E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 No. 205 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was have it, and it seems like up to now consideration of the following nomina- called to order by the President pro there is no way to stop it or cure it, tion, which the clerk will report. tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). but thanks to modern medicine, the The legislative clerk read the nomi- f symptoms can be treated to help pa- nation of Matthew Walden McFarland, tients live a much better life. of Ohio, to be United States District PRAYER Ninety percent of all individuals di- Judge for the Southern District of The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- agnosed with Parkinson’s disease are Ohio. fered the following prayer: on Medicare. Our bill, the bill to reduce The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Let us pray. prescription drug prices, would help ator from Illinois. Eternal God, the giver of every good these seniors afford their medicine TOBACCO TO 21 and perfect gift, help our Senators to with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, this listen clearly to Your sacred Word and In other words, they would know at the week we are going to be voting on some find wisdom in Your guidance. May beginning of the year that they only appropriation bills. They are rather they remember Your teachings and have to spend x number of dollars on large. They call them minibuses. But courageously follow them. drugs, no more. there will be six or eight appropria- As You guide them along the right Of course, this brings me to what tions bills bunched together, and they path, keep them from stumbling. May Congress should be doing. Congress will include things other than strictly they live such exemplary lives that needs to act, not only for those with spending measures. they will be like sunlight at dawn, Parkinson’s disease, but for all Ameri- One of the areas that will be ad- growing brighter with the passing cans who need our help. dressed is the age that you must reach hours. I yield the floor. to purchase tobacco and vaping mate- Lord, give our lawmakers wisdom to I suggest the absence of a quorum. rials in the United States. It is known carefully guard their thoughts, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The euphemistically as T–21, and I have strive to speak truthfully, and to clerk will call the roll. supported it for years. The notion of refuse to deviate from integrity. The legislative clerk proceeded to raising the purchasing age to 21 for We pray in Your great Name. Amen. call the roll. these products, to me, just makes f Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask sense. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE unanimous consent that the order for We know that they are addictive. The President pro tempore led the the quorum call be rescinded. Both cigarette tobacco and vaping ma- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without terials have nicotine in them, a highly I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the objection, it is so ordered. addictive chemical. Raising the age of United States of America, and to the Repub- f purchase across the United States to 21 lic for which it stands, one nation under God, makes sense. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME But I am disappointed as well. Al- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under though I originally sponsored this bill, BLACKBURN). The Senator from Iowa. the previous order, the leadership time there have been several revelations in f is reserved. the last few months, which call for us f to move far beyond the idea of estab- PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING lishing a new age for purchasing these REDUCTION ACT CONCLUSION OF MORNING products, and let me be specific. Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, BUSINESS One of the things we have been work- Senator WYDEN and I received a letter The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning ing on is trying to address the shock- from the Michael J. Fox Foundation business is closed. ing increase in the use of vaping mate- for Parkinson’s Research. Their letter f rials and e-cigarettes by young people endorsed our bipartisan Prescription across America. It has been called a Drug Pricing Reduction Act, which EXECUTIVE SESSION public health epidemic, not by a politi- tries to respond to what we are hearing cian but by the Commissioner of the from our constituents about the public Food and Drug Administration. That outrage over the big increases in pre- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Commissioner told us, as well as the scription drugs. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Surgeon General of the United States, Now, it happens with Parkinson’s dis- the previous order, the Senate will pro- that this is an issue that cannot be ig- ease that about 1 million Americans ceed to executive session to resume nored.

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.000 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 Today, we estimate that nearly 30 years to put an end to these kid-friend- issues, but she is the mother of a teen- percent of school-age children are ly flavor pods. ager, and she decided to speak out vaping—more than 5 million kids Well, the tobacco giant Altria—it against vaping. I thanked her. I praised across America. used to be Philip Morris, if I am not her along with the President. They did A group of young high schoolers mistaken—stepped in and bought the the right thing, but now we are not came in to see me from New York last lion’s share of the stock of Juul, the sure where the President is on this sub- week and said: Senator, you are all most prolific producer of vaping de- ject. We are not sure if he is going to wrong. In our schools it is a majority. vices in the United States. continue his effort to end the scourge A majority of the students are Altria knows this business and how of vaping and e-cigarettes. vaping, not only outside of the school, to attract kids because they used to I hope the President comes back to but even in the classroom. They have make Marlboro cigarettes. Remember the position he announced in Sep- hooked up vaping devices to the cloth- that cowboy designed to appeal across tember. We need his help to ban these ing that they are wearing, and when the board, particularly to young smok- flavor pods. the teacher turns his or her back on ers? The recent appointee as FDA Com- the class, they are puffing on their Well, now they have a new gig. It is missioner, Stephen Hahn, has told me vaping materials—their Juuls—and called vaping, e-cigarettes, and Altria personally and many of my colleagues blowing the white vapor into the air of has bought in in a big way. that he thinks this is a serious issue. I the classroom. They have been taking out ads to believe he ought to be given the au- It sounds incredible, but they told me support raising the Federal age to pur- thority to exercise his legal right and it is true and it happens all over the chase tobacco products to 21. power to stop these pods and stop these school—in the restrooms, in the cafe- Wait a minute. A tobacco company devices as quickly as possible. teria, in the classrooms. wants to raise the age for purchasing I yield the floor. The reason it is happening is that so the products? I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The many students are vaping now and it is They do. They see it as inevitable, but it is also part of their market clerk will call the roll. an addiction. As these students con- The legislative clerk proceeded to strategy. That is the same policy I tinue to vape, their appetite for the call the roll. have supported, and I thank my col- product grows. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Kids are using these products for leagues Senator SCHATZ and Senator ask unanimous consent that the order many reasons, and I can get into the KAINE for joining in the effort, along for the quorum call be rescinded. psychology of it for a minute, but let with Senator ROMNEY. But what we The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. me dwell on the obvious. have seen is that Altria has invested CRAMER). Without objection, it is so or- The flavors that are being sold on $13 billion to acquire a 35-percent stake dered. these vaping materials are designed for in Juul, which controls more than 70 RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER them—to attract children to Juul’s percent of the vaping market. Tobacco The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- products, to flavors like Cotton Candy, is big in vaping. publican leader is recognized. Altria and Juul together now believe Unicorn Milk—whatever the heck that IMPEACHMENT that if the only thing we do is just is—Cool Mint, Mom’s Sugar Cookies, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, all and, yes, Menthol. raise the tobacco age to 21, they will be eyes today are on the House of Rep- According to the Food and Drug Ad- in the clear and they can avoid the resentatives. The country is waiting to ministration, more than 80 percent of scrutiny for their targeted efforts to see whether these House Democrats children who vape start with a flavored hook kids on e-cigarettes. will give in to the temptation that e-cigarette. I disagree. I have made clear that every other House in modern history Now, the vaping industry says: Oh, any T–21, ‘‘Tobacco to 21’’ policy must has managed to resist and misuse the you have got it all wrong. You see, this be coupled with meaningful provisions solemn process of impeachment to is a non-tobacco product which people to get rid of the e-cigarette flavors now blow off partisan steam. I will have can use to get off cigarettes. addicting our kids, but they have more to say on this subject if House Well, that sounds pretty noble; turned to one of their allies, Senator Democrats do, in fact, proceed. doesn’t it? We want people to move MCCONNELL, on this effort, who was an Yesterday I came to the floor to dis- away from something more dangerous, original sponsor on T–21. His party re- cuss one initial aspect of this that con- like tobacco cigarettes. sisted the effort to join the banning of cerns our Senate process. Over the But when you look at the incidence flavor pods for e-cigarettes as part of weekend, my colleague the Democratic of people using this product, it is min- the T–21 bill in our appropriations bill. leader began asking the Senate to iscule in terms of adults with a tobacco I fear that the spending bill will break from precedent, break with the addiction moving to vaping products, come before us and include just the T– unanimous template from 1999, and and the number of children and young 21 policy, and that of course doesn’t ad- begin choreographing the middle of a students moving from non-vaping to dress what is happening with vaping potential trial before we have even vaping is dramatic. As I mentioned, the among children in America. heard opening arguments. official figures are 30 percent of high If we are serious about sparing Amer- Back in 1999, all 100 Senators agreed school students. icans, particularly our kids, from ad- on a simple pretrial resolution that set According to the Food and Drug Ad- dictions to nicotine, it has to reach be- up a briefing, opening arguments, Sen- ministration, one of the things that is yond tobacco cigarettes to vaping. It is ators’ questions, and a vote on a mo- luring young people to this behavior is a mistake not to do so. tion to dismiss. Senators reserved all the flavoring or the flavor pods. Does The public health community agrees other questions, such as witnesses, anyone believe these flavors are in- with me on that. Any serious solution until the trial was underway. That was tended for some 50-year-old chain to skyrocketing rates of youth e-ciga- the unanimous bipartisan precedent smoker who wants to give up on to- rette use must include the removal of from 1999. Put first things first, lay the bacco cigarettes—flavors like Farley’s kid-friendly flavors—not just the to- bipartisan groundwork and leave Gnarly Sauce, Bubble Purp by Chubby bacco industry’s preferred policy—and midtrial questions to the middle of the Bubbles, Blue Razz by Candy King, Cot- I will continue to work with Members trial. ton Candy by Zonk? Some 50-year-old on both sides of the aisle in pushing to I have hoped, and still hope, that the is attracted to Cotton Candy by Zonk? do so. Democratic leader and I can sit down We know better. These flavor pods Finally, let me say on this subject and reproduce that unanimous bipar- are made for kids—to attract kids, get that on September 15, President Trump tisan agreement this time. His decision them started, get them hooked, and held a press conference in the Oval Of- to try to angrily negotiate through the make them lifelong customers. fice on this subject of vaping. Sitting press is unfortunate, but no amount of Together with bipartisan colleagues, next to him was the First Lady of the bluster will change the simple fact that I have pressed the Food and Drug Ad- United States, Melania Trump. She we already have a unanimous bipar- ministration and the White House for doesn’t often stand up on political tisan precedent. If 100 Senators

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.002 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7125 thought this approach was good enough CRs. This is why the Senate should The farmers in South Dakota and for President Clinton, it ought to be pass these bills this way and send them other Northern States faced a problem. good enough for President Trump. to the President’s desk. The Department of Agriculture had set I hope House Democrats see reason to I yield the floor. November 1 as the first date on which pull back from the precipice, but if I suggest the absence of a quorum. farmers could harvest these cover crops they proceed, I hope the Democratic The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for feed or use them for pasture with- leader and I can sit down soon and clerk will call the roll. out having their crop insurance indem- honor the template that was unani- The senior assistant legislative clerk nity reduced. mously agreed to the last time. proceeded to call the roll. Farmers who hayed or grazed before Mr. President, on another matter, in Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask this date faced a reduction in their pre- the meantime, the Senate is busy com- unanimous consent that the order for vent plant indemnity payments, which pleting the legislation our country ac- the quorum call be rescinded. are crop insurance payments to help The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tually needs. Yesterday the Senate them cover their income loss when the objection, it is so ordered. passed the NDAA conference report and The Senator from South Dakota. fields can’t be planted due to flooding put it on President Trump’s desk. or other issues. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT Thanks to the diligence of Chairman While November 1 is a reasonable Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, we are INHOFE and Ranking Member REED, date for farmers in Southern States, wrapping up the year in the Senate, this critical legislation to support our for farmers in Northern States like and I am looking forward to getting armed services will become law for a South Dakota, November 1 is too late home to South Dakota for Christmas. 59th consecutive year. for harvesting thanks to killing frost Before we leave, we will wrap up this APPROPRIATIONS year’s spending bills, including the De- and the risk of late fall and early win- Mr. President, tomorrow we will vote fense funding bill. ter storms. It is too late to maximize on government funding bills the House Yesterday we passed the National De- the use of cover crops for pasture, since passed yesterday. A lot of hard work fense Authorization Act, which is year- a killing frost is liable to flatten cover brought this appropriations process ly legislation to authorize funding for crops before they are grazed. back from the brink. Here are some of our military and our national defense. So, beginning in early May, I started the important things that will happen I am pleased to report that this year’s pressing the Department of Agriculture as a result: stable, full-year funding for bill authorizes the full annual funding to change the November 1 date. In our Armed Forces, including research request for development of the B–21 June, the Department of Agriculture and modernization; the largest pay bomber, which will be coming to Ells- announced that it would move up the raise for our troops in a decade; and worth in the not-too-distant future. November 1 date for 2019 by 2 months, more support for key alliances like The news that Ellsworth Air Force to September 1—a significant amount NATO, close partners like Israel, and Base had been selected as the first of time that allowed South Dakota high-priority areas like Hong Kong. home of the future B–21 Raider was ex- farmers to plant cover crops without The bills also deliver on vital domes- citing news this year. Ellsworth Air worrying about whether they would be tic priorities as well. It funds infra- Force Base has been a priority of mine able to successfully harvest or graze structure and transportation projects. since I first came to the Senate and them. It repeals even more of Obamacare by worked with a lot of dedicated people A year ago this week, the President cutting out more harmful taxes. to prevent Ellsworth from being closed signed into law the 2018 farm bill, Every single State wins in this bill. by the Base Realignment and Closure which contained nearly 20 provisions By way of example, here are a few ways Commission in 2005. that I authored based on input from my State will benefit. This bill keeps Since then, I have worked with the South Dakota farmers and ranchers. the decade-old promise of a new, mod- other Members of the South Dakota This year, I have closely monitored the ern VA medical center with a special delegation and the Air Force and com- Department of Agriculture’s imple- emphasis on care for women veterans. munity leaders to make sure the base mentation of the bill. In particular, I There is support for fighting invasive never again finds itself in the same po- have pressed the Department of Agri- Asian Carp in West Kentucky, for Cen- sition. Among other things, our efforts culture to implement the bill’s im- tral Kentucky’s role in high-tech agri- resulted in the expansion of the Powder provements to the Conservation Re- cultural research. Of course, Kentucky River Training Complex into the larg- serve Program and hold CRP signups, has a huge stake in our Nation’s battle est training airspace in the continental and I am pleased the administration against opioid and substance abuse. I United States. opened a CRP signup earlier this am proud these bills fund housing and It is undoubtedly partly thanks to month. treatment programs established by my this airspace that Ellsworth was cho- When I talk to farmers and ranchers CAREER Act to help those in long- sen as the first home for the B–21. Ells- at home in South Dakota, they empha- term recovery reenter the workforce. worth is going from strength to size that the most important thing Speaking of addiction, I am espe- strength. I am honored to advocate for Washington can do to boost our agri- cially proud that this legislation in- our national security and the airmen culture economy is to take action on cludes my T–21 legislation to raise the at Ellsworth in the U.S. Senate. trade agreements. nationwide age for purchasing tobacco UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA TRADE Farmers and ranchers need access to and vaping products to 21 years old and AGREEMENT new and expanded markets for their help roll back the explosion in tobacco Mr. President, agriculture is the life- products. Just as importantly, they and nicotine use among our Nation’s blood of our economy in South Dakota, need certainty about what inter- youth. and our farmers and ranchers are al- national markets are going to look I am proud to have worked with Sen- ways at the top of my priority list in like going forward. ator KAINE and others on both sides to the Senate. Thanks to national disas- I have spent a lot of time this year ensure that the legislation we drafted ters, protracted trade disputes, and pushing for Congress to approve the became law this year. Senator TODD several years of low commodity prices, United States-Mexico-Canada Trade YOUNG of Indiana was also deeply in- farmers and ranchers have had a tough Agreement. After months and months volved in this as well. I am proud that few years. of unnecessary delay, I am pleased this these bills include direct bipartisan ac- This spring, farmers throughout the agreement is now moving forward. I am tion that I urged to shore up the loom- Midwest were hit with heavy rainfall hopeful the Senate will pass it in Janu- ing pension and healthcare crisis faced and flooding. By the time the soil fi- ary so the farmers and ranchers can by coal communities in Kentucky and nally dried out enough for planting, it start experiencing the benefits. across the Nation. was too late for many farmers to plant RENEWABLE FUELS These are some examples from Ken- their normal crops, and many had to Mr. President, one piece of good news tucky. This legislation touches, in fact, turn quick-growing cover crops that for corn farmers came this year with all 50 States. This is why full-year could be used for feed and grazing and the administration’s announcement funding bills are better than chronic to protect the soil. that it would permit the year-round

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.004 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 sale of E15, which is 15 percent ethanol- South Dakota. The Sioux Falls mayor, nay. Therefore, I ask unanimous con- blended fuel. I spent over a decade ad- Paul TenHaken, has worked aggres- sent that I be permitted to change my vocating the year-round sale of E15, sively to remove barriers to tele- vote since it will not affect the out- and I was very pleased by the adminis- communications investment in Sioux come. tration’s announcement. Falls. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without However, for corn farmers to see the Advancing 5G will continue to be a objection, it is so ordered. full benefit of year-round E15 sales, the priority of mine here in the Senate. We Ms. HASSAN. Thank you. Environmental Protection Agency want the United States, not China or I yield the floor. needs to start accounting for its un- South Korea, to win the race to 5G and I suggest the absence of a quorum. precedented use of small refinery ex- to seize the economic benefits that 5G The PRESIDING OFFICER. The emptions. These so-called hardship will bring. clerk will call the roll. waivers should be limited only to in- Another thing I have spent a lot of The senior assistant legislative clerk stances where small refiners would no time working on in the Commerce proceeded to call the roll. longer be profitable or competitive by Committee this year is data privacy. In Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask complying with their blending obliga- October, I introduced the Filter Bubble unanimous consent that the order for tion under the renewable fuel standard. Transparency Act, which is designed to the quorum call be rescinded. On Friday, the EPA is poised to final- address one aspect of the data privacy The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ize a supplemental rule that it assures problem—the issues that arise from objection, it is so ordered. us will deliver on the President’s com- internet companies’ use of consumers’ f mitments to account for waivers and to personal data to shape what consumers truly blend 15 billion gallons of ethanol see on their platforms. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued each year. I also introduced legislation this year RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER However, based on this EPA’s track with Senator ED MARKEY to address record, it is difficult to trust it will re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the problem of annoying, illegal Democratic leader is recognized. treat from its aggressive issuance of robocalls. I am hopeful that our legis- IMPEACHMENT small refinery exemptions. I hope the lation, the Telephone Robocall Abuse EPA proves me wrong, but I think I Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, in re- speak for most of farm country when I Act—or the TRACED Act—will pass sponse to the limited set of relevant say I will believe it when I see it. the Senate soon and be on the Presi- witnesses I proposed for a potential On the topic of renewable fuels, I am dent’s desk before Christmas. Senate trial earlier this week, the Re- happy to be able to say that the bio- I have worked on a lot of other bills publican leader gave a lengthy speech diesel tax credit will be extended for 5 this year to make life better for South on the floor yesterday and another years, through 2022, as part of this Dakotans and American families. I speech today. In neither of those year’s tax extenders deal. Biodiesel is a have introduced tax reform bills to speeches could the Republican leader good deal for farmers, as it adds value help small businesses, update the tax offer one salient argument as to why to each bushel of soybeans by making code for the 21st century economy, en- the witnesses I proposed—all senior use of the oil from bean processing, and courage charitable giving, and perma- Trump administration officials— it is a good deal for our environment nently protect family farms from the shouldn’t be allowed to testify. In- because the use of this fuel lowers death tax. I have introduced legislation stead, he made what are, in my view, emissions. to protect access to healthcare in rural irrelevant and incomplete comparisons MOBILE NOW ACT areas, helped Americans repay their to the 1999 Clinton trial. Mr. President, as a former chairman student loans, and much more. I will When faced with the fact that it is of the Senate Commerce Committee continue to work on these issues in the only fair to have these witnesses, who and current chair of the Commerce new year. were eyewitnesses to the major, major Subcommittee on Communications, As always, my priority will be ensur- allegations against the President and Technology, Innovation, and the Inter- ing that Congress is addressing the who had not testified before, the leader net, I have spent a lot of time over the challenges facing South Dakota fami- can’t talk about 2019. He has to go back last few years focused on Internet, lies. to 1999 because he has no good argu- communications, and data privacy The holidays are a time to reflect on ment as to why they shouldn’t testify. issues. the blessings we have received, and I We are not asking to be dilatory. We One big priority of mine has been feel truly blessed to call the great are not asking for a list of 4,000 wit- paving the way for 5G—the next gen- State of South Dakota home. It is an nesses. We are simply asking that eration of wireless technology—ensur- honor and a privilege to represent the those who know the truth best come ing that rural areas and not just big people of South Dakota in the U.S. and talk to us here in the Senate and cities get this technology. Senate. to the American people. Last year, the President signed the To all South Dakotans, I hope you There is one fact that is impossible law, my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act, have a wonderful Christmas and a joy- for the Senate to ignore. In the two which was legislation I introduced to ous holiday season. I look forward to Presidential impeachment trials in the help secure adequate spectrum for 5G continuing to represent your priorities history of this body, the Senate heard technology. here in Washington and in the coming from witnesses, but Leader MCCONNELL STREAMLINE SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT ACT new year. continues to push for no witnesses in Mr. President, earlier this year, Sen- I yield the floor. the Senate trial. I have yet to hear an ator SCHATZ and I introduced the I suggest the absence of a quorum. explanation as to why less evidence is STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment The PRESIDING OFFICER. The better than more evidence, particu- Act to address the other part of the 5G clerk will call the roll. larly when it comes to something as equation. That is infrastructure. The senior assistant legislative clerk somber, as serious, and as important as I was thrilled to be home in Sioux proceeded to call the roll. impeachment of the President of the Falls to mark a huge milestone for the Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask United States of America. city and for South Dakota—the unveil- unanimous consent that the order for Leader MCCONNELL keeps talking ing of Sioux Falls’ first 5G small cells, the quorum call be rescinded. about 1999 because he doesn’t want to which are small antennas that will join The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without talk about 2019. The two situations are traditional cell towers to support 5G objection, it is so ordered. not analogous. Rather than focus on technology. f the past, the Republican leader should 5G has tremendous promise for rural focus on the present and offer one good areas, but it will deliver on that prom- CHANGE OF VOTE reason why relevant witnesses ise only if we ensure that 5G cells are Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, on roll- shouldn’t testify in an impeachment actually deployed in these areas. I am call vote No. 380, I was recorded as yea. trial of President Trump, particularly proud we have made a good start in It was my intention to be recorded as in light of the fact that we have not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.006 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7127 heard from them. They probably have from appearing and documents from and energy efficiency programs, better evidence than anybody, even being produced—Mr. President, we are record-level funding to provide clean, though the evidence the House has pre- offering you the due process you electric buses, and increased funding pared, in the eyes of so many, is over- sought in your letter last night. Allow for climate change science and re- whelming. your current and former aides— search. I was disappointed to hear yesterday Mulvaney, Blair, Duffey, Bolton—to For the first time in decades, Demo- that Leader MCCONNELL declared that testify on your behalf. Turn over all crats have secured $25 million in gun he would not be an impartial juror the requested documents and show that violence research at the CDC and NIH, when it comes to the serious charges you and your aides didn’t try to use breaking through what had been a ri- against President Trump. He said it taxpayer money to force a foreign gov- diculous ban on fact—another ban on proudly. What kind of example does ernment to announce an investigation fact now broken because we can do gun that set for the country, which is look- against your political opponent. Let violence research. Medical research, ing for fairness and impartiality? the truth come out. scientific research, environmental pro- In the event of a trial, every Senator Mr. President, we are offering you tection, and education and housing will swear an oath—different from our due process. Due process means the programs will see significant increases standard oath of office—to do impartial right to be heard. Please take it. Don’t in Federal support. justice, but yesterday MCCONNELL told ask for it and then refuse to take ad- Of course, we did not achieve every- reporters: ‘‘I’m not an impartial juror. vantage of it. thing we wanted. I am particularly and This is a political process. I’m not im- President Trump, you have a habit of strongly disappointed, for one, that the partial about this at all.’’ Let me re- accusing others of the offenses that tax agreement included in the second peat that. Let the American people you have, in fact, committed. You ac- package omits critical clean energy hear it loud and clear. The Republican cuse the House of affording no due tax incentives to fight climate change, leader said proudly: ‘‘I’m not an impar- process while obstructing the process including incentives for electric vehi- tial juror. . . . I’m not impartial about every step of the way. If you truly cles, battery storage, and offshore wind this at all.’’ This is an astonishing ad- want due process to present your side and solar energy. This is a fight we mission of partisanship. The President of the case, President Trump, let your have been waging and we will continue may demand these public displays of aides testify and turn over the docu- to wage. It is a fight Democrats intend fealty, but they are troubling for the ments we requested. to return to in 2020 when we negotiate leader of an independent branch of our We want to conduct a fair trial—fair the next tax agreement. government. I hope all Senators will to both sides. We don’t know whether I am also sorely and deeply dis- take seriously the oath to do impartial the witnesses we propose will incrimi- appointed that we were unable to reach justice that we seem likely to take in nate the President or exonerate him. an agreement on the drinking water the near future. They are the appointees of President standard and more resources to clean The House of Representatives, of Donald J. Trump; they are hardly bi- up PFAS contamination—a toxic course, will take a historic vote today ased. We don’t know what their testi- chemical that has plagued too many on the impeachment of President Don- mony will be, but we do know one communities in New York and across ald J. Trump. If the articles of im- thing: We should hear from them. We the country. People on the other side of the aisle peachment are passed, the focus will just want the facts—‘‘Just the facts, should look at these. The President, quickly move to the Senate, where our ma’am,’’ as Detective Friday says— who was against many of these pro- Chamber will serve as a court of im- facts that will allow Senators to make posals, should reexamine them. We peachment. We must, very soon, figure fully informed decisions about some- need them. Senate Democrats—Senator out the rules and procedures that will thing as serious—so serious—as the LEAHY, the appropriators—have done a conviction or acquittal of an im- allow the Senate to rise to this occa- lot of hard work on this issue. Our dis- peached President. sion. appointment today will in no way di- Despite our disagreements, I do ex- Each individual Senator will have minish our resolve to force Congress to pect to sit down with Leader MCCON- the power and will have the responsi- take further actions next year, particu- NELL in the near future to discuss these bility to help shape what an impeach- larly on PFAS and on clean energy. matters. I have proposed a very reason- ment trial looks like. Do my Repub- I yield the floor. able structure for a trial based on the lican colleagues want a fair and honest CLOTURE MOTION trial that examines all the facts, or do grand American tradition of a fair and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant they want to participate in a coverup? speedy trial. We propose four wit- to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the nesses—only those with direct knowl- APPROPRIATIONS Senate the pending cloture motion, edge of the charges made by the House; Mr. President, now on appropria- which the clerk will state. only those who could provide new, rel- tions, before the week concludes, we The senior assistant legislative clerk evant, and potentially illuminating must pass legislation to keep the gov- read as follows: testimony—and place strict time lim- ernment open and provide appropria- CLOTURE MOTION its on each stage of the process to pre- tions for the following year. Luckily, We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- vent the trial from dragging out too over the weekend, an agreement was ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the long. No one is interested in delaying. reached between appropriators—House Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The Senate’s goal, above all, should and Senate, Democratic and Repub- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- be to conduct a trial with dignity, fair- lican—that would see us achieve that nation of Matthew Walden McFarland, of ness to both sides, and one that exam- goal. Ohio, to be United States District Judge for ines all the relevant facts. There are I am proud to report that the final the Southern District of Ohio. large partisan divisions these days, but appropriations agreements include sev- Rick Scott, Steve Daines, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, Marco Rubio, Lindsey I suspect most Senate Republicans eral important Democratic priorities Graham, John Boozman, John Hoeven, would agree with these goals. I suspect to help American families and to help Roy Blunt, John Thune, John Cornyn, that even President Trump would agree American security. Deb Fischer, Mike Rounds, John Bar- with these goals—or at least say that Democrats have secured more than rasso, James E. Risch, Tim Scott, he did. The President has repeatedly $425 million in election security Mitch McConnell. complained about a lack of due process grants—nearly double the amount Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- and said that he ‘‘would love’’—his ate Republicans reluctantly supported imous consent, the mandatory quorum words—‘‘would love’’ for aides like Mr. in earlier legislation. Democrats have call has been waived. Mulvaney to testify in the Senate. secured an increase of $550 million in The question is, Is it the sense of the Setting aside for the moment that grants to help offset the cost of Senate that debate on the nomination the President has refused to partici- childcare for low-income families. of Matthew Walden McFarland, of pate in the House process despite mul- Democrats have made progress on sev- Ohio, to be United States District tiple invitations; setting aside for the eral fronts to combat climate change, Judge for the Southern District of moment that he has blocked witnesses record-level funding for clean energy Ohio, shall be brought to a close?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.008 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 The yeas and nays are mandatory only incentivizes more hostage-taking. jail, which is a good thing, but they re- under the rule. It is exactly the behavior you would main under house arrest. The clerk will call the roll. expect from hostage-takers, and it is So while Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio The senior assistant legislative clerk exactly the behavior we have seen Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Gustavo called the roll. played out over and over. My col- Cardenas, Tomeu Vadell, and Jose Mr. THUNE. The following Senators leagues and I, along with the Trump Angel Pereira are no longer under the are ncessarily absent: the Senator from administration, have sought other constant threat of dying from abuse North Carolina (Mr. BURR), the Senator ways of securing the release of Amer- and neglect, they are still very much from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). ican hostages. held captive and away from their loved Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Sometimes what is called for is diplo- ones. Today, here in the gallery, are Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), matic pressure. So early in my tenure Gabriela and Alirio Rafael, the daugh- the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- in the Senate, the very first bill that I ter and the brother of Alirio Zambrano. RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. passed into law was legislation that These five Texans and one KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from kept Iranian regime figures who had Louisianan are now 2 years into their Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- seized American hostages in 1979 from nightmarish journey. They had been ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) receiving diplomatic visas to come into summoned to Caracas a week shy of are necessarily absent. the United States. Thanksgiving, and upon their arrival, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. I also recently joined with Senator they were summarily detained and re- SASSE). Are there any other Senators COTTON to introduce the Global Hos- mained in jail on orders of the Ven- in the Chamber desiring to vote? tage Act, a bill that would require the ezuelan military. They would go days The yeas and nays resulted—-yeas 55, President to impose sanctions on for- without food and months without sun- nays 38, as follows: eign government officials responsible light, but the random punishments [Rollcall Vote No. 401 Ex.] for taking Americans hostage. were nothing if not persistent. YEAS—55 The Trump administration recently I have met members of the Citgo 6 secured the release of Americans held families many times. Alexandra Alexander Gardner Portman Barrasso Graham Risch hostage in Iran without the need for Forseth, Alirio Zambrano’s daughter, Blackburn Grassley Roberts pallets of cash flown in the darkness of shared with me haunting accounts that Blunt Hawley Romney night. Nevertheless, all of these solu- came from her father. He described ex- Boozman Hoeven Rounds tions are imperfect. So it is no surprise actly how harrowing the experience Braun Hyde-Smith Rubio Brown Inhofe Sasse that even in countries where we enjoy has been and the physical toll it has Capito Johnson Scott (FL) successes, those successes are often taken. Cassidy Jones Scott (SC) heartbreakingly partial, with hostages These families have left no stones Collins Kennedy Shelby Cornyn Lankford left behind. unturned in their efforts to bring back Sinema Cotton Lee Today, I want to talk about two their loved ones. They have hired law- Cramer Manchin Sullivan countries, specifically, where Ameri- yers who have grappled with the shift- Crapo McConnell Thune Cruz McSally Tillis cans from my home State of Texas are ing and inadequate legal institutions in Daines Moran Toomey languishing today. Venezuela, and they have found little Enzi Murkowski Wicker In Syria we have seen some Ameri- recourse. Ernst Paul Young cans released while others remain away After years of this literal darkness, Fischer Perdue from their families. This summer, just last week the Citgo 6 were released NAYS—38 American Sam Goodwin and Canadian to house arrest. This is progress. It is Baldwin Hassan Rosen Kristian Baxter were released by cap- undeniable progress, but it is far from Bennet Heinrich Schatz tors in Syria, which were joyful devel- enough. Here, too, we must redouble Blumenthal Hirono Schumer opments on their own and encouraging our efforts to ensure their full release, Cantwell Kaine Shaheen Cardin King Smith signs of progress. But Austin Tice re- to ensure that they can come home to Carper Leahy Stabenow mains in captivity after more than 7 America. Every effort must be made to Casey Markey Tester agonizing years. Austin is a Texan and bring them back to the United States, Coons Menendez Udall Cortez Masto Merkley a veteran Marine Corps captain who to their families, to their children, to Van Hollen Duckworth Murphy Warner served our country in Iraq and Afghan- their homes. Durbin Murray Whitehouse istan. He was working as a freelance Sergio Cardenas, the son of Gustavo Feinstein Peters Gillibrand Reed Wyden journalist to inform Americans about Cardenas, was born with a rare disease, the horror of the Syrian conflict when and at the age of 17, he is battling NOT VOTING—7 he was captured. chronic congestive heart failure. The Booker Isakson Warren I have repeatedly had the oppor- doctors and his family are gravely con- Burr Klobuchar Harris Sanders tunity to sit down and visit with Aus- cerned that he will never see his father. tin’s parents, Marc and Debra. Austin’s Jose Toledo’s mother is severely The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this picture sits on my desk in my Senate handicapped and requires constant vote, the yeas are 55, the nays are 38. office, and I remain committed to medical attention and care. Alirio and The motion is agreed to. working with President Trump, with Jose Luis both have teenage daughters The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the Trump administration, with my currently in high school. These fami- ator from Texas. colleagues in Congress to bring Austin lies are waiting for their fathers, for HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS home. their sons, for their husbands to come Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise today I joined with 51 Senators, 120 Rep- home. to talk about one of our most com- resentatives to write a letter to Presi- Venezuela has a seat on the United plicated areas where diplomats have to dent Trump affirming that ‘‘the Tice Nations Human Rights Council. If engage when brutal regimes and terror family and your own administration human rights means anything, it is groups seize Americans and use them are confident that Austin is alive’’ and that citizens of all countries are enti- as hostages, hoping to extract conces- calling on President Trump to redouble tled to speedy due process and that sions from our government. These are our country’s efforts to bring him human rights violations must have situations that are infuriating, and home. No one should doubt the entire human rights remedies. The Citgo 6 they are heartbreaking. At the same U.S. Government’s commitment to this have suffered enough. It is past time time, they are immensely complicated. task. for them to be released back to their There are no easy solutions when deal- Secondly, in Venezuela, we have also families. ing with hostage-takers. seen partial progress but partial Finally, let me say I believe that the We know what doesn’t work. We progress of a different sort. In the case light of truth—calling attention to know that paying ransom for hostages, of the Citgo 6—five American citizens these human rights atrocities—can as the Obama administration did with and one permanent American resi- overcome the darkness of imprison- Iran to the tune of billions of dollars, dent—they have been released from ment. The voices of the families and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.011 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7129 the voices of those who speak out on meha schools. His father, brother, sis- The good news about all this legisla- their behalf resonate and resonate ter, and sister-in-law are also civilian tion is that we all agree that the FCC loudly. Those who are keeping Ameri- employees at the shipyard, where he should conduct a public auction of the cans wrongfully imprisoned, who are served as a metals inspector appren- 5G spectrum. committing evil, should know that we tice. He was dearly loved by his family, What does that mean? We all have will not give up. We will not rest until which includes his wife, parents, sib- heard about 5G. It is extraordinarily these Americans are set free. lings, aunties, uncles, grandmother, fast internet—100 times faster than we I yield the floor. cousins, and friends. have right now. But in order for 5G to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- His wife offered these loving words: work, there is a certain part of our ator from Hawaii. I have been through a lot of tragedy in my spectrum, or our radio waves, if you PEARL HARBOR NAVAL SHIPYARD SHOOTING life, but nothing compares to losing the love will, that the telecommunications have Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, 2 weeks of your life. I will miss you truly, and I will to use to deliver the 5G service. It is ago today, the State of Hawaii was in always love you Vincent J. Kapoi Jr. called the C-band. shock as an active shooter took the His sister Theona said in a family Of course, when we communicate be- lives of two workers at Pearl Harbor statement: tween and among each other on the Naval Shipyard and wounded a third He will always be that easy going, fun lov- internet or by cell phones through worker. ing, ‘‘let’s do this’’ man that will remain in wireless technology, all we are doing is Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor our hearts. There are so many unanswered sending electromagnetic radiation or questions. We all have to be honest, it Hickam, the shipyard is a pillar of our radio waves from my device to your de- changes nothing because we can’t bring him vice. It is obviously more complicated community. It employs over 6,400 back. What we must do is honor his memory, workers who labor every day to keep keep him alive in our hearts. than that, but at its fundamental level, our Pacific Fleet ‘‘Fit to Fight.’’ that is what it is. I also want to honor Roger These radio waves and the airwaves Hawaii is a small place where we Nakamine, who was wounded in the at- have deep connections to one another. through which though radio waves tack. Mr. Nakamine was working as a travel—this electromagnetic radi- Almost everyone in Hawaii either is re- civilian apprentice at the shipyard lated to or knows someone who works ation—belong to the American people. when he was wounded. It is called spectrum, and that is what on base or in the shipyard. In my State Upon leaving the hospital about a we mean when we talk about 5G spec- office in Honolulu, a member of my week after the attack, Mr. Nakamine staff has a son who is an apprentice at trum. We can’t lose sight of that fact. said: The wireless telecommunication the shipyard and who was there that My family and I would like to express our day. These connections are part of the companies provide an extraordinary gratitude to the first responders and the ex- service. They are going to make 5G reason why the shooting has impacted pert medical staff at Queen’s, as well as to our State so deeply. Too many families all the friends and extended ‘ohana who have possible with the help of the U.S. Gov- were waiting that day for news of their been reaching out to offer their support ernment and our other forms of govern- loved ones in harm’s way. physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our ment, but we cannot lose sight of the The investigation into what hap- deepest condolences go out to the friends and fact that none of this would be possible pened is ongoing, and there is no easy family of Vincent Kapoi Jr. and Roldan without that spectrum, and that is Agustin. explanation for what happened and owned by the American people. That why. Roldan and Vincent, like thousands spectrum is essential. It is clear that no community in our of their fellow workers, dedicated As a result of the efforts of some country is immune from the tragedy of themselves to the shipyard’s critically swamp creatures both in and out of gun violence. Today, I rise to honor the important mission of repairing, main- government, we came that close to lives of those we lost—Roldan A. taining, and modernizing the U.S. Pa- having this spectrum, which belongs to Agustin and Vincent J. Kapoi, Jr. cific Fleet in defense of our country. the American people and is worth as Mr. Kapoi and Mr. Agustin were both In recognition of their service and in much as $30 billion to $60 billion, given dedicated Department of Defense— keeping with the words of their fami- away in a backroom through a private DOD—civilian shipyard workers and lies, I ask all my colleagues to join me auction to three satellite companies members of the International Federa- in honoring the lives of those we lost: that happen to be domiciled in foreign tion of Professional and Technical En- Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi, Jr. countries. gineers Local 121. This is a photograph that depicts the The excuse given was that these Roldan Agustin was 49 years old and memorial, which was set up the day three foreign satellite companies can lived in Ewa Beach. He was adored by after this tragedy, where friends and conduct an auction themselves and al- his family, who describe him as a ‘‘true family brought lei to honor their fallen locate it to the American tele- American patriot’’ who dedicated his heroes, their loved ones. communication companies that need it career to his country. After serving I yield the floor. for 5G faster than the FCC can, even The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- honorably in the U.S. Navy, Mr. though the FCC has only conducted ator from Louisiana. Agustin also served in the Army Na- about 100 of these public auctions gen- tional Guard, retiring as a staff ser- 5G erating about $123 billion for the Amer- geant, having deployed to Afghanistan Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I rise ican people. Why? Because the Amer- and Kuwait. briefly today to thank a number of my ican people own the spectrum that is At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, he colleagues—first, the senior Senator being auctioned off. It is theirs. But served as a DOD civilian employee, from Mississippi, ROGER WICKER, who there was a proposal that came that working as a shop planner in non- has offered a bill called the 5G Spec- close to passing the FCC to just give destructive testing and a metals in- trum Act. this spectrum to these three companies spector. I have offered a bill pertaining to the and let them keep the $30 to $60 billion In paying tribute to their lost loved 5G spectrum, as well, and my two that the spectrum auction would have one, Mr. Agustin’s family said in a Democratic friends, Senator SCHATZ generated and let them decide who was statement: and Senator CANTWELL, have offered a going to get to participate in the 5G bill on that subject as well. throughout our country. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Having grown up in We have been working enthusiasti- I thank the FCC. Fortunately, the Waipahu, Roldan enjoyed working on cars cally and in good faith for some time FCC, at the last minute, said no, and I with his friends and spending time with his to try to work out our differences on want to thank them. Hence, we have family and adored his nieces. We will forever this legislation so that we could pass it the legislation by Senators WICKER, remember Roldan to be humble and honest, this calendar year. I regret that we are CANTWELL, SCHATZ, and myself, and the and a generous and patient man. not going to be able to work out our good news about the legislation is that Vincent Kapoi was 30 years old and differences for the moment, but we are it would require a public auction by lived in Honolulu. He grew up in going to continue our efforts in good the FCC of the spectrum that belongs Waianae and graduated from Kameha- faith. to the American people. The auction

