforced precast concrete. each day following that October 1 until the Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I have ‘‘(x) Construction materials. date on which both Houses of Congress ap- ‘‘(B) REQUIREMENT.—Notwithstanding any prove a concurrent resolution on the budget one request for a committee to meet other provision of law, except as provided in for that fiscal year and all the regular appro- during today’s session of the Senate. It subparagraph (C), none of the funds made priations bills. has the approval of the Majority and available by a State loan fund authorized (d) NO PAY WITHOUT CONCURRENT RESOLU- Minority leaders. under this section shall be used for a project TION ON THE BUDGET AND THE APPROPRIATIONS Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph for the construction, alteration, mainte- BILLS.— 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- nance, or repair of a public water system un- (1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any ate, the following committee is author- less all the iron and steel products used in other provision of law, no funds may be ap- the project are produced in the United propriated or otherwise be made available ized to meet during today’s session of States. from the United States Treasury for the pay the Senate: ‘‘(C) EXCEPTION.—Subparagraph (B) shall of any Member of Congress during any period SUBCOMMITTEE ON STATE DEPARTMENT AND not apply in any case or category of cases in determined by the Chairpersons of the Com- USAID MANAGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL OPER- which the Administrator finds that— mittee on the Budget and the Committee on ATIONS, AND BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL DE- ‘‘(i) applying subparagraph (B) would be in- Appropriations of the Senate or the Chair- VELOPMENT consistent with the public interest; persons of the Committee on the Budget and The Committee on Foreign Relations ‘‘(ii) iron and steel products are not pro- the Committee on Appropriations of the Subcommittee on State Department duced in the United States in sufficient and House of Representatives under subsection and USAID Management, International reasonably available quantities and of a sat- (e). Operations, and Bilateral International isfactory quality; or (2) NO RETROACTIVE PAY.—A Member of ‘‘(iii) inclusion of iron and steel products Congress may not receive pay for any period Development is authorized to meet produced in the United States will increase determined by the Chairpersons of the Com- during the session of the Senate on De- the cost of the overall project by more than mittee on the Budget and the Committee on cember 8, 2016, at 10 a.m., to conduct a 25 percent. Appropriations of the Senate or the Chair- hearing entitled ‘‘State Department ‘‘(D) PUBLIC NOTICE; WRITTEN JUSTIFICA- persons of the Committee on the Budget and and USAID Management Challenges TION.— the Committee on Appropriations of the and Opportunities for the Next Admin- ‘‘(i) PUBLIC NOTICE.—If the Administrator House of Representatives under subsection istration.’’ receives a request for a waiver under this (e), at any time after the end of that period. paragraph, the Administrator shall— (e) DETERMINATIONS.— f ‘‘(I) make available to the public on an in- (1) SENATE.— formal basis, including on the public website (A) REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATIONS.—On Oc- of the Administrator— tober 1 of each year, the Secretary of the PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR ‘‘(aa) a copy of the request; and Senate shall submit a request to the Chair- Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- ‘‘(bb) any information available to the Ad- persons of the Committee on the Budget and imous consent that the Army defense ministrator regarding the request; and the Committee on Appropriations of the Sen- ‘‘(II) provide notice of, and opportunity for ate for certification of determinations made fellow for Senator TOM UDALL, Mr. informal public comment on, the request for under clause (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B). Shawn Brown, be granted floor privi- a period of not less than 15 days before mak- (B) DETERMINATIONS.—The Chairpersons of leges for the remainder of the 114th ing a finding under subparagraph (C). the Committee on the Budget and the Com- Congress. ‘‘(ii) WRITTEN JUSTIFICATION.—If, after the mittee on Appropriations of the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without period provided under clause (i), the Admin- shall— objection, it is so ordered. istrator makes a finding under subparagraph (i) on October 1 of each year, make a deter- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask (C), the Administrator shall publish in the mination of whether Congress is in compli- unanimous consent that Ryan Bodge, Federal Register a detailed written justifica- ance with subsection (c) and whether Sen- tion as to why subparagraph (B) is being ators may not be paid under that subsection; my militarily liaison, be granted floor waived. (ii) determine the period of days following privileges for the rest of this weekend. ‘‘(E) APPLICATION.—This paragraph shall be each October 1 that Senators may not be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without applied in a manner consistent with United paid under subsection (c); and objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08DE6.048 S08DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with SENATE December 8, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6929 ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER two leaders be reserved for their use ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. 9, 2016 later in the day; finally, that following TOMORROW Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I leader remarks, the Senate resume Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if ask unanimous consent that when the consideration of the House message to there is no further business to come be- Senate completes its business today, it accompany H.R. 2028. fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- adjourn until 10 a.m., Friday, Decem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sent that it stand adjourned under the ber 9; that following the prayer and objection, it is so ordered. previous order. pledge, the morning hour be deemed There being no objection, the Senate, expired, the Journal of proceedings be at 6:41 p.m., adjourned until Friday, approved to date, and the time for the December 9, 2016, at 10 a.m.

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