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.013 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 would be open to anybody who wants to NOMINATION OF DANIEL MACK TRAYNOR rare in Congress these days. On Mon- bid. There would be a fair and level Mr. President, later today the Senate day—on Monday, after 4 long years of playing field, and it would be con- will have the opportunity to vote on working hard through many uncertain- ducted in front of God and country in a President Trump’s second nomination ties, Congress came together—Demo- public meeting. The best way to resist to the U.S. District Court for North crats and Republicans—to secure temptation is a strong set of values, a Dakota. My friend, Dan Traynor, has healthcare and pensions for our Na- proper upbringing, and witnesses. been nominated and we will be voting tion’s coal miners. We did our job. This There will be witnesses to this auction. on his confirmation to be district judge confirms to me that we can do so much What we cannot agree on is how for our district. more. This is so important. much money, if any, to give to the for- I have known Dan for a long time. It was the coal miners of America eign satellite companies. You ask: Why That is why I was honored to rec- who made us look beyond politics. should we give them a dime? Well, the ommend him to the President and These were hard-working people. They pleased when the President nominated foreign satellite companies, the three weren’t Democrats or Republicans; him earlier this year. they were hard-working Americans companies to which this spectrum was Dan received his bachelor’s degree who built America. almost given, are currently using this from the University of North Dakota spectrum. They don’t need all of it. I want to give my sincere thanks to and his jurist doctorate from the Uni- all of my colleagues for putting par- They don’t even need close to all of it, versity of North Dakota School of Law. tisan politics aside and for rising above but they have been using it for a num- He clerked for the legendary chief jus- the divisiveness and tribalism in order ber of years. The FCC just gave it to tice of the North Dakota Supreme to keep the promise that was made in them. They didn’t pay a dime for it. Court, Gerald VandeWalle, before head- 1946. Now, I am not criticizing. They put it ing to Devils Lake, ND, where he Over 70 years ago, President Harry to good use, but they don’t own it. joined his family’s law firm and where Truman recognized the importance of They don’t have a license. They have he works today. sort of a 30-day, month-to-month lease. Since that time, he has spent a cou- the workers who produced the coal for That is the way I think of it. And the ple of decades in various capacities, this country. After World War II, we lease agreement says that the FCC can practicing various types of law, includ- had to keep this economy moving, we take it back any time it wants to. ing being the assistant city attorney had to keep it churning, and we Since the satellite companies have for Devils Lake. His extensive criminal couldn’t do it without the energy. Coal been using the spectrum and they have and civil experience both as a pros- was basically the driver of this at that customers, we want to be fair to these ecutor and defender in State and Fed- time, and there was a promise that the companies. Certainly, when we decide eral courts and also in Tribal court are government would guarantee our brave how to allocate the proceeds of the the main qualifications I think he coal miners benefits in return for their public auction in front of God and brings to this important position. services. This agreement was a sacred country, which the FCC is going to Again, I am honored to support him. promise between workers and our coun- conduct, we certainly want to consider He has tried about 80-plus cases to a try, and it captured the very best of the satellite companies’ interests. But verdict or judgment or to a final deci- our American values. This week, we kept the promise by I am not going to support giving them sion, which I think is very good experi- including the Bipartisan American half of the money this auction gen- ence for somebody who is then going to Miners Act in the end-of-the-year fund- erates because this money belongs to stand in judgment. In addition, the ing bill. We kept our promise to 13,000 the American people. It can be used to ABA gave him a unanimous ‘‘well retired coal miners and their families extend 5G and other forms of qualified’’ rating. He has also been rec- ognized since 2015 as a ‘‘super lawyer.’’ who will not lose their healthcare by broadband to those of us who don’t live In 2017 he received Martindale-Hub- the end of the year. We kept our prom- in major cities but happen to live in bell’s ‘‘AV Preeminent Rating.’’ ise to the 92,000 coal miners and their rural areas and are all still very much So Dan’s academic record, experi- families who will not see their pensions Americans. ence, and qualifications are more than drastically reduced starting next year. So I rise today to say thanks to Sen- adequate to be a good district judge. Coal miners are the most patriotic ator WICKER, and I mean that from the What makes him an exception is that people in America. They have done the bottom of my heart. I learned so much Dan and his wife Trish, who is an Air heavy lifting. They have done every- from working with him. I thank Sen- Force veteran, are raising a beautiful thing that has been asked of them by ators CANTWELL and SCHATZ. We are family and are what we call pillars of this country. They provided the energy going to keep working toward a com- their community and our State. As for that made us the greatest country on promise in a way that will allocate this Dan’s family, his mom and dad, Jack Earth and the superpower—the only su- money to everybody fairly and effi- and Jane, I know quite well, and they perpower in the world today. ciently. are what we would call legends in their Because of what they have done for I am going to end as I began—that community and in our State. our country, we have won two World first and foremost in my mind is the The bottom line is that Dan is emi- Wars. We have built iconic American American people because the American nently qualified in every way, includ- cities, and we have a strong middle people own this spectrum. ing possessing the character, de- class. They continue to provide the re- I don’t own this spectrum. The U.S. meanor, and temperament, as well as sources that make us the energy leader Senate doesn’t own the spectrum. The the intellectual capacity, to be an ex- of the world, all while advancing the cellent judge. I look forward to voting three foreign satellite companies don’t American dream. own the spectrum. The FCC doesn’t for him, and I urge my colleagues to do The journey has not been short, and own the spectrum. The telecommuni- the same. it sure hasn’t been easy. In 2015, we I yield the floor. cations companies, for which we are knew the United Mineworkers of Amer- grateful, don’t own the spectrum. The I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ica’s 1974 pension plan was severely un- American people own the spectrum, clerk will call the roll. derfunded. Unlike other public and pri- and the vast majority of the money The legislative clerk proceeded to vate pension plans, the 1974 pension generated by this public auction should call the roll. plan was well managed and funded go to them. Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I ask prior to the crash in 2008—the eco- I yield the floor. unanimous consent that the order for nomic financial crisis we had—which The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the quorum call be rescinded. hit at a time when the plan was being ator from North Dakota. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. drawn down more than ever because Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, before I LANKFORD). Without objection, it is so more people were retiring. The mining begin my comments about an upcom- ordered. of coal, with the new automation, was ing nominee, I want to say in response BIPARTISAN AMERICAN MINERS ACT being replaced, and a lot of miners to Senator KENNEDY that I agree 100 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise were retiring out of it. This was cou- percent. Thank you. today to talk about something very pled with the fact that many of the

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I It placed the plan on the road to in- bicameral. telegraphed it by December 11. There solvency, and that was what started In February of 2018, I was appointed were no surprises. the collapse. If the plan became insol- to the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Se- After many negotiations with the vent, these coal miners would have had lect Committee. I had the task of solv- House of Representatives and the their pensions cut, and the government ing the country’s pension crisis, includ- White House, we finally secured a per- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ing our coal miners, with all of our manent fix in the spending deal, ensur- would have had to step in and assume other pensioners in our Central States ing retired coal miners will not lose billions of dollars in liabilities. That who are in dire need of our help too. their healthcare or pensions. would have started a tumbling effect The United Mine Workers pension Throughout all of these years, thou- on all of our privately insured and pri- fund was the first fund in jeopardy. So sands of retired coal miners from all vate pension plans. That is what we I made it very clear during that—I across the country have come to Con- were trying to prevent from happening. said: If this starts tumbling, if this gress. I know you have seen them That is why I wrote the Miners Pro- goes down, we will have to count on walking around. They have their shirts tection Act and introduced it with my the PBGC, which basically is Federal on, their proud green shirts, if they are fellow Senator from West Virginia, Government funded, and if that hap- working. They are walking the halls, SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, and Senators pens, we are going to put that in insol- meeting with every person in Congress BOB CASEY and SHERROD BROWN. It was vency. Then everything starts tum- they possibly can to tell their stories bipartisan from day one. bling at a much faster rate, and it and meeting with every Member. The I was told to go through the regular would be an absolute financial calam- reason for that is, these are people who order, which I did. In March of 2016, ity for this country. have truly given their heart and soul, Cecil Roberts, the President of the Things came to a head in October of their blood, and their sweat to this UMWA, testified in front of the Senate this year. Murray Energy declared country, and they are just saying: This Finance Committee, and the Miners bankruptcy just this October. The larg- is something we negotiated. We didn’t Protection Act was passed out of the est coal producer we have for union take the money home. We basically in- Finance Committee in September with workers was the Murray coal company. vested this money into our pension and strong bipartisan support and the They declared bankruptcy. Basically, our healthcare, and now because of a chairman of the majority. that significantly sped up the deadline bankruptcy loophole, we are the last in A month later, 16,300 retired coal for pensions and truly put us in a debt line, and we lose everything. Some- miners and their widows received no- spiral. thing is wrong. It is not who we are as tices that their healthcare would be Instead of going insolvent in 2022, Americans. terminated by the end of that year. I which is what was predicted, the So we worked through all of this. knew—I knew we could not let Con- UMWA pension fund would now expe- They walked the halls tirelessly, fight- gress leave for Christmas without fix- dite—speed up to insolvency by 2020, ing for what they earned, for what they ing it. This is a tactic that I haven’t next year. Not only that, but in be- paid for, and truly for what they de- used. It is one of the rules and one of tween the time of securing healthcare served. the privileges as a U.S. Senator that and now three coal companies had gone This would have never happened each one of us has. In December of 2016, bankrupt, putting another 13,000 more without their relentless dedication. I at that time, I said I will shut down the coal miners in jeopardy of losing their have said this. They dedicated them- government. I will make us go through healthcare, 1,000 would have lost theirs selves religiously, for almost 4 years, the process and stay here as long as it at the end of this month and another day in and day out, coming here—com- will take to get this taken care of. I 12,000 at the end of March. ing here at their expense. It has been wanted to make sure that not one coal This bankruptcy, in particular, got the honor of my life to fight alongside miner would lose their healthcare. the attention of many of my col- them. I can’t be more proud of any- MITCH MCCONNELL would agree to leagues. I appreciate all of you so thing I have been able to do in public nothing more than a 4-month extension much, knowing how difficult this was service than to stand shoulder to on healthcare at that time. So 16,300 going to be on so many people and shoulder with the people who have coal miners would have been forced to their families. made America great. I feel so honored sit through the holidays and another 4 It was a call to action for Congress to to have had that opportunity. months of uncertainty, not knowing step up to the plate and honor the I thank all of my colleagues, current when it was going to come to an end. promises made to our miners. In 1946, and former Members of this body, who You talk about cruel and unusual pun- that was the only pension system in have stood with them throughout the ishment—that was it. America that had the silver approval of years, even when the going got ex- Things started to look up, though. In Congress and the President of the tremely tough. January of 2017, I received assurances United States—the only one. I ask unanimous consent to have from then-President-elect Donald In November, I was proud to partner printed in the RECORD a list of all of Trump that he was committed to find- with a bipartisan group of my col- those who have cosponsored these bills. ing a fix, but by March, 22,600 coal min- leagues again, including the majority There being no objection, the mate- ers received letters telling them their leader this time, which I am so appre- rial was ordered to be printed in the healthcare would be terminated by the ciative of. It is an act that would intro- RECORD, as follows: end of April. By the end of April, it duce the Bipartisan American Miners SENATE COSPONSORS OF SENATOR MANCHIN’S would be gone. Act that would secure pensions for MINERS PENSIONS AND HEALTHCARE BILLS In typical fashion, Congress waited 92,000 coal miners and their families S.2788—BIPARTISAN AMERICAN MINERS ACT OF until the very last minute, but on May and 13,000 coal miners and their fami- 2019 (116TH CONGRESS) 1, we secured a permanent healthcare lies who would get healthcare. Even 1. Capito fix for 22,600 retired coal miners and though that was good news, we still 2. McConnell their families. weren’t over the finish line. 3. Jones Although this was a huge win, we On December 11, for the first time 4. Kaine still needed to fulfill other obligations since I have been here—9 years—I put a 5. Duckworth 6. Brown and secure the miners’ pension because hold on all Senate legislation. I said 7. Casey it was in dire need, and it was in jeop- there is no way I am going to go home 8. Durbin ardy of being cut drastically. Now I or anyone else is going to go home and 9. Warner

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.016 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 10. Portman 8. Risch talking about improving the quality of 11. Sinema 9. Rounds life for the people who did this unbe- 12. Van Hollen 10. Burr lievable work for this great country, at 13. Reed 11. Durbin 14. Carper 12. Tester a time when this country needed it, and the industrial age was coming—on S. 27 AS AMENDMENT TO NDAA—AMERICAN 13. Kirk Christmas Eve, they came to the com- MINERS ACT (116TH CONGRESS) 14. Portman 15. Murray pany house where he lived and rented, Entire Democratic Caucus 16. Sanders took all of their furniture and threw it S. 27—AMERICAN MINERS ACT (116TH CONGRESS) 17. Boxer in the middle of the street. They threw 1. Kaine 18. Franken them out because they said he was an 19. Moran 2. Warner organizer. 3. Brown 20. Sullivan 4. Jones 21. Murkowski Papa was a survivor. He was just try- 5. Casey 22. Booker ing to survive, and he wanted other 6. Durbin 23. Donnelly people to have the same quality of op- 7. Sanders 24. Heinrich portunity to survive. I know this is in- 8. Warren 25. Coons grained in me. Let me just tell you, 9. Van Hollen 26. McCaskill when you saw these miners and you 10. Blumenthal Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, they saw the fight they had in them, that is 11. Harris have all recognized, just like President why. There is still more that we have 12. Gillibrand Truman, that our country would not be to do. We have to do much more. 13. Markey where it is today without them and 14. Sinema If you want to stop this from con- 15. Duckworth that we needed to get this done—and tinuing and repeating itself in so many we did. S. 1105—MINERS PENSION PROTECTION ACT (115TH different professions, we have to I want to give you a little bit of a CONGRESS) change the bankruptcy laws in Amer- background and history of why this is 1. Capito ica. We cannot allow the bankruptcy 2. Brown so near and dear to me. laws in this country that put hard- 3. Casey My grandfather came to this coun- working people—that take money out 4. Warner try—this wonderful country, the of the paychecks of hard-working peo- 5. Franken United States of America—in 1900 as a ple and let people from Wall Street 6. McCaskill baby. He started working in the coal come in and take over—through hedge 7. Nelson mines at 9 years of age. So he was able funds or whatever they do—and rob 8. Warren to get a fourth grade education before them and put them at the back of the 9. Murray he had to go help support his family. 10. Kaine line. 11. Donnelly In 1927, he and my grandmother had Every working person in America 12. Heitkamp four children, and my grandmother was who pays in out of their paychecks and 13. Portman pregnant with my uncle. So she would their sweat and their blood and their 14. Whitehouse have had four and three-fourths of a hard work should be at the front of the 15. Durbin child at that time. My grandfather line getting equal treatment, not just 16. Heinrich would always tell me: JOEY, we the financial institutions. That is why 17. Burr couldn’t pay the bills at the end of the I am asking in a bipartisan way that 18. Sanders month. He said: I never did see any 19. Booker we make sure we protect the people 20. Duckworth money because it was all script, and it who continue to make this country go 21. Wyden went to the company house or the com- and make this economy turn. We can pany store. So the old song lyrics, ‘‘I S. 175—MINERS PROTECTION ACT OF 2017 (115TH do that in this body and nowhere else. CONGRESS) owe my soul to the company store’’— In January, when we get back from 1. Capito he truly did. He just said: We can’t recess, I will be working with my col- 2. Casey make it. leagues to move this legislation 3. Brown He would go out, and he would tell through Congress because if we cannot 4. Kaine people: We have to do better than this. continue to stand for American work- 5. Warner We have no healthcare. We have noth- ers ahead of the almighty dollar and 6. Portman ing to look forward to and we can’t pay Wall Street greed, what in the world 7. Tester our bills and we are working 6 days are we here for? What is our purpose? 8. Murray like dogs. He had a mule. Poppa had a How do you go home and look at peo- 9. Sanders mule; he had a buggy; and he had a car- 10. Durbin ple? ‘‘So sorry you lost everything. I 11. Franken bide light. wish we could do more.’’ Well, we can 12. Booker He would go in and have to do every- do more. We just showed them we can 13. Donnelly thing. He would have to, as he would do more for the miners. Let’s make 14. Heinrich say—he loved to say: Fire in the hole. sure every working person is protected. 15. McCaskill He would always tell me that. Basi- I have always said that we must set 16. Heitkamp cally, what he meant by that is, he our priorities based on our values. If 17. Nelson would have to go back into the mine. you can’t set your priorities based on 18. Burr He would have to get a block of coal he 19. Sullivan your values, you better check the box 20. Whitehouse was assigned to, and he would have to in the morning before you go to work. 21. Murkowski drill it. He would have to tamp it and We have done that with the fight for 22. Warren put the dynamite in it, and he would our coal miners, and we will continue 23. Risch pack it. Then he had to go back, and he to do that for all American workers. 24. Duckworth would fire it. Then everything would By working together across party 25. Cotton blast away, and he had to get all the lines since 2016, we have been able to 26. Udall coal and load it by hand. This is what secure lifetime healthcare benefits for 27. Harris he did from 9 years of age. 36,000 coal miners and their families. S. 1714—MINERS PROTECTION ACT OF 2015 (114TH He was trying to improve the quality We have also secured pensions for 92,000 CONGRESS) of life for all coal miners. He said: This miners and their families. Most of 1. Capito is not right. Well, he fought for those these pensions are going to widows. 2. Casey rights of coal miners. It is engrained in Their husbands have passed away. Do 3. Brown 4. Kaine my family history. you know what the average pension for 5. Warner The rest of the story is, in 1927—with a coal miner’s widow is today? It is less 6. Roberts those four children and being pregnant than $600. She doesn’t have a portfolio. 7. Cotton with Uncle Jimmy, because he was She doesn’t have investments in the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.002 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7133 stock market. She has Social Security country as those who do. Many of them tions like campaign finance reform are and that $590 pension, and they want to also go into harm’s way—law enforce- badly needed to address them, but pro- take that away. ment officers, diplomats in war-torn fessional civil servants are not the That is what we fought for. That is lands, smokejumpers fighting forest problem. In fact, since the civil service why every one of us should be proud, fires—and all of them swear an oath to and Foreign Service were created, they Democrats and Republicans. We did our our Constitution, just like our troops have risen to every challenge. They job because we stood here as Ameri- and just like Members of Congress. mobilized America’s resources to pro- cans. We stood here representing Amer- I am talking about Federal civil serv- tect the public health and to beat back ica, not representing our parties and ants. These dedicated public servants, the Great Depression and wage war on our tribal interests and not con- men and women, are not normally pub- fascism and on poverty. demning each other. We did this work- lic figures, but the Nation saw their Over the last half century, as the ing together, and we can continue to do strength and their character at the number of Americans they are serving a lot more. witness table in last month’s House im- has grown by more than 120 million, Again, I thank all of my colleagues. I peachment hearings, Americans like the number of civil servants has re- thank Cecil Roberts, president of the Laura Cooper, David Hale, George mained flat. That is doing a lot more United Mine Workers, for being shoul- Kent, Bill Taylor, Jennifer Williams, with less. der to shoulder all the way with us. I Marie Yovanovitch, all of whom have If problems arise in the conception or thank all the coal miners and their served in nonpolitical positions for all execution of Federal programs, they families, my colleagues in the House or most of their careers. All of them must always be acknowledged and they and the Senate, and President Trump testified before Congress under sub- must be fixed. Congress works hard to for coming together to keep the prom- poena. do that, often with the help of whistle- ise that we have all made and that we These are just a few of the 2.1 million blowers who raise the alarm about should continue to make and keep. Americans who make up the Federal great fraud, waste, and abuse. I thank you all very much from the civil service and the Foreign Service. But some of my colleagues and our bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas They work together here at home and predecessors have made the terrible to all, and to all, a good night. This has abroad in every field of endeavor and mistake over the last 40 years of sys- been very emotional, as you can tell. I on behalf of all of us. For example, bud- tematically disparaging all ‘‘bureau- know what this place can do. I have ding entrepreneurs can call on Small crats.’’ This causes incalculable harm been here long enough that I have Business Administration loan officers by turning good people away from pub- heard enough. for help accessing capital and foreign lic service and demoralizing those who When I was Governor of the State commercial service officers to help sell are there. It hurts dedicated public and BOB BURR was sitting in his seat their inventions to the world. Farmers servants to hear ‘‘bureaucrat’’ spat out over there, I saw the good that came know that the Natural Resources Con- as some kind of insult when the Sen- from him. It was basically all of us. Ev- servation Service employees can help ator or candidate doing so was prob- erybody in here has good in them or them keep their land productive for the ably more upset by the policies they they wouldn’t be here. Everybody came long term. Foreign agricultural service were directed to implement than the here for the right reason or they diplomats help American farmers make civil servants implementing those poli- wouldn’t have gotten here. This is not a living feeding the world. cies. an easy place to get to, and by golly, Yet, too many of our colleagues, in- Of course, the attacks and criticism when we get here, we try to do the cluding many on the other side of the leveled against Federal employees in right thing, and we did it. I can go aisle, have defamed public servants and the past were a lovefest compared to home and you can go home, and we can now accuse those who testified in the the hostility demonstrated by this ad- be proud of what we did here. We fi- House of attacking the President. That ministration and this President—as- nally did the job we were asked to do, accusation has it exactly backward. saulting them with name calling, as- and I want to continue doing that with The modern civil service was created saulting bargaining rights, and even you. after an attack on a President in order moving offices 1,000 miles away to get I yield the floor. to prevent future attacks on Presi- people to quit. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- dents. Yes, President Garfield was as- A new report by the Partnership for ator from Maryland. sassinated in 1883 by a disgruntled job Public Service finds plummeting mo- RECOGNIZING GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES seeker. rale at the U.S. Department of Agri- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I In those days, each President handed culture driven by a huge decline in start by thanking my friend and col- out most of the Federal jobs, often scores at the USDA’s Economic Re- league from West Virginia, Senator based on political allegiance more than search Service and the National Insti- MANCHIN, for his remarks and for his skill. Imagine if that system still ex- tute of Food and Agriculture. The steadfast support for workers through- isted today—small business loans going Trump administration did not like the out the United States of America and only to campaign aides, law enforce- reports that those researchers at those for working to try to bring us together ment protecting only certain commu- agencies were publishing, and they in a bipartisan manner to get things nities that voted for the President, and punished them by suddenly moving done in the United States. farm assistance being denied to those their jobs halfway across the country I rise today to give thanks to all who who backed the wrong Presidential and in the process lost hundreds of ex- serve our country in uniform and as ci- candidate. Countries today with cor- perienced, knowledgeable Federal em- vilians. Even as partisan division and rupt systems like that are among the ployees in the area of agriculture. The anger seem to reach new depths every poorest on Earth. None of this came to vast majority of staff at those agencies day, Democrats and Republicans have pass in America because the President lost their jobs when they decided not remained united in our support and our who came after Garfield, Chester A. Ar- to move, and many of their jobs now high regard for our fellow Americans thur, signed a law creating the modern remain unfilled. This has needlessly who honorably serve in the U.S. Armed civil service. caused an upheaval that is delaying all Forces. Those who serve have earned Today, the President still has the au- sorts of reports on which those in the every measure of gratitude shown to thority to make political appointments farming economy rely. them by friends and neighbors and by to the most senior positions in the ex- This administration’s hostile atmos- all of us here in the Congress. ecutive branch, but the overwhelming phere has been cited as contributing to Other public servants deserve our majority of positions are career civil a 61-percent increase in civil servants thanks as well, but unfortunately, sup- servants who are hired based on merit, resigning during the first 18 months of port for them is not nearly as unani- not political connections. The diplo- this administration, including almost mous or as universal. I will focus the matic corps was similarly professional- 1,600 leaving the EPA. Nearly half of remainder of my remarks on them. ized in the decades that followed. our most senior Foreign Service offi- While they do not go into combat, they Put simply, that swamp was drained. cers left the government during Presi- share the same dedication and love of Now other swamps have arisen, and ac- dent Trump’s first 2 years, along with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.019 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 many midcareer diplomats. Applica- The witnesses spoke about their love all of our public servants. I ask my col- tions to the Foreign Service are at a of country and pride in serving it. They leagues on both sides of the Capitol to 10-year low during this Presidency—a did not speak about political affili- stop the insults, stop the verbal as- hollowing out at every level. It will ations or show any desire to under- saults, and stop questioning the patri- take a generation to recover. mine, let alone overthrow, this or any otism of these fine Americans. But as vicious as the attacks on Fed- other President. They honored their We can fight over programs; we can eral employees have been during the oath of office, just as other dedicated fight over budgets; but let’s not speak first 3 years of this administration, in civil servants and Foreign Service Offi- ill of civilians who serve. Let’s not hurl recent months, we faced an even more cers do every day, striving to accom- the term ‘‘bureaucrat’’ as a slur. Let’s insidious threat from a President who plish what Congress, the President, and not call people in certain government incites his followers to violence in one their agency leaders ask of them. agencies ‘‘scum.’’ Let’s disagree with breath or tweet and spews venom Nobody—nobody—who swears the witnesses without questioning their pa- against individual—individual—public same oath to the Constitution, as we triotism. servants by name in the next. These do in this Chamber, should criticize Let’s remember that those who join verbal assaults have led to harassment them for honoring their oath. the Federal service do so out of a desire of government employees, like those Far from a nefarious deep state, the to help their fellow Americans and that who appeared as witnesses in the depth of knowledge, the expertise, and they deserve our respect and our House. The President’s supporters have the diligence of public servants show thanks. If we want to know what is acted, in many cases, on his the depth of our agencies of govern- really going on with the Federal pro- incitements. There have been at least ment, the depth of our state. They are gram, we should be talking to our civil 29 criminal attacks or threats pros- the ballast that keeps the ship of state servants to get ideas about what is ecuted in our courts where the on course. working and what needs to be fixed. attacker was echoing the President’s We believe that America’s strength They are always willing to offer their rhetoric, according to one analysis. springs not only from the undisputed opinions for those purposes. If you This need to maintain support for benefits of a free people pursuing their want to root out waste, fraud, and our Federal employees is going to be ambitions and dreams but also from abuse, let’s keep open the lines of com- especially important in the next sev- sometimes harnessing those talents for munication with Federal employees eral months when events will unfold important national purposes. and whistleblowers. Remember that that are sure to evoke strong passions We believe that America’s greatness Federal employees cannot bargain for across the political spectrum and has resulted not only from a collection wages or benefits, so, instead, they bar- around the country. of individuals acting alone but from gain for a workplace that works better First, the election season is heating our capacity to work together for the for the American people. up, as will, no doubt, the President’s common good. We should not see gov- On April 19, we will mark 25 years criticisms of those with whom he dis- ernment as the enemy but as the im- since the bombing of the Alfred P. agrees, and we are going to consider perfect instrument by which we can ac- Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma the question in this body of impeach- complish together, as a people, what no City—America’s deadliest domestic ment, as they are doing so today in the individual or corporation can accom- terror attack, where 168 people per- House. plish alone. ished, many of them Federal workers. I know it is hard, but I ask my fellow I ask my colleagues to stop, to think As we honor all those who were killed Americans to set aside for a moment about what we have built in this coun- that day, we must come together, how they feel about the impeachment try—a system of government that has across the aisle. We must reject the case. Set that aside, and think about helped eradicate many diseases, sent idea of politically motivated violence. the particular individuals who testi- mankind to the Moon, built the infra- And we must do it every day, not just fied, what they did and what they did structure to connect the continent, and on the anniversary of that tragedy. not say. Think about Ambassador Tay- so much more. American ingenuity, We can do this. I have confidence we lor and Mr. Kemp, who learned four harnessed to common purpose through can do it because we have done some- languages, not to seek personal wealth government, powered these achieve- thing like it before. I mentioned at the or personal glory but to advocate for ments. outset of my remarks our universal re- our country. Think about being raised As we look to the future, let’s con- spect for our fellow citizens and aspir- on stories of Nazi and Soviet oppres- sider what it will take to maintain our ing citizens who serve in the military. sion of your parents, like Marie momentum and maintain our greatness But it wasn’t always universally so. Yovanovitch. No one could have fault- as a united country. It takes people. It During the war in Vietnam, many of ed her for seeking a more comfortable takes skilled people, and it takes, us remember how polarized and divided life here. Instead, she ventured back among others working in our free soci- our country was and how in some cases out to some of the most dangerous ety, a dedicated public service. We will disagreement over the war morphed, parts of the world and sometimes at lose those public servants, as we are al- for some, into directing anger at our significant personal risk to herself. She ready seeing, if people keep attacking troops. This country learned from that went abroad to extend the American them. mistake. We turned the tide. We came people’s hand of friendship and to pur- Let’s ask ourselves a simple ques- together. Now we have nearly universal sue our interests. She went as the di- tion. What kind of country do we want agreement that it is wrong to blame rect, chosen representative of three to be—a country that embraces all who servicemembers for carrying out deci- Presidents. serve, in uniform and out of uniform, sions to go to war that they had no These public servants don’t have the or a country that retreats even further part in making themselves; that you luxury of choosing the policies they into tribalism and political echo cham- can disagree with the war but still em- pursue or of just speaking their own bers? brace the warrior. minds at any time. Setting aside the I am proud to stand with our civil For too many of our colleagues, espe- personal beliefs they may hold, all the servants. In 2017, Senator SULLIVAN and cially as we witness what is happening public servants I have spoken to so far I cofounded the Foreign Service Caucus on the other side of the Capitol, that served America under both administra- to support our diplomats, a bipartisan fallacy is playing out again today; peo- tions of both parties. Even last month, start toward turning the tide. ple are blaming and attacking public they did not have the luxury of speak- This week, we have taken additional servants for following the laws they ing their minds on subjects of their steps forward with the passage of paid are sworn to uphold, for obeying lawful choice or at a time of their choosing, parental leave for Federal employees, subpoenas, and for doing their duty to as we do right here in the U.S. Senate. and we will pass a well-deserved pay tell the truth. No, congressional subpoenas and their raise shortly. There is so much more I am an optimist, and I believe to- duty to our constitutional laws com- we can do. Senators can start right day’s critics will learn from our past pelled them to testify, not to opinions now and take personal responsibility mistakes and correct our approach in but to facts. for ushering in a new era of respect for the future, just as we learned after the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.020 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7135 Vietnam war that it was wrong to implementation of that law. With vigi- Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask criticize or focus our anger on our sol- lant and consistent oversight into the unanimous consent that the order for diers, even if we disagreed with the war implementation of the FIRST STEP the quorum call be rescinded. they were deployed to undertake and Act, we can ensure these goals of re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- fight. ducing recidivism and improving our NEY). Without objection, it is so or- I hope we will take that same ap- criminal justice system are met. dered. proach with respect to our civil serv- I have had the opportunity to meet Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask for ants; that we will understand and with dozens of former prisoners who the yeas and nays. honor their service. I hope we will all have been released because of the re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a then jointly proclaim that alongside forms in the FIRST STEP Act, and I sufficient second? the greatest military in the world, we also had a chance to meet with some of There appears to be a sufficient sec- have the greatest civil service and the the families. These former prisoners ond. greatest Foreign Service the world has are inspiring. They are finding jobs. Under the previous order, all ever seen. They are taking care of their families. postcloture time is expired. I yield the floor. They are paying their taxes and con- The question is, Will the Senate ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tributing to their communities. They vise and consent to the McFarland ator from Iowa. have told me that the FIRST STEP nomination? FIRST STEP ACT ANNIVERSARY Act gave them hope. It reminded them The yeas and nays were previously Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am that the rest of the country had not ordered. here today to commemorate and cele- forgotten about them but wanted them The clerk will call the roll. brate the 1-year anniversary of a to succeed. The senior assistant legislative clerk groundbreaking achievement. On De- The FIRST STEP Act gives former called the roll. cember 18, 2018, the Senate passed the prisoners a better chance at changing Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is FIRST STEP Act. Three days later, their lives. Every day, there are more necessarily absent: the Senator from President Trump signed this far-reach- success stories. No doubt, there will be Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). ing legislation into law. The FIRST some prisoners who don’t learn a lesson Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the STEP Act is the most significant and return to a life of crime, but the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), criminal justice reform law in a gen- reforms we put into place have been the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- eration. shown at the State level to reduce RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. I am proud of the work we accom- crime by reducing recidivism. It is the KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from plished 1 year ago on the Senate floor right thing to do for people in the Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- by voting it out of this Chamber with a criminal justice system, but it is a ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) rollcall vote of 87 to 12. This historic good value for the taxpayers, as well, are necessarily absent. vote means a lot to this Senator, who because it costs tens of thousands of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there then was chairman of the Judiciary dollars to keep people in prisons. any other Senators in the Chamber de- Committee. In fact, in one of the con- As we commemorate the FIRST siring to vote? ference rooms in my office in Wash- STEP Act, it is important to acknowl- The result was announced—yeas 56, ington, I have the official tally sheet edge that this was a bipartisan effort. nays 38, as follows: from this bill’s vote framed and hung A lot of people didn’t think it was even [Rollcall Vote No. 402 Ex.] on a wall. Now Iowans, advocates, and possible, but we did it by working to- YEAS—56 those who visit my office can see this gether and finding a way to work out a Alexander Fischer Perdue piece of history. reasonable compromise. Barrasso Gardner Portman Our criminal justice system is based First and foremost, I want to ac- Blackburn Graham Risch on the rule of law. That means when knowledge Senator DURBIN. I guess you Blunt Grassley Roberts Boozman Hawley Romney you commit a crime, you should be would call the two of us partners in Braun Hoeven punished. But the punishment should Rounds crime. There is no better advocate for Brown Hyde-Smith Rubio fit the crime. If the penalty is too criminal justice reform than Senator Burr Inhofe Sasse Capito Johnson harsh, it doesn’t do any more to deter DURBIN, and this bill would never have Scott (FL) Cassidy Jones Scott (SC) criminal activity, and it is a bad value passed without his hard work and will- Collins Kennedy Shelby for our taxpayers when you keep people ingness to forge this bipartisan com- Cornyn Lankford Sinema in prison if it doesn’t do any good to promise. Cotton Lee Cramer Manchin Sullivan have them there. I point especially to Senator LEE be- Crapo McConnell Thune Overly harsh penalties can also make cause he knows the criminal justice Cruz McSally Tillis it harder for prisoners who are trying code inside out, and when we needed Daines Moran Toomey to change their lives to turn over a new people to tell us what we could or could Enzi Murkowski Wicker Ernst Paul Young leaf. It is worth noting that almost all not do, what was reasonable, he had an criminals are eventually released from answer. So I want to thank Senator NAYS—38 prison. LEE. Baldwin Hassan Rosen Our criminal justice system must do I also thank Senators CORNYN, SCOTT, Bennet Heinrich Schatz Blumenthal Hirono Schumer much more than punish and deter. It WHITEHOUSE, BOOKER, and LEAHY, Cantwell Kaine Shaheen should rehabilitate and prepare pris- among others. Cardin King Smith oners to reenter society. That is ex- I also want to recognize President Carper Leahy Stabenow actly what the FIRST STEP Act does. Trump and give a sincere thank-you to Casey Markey Tester Coons Menendez Udall It gives nonviolent prisoners an incen- him and his team, particularly Jared Cortez Masto Merkley Van Hollen tive to participate in programs in pris- Duckworth Murphy Kushner, for the support and leadership Warner Durbin Murray on, such as job training, drug treat- in this space. Whitehouse Feinstein Peters ment programs, and counseling, which Today, December 18, will always be Gillibrand Reed Wyden have been shown to reduce recidivism. an important day for me as a legis- The FIRST STEP Act also makes lator. I look forward to making sure NOT VOTING—6 sentencing more fair. It leaves tough that this law is implemented success- Booker Isakson Sanders penalties in place for the worst crimi- fully and to finding additional ways to Harris Klobuchar Warren nals, but it reduces mandatory min- improve our criminal justice system. The nomination was confirmed. imum sentences, giving judges the abil- I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ity to tailor punishment to fit the I suggest the absence of a quorum. ator from Missouri. crime. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I ask Today marks a very happy occasion clerk will call the roll. unanimous consent that with respect and a time of reflection. However, we The senior assistant legislative clerk to the McFarland nomination, the mo- must remain focused on the future and proceeded to call the roll. tion to reconsider be considered made

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.022 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 and laid upon the table and the Presi- Shelby Thune Wicker ENS Joshua Kaleb Watson of Ala- Sinema Tillis Young dent be immediately notified of the Sullivan Toomey bama was a 23-year-old natural born Senate’s action. Tester Warner leader and selfless volunteer who had The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lifted others up. Joshua died a hero NAYS—18 objection, it is so ordered. after giving first responders informa- Baldwin Hirono Smith tion on the shooter’s location while he f Bennet Markey Stabenow Brown Merkley Udall was mortally wounded. Cantwell Murray Van Hollen Amn Apprentice Cameron Scott Wal- CLOTURE MOTION Gillibrand Schatz Whitehouse ters of Richmond, GA, was just 21 years Heinrich Schumer Wyden The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant old, with a contagious smile. His dream to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the NOT VOTING—6 was to serve our country. Senate the pending cloture motion, Booker Isakson Sanders Our sailors and law enforcement offi- which the clerk will state. Harris Klobuchar Warren cials showed heroism and bravery in The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this the face of evil as they ran toward the read as follows: vote, the yeas are 76, the nays are 18. shooter that day, saving lives. To our CLOTURE MOTION The motion is agreed to. first responders who came to the swift We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- f aid of those in need, I would like to ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the thank each one of them. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Today, the State of Florida stands move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The united around the community of Pen- nation of Anuraag Singhal, of Florida, to be clerk will report the nomination. sacola and the families of victims as United States District Judge for the South- we pray for healing. I join my col- ern District of Florida. The senior assistant legislative clerk Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, Rich- read the nomination of Anuraag leagues as we do everything we can to ard Burr, Shelley Moore Capito, John Singhal, of Florida, to be United States prevent future terrorist attacks. Cornyn, Mike Crapo, John Barrasso, District Judge for the Southern Dis- Mr. President, as in legislative ses- Roy Blunt, John Thune, Steve Daines, trict of Florida. sion, I ask unanimous consent that the Thom Tillis, Kevin Cramer, Chuck ORDER OF PROCEDURE Senate proceed to the consideration of Grassley, Tom Cotton, Rick Scott, S. Res. 457, submitted earlier today. Roger F. Wicker, Cindy Hyde-Smith. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwith- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- standing provisions of rule XXII, at 4 clerk will report the resolution by imous consent, the mandatory quorum p.m. today, the Senate vote on the mo- title. call has been waived. tions to invoke cloture filed on Mon- The senior assistant legislative clerk The question is, Is it the sense of the day’s session of the Senate in the order read as follows: Senate that debate on the nomination filed. I further ask that if cloture is in- A resolution (S. Res. 457) condemning the of Anuraag Singhal, of Florida, to be voked, the Senate vote on confirmation terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensa- United States District Judge for the cola on Friday, December 6, 2019, honoring of Executive Calendar No. 465 and the Southern District of Florida, shall be the members of the Navy who lost their lives nominations at a time to be deter- brought to a close? in the attack, and expressing support and mined by the majority leader in con- The yeas and nays are mandatory prayers for all individuals affected by the at- sultation with the Democratic leader; tack. under the rule. that if confirmed, the motions to re- The clerk will call the roll. There being no objection, the Senate consider be considered made and laid The legislative clerk called the roll. proceeded to consider the resolution. upon the table and the President be im- Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- necessarily absent: the Senator from I ask unanimous consent that the reso- tion. Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). lution be agreed to, the preamble be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the agreed to, and the motions to recon- objection, it is so ordered. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), sider be considered made and laid upon The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- the table with no intervening action or ator from Florida. RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. debate. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST AT- ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) The resolution (S. Res. 457) was TACK AT NAVAL AIR STATION agreed to. are necessarily absent. PENSACOLA ON FRIDAY, DECEM- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The preamble was agreed to. BER 6, 2019, HONORING THE MEM- (The resolution, with its preamble, is PERDUE). Are there any other Senators BERS OF THE NAVY WHO LOST in the Chamber desiring to vote? printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- THEIR LIVES IN THE ATTACK, mitted Resolutions.’’) The yeas and nays resulted—76 yeas, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND nays 18, as follows: Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I yield the PRAYERS FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS floor to Senator RUBIO. [Rollcall Vote No. 403 Ex.] AFFECTED BY THE ATTACK The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- YEAS—76 Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Today we ator from Florida. Alexander Duckworth Manchin come together to honor the courage of Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I want to Barrasso Durbin McConnell Blackburn Enzi McSally our brave men and women in uniform— thank my colleague Senator SCOTT for Blumenthal Ernst Menendez our heroes—and remember the victims offering this and all of our colleagues Blunt Feinstein Moran of the tragic terrorist attack that took and, of course, all of the Senators who Boozman Fischer Murkowski Braun Gardner Murphy place at Naval Air Station Pensacola voted for it unanimously. Burr Graham Paul on the morning of Friday, December 6. My colleague from Florida has al- Capito Grassley Perdue I would like to thank my colleagues, ready mentioned the three names of Cardin Hassan Peters Senators RUBIO, PERDUE, ISAKSON, those in the service of our country who Carper Hawley Portman Casey Hoeven Reed SHELBY, and JONES, for standing with lost their lives in Pensacola. I will talk Cassidy Hyde-Smith Risch me today as we honor the sacrifice and about them more in a moment. Collins Inhofe Roberts memory of the three victims and their I do want to say a couple of things. Coons Johnson Romney Cornyn Jones Rosen families. First, Pensacola really is one of the Cortez Masto Kaine Rounds Amn Mohammed Sameh Haitham, hidden gems of the State that Senator Cotton Kennedy Rubio known to friends and family as ‘‘Mo,’’ SCOTT and I represent. To understand Cramer King Sasse was just 19 years old from St. Peters- Pensacola, you must understand that Crapo Lankford Scott (FL) Cruz Leahy Scott (SC) burg, FL. He was a great athlete who is it not just a city in which a naval fa- Daines Lee Shaheen loved to make others laugh. cility is located. The Navy is very

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.025 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7137 much a part of the fiber of that com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- One veteran, William Badgett of munity. I would almost equate it to a ator from Virginia. Hampton, VA, was exposed to Agent college town’s relationship with a uni- AGENT ORANGE Orange during his service in Vietnam versity; that is how much its identity Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise with the Army. He was in the 101st Air- is connected to this naval air station. today to draw attention to a group of borne, 1st Cavalry, where he served as This attack wasn’t just an attack on veterans who served this country dec- a helicopter mechanic and supply ser- this facility, but it was an attack on ades ago but who continue to suffer to geant. He has been diagnosed with a the heart and soul of Pensacola as a this day as a result of their service. I number of health conditions, including community. am talking about hundreds of thou- enlarged prostate, osteoporosis, kidney As I had an opportunity to visit in sands of veterans who were exposed to disease, and hardened arteries, none of the aftermath of the attack, I was not Agent Orange during their service. which are on the VA’s presumptive list. just deeply saddened by the loss of life From 1962 to 1975, the United States While the VA considers prostate can- but impacted, first, by the way the sprayed over 20 million gallons of cer to be on the list, Mr. Badgett’s en- community responded and, second, by Agent Orange across Vietnam, Cam- larged prostate is not presumed by the some of the stories, which I hope we bodia, and Laos. Millions of our serv- VA to be connected to his exposure to will learn more about as the informa- icemembers, not to mention millions of Agent Orange simply because it is not tion comes out, of extraordinary brav- Vietnamese civilians, were exposed. cancer. ery—not just the first responders but Fifty years later, hundreds of thou- Another example: Sam Harvey from others who happened to be there at sands of Vietnam-era veterans are still Newport News, VA, was exposed to that time who exhibited extraordinary paying the price. Agent Orange during the Vietnam war. stories of heroism in the face of evil in From the start, the Federal Govern- He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to this terror attack. People rushed into ment has tried to slow-walk attempts 1970 aboard the USS Constellation. He the building the gunshots were coming to cover the care these veterans was diagnosed with aggressive prostate from instead of running away as most earned. It wasn’t until 1991 that the VA cancer. Yet, with prostate cancer being people would do. I want to point out recognized the connection between on the presumptive list, he struggled to some of those things. Agent Orange exposure and several dis- get VA approval for the treatment he ENS Joshua Kaleb Watson, who was eases and conditions, finally allowing needs. mentioned earlier, happened to be the these veterans to seek treatment from Finally, I want to talk about Dorman officer on deck at the time of the the VA. Currently, the list of condi- Watts from North Chesterfield, VA. He shooting, and he ran toward the shoot- tions at the VA stands at 14, but suffered for years to get the disability er and was yelling for people to get out science tells us the list is far from rating from the VA that will qualify of the way. He actually proceeded to complete. him for the comprehensive care from In 2017, then-Veterans Affairs Sec- tackle the killer and fought him in an the VA. He has prostate cancer and retary Shulkin called for three more attempt to disarm him, all while being heart disease and is currently under- conditions to be added to the list: blad- shot at least five separate times. He going radiation treatment from a pri- der cancer, underactive thyroid, and vate provider. This is unacceptable. was wounded, but he, nevertheless, Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Now, these That is why I am glad Congress in- happened to make his way out to flag weren’t randomly chosen. They were cluded important accountability meas- down first responders and be able to conditions found by the National Acad- ures as part of the Defense appropria- give an accurate description of the emy of Science to be connected to tions legislation we passed this week. shooter, which ultimately allowed him Agent Orange exposure. to be neutralized. The science was there. The VA was Finally, after years of reluctance, Amn Mohammed Haitham’s family there. Yet this White House and its years of ignoring the science, these moved to St. Petersburg from New Or- OMB Director, Mick Mulvaney, have veterans are going to get some of the leans after Hurricane Katrina. His blocked this effort to expand the list of answers about the conditions that have school’s assistant principal called him conditions. resulted from their service. ‘‘the Perfect One’’ because he was a Do you know what the deciding fac- There is more than enough evidence good student, a track star, and basket- tor was? It wasn’t scientific evidence. to expand the list of Agent Orange-re- ball player. This is a quote from the as- It wasn’t the advice of VA doctors. No, lated conditions. We should be thank- sistant principal: the White House decided that the cost ing these veterans for their service, not [He] would walk into any room and it of providing care to 83,000 veterans suf- nickel-and-diming them. I urge my col- would light up. He had this magnetic person- fering from these conditions was just leagues to listen to the veterans in ality—big smile, always happy. And people too high, and for that this administra- their States, and I urge the White would always gravitate toward him. tion turned its back on 83,000 veterans House to let the VA provide these vet- His commanding officer told his fa- who answered the call to serve. erans with the benefits they have ther that it was his son Mohammed Unfortunately, this is just the latest earned. who had also bravely attempted to example of the Federal Government I suggest the absence of a quorum. take down the gunman and lost his life. trying to avoid paying for the care of The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- Then there was Cameron Walters of men and women our Nation sent to TON). The clerk will call the roll. Georgia, described as ‘‘an amazing guy, war. My office hears regularly from The senior assistant legislative clerk he always had something good to say veterans facing problems like prostate proceeded to call the roll. to everybody, and was always smiling.’’ cancer, Parkinson’s, and other condi- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask The morning of the shooting, Airman tions that have been linked to Agent unanimous consent that the order for Walters was randomly assigned to Orange. Time and again, we hear how the quorum call be rescinded. watch duty in Building 633. He had the VA tries to deny benefits on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without been stationed in Pensacola for only 2 basis of a technicality. This is just not objection, it is so ordered. weeks before this attack. right. Unfortunately, this administra- APPROPRIATIONS Again, I want to thank Senator tion is far from the first to ignore evi- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, fol- SCOTT, my colleague of Florida, for of- dence about Agent Orange in order to lowing the longest government shut- fering this. It ensures that not only save a few bucks. down in history earlier this year, it will we not forget the heroes who sac- I want to share a few stories from my seemed to be a bipartisan consensus rificed their lives while protecting fel- State of Virginia, where more than that we need to get back on track with low Navy members as this tragedy un- 204,000 Vietnam veterans currently call the regular appropriations process. folded, but it also reminds us of the ob- home. In many cases, veterans who Both parties knew there was a funding ligation we have to get to the bottom were exposed to Agent Orange have crisis at stake this fall if we could not of how this happened and why this hap- been fighting multiple administrations come together and reach a com- pened so that it may never, ever hap- to get these life-or-death benefits—ben- promise, so this summer, that is ex- pen anywhere again. efits they earned by their service dec- actly what we did—or at least we I yield the floor. ades ago. thought we did.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.029 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 At the time we reached an agreement I am glad this package also includes There are a lot of great provisions in that set top-line funding levels for de- a number of provisions that support these appropriations bills to address fense and nondefense spending, there our men and women in uniform, includ- some of our top priorities, but I remain was a promise not to derail the appro- ing a 3.1 percent pay increase, which is concerned that, with some of the short- priations process with poison-pill pol- the largest in a decade. Above all, this comings, these could also be described icy riders, and we got it done in August defense funding answers our com- as the bad part of this appropriation with plenty of time to spare. It wasn’t manders’ request for steady and pre- process. perfect. No negotiated product ever is, dictable funding so they can address The domestic funding bill includes a but we knew this agreement would pro- and plan for the threats of today and range of controversial provisions that vide us the time and the space and the prepare for those we will face tomor- will move us further away from our framework to get the appropriations row. goal of decreasing the national debt. It process back on track and leave room In addition to strengthening our na- significantly increases deficit spending for necessary debate on government tional security, this package will also without offsets or pay-fors for long- spending habits. As our national deficit make our community safer here at needed reforms for mandatory spending continues to grow, that could not be home. It sends vital funding to the De- programs, which are the primary cause more critical. I actually remember a partment of Justice law enforcement of our deficits and debt, accounting for time when concern about the deficit grant programs and invests $1.4 billion about 70 percent of Federal spending. and debt was a bipartisan concern, but in the border wall system on the This bill also includes a terrible pro- apparently, it is not currently. Southwest border. As a border State vision, which is a retroactive tax on Before we hit the first funding dead- Senator, I can tell you the Border Pa- American energy companies. We did line, our Democratic colleagues backed trol, whom I consider the experts when this without any sort of consideration out of the commitment they made in it comes to border security, say there by the committee of jurisdiction—the August of 2019. The open debate we are three components of border secu- Finance Committee, upon which I sit— hoped for did not happen. We were rity: There is physical infrastructure; with no opportunity to provide amend- forced to pass two short-term funding there is technology; and then there is ments or even a debate on this massive bills known as continuing resolutions, the personnel, the boots on the ground. retroactive tax. The only choice we are and now, here we are, just days away This appropriation bill invests $1.4 bil- given now that it has been included as from the current continuing resolu- lion in this system that includes a bor- a result of the negotiations among five tions expiration, reading text of these der wall. people is the choice to vote either up or funding bills that total nearly $1.4 tril- Despite concerted attempts from our down on this massive piece of legisla- lion. We are reading these for the first Democratic colleagues, the President’s tion. time. authorities to transfer funds that he This bill also extends other tax bene- When it comes to the appropriations deems necessary for border security re- fits, without addressing problems with process, I have learned from experi- main intact. the Tax Code, which actually have a ence; you are never going to be 100 per- Now, the domestic spending bill negative impact on American busi- cent happy. That is just the nature of takes strides to address some other nesses and families. compromise. You have got to weigh the challenges. It allows us to bolster our This funding bill would also extend good, the bad, and the ugly and decide fight against the opioid epidemic, ex- the National Flood Insurance Program, how the scales tip. There is certainly a pand mental health access, and im- which is long overdue for reforms. This lot of calculating when it comes to prove our crumbling transportation in- sidesteps the need for those reforms en- these appropriation bills, but let me frastructure. It includes $400 million tirely. The program is hemorrhaging start with the good. I think the na- for farmers and ranchers in Texas and money, and we need to be looking at tional security appropriations package elsewhere affected by drought, trade ways to improve it, instead of con- goes a long way to rebuilding our mili- wars, and low commodity prices. It tinuing to flush good money down the tary, providing them the resources would also send an additional half a drain. they need to maintain readiness, and billion dollars to the Army Corps of As I mention, we started this process providing our Armed Forces with the Engineers that can be used for infra- on a strong path with the budget agree- resources they need to face growing structure projects right here at home. ment that was reached in August. I threats around the world. From adver- With less than a year until the next know I wasn’t alone in thinking that saries like Russia and China, to rogue election, it would provide more than would help us get the regular appro- regimes like North Korea and Iran, our $400 million in additional funds to safe- priations process back on track, but military must be prepared to counter a guard our election systems so that vot- things quickly took a turn—not for the diverse range of threats. ers can head to the polls with the con- good, not for the bad—but for the ugly. This funding bill will continue the fidence that their vote will be counted Our colleagues let government funding work of Congress under President correctly. come second to their disagreements Trump to invest in our military by pro- As we continue to bring down with the President. They tried to inject viding a nearly $20 billion increase over healthcare costs for the American peo- the very poison pills they vowed to last year’s defense funding levels. It ple by providing them more choice and steer clear of and derailed the process will provide funds to both modernize competition for their premium dollar, that they committed to restoring. and grow our aging fleet so we can con- this legislation permanently repeals Rather than having an open debate tinue to send our troops around the some of the three most oppressive and votes on spending, as we planned, world where they are needed. One of ObamaCare taxes that are burdening the process fell to just a handful of peo- the major challenges we face is the de- American families: the premium tax, ple negotiating behind closed doors. velopment of new technologies by our the Cadillac tax, and the medical de- This is reminiscent of the smoke-filled adversaries. We cannot have our en- vice tax. backroom deals that Congress has long emies deploying hypersonic glide vehi- This bill also extends funding for been criticized for, and we really have cles, artificial intelligence, and missile critical healthcare programs like com- no alternative but to vote up or down defense systems that rival or perhaps munity health centers. This is the safe- on this massive $1.4 trillion spending surpass our own. That would be desta- ty net in our healthcare system, the package without any opportunity to bilizing. That may produce a mis- community health center. It is some- debate it or, more importantly, to calculation, which would be dangerous. thing I have long supported. change it by offering amendments. This bill sends funding toward the re- Despite pushes from our colleagues The way I see it, this has been the search and development of new tech- across the aisle, appropriators also plan of Speaker PELOSI and the minor- nologies so we can stay on the leading managed to fight off an electric vehicle ity leader here in the Senate all along. edge. We should not be satisfied with tax credit expansion, which would be If you think about it, this really puts anything other than America being in nothing more than a taxpayer subsidy the power in their hands, which is ex- the lead when it comes to our national for wealthy Americans who want to actly what they want, and they can ex- security. purchase electric vehicles. tract concessions and other things that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.031 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7139 are important to them, rather than years ago on the floor of the Senate, we and I sat down to try to find common allow the process to work as it was in- passed a comprehensive immigration ground, if we could, on an approach tended to do through regular order, reform bill, which didn’t survive in the that might work to deal with the back- through the regular appropriations House of Representatives. So it is no log in a humane fashion and to protect process. surprise that, on a regular basis, we the families during the course of that. This also takes power from their very face challenges when it comes to our We have come up with a proposal own Members because no Democrat or existing immigration laws. which I think moves us in the right di- Republican can offer any amendment One of the most serious challenges is rection. It is an agreement between to this which can change it at all under the green card backlog in this country. us—a bipartisan agreement—which we this closed process. So this really isn’t To try to describe it in just the sim- are now hoping to offer to the Senate just an affront to the Members on this plest terms, under the current law, in for consideration as quickly as pos- side of the aisle; it is an affront to my estimation, there are not nearly sible. their own Members who have no oppor- enough immigrant visas—also known I will very quickly state a summary tunity to offer amendments or have as green cards—available each year. of what it tries to achieve. meaningful debate and modify the bill. Each year in America, there are 226,000 It protects immigrants and their Our Democratic colleagues have held family green cards available and 140,000 families who are stuck in the green these appropriations process hostage employment green cards available. card backlog I mentioned. Immigrant for the past several months. Over That is 140,000 each year for a nation of workers and their immediate family what? I think that is an important 350 million people. So many of those members would be eligible for what is question. Well, as it turns out, it was who are aspiring to get a green card called early filing for their green cards. their obsession with .3 percent of our and ultimately move to a permanent Immigrant workers would not receive Nation’s budget. That is not how this resident status and citizenship wait their green cards early, but while wait- process should work, and it is certainly and wait and wait for the day to arrive. ing, they would be able to switch jobs not how to make decisions that are in Children in many of these families and travel without losing immigration the best interest of the country. who are from workers currently in the status. As further evidence of the rush to get United States on things like the H–1B The amendment includes a critical this done without adequate consider- visa age out when they reach the age of protection from the RELIEF Act that ation or debate or amendment, our 21, and they are no longer protected by protects the children of immigrant House Democrats even had to violate their parents’ presence. So they are at workers from aging out of green card their own 72-hour posting rule for risk of being deported, even as they go eligibility while the family is waiting major legislation just to get this legis- into their teenage years. It is a hor- so they will not face deportation. lation done before we leave this week. rible situation. It is really a heart- Green card set-asides for immigrant It is frustrating to see our colleagues workers stuck in the backlog overseas across the aisle undermine what could breaking situation. I have come to are provided. The amendment reserves have been a very productive discussion meet and know many of the families 4,600 green cards on an annual basis for about our Nation’s spending habits, affected by it. We are trying to deal with this green immigrant workers stuck in the back- about deficits and debt and what our log overseas and not eligible for early priorities should be, and, instead, chose card backlog with the reality of cur- filing. The number is based on the ac- to move forward with these bills, which rent politics in Washington. Under the tual or, at best, approximate number of fall short in any number of places. current political environment, there I must say that the majority leader, are limitations on what we can do. the actual number of people who ap- the Senator from Kentucky, was com- My response is to increase the num- plied for employment green cards from mitted to a process of getting these ap- ber of green cards that are available overseas each year. propriations back on track so we could each year so we have more than 140,000 Third, it addresses abuses in H–1B give a voice to all Members in these ne- available. There are currently at least temporary work visas. The first thing gotiations and take them up in an or- 800,000 people waiting for 140,000 green Senator LEE and I want to make clear derly fashion so amendments could be cards to come up each year. As a con- is that we are committed, first and offered, and they could be debated and sequence, we are in a predicament, foremost, to American workers getting voted on, all of which has now been where we don’t have nearly enough jobs. swept to the side. green cards for the people who are In those circumstances where Amer- I am also grateful for the tireless waiting for them. ican workers with certain skills are work of the chairman of the Appropria- I would increase that number, but po- not available, we have what is known tions Committee in the Senate, the litically that is not going to happen. as the H–1B visa. Working with Sen- Senator from Alabama, Mr. SHELBY, as The President doesn’t agree with that ator GRASSLEY, what we tried to do is well as the other members of the com- position, and many Republicans in the to come up with a bipartisan way of mittee who have been negotiating an Senate and the House don’t agree ei- strengthening that system. agreement to support our national de- ther. Included in the strengthening of this fense and avoid book-ending the 2019 Senator LEE and I have confronted amendment is a 50–50 rule, which says year with a second shutdown. this issue, coming at it from different that the amendment would prohibit a As we move closer to a vote on these perspectives. Initially, we were at odds company from hiring additional H–1B appropriations bills tomorrow, I am on how to approach it. I objected to a workers if the company’s workforce is going to continue to review their text. bill he brought to the floor; he objected more than 50 employees and more than They are massive pieces of legislation, to a bill I brought to the floor; and 50 percent are actually temporary and we have only recently gotten ac- then we sat down to talk. workers. I personally believe those cess to them. I will be making my indi- The bill I brought to the floor, as I companies are suspect, and this bill vidual decision—as I trust each Mem- mentioned earlier, would increase the raises that question. The 50–50 rule, as ber will—on whether to support these number of green cards, would make I mentioned, is from a bill Senator appropriations bills and whether they sure that the families would be pro- GRASSLEY and I introduced. It was part represent the best interests of their tected from deportation while they are of comprehensive immigration reform. States and of the American people. waiting and would allow them to travel The reality is, there is abuse in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- and to change jobs. That is called the H–1B system. We don’t try to solve sistant Democratic leader. RELIEF Act. I have introduced it. It every aspect of it, but we do address RELIEF ACT has been introduced in the House of what we consider to be one of the start- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is Representatives by Congresswoman ing points of the problem we currently hard to believe that in this Nation of SHALALA. It is a bill I still support and face. immigrants we have such a broken im- would like to see pass. That is my pref- Here is where we are. Senator LEE migrant system, but it is a fact. erence. and I have reached a bipartisan agree- We have addressed so many problems It is not a bill that would pass in the ment on what we think is a reasonable in this system over the years. A few Senate at this time, so Senator LEE approach, and we want to make sure it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.032 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 is acceptable to our colleagues to move going to make sure we have the buy-in acted upon by the Senate Finance forward. we need. I want to make sure the co- Committee back in 2016, so this has I have been working on the Demo- sponsors of the legislation are com- been a long time in coming. It passed cratic side; Senator LEE has been work- fortable with what we have negotiated the House of Representatives by a vote ing on the Republican side. We don’t and that they understand it. of 417 to 3, so you see that there is very believe we can get it done at this very To that end, I thank the Senator strong bipartisan support for this next moment, but we are hopeful to get it from Illinois and his staff and also my chapter in retirement security. It ex- done very quickly. The reason is obvi- own staff for working on this. I have pands opportunities for Americans to ous. These families affected by this every hope, expectation, and con- increase their retirement savings and backlog are really going through hard- fidence that this is going to result in improve the portability of lifetime in- ships and concerns no family should something that can pass—something I come options. face. The sooner we resolve them, the believe that can—and will soon pass Many provisions are included in the better. with the unanimous support of the SECURE Act. I want to talk about just As I have talked to many of these Members of this body. a few, several of which I was very families, they have asked: Why don’t Thank you. proud to be part of working to include you sit down with Senator LEE to see if I yield the floor. within the SECURE Act. you can reach an agreement? I did. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- First, for the first time in many have. Now I hope we can move forward. ator from Maryland. years, we do something about the re- I yield the floor. SECURE ACT quired minimum distribution. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, several current law, once you reach 701⁄2 years ator from the Utah. times on the floor of the Senate I have of age, you are required to take out a Mr. LEE. Mr. President, it has been talked about the issue of retirement se- certain amount of your retirement in- an honor and privilege to work with curity. It has been a priority for me come. The problem with that is, people my friend and distinguished colleague, during my entire career in the U.S. are living longer and longer and longer, the senior Senator from Illinois, on Congress. and their retirement income becomes this important project. When the United States has led the inadequate the longer they live. They I have been working on bringing world in just about every economic in- may have planned to live to be 80, 85, about an end to the arbitrary per coun- dicator, there is always one in which or 90 but find they still have an active try caps put in place on employment- the United States is not doing well; lifestyle well beyond that. The required based green cards for nearly the entire that is international savings, particu- minimum distribution works against 9-year period I have been in the U.S. larly retirement savings. them being able to maintain an ade- Senate. At no point has it been an easy When we take a look at recent fig- quate amount of retirement funds for process. These are significant and ures, we find that 48 percent of those later in life. weighty issues, and they require atten- who are near retirement—over 55 years This bill takes a step forward in in- tion. of age—have zero amounts in retire- creasing the date in which you are re- Senator DURBIN and I have spent the ment funds. Almost half of our near el- quired to take out a minimum distribu- last couple of months negotiating in derly have no retirement funds and tion to 72 years of age. good faith with a lot of energy and a pensions at all. Twenty-nine percent We are now also providing retirement lot of time and attention given to the have zero savings. So we need to do a opportunities for part-time workers. project not only by the two Members lot better. involved, Senator DURBIN and myself, The issue is very much compromised This is a major improvement on our re- but also by our very dedicated and de- because we have seen a major trend in tirement programs. I might tell my voted staffs who have really put a lot the employment world from defined colleagues that part-time work affects of shoe leather, sweat, blood, and tears benefit plans to defined contribution women much more than men. This is into this effort. plans. something that was long overdue, and I I am grateful to Senator DURBIN for In the defined benefit world, the em- am very pleased that this is also in- being willing to work with me on this. ployer guarantees certain benefits to cluded in this legislation. I have enjoyed working with him over their employees who take the risks of Part of the legislation that Senator the years on a number of projects, in- the market. In a defined contribution PORTMAN and I have worked on deals cluding the passage just about a year plan, it requires the employee to put with the fact that we have defined ben- ago—almost exactly a year ago—of the his or her own money aside and be dis- efit plans that are available today, but FIRST STEP Act. This was the result ciplined in order to do that. As a re- in some cases employers have found it of a project that Senator DURBIN and I sult, we find less retirement security impossible to continue these plans for had been working on for 8 continuous for many wage earners today. This puts new employees. These are called years up until that point, culminating pressure on our Social Security sys- ‘‘closed plans.’’ in a lot of proposals, including things tem. Well, these defined benefit plans are like the Smarter Sentencing Act, the Social Security is a very, very impor- still there to protect those who were Sentencing Reform and Corrections tant program, but it is only supposed enrolled in the plan before they became Act, and, ultimately, the FIRST STEP to be one leg of a three-legged stool of closed. Here is the problem. As more Act. Like I said, that was passed al- retirement security, including private and more people are employed by the most exactly a year ago. retirement and private savings. company who are not in this plan and At no point in that process was there We have responded in the past, and more of the people who were in the de- an easy path forward, an easy path to- we have taken action. I am very proud fined benefit plans are no longer ward victory. Yet he and I remained of the work I first started doing in the around, the nondiscrimination rule united in our desire to see something House of Representatives with then- test is much harder to be met, and, as get passed. Congressman ROB PORTMAN. The two of a result, these plans may have to be Senator DURBIN and I, along with our us worked on pension legislation. We frozen or canceled, and that would be staffs, have put a lot of energy and at- were able to get it enacted, and it made to the detriment of those who are cur- tention into this effort as well to try to a big difference. rently protected under these closed bring about a resolution of the problem I hope we will be voting on these Om- plans. I have been told that as many as created by the arbitrary per country nibus appropriations bills tomorrow. 400,000 workers would risk losing bene- caps placed on employment-based im- We are going to have a chance to take fits by the end of this year if we do not migrant visas. a major step forward on retirement se- take action to change the non- I am very pleased with the outcome curity with the passage the SECURE discrimination rules in regards to these of those negotiations. I am very con- Act. closed plans. The SECURE Act includes fident that this is something we can The SECURE Act, Setting Every the provision to do this. I was very get passed into law. He and I are going Community Up for Retirement En- happy to work with Senator PORTMAN to continue to work together. I am hancement Act, is a bill that was first in getting that done. That is included

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.033 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7141 in this legislation, and it is very impor- are the most challenged in order to pressed with her background and her tant that we enact it before the end of participate in retirement security commitment to public service. She will December. plans early in life. If you start a sav- be an excellent addition to the Federal There is a provision in here that I ings for retirement when you are judiciary, and I urge my colleagues to worked on with Senator ROBERTS, a bi- young, it will produce the type of sav- support her nomination. partisan proposal to deal with church ings you need when you retire. Young- I yield the floor. pension plans. We have had a church er people have lots of obligations, in- NOMINATION OF ANURAAG SINGHAL pension plan on the books for many cluding starting a family, paying off Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, years, but we have gotten inconsistent student loans, and all the things that Judge Anuraag Singhal has honorably IRS regulations as it relates to the we know about. So they need incentive. served the State of Florida for several management of these pension plans, We have found that just the tax incen- years, and I proudly support his con- particularly when you are dealing with tives alone will not be enough to get firmation as a district judge for the church-affiliated institutions, such as younger workers to participate in re- Southern District of Florida today. He daycare centers or nursing homes. This tirement. has built a distinguished legal career, legislation will clarify that so that We have the Thrift Savings Plan here serving as a criminal prosecutor for these church plans can continue. It af- for Federal workers, which is wonder- Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit fects thousands of workers, and it ful, because the Federal Government and later opening a private practice fo- makes a positive difference on retire- matches some of those contributions. cused on criminal defense and appel- ment security. What we are suggesting in the bill that late work. Throughout his career, he The SECURE Act also includes a pro- we filed is expanding the tax credit has demonstrated a firm commitment vision that will exempt State and local program for savings, making it refund- to the rule of law, and as Governor of firefighters and emergency responders able directly into retirement accounts Florida, I had the distinct honor to ap- from income tax liability that was so that younger, lower wage workers point Judge Singhal to Florida’s Sev- never intended on some pension plans. will participate in retirement savings. enteenth Judicial Circuit court in 2011. All of that is included in the SECURE We provide provisions in this bill I am equally honored to support his Act, and it will help a great deal in that help small businesses so small confirmation to the United States Dis- dealing with the issue I raised at the businesses can start retirement savings trict Court for the Southern District of beginning of my remarks, retirement plans. All of that is included in the Florida today and know he will con- security for individuals. next step. tinue to serve our State and Nation Now, we will get that done, I hope, So, yes, let’s approve the SECURE well. this week. We expect to vote on the Act in the budget agreement, an impor- Ms. STABENOW. I suggest the ab- bill, hopefully, within the next day. tant step forward, but let’s recognize sence of a quorum. That will be a major step forward for that we need to do a lot more. Let’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The retirement security, but it is not the work in a bipartisan manner in 2020 to clerk will call the roll. end. We have to do a lot more, and that build on the success of the SECURE The bill clerk proceeded to call the is why Senator PORTMAN and I have Act to help Americans save for their roll. filed the Retirement Security and Sav- retirement. Mr. BRAUN. Mr. President, I ask ings Act. That is a bill that contains I yield the floor. unanimous consent that the order for almost 50 different provisions. Some The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the quorum call be rescinded. are included in the SECURE Act, and ator from Michigan. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without we are grateful for that, but most are NOMINATION OF STEPHANIE DAWKINS DAVIS objection, it is so ordered. not. What is included in the Retire- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I f ment Security and Savings Act builds rise today because I am very glad to on the SECURE Act to provide greater see the Senate moving forward in tak- CLOTURE MOTION opportunities for retirement security. ing up the nomination of Stephanie The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Let me just give you a couple of ex- Davis to be the district court judge for to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the amples. It improves the requirement the Eastern District of Michigan. Senate the pending cloture motion, for distribution, allowing individuals Judge Davis was nominated by Presi- which the clerk will state. to be able to reserve more for the later dent Trump back in March to be a U.S. The bill clerk read as follows: years of their life. It also provides tre- district judge for the Eastern District CLOTURE MOTION mendous incentives for lifetime in- of Michigan. Our bipartisan Eastern We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- come. District Judicial Nominations Advi- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Here is the problem. People may have sory Committee strongly supported Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby retirement savings, and they say: her. She was reported out of committee move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Look, I guess I will live another 15 by a voice vote on May 22, and no one nation of Karen Spencer Marston, of Penn- years. So they take their money out has expressed any concerns about her sylvania, to be United States District Judge over 15 years, and, guess what, after 15 record, nor would they have a reason to for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom years, they are still healthy, but they express a concern. She is exceedingly Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, have no money. Lifetime income guar- qualified. John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat antees that you will have income Judge Davis has been working in the Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- throughout your entire life. We provide U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, incentives in our legislation on life- District of Michigan since 1997. During Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve time income options for retirement op- her time there, she has served in both Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn. tions when you retire. the civil and criminal divisions. She The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- We also make it easier for those who has prosecuted fraud, bank robbery, imous consent, the mandatory quorum have student loans to be able to par- embezzlement, violent crime, public call has been waived. ticipate in retirement security. A lot of corruption, and criminal conspiracies The question is, Is it the sense of the times, people would like to contribute involving drug trafficking and money Senate that debate on the nomination to a pension plan but they have to pay laundering. We are very lucky to have of Karen Spencer Marston, of Pennsyl- off student loans. Well, we allow the someone of her experience stepping for- vania, to be United States District paying off of student loans to act as a ward and wanting to serve in this posi- Judge for the Eastern District of Penn- match for an employer’s contribution— tion. She has also overseen community sylvania, shall be brought to a close? again, offering additional opportunities and law enforcement initiatives and The yeas and nays are mandatory for people to participate in retirement led the office’s diversity efforts. under the rule. savings. I have had the opportunity to meet The clerk will call the roll. We have provisions in here that par- with Judge Davis. I came away from The bill clerk called the roll. ticularly help low-wage workers. The my very first meeting, as well as subse- Mr. THUNE. The following Senators bottom line is that low-wage workers quent conversations, being very im- are necessarily absent: the Senator

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On this We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- DUCKWORTH), the Senator from Cali- vote, the yeas are 51, the nays are 42. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The motion is agreed to. fornia (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Sen- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- f ator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and nation of Daniel Mack Traynor, of North Da- the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. kota, to be United States District Judge for CLOTURE MOTION WARREN) are necessarily absent. the District of North Dakota. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the BLACKBURN). Are there any other Sen- Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, Senate the pending cloture motion, ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 85, Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- which the clerk will state. Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, The bill clerk read as follows: nays 7, as follows: Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve CLOTURE MOTION [Rollcall Vote No. 404 Ex.] Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn. YEAS—85 We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Alexander Feinstein Portman imous consent the mandatory quorum Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Baldwin Fischer Reed call has been waived. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Barrasso Gardner Risch nation of Jodi W. Dishman, of Oklahoma, to Bennet Graham Roberts The question is, Is it the sense of the Blackburn Grassley Romney Senate that debate on the nomination be United States District Judge for the West- Blumenthal Hassan Rosen of Daniel Mack Traynor, of North Da- ern District of Oklahoma. Blunt Hawley Rounds kota, to be United States District Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom Boozman Heinrich Rubio Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, Braun Hoeven Judge for the District of North Dakota, Sasse John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat Brown Hyde-Smith Scott (FL) shall be brought to a close? Burr Inhofe Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- Cantwell Johnson Scott (SC) The yeas and nays are mandatory Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Capito Jones Shaheen under the rule. Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve Cardin Kaine Shelby The clerk will call the roll. Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn. Carper Kennedy Sinema Casey King Smith The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Cassidy Lankford Stabenow called the roll. imous consent, the mandatory quorum Collins Leahy Sullivan Mr. THUNE. The following Senators call has been waived. Coons Lee Tester The question is, Is it the sense of the Cornyn Manchin Thune are necessarily absent: the Senator Cortez Masto McConnell Tillis from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Senate that debate on the nomination Cotton McSally Toomey Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). of Jodi W. Dishman, of Oklahoma, to Cramer Menendez Udall Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the be United States District Judge for the Crapo Moran Van Hollen Cruz Murkowski Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Western District of Oklahoma, shall be Warner brought to a close? Daines Murphy Whitehouse the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Durbin Murray Wicker The yeas and nays are mandatory Enzi Perdue RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Young under the rule. Ernst Peters KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The clerk will call the roll. NAYS—7 Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) The bill clerk called the roll. Gillibrand Merkley Wyden are necessarily absent. Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Hirono Schatz are necessarily absent: the Senator Markey Schumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the NOT VOTING—8 any other Senators in the Chamber de- siring to vote? Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Booker Isakson Sanders Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Duckworth Klobuchar The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 51, Warren Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Harris Paul nays 42, as follows: the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this [Rollcall Vote No. 405 Ex.] RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. vote, the yeas are 85, the nays are 7. YEAS—51 KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The motion is agreed to. Alexander Ernst Perdue Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- The Senator from South Dakota. Barrasso Fischer Portman ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask Blackburn Gardner Risch are necessarily absent. unanimous consent that following the Blunt Graham Roberts The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. first vote in the series, the votes be 10 Boozman Grassley Romney Braun Hawley Rounds CRAMER). Are there any other Senators minutes each. Burr Hoeven Rubio in the Chamber desiring to vote? Mr. WICKER. Reserving the right to Capito Hyde-Smith Sasse The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 76, object. Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) Collins Johnson Scott (SC) nays 17, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cornyn Kennedy Shelby [Rollcall Vote No. 406 Ex.] ator from Mississippi. Cotton Lankford Sullivan Mr. WICKER. Madam President, I Cramer Lee Thune YEAS—76 would simply hope that—and I will not Crapo McConnell Tillis Alexander Crapo Kennedy Cruz McSally Toomey object—we will mean what we say Barrasso Cruz King Daines Moran Wicker Bennet Daines Lankford when we limit the time on these votes. Enzi Murkowski Young Blackburn Duckworth Leahy We have eight more votes, and if Blunt Durbin Lee NAYS—42 Members will cooperate, we can get Boozman Enzi Manchin finished with that. Baldwin Hassan Reed Braun Ernst McConnell Bennet Heinrich Rosen Brown Feinstein McSally I withdraw my objection. Blumenthal Hirono Schatz Burr Fischer Moran Mr. THUNE. Well stated. Brown Jones Schumer Capito Gardner Murkowski The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Cantwell Kaine Shaheen Cardin Graham Murphy Cardin King Sinema Carper Grassley Perdue objection to the request? Carper Leahy Smith Casey Hassan Peters Without objection, it is so ordered. Casey Manchin Stabenow Cassidy Hawley Portman f Coons Markey Tester Collins Hoeven Reed Cortez Masto Menendez Udall Coons Hyde-Smith Risch CLOTURE MOTION Duckworth Merkley Van Hollen Cornyn Inhofe Roberts Durbin Murphy Warner Cortez Masto Johnson Romney The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Feinstein Murray Whitehouse Cotton Jones Rosen to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Gillibrand Peters Wyden Cramer Kaine Rounds

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.007 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7143 Rubio Sinema Warner Burr Hawley Roberts The yeas and nays are mandatory Sasse Sullivan Whitehouse Capito Heinrich Romney under the rule. Scott (FL) Tester Wicker Cardin Hoeven Rosen Scott (SC) Thune Young Carper Hyde-Smith Rounds The clerk will call the roll. Shaheen Tillis Casey Inhofe Rubio The senior assistant bill clerk called Shelby Toomey Cassidy Johnson Sasse the roll. Collins Jones NAYS—17 Scott (FL) Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Coons Kaine Scott (SC) Cornyn Kennedy Baldwin Markey Smith Shaheen are necessarily absent: the Senator Cortez Masto King Blumenthal Menendez Stabenow Shelby from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Cantwell Merkley Cotton Lankford Udall Sinema Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Gillibrand Murray Cramer Leahy Van Hollen Smith Heinrich Schatz Crapo Lee Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Wyden Sullivan Hirono Schumer Cruz Manchin Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Tester Daines McConnell the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- NOT VOTING—7 Duckworth McSally Thune RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Booker Klobuchar Warren Durbin Menendez Tillis Harris Paul Enzi Moran Toomey KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Isakson Sanders Ernst Murkowski Udall Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Feinstein Murphy Van Hollen ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Fischer Perdue Warner vote the yeas are 76, the nays are 17. Gardner Peters Whitehouse are necessarily absent. The motion is agreed to. Graham Portman Wicker The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Grassley Reed Young any other Senators in the Chamber de- Hassan Risch f siring to vote? NAYS—10 CLOTURE MOTION The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 88, Bennet Markey Schumer nays 5, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Cantwell Merkley Wyden [Rollcall Vote No. 408 Ex.] to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Gillibrand Murray Senate the pending cloture motion, Hirono Schatz YEAS—88 which the clerk will state. NOT VOTING—8 Alexander Feinstein Portman Baldwin Fischer Reed The bill clerk read as follows: Booker Klobuchar Stabenow Barrasso Gardner Risch Harris Paul CLOTURE MOTION Warren Bennet Graham Roberts Isakson Sanders Blackburn Grassley We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Romney The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Blumenthal Hassan Rosen ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Blunt Hawley Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby vote, the yeas are 82, the nays are 10. Rounds Boozman Heinrich Rubio move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Braun Hoeven The motion is agreed to. Sasse Brown Hyde-Smith nation of John M. Gallagher, of Pennsyl- The Senate majority whip. Scott (FL) vania, to be United States District Judge for Burr Inhofe UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT—EXECUTIVE Scott (SC) the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Cantwell Johnson CALENDAR Capito Jones Shaheen Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Cardin Kaine Shelby Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, Carper Kennedy Sinema John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat unanimous consent that the cloture Casey King Smith Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- motions on Executive Calendar Nos. 234 Cassidy Lankford Stabenow Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, and 349 be withdrawn; further, that the Collins Leahy Sullivan Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve confirmation votes on the nominations Coons Lee Tester Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn, Cornyn Manchin Thune occur in the series of votes in the pre- Cortez Masto McConnell Tillis The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- vious order, with all other provisions Cotton McSally Toomey imous consent, the mandatory quorum remaining in effect. Cramer Menendez Udall Crapo Merkley Van Hollen call has been waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Cruz Moran The question is, Is it the sense of the objection? Warner Daines Murkowski Whitehouse Duckworth Senate that debate on the nomination Without objection, it is so ordered. Murphy Wicker Durbin Murray of John M. Gallagher, of Pennsylvania, Wyden f Enzi Perdue to be United States District Judge for Young CLOTURE MOTION Ernst Peters the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, shall be brought to a close? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant NAYS—5 The yeas and nays are mandatory to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Gillibrand Markey Schumer Hirono Schatz under the rule. Senate the pending cloture motion, The clerk will call the roll. which the clerk will state. NOT VOTING—7 The senior assistant legislative clerk The senior assistant bill clerk read as Booker Klobuchar Warren called the roll. follows: Harris Paul Isakson Sanders Mr. THUNE. The following Senators CLOTURE MOTION are necessarily absent: the Senator We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the vote, the yeas are 88, the nays are 5. Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The motion is agreed to. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- f Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), nation of Bernard Maurice Jones II, of Okla- homa, to be United States District Judge for CLOTURE MOTION the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- the Western District of Oklahoma. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, Senate the pending cloture motion, Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW), and Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- which the clerk will report. the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, The senior assistant bill clerk read WARREN) are necessarily absent. Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve the following: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn. CLOTURE MOTION any other Senators in the Chamber de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- siring to vote or change their vote? imous consent, the mandatory quorum ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 82, call has been waived. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby nays 10, as follows: The question is, Is it the sense of the move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Senate that debate on the nomination nation of Mary Kay Vyskocil, of New York, [Rollcall Vote No. 407 Ex.] to be United States District Judge for the YEAS—82 of Bernard Maurice Jones II, of Okla- Southern District of New York. homa, to be United States District Alexander Blackburn Boozman Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, John Baldwin Blumenthal Braun Judge for the Western District of Okla- Cornyn, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, Mike Barrasso Blunt Brown homa, shall be brought to a close? Rounds, Thom Tillis, Roger F. Wicker,

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Cindy Hyde-Smith, Kevin Cramer, CLOTURE MOTION NOT VOTING—7 John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Dan Sul- Booker Klobuchar Warren livan, Chuck Grassley, Richard Burr, We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Harris Paul John Thune, Roy Blunt. Isakson Sanders Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this imous consent, the mandatory quorum nation of Kea Whetzal Riggs, of New Mexico, vote, the yeas are 92, and the nays are call has been waived. to be United States District Judge for the 1. The question is, Is it the sense of the District of New Mexico. The motion is agreed to. Senate that the debate on the nomina- Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom The majority leader. Tillis, Mike Rounds, Lamar Alexander, tion of Mary Kay Vyskocil, of New UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT—EXECUTIVE York, to be United States District John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, Pat Roberts, John Thune, Cindy Hyde- CALENDAR Judge for the Southern District of New Smith, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I York, shall be brought to a close? Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve want to announce to all of our Mem- The yeas and nays are mandatory Daines, Todd Young, John Cornyn. bers that by popular demand, the under the rule. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Democratic leader and I will have a bi- The clerk will call the roll. partisan agreement that we will have The legislative clerk called the roll. imous consent, the mandatory quorum call has been waived. 10-minute votes enforced tomorrow. Mr. THUNE. The following Senators The PRESIDING OFFICER. The are necessarily absent: the Senator The question is, Is it the sense of the Democratic leader. from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Senate that debate on the nomination Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I just Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). of Kea Whetzal Riggs, of New Mexico, want to let our side know that this will Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the to be United States District Judge for be strictly enforced, so we have to be Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), the District of New Mexico, shall be here. the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- brought to a close? RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. The yeas and nays are mandatory f KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from under the rule. Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- The clerk will call the roll. CLOTURE MOTION REN), are necessarily absent. The senior assistant bill clerk called The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there the roll. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the any other Senators in the Chamber de- Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Senate the pending cloture motion, siring to vote? are necessarily absent: the Senator which the clerk will state. The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 89, from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the The senior assistant bill clerk read as nays 4, as follows: Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). follows: [Rollcall Vote No. 409 Ex.] Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the CLOTURE MOTION YEAS—89 Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Alexander Feinstein Reed the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Baldwin Fischer Risch Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby RIS Barrasso Gardner Roberts ), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Bennet Graham Romney KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from nation of Gary Richard Brown, of New York, Blackburn Grassley Rosen Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- to be United States District Judge for the Blumenthal Hassan Rounds ARREN Blunt Hawley ator from Massachusetts (Ms. W ) Eastern District of New York. Rubio are necessarily absent. Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, John Boozman Hoeven Sasse Cornyn, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, Mike Braun Hyde-Smith Schatz The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Brown Inhofe Schumer Rounds, Thom Tillis, Roger F. Wicker, Burr Johnson BRAUN). Are there any other Senators Scott (FL) Cindy Hyde-Smith, Kevin Cramer, Cantwell Jones Scott (SC) in the Chamber desiring to vote? John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Dan Sul- Capito Kaine Shaheen livan, Chuck Grassley, Richard Burr, Cardin Kennedy The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 92, Shelby Carper King nays 1, as follows: John Thune, Roy Blunt. Casey Lankford Sinema The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Cassidy Leahy Smith [Rollcall Vote No. 410 Ex.] Stabenow imous consent, the mandatory quorum Collins Lee YEAS—92 Coons Manchin Sullivan call has been waived. Cornyn McConnell Tester Alexander Fischer Portman The question is, Is it the sense of the Cortez Masto McSally Thune Baldwin Gardner Reed Tillis Senate that debate on the nomination Cotton Menendez Barrasso Gillibrand Risch of Gary Richard Brown, of New York, Cramer Merkley Toomey Bennet Graham Roberts Crapo Moran Udall Blackburn Grassley Romney to be United States District Judge for Cruz Murkowski Van Hollen Blumenthal Hassan Rosen the Eastern District of New York, shall Daines Murphy Warner Blunt Hawley Rounds be brought to a close? Duckworth Murray Whitehouse Boozman Heinrich Rubio The yeas and nays are mandatory Durbin Perdue Wicker Braun Hoeven Sasse Enzi Peters Wyden Brown Hyde-Smith Schatz under the rule. Burr Inhofe Ernst Portman Young Schumer The clerk will call the roll. Cantwell Johnson Scott (FL) NAYS—4 Capito Jones The legislative clerk called the roll. Scott (SC) Cardin Kaine Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Gillibrand Hirono Shaheen Heinrich Markey Carper Kennedy are necessarily absent: the Senator Casey King Shelby from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the NOT VOTING—7 Cassidy Lankford Sinema Smith AUL Booker Klobuchar Warren Collins Leahy Senator from Kentucky (Mr. P ). Stabenow Harris Paul Coons Lee Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Sullivan Isakson Sanders Cornyn Manchin Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Cortez Masto Markey Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Cotton McConnell Thune the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- vote, the yeas are 89, the nays are 4. Cramer McSally Tillis RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. The motion is agreed to. Crapo Menendez Toomey KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Cruz Merkley Udall Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- f Daines Moran Van Hollen Duckworth Murkowski Warner ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) CLOTURE MOTION Durbin Murphy Whitehouse are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Enzi Murray Wicker The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Ernst Perdue Wyden to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Feinstein Peters Young CRAMER). Are there any other Senators Senate the pending cloture motion, in the Chamber desiring to vote? which the clerk will state. NAYS—1 The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 91, The legislative clerk read as follows: Hirono nays 2, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.054 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7145 [Rollcall Vote No. 411 Ex.] ator from Louisiana (Mr. KENNEDY), far-ranging policies. Now, by the why, YEAS—91 and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. the mess is kind of bipartisan. We can Alexander Fischer Portman PAUL). spread the blame around. Baldwin Gardner Reed Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Let me bring up the heart of it. When Barrasso Gillibrand Risch Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), ObamaCare passed, President Obama Bennet Graham Roberts the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- famously said it would not increase the Blackburn Grassley Romney Blumenthal Hassan Rosen RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. deficit by one dime. That is gone. I Blunt Hawley Rounds KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from think that replaces ‘‘you can keep your Boozman Heinrich Rubio doctor if you want to’’ as the greatest Braun Hoeven Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Sasse Brown Hyde-Smith ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) lie. What we did today is to repeal Schatz Burr Inhofe about $400 billion in payments to pay Schumer are necessarily absent. Cantwell Johnson The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there for all the healthcare that is going out. Capito Jones Scott (FL) Cardin Kaine Scott (SC) any other Senators in the Chamber de- It is kind of a joke on Republicans. We Carper Kennedy Shaheen siring to vote or change their vote? are getting ObamaCare, but we are not Casey King Shelby The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 90, paying for it. Cassidy Lankford Sinema nays 1, as follows: On the other hand, as I will explain Collins Leahy Smith Coons Lee Stabenow [Rollcall Vote No. 412 Ex.] in a second, it may ultimately be a Cornyn Manchin Tester YEAS—90 joke on Democrats. Now, this concerns Cortez Masto Markey Thune me because we didn’t have a committee Cotton McConnell Tillis Alexander Fischer Portman Baldwin Gardner hearing on it, and we haven’t had a Cramer McSally Toomey Reed Barrasso Gillibrand Risch Crapo Menendez Udall floor debate, but we just committed Bennet Graham Roberts Cruz Merkley Van Hollen that for almost $400 billion that have Blackburn Grassley Romney Daines Moran Warner been used to fund Medicaid expansion, Duckworth Blumenthal Hassan Rosen Murkowski Whitehouse Durbin Murphy Boozman Hawley Rounds people getting subsidies for their Wicker Enzi Murray Braun Heinrich Rubio health insurance, and many other Wyden Ernst Perdue Brown Hoeven Sasse things, we just went poof, and it is Feinstein Peters Young Burr Hyde-Smith Schatz Cantwell Inhofe Schumer gone. NAYS—2 Capito Johnson Scott (FL) Now, some of it, like the health in- Hirono Cardin Jones Scott (SC) surance tax, was a tax that the insur- Sullivan Carper Kaine Shaheen ance industry agreed to so that the Casey King Shelby NOT VOTING—7 Cassidy Lankford Sinema Obama administration would force Collins Leahy Smith Booker Klobuchar Warren ObamaCare upon the rest of us. But Coons Lee Stabenow Harris Paul now that it has been agreed to and Cornyn Manchin Sullivan Isakson Sanders Cortez Masto Markey Tester ObamaCare is stuck, they don’t want The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Cotton McConnell Thune to pay the tax. They would rather that vote, the yeas are 91, the nays are 2. Cramer McSally Tillis go poof. Crapo Menendez Toomey Now, people say: Wait a second. If we The motion is agreed to. Cruz Merkley Udall f Daines Moran Van Hollen get rid of that tax, maybe insurance Duckworth Murkowski Warner premiums go down. One, they don’t CLOTURE MOTION Durbin Murphy Whitehouse guarantee it, but, secondly, what we Enzi Murray Wicker The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Ernst Perdue Wyden could have done is we could have taken to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Feinstein Peters Young that money, created reinsurance pools across the Nation, and that is esti- Senate the pending cloture motion, NAYS—1 which the clerk will state. mated to lower premiums by 10 to 20 The senior assistant legislative clerk Hirono percent. In that case, not only would read as follows: NOT VOTING—9 the insurance industry be fulfilling CLOTURE MOTION Blunt Isakson Paul their bargain—hey, you stick the Na- Booker Kennedy Sanders tion with ObamaCare, but we will help We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Harris Klobuchar Warren ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the pay for it—you would actually be able Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this to use the money to lower premiums. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- vote the yeas are 90, the nays are 1. That would be something good. One, nation of Stephanie Dawkins Davis, of The motion is agreed to. they would have kept their word, and, Michigan, to be United States District Judge f two, it would have been good for the for the Eastern District of Michigan. American patient, if you will. Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Thom EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The other tax that has gone just Tillis, Mike Rounds, John Hoeven, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Roger F. Wicker, Pat Roberts, John poof—$300 billion just gone without de- Thune, Roy Blunt, Cindy Hyde-Smith, clerk will report the nomination. bate, without deliberation, without a John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Chuck The senior assistant legislative clerk committee hearing, which is still there Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, read the nomination of Stephanie on Friday, and today we walk in on Todd Young, John Cornyn. Dawkins Davis, of Michigan, to be Monday, and it is poof, and we vote on The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- United States District Judge for the it tomorrow, and I am the first person imous consent, the mandatory quorum Eastern District of Michigan. to speak on it—is the so-called Cadillac call has been waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tax. The question is, Is it the sense of the ator from Louisiana. Now, on the Cadillac tax, that is a Senate that debate on the nomination GOVERNMENT FUNDING provision under ObamaCare in which of Stephanie Dawkins Davis, of Michi- Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I rise for high-cost policies, if they go too gan, to be United States District Judge to discuss the spending bill, which we high, you get taxed on them. The whole for the Eastern District of Michigan, are about to vote on, which is going to idea is to encourage wiser purchasing shall be brought to a close? increase our deficit by almost a fourth of health insurance. Now, frankly, I The yeas and nays are mandatory of a trillion dollars over 10 years and of didn’t care for the Cadillac tax. I get under the rule. which I think I might be the first the reason it was there. But 100 dif- The clerk will call the roll. speaker. We are going to vote on this. ferent economists have said that it The senior assistant legislative clerk We got it yesterday—Monday, maybe— serves a purpose across the political called the roll. and we are going to vote on it tomor- spectrum. My preference is that if we Mr. THUNE. The following Senators row. had replaced the Cadillac tax, one, we are necessarily absent: the Senator I smile because this is supposed to be would have paid for it. We shouldn’t be from Missouri (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator the world’s greatest deliberative body, getting ObamaCare without paying for from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), the Sen- and we have not deliberated one bit on it. Secondly, we would have gotten

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.013 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 some reforms. They are reforms that have had flooding in my State. You There is debate in the House of Rep- actually would have been—if we were have had yours in yours, and I have had resentatives over impeaching the not going to use the Cadillac tax to it in mine. We need that program to be President of the United States. It is hold down the cost of premiums—an- sustainable, accountable, and afford- only the third time that has ever oc- other mechanism by which we could able. We have lost the opportunity. I curred in our Nation’s multicentury hold down the cost of premiums. forget how many short-term extensions history. Why is this important? Because not we have had without reform. I think it Current impeachment conversation is only did we just go poof to almost $400 is like 10, 12, 14, or 16. You lose count an interpretation of a phone call Presi- billion, but because healthcare expend- after a while. We have missed that op- dent Trump had with President itures are driving our debt and deficit. portunity. Zelensky; that if you twist that phone It is not just that we lost this $400 bil- So we started on Friday. Everybody call just the right way, it sounds like lion. We lost any restraint upon poli- goes home except for a few people. he is trying to influence the President cies going higher and higher. They work on it over the weekend, of Ukraine, except the President of Now, that is bad for the American pa- they come in on Monday, and we get a Ukraine never said he felt influenced tient. It is bad for the American house- 2,000-page bill on Monday. We will vote by that, and they never took any ac- hold because our country will continue on it tomorrow, and I am the first per- tion President Trump is being accused its indebtedness. son to speak on it. of. Five different meetings happened in I am a doctor. I know if you put more Now, I understand that impeachment the days after that phone call and none money into the furnace, it will burn is taking a lot of energy and oxygen of those meetings ever included any that much higher, and now there is just out of the Chambers. I understand that conversation about Rudy Giuliani or no excuse to try and rein in those ex- a lot of attention is addressed else- Hunter Biden or Joe Biden. The money pensive policies. where, but all I can say is that you did go to Ukraine in time. It was the It is not just that. One thing that my have just imperiled your country’s fis- 11th of September, and the deadline for Republicans apparently have agreed cal health. it to arrive was the 30th of December. with Democrats on is to stop the On one more thing before I wrap up, The whole time the Ukrainians, who Trump administration from taking on there is a little bit of an irony here. apparently were threatened by Presi- something called ‘‘silver loading.’’ It is Republicans are getting ObamaCare, dent Trump according to the Articles a little technical here, but just hang but it is unpaid for. There is another of Impeachment, said they never knew with me. For the middle-class family irony here as well. The courts today they were threatened. in your State who buys their insurance ruled that the individual mandate in I have a feeling that if President on the exchange and does not get a sub- ObamaCare is unconstitutional. Now, I Trump wanted to threaten somebody, sidy, pop, there goes their premium. am not an attorney, but I gather they they would know it, but apparently, in How does this happen? When the did not rule that this was so-called sev- this situation, the House is currently Trump administration ended the pay- erable. impeaching the President because they ments from the Federal Government to If this is not constitutional, then the perceived the President meant to do insurance companies, insurance compa- rest can stand because we just sever it something he didn’t actually do, when nies figured out a way around it. They off. Imagine this. Imagine that the the whole time the President said that, are smart. They know how to get out of courts decide that that portion of no, that was never his intent. The only taxes that they have agreed to pay for, ObamaCare—which is related to Med- one fact witness the House called as an example. So they did what is icaid expansion and is related to the through the entire process—the one called ‘‘silver loading.’’ They increased exchanges in which people get subsidies fact witness they called—said they ac- the cost of so-called silver policies on to buy these policies—is unconstitu- tually talked to the President, and the the ObamaCare exchange. So if you are tional but would have allowed the not getting a subsidy, you are paying a President said: No, there is not any lot more. But because if you are not mechanism by which to pay for it to quid pro quo; of course I don’t want to getting a subsidy and you are paying a stand, because that is another part of do that. But they are going through impeach- lot more, that increased the amount of the law. We have just repealed that. ment anyway. That will then come to subsidies for people who were. So if you Why is that important? Because if this the Senate in January, and all of Janu- are, you know, getting a subsidy, you falls, we have to have the money to pay ary will be consumed with walking are probably pleased with it. If you are for a replacement. through the two Articles of Impeach- the middle-class person making 400 Democrats have so long screamed percent of Federal poverty level and that we need to have universal access. ment the House is choosing to send you are paying your taxes and you are By the way, I am a doc. I would like ev- over. It is ironic to me that earlier today, trying to do it right, you just got stuck erybody to have insurance. I fought for Michael Horowitz, who is the inspector with a higher premium. it, and I worked for it. But the other The administration was trying to party, which has said this is such a general for the Department of Justice, take it on. This deal, which we have high priority, has just eliminated the was in a hearing in the Senate, talking not discussed, which was not heard in funding that could be used for replace- about the process on the Russia inves- committee, which we have not delib- ment in Texas v. Azar, the court deci- tigation. I happened to be on that com- erated on at all, says to the adminis- sion that may strike down that portion mittee as we went through the process. tration: You can’t take that on. Yes, of ObamaCare. It was very ironic to me today, in the that middle class family not getting a So, Republicans, we got ObamaCare line of questions and the issues and subsidy is paying far more, but you that is not paid for. Democrats, they things that were coming up in the can’t take it on. Stand down, adminis- may end up with no ObamaCare at all. Horowitz report, one of the things that tration, we are going to stick it to that Patients, whether they are on Med- probably the media will never report family, as well as saying poof to $400 icaid, getting a subsidy, or not getting on, but Michael Horowitz, the inspec- billion. a subsidy, will lose. tor general, pulled out through this Now, there are some other issues that I hope that we can return to being process, was, in October of 2016, Chris- are important to me in my State. The the world’s greatest deliberative body, topher Steele—famous for the dossier National Flood Insurance Program is but as regards that, this has to be con- that was an opposition research project an important program. We advanced sidered a low point. from the Democratic National Com- some reforms that would make it more I yield the floor. mittee on President Trump leading up affordable for the homeowner, more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to the election that was supposedly all sustainable for society, and more ac- ator from Oklahoma. this dirty information about Russia. countable to the taxpayer. We haven’t IMPEACHMENT Christopher Steele was contacted by had anything in there. We renewed it. I Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, it is someone in the State Department, the am pleased that we renewed it. a historic day and busy week in the Obama-led State Department. In Octo- We renewed it without reforms. You Senate. The historic day happening is ber of 2016, Christopher Steele was in- have had flooding in your State, and I happening just south of us right now. vited to the State Department where,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.072 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7147 at that time, State Department offi- we have had problems with private con- credibly important because they are cials gave Christopher Steele informa- tractors at some of our bases in Okla- the first responders to acts of ter- tion that they said was from a Turkish homa not living up to the standards of rorism. businessman who had been visiting their contract. JIM INHOFE has been the The ag bill itself is moving through with a Russian member of the FSB one actually fighting to get that fixed. right now. It deals with a lot of the dis- that was derogatory to President He has been the one who has taken the aster supplementals that are incredibly Trump, and they were encouraging lead on that. important to us—in fact, to many of us Steele to take that back and then use This is incredibly important to us in in Western Oklahoma. it before the election. Oklahoma for our five bases and posts, This set of bills not only does a 3.1- The irony of the day today for me is, as well as our National Guard and our percent increase for our military serv- while the House is impeaching the reservists. Just in Oklahoma, there icemembers but it also does an increase President, at the same time that is will be $2.2 billion for the KC–46A re- of 3.1 percent for our civil servants, being debated, Michael Horowitz, the fueling tankers. They will be trained in many of them who work in Oklahoma, inspector general, is giving testimony Altus, and they will be repaired and and they do a remarkable job of being about individuals in the Obama-era serviced at Tinker Air Force Base. The able to serve our neighbors. State Department getting information authorization for the T-X Program, There are a lot of different areas that from foreign individuals, slipping it to which positively impacts Vance Air deal with things like military con- individuals working on the Clinton Force Base, is incredibly important. struction projects that are all over our campaign, and literally using foreign The improvements to military family State that affect not only the military sources to fight against Candidate housing, which I have already talked but civilians and those who have re- Trump from Hillary Clinton’s staff at about, included an amendment in the tired as well. the State Department. bill which dealt with reservists, in There are a lot of changes here, in- Sometimes the world feels more up- what is called the DD–214 Act of 2019. If cluding dramatic funding increases for side down than others. This is one of you are not in the military, you have the Department of Veterans Affairs to those weeks. A year ago today, the no idea what that is. If you are in the fulfill what is called the MISSION Act. Senate was working in a bipartisan military, you know exactly what that That allows more veterans to get care fashion to be able to pass the criminal is. There was a problem that guards closer to home, where they are not justice reform bill, called the FIRST and reservists didn’t have the same having to drive 100 miles to get radi- STEP Act. It was a landmark piece of kind of records in the DD–214 that Ac- ology work, and they can do that in a legislation dealing with helping us in tive Duty does. We are fixing that now rural hospital close by. They can con- Federal prisons deal with recidivism. so that when guards and reservists get nect with their family doctor, just like That was a good day for us in Congress. close to retirement, their records are their spouse does. This gives them We started getting more job training all in place. greater opportunity to do this. to people who are in prison, more op- We have a continuation of the Pal- This set of bills also deals with the portunities for faith-based programs in adin Integrated Management System, electronic logging delays that are so our Federal penitentiaries—just like which is at Fort Sill. We have the au- incredibly important to those who are they are in our State penitentiaries— thorization of the Fort Sill barracks hauling ag and livestock. This deals more opportunities for prisoners to that are so incredibly important to be with the Fish and Wildlife Service. connect with their families because the able to have better living facilities Those of us who are in Southeast Okla- vast majority of prisoners in our Fed- there as well. homa know how incredibly important eral prisons will be released one day, The fuels storage complex at the it is to resolve the American burrowing and it would be helpful if they had job Tulsa International Airport is very im- beetle that no one else will pay atten- training and if they had a faith-based portant for the 138th Fighter Wing of tion to but is incredibly important to background, if they choose to, and if the Air National Guard. us so the Fish and Wildlife Service fi- they have connections to make with Language to enhance our direct high- nally gets this downlisted. This gives their families. It helps us bring down er authority, which is so incredibly im- the instructions for them to do this. the crime rate in the days ahead. That portant—we expand that again to make There are oversight dollars that are was a year ago today in the Senate, in- sure civilians who are being hired in put in place to USDA to oversee the stead of fighting through the impeach- places like McAlester and Tinker con- SNAP program, often called food ment process that is happening now. tinue to be able to serve there. Those stamps, which is actually SNAP. That There are a lot of people who said to civilian service folks are so incredibly program gives greater oversight to deal me recently that nothing is getting important to our national security. with fraud so people who need the help done. That was true for the past couple APPROPRIATIONS get the help and the people who are of months while we have been waiting Mr. President, that was just in the abusing are confronted. on the House to be able to move on NDAA that passed this week. There are The set of bills also deals with what other issues, but this week has been a 12 appropriations bills we have been is called the RURAL Act. It is really pretty busy week moving through working on for months that I am glad important to our co-ops across the pieces of legislation. the House has finally come to a deci- State. They deal with the cost of doing NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT sion to work through this impeach- business, which continues to provide Mr. President, JIM INHOFE, who is the ment process, and we can actually get inexpensive energy all across our chairman of the Armed Services Com- on to the 12 appropriations bills. They State. mittee, has led this Senate and has led, affect a lot of things for Oklahoma. The border wall funding remains. It quite frankly, all of Congress through a Appropriations bills that are moving is the exact same dollar amount as it process on what is called the NDAA, through tomorrow will have things like was last year. That was quite a fight in the National Defense Authorization $50 million for medical student edu- the conversation to be able to go Act. That got passed this week. That is cation. That is really important to us through the House and the Senate. an incredibly important bill, not just for the University of Oklahoma and There are some who believe we should to us in Oklahoma but to us across the Oklahoma State University in the have no fences and no barriers and Nation and for our national security. It awards they have received for medical open borders. I am amazed at how included things like a pay raise for all education. many people do not know that the last of our servicemembers. It included ad- We have been through our share of four Presidents—now five in a row, in- ditional benefits of things going to our disasters this year in flooding in Okla- cluding President Trump—have all family members as they move from homa. The funding to continue those built border fencing. For the previous place to place, living with their serv- grants in that process is in this set of four Presidents, they didn’t face the icemember, and helping them in their bills. same fight that President Trump does transition. We have $710 million for SAFER in building border fencing. In the pre- It addressed the issue of housing, grants, which deal with fire depart- vious four Presidents, it was all about which is so important to Oklahoma, as ments throughout the States. It is in- national security. It is important we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.082 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 have fencing in certain areas to keep to have the F–35. They purchased Rus- but $10 billion more of the overseas that area secure. For President Trump, sian air defense systems. They are contingency fund—$10 billion more. it is suddenly a divisive issue. We turning toward Russia. Why would we The wind production tax credit sud- maintained that funding for the border sell to Turkey our most precious, high- denly reappears. It is the zombie tax fence to make sure that continues ly technical, highly secured technology credit that we thought was already through these bills that are moving like the new F–35 when the direction gone that now has just bounced back. through. Turkey is headed in the days ahead is Five years ago, Congress agreed that There is a repeal of what is called the unknown? This bill stops the delivery wind power was prolific around the nonprofit parking tax. A lot of folks of the F–35 to Turkey. country, and they no longer needed a aren’t following this, but if you work This bill also finally gives victims of Federal tax benefit to sustain their for a nonprofit, you certainly are. It terrorism their day in court. Decades business. There was an agreement 5 was something that was in the tax bill ago, victims of terrorism asked to hold years ago to, little by little, wean wind that should not have been there, and it to account organizations like the Pal- off, and 2020 would be the first year caused great confusion for all of our estinian Authority, or the PLO, in that it would go to zero. Except in this nonprofits and all of our churches all areas where they carried out acts of bill, magically, the wind production over the country and certainly all over terrorism that killed or injured Ameri- tax credit reappears. In the year that it my great State. cans. We decided as a Congress decades was supposed to be zero, it actually This section is something I and CHRIS ago to allow that, but the courts pops up to a higher amount than it was COONS from Delaware have worked on stepped in and stopped it with this lit- even last year. for months and months, to finally get tle loophole, and we, as Congress, have There are multiple different items it fixed for all these nonprofits. For never fixed it. I worked with Chairman called tax extenders in this package. We have additional tax dollars going to those of us who know and love the GRASSLEY and with multiple others to work the nonprofits do all over the get to a point where we can resolve things like race tracks for horse rac- ing. We have tax dollars going to mo- country, this is one of the prime issues this. This bill includes the fix so that torsports race tracks. And we have tax they want to finally get resolved so victims of terrorism can finally get dollars going to craft beer breweries they can get back to focusing on tak- their day in court. because, I assume, craft beer breweries ing care of people who are homeless U.N. peacekeeping contributions can’t make it without getting tax dol- and hungry and needy, rather than have hit a very high number in the lars from their next-door neighbor—al- having to count parking spaces and years past—way beyond what was set most $1 billion worth. Almost $1 billion turn in, literally, a 30-page form to the as the cap. This bill keeps us down to Federal dollars are going to help folks IRS. the current cap so that we are not who do craft brewery. I am sure the Finally, dealing with the medical de- overgiving to the peacekeeping oper- folks who do craft brewery would love vice tax, which has lingered for years. ations because we also expect other na- to have the tax benefit, but I think the It is an important issue for us to re- tions, not just the United States, to Nation has not run out of beer, and we solve because it is raising the cost of contribute to the peacekeeping oper- are not in a position that we need to people getting medical devices. We did ations. make sure we subsidize that to make a boost in funding for NIH, National In- I would love to say that everything sure we sustain that for our national stitutes for Health. That deals with an in these bills is good, but it is not. Peo- ple talk about making the sausage benefit. increase in funding in things like Alz- The tax side alone of one of the bills here. Quite frankly, I go back and heimer’s, which we should continue to that is coming—just one of the bills think about the very first time I ever invest in. That also deals with things that is coming—is almost one-half tril- had a bite of supreme pizza. I don’t in Oklahoma: some of the Oklahoma lion dollars in new debt. One of the know what everybody’s family was Medical Research Foundation, Ste- bills has one-half trillion dollars in new phenson Cancer Center at OU, and also like, but for us, growing up, we got a debt. For a nation that has $23 billion, some of the rural healthcare programs, hamburger pizza. It was a plain one, many of us were shocked late on Mon- especially dealing with telemedicine. If which was the cheapest one, or cheese day night when the bill was dropped you are in a rural area in Oklahoma, it pizza. That was a very good pizza. But with an additional one-half trillion dol- is a long way to go to get healthcare. I remember the first time I went some- lars in new debt. This bill also deals with something where and had supreme pizza, and it There are some important things called the SECURE Act. The SECURE was all loaded with everything on it, going on this week, and there are also Act deals with seniors’ retirement. and I thought that it was going to be some things moving through this Con- Right now you can’t continue contrib- great—until I bit into it. I also found gress that need more attention than uting to your IRA past 701⁄2. You are out it not only had the things I liked, impeachment, and they are not hap- forced to take it. Lots of folks are now but there were some things that I real- pening. I hope in the days ahead, as we choosing to work later and later. Some ly, really didn’t like in that bite, and debate these issues and vote on these retire earlier. That is fine. That is many times the things that I really issues, we can deal with the things that their choice, but for folks who choose didn’t like overpowered the things that are good that we all look at and say to retire later, they don’t want to be I did. ‘‘We should do that,’’ but we will be forced to take their IRA. They want to There are some things in some of able to pause long enough to ask still be able to contribute. This allows these bills coming up this week that I ‘‘Should we do those things?’’ and them to be able to do this. just cannot support. While I talked make wise decisions. This also allows part-time workers to through a lot of things that are mov- We are at the same spot we always participate in 401(k) plans. It is incred- ing—and there are a lot of things mov- are. Everything gets crammed in at the ibly important for a lot of people just ing this week—there are also some very end of the year, and it becomes a saving for their own retirement. People areas like the overseas contingency case where, if you don’t vote for every- should not count on just Social Secu- fund, often called OCO. You will hear thing, then the government is going to rity. People should also set aside their it. It is a separate fund outside the shut down. That is why MAGGIE HASSAN own retirement funds as well in addi- budget that is supposed to be just for and I—the Democratic Senator from tion to Social Security. This allows taking care of our military in the fight New Hampshire—worked so hard this more folks to do that and to continue against Afghanistan and Iraq. We have year to form a bill that we call the gov- doing that. been dialing down the fight in Afghani- ernment shutdown prevention bill. We There are several things on foreign stan and Iraq and doing less and less want to end the possibility that we will policy that maybe some Oklahomans and less of that. The President has al- have government shutdowns so that are not paying attention to but are im- ready announced he is going to con- there is not a time that we get to the portant to us—things like the F–35 pro- tinue to withdraw troops in a wise way end of the year, and everyone says: You gram to Turkey. It is one of the areas from those areas. Yet this agreement have to vote for all this stuff or the that I led in this bill. It says that Tur- that has come down the pike this week government will shut down and people key should not be allowed to continue also includes not less overseas funding will be furloughed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.083 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7149 I would like to have a moment when LEGISLATIVE SESSION CEBR program are being addressed by the we say that we will not ever have shut- Office of Justice Programs, and specifically, downs again and we debate the issues by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). MORNING BUSINESS In particular, NIJ concurs with the rec- that need to be debated in the time ommendations in the 2019 GAO report re- they need to be debated so that we Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask garding performance measures. To create don’t dump one-half trillion dollars in unanimous consent that the Senate and implement appropriate and meaningful new debt on our kids and go home for proceed to legislative session for a pe- performance measures NIJ has: conducted an Christmas. riod of morning business, with Sen- in-depth analysis of currently available pro- Let’s get some things resolved. Let’s ators permitted to speak therein for up gram performance data to identify informa- tion gaps; made corresponding modifications solve the issues, and then let’s spend to 10 minutes each. some time with our families. I think to program performance measures to address The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without these gaps; aligned its performance measures the entire country needs to take a deep objection, it is so ordered. with consistently articulated program goals breath from the anger and bitterness f and permitted program activities; clearly de- and divisiveness. There needs to be a lineated between measures intended to cap- little peace on Earth and some good DEBBIE SMITH ACT OF 2019 ture the state of DNA backlog and labora- will toward men. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am tory throughout, and those measures in- I yield the floor. tended to gauge grant program impact; made delighted that we last week reached a clarifications to promote consistency in f compromise enabling Congress to send grant recipient data reporting; augmented EXECUTIVE CALENDAR another 5-year reauthorization of the its measures to efficiently capture the level Debbie Smith Act to the President’s of DNA funding used for outsourcing DNA Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask desk this week. Both Chambers’ adop- sample analysis (which accounted for ap- unanimous consent that the Senate tion of that compromise, which passed proximately only 10 percent of program costs proceed to the consideration of Cal- the Senate by voice vote last night, for FY 2015 award recipients). Consistent with the recommendations in endar No. 551 and all nominations on with my support, signals Congress’s the secretary’s desk in the Air Force the GAO report, NIJ will communicate en- continued support for the DNA Backlog hancements to DNA CEBR program meas- and Army; that the nominations be and Capacity Enhancement Program. ures starting in calendar year 2020 and con- confirmed; the motions to reconsider Earlier this year, I called for reforms tinuing through 2020. This will occur in ad- be considered made and laid upon the to the grant program that the Debbie vance of updated performance measures that table with no intervening action or de- Smith Act established. These reforms, will appear in the FY 2021 DNA CEBR Pro- bate; that no further motions be in suggested this year by the Government gram solicitation. Grant recipients will be order; that any statements related to Accountability Office, would require required to report against the specific ar- the nominations be printed in the ticulated updated measures thereafter. both that the Justice Department ar- The 2019 GAO report expressed concern re- RECORD; the President be immediately ticulate measurable, program-wide garding lobbying disclosure certifications notified of the Senate’s action; and the goals and that the National Institute and a lack of controls to follow-up with Senate then resume legislative session. of Justice take additional steps to pre- grantees to help ensure they are meeting The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without vent lobbying-related conflicts of in- statutory requirements. As of February 2, objection, it is so ordered. terest. They would not resolve every 2019, all entities registering for federal The nominations considered and con- issue with this grant program, but I be- awards in the System for Award Manage- firmed are as follows: ment (SAM.gov) are required to review the lieve the implementation of such re- Financial Assistance Representations and IN THE ARMY forms would substantially strengthen Certifications required by statutes or regula- The following named officer for appoint- the program. I also advocated for re- tions in accordance with guidance under ment in the United States Army to the grade forms, which are included in the final Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. indicated while assigned to a position of im- legislation, that ensure the analysis of SAM.gov registration question 8.L. ref- portance and responsibility under title 10, untested DNA in sexual assault cases is erences compliance with the Lobbying Dis- U.S.C., section 601: accorded higher priority under this closure Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. TO BE LIEUTENANT GENERAL program. Under this question, the registrant must at- Maj Gen. Douglas M. Gabram test as follows: As mentioned earlier this week, I I have read each of the certifications and NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE SECRETARY’S have called on the Attorney General to representations presented on this page. By DESK implement several of my proposed re- submitting this certification, I, , IN THE AIR FORCE forms through administrative action. I am attesting to the accuracy of the certifi- PN1117 AIR FORCE nominations (130) be- thank the Attorney General for com- cation and representations contained herein. ginning ANNA M. ADKINS, and ending mitting to do so, in the attached letter I understand that I may be subject to crimi- MARY E. ZANDER, which nominations were dated December 11, 2019. My letter to nal prosecution under Section 1001, Title 18 of the United States Code or civil liability received by the Senate and appeared in the the Attorney General on this subject, Congressional Record of September 19, 2019. under the False Claims Act if I misrepresent dated December 9, 2019, also is at- by providing false, fictitious, or IN THE ARMY tached, and I ask unanimous consent fraudulent information to the U.S. Govern- PN1260 ARMY nomination of Zachary B. that both letters be printed in the CON- ment. Ciccolo, which was received by the Senate GRESSIONAL RECORD. In addition, OJP plans to send annual re- and appeared in he Congressional Record of There being no objection, the mate- minders to all OJP vendors with open active October 30, 2019. rial was ordered to be printed in the awards reminding them of the disclosure re- PN1289 ARMY nomination of Andrew J. quirements under the Lobbying Disclosure Oliver, which was received by the Senate and RECORD, as follows: Act along with instructions on how to sub- appeared in the Congressional Record of No- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, mit the disclosures. vember 19, 2019. OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, Finally, regarding GAO’s concerns regard- PN1290 ARMY nomination of Marjorie A. Washington, DC, December 11, 2019. ing controls for conflict of interest and lob- Kuipers, which was received by the Senate Hon. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, bying, OJP has historically followed Justice and appeared in the Congressional Record of Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Management Division procedures. However, November 19, 2019. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. OJP did not have these procedures reduced PN1291 ARMY nomination of Yuandre G. Hon. JOHN CORNYN, to writing, as acknowledged by GAO. OJP Dieujuste, which was received by the Senate U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. has memorialized the procedures in writing, and appeared in the Congressional Record of DEAR CHAIRMAN GRASSLEY AND SENATOR which the Principal Deputy Assistant Attor- November 19, 2019. CORNYN: This responds to your letter to the ney General has approved. The procedures PN1293 ARMY nomination of Thomas E. Attorney General dated December 9, 2019, re- are in process for implementation. Axtell, which was received by the Senate and garding the DNA Capacity Enhancement for It is OJP’s intent, as evidenced by the appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program. We work already completed and the plan moving vember 19, 2019. write to assure you that the Department of forward, to comply with the 2019 GAO report. PN1294 ARMY nomination of D014331, Justice places a high priority on the Govern- We hope this information is helpful. Please which was received by the Senate and ap- ment Accountability Office’s (GAO) reports do not hesitate to contact this office if we peared in the Congressional Record of No- and recommendations. The recommenda- may provide additional assistance regarding vember 19, 2019. tions from the 2019 GAO report regarding the this or any other matter.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.073 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 Sincerely, year, to implement three steps, based on the Rockwell Garden Fieldhouse. The show STEPHEN E. BOYD, 2019 and 2013 recommendations of the Comp- he developed became the foundation for Assistant Attorney General. troller General. Specifically, we ask that you the Jesse White Tumblers. commit that OJP will: Jesse White has served the people of Hon. WILLIAM P. BARR, Define CEBR program-wide goals in clear, Illinois throughout his career, along Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, specific, and measurable terms by no later Washington, DC. than June 30, 2019. with being secretary of State for Illi- DEAR ATTORNEY GENERAL BARR: We are Consistently document these measurable nois. He was the recorder of deeds of writing to urge your immediate adoption of goals for the CEBR program and use per- Cook County from 1992 to 1999, a legis- a government watchdog agency’s rec- formance measures that fully reflect the rec- lator in the Illinois General Assembly ommendations respecting a U.S. Department ommendations made by GAO in its report en- for 16 years, and a public school teach- of Justice (DOJ) grant program that makes titled, ‘DNA Evidence: DOJ Should Improve er for 33 years. But his favorite role resources available for criminal laboratories Performance Measurement and Properly De- may still be coach of the Jesse White across the country to process DNA evidence sign controls for Nationwide Grant Program’ Tumblers. collected from crime scenes and criminal of- (GAO–19–216). Children between the ages of 6 and 20 fenders. We also request that you commit to Describe any actions taken, including implement specific and measurable goals for can find a second family in the Jesse steps to eliminate conflicts of interest to im- White Tumblers. Becoming a Tumbler this program, known as the ‘‘DNA Capacity prove the CEBR program based on the 2019 Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Pro- recommendations of the Comptroller Gen- is not an easy task. Thousands of gram’’ (CEBR), by the end of the year. eral. young people apply every year, and few The Government Accountability Office We look forward to hearing your response make it. In addition to athletic (GAO) repeatedly has faulted DOJ’s Office of no later than December 20, 2019. If you have achievement, members must stay in Justice Programs (OJP) and National Insti- any questions, please contact Evelyn Fortier school, maintain a C average, and stay tute of Justice (NIJ) for neglecting to articu- of Senator Grassley’s staff or Franci Rooney away from drugs and alcohol. For the late, in clear, specific, and measurable of Senator Cornyn’s staff. Thank you in ad- hard work, members get the thrill of terms, program-wide goals for this formula vance for your cooperation. grants program, originally authorized by performing and develop confidence, Sincerely, structure, and discipline. The program Congress under the Debbie Smith Act. The CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, CEBR program, which has received roughly Chairman. also helps with homework, study skills, $1.5 billion in congressional appropriations JOHN CORNYN, and can provide financial support since its inception 15 years ago, has been the U.S. Senator. through scholarships. The Jesse White subject of two critical GAO reports, one in f Tumblers have changed the lives of 2013 and another this year. generations of young people. As stated by GAO in a 2019 report on this RECOGNIZING THE JESSE WHITE The Jesse White Tumblers have subject: ‘‘[T]he Office of Justice Programs (OJP)— TUMBLERS earned their reputation as a legend in the primary grant-making arm of the De- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, every the State of Illinois. Here is to many partment of Justice—has not consistently year, 250 Chicago kids form 8 teams to more years of success. documented program-wide goals for its DNA perform 1,500 shows of acrobatic won- f Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduc- der at major sporting events, commu- tion grant program (CEBR). For instance, RECOGNIZING AGRI-MARK CABOT OJP has documented different meanings of nity businesses, and charities. They are CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE called the Jesse White Tumblers, and ‘‘capacity enhancement.’’ Additionally, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, this year for 60 years the troupe has delighted CEBR performance measures do not fully re- marks the 100th anniversary of one of audiences in Illinois and across the flect selected attributes of successful per- Vermont’s most nationally recognized formance measures, such as having measur- world, including Hong Kong, Israel, and businesses, Agri-Mark Cabot Creamery able targets. These issues hinder OJP’s abil- Croatia. Since 1959, more than 18,000 Co-operative. Founded as a small but- ity to assess program results.’’ youths have put in the hard work and This is not a new concern: GAO reported a ter plant in Cabot, VT, with principles performed in the Jesse White Tum- half dozen years ago that DOJ was not doing of producing high-quality dairy prod- enough to assess the results of the CEBR blers. Today, we congratulate this ucts and supporting farmers and com- program. As stated in a 2013 report by the well-loved Chicago institution on its munities, Cabot has grown to be a lead- Comptroller General: ‘‘NIJ has a process in 60th anniversary. er in the dairy industry, raising the bar place to determine DNA and forensic pro- Jesse White, the man whom the for excellence across the country. The gram funding priorities, but its decisions re- troupe is named after, is the 37th sec- garding these priorities are not clearly docu- founders of Cabot prided themselves on retary of State for Illinois. He is the quality products and doing things the mented.’’ GAO noted that NIJ was unable to first African American to win state- articulate its rationale for how funding pri- right way. Cabot began with just 94 orities are determined, and ‘‘[w]ithout a wide office in Illinois, and he has held members that collectively owned 800 clearly documented process that dem- the office longer than anyone else. I am cows. Today, Cabot has expanded to in- onstrates the rationale for NIJ’s funding pri- honored to count him as a friend. clude over 800 farm families, never los- orities, there is limited transparency regard- Just like the Tumblers, Jesse was an ing sight of their core values of excep- ing how and why the agency is allocating its outstanding athlete and student grow- tional quality, safety, and community funding.’’ In 2018, a GAO spokesperson testi- ing up. He attended Waller High School cooperation. These tenants have been fied before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Chicago, earning All-City honors in upheld by their members repeatedly that we lack the tools necessary to assess basketball and baseball. He hoped to whether the CEBR program is working: throughout the last century. Concerns regarding the process for identi- play professional baseball after grad- The farm families of Cabot Creamery fying lobbying-related conflicts of interest uating, but his father insisted on him Co-operative continue to be innovators, were reported by the Comptroller General in going to college first. He went to Ala- pioneers of sustainability, and dedi- the 2019 report on the CEBR program. This bama State College, majoring in phys- cated stewards to their land and ani- 2019 report states that ‘‘OJP has not properly ical education. He was All-Conference mals. Their products consistently designed all controls related to selected re- in baseball and basketball. When he prove to be the cream of the crop, win- quirements for conflicts of interest and lob- graduated, Jesse signed with the Chi- ning many awards, and rightfully earn- bying.’’ Because DOJ’s Office of Inspector cago Cubs. Four days before leaving for General also identified conflicts of interest ing the title of ‘‘World’s Best Ched- with NIJ grant programs as early as 2009, it spring training, the U.S. Army drafted dar.’’ For decades, they have been earn- is imperative that the Office of Justice Pro- him, assigning him to the 101st Air- ing top marks around the country and grams immediately establish all appropriate borne Division. In 1959, Jesse returned world, from respected competitions controls necessary to eliminate such con- to Chicago and played third base in the like the U.S. Championship Cheese flicts, as recommended by the Government Cubs minor league system. Contest, the American Cheese Society, Accountability Office in the report entitled, During the off-season, Jesse taught and even the World Championship ‘DNA Evidence: DOJ Should Improve Per- physical education at his alma mater, Cheese Contest. The recognition is well formance Measurement and Properly Design Schiller Elementary School, and in the controls for Nationwide Grant Program’ deserved after a century of hard work, (GAO–19–216). Chicago Park District. In December dedication, and commitment shown by We also request that you give your com- 1959, the Chicago Park District asked generations of farmers across New Eng- mitment, prior to the end of this calendar Jesse to create a gym show for the land and New York.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.018 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7151 Not only do they produce excellent Bronze Star recipient. He also teaches ment and research, growing from one products, Cabot’s farm families are the next generation of leaders as an as- man’s dream into one of Vermont’s leaders of sustainability. They have sistant professor at Norwich Univer- most successful companies. As a worked to strengthen green farming sity. fourth-generation, family-run com- practices, some of which provide Named after Vermont’s status as the pany, it is fitting to look back on Vermont families with electricity, and 14th State to join the Union, Steve has Hazelett’s 100 years of public service even their own electricity processing ensured that 14th Star Brewery main- and learn more about their history. plant. They have made continuous ef- tains a close tie to service of our fellow Hazelett’s founder, Clarence W. forts to create more sustainable prac- Vermonters. Taking its values from Hazelett, worked tirelessly to design tices, from conserving water to install- Steve and his close-knit leadership and develop continuous metal casting ing solar panels. Cabot and their mem- team, the brewery directs a portion of technology in 1919. Clarence’s commit- bers have been awarded prestigious its proceeds towards supporting Purple ment was undying, his persistence to honors, such as U.S. Dairy Sustain- Hearts Reunited, an organization be a leader in this field led to his ability Awards and New England Green founded by fellow Vermont Guardsman groundbreaking work being recognized Pastures Award for Outstanding Dairy Zach Fike to return lost or stolen mili- through worldwide patents and tech- Farm of the Year. Cabot has recently tary medals to veterans and their fami- nical publications. In 1924, Clarence es- been classified as a B Corporation, the lies. Each June, which is PTSD aware- tablished the first commercial contin- first dairy cooperative to achieve that ness month, 14th Star releases a special uous metals casting and processing certification, which shows the strong brew, 11Bravo, and hosts an annual company in the world, Hazelett Stor- commitment they have to being a so- event to support the Josh Pallotta fund age Battery Company. Upon his death, cially and environmentally responsible for addressing veteran suicides, in his two sons, William ‘‘Bill’’ and Rich- business. memory of his fellow Vermont Guards- ard, followed in his footsteps and took I have had the pleasure to work with man. Hazelett a step further. Cabot, creating lasting memories and Steve and 14th Star are proud and de- Bill took the reins from his father, an incredible working relationship that voted members of the St. Albans and becoming president of the company in has supported the dairy industry in Franklin County community, serving 1956. Building on his father’s founda- Vermont and the entire country. I am every way possible, such as raising tion, Bill relocated the company to privileged to host Cabot at my annual enough funds to ensure eggs and milk Colchester, VT, and renamed it Taste of Vermont event, and guests of were supplied to a local kitchen for an Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation. It the reception are often greeted by the entire year. 14th Star’s tireless efforts was here that the family business grew distinct Cabot plaid upon entering the to give back to their community and into one of the world’s leading contin- Kennedy Caucus Room on Capitol Hill. the State shows how far a small uous casting machine manufacturers. As a Vermonter, I am proud of the in- business’s impact can go. Bill went on to win the United States Marcelle and I have enjoyed getting credible service Cabot, its leaders, and Small Business Administration Na- to know Steve and his wife Nicole over their farmers provide for our State, our tional Exporter of the Year award in the years. During the Vermont Brewers economy, and the larger dairy indus- 2001 for his exemplary innovation and Festival in 2015, Steve kindly gave me try. Cabot truly represents the essence, vision in building a very successful a tour of the festival and introduced values, and traditions of what makes business in Vermont, boasting an em- me to many amazing brewers within Vermont special. I congratulate Cabot ployment of 145 people while account- our State. Marcelle and I have also had and their dairy farmers on 100 years of ing 70 percent of its $23 million in sales the pleasure of visiting 14th Star Brew- hard work and success. to foreign business. Bill passed away in ery, where we were impressed not only f 2010, but his legacy lives on and con- by the creativity and quality of the tinues in his son, David. RECOGNIZING 14TH STAR beer but also the sense of community BREWERY they have fostered by creating a wel- Today, with David at the helm, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to coming gathering space in St. Albans. Hazelett has maintained their status as celebrate the success of a Vermont en- His sister and business partner, Andrea one of the world’s leaders in contin- trepreneur and small business owner, Gagner, who is the CEO of 14th Star, uous metal casting, expanding well be- Steve Gagner, of 14th Star Brewery. has also joined us in DC to participate yond the Green Mountains. Hazelett’s Started in 2012, 14th Star Brewery in the annual Taste of Vermont on prominent presence around the globe is began in a hand-built brew house in St. Capitol Hill for 2 years, and Marcelle marked by the operation of their ma- Albans, VT, with beer brewed in and I have enjoyed spending time with chines in 27 countries and the estab- repurposed maple sap collection tanks. her at the event. lishment of the only full-service Under the leadership of the team he I was proud to hear that Steve was Hazelett branch outside of the United has assembled, the company has grown chosen as the Vermont Small Business States, Hazelett Trading in Shanghai, immensely since then, increasing their Person of the Year earlier this year. I China. David’s mission is clear: He staff to 24 and moving to a new loca- have seen firsthand the dedication hopes to offer the most cost-effective, tion where they are expected to Steve has not only to his community environmentally friendly metals cast- produce over 8,000 barrels of craft beer in St. Albans but also to the veteran’s ing technology in the world. It pleases by year-end. 14th Star has become community. He has an outstanding me to hear important Vermont values widely popular throughout Vermont work ethic and I applaud him for all incorporated into Hazelett’s work. and distributes to six nearby States. the selfless work to give back to his Hazelett has been an important con- The creation of this Vermont brew- community. I believe Steve truly ex- tributor to not only the Vermont econ- ery, however, began on the battlefields emplifies what it means to be a small omy but the global economy. The of Afghanistan. The founders of 14th business owner in Vermont and he is Hazelett family and their employees Star, Steve Gagner and Matt Kehaya, very deserving of this high recognition. have also helped build and support served in Afghanistan with the f their home town of Colchester over Vermont Army National Guard. During this entire 100 years. A business of this their deployment, they drafted the 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF magnitude in Vermont is a true gem business plan for their dream company HAZELETT CONTINUOUS CASTING and the years of dedication and hard on the back of a notebook. Even as the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would work are exemplified through business has grown dramatically, Steve like to take a moment to recognize the Hazelett’s generations of leaders. I am continues to serve in the Vermont success of another Vermont business, incredibly proud of the continued dedi- Army National Guard and has been Hazelett Continuous Casting, which is cation of each generation that has named commanding officer of the celebrating its 100th anniversary of taken over the business. Congratula- Army Mountain Warfare School in producing quality casting equipment tions to Hazelett Continuous Casting Jericho, VT. Steve was deployed for and research. Hazelett is a true pioneer on 100 years of business, may your suc- two combat tours and is a two-time of continuous metal casting develop- cess continue for another 100 years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.067 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER resident and an alumnus of Overton LEGION AUXILIARY SERGEANT MARCUS T. OATS High School. He holds a bachelor of Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, science in computer information sys- today to recognize the 100th anniver- today I wish to recognize and honor tems and management, as well as a sary of the American Legion Auxiliary. CMSgt Marcus Oats for his recent pro- master’s in business administration. I appreciate the opportunity to speak motion to Chief Master Sergeant in the Chief Oats served as an integral about this esteemed organization and U.S. Air Force and upon the comple- member of our defense team, and I re- recognize their efforts supporting tion of his Air Force fellowship with lied on his advice in support of Alas- American servicemembers, veterans, my office. kans and all Americans. His tireless ef- and their families. The centennial cele- Selection for chief master sergeant is forts were critical to the passage of the bration is a historic occasion for the extremely competitive, as only 1 per- Merchant Mariners of World War II State of Michigan, as well as the entire cent of the Air Force’s entire enlisted Congressional Gold Medal. This bill is Nation. population may hold the pay grade of to award a Congressional Gold Medal The American Legion Auxiliary was E–9 at any time. Chief Oats clearly to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of founded in 1919 to support the efforts of epitomizes the finest qualities of a World War II in recognition of their the men in the American Legion. The military leader, as evidenced by his dedicated and vital service during women of the Auxiliary saw an oppor- distinguished career and elevation to World War II—service which proved in- tunity to embark on a mission of their the highest enlisted level of leadership strumental in securing victory for the own, to not only support active within the Air Force. Chief Master Ser- Allied powers. Moreover, Chief Oats led servicemembers and veterans of World geant Oats entered the U.S. Air Force a bipartisan effort to introduce the War I but also their communities and on September 4, 1996, as a services spe- sixth Defense Department Regional Se- families. This mission resonated cialist and was later selected for re- curities Study Center, named after the among others and by November 1920, training into the field of acquisition. late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. The there were 1,342 Auxiliary units found- Chief Oats’ honorable service has centers aim to support defense strategy ed across 43 States. spanned numerous overseas and state- objectives and policy priorities through During World War II, the Auxiliary side assignments including Southwest a unique academic forum and to foster jumped into action again to serve Asia, four States, and the Nation’s strong international networks of secu- brave servicemembers joining the Capital. He has also completed several rity leaders. He also helped secure sev- fight. They established scholarships for deployments in support of Operations eral wins for Alaska in the Defense ap- students to train as nurses and fulfill Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and propriations bill. needs on the frontlines, donated six Inherent Resolve. Chief Oats currently Chief Oats continued the extraor- mobile blood units to the Red Cross, serves as the senior enlisted advisor in dinary lineage of military fellows I and established an Emergency Vol- the Office of the Secretary of the Air untary Committee to support the war have had the honor of working in my Force’s Legislative Liaison Direc- office, serving as a member of my effort. At the beginning of World War I, torate. Chief Master Sergeant Oats has there were approximately 500,000 en- team. He was also the first enlisted chosen to repeatedly lead his airmen rolled members. After World War II, contracting fellow in Congress. It has by example. membership rose rapidly and peaked in been a great privilege to work with and Despite years of challenging work get to know Chief Oats over the past 11 1955 with 1,001,545 members. Today, the schedules and countless military obli- American Legion Auxiliary consists of months. I know that my entire team gations, Chief Oats elected to make his approximately 800,000 members who will agree when I say Chief Oats will education a priority. Since 2011, he has continue to support troops and vet- always be part of the Murkowski fam- earned two associate’s degrees, a bach- erans across the world in war and ily. elor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a peacetime. As I thank Chief Oats for his service, Communities throughout the State graduate-level certificate. I also thank his wonderful family who of Michigan, as well as across the coun- Furthermore, Chief Oats’ out- has remained by his side for his 23-year try, benefit from the Auxiliary’s advo- standing performance has garnered nu- Air Force career. Chief Oats is married cacy and outreach. This past year, merous accolades, including the 386th to Cecilia Oats. They have three chil- their work has culminated into over 40 Expeditionary Wing Lance P. Sijan dren, Kayla, Mya, and Myles. million volunteer hours and $37 million Leadership Award, two time 7th Bomb On behalf of the U.S. Congress and a to charitable efforts across the United Wing Senior Noncommissioned Officer thankful Nation, I want to express our States. Their own charitable causes in- of the Year Award, and the Air Force gratitude to CMSgt Marcus T. Oats for clude Girls Nation and State, the Aux- Central Command Senior Noncommis- his dedicated service to the U.S. Senate iliary Emergency Fund, and American sioned Officer of the Year Award. As a and to all Alaskans. We applaud Chief Legion Child Welfare Foundation, as true testament to Chief Master Ser- Oats on his recent promotion to chief well as numerous scholarships and geant Oats’ exceptional career, he was master sergeant, the highest general helping to fund veteran support serv- selected to represent the U.S. Air enlisted rank of the Air Force, and ices. Force on Capitol Hill as its enlisted hope the best for him in his next role of In addition to philanthropic work, legislative fellow in 2019. I was fortu- Legislative Advisor to the Chief Master the Auxiliary has advocated for vet- nate to have Chief Oats spend the year Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force. Just as erans’ rights and increased support for in my office as an integral part of I have greatly benefited from Chief those who have served our Nation. Team Murkowski and was pleased with Oats’ leadership and advice, I have no They have advocated for legislation his professionalism, character, and de- doubt that the U.S Air Force will also such as the GI bill, legislation that votion to duty. reap the benefits from this true Amer- would expand U.S. Department of Vet- Chief Oats joined my office in Janu- ican. Thank you for everything erans Affairs benefits, and efforts to ary of this year while serving as my de- Marcus. fense fellow on behalf of the U.S. Air help end homelessness among veterans. f It is my great pleasure to congratu- Force Legislative Fellowship Program. late the American Legion Auxiliary on As the defense fellow, Chief Oats draft- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS its centennial milestone and recognize ed legislation, prepared floor debate the meaningful impact they continue materials, planned and analyzed public to have in the State of Michigan and policy, and served as a congressional li- REMEMBERING BRIGADIER GEN- across our Nation. I ask my colleagues aison between Alaskans and industry ERAL JAMES KEMP to join me in congratulating its mem- or government representatives. Chief MCLAUGHLIN bers and their dedication to support Oats is the first enlisted contracting ∑ Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise servicemembers, veterans, and their airman selected for this position and is today in remembrance of the life of families by promoting fellowship, pa- one of only two enlisted Active-Duty Brig. Gen. James Kemp McLaughlin, triotism, peace, and security through- Air Force fellows currently serving in who passed away this week after living out the world. this capacity. Chief Oats is a Memphis an impressive 101 years full of honor,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.028 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7153 integrity, and service to his Nation, pointed to serve in the West Virginia the same year and the young couple returned State, and county. General McLaughlin House of Delegates. Even after he re- to Bill’s job on the Stearns ranch. The cou- was the epitome of what it means to be tired from both his military and public ple began to save their money to realize a member of the greatest generation. life, Kemp continued to give back to their dream of owning their own ranch. They worked hard, lived simply, and saved every He worked hard, served his country, his community and the Air Guard. In penny they could even with the addition of raised a family, and gave back to soci- recognition of his contributions to the their sons, Tim and Mike. ety more than he could have ever re- West Virginia Air National Guard, the Eventually they were able to lease a couple ceived in return. Charleston base was fittingly renamed of ranches, later purchasing a ranch in Born in Braxton County, WV, in 1918, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base Pleasant Valley, Idaho in 1965. One of Bill’s Kemp, as his family and friends called during a ceremony I was honored to at- greatest joys in life was working on his him, was raised during the Great De- tend in January 2014. ranch and with his Hereford cattle. His love (some would say obsession) for Hereford cat- pression, and like many others of his In West Virginia, we are extremely generation, he learned the value of a tle came from his years of working for the proud of our military heroes, of which Stearns and with their reputation commer- day’s work, to be thankful for what we have many. However, very few have cial and registered Hereford cattle. His pas- you have, and most importantly, how had the impact on our State’s military sions were family, Hereford cattle, thorough- to survive in the face of adversity. institutions and their reputation bred saddle horses, conservative politics, After high school, he traveled to Mor- across the country as Brig. Gen. James education, and unwavering patriotism. gantown to attend college at West Vir- Kemp McLaughlin. I am honored to Bill is survived by his sons and their fami- ginia University, where his interest in have known him, West Virginia is for- lies, Tim (Rosa Maria) and Mike (Gaylene); military service and aviation were first 10 siblings; 5 grandkids—Mirren Lowry, tunate to call him one of our own, and Amaya (Jim) O’Connor, Luke Lowry, Micki piqued when the Army Air Corps test- our Nation is forever thankful for his (Kevin) Golden, and Melissa (Cody) Bullock; ing team visited the school’s campus. A honorable service. Together, we grieve and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in year later, he enlisted in the U.S. the loss of one of our greatest.∑ death by his parents, Charles and Sally Army at the age of 21. f Lowry; oldest sister, Hazel; and wife, Nita. A year into his enlistment, the Japa- His family would like to express their deep- nese attacked the U.S. Naval Base at REMEMBERING WILLIAM A. est appreciation to the staff and residents of Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, HI, on De- LOWRY Grace Assisted Living in Nampa and the cember 7, 1941. It was not only ‘‘a date ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along First Choice Hospice caregivers for their which will live in infamy,’’ as Presi- kindness to and care of Bill. He was grateful with my colleagues Senator JAMES for all of you!’’ dent Roosevelt so memorably declared, RISCH, Representative MIKE SIMPSON, The poem titled ‘‘Too Young to but it was also Kemp’s 23rd birthday. and Representative RUSS FULCHER, I Shave’’ by Brian Arnold that was in- Soon after, he was deployed to England pay tribute to Idahoan Bill Lowry, who spired by Bill and referenced in his as a copilot and second lieutenant in was deeply respected among his peers obituary follows: the Mighty Eight’s 92nd Bombardment and beyond, having earned a wonderful Group, flying the B–17 bomber. The reputation with hard work and integ- ‘‘His body was gnarled and twisted, like a wind-blown juniper tree unit’s mission was to carry out stra- rity. His wisdom, good will, and stature He’d seen the sunrise and seen the sun set tegic bombing campaigns in France helped inspire the development of the more times than two of me. and Germany during World War II. Owyhee Initiative, which we expect to Hobbling from his truck using two canes, During his first mission in France, his help secure the future of ranching fam- so I stopped and held the door aircraft took multiple direct hits. ilies and the culture of Owyhee County. He said, ‘I’m here for the Town Hall McLaughlin returned fire, engaged in The following is Bill’s obituary hon- meetin’. Is that what you’re here for?’ I wondered aloud why a ninety-year-old air-to-air combat, and eventually took oring the life of this great American: man even cared about civic affairs down the enemy. This, in addition to ‘‘William ‘Bill’ Anson Lowry was born He said, ‘Let me tell you a story.’ So I his 38 other combat missions during June 6, 1921 to Charles and Sally Lowry join- grabbed a couple of chairs. World War II, were some of the most ing a sister, Hazel in Bend, Oregon. He was ‘When Pearl Harbor was bombed a bunch of pivotal air raids in our country’s mili- later joined by 3 brothers (Bob, Al, and Rich- us boys all went into town to join up tary history. The successful mission he ard) and 7 more sisters (Effa, Gladys, From the farms and ranches, and some Rhonda, Alta, Dorothy, Betty Jean, and from in town, we had an enemy to whup. took part in to bomb facilities in Nor- They took down our names and gave us a way is credited with halting Germany’s Peggy). The family lived in Prineville, Or- egon where Bill began school. They moved a number, then said they’d give us a call efforts to produce an atomic bomb and couple times but landed back in Prineville So many young fellers were signing up potentially saved millions of lives. where Bill graduated from the 8th grade. that they couldn’t process them all. Upon returning to the United States After his 8th grade graduation, he began Was a whole lot of youngsters standin in in 1945, McLaughlin was recognized working for the Stearns Cattle Company of line, see they was lyin about their age with numerous medals and awards, in- Prineville. His Army discharge report listed All ready to die for our country, while still his civilian occupation as ‘cowpuncher’. Bill too young to shave. cluding the Distinguished Flying Cross It took a few months before they got to us with three clusters, the Air Corps Air always had a lot of respect for the Stearns family and they became his second family. It all, ‘cause so many wanted to go Medal with eight clusters, the French I was an infantryman in the Army, a reg- was there that he met the love of his life, ular G.I. Joe. Croix de Guerre, and a Presidential Vernita ‘Nita’ Hein, who was working in the Saw many a good man die over there, it unit citation. He then accepted a com- cookhouse. was a special kind of hell mission as a lieutenant colonel before In 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, initially retiring in 1946, a retirement We were all just tryin to do our part, for Bill was drafted into the United States some it didn’t work out well. that would last 1 year, when he was Army. However, his induction was pushed Most are buried in those foreign lands, asked to serve as the first commander back because of the flood of boys enlisting. they never did come home of the West Virginia Air National Bill always wanted to honor the boys who They gave their all for freedom, across the Guard squadron. After the unit’s serv- quit school and rushed to enlist, describing briny foam. many of them as being too young to shave. That war’s long over and there’s been some ice in the Korean war, he was promoted He related his experience and desire to honor to full colonel and appointed as West since, but I can never forget these young men to Idaho State Representa- True comrades that I fought alongside, as Virginia’s assistant adjutant general. tive Christy Zito at a meeting in Pleasant they placed their final bet. McLaughlin was then promoted again Valley. Christy then told his story to her So that’s why I’m here, just to make sure, in 1962 to brigadier general and contin- friend, Brian Arnold, who composed a poem that as long as our proud flag waves ued to serve in leadership positions entitled Too Young to Shave. Through the I do my damndest to honor, those men too with the Air Guard until his retire- good work of the Idaho Chapter of Dream young to shave.’ ’’ ment in 1977. Catchers, the poem is now engraved on a Bill was a blessing to his family and In addition to serving his Nation in marble plaque and displayed in the Warhawk the community in which he lived, and Museum in Nampa, Idaho, fulfilling his uniform, Kemp also served his commu- dream of honoring these young men. he will be long-remembered with great nity as a Kanawha County Commis- While on leave from his time in the Army affection and respect. We are all sad- sioner from 1962 to 1968 and then again Corps of Engineers, he married Nita on July dened by Bill’s passing yet grateful for from 1974 to 1976, when he was ap- 31, 1945. He was discharged in November of his life and legacy.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.062 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 TRIBUTE TO CADEN DARROW stroy North Vietnamese surface to air MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT ∑ Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I missile—SAM—sites in an F–100 Super A message from the President of the rise to recognize Caden Darrow, an in- Sabre fighter jet, Lieutenant Colonel United States was communicated to tern in my Washington, DC, office, for Lamb’s Cold War service consisted of the Senate by Ms. Roberts, one of his all the hard work he has done on behalf many hazardous and diverse assign- secretaries. ments. of myself, my staff, and the State of f South Dakota. Although it is difficult to narrow all Caden is a graduate of Rapid City of the spectacular and death-defying PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE Central High School in Rapid City, SD. accomplishments of Lieutenant Colo- He is currently pursuing bachelor of nel Lamb’s career down to one specific REPORT ON THE CONTINUATION science in political science at Arizona achievement, his participation in the OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY State University. Caden is a dedicated first ‘‘Wild Weasel’’ strike against a WITH RESPECT TO SERIOUS and diligent worker who has been de- North Vietnamese SA–2 SAM site is HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE AND COR- voted to getting the most out of his in- particularly notable for the significant RUPTION THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ternship experience and has been a true influence it had on future Air Force DECLARED IN EXECUTIVE asset to the office. tactics. In 1965, early in the Vietnam ORDER 13818 OF DECEMBER 20, I extend my sincere thanks and ap- War, the U.S. Air Force was losing a 2017—PM 40 preciation to Caden for all of the fine considerable number of planes during work he has done and wish him contin- the strategic bombing campaign in The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- ued success in the years to come.∑ North Vietnam due to the effectiveness fore the Senate the following message from the President of the United f of deadly Soviet-supplied SA–2 SAMs that were strategically scattered States, together with an accompanying TRIBUTE TO CARTER DYKSTRA throughout the country. As a result, report; which was referred to the Com- ∑ Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I the Air Force developed a daring solu- mittee on Banking, Housing, and rise to recognize Carter Dykstra, an in- tion to counter the SAM threat that Urban Affairs: tern in my Washington, DC, office, for involved using agile F–100 Super Sabre To the Congress of the United States: all the hard work he has done on behalf and F–4 Phantom fighter jets to detect Section 202(d) of the National Emer- of myself, my staff, and the State of and suppress the missile launching gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides South Dakota. sites. The innovative Air Force mis- for the automatic termination of a na- Carter is a graduate of Platte High sion’’ was soon given the name ‘‘Wild tional emergency unless, within 90 School in Platte, SD, and South Da- Weasel’’ because the anti-SAM mission days before the anniversary date of its kota State University in Brookings, was reminiscent of the way a hunting declaration, the President publishes in SD. He is currently pursuing his mas- ferret enters the den of its prey to kill the Federal Register and transmits to ter of business administration degree it. the Congress a notice stating that the through the University of South Da- In late 1965, Lieutenant Colonel emergency is to continue in effect be- kota in Vermillion, SD. Carter is a yond the anniversary date. In accord- Lamb was given command of leading dedicated and diligent worker who has ance with this provision, I have sent to the first Wild Weasel mission, Wild been devoted to getting the most out of the Federal Register for publication the Weasel I. On this mission, which took his internship experience and has been enclosed notice stating that the na- place just over 50 kilometers from the a true asset to the office. tional emergency declared in Executive North Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Lieu- I extend my sincere thanks and ap- Order 13818 of December 20, 2017, is to tenant Colonel Lamb and his navigator preciation to Carter for all of the fine continue in effect beyond December 20, Jack Donovan flew extremely low on work he has done and wish him contin- 2019. multiple strafing runs and were suc- ued success in the years to come.∑ The prevalence and severity of cessful in destroying a SA–2 SAM site human rights abuse and corruption f that was not previously known to that have their source, in whole or in TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT exist. Both men were awarded the Dis- substantial part, outside the United COLONEL ALLEN LAMB tinguished Flying Cross by the Air States, continue to threaten the sta- ∑ Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise Force for their efforts. Lieutenant bility of international political and today to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Allen Colonel Lamb respectfully declined re- economic systems. Human rights abuse Lamb, a retired Air Force pilot from ceiving the Silver Star award when he and corruption undermine the values the great State of North Carolina, for was offered it because his crewman that form an essential foundation of his many years of service to his coun- Jack Donovan was not also included. stable, secure, and functioning soci- try as a combat pilot and the impor- Wild Weasel I demonstrated that the eties; have devastating impacts on in- tant role he played in the development Wild Weasel project was an effective dividuals; weaken democratic institu- of U.S. Air Force tactics. method of identifying and eliminating tions; degrade the rule of law; perpet- Lt. Col. Allen Lamb selflessly dedi- enemy SAM capabilities, and it was es- uate violent conflicts; facilitate the ac- cated 20 years of his life to serving his sential in saving the lives of American tivities of dangerous persons; under- country in the United States Air bomber pilots as they continued to mine economic markets; and continue Force. During his service, he saw com- conduct missions over North Vietnam to pose an unusual and extraordinary bat during both the Korean war and until 1973. Lieutenant Colonel Lamb threat to the national security, foreign Vietnam war, while piloting a variety completed the first, second, and third policy, and economy of the United of aircraing from propeller-driven Wild Weasel kills during the war, and States. Therefore, I have determined heavy bombers to the most advanced the tactics he was instrumental in de- that it is necessary to continue the na- jet fighters of the era. Lieutenant Colo- veloping during the Wild Weasel mis- tional emergency declared in Executive nel Lamb had an uncanny ability of sions are still utilized in modern Air Order 13818 with respect to serious surviving the mid-air accidents that Force operations to suppress enemy air human rights abuse and corruption. defenses. occurred on a few of the many combat DONALD J. TRUMP. and training missions that he partici- As a U.S. Senator, a member of the THE WHITE HOUSE, December 18, 2019. pated in, and he is notable for success- Senate Armed Services Committee, f fully ejecting from four-engine, three- and a North Carolinian, I am pleased to engine, and two-engine airplanes at dif- recognize and honor Lt. Col. Allen MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE ferent points during his career. From Lamb for his impressive career of mili- At 9:48 a.m., a message from the protecting his B–26 bomber as a tail tary service, his critical role in the de- House of Representatives, delivered by gunner from Soviet MIG pilots over velopment of U.S. Air Force tactics, Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, Korea, to being distinguished as the and his steadfast commitment to our announced that the House has passed first American pilot to successfully de- country.∑ the following bills:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.029 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7155 H.R. 722. An act to designate a mountain in the amount of good time credits earned by of the President of the Senate on December the State of Utah as ‘‘Miracle Mountain’’. the prisoner, and for other purposes. 16, 2019; to the Committee on Environment H.R. 2548. An act to modify eligibility re- f and Public Works. quirements for certain hazard mitigation as- EC–3572. A communication from the Chief sistance programs, and for other purposes. EXECUTIVE AND OTHER of the Publications and Regulations Branch, H.R. 2726. An act to amend title 49, United COMMUNICATIONS Internal Revenue Service, Department of the States Code, to prohibit smoking on Amtrak Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the trains. The following communications were report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revenue Ruling: H.R. 3530. An act to amend title 38, United laid before the Senate, together with 2019 Base Period T–Bill Rate’’ (Rev. Rul. States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- 2019–27) received in the Office of the Presi- erans Affairs to enforce the licensure re- uments, and were referred as indicated: dent of the Senate on December 17, 2019; to quirements for medical providers of the De- EC–3564. A communication from the Sec- the Committee on Finance. partment of Veterans Affairs. retary of Defense, transmitting a report on EC–3573. A communication from the Chief H.R. 4183. An act to direct the Comptroller the approved retirement of Lieutenant Gen- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, General of the United States to conduct a eral Gary J. Volesky, United States Army, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the study on disability and pension benefits pro- and his advancement to the grade of lieuten- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the vided to members of the National Guard and ant general on the retired list; to the Com- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Interim Amend- members of reserve components of the mittee on Armed Services. ment Deadline for 401(k) Hardship Distribu- Armed Forces by the Department of Vet- EC–3565. A communication from the Direc- tions’’ (Rev. Proc. 2020–9) received in the Of- erans Affairs, and for other purposes. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- H.R. 4719. An act to amend the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ber 17, 2019; to the Committee on Finance. share of the fishing safety standards grants. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–3574. A communication from the Chief of the Publications and Regulations Branch, f titled ‘‘Amendment to the Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance Internal Revenue Service, Department of the MEASURES REFERRED (Purpureocillium lilacinum (synonym Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Foreign Tax Credit The following bills were read the first Paecilomyces lilacinum) strain 251–FFDCA)’’ (FRL No. 10002–01–OCSPP) received in the Of- Guidance Related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs and the second times by unanimous fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- Act, Overall Foreign Loss Recapture, and consent, and referred as indicated: ber 16, 2019; to the Committee on Agri- Foreign Tax Redeterminations’’ (RIN1545– H.R. 722. An act to designate a mountain in culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. BP19) received in the Office of the President the State of Utah as ‘‘Miracle Mountain’’; to EC–3566. A communication from the Direc- of the Senate on December 17, 2019; to the the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Committee on Finance. sources. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–3575. A communication from the Case H.R. 1768. An act to reauthorize subtitle G ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Officer, Wage and Hour Division, Department of title VII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, titled ‘‘Flutianil; Pesticide Tolerances’’ of Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the relating to diesel emissions reduction, and (FRL No. 10002–71–OCSPP) received in the Of- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Regular Rate under for other purposes; to the Committee on En- fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- the Fair Labor Standards Act’’ (RIN1235– vironment and Public Works. ber 16, 2019; to the Committee on Agri- AA24) received in the Office of the President H.R. 2548. An act to modify eligibility re- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. of the Senate on December 16, 2019; to the quirements for certain hazard mitigation as- EC–3567. A communication from the Direc- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and sistance programs, and for other purposes; to tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Pensions. the Committee on Homeland Security and Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- f Governmental Affairs. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- H.R. 2726. An act to amend title 49, United titled ‘‘Fenpropathrin; Pesticide Tolerances PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS States Code, to prohibit smoking on Amtrak for Emergency Exemptions’’ (FRL No. 10001– The following petition or memorial trains; to the Committee on Commerce, 86–OCSPP) received in the Office of the was laid before the Senate and was re- Science, and Transportation. President of the Senate on December 16, 2019; H.R. 3530. An act to amend title 38, United to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, ferred or ordered to lie on the table as States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- and Forestry. indicated: erans Affairs to enforce the licensure re- EC–3568. A communication from the Direc- POM–171. A petition from a citizen of the quirement for medical providers of the De- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, State of Texas relative to potential employ- partment of Veterans Affairs; to the Com- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ers and salary disclosure; to the Committee mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 4183. An act to direct the Comptroller titled ‘‘Marine Diesel Engine Emission f General of the United States to conduct a Standards; Amendments Related to Global study on disability and pension benefits pro- Marine Fuel’’ (FRL No. 10003–29–OAR) re- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES vided to members of the National Guard and ceived in the Office of the President of the members of reserve components of the Senate on December 16, 2019; to the Com- The following reports of committees Armed Forces by the Department of Vet- mittee on Environment and Public Works. were submitted: erans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the EC–3569. A communication from the Direc- By Mr. HOEVEN, from the Committee on Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Indian Affairs, without amendment: H.R. 4719. An act to amend the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- S. 2365. A bill to amend the Indian Health share of the fishing safety standards grants; ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Care Improvement Act to authorize urban to the Committee on Commerce, Science, titled ‘‘New Hampshire: Final Approval of Indian organizations to enter into arrange- and Transportation. State Underground Storage Tank Program ments for the sharing of medical services and f Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation facilities, and for other purposes (Rept. No. by Reference’’ (FRL No. 10003–06–Region 1) 116–180). MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME received in the Office of the President of the By Mr. RISCH, from the Committee on Senate on December 16, 2019; to the Com- Foreign Relations, with an amendment in The following bills were read the first mittee on Environment and Public Works. the nature of a substitute and an amendment time: EC–3570. A communication from the Direc- to the title and with an amended preamble: H.R. 397. An act to amend the Internal tor of the Regulatory Management Division, S. Res. 260. A resolution recognizing the Revenue Code of 1986 to create a Pension Re- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- importance of sustained United States lead- habilitation Trust Fund, to establish a Pen- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ership to accelerating global progress sion Rehabilitation Administration within titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; AK; Infrastruc- against maternal and child malnutrition and the Department of the Treasury to make ture Requirements for the 2015 Ozone Stand- supporting the commitment of the United loans to multiemployer defined benefit ard’’ (FRL No. 10003–25–Region 10) received in States Agency for International Develop- plans, and for other purposes. the Office of the President of the Senate on ment to global nutrition through the Multi- H.R. 1759. An act to amend title III of the December 16, 2019; to the Committee on En- Sectoral Nutrition Strategy. Social Security Act to extend reemployment vironment and Public Works. By Mr. RISCH, from the Committee on services and eligibility assessments to all EC–3571. A communication from the Direc- Foreign Relations, with an amendment in claimants for unemployment benefits, and tor of the Regulatory Management Division, the nature of a substitute: for other purposes. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- S. 482. A bill to strengthen the North At- H.R. 4018. An act to provide that the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- lantic Treaty Organization, to combat inter- amount of time that an elderly offender titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; AK; 2015 Ozone national cybercrime, and to impose addi- must serve before being eligible for place- Interstate Transport Requirements’’ (FRL tional sanctions with respect to the Russian ment in home detention is to be reduced by No. 10003–24–Region 10) received in the Office Federation, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.023 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee Arctic, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Ms. SMITH (for herself and Mr. on Energy and Natural Resources, with an mittee on Armed Services. BRAUN): amendment in the nature of a substitute and By Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. S. 3092. A bill to amend the Federal Food, an amendment to the title: MARKEY): Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the S. 641. A bill to update the map of, and S. 3081. A bill to promote free and fair elec- 180-day exclusivity period, and for other pur- modify the maximum acreage available for tions, political freedoms, and human rights poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- inclusion in, the Yucca House National in Cambodia, and for other purposes; to the cation, Labor, and Pensions. Monument. Committee on Foreign Relations. By Mr. MERKLEY: By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee By Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Ms. S. 3093. A bill to improve the collection of on Energy and Natural Resources, with ERNST, and Mr. GRASSLEY): broadband speed data by the Federal Com- amendments: S. 3082. A bill to establish a program to es- munications Commission in order to support S. 774. A bill to adjust the boundary of the tablish permanent features for flood control the effective deployment of broadband serv- Santa Monica Mountains National Recre- in areas in which temporary features have ices to all areas in the United States, and for ation Area to include the Rim of the Valley been constructed, and for other purposes; to other purposes; to the Committee on Com- Corridor, and for other purposes. the Committee on Environment and Public merce, Science, and Transportation. S. 1262. A bill to designate certain land ad- Works. By Mr. MERKLEY: ministered by the Bureau of Land Manage- By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mr. S. 3094. A bill to amend the Rural Elec- ment and the Forest Service in the State of VAN HOLLEN): trification Act of 1936 to authorize the Ad- Oregon as wilderness and national recreation S. 3083. A bill to authorize a new type of ministrator of the Rural Utilities Service to areas, to withdraw certain land located in housing choice voucher to help achieve the make telecommunications grants for the col- goals of ending homelessness among families Curry County and Josephine County, Oregon, lection of broadband infrastructure data by with children, increasing housing opportuni- from all forms of entry, appropriation, or local governments, economic development or ties, and improving life outcomes of poor disposal under the public land laws, location, other community organizations, electric or children; to the Committee on Banking, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and telephone cooperatives, and small internet Housing, and Urban Affairs. operation under the mineral leasing and geo- providers, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. thermal leasing laws, and for other purposes. Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and TESTER): By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee Forestry. S. 3084. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms.WARREN on Energy and Natural Resources, without States Code, to modify the limitation on pay (for herself, Mr. BENNET, Mr. SUL- amendment: for certain high-level employees and officers LIVAN, Mr. TESTER, and Ms. ERNST)): S. 1890. A bill to provide for grants for en- of the Department of Veterans Affairs; to the ergy efficiency improvements and renewable S. 3095. A bill to develop voluntary guide- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. lines for accessible postsecondary electronic energy improvements at public school facili- By Mr. CRAPO (for himself and Mr. ties. instructional materials and related tech- BLUMENTHAL): nologies, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. 2108. A bill to amend section 6903 of title S. 3085. A bill to amend title XVIII of the mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and 31, United States Code, to provide for addi- Social Security Act to modernize payments Pensions. tional population tiers, and for other pur- for ambulatory surgical centers under the poses. By Mr. DURBIN: Medicare program, and for other purposes; to S. 3096. A bill to amend the Public Health By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee the Committee on Finance. on Energy and Natural Resources, with an Service Act to authorize the Director of the By Mr. MORAN (for himself, Mr. SCOTT Centers for Disease Control Prevention to amendment in the nature of a substitute: of Florida, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. HAWLEY, S. 2393. A bill to promote a 21st century en- develop a program to prevent the use of elec- Mr. ROBERTS, and Ms. SINEMA): tronic nicotine delivery systems among stu- ergy workforce, and for other purposes. S. 3086. A bill to provide for the conversion dents in middle and high schools, to award By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee of temporary judgeships to permanent judge- grants to State and local health agencies to on Energy and Natural Resources, with ships, and for other purposes; to the Com- implement such program, and for other pur- amendments: mittee on the Judiciary. poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- S. 2399. A bill to amend the Energy Policy By Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms. WARREN cation, Labor, and Pensions. Act of 2005 to improve State loan eligibility (for herself and Mr. GARDNER)): for projects for innovative technology. S. 3087. A bill to prohibit the Secretary of By Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Ms. By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee Veterans Affairs from denying home loans WARREN): S. 3097. A bill to amend the Immigration on Energy and Natural Resources, with for veterans who legally work in the mari- and Nationality Act to provide an exception amendments and an amendment to the title: juana industry on the basis of the nature of from the grounds of inadmissibility for par- S. 2660. A bill to establish a grant program such work, and for other purposes; to the ticipation in a cannabis business operating for wind energy research, development, and Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. in compliance with State law; to the Com- demonstration, and for other purposes. By Ms. DUCKWORTH (for herself, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. BOOKER): mittee on the Judiciary. f S. 3088. A bill to provide assistance to pub- By Mr. PERDUE (for himself and Mr. EXECUTIVE REPORT OF lic housing agencies that have failing prop- ISAKSON): S. 3098. A bill to redesignate the Jimmy COMMITTEE erties in their inventories in order to protect the health and safety of public housing resi- Carter National Historic Site as the ‘‘Jimmy The following executive report of a dents, to allow consortia to enter into single Carter National Historical Park’’; to the nomination was submitted: annual contributions contracts, and for Committee on Energy and Natural Re- sources. By Mr. RUBIO for the Committee on Small other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Ms. MURKOWSKI: Business and Entrepreneurship. S. 3099. A bill to provide for the convey- *Jovita Carranza, of Illinois, to be Admin- By Mr. TESTER (for himself and Mr. HAWLEY): ance of certain property to the Southeast istrator of the Small Business Administra- Alaska Regional Health Consortium located tion. S. 3089. A bill to improve the construction and leasing of medical facilities of the De- in Sitka, Alaska, and for other purposes; to *Nomination was reported with rec- partment of Veterans Affairs, and for other the Committee on Indian Affairs. ommendation that it be confirmed sub- purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- By Ms. MURKOWSKI: ject to the nominee’s commitment to fairs. S. 3100. A bill to convey land in Anchorage, respond to requests to appear and tes- By Ms. SMITH (for herself and Ms. Alaska, to the Alaska Native Tribal Health KLOBUCHAR): Consortium, and for other purposes; to the tify before any duly constituted com- Committee on Indian Affairs. mittee of the Senate. S. 3090. A bill to establish a grant program to provide amounts to public housing agen- By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and f cies to install automatic sprinkler systems Mr. CRAPO): in public housing, and for other purposes; to S. 3101. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND the Committee on Banking, Housing, and enue Code of 1986 to repeal the limitation on JOINT RESOLUTIONS Urban Affairs. the cover over of distilled spirits taxes to The following bills and joint resolu- By Mr. COONS (for himself and Ms. Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands and to trans- tions were introduced, read the first MURKOWSKI): fer a portion of such cover over to the Puerto S. 3091. A bill to amend title 38, United Rico Conservation Trust Fund; to the Com- and second times by unanimous con- States Code, to extend increased dependency mittee on Finance. sent, and referred as indicated: and indemnity compensation paid to sur- By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Mr. viving spouses of veterans who die from HEINRICH, Mr. UDALL, Mr. PETERS, KING, and Ms. MURKOWSKI): amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, regardless of Ms. SMITH, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. HASSAN, S. 3080. A bill to state the policy of the how long the veterans had such disease prior Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. United States regarding the need for stra- to death, and for other purposes; to the Com- DURBIN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. tegic placement of military assets in the mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. BLUMENTHAL, Ms. HIRONO, Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.042 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7157 WYDEN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. SANDERS, S. 133 setts (Ms. WARREN), the Senator from Mr. BROWN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. REED, At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) and the Mr. WARNER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. names of the Senator from Rhode Is- Senator from Iowa (Ms. ERNST) were CASEY, and Mr. MARKEY): land (Mr. REED) and the Senator from added as cosponsors of S. 1029, a bill to S. 3102. A bill to require the Bureau of Eco- nomic Analysis of the Department of Com- Minnesota (Ms. SMITH) were added as allow the use of certified facility dogs merce to provide estimates relating to the cosponsors of S. 133, a bill to award a in criminal proceedings in Federal distribution of aggregate economic growth Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, courts, and for other purposes. across specific percentile groups of income; to the United States merchant mari- S. 1032 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, ners of World War II, in recognition of At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the and Transportation. their dedicated and vital service during names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. World War II. ROWN LANKFORD): B ), the Senator from Nevada (Ms. S. 3103. A bill to amend title XVIII of the S. 221 CORTEZ MASTO) and the Senator from Social Security Act to restore State author- At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) were ity to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile name of the Senator from Montana added as cosponsors of S. 1032, a bill to rule for designating critical access hospitals (Mr. DAINES) was added as a cosponsor amend the Internal Revenue Code of under the Medicare program; to the Com- of S. 221, a bill to amend title 38, 1986 to modify the definition of income mittee on Finance. United States Code, to require the for purposes of determining the tax-ex- By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Under Secretary of Health to report empt status of certain corporations. PETERS, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Mr. major adverse personnel actions in- SCHATZ, and Ms. CANTWELL): S. 1153 S. 3104. A bill to make technical correc- volving certain health care employees At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the tions relating to parental leave for Federal to the National Practitioner Data name of the Senator from North Caro- employees; to the Committee on Homeland Bank and to applicable State licensing lina (Mr. BURR) was added as a cospon- Security and Governmental Affairs. boards, and for other purposes. sor of S. 1153, a bill to explicitly make By Mr. BRAUN (for himself and Mr. S. 272 unauthorized access to Department of YOUNG): At the request of Mr. DURBIN, his S. 3105. A bill to designate the facility of Education information technology sys- the United States Postal Service located at name was added as a cosponsor of S. tems and the misuse of identification 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, 272, a bill to establish the policy of the devices issued by the Department of Indiana, as the ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post Of- United States regarding the no-first- Education a criminal act. fice’’; considered and passed. use of nuclear weapons. S. 1268 f S. 327 At the request of Mr. BURR, the name At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND name of the Senator from Montana YOUNG) was added as a cosponsor of S. SENATE RESOLUTIONS (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor 1268, a bill to amend title XVIII of the The following concurrent resolutions of S. 327, a bill to amend the Federal Social Security Act to ensure that hos- and Senate resolutions were read, and Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to pitals receive adequate payment for referred (or acted upon), as indicated: provide for a lifetime National Rec- the acquisition of hematopoietic stem By Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, reational Pass for any veteran with a cells under the Medicare program, and Mr. RUBIO, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. PERDUE, service-connected disability. for other purposes. Mr. SHELBY, and Mr. JONES): S. 750 S. 1300 S. Res. 457. A resolution condemning the At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensa- name of the Senator from New Jersey cola on Friday, December 6, 2019, honoring name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- the members of the Navy who lost their lives (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor in the attack, and expressing support and sor of S. 750, a bill to amend the Inter- of S. 1300, a bill to require the Sec- prayers for all individuals affected by the at- nal Revenue Code of 1986 to perma- retary of the Treasury to mint a coin tack; considered and agreed to. nently extend the new markets tax in commemoration of the opening of By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Ms. MUR- credit, and for other purposes. the National Law Enforcement Mu- KOWSKI, Mr. PETERS, Mr. JOHNSON, S. 866 seum in the District of Columbia, and Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, for other purposes. HASSAN, Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. HARRIS, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. SULLIVAN, the name of the Senator from Virginia S. 1381 Mr. BROWN, Mr. COONS, Mr. KAINE, (Mr. KAINE) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. TESTER, the Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, S. 866, a bill to amend part B of the In- name of the Senator from Vermont Mr. BRAUN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MAR- dividuals with Disabilities Education (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor KEY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. REED, Ms. Act to provide full Federal funding of of S. 1381, a bill to modify the presump- HIRONO, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. KING, Ms. such part. tion of service connection for veterans STABENOW, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. BENNET, S. 978 who were exposed to herbicide agents Ms. SMITH, Mr. TESTER, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the while serving in the Armed Forces in DURBIN, Mr. JONES, Ms. CANTWELL, name of the Senator from Michigan Thailand during the Vietnam era, and Mr. WARNER, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Ms. (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- for other purposes. BALDWIN, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. HEINRICH, sor of S. 978, a bill to amend the Inter- At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the Mr. MANCHIN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. nal Revenue Code of 1986 to perma- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. MURPHY): nently extend the work opportunity PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Con. Res. 31. A concurrent resolution credit. S. 1381, supra. recognizing the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encouraging individ- S. 1007 S. 1572 uals, families, and households across the At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the United States to participate in the 2020 Cen- name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. name of the Senator from Pennsyl- sus to ensure a complete and accurate count; SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- considered and agreed to. 1007, a bill to amend the Horse Protec- sponsor of S. 1572, a bill to amend the f tion Act to designate additional unlaw- Higher Education Act of 1965 to require ful acts under the Act, strengthen pen- additional reporting on crime and ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS alties for violations of the Act, im- harm that occurs during student par- S. 109 prove Department of Agriculture en- ticipation in programs of study abroad, At the request of Mr. WICKER, the forcement of the Act, and for other and for other purposes. name of the Senator from West Vir- purposes. S. 1590 ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- S. 1029 At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the sponsor of S. 109, a bill to prohibit tax- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. payer funded abortions. names of the Senator from Massachu- SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.032 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 1590, a bill to amend the State Depart- STEM education program for American (Mr. COTTON), the Senator from Cali- ment Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Ha- fornia (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from authorize rewards for thwarting wild- waiian students under the Higher Edu- Maine (Ms. COLLINS), the Senator from life trafficking linked to transnational cation Act of 1965. Oregon (Mr. MERKLEY), the Senator organized crime, and for other pur- S. 2254 from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ MASTO), the poses. At the request of Mr. BROWN, the Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs. S. 1757 name of the Senator from Vermont SHAHEEN), the Senator from West Vir- At the request of Ms. ERNST, the (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor ginia (Mr. MANCHIN), the Senator from name of the Senator from Oklahoma of S. 2254, a bill to amend the Internal Montana (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- Revenue Code of 1986 to create a Pen- from Virginia (Mr. KAINE) were added sor of S. 1757, a bill to award a Congres- sion Rehabilitation Trust Fund, to es- as cosponsors of S. 2777, a bill to assist sional Gold Medal, collectively, to the tablish a Pension Rehabilitation Ad- States, tribes, territories, counties, United States Army Rangers Veterans ministration within the Department of and cities in implementing the Family of World War II in recognition of their the Treasury to make loans to multi- First Prevention Services Act, and for extraordinary service during World employer defined benefit plans, and for other purposes. other purposes. War II. S. 2803 S. 2373 S. 1767 At the request of Mr. BROWN, the At the request of Ms. SMITH, the At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, name of the Senator from New York names of the Senator from New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- (Mrs. GILLIBRAND), the Senator from vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- sponsor of S. 2803, a bill to provide Fed- Iowa (Ms. ERNST), the Senator from eral housing assistance on behalf of sponsor of S. 1767, a bill to prohibit the Maine (Mr. KING), the Senator from manufacture for sale, offer for sale, dis- youths who are aging out of foster New Hampshire (Ms. HASSAN) and the care, and for other purposes. tribution in commerce, or importation Senator from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) into the United States of any inclined were added as cosponsors of S. 2373, a S. 2809 sleeper for infants, and for other pur- bill to amend the Public Health Serv- At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, poses. ice Act to improve obstetric care in the name of the Senator from Con- S. 1820 rural areas. necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2809, a bill to At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, S. 2417 amend the Internal Revenue Code of the names of the Senator from New At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the York (Mr. SCHUMER), the Senator from name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. 1986 to impose a surtax on high income individuals. Vermont (Mr. LEAHY) and the Senator SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) 2417, a bill to provide for payment of S. 2898 were added as cosponsors of S. 1820, a proceeds from savings bonds to a State At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the bill to improve the integrity and safety with title to such bonds pursuant to name of the Senator from Colorado of horseracing by requiring a uniform the judgment of a court. (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor anti-doping and medication control S. 2641 of S. 2898, a bill to amend title 5, program to be developed and enforced At the request of Mr. RISCH, the United States Code, to provide for a by an independent Horseracing Anti- name of the Senator from Nebraska full annuity supplement for certain air Doping and Medication Control Au- (Mr. SASSE) was added as a cosponsor traffic controllers. thority. of S. 2641, a bill to promote United S. 2916 S. 1906 States national security and prevent At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the the resurgence of ISIS, and for other name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. purposes. MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2661 of S. 2916, a bill to reauthorize the Run- 1906, a bill to require the Secretary of At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the away and Homeless Youth Act, and for Veterans Affairs to provide financial name of the Senator from Massachu- other purposes. assistance to eligible entities to pro- setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- S. 2953 vide and coordinate the provision of sponsor of S. 2661, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the suicide prevention services for veterans Communications Act of 1934 to des- name of the Senator from Pennsyl- at risk of suicide and veteran families ignate 9–8-8 as the universal telephone vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- through the award of grants to such en- number for the purpose of the national sponsor of S. 2953, a bill to provide con- tities, and for other purposes. suicide prevention and mental health gressional oversight of United States crisis hotline system operating S. 1908 talks with Taliban officials and Af- through the National Suicide Preven- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, ghanistan’s comprehensive peace proc- tion Lifeline and through the Veterans the name of the Senator from Cali- ess. Crisis Line, and for other purposes. fornia (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a S. 2965 S. 2673 cosponsor of S. 1908, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. DAINES, the At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the Richard B. Russell National School name of the Senator from Maryland name of the Senator from Minnesota Lunch Act to improve the efficiency of (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- summer meals. sponsor of S. 2673, a bill to amend title of S. 2965, a bill to amend title 5, S. 2001 10, United States Code, to provide for United States Code, to repeal the re- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the eating disorders treatment for mem- quirement that the United States Post- names of the Senator from Wisconsin bers and certain former members of the al Service prepay future retirement (Ms. BALDWIN) and the Senator from uniformed services, and dependents of benefits, and for other purposes. Alaska (Ms. MURKOWSKI) were added as such members, and for other purposes. S. 3051 cosponsors of S. 2001, a bill to award a S. 2680 At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the Congressional Gold Medal to Willie At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. O’Ree, in recognition of his extraor- name of the Senator from Connecticut DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor dinary contributions and commitment (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3051, a bill to improve protections to hockey, inclusion, and recreational of S. 2680, a bill to impose sanctions for wildlife, and for other purposes. opportunity. with respect to foreign support for Pal- S. 3054 S. 2037 estinian terrorism, and for other pur- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the poses. names of the Senator from North Da- name of the Senator from New Mexico S. 2777 kota (Mr. CRAMER) and the Senator (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) sor of S. 2037, a bill to amend the names of the Senator from Arkansas were added as cosponsors of S. 3054, a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.036 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7159 bill to establish that a State-based edu- trol and Prevention (in this section referred ‘‘(4) Resources for students on how to com- cation loan program is excluded from to as ‘‘CDC’’) and the Food and Drug Admin- municate with their peers on the dangers of certain requirements relating to a pre- istration (in this section referred to as e-cigarette use. ‘‘FDA’’) published in December 2019 show ‘‘(5) Partnering with school counseling per- ferred lender arrangement. that 27.5 percent of high school students and sonnel to assist students impacted by youth S. 3072 10.5 percent of middle school students re- vaping. At the request of Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, ported using an e-cigarette in the previous 30 ‘‘(6) Offering public health resources and the name of the Senator from South days, up from 20.8 percent and 4.9 percent, re- counseling to help treat youth nicotine ad- Carolina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a co- spectively, in 2018. diction and recovery. sponsor of S. 3072, a bill to amend the (4) In 2019, more than one-third (34.2 per- ‘‘(d) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give pri- Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act cent) of high school e-cigarette users re- ported using e-cigarettes products fre- ority to eligible entities proposing to serve to prohibit the approval of new abor- quently, on 20 to 30 days in the past month. underserved populations with the greatest tion drugs, to prohibit investigational (5) The CDC, the FDA, the Department of use of vaping products. use exemptions for abortion drugs, and Health and Human Services, the Surgeon ‘‘(e) APPLICATION.—To seek a grant under to impose additional regulatory re- General, and various State and local health subsection (a)(2), an eligible entity shall sub- quirements with respect to previously authorities have determined the sky- mit an application at such time, in such rocketing e-cigarette use amongst American manner, and containing such information as approved abortion drugs, and for other the Director may require. purposes. youth to be an ‘‘epidemic’’. (6) According to the CDC, the use of nico- ‘‘(f) GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.—In award- S. RES. 297 tine among adolescents can be detrimental ing grants under this section, the Secretary At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the to memory making, learning, and behavior, shall ensure that such grants are distributed name of the Senator from Colorado and e-cigarette use has been linked to lung equitably across urban and rural areas. ‘‘(g) CONSULTATION.—As a condition on re- conditions and mysterious illness. (Mr. GARDNER) was added as a cospon- ceipt of a grant under subsection (a)(2), an (7) According to data from the FDA’s Pop- sor of S. Res. 297, a resolution com- eligible entity shall agree that, in carrying ulation Assessment of Tobacco and Health mending the Inter-American Founda- out its program funded through the grant, Study, youth e-cigarette use is associated the agency will consult with the following: tion (IAF) on the occasion of its 50th with more than four times the odds of trying ‘‘(1) Public health, health care, and youth anniversary for its significant accom- cigarettes and nearly three times the odds of vaping prevention advocacy organizations, plishments and contributions to the current cigarette use. and organizations representing educators. economic and social development of (8) The CDC and FDA continue to reiterate ‘‘(2) Organizations that specialize in addic- that the use of any tobacco product, includ- the Americas. tion prevention and treatment. ing e-cigarettes, is unsafe for young people. S. RES. 374 ‘‘(3) Mental health and medical specialists, At the request of Mr. COTTON, the SEC. 3. GRANT PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE USE including professionals who specialize in OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIV- name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. ERY SYSTEMS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH child development. SULLIVAN) was added as a cosponsor of SCHOOLS. ‘‘(4) School principals and other school ad- S. Res. 374, a resolution expressing sup- Title III of the Public Health Service Act ministrators. is amended by inserting after section 317T of ‘‘(h) REPORTING.— port for the designation of October 23, ‘‘(1) BY GRANTEES.—As a condition on the 2019, as a national day of remembrance such Act (42 U.S.C. 247b–22) the following: ‘‘SEC. 317U. GRANT PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE receipt of a grant under subsection (a)(2), an of the tragic terrorist bombing of the USE OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DE- eligible entity shall agree to submit to the United States Marine Corps barracks LIVERY SYSTEMS IN MIDDLE AND Director a report annually over the grant pe- in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983. HIGH SCHOOLS. riod. Each such report shall address the fol- ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary, act- lowing: f ing through the Director, in coordination ‘‘(A) The greatest obstacles in imple- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, menting the program developed under sub- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS shall— section (a)(1). ‘‘(1) develop a program to prevent the use ‘‘(B) The greatest obstacles in preventing By Mr. DURBIN: of electronic nicotine delivery systems the use by youth of electronic nicotine deliv- S. 3096. A bill to amend the Public among students in middle and high schools; ery systems. Health Service Act to authorize the Di- and ‘‘(C) Additional resources are needed to ad- rector of the Centers for Disease Con- ‘‘(2) award grants to eligible entities to im- dress the popularity of electronic delivery trol Prevention to develop a program plement such program in the geographic area systems and youth vaping culture. to prevent the use of electronic nico- served by such agencies and organizations. ‘‘(2) REPORTING BY CDC.—Not later than 2 ‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—To seek a grant years after the program is developed pursu- tine delivery systems among students under this section, an entity shall be— ant to subsection (a)(1), and annually there- in middle and high schools, to award ‘‘(1) a State or local health agency; after, the Director shall submit to Congress grants to State and local health agen- ‘‘(2) a nonprofit organization; or a report on the following: cies to implement such program, and ‘‘(3) if the grant is to serve students in a ‘‘(A) How the funds made available for car- for other purposes; to the Committee rural area, a partnership of— rying out this section were used in devel- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ‘‘(A) an entity described in paragraph (1) or oping a program under subsection (a)(1) and sions. (2); and implementing such program through grants ‘‘(B) a local educational agency or a hos- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask under subsection (a)(2). pital. ‘‘(B) Which strategies or resources were ef- unanimous consent that the text of the ‘‘(c) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.—The pro- fective in preventing the use by youth of bill be printed in the RECORD. gram developed under subsection (a)(1) to electronic nicotine delivery systems. There being no objection, the text of prevent the use of electronic nicotine deliv- ‘‘(C) Which strategies or resources were the bill was ordered to be printed in ery systems among students in middle and not effective in preventing the use by youth the RECORD, as follows: high schools shall address each of the fol- of electronic nicotine delivery systems. lowing: S. 3096 ‘‘(3) POSTING OF REPORTS AND COMPILED ‘‘(1) Training for school personnel to iden- FINDINGS.—The Director shall— Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tify and prevent the use by youth of elec- ‘‘(A) not later than 60 days after receiving resentatives of the United States of America in tronic nicotine delivery systems. a report submitted by a grantee pursuant to Congress assembled, ‘‘(2) Creating and distributing educational paragraph (1), summarize the key findings of SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. resources for preventing the use of electronic such report and post such summary on the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Providing nicotine delivery systems, designed for stu- public internet website of the Centers for Resources to End the Vaping Epidemic Now dents, parents, and school personnel. Disease Control and Prevention; and for Teenagers Act of 2020’’ or the ‘‘PREVENT ‘‘(3) Social media and marketing cam- ‘‘(B) not later than 60 days after submit- Act of 2020’’. paigns to educate students on the health ting a report to Congress under paragraph SEC. 2. FINDINGS. risks of the use of electronic nicotine deliv- (2), summarize the key findings of the report Congress finds the following: ery systems and nicotine addiction, to be de- and post such summary on such public inter- (1) High school e-cigarette use increased by signed by the Centers for Disease Control net website. 135 percent between 2017 and 2019. and Prevention and implemented by grantees ‘‘(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (2) Middle school e-cigarette use increased in partnership with private advertising com- ‘‘(1) The term ‘Director’ means the Direc- by approximately 218 percent between 2017 panies, nonprofit organizations, and advo- tor of the Centers for Disease Prevention and and 2019. cacy organizations that specialize in youth Control. (3) Results from the National Youth To- substance use prevention and addiction ‘‘(2) The term ‘electronic nicotine delivery bacco Survey of the Centers for Disease Con- treatment. system’ has the meaning given to such term

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.038 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 in section 919A of the Federal Food, Drug, count for salaries and expenses with such fis- Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. DURBIN, and Cosmetic Act. cal year limitation. Ms. WARREN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, ‘‘(j) FUNDING.—Out of amounts collected as ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY.—Fees appropriated Ms. HIRONO, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. fees under section 919A of the Federal Food, under paragraph (3) shall be— BOOKER, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. Drug, and Cosmetic Act, there are author- ‘‘(A) transferred to the Centers for Disease ized to be appropriated to carry out this sec- Control and Prevention; and BROWN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. REED, tion the following: ‘‘(B) available only for the purpose of pay- Mr. WARNER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. ‘‘(1) For fiscal year 2021, $200,000,000. ing the costs of carrying out section 317U of CASEY, and Mr. MARKEY): ‘‘(2) For each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the Public Health Service Act. S. 3102. A bill to require the Bureau the amount described in paragraph (1), ad- ‘‘(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— of Economic Analysis of the Depart- justed by the percentage change in the Con- For fiscal year 2021 and each subsequent fis- ment of Commerce to provide esti- sumer Price Index for all urban consumers cal year, there is authorized to be appro- mates relating to the distribution of (all items; United States city average) be- priated for fees under this section an amount aggregate economic growth across spe- tween 2021 and the applicable year.’’. equal to the amount specified in subsection SEC. 4. USER FEES RELATING TO ELECTRONIC (b)(1) for the fiscal year. cific percentile groups of income; to NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS. ‘‘(d) APPLICABILITY TO FISCAL YEAR 2020.— the Committee on Commerce, Science, (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter IX of the Federal If the date of enactment of the Providing Re- and Transportation. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387 sources to End the Vaping Epidemic Now for Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask et seq.) is amended by inserting after section Teenagers Act of 2020 occurs during fiscal unanimous consent that the text of the 919 the following: year 2021, the following applies: bill be printed in the RECORD. ‘‘SEC. 919A. USER FEES RELATING TO ELEC- ‘‘(1) The Secretary shall determine the fees There being no objection, the text of TRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYS- that would apply for a single quarter of such the bill was ordered to be printed in TEMS. fiscal year according to the application of the RECORD, as follows: ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF QUARTERLY FEE.— subsection (b) to the amount specified in Beginning with fiscal year 2021, the Sec- paragraph (1)(A) of such subsection (referred S. 3102 retary, acting through the Commissioner of to in this subsection as the ‘quarterly fee Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Food and Drugs, shall assess user fees on, amount’). resentatives of the United States of America in and collect such fees from, each manufac- ‘‘(2) For the quarter in which such date of Congress assembled, turer and importer of electronic nicotine de- enactment occurs and any preceding quarter livery systems. The fees shall be assessed SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. of fiscal year 2021, fees shall not be assessed and collected with respect to each quarter of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Measuring or collected under this section. each fiscal year, and the total amount as- Real Income Growth Act of 2019’’. ‘‘(3) The amount specified in subsection sessed and collected for a fiscal year shall be SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (b)(1)(A) is deemed to be reduced by the quar- the amount specified in subsection (b)(1) for Congress finds the following: terly amount for each quarter for which fees such year, subject to subsection (c). (1) Economic inequality in the United are not assessed or collected by operation of ‘‘(b) ASSESSMENT OF USER FEE.— States has increased dramatically during the paragraph (3). ‘‘(1) AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENT.—The total 4 decades preceding the date of enactment of amount of user fees authorized to be assessed ‘‘(4) For any quarter in fiscal year 2021 fol- this Act, with fewer households taking home and collected under subsection (a) for a fiscal lowing the quarter in which the date of en- a larger share of the national income. year is the following, as applicable to the fis- actment of the Providing Resources to End (2) While growth was once distributed rel- cal year involved: the Vaping Epidemic Now for Teenagers Act atively evenly across all individuals in the ‘‘(A) For fiscal year 2021, $200,000,000. of 2020 occurs, the full quarterly fee amount United States, research shows that economic ‘‘(B) For fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year shall be assessed and collected.’’. gains are increasingly enjoyed by the most (b) ENFORCEMENT.— 2023, the amount described in subparagraph affluent. By contrast, the majority of indi- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 902(4) of the Fed- (A), adjusted by the percentage change in the viduals in the United States have seen in- eral Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Consumer Price Index for all urban con- come and wage growth significantly below 387b(4)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, or the sumers (all items; United States city aver- what is suggested by national measures of manufacturer or importer of electronic nico- age) between 2021 and the applicable year. output and income. tine delivery systems fails to pay a user fee ‘‘(2) DETERMINATION OF USER FEE BY COM- (3) The Bureau of Economic Analysis of the assessed to such manufacturer or importer PANY.—The total user fee to be paid by each Department of Commerce (referred to in this pursuant to section 919A by the date speci- manufacturer or importer of electronic nico- section as ‘‘BEA’’) reports annual and quar- fied in section 919A or by the 30th day after tine delivery systems shall be determined for terly estimates of gross domestic product final agency action on a resolution of any each quarter pursuant to a formula devel- (referred to in this section as ‘‘GDP’’) in the dispute as to the amount of such fee’’ before oped by the Secretary. United States. These estimates are impor- the semicolon. ‘‘(3) TIMING OF ASSESSMENT.—The Sec- tant measures of the overall size and health (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment retary shall notify each manufacturer and of the economy of the United States but do made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on importer of electronic nicotine delivery sys- not describe how economic gains are distrib- the later of October 1, 2021, or the date of en- tems subject to this section of the amount of uted across the population of the United actment of this Act. the quarterly assessment imposed on such States. (c) DEFINITION.—Section 900 of the Federal manufacturer or importer under this sub- (4) In a country of 325,000,000 individuals, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387) section for each quarter of each fiscal year. top-line GDP numbers do not capture the is amended— Such notifications shall occur not later than full range of household economic experiences (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through 30 days prior to the end of the quarter for and may be misleading. For example, the (22) as paragraphs (9) through (23), respec- which such assessment is made, and pay- real GDP grew more than 3 percent annually tively; and ments of all assessments shall be made by between 2003 and 2005, but the average in- (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the fol- the last day of the quarter involved. come for 1⁄2 of all individuals in the United lowing: ‘‘(4) CALCULATION OF MARKET SHARE.—Be- States fell during that period. ‘‘(8) ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYS- ginning not later than fiscal year 2020, and (5) Disaggregating economic growth by in- TEM.—The term ‘electronic nicotine delivery for each subsequent fiscal year, the Sec- come groups will provide a more complete system’— retary shall ensure that the Food and Drug picture of how families in the United States ‘‘(A) means a tobacco product that is an Administration is able to determine— are faring across all rungs of the economic electronic device that delivers nicotine, fla- ‘‘(A) the annual amount of total sales in ladder and whether economic growth is bene- vor, or another substance via an aerosolized the electronic nicotine delivery system mar- fitting all individuals in the United States. solution to the user inhaling from the device ket of the United States; and (6) Recent academic estimates of distribu- (including e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, ‘‘(B) the applicable percentage shares tional growth show how much of the eco- vape pens, advanced refillable personal va- under paragraph (2). nomic gains during the 40 years preceding porizers, and electronic pipes) and any com- ‘‘(c) CREDITING AND AVAILABILITY OF the date of enactment of this Act have ac- ponent, liquid, part, or accessory of such a FEES.— crued to the top of the income distribution. device, whether or not sold separately; and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Fees authorized under Between 1980 and 2014, the average income of subsection (a) shall be collected and avail- ‘‘(B) does not include a product that is ap- the top 1 percent of the income distribution able for obligation only to the extent and in proved by the Food and Drug Administration grew 5 times as much as the average income the amount provided in advance in appro- for sale as a tobacco cessation product or for of the bottom 90 percent of the income dis- priations Acts. Such fees are authorized to another therapeutic purpose.’’. tribution and more than 9 times as much as remain available until expended. Such sums the average income of the bottom 1⁄2. as may be necessary may be transferred from By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, (7) Official and timely estimates of dis- the ‘Food and Drug Administration—Sala- Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. UDALL, Mr. tributional growth from BEA, reported ries and Expenses’ account without fiscal PETERS, Ms. SMITH, Mr. CARDIN, alongside top-line GDP numbers, would en- year limitation to such appropriation ac- Ms. HASSAN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, able Congress to better evaluate economic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.052 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7161 policies that impact every individual in the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (2) in subsection (e), by inserting ‘‘, subject United States. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Rural Hos- to subsection (c)(2)(G),’’ after ‘‘The Sec- (8) Efforts to address slow wage growth, pital Closure Relief Act of 2019’’. retary shall’’. stagnant incomes, and growing economic in- SEC. 2. RESTORING STATE AUTHORITY TO WAIVE equality require broadening the focus beyond THE 35–MILE RULE FOR CERTAIN By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, GDP and obtaining metrics that better cor- MEDICARE CRITICAL ACCESS HOS- Mr. PETERS, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. respond to the experiences of all families in PITAL DESIGNATIONS. Section 1820 of the Social Security Act (42 REED, Mr. SCHATZ, and Ms. the United States. U.S.C. 1395i–4) is amended— CANTWELL): SEC. 3. ESTIMATES OF AGGREGATE ECONOMIC (1) in subsection (c)(2)— S. 3104. A bill to make technical cor- GROWTH ACROSS INCOME GROUPS. (A) in subparagraph (B)(i)— rections relating to parental leave for (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (i) in subclause (I), by striking at the end (1) BUREAU.—The term ‘‘Bureau’’ means Federal employees; to the Committee ‘‘or’’; the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the De- on Homeland Security and Govern- (ii) in subclause (II), by inserting at the partment of Commerce. mental Affairs. end ‘‘or’’; and (2) GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ANALYSIS.— Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask (iii) by adding at the end the following new The term ‘‘gross domestic product anal- subclause: unanimous consent that the text of the ysis’’— ‘‘(III) subject to subparagraph (G), is a hos- bill be printed in the RECORD. (A) means a quarterly or annual analysis pital described in subparagraph (F) and is There being no objection, the text of conducted by the Bureau with respect to the certified on or after the date of the enact- the bill was ordered to be printed in gross domestic product of the United States; ment of the Rural Hospital Closure Relief the RECORD, as follows: and Act of 2019 by the State as being a necessary S. 3104 (B) includes a revision prepared by the Bu- provider of health care services to residents reau of an analysis described in subpara- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- in the area;’’; and resentatives of the United States of America in graph (A). (B) by adding at the end the following new (b) INCLUSION IN REPORTS.— Congress assembled, subparagraphs: (1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to each gross SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(F) HOSPITAL DESCRIBED.—For purposes of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Em- domestic product analysis that is conducted subparagraph (B)(i)(III), a hospital described on or after the date that is 1 year after the ployee Parental Leave Technical Correction in this subparagraph is a hospital that— Act’’. date of enactment of this Act, the Bureau ‘‘(i) is a sole community hospital (as de- shall include in the gross domestic product SEC. 2. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE AMEND- fined in section 1886(d)(5)(D)(iii)), a medicare MENTS. analysis a recent estimate of, with respect to dependent, small rural hospital (as defined in specific percentile groups of income, the (a) IN GENERAL.— section 1886(d)(5)(G)(iv)), a low-volume hos- (1) PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES total amount that was added to the economy pital that in 2019 receives a payment adjust- of the United States during the period to OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS AND DIS- ment under section 1886(d)(12), or a sub- TRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER SERV- which the gross domestic product analysis section (d) hospital (as defined in section pertains, including in— ICE.— 1886(d)(1)(B)) that has fewer than 50 beds; (A) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS.—Section (A) each of the 10 deciles of income; and ‘‘(ii) is located in a rural area, as defined (B) the highest 1 percent of income. 11–1726, District of Columbia Official Code, is by the Secretary, based on the most recent amended by adding at the end the following (2) RECENT ESTIMATES.—With respect to rural urban commuting area code (or its suc- each recent estimate that, under paragraph new subsection: cessor criteria) as set forth by the Office of ‘‘(d) In carrying out the Family and Med- (1), the Bureau is required to include in a Management and Budget; gross domestic product analysis, that esti- ical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) ‘‘(iii) as determined by the Secretary, with respect to nonjudicial employees of the mate shall be the most recent estimate that serves a patient population— is available on the date on which that gross District of Columbia courts, the Joint Com- ‘‘(I) with a high percentage, relative to the mittee on Judicial Administration shall, domestic product analysis is conducted. national or statewide average, of individuals notwithstanding any provision of such Act, (3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— with income that is below 150 percent of the establish a paid parental leave program for There are authorized to be appropriated to poverty line; the leave described in subparagraphs (A) and the Secretary of Commerce such sums as are ‘‘(II) in a health professional shortage area (B) of section 102(a)(1) of such Act (29 U.S.C. necessary to carry out this subsection. (as defined in section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Pub- 2612(a)(1)) (relating to leave provided in con- (c) AUTHORITY TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH lic Health Service Act); or BEA.— nection with the birth of a child or the place- ‘‘(III) that represents a high proportion, (1) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (B) of sec- ment of a child for adoption or foster care). relative to the national or statewide aver- tion 6103(j)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code In developing the terms and conditions for age, of individuals entitled to part A or en- of 1986 is amended by striking ‘‘such return this program, the Joint Committee may be rolled under part B of this title or enrolled information reflected on returns of corpora- guided by the terms and conditions applica- under a State plan under title XIX; tions’’ and inserting ‘‘such returns, or return ble to the provision of paid parental leave for ‘‘(iv) has demonstrated to the Secretary, at information reflected thereon,’’. employees of the Federal Government under such time and in such manner as the Sec- (2) APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER III OF CHAP- chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, and retary determines appropriate, two consecu- TER 35 OF TITLE 44.—The provisions of sub- any corresponding regulations.’’. tive years of financial losses preceding the chapter III of chapter 35 of title 44, United (B) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER date of certification described in subpara- States Code, relating to the confidentiality SERVICE.—Section 305 of the District of Co- graph (B)(i)(III); and and disclosure of information shall apply to lumbia Court Reform and Criminal Proce- ‘‘(v) submits to the Secretary, at such time any return or return information acquired dure Act of 1970 (sec. 2–1605, D.C. Official and in such manner as the Secretary may re- by the Bureau under section 6103(j)(1)(B) of Code) is amended by adding at the end the quire, an attestation that the Secretary de- the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by following new subsection: termines to be satisfactory, outlining the ‘‘(d) In carrying out the Family and Med- paragraph (1). good governance qualifications and strategic ical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and plan for multi-year financial solvency of the with respect to employees of the Service, the hospital. Director shall, notwithstanding any provi- Mr. LANKFORD): ‘‘(G) LIMITATION ON CERTAIN DESIGNA- sion of such Act, establish a paid parental S. 3103. A bill to amend title XVIII of TIONS.— leave program for the leave described in sub- the Social Security Act to restore ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not paragraphs (A) and (B) of section 102(a)(1) of State authority to waive for certain fa- under subsection (e) certify pursuant to a such Act (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1)) (relating to cilities the 35-mile rule for designating certification by a State under subsection leave provided in connection with the birth critical access hospitals under the (c)(2)(B)(i)(III)— of a child or the placement of a child for Medicare program; to the Committee ‘‘(I) more than a total of 200 facilities as adoption or foster care). In developing the on Finance. critical access hospitals; and terms and conditions for this program, the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘(II) subject to clause (ii), within any one Director may be guided by the terms and unanimous consent that the text of the State, more than 15 facilities as critical ac- conditions applicable to the provision of paid cess hospitals. parental leave for employees of the Federal bill be printed in the RECORD. There being no objection, the text of ‘‘(ii) STATE PETITION.—The Secretary may Government under chapter 63 of title 5, apply, with respect to a State, the limitation United States Code, and any corresponding the bill was ordered to be printed in under clause (i)(II) by substituting a number regulations.’’. the RECORD, as follows: that is greater than the number specified in (2) CLARIFICATION OF USE OF OTHER LEAVE IN S. 3103 such clause if the State petitions the Sec- ADDITION TO 12 WEEKS AS FAMILY AND MEDICAL Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- retary, in accordance with a process estab- LEAVE.— resentatives of the United States of America in lished by the Secretary, to increase such (A) TITLE 5.—Section 6382(a) of title 5, Congress assembled, number.’’; and United States Code, as amended by section

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7602 of the National Defense Authorization period of leave used under subsection (B) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made Act for Fiscal Year 2020, is amended— (c)(2)(B) of this section. For purposes of ap- by subparagraph (A) shall not be effective (i) in paragraph (1), in the matter pre- plying section 102(a)(4) of such Act, in the with respect to any event for which leave ceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘(or, case of leave that includes leave under sub- may be taken under subchapter V of chapter in the case of leave that includes leave under paragraph (A) or (B) of section 102(a)(1) of 63 of title 5, United States Code, occurring subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph, 12 such Act, a covered employee is entitled, before October 1, 2020. administrative workweeks of leave plus any under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 102(a) (2) CORRECTIONS FOR TSA SCREENERS.—Sec- additional period of leave used under sub- of such Act, to a combined total of 26 work- tion 7606 of the National Defense Authoriza- section (d)(2)(B)(ii))’’ after ‘‘12 administra- weeks of leave plus any additional period of tion Act for Fiscal Year 2020 is amended— tive workweeks of leave’’; and leave used under subsection (c)(2)(B) of this (A) by striking ‘‘Section 111(d)(2)’’ and in- (ii) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘(or 26 section.’’; serting the following: administrative workweeks of leave plus any (B) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 111(d)(2)’’; and additional period of leave used under sub- as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (B) by adding at the end the following: section (d)(2)(B)(ii))’’ after ‘‘26 administra- (C) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- ‘‘(b) EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION.— tive workweeks of leave’’. lowing: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The amendment made by (B) CONGRESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.—Section ‘‘(c) SPECIAL RULE FOR PAID PARENTAL subsection (a) shall not be effective with re- 202(a)(1) of the Congressional Accountability LEAVE.— spect to any event for which leave may be Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1312(a)(1)), as amended ‘‘(1) SUBSTITUTION OF PAID LEAVE.—A cov- taken under subchapter V of chapter 63 of by section 7603 of the National Defense Au- ered employee may elect to substitute for title 5, United States Code, occurring before thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, is any leave without pay under subparagraph amended— October 1, 2020. (A) or (B) of section 102(a)(1) of the Family ‘‘(2) APPLICATION TO SERVICE REQUIREMENT (i) in the second sentence, by inserting and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. ‘‘and in the case of leave that includes leave FOR ELIGIBILITY.—For purposes of applying 2612(a)(1)) any paid leave which is available the period of service requirement under sub- for such an event, the period of leave to to such employee for that purpose. which a covered employee is entitled under paragraph (B) of section 6381(1) to an indi- ‘‘(2) AMOUNT OF PAID LEAVE.—The paid vidual appointed under section 111(d)(1) of section 102(a)(1) of such Act shall be 12 ad- leave that is available to a covered employee ministrative workweeks of leave plus any ad- the Aviation and Transportation Security for purposes of paragraph (1) is— ditional period of leave used under sub- Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note), the amendment ‘‘(A) the number of weeks of paid parental section (d)(2)(B) of this section’’ before the made by subsection (a) of this section shall leave in connection with the birth or place- period; and apply with respect to any period of service ment involved that corresponds to the num- (ii) by striking the third sentence and in- by the individual under such an appoint- ber of administrative workweeks of paid pa- serting the following: ‘‘For purposes of ap- ment, including service before the effective rental leave available to employees under plying section 102(a)(4) of such Act, in the date of such amendment.’’. section 6382(d)(2)(B)(i) of title 5, United case of leave that includes leave under sub- (d) TITLE 38 EMPLOYEES.— States Code; and paragraph (A) or (B) of section 102(a)(1) of (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 7425 of title 38, ‘‘(B) during the 12-month period referred to such Act, a covered employee is entitled, United States Code, is amended— under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 102(a) in section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Med- (A) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘Notwith- of such Act, to a combined total of 26 work- ical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1)) standing’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided weeks of leave plus any additional period of and in addition to the administrative work- in subsection (c), and notwithstanding’’; and leave used under subsection (d)(2)(B) of this weeks described in subparagraph (A), any ad- (B) by adding at the end the following: ditional paid vacation, personal, family, section.’’. ‘‘(c) Notwithstanding any other provision medical, or sick leave provided by the em- (C) OTHER EMPLOYEES COVERED UNDER THE of this subchapter, the Administration shall ploying office to such employee. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993.—Sec- provide to individuals appointed to any posi- ‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—Nothing in this section tion 102(a) of the Family and Medical Leave tion described in section 7421(b) who are em- or section 102(d)(2)(A) of the Family and Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611(a)) is amended by ployed by the Administration family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. adding at the end the following: medical leave in the same manner, to the 2612(d)(2)(A)) shall be considered to require ‘‘(6) SPECIAL RULES ON PERIOD OF LEAVE.— maximum extent practicable, as family and or permit an employing office to require that With respect to an employee of the Govern- medical leave is provided under subchapter V an employee first use all or any portion of ment Accountability Office and an employee of chapter 63 of title 5 to employees, as de- the leave described in paragraph (2)(B) before of the Library of Congress— fined in section 6381(1) of such title.’’. being allowed to use the paid parental leave ‘‘(A) in the case of leave that includes (2) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made described in paragraph (2)(A). leave under subparagraph (A) or (B) of para- by paragraph (1) shall not be effective with ‘‘(4) ADDITIONAL RULES.—Paid parental graph (1), the employee shall be entitled to respect to any event for which leave may be leave under paragraph (2)(A)— 12 administrative workweeks of leave plus taken under subchapter V of chapter 63 of ‘‘(A) shall be payable from any appropria- any additional period of leave used under title 5, United States Code, occurring before tion or fund available for salaries or ex- subsection (d)(3)(B)(ii) of this section or sec- October 1, 2020. tion 202(d)(2)(B) of the Congressional Ac- penses for positions within the employing of- (e) ARTICLE I JUDGES.— countability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. fice; ‘‘(B) if not used by the covered employee (1) BANKRUPTCY JUDGES.—Section 153(d) of 1312(d)(2)(B)), as the case may be; and title 28, United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(B) for purposes of paragraph (4), the em- before the end of the 12-month period (as re- ferred to in section 102(a)(1) of the Family (A) by striking ‘‘A bankruptcy judge’’ and ployee is entitled, under paragraphs (1) and inserting ‘‘(1) Except as provided in para- (3), to a combined total of 26 workweeks of and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1))) to which it relates, shall not ac- graph (2), a bankruptcy judge’’; and leave plus, if applicable, any additional pe- (B) by adding at the end the following: riod of leave used under subsection cumulate for any subsequent use; and (d)(3)(B)(ii) of this section or section ‘‘(C) shall apply without regard to the limi- ‘‘(2) The provisions of subchapter V of 202(d)(2)(B) of the Congressional Account- tations in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of chapter 63 of title 5 shall apply to a bank- ability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1312(d)(2)(B)), as section 6382(d)(2) of title 5, United States ruptcy judge as if the bankruptcy judge were the case may be.’’. Code, or section 104(c)(2) of the Family and an employee (within the meaning of subpara- graph (A) of section 6381(1) of such title).’’. (3) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. by this section shall not be effective with re- 2614(c)(2)).’’; and (2) MAGISTRATE JUDGES.—Section 631(k) of spect to any birth or placement occurring (D) in subsection (e)(1), as so redesignated, title 28, United States Code, is amended— before October 1, 2020. by striking ‘‘subsection (c)’’ and inserting (A) by striking ‘‘A United States mag- (b) PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR PRESI- ‘‘subsection (d)’’. istrate judge’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Except as DENTIAL EMPLOYEES.— (2) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made provided in paragraph (2), a United States (1) AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 5 OF TITLE 3, by this subsection shall not be effective with magistrate judge’’; and UNITED STATES CODE.—Section 412 of title 3, respect to any birth or placement occurring (B) by adding at the end the following: United States Code, is amended— before October 1, 2020. ‘‘(2) The provisions of subchapter V of (A) in subsection (a)(1), by adding at the (c) FAA AND TSA.— chapter 63 of title 5 shall apply to a United end the following: ‘‘In applying section 102 of (1) APPLICATION OF FEDERAL FML.— States magistrate judge as if the United such Act with respect to leave for an event (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 40122(g)(2) of title States magistrate judge were an employee described in subsection (a)(1)(A) or (B) of 49, United States Code, is amended— (within the meaning of subparagraph (A) of such section to covered employees, sub- (i) in subparagraph (I)(iii), by striking section 6381(1) of such title).’’. section (c) of this section shall apply and in ‘‘and’’ at the end; (f) TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.— the case of leave that includes leave for such (ii) in subparagraph (J), by striking the pe- (1) Section 7605 of the National Defense Au- an event, the period of leave to which a cov- riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 is ered employee is entitled under section (iii) by adding at the end the following: amended by striking ‘‘on active duty’’ each 102(a)(1) of such Act shall be 12 administra- ‘‘(K) subchapter V of chapter 63, relating to place it appears and inserting ‘‘on covered tive workweeks of leave plus any additional family and medical leave.’’. active duty’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.049 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7163 (2) Subparagraph (E) of section 6382(d)(2) of who was 21 years of age, served the United Whereas the goal of the decennial census is title 5, United States Code, as added by sec- States with honor and distinction, having re- to count every person in the United States tion 7602 of the National Defense Authoriza- cently completed basic military training; once, and only once, and in the right place; tion Act for Fiscal Year 2020, is amended by Whereas the response of Naval Security Whereas the goal of the 2020 Census is to striking ‘‘the requirement to complete’’ and Forces personnel and local law enforcement eliminate the undercounting and over- all that follows and inserting ‘‘the service re- officials prevented the additional loss of life; counting of specific population groups, prob- quirement under subparagraph (B) of section and lems that were apparent in previous cen- 6381(1).’’. Whereas the people of the United States— suses; (g) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (1) stand united around the community of Whereas the 2020 Census is quick, safe, and made by this section shall take effect as if Pensacola and the families and communities easy to complete; enacted immediately after the enactment of of the victims to support all individuals af- Whereas, under section 2108(b) of title 44, the National Defense Authorization Act for fected by the attack; and United States Code— Fiscal Year 2020. (2) pray for healing and peace: Now, there- (1) the confidentiality of all personally fore, be it identifiable information from the decennial By Mr. BRAUN (for himself and Resolved, That the Senate— census is protected from public disclosure for Mr. YOUNG): (1) condemns the terrorist attack of De- 72 years; S. 3105. A bill to designate the facil- cember 6, 2019, at Naval Air Station Pensa- (2) the Bureau of the Census is prohibited ity of the United States Postal Service cola; from sharing any personally identifiable in- located at 456 North Meridian Street in (2) honors the sacrifice and memory of the formation from the decennial census with Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ‘‘Richard 3 members of the Navy who lost their lives in any other government agency, including law the attack; G. Lugar Post Office’’; considered and enforcement and courts of law, or any pri- (3) recognizes the skill and heroism of the vate entity, for any purpose; and passed. law enforcement officials, the members of (3) the information collected through the S. 3105 the Armed Forces, and the first responders decennial census is used for statistical pur- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of who came to the aid of others during the at- poses only; Representatives of the United States of America tack; Whereas the decennial census is a corner- in Congress assembled, (4) commends the efforts of individuals stone of the representative democracy of the SECTION 1. RICHARD G. LUGAR POST OFFICE. who are working to— United States, as the data collected through (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the (A) care for those who were injured during the decennial census— United States Postal Service located at 456 the attack; and (1) is the basis for apportioning among the North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indi- (B) investigate this horrific incident; States seats in the House of Representatives; ana, shall be known and designated as the (5) extends its heartfelt condolences and and ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post Office’’. prayers to the families of those who were (2) is provided to the States for drawing (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, killed in the attack and to all of the individ- congressional and legislative district lines; map, regulation, document, paper, or other uals affected in the community of Pensacola Whereas complete and accurate census record of the United States to the facility re- and in the United States; and data will help ensure that resources for edu- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to (6) pledges to continue to work together to cation, health care, rural development, be a reference to the ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post prevent future attacks. workforce training, housing, transportation, Office’’. f and other matters are allocated fairly and f accurately; SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- Whereas businesses use census data to SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS TION 31—RECOGNIZING THE IM- guide investment in job-creating initiatives, PORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE such as the building of new production facili- OF THE 2020 CENSUS AND EN- ties, and in choosing where to locate new re- SENATE RESOLUTION 457—CON- COURAGING INDIVIDUALS, FAMI- tail and service outlets; DEMNING THE TERRORIST AT- LIES, AND HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS Whereas, in 2020, responding to the census TACK AT NAVAL AIR STATION THE UNITED STATES TO PAR- will be easier than ever, as the census form will be available online for the first time and PENSACOLA ON FRIDAY, DECEM- TICIPATE IN THE 2020 CENSUS TO BER 6, 2019, HONORING THE MEM- households may choose to respond online, ENSURE A COMPLETE AND AC- over the phone, or through the mail; and BERS OF THE NAVY WHO LOST CURATE COUNT THEIR LIVES IN THE ATTACK, Whereas a complete and accurate census Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Ms. MUR- requires the fullest possible participation AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND from all residents of the United States: Now, KOWSKI, Mr. PETERS, Mr. JOHNSON, Mrs. PRAYERS FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS therefore, be it FEINSTEIN, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. HASSAN, AFFECTED BY THE ATTACK Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. HARRIS, Ms. CORTEZ Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, resentatives concurring), That it is the sense MASTO, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. BROWN, Mr. Mr. RUBIO, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. PERDUE, of Congress that— COONS, Mr. KAINE, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. (1) it is the civic duty of the people of the Mr. SHELBY, and Mr. JONES) submitted VAN HOLLEN, Mr. BRAUN, Ms. KLO- United States to help ensure that the 2020 the following resolution; which was BUCHAR, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. Census is as accurate as possible; considered and agreed to: REED, Ms. HIRONO, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. (2) the Federal Government, State and S. RES. 457 KING, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. local governments, civil society, businesses, religious institutions, libraries, and other Whereas, on the morning of Friday, De- BENNET, Ms. SMITH, Mr. TESTER, Mr. cember 6, 2019, a second lieutenant in the national and local organizations should work WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. Royal Saudi Air Force killed 3 sailors and together as partners to inform the public wounded 8 additional individuals in a ter- BLUMENTHAL, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. JONES, that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and impor- rorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensa- Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. WARNER, Ms. tant; cola; DUCKWORTH, Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. SINEMA, (3) individuals who want to help administer Whereas the 3 victims killed in the at- Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. MANCHIN, Mrs. SHA- the 2020 Census should apply for a job at tack— HEEN, and Mr. MURPHY) submitted the 2020census.gov/jobs; and (1) were sailors in aviation training at following concurrent resolution; which (4) residents of the United States should Naval Air Station Pensacola; and was considered and agreed to: plan to respond to the 2020 Census to ensure (2) showed heroism and bravery in the face that all people living in a household in the of evil as they ran towards the shooter, S. CON. RES. 31 United States, including young children, are which saved lives; Whereas the Constitution of the United included. Whereas Airman Mohammed Sameh States requires an actual enumeration of the Haitham of St. Petersburg, Florida, who was population every 10 years, with the 2020 f 19 years of age, served the United States count beginning in remote Alaska in Janu- with honor and distinction, having recently ary 2020 and elsewhere in the United States completed basic military training; in March 2020; AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Whereas Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson of Whereas the decennial census is a responsi- MEET Enterprise, Alabama, who was 23 years of bility of the Federal Government, mandated Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I have 4 age, served the United States with honor and by section 2 of article I of the Constitution distinction, having recently graduated from of the United States; requests for committees to meet during the United States Naval Academy; Whereas any individual who wants to help today’s session of the Senate. They Whereas Airman Apprentice Cameron administer the 2020 Census should apply at have the approval of the Majority and Scott Walters of Richmond Hill, Georgia, 2020census.gov/jobs; Minority leaders.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.049 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph The Director shall, through the research and 7404(c)(6)(C)) is amended by inserting ‘‘or vet- 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- education activities of the Foundation, encour- erans’’ after ‘‘disciplines’’. ate, the following committees are au- age veterans to study and pursue careers in (h) VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES STEM EDUCATION INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.— thorized to meet during today’s session STEM and computer science, in coordination with other Federal agencies that serve veterans. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Office of of the Senate: (b) VETERAN OUTREACH PLAN.—Not later than Science and Technology Policy shall establish, COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, or designate, an interagency working group to The Committee on Foreign Relations the Director shall submit to the Committee on improve veteran and military spouse equity and is authorized to meet during the ses- Science, Space, and Technology of the House of representation in STEM fields. sion of the Senate on Wednesday, De- Representatives and the Committee on Com- (2) DUTIES OF INTERAGENCY WORKING merce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen- GROUP.—An interagency working group estab- cember 18, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct lished under paragraph (1) shall develop and fa- a hearing. ate a plan for how the Foundation can enhance its outreach efforts to veterans. Such plan cilitate the implementation by participating COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND shall— agencies of a strategic plan, which shall— GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (1) report on the Foundation’s existing out- (A) specify and prioritize short- and long-term The Committee on Homeland Secu- reach activities; objectives; rity and Governmental Affairs is au- (2) identify the best method for the Founda- (B) specify the common metrics that will be thorized to meet during the session of tion to leverage existing authorities and pro- used by Federal agencies to assess progress to- grams to facilitate and support veterans in ward achieving such objectives; the Senate on Wednesday, December 18, (C) identify barriers veterans face in reen- 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. STEM careers and studies, including teaching programs; and tering the workforce, including a lack of formal COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND (3) include options for how the Foundation STEM education, career guidance, and the ENTREPRENEURSHIP could track veteran participation in research process of transferring military credits and skills The Committee on Small Business and education programs of the Foundation, and to college credits; and Entrepreneurship is authorized to describe any barriers to collecting such informa- (D) identify barriers military spouses face in tion. establishing careers in STEM fields; meet during the session of the Senate (E) describe the approaches that each partici- (c) NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD INDICATORS RE- on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at 10 pating agency will take to address administra- PORT.—The National Science Board shall pro- a.m., to conduct a hearing on the nomi- tively the barriers described in subparagraphs nation of Jovita Carranza, of Illinois, vide in its annual report on indicators of the state of science and engineering in the United (C) and (D); and (F) identify any barriers that require Federal to be Administrator of the Small Busi- States any available and relevant data on vet- or State legislative or regulatory changes in ness Administration. erans in science and engineering careers or edu- order to be addressed. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE cation programs. (3) REPORT.—The Director of the Office of (d) ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP The Select Committee on Intel- Science and Technology Policy shall— ligence is authorized to meet during PROGRAM UPDATE.—Section 10 of the National (A) not later than 1 year after the date of en- the session of the Senate on Wednes- Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 actment of this Act, submit to Congress the stra- (42 U.S.C. 1862n–1) is amended— tegic plan required under paragraph (2); and day, December 18, 2019, at 2 p.m., to (1) in subsection (a)(5)— conduct a closed briefing. (B) include in the annual report required by (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and’’ at section 101(d) of the America COMPETES Reau- f the end; thorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621(d)) a de- (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the pe- scription of any progress made in carrying out SUPPORTING VETERANS IN STEM riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and the activities described in paragraph (2) of this CAREERS ACT (C) by adding at the end the following: subsection. ‘‘(C) higher education programs that serve or Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask (4) SUNSET.—An interagency working group unanimous consent that the Senate support veterans.’’; established under paragraph (1) shall terminate (2) in subsection (b)(2)(F)— proceed to the immediate consider- on the date that is 3 years after the date that it (A) by striking ‘‘and students’’ and inserting is established. ation of Calendar No. 314, S. 153. ‘‘, students’’; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (B) by inserting ‘‘, and veterans’’ before the SEC. 4. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED clerk will report the bill by title. STATES STUDY AND REPORT ON period at the end; BARRIERS FACED BY STUDENT VET- The senior assistant legislative clerk (3) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ‘‘and vet- ERANS PURSUING DEGREES IN read as follows: erans’’ before the period at the end; and SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEER- A bill (S. 153) to promote veteran involve- (4) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ‘‘and vet- ING, OR MATH. ment in STEM education, computer science, erans’’ before the period at the end. (a) STUDY.—Not later than August 1, 2022, the and scientific research, and for other pur- (e) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TEACHING Comptroller General of the United States shall poses. FELLOWSHIPS AND MASTER TEACHING FELLOW- complete a study on academic success rates of SHIPS UPDATE.—Section 10A(d) of the National student veterans pursuing covered degrees and There being no objection, the Senate Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 barriers faced by such students in pursuing proceeded to consider the bill, which (42 U.S.C. 1862n–1a(d)) is amended— such degrees. had been reported from the Committee (1) in paragraph (3)(F)— (b) ELEMENTS.—The study required by sub- on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- (A) by striking ‘‘and individuals’’ and insert- section (a) shall include the following: tation, with an amendment to strike ing ‘‘, individuals’’; and (1) Assessment of available information on the all after the enacting clause and insert (B) by inserting ‘‘, and veterans’’ before the percentage or number of student veterans pur- in lieu thereof the following: period at the end; and suing a covered degree with educational assist- (2) in paragraph (4)(B), by inserting ‘‘and vet- (Purpose: In the nature of a sub- ance furnished under chapter 33 of title 38, erans’’ before the period at the end. United States Code. stitute.) (f) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPUTER (2) Assessment of available information on the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. AND NETWORK SECURITY CAPACITY BUILDING percentage or number of such students who pur- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Supporting Vet- GRANTS UPDATE.—Section 5(a) of the Cyber Se- sue a covered degree and do not obtain such de- erans in STEM Careers Act’’. curity Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. gree in four or fewer academic years. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 7404(a)) is amended— (3) Identification of the reasons that such stu- In this Act: (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and stu- dents do not obtain such degree in four or fewer (1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means dents who are veterans’’ after ‘‘these fields’’; academic years and whether such reasons are the Director of the National Science Founda- and barriers to obtaining such degrees. tion. (2) in paragraph (3)— (4) Development of recommendations for legis- (2) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘‘Foundation’’ (A) in subparagraph (I), by striking ‘‘and’’ at lative or administrative action to better align means the National Science Foundation. the end; the educational assistance furnished under (3) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ has the mean- (B) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as sub- chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, with ing given the term in section 2 of the America paragraph (K); and the needs of such students and address the rea- COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 (C) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the sons identified under paragraph (3). U.S.C. 6621 note). following: (c) REPORT.—Not later than August 1, 2022, (4) VETERAN.—The term ‘‘veteran’’ has the ‘‘(J) creating opportunities for veterans to the Comptroller General shall submit to Con- meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, transition to careers in computer and network gress a report on the findings of the Comptroller United States Code. security; and’’. General with respect to the study completed SEC. 3. SUPPORTING VETERANS IN STEM EDU- (g) GRADUATE TRAINEESHIPS IN COMPUTER under subsection (a), along with recommenda- CATION AND COMPUTER SCIENCE. AND NETWORK SECURITY RESEARCH UPDATE.— tions for such legislative or administrative ac- (a) SUPPORTING VETERAN INVOLVEMENT IN Section 5(c)(6)(C) of the Cyber Security Re- tion as the Comptroller General considers appro- SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND STEM EDUCATION.— search and Development Act (15 U.S.C. priate.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.045 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 18, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7165 (d) DEFINITION OF COVERED DEGREE.—In this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The clerk will report the resolution section, the term ‘‘covered degree’’ means a objection, it is so ordered. by title. standard, undergraduate college degree in a The bill (S. 3105) was ordered to be The senior assistant legislative clerk field listed under section 3320(b)(4)(A)(i) of title engrossed for a third reading, was read read as follows: 38, United States Code. the third time, and passed as follows: Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask A resolution (S. Res. 450), recognizing the unanimous consent that the com- S. 3105 71st anniversary of the Universal Declara- tion of Human Rights and the celebration of mittee-reported amendment be agreed Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘Human Rights Day’’. to; the bill, as amended, be considered Congress assembled, There being no objection, the com- read a third time and passed; and that SECTION 1. RICHARD G. LUGAR POST OFFICE. mittee was discharged and the Senate the motion to reconsider be considered (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the proceeded to consider the resolution. made and laid upon the table. United States Postal Service located at 456 Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I fur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indi- ther ask unanimous consent that the objection, it is so ordered. ana, shall be known and designated as the resolution be agreed to, the preamble The committee-reported amendment, ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post Office’’. be agreed to, and the motions to recon- in the nature of a substitute, was (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, sider be considered made and laid upon agreed to. map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility re- the table with no intervening action or The bill (S. 153), as amended, was or- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to debate. dered to be engrossed for a third read- be a reference to the ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing, was read the third time, and Office’’. objection, it is so ordered. passed. f The resolution (S. Res. 450) was f RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE agreed to. VERA C. RUBIN OBSERVATORY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 2020 The preamble was agreed to. DESIGNATION ACT CENSUS AND ENCOURAGING IN- (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in the RECORD of December 10, Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask DIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND 2019, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) unanimous consent that the Com- HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS THE mittee on Commerce, Science, and UNITED STATES TO PARTICI- f PATE IN THE 2020 CENSUS TO Transportation be discharged from fur- APPOINTMENT ther consideration of H.R. 3196 and the ENSURE A COMPLETE AND AC- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate proceed to its immediate con- CURATE COUNT Chair, on behalf of the President pro sideration. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask tempore, upon the recommendation of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent that the Senate the Democratic Leader, pursuant to objection, it is so ordered. proceed to the immediate consider- Public Law 105–292, as amended by Pub- The clerk will report the bill by title. ation of S. Con. Res. 31, introduced ear- lic Law 106–55, Public Law 107–228, and The senior assistant legislative clerk lier today. Public Law 112–75, appoints the fol- read as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The lowing individual to the United States A bill (H.R. 3196) to designate the Large clerk will report the concurrent resolu- tion by title. Commission on International Religious Synoptic Survey Telescope as the ‘‘Vera C. Freedom: Rabbi Sharon A. Kleinbaum Rubin Observatory.’’ The senior assistant legislative clerk of New York. There being no objection, the com- read as follows: mittee was discharged and the Senate A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 31) f proceeded to consider the bill. recognizing the importance and significance UNANIMOUS CONSENT Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I fur- of the 2020 Census and encouraging individ- AGREEMENT uals, families, and households across the ther ask the bill be considered read United States to participate in the 2020 Cen- Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask three times and passed and the motion sus to ensure a complete and accurate count. unanimous consent that the manda- to reconsider be considered made and There being no objection, the Senate tory quorum calls with respect to the laid upon the table, with no inter- proceeded to consider the concurrent cloture motions filed on the House vening action or debate. resolution. messages to accompany H.R. 1865 and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. LANKFORD. I ask unanimous H.R. 1158 be waived. objection, it is so ordered. consent that the concurrent resolution The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The bill (H.R. 3196) was ordered to a be agreed to, the preamble be agreed objection, it is so ordered. third reading, was read the third time, to, and the motions to reconsider be f and passed. considered made and laid upon the f table. MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME—H.R. 397, H.R. 1759, AND RICHARD G. LUGAR POST OFFICE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. H.R. 4018 Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I un- unanimous consent that the Senate Res. 31) was agreed to. derstand there are three bills at the proceed to the immediate consider- The preamble was agreed to. desk, and I ask for their first reading ation of S. 3105, introduced earlier (The concurrent resolution, with its en bloc. today. preamble, is printed in today’s RECORD The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) clerk will read the titles of the bills for clerk will report the bill by title. f the first time en bloc. The senior assistant legislative clerk The legislative clerk read as follows: read as follows: RECOGNIZING THE 71ST ANNIVER- SARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DEC- A bill (H.R. 397) to amend the Internal Rev- A bill (S. 3105) to designate the facility of LARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS enue Code of 1986 to create a Pension Reha- the United States Postal Service located at bilitation Trust Fund, to establish a Pension 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, AND THE CELEBRATION OF Rehabilitation Administration within the Indiana, as the ‘‘Richard G. Lugar Post Of- HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Department of the Treasury to make loans fice’’. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask to multiemployer defined benefit plans, and There being no objection, the Senate unanimous consent that the Judiciary for other purposes. proceeded to consider the bill. Committee be discharged from further A bill (H.R. 1759) to amend title III of the Mr. LANKFORD. I ask unanimous Social Security Act to extend reemployment consideration of S. Res. 450 and the services and eligibility assessments to all consent that the bill be considered read Senate proceed to its immediate con- claimants for unemployment benefits, and a third time and passed and that the sideration. for other purposes. motion to reconsider be considered The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A bill (H.R. 4018) to provide that the made and laid upon the table. objection, it is so ordered. amount of time that an elderly offender

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18DE6.025 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 18, 2019 must serve before being eligible for place- eration of the House message to accom- THE JUDICIARY ment in home detention is to be reduced by pany H.R. 1865 with the time until 11 MATTHEW WALDEN MCFARLAND, OF OHIO, TO BE the amount of good time credits earned by a.m. equally divided between the two UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN the prisoner, and for other purposes. leaders or their designees; finally, not- DISTRICT OF OHIO. Mr. LANKFORD. I now ask for a sec- withstanding the provisions of rule IN THE ARMY ond reading and, in order to place the XXII, the cloture motion filed during THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT bill on the calendar under the provi- Tuesday’s session of the Senate ripen IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED sions of rule XIV, I object to my own at 11 a.m. tomorrow. WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND request, all en bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- objection, it is so ordered. To be lieutenant general tion having been heard, the bills will be f MAJ. GEN. DOUGLAS M. GABRAM read for the second time on the next legislative day. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. IN THE AIR FORCE f TOMORROW AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ANNA M. Mr. LANKFORD. If there is no fur- ADKINS AND ENDING WITH MARY E. ZANDER, WHICH ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- ther business to come before the Sen- DECEMBER 19, 2019 PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON SEP- ate, I ask unanimous consent that it TEMBER 19, 2019. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask stand adjourned under the previous IN THE ARMY unanimous consent that when the Sen- order. ate completes its business today, it ad- ARMY NOMINATION OF ZACHARY B. CICCOLO, TO BE There being no objection, the Senate, MAJOR. journ until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Decem- at 8:07 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, ARMY NOMINATION OF ANDREW J. OLIVER, TO BE ber 19; further, that following the pray- December 19, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. MAJOR. er and pledge, the morning hour be ARMY NOMINATION OF MARJORIE A. KUIPERS, TO BE f MAJOR. deemed expired, the Journal of pro- ARMY NOMINATION OF YUANDRE G. DIEUJUSTE, TO BE ceedings be approved to date, morning CONFIRMATIONS MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATION OF THOMAS E. AXTELL, TO BE business be closed, and following Lead- Executive nominations confirmed by LIEUTENANT COLONEL. er remarks, the Senate resume consid- the Senate December 18, 2019: ARMY NOMINATION OF D014331, TO BE MAJOR.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Dec 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G18DE6.080 S18DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE