E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017 No. 70 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable BEN SASSE, a Senator negotiations over the State work pe- called to order by the Honorable BEN from the State of Nebraska, to perform the riod. I look forward to more productive SASSE, a Senator from the State of Ne- duties of the Chair. conversations with Senators, our braska. ORRIN G. HATCH, House colleagues, and the White House President pro tempore. f so we can get this important work done Mr. SASSE thereupon assumed the quite soon. PRAYER Chair as Acting President pro tempore. f The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f fered the following prayer: DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE Let us pray. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY CEREMONY LEADER O God most high, we know not what Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, a day will bring forth—sorrow or joy— The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- many decades ago, historic tragedy be- but our eyes are on You. pore. The majority leader is recog- fell a continent, and unimaginable hor- Sustain our Senators in their work. nized. ror visited a people. Give them the wisdom to repay Your Behind cold steel gates and within Grace with the currency of their grati- f huddled boxcars, man’s capacity for tude. Lead them to bear the burdens of ISSUES BEFORE THE SENATE cruelty reached grim new frontiers. An the marginalized and so fulfill the law Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- inhuman campaign of extermination by of love. terday, the Senate confirmed former an inhuman regime not only took aim Lord, teach them anew the meaning Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to at the Jewish people but also tore deep of faith, hope, and love. Give them even lead the Department of Agriculture. at the collective bonds of our human- tempers that can meet upsetting We also took the next step in advanc- ity. The scars of the Holocaust con- things with calm serenity. ing Rod Rosenstein to serve as Deputy Lord, keep them from being ashamed tinue to run deep in the sinew of our Attorney General. I look forward to of that which they should be proud and history and of our humanity. It must confirming Mr. Rosenstein so he can proud of that which they should be never be repeated. It also must never get to work without further delay. ashamed. be forgotten. We pray in Your powerful Name. After we take that vote, we will be Today, the President of the strongest Amen. able to advance the Department of Nation in the world will again join Labor nominee, Alexander Acosta. Mr. with survivors in the Capitol Rotunda f Acosta has an impressive background to help ensure it never is. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE that will serve him well as he leads the Today’s Days of Remembrance cere- The Presiding Officer led the Pledge Department on issues that can support mony serves as yet another reminder of of Allegiance, as follows: America’s employers and employees as the immeasurable suffering that was I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the well as the overall economy. inflicted upon millions of innocent United States of America, and to the Repub- I am pleased Mr. Acosta has outlined men, women, and children during the lic for which it stands, one nation under God, his commitment to ensuring that the Holocaust, especially the Jewish peo- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Department of Labor encourages, rath- ple. It also serves as a reminder of our f er than hampers, job growth—a wel- responsibility as free people to stand APPOINTMENT OF ACTING come change after 8 years of job-killing against evil and defend those who are PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE and opportunity-destroying rules and persecuted. regulations under the Obama adminis- f The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tration. I encourage my colleagues to clerk will please read a communication support his nomination so he can begin RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME to the Senate from the President pro this important work to help create The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tempore (Mr. HATCH). jobs, enhance workforce development, pore. Under the previous order, the The senior assistant legislative clerk and support middle-class workers. leadership time is reserved. read the following letter: As we advance these nominees, Sen- f U.S. SENATE, ators are also continuing discussions PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, on government funding legislation. CONCLUSION OF MORNING Washington, DC, April 25, 2017. BUSINESS To the Senate: These talks have been part of a bipar- Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, tisan, bicameral process from the start, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby with appropriators having continued pore. Morning business is closed.

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

S2499

.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.000 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 EXECUTIVE SESSION pointed out that Hawaii was granted sound judgment and independence. statehood in 1959 and called the Attor- Four come to mind. ney General’s comments ‘‘insulting and First is the ongoing investigation EXECUTIVE CALENDAR prejudiced.’’ into Russia’s efforts to interfere with The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Also, last week, Attorney General the 2016 Presidential election to help pore. Under the previous order, the Sessions called into question the status the Trump campaign. What Russia did Senate will resume executive session of the Deferred Action for Childhood in our election last year was a cyber to consider the following nomination, Arrivals Program, also known as act of war against our democracy. It is which the clerk will report. DACA. When asked about DACA, At- imperative that we get to the bottom The assistant bill clerk read the torney General Sessions said: ‘‘We of what happened and make sure it nomination of Rod J. Rosenstein, of can’t promise people who are here un- never happens again. I have called for Maryland, to be Deputy Attorney Gen- lawfully that they’re not going to be an independent, bipartisan investiga- eral. deported.’’ tion into Russia’s election inter- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- That is exactly what DACA is. It is a ference. The Republican majority of pore. Under the previous order, the commitment to young people who were the House and Senate have resisted time until 12:30 p.m. will be equally di- brought to the United States as chil- this call. vided in the usual form. dren and grew up in our country that Instead, Republicans in Congress The Democratic whip. they will be protected from deportation have referred this matter to the Intel- DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY on a temporary renewable basis. Attor- ligence Committees of both Houses, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I will ney General Sessions’ statement is perhaps hoping it will fade away behind yield the floor if the Democratic leader contrary to his own administration’s closed doors. I hope the Intelligence arrives, but until his arrival, I would policy as established by President Committees will step up and conduct like to do two things—first, join in the Trump and Homeland Security Sec- an investigation that is worthy of the comments made by the majority lead- retary John Kelly, who have primary importance of this issue, but when it er, Senator MCCONNELL, relative to the responsibility for immigration enforce- comes to potential criminal acts in- Holocaust remembrance. ment. volving Russia’s election interference, This is the day on which we gather in The last confirmed nominee for Dep- the responsibility to investigate falls the Rotunda each year to remember uty Attorney General was Sally Yates, solely on the Justice Department. the atrocities of World War II, which a veteran prosecutor and U.S. attorney Attorney General Sessions has had to includes remembering the Holocaust from Georgia. Ms. Yates displayed recuse himself from the investigation victims, so many who were Jewish peo- sound judgment as Deputy Attorney because of his work for the Trump ple as well as Polish people—the list General, and she was unafraid to speak campaign and his failure to disclose his goes on and on—as well as those who truth to power. contacts with Russian officials last were gay and gypsies. This was an eth- Ms. Yates became the Acting Attor- year. That means the Deputy Attorney nic cleansing—the worst ever seen in ney General at the end of the Obama General now has the responsibility the history of this world. We remember administration, and when President over this investigation. it on this day, as we should. Trump signed his unconstitutional It will be incumbent on Mr. Rosen- Mr. President, on a separate issue, Muslim ban Executive order on Janu- stein to ensure this investigation is before us now is the nomination of Rod ary 27, Sally Yates told the White conducted with independence, dili- Rosenstein to be the Deputy Attorney House she could not defend the order in gence, and integrity. I believe that ap- General of the United States. court because she was not convinced it pointing a special counsel is the best The Deputy Attorney General over- was lawful. Ms. Yates was then fired by way to ensure this. I hope he will make sees the day-to-day operations of the President Trump for disagreeing with that appointment. If Mr. Rosenstein Department of Justice. In any cir- him. However, multiple Federal courts does not appoint a special counsel, the cumstance, this is an important posi- agreed with Ms. Yates’ position and spotlight will be on him personally to tion that requires a nominee with expe- blocked this unconstitutional Execu- make sure the investigation is con- rience, independence, management tive order. Time and history have prov- ducted properly, no matter where it skills, and good judgment, which is es- en Ms. Yates correct. leads. I hope he exercises good judg- pecially true today. We need a Deputy Attorney General ment. This investigation is too impor- Many of us questioned whether At- like Sally Yates, who is highly com- tant to get wrong. torney General Sessions was the right petent and has the independence to say The second issue that will require person to be the chief law enforcement no to the President and to the Attor- independence and good judgment from officer of the United States of America ney General when necessary. the Deputy Attorney General is the at this moment in history. Unfortu- Rod Rosenstein has served as the Justice Department’s threat to with- nately, many of the actions of the new U.S. Attorney for the District of Mary- hold Federal funding to prevent vio- Attorney General, since he was con- land since 2005 under both Democratic lence across America, including in the firmed, have not erased these concerns. and Republican Presidents. I do not city of Chicago. The Attorney General has already question his experience or his com- The Trump administration’s message begun making dramatic changes at the petence. As a member of the Senate Ju- has been confusing, to say the least, Justice Department, including on crit- diciary Committee, I looked closely at when it comes to Federal efforts to pre- ical issues like criminal justice, civil his nomination. I asked him many vent violence. On the one hand, Presi- rights, immigration, and funding for questions in the hearing. I sent some dent Trump, in the middle of the night, crime prevention. followup letters, and I appreciate that tweets ‘‘Chicago needs help,’’ and Just last week, Attorney General he has been forthcoming in his re- ‘‘Send in the Feds,’’ but then the ad- Sessions disparaged a Federal judge sponses. ministration threatens to cut off crit- from Hawaii who issued an order block- Mr. Rosenstein has pledged to be an ical funding for violence prevention ing the Trump administration’s Mus- independent voice and has committed under programs like Byrne JAG unless lim travel ban. that he will not recommend any cities agree to turn their local police Attorney General Sessions said: ‘‘I changes in Justice Department policies departments into deportation forces. really am amazed that a judge sitting until he evaluates them, discusses It is pretty obvious that cutting off on an island in the Pacific can issue an them with appropriate officials, and Federal violence prevention funding order that stops the President of the determines that changes are war- will hurt the cause of violence preven- United States from what appears to be ranted. tion. Do not take my word for it. Ask clearly his statutory and constitu- I expect he will be confirmed. Upon any law enforcement leader. tional power.’’ confirmation, Mr. Rosenstein will im- Listen to what the International As- Senator MAZIE HIRONO, my colleague mediately be tasked with responsi- sociation of Chiefs of Police said: ‘‘Pe- on the Senate Judiciary Committee bility over critically important issues nalizing communities by withholding and the junior Senator from Hawaii, over which he will need to display both assistance funding to law enforcement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.002 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2501 agencies and other critical programs is Fardon, felt strongly that a consent de- a needless fight over a poison pill pro- counterproductive to our shared mis- cree was needed to correct the sys- posal that Members of both parties sion of reducing violent crime and temic problems we face. Mr. Rosen- don’t support. On a bill as important as keeping communities safe.’’ stein has shown more openness to one to keep the government open, it is It is no secret that the Attorney Gen- using consent decrees than Attorney a dangerous prospect for the adminis- eral is fixated on immigration, but we General Sessions, who has an ideolog- tration to push so hard for such a need the Deputy Attorney General to ical personal hostility toward them. I flawed, incomplete, and unthought-out ensure that this fixation does not un- hope Mr. Rosenstein will look carefully proposal on a must-pass spending bill. dermine the important ways that the at this issue in Chicago and respect the It could tank what would have been Justice Department and local law en- judgment of Mr. Fardon and the career productive, bipartisan, bicameral nego- forcement cooperate to reduce violent DOJ professionals who spent over a tiations between the leaders in both crime. year investigating this matter. Houses. If the threat of the wall is re- This administration cannot call itself Mr. Rosenstein also will be respon- moved, as I hope is the case, our nego- a law-and-order administration and sible for reining in the Attorney Gen- tiations can continue and we can hope- then do something like cut the funds eral’s worst instincts on immigration. fully continue to resolve all of the out- for violence prevention when police It is no surprise to any Member of this standing issues by Friday. chiefs across America say that is just Chamber that when the issue of immi- Make no mistake about it, there are wrong. gration came to the floor, the leading other important issues to resolve—no The third area of critical importance opponent on immigration reform was poison pill riders, above all, and the is criminal justice policy. Today, our Senator Sessions of Alabama. I believe ratio of defense and nondefense spend- Federal prisons are 30 percent over ca- he offered 100 amendments to the im- ing in terms of increases above the pacity, and runaway prison expendi- migration reform bill that passed the baseline. On the nondefense side, min- tures are undermining important pub- U.S. Senate. He has spoken out over ers are very important on our side, get- lic safety priorities like crime preven- and over again about his opposition to ting permanent healthcare for these tion, drug courts, and addiction treat- immigration reform. miners who have struggled their whole ment. The Attorney General has already di- lives; the issue of cost-sharing, where 6 The largest increase in the Federal rected Federal prosecutors across the million people could lose their prison population has been nonviolent country to make immigration cases a healthcare because it would become drug offenders who are then separated higher priority and look for opportuni- unaffordable; and the issue of Puerto from their families for years on end as ties to bring serious felony charges Rico, which is struggling so, are among a result of inflexible mandatory min- against those who cross the border those that we feel are important as imum sentences. This has a destructive without authorization. Federal pros- well. There are other issues to resolve effect on communities and erodes faith ecutors understand this is not the right as well, but I am hopeful we can ad- in America in our criminal justice sys- approach. Listen to Paul Charlton, the dress them as the week moves forward. tem. U.S. attorney for Arizona under the Poison pill riders are something that Congress needs to pass legislation to Bush administration. According to could really hurt the bill, and we don’t reform our Federal drug sentencing him, this new directive will overburden want that to happen. laws, but the Justice Department’s the Federal courts already struggling THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ONE HUNDRED DAYS policies for nonviolent drug offenses to handle the volume of immigration Mr. President, on another matter, as also can help. cases. He said: ‘‘Prosecution and incar- we quickly approach the 100-day mark Under the Obama administration, the ceration do not adequately address the of the Trump Presidency, it is a good Smart on Crime Initiative directed real need, which is a reform of the im- time to look back on what this admin- Federal prosecutors to reserve stiff migration laws.’’ istration has accomplished and has not mandatory minimum sentences for in- Let me conclude. I see the Demo- accomplished. One thing is clear: This dividuals convicted of serious offenses. cratic leader on the floor. President has either broken or failed to This initiative has been very effective There are a number of critical issues fulfill many of the promises he made to in focusing the Department’s limited that will require sound judgment and working families during the campaign. resources on the worst offenders and leadership from the next Deputy Attor- This morning, I wish to focus on one ensuring that people convicted of low- ney General. I hope Mr. Rosenstein will area in particular—this President’s level, nonviolent offenses are not sub- approach these issues with the profes- promises to working people on jobs and jected to these same mandatory min- sionalism and integrity that have the economy. imum penalties. earned him bipartisan praise as U.S. One of the President’s key rationales Attorney General Sessions has sig- Attorney in Maryland. I hope he will be as to why he would be an effective naled that he wants to eliminate the willing to speak truth to power and to President was that he was a good busi- Smart on Crime Initiative, and cer- stand up to the President and the At- nessman who could create jobs and get tainly those of us who listened to his torney General if necessary. the economy moving much faster than opposition to criminal sentencing re- I will support Mr. Rosenstein’s nomi- anyone predicted. But on the major form are not surprised. But, as Deputy nation. I hope we can work together issues of jobs, including outsourcing, Attorney General, Mr. Rosenstein will constructively on the important mat- ‘‘Buy American,’’ trade—key economic chair the Task Force on Crime Reduc- ters facing the Department of Justice. issues that help job growth in America, tion and Public Safety that has been Mr. President, I yield the floor. that help working families—President established by the President. This RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER Trump has made scant progress during gives him an important voice. I hope he The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- his first 100 days and has broken sev- will work to ensure that the Depart- pore. The Democratic leader is recog- eral core campaign promises he made ment’s charging policy reserves stiff nized. to kick-start the economy for working mandatory sentences for only serious Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, first families. violent offenders. let me thank my friend from Illinois On jobs, President Trump said he was Mr. Rosenstein would also be respon- for his always thoughtful and good going to be ‘‘the greatest job President sible for determining the fate of the words. I agree with his sentiments on that God ever created,’’ but have we Justice Department’s efforts to work Mr. Rosenstein, whom I will support as seen one significant piece of legislation constructively with State and local law well. that would create jobs from this Presi- enforcement to protect civil rights and GOVERNMENT SPENDING BILL dent? What about infrastructure, for improve community and police rela- Mr. President, first I want to say instance? That is something that tions. In particular, Mr. Rosenstein that it is very good news that the would create tons of good-paying jobs, should continue negotiations to pursue President seems to be taking the wall and Candidate Trump talked about it a police reform in Chicago, backed up by off the table in the negotiations we are lot when he campaigned. He promised an enforceable consent decree. The having on an appropriations bill this to fix America’s crumbling infrastruc- former U.S. attorney in Chicago, Zach week. It would remove the prospect of ture, pledging a $1 trillion plan to do

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.003 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 it. But we haven’t seen any details of days. He pledged to hold China ac- working with us Democrats on these any plan yet, and no comprehensive countable for its rapacious trade prac- issues, finding compromises and con- plan to rebuild our infrastructure has tices, which have robbed America of sensus to fulfill his promises to work- been introduced by any Republicans in millions of jobs and cost trillions of ing America. Instead, he spent the first Congress. dollars of wealth. He said China was 100 days governing from the very hard So we Democrats came out with our ‘‘world champion’’ of currency manipu- right, refusing to seek Democratic own $1 trillion infrastructure plan, lation and pledged to name it a cur- input on any major legislation. That is taking what the President said in his rency manipulator on day one. Presi- not how you get things done here, and campaign. The bill would create 15 mil- dent Trump has done neither of those that is why the President has so little lion good-paying jobs, going to the things. He has broken his promise to to show for his first 100 days. working families of America. We name them a currency manipulator, We Democrats are prepared to work haven’t seen any proposal or gotten and he has backed off on his promise to with him to give the middle class and any response to our proposal from the get tough with trade on China in gen- those struggling to get there a much President. The only thing we have seen eral. needed boost, but the President and from President Trump on infrastruc- This is an issue I am passionate Republicans in Congress need to start ture is that he has proposed multibil- about. I didn’t agree with President reaching out and meeting us halfway. lion-dollar cuts to vital transportation Trump on a whole lot of issues, but As I have told the President many programs in his 2018 budget, saying one when he talked about China during the times, if he governs from the middle, if thing in the campaign—infrastructure campaign, I said: I am closer to Presi- he is willing to work with both parties jobs—yet doing exactly the opposite— dent Trump on how we treat China to get things done, we might be able to cutting infrastructure jobs—in his pro- than I was with President Obama or compromise on some of the important posed budget for next year. President Bush, and I thought it would economic issues where we have had On outsourcing, Candidate Trump la- be one of the areas where we could these values for a long time—the ones mented the fact that so many compa- make real progress. Instead, we have I just mentioned. If the President, Re- nies were shipping U.S. jobs overseas, seen a U-turn—China, not a currency publicans, and Congress continue their promising: ‘‘We’re going to stop it day manipulator, when he said over and ‘‘my way or the highway approach,’’ one. It’s so easy to stop.’’ over again they were, and they are ma- the next 100 days will be just like the While President Obama used regu- nipulating their currency. first—a lot of broken and unfulfilled latory measures to stop inversions in I know all the free-trade pundits get promises and very few accomplish- their tracks—a company in New York, up and say: Yes, but now they are not ments from this new administration. Pfizer, which I thought was so wrong to reducing the value of their currency; I yield the floor. try and invert—President Trump has they are doing the opposite of what I suggest the absence of a quorum. just signed an Executive order to re- they did when they made it easier for The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- view those rules and potentially undo them to export. But they are still ma- pore. The clerk will call the roll. them—the exact opposite of what he nipulating it. It still doesn’t flow. As The assistant bill clerk proceeded to campaigned on. This is astounding. He sure as we are sitting here, if China’s call the roll. said he was going to prevent jobs from advantage is to once again devalue the Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I ask going overseas. President Obama put in currency so they can have more ex- unanimous consent that the order for regulations that have virtually stopped ports and unfair advantages over the quorum call be rescinded. inversions—companies moving their American workers, they will do it in a The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. headquarters overseas for tax breaks. minute. FLAKE). Without objection, it is so or- President Trump, directly in contradic- Furthermore, had he called China a dered. tion of what he talked about over and currency manipulator, it would have ANTIQUITIES ACT over and over again in his campaign, sent a shot across China’s bow. For Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, says: Now let’s review those rules and years, frankly, under Democratic and President Trump is expected to issue possibly undo them. It is just hard to Republican administrations, China has an Executive order directing the De- comprehend. gotten away with economic murder. partment of the Interior to review all President Trump said his policy They steal our intellectual property. of the national monuments issued over would be ‘‘Buy American and Hire They don’t let good American compa- the past 20 years, to see whether those American,’’ and he has had a bunch of nies into China. They buy American monuments should be reduced in size little rallies where he talks about this, companies to get their technology and or repealed. It is clear to me that many but he has refused to insist that pipe- then produce it in China and try to ex- of us know the value of our public lines and water infrastructure be made port it here. They have over the years lands. But I am questioning whether with American steel. manipulated the currency to their ad- our President understands that trying If he were serious about stopping out- vantage, among many other things. to illegally roll back those national sourcing, he would demand that Senate They are hurting us. Probably nothing monuments—some of the most treas- Republicans put Senator BALDWIN’s bill has done more to hurt American jobs ured lands in our country—is some- requiring infrastructure to be made than China’s rapacious trade policies. thing we should not do. with American steel on the Senate And President Trump is nowhere to be This shortsighted move is a pretext floor. If we increase water and sewer as found. In fact, he is doing the opposite to attacking the designation of the one of our biggest infrastructure pro- of what he promised on trade. Bears Ears National Monument in posals, American steel would get a Instead of sticking up for hard-work- Utah, which is sacred to the five tribes huge boost, if companies had to buy ing, middle-class Americans by trying that form the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal American steel. Senator BALDWIN has a to create jobs and get tough on both Coalition, and is a breathtaking site bill that does it. President Trump has trade and outsourcing, President for all Americans who come to experi- not gotten any action. He ought to tell Trump has spent the last few months ence what is the unbelievable, unique Leader MCCONNELL, tell Speaker RYAN looking out for powerful corporations beauty of the West. he is for that bill, and they should and the special interests he repeatedly Whether they are there hiking or bring it to the floor, and, with a lot of campaigned against, breaking promise climbing or vacationing, it is a special Democratic votes—probably every one, after promise to working families. It is place. But President Trump’s Execu- just about—we can pass it. a shame he has taken this route. tive order is expected to go even fur- On trade, which is another crucial On issues like infrastructure, out- ther than just Bears Ears, reviewing issue for the American worker—maybe sourcing, and trade, we Democrats any designation in the last 20 years, the issue that President Trump gar- agree with many of the things Can- threatening the question of the San nered the most support for from work- didate Trump was saying, but he is no- Juan Islands or Hanford Reach Na- ing families—well, he has made some where to be found to work with on tional Monuments and the creation of big promises, but he has either broken these issues. President Trump could other sites around the United States them or failed to deliver in his first 100 have chosen to spend his first 100 days and threatening our economy.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.006 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2503 Time and again, the Trump adminis- cant lands of the local Tribes and some around it, and it continues to grow and tration is pushing for policies that are of the best rock climbing in the world. thrive, with new products, new serv- harmful to our recreation economy and Bears Ears encompasses Native ices, and more comfortable and innova- a disaster for our pristine places, and it American archaeological sites dating tive ways to enjoy the outdoors. The sets a terrible precedent for future con- back at least 13,000 years. The area is outdoor recreation economy is respon- servation efforts. covered in rock art, petroglyphs and sible for 7.6 million jobs in this coun- The Antiquities Act is one of our Na- pictographs, cliff dwellings, and arti- try. That is a growth of 1.5 million jobs tion’s most successful conservation facts. So if nothing else, those special since the last time the report was done. laws. It was signed into law in 1906 by places should be preserved. Meanwhile, the Trump administra- President Theodore Roosevelt to des- It is also special to many of the early tion seems perfectly content to do the ignate Devils Tower in Wyoming as our inhabitants of that area: the Ute Tribe, bidding of these natural resources in- Nation’s first national monument. the Navajo Tribe, the Uintah Ouray dustries instead of focusing on these In the 110 years since its enactment, Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, and the Zuni jobs and these recreational opportuni- the Antiquities Act has been a very Tribe. Bears Ears is important to these ties that are booming. In fact, the useful tool by 16 different Presidents— Tribal members for sacred ceremonies, clean energy economy is now sup- eight Republicans, eight Democrats— and hunting, and fishing. porting more jobs than fossil fuels in 26 to designate more than 140 national Bears Ears also continues to be one States and the District of Columbia. So monuments, including, as I mentioned, of the richest paleontological resources it is an economy that exists in many the San Juan Islands and Hanford in our Nation, with fossil records dat- parts of our country. Reach in the State of Washington. ing back millions of years. So it is easy On top of this effort to try and weak- Nearly half of all of our national to see why it is so important that this en these national monument designa- parks, including national icons such as special place was designated. tions and use the Antiquities Act in re- the Grand Canyon or Olympic National In addition to its historical and cul- verse, the President is also expected to Park, were first designated as national tural significance, Bears Ears is also a gut some of our key investments in monuments under the Antiquities Act. world-class recreation resource visited science and innovation that are also So it is a very helpful tool to making by rock climbers from all over the helping us grow in new ways. sure we preserve those special places. I world. It is also visited by hunters, I will tell you that pollution is not will note, too, that only 4 percent of all hikers, canyoneers, white water an economic strategy. We cannot turn land in the United States is set aside rafters, mountain bikers, and the en- the economy of the past into hope for this way, designated as part of the na- tire conservation community. That is the future. What we need to do is make tional park system or as a national why the Outdoor Retailer show, which sure we are paying attention to the monument. had previously located its biannual unique resources that these special So, of all the lands in the United event in Utah, decided after two dec- places represent and the great heritage States, we are asking to protect 4 per- ades that they were pulling out. That of both Democratic and Republican ad- cent of the lands, that are these unique is right. They are pulling out their $40 ministrations, which have done great special places, to be persevered for the million contribution to the Utah econ- work by protecting places like the American public and not turned over to omy because they are against the ef- Grand Canyon and Bears Ears. I hope all of my colleagues will real- special interests for oil and gas mining. forts by many in Utah to oppose the ize that this is a futile effort and that I also think it is important to note Bears Ears monument and try to get these special places do not belong only that the Antiquities Act gives the the President to reverse the Antiq- to us. They do not belong to the people President the authority to make sure uities Act and then use that Federal who are here on the Senate floor. They that these monuments are designated land for oil and gas exploration. I was belong to generations and generations because from time to time there are so proud to see the outdoor industry of Americans. those who do not believe in these spe- take such a bold step. Companies like To those great Presidents—Repub- cial places. REI, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and lican and Democratic—who made those I note that when the Grand Canyon Outdoor Research really made a big decisions and created those special was being considered, an editorial in and bold statement. They decided that places for all of us, thank you. I hope that time period editorialized: ‘‘The if a State was going to attack the very that some future generation will be idea of protecting the Grand Canyon economy that was so important to standing here thanking us for pro- represents a fiendish and diabolical their jobs in recreation, they were tecting Bears Ears and all of the na- scheme.’’ Now, I don’t think that is going to do something about it. tional monument designations that what Americans think today about the I agree with the Salt Lake Tribune have taken place over the last two dec- Grand Canyon, nor do they think that editorial on the Outdoor Retailer’s de- ades. it is something that hasn’t enriched cision, which said that the debate over Mr. President, I yield the floor. the lives of millions of Americans over public lands is about ‘‘who we are and I suggest the absence of a quorum. the years or added to our economy and where we are headed. To get there, we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tourism. So I find it ironic that the need leaders with a better appreciation clerk will call the roll. same people think that the designation of the magnificent gifts God has given The legislative clerk proceeded to of Bears Ears is somehow a ‘‘fiendish everyone, not just Utahans.’’ call the roll. and diabolical scheme.’’ So what is ironic and, frankly, a bit Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask Well, what I know is that the Presi- sad is that at the same time the Trump unanimous consent that the order for dent is wrong to think he can use the administration is waging war on our the quorum call be rescinded. Antiquities Act in reverse. In 1938, an public lands and fighting imaginary The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Attorney General’s opinion was issued ones, like the War on Coal, we have objection, it is so ordered. stating that the President did not have new data on just what an economic en- FARM SERVICE AGENCY the authority to use it in reverse. gine the recreation industry has be- Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise So I think any attempt by the Trump come. Just today, the Outdoor Industry today to acknowledge and honor Michi- administration to modify or revoke Association released a new report on gan farmers. Agriculture is a vital part earlier national monument proposals is the economic contributions of the of Michigan’s economy. In fact, Michi- without the legal authority to do so. recreation economy. Today, the recre- gan is home to more than 51,000 farms But I also want to make sure that we ation industry generates $887 billion in that contribute over $100 billion to our are talking about how important and consumer spending every year. That is Nation’s economy. Michigan is also the how special Bears Ears is. It is a monu- up more than $200 billion—from $646 second most diverse agricultural pro- ment of true significance. It encom- billion—since the last time the study ducer in the Nation, growing more passes 1.3 million acres of beautiful was done a few years ago. What does than 300 commodities, including a sig- desert hills, mesas, and sandstone can- this tell us? Not only do more Ameri- nificant portion of our Nation’s milk, yons in southeastern Utah and is home cans enjoy recreation on our public corn, cherries, cucumbers, and much to some of the most spiritually signifi- lands, but an economy has been built more.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.008 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 Last week I had the pleasure of vis- Today, ensuring that the Farm Serv- ists, including ISIS, jumped at the op- iting the Iciek Dairy Farm in Gladwin, ice Agency has sufficient funding is portunity to fill the vacuum in Libya. MI. It was incredible to see firsthand even more critical, especially following Later, the American Consulate in how this family-run dairy has grown President Trump’s proposed $4.7 billion Benghazi would be attacked, resulting from a small farm of a few dozen cows cut to the U.S. Department of Agri- in the deaths of four Americans, in- to a large, modern dairy operation with culture. cluding that of Ambassador Chris- 700 cows and seven full-time employ- Like our small businesses, students, topher Stevens. That was the result of ees. and families, America’s farmers de- President Obama’s failed strategy in Today, the Iciek Dairy works with serve to have affordable loan options, Libya. the Michigan State University Exten- and they deserve our attention and our To the east, as 2016 came to a close, sion program to help mentor new busi- support. I urge my colleagues to join Syria was embroiled in even more dis- nesses and farmers who are just start- me in asking for robust Farm Service array, more bloodshed, and more vio- ing off with their own small dairy oper- Agency funding so we can continue to lence than when the civil war initially ation. Michigan’s farmers and farmers support our farming communities as broke out. President Obama promised all across our country feed our country they support and sustain us each and the world—now infamously—that and people around the globe, and we every day. should the Syrian Government use must do what we can to support them. I suggest the absence of a quorum. chemical weapons that at that point a Our agricultural businesses rely on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The red line would have been crossed. We ability to access the resources they clerk will call the roll. know how that turned out and so do need to keep growing, creating jobs, The legislative clerk proceeded to the citizens of Syria and so do, impor- and contributing to our economy. call the roll. tantly, other thugs, autocrats, and dic- Access to these resources can be es- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask tators around the world—red lines pecially challenging for new small unanimous consent that the order for crossed but not enforced. President Obama’s threats went un- farm operations that are just getting the quorum call be rescinded. answered. Russia became bolder in its started, including those small farms The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without support of Assad as it became clearer that make up 82 percent of Michigan’s objection, it is so ordered. that the United States would not inter- agricultural producers. Small farms FOREIGN POLICY vene. Now, in light of years of inaction that are just starting up or are facing Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, as we by the previous administration, we tough economic conditions sometimes come back into session after a 2-week have a refugee crisis in the Middle East struggle to find and secure affordable State work period, I think we need to and throughout Europe. Millions of credit. That is why I am working take stock of what we have been able people have been displaced both inter- across the aisle with Senator TILLIS to to accomplish in working together dur- nally and externally across Europe. We urge congressional appropriators to ing the last few months. Through the efforts of the adminis- have a war criminal leading the Syrian fully fund the Farm Service Agency Government who has repeatedly used tration and in working with Congress, loan programs as Congress considers chemical weapons and indiscriminately we have been able to greatly lessen the government funding bills for 2018. killed civilians, including children, in a The Farm Service Agency works with regulatory burden on many American region even further from any measure lenders to guarantee and deliver small job creators, which is something sorely of stability than when President dollar loans to the small farms that needed while our economy has been Obama took office. need them the most. When a farm has bumping along at, roughly, 2 percent Yet, instead of developing a strategy, no other options, Farm Service Agency growth of our gross domestic product instead of listening to his own military loans and guarantees can help farmers since the Great Recession of 2008. We and national security leadership, Presi- cover urgent operating costs for feed, have confirmed a ninth Supreme Court dent Obama and his team perversely seed, and fertilizer to get them through Justice, and we have seen strong, cred- opted to strengthen our adversary Iran. the season. Without these loans, farm- ible action taken against people like The ill-conceived JCPOA deal ce- ers could lose their ability to purchase the terrible Assad regime in Syria. mented the status of this state sponsor equipment and other necessities for the It is important to remember, as folks of terrorism as a future nuclear power planting season and could be forced to continue to judge the current adminis- as it released billions of dollars in curtail their operations. tration and its foreign policy in par- sanctions relief to the regime and em- Currently, more than 2,300 farms in ticular, how we got here and what this powered our enemy to engage in even Michigan have Farm Service Agency White House inherited after 8 years of more terrorist activities abroad and loans totaling over $630 million. Across the Obama administration. around the world. After 8 years of the the country last year, the Farm Serv- As President Obama left office, he Obama administration, the bottom line ice Agency made and guaranteed a left in his wake fires burning around is, our foremost enemy in the Middle total of 39,650 loans totaling $6.3 bil- the world. There is no better example East became stronger, not weaker. lion. It is critical that Farm Service than the Middle East. President Obama On top of all of that, President Agency funding reflect expected de- celebrated the Arab Spring as a testa- Obama pushed aside our strongest ally mand for loans so that small farms can ment to the power of a democratic in the region—Israel—time and time continue to have this crucial lifeline. voice, but he did little to help our part- again to appease nations that were This program is in such high demand ners across the Middle East and North working against us. That is simply not that just last year the Farm Service Africa find stability and prosperity. how the United States should operate Agency ran out of money to finance its Along the way, he made the world a lot in its leadership role around the world. operating loans, including more than more dangerous for all of us by his in- I could go on and on about the for- 1,000 loans that had already been ap- action or, in some cases, by his actions. eign policy failures of the last adminis- proved for small farmers. This led to a Libya is one of the most tragic exam- trations with respect to the Middle backlog of loans, and farmers were ples. East, but it is not the only region in forced to wait for months until Con- Without his coming to Congress but worse shape. Under President Obama’s gress passed emergency funding to get instead going to the United Nations for watch, Russia invaded Crimea and the loans they needed for their day-to- a resolution, under President Obama’s eastern Ukraine. It repeatedly threat- day operations. watch, the country fractured after he ened NATO member states and ramped Access to capital is critical across a helped to launch a poorly conceived up its cyber espionage to influence and range of businesses, but it is incredibly military campaign that helped depose undermine public confidence in free important to our farmers. They can Muammar Qadhafi, with no plan at all and fair elections both in the United lose out on an entire growing season if as to what to do afterward to stabilize States and in Europe. Along the way, they cannot buy the equipment and the the country. Apparently, despite all of our allies in Europe were cast aside supplies they need while they wait for President Obama’s criticisms of Presi- rather than assured of our support—all Congress to fund the Farm Service dent Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, he with Russia’s mounting aggression Agency. learned very little from it, and terror- close by.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.010 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2505 In the Pacific, China continued to ad- to be Deputy Attorney General. Not Former Senator Mikulski wrote the vance its regional dominance by mak- only is he a very experienced and ac- committee and told us that he will be ing claims to islands disputed by our complished attorney, he has served in a ‘‘strong, experienced leader at the allies, going so far as to convert sand the Justice Department for almost Department of Justice who is fair and bars and reefs into island military three decades under five Presidents, committed to the equal application of bases—some with 10,000-foot military- but he served as the U.S. Attorney for our laws’’ and ‘‘In these polarized capable runways right there in the the District of Maryland under both times, now, more than ever we need a South China Sea. President Bush and President Obama— strong, experienced leader at the De- Finally, North Korea continues to de- a very rare record of service. During partment of Justice who is fair and velop and test its nuclear and ballistic his nominations hearing to be Deputy committed to the equal application of missile capabilities with the threat of Attorney General, Mr. Rosenstein our laws. I hope the Senate will con- soon being able to use both to reach promised us that he would ‘‘work to de- firm Rod Rosenstein for this important the continental United States. North fend the integrity and independence of position.’’ Korea carried out four nuclear tests our justice department, to protect pub- After Senator CARDIN described all during the Obama administration. lic safety, to preserve civil rights, to Mr. Rosenstein’s professional accom- That is simply unacceptable. pursue justice, to advance the rule of plishments when he was introducing The truth is, after two terms of inac- law and to promote public confidence.’’ him at the hearing, he said, ‘‘What im- tion, no coherent strategy, and leading However, many Members have men- presses me the most, he has done this from behind, our allies and partners tioned they are concerned about the in a totally non-partisan manner.’’ And around the world questioned the com- FBI Director’s announcement of an in- concluded by saying, ‘‘I think Mr. mitment and power of the United vestigation of Russia. And during his Rosenstein is the right person at the States and our ability to defend our na- nominations hearing, Mr. Rosenstein right time for Deputy Attorney Gen- tional interests around the globe. was repeatedly asked if he would com- eral.’’ I, personally, am thankful for what mit to appointing a special counsel to Finally, James Cole, President we have seen President Trump accom- handle any investigation in this mat- Obama’s Deputy Attorney General, plish so far, even in a short period of ter. I was impressed with his unfailing wrote to inform the committee that time. His tough but honest discussions commitment to independence when he Mr. Rosenstein will respect the need about America’s role in the world are answered these questions. for the Department ‘‘to not only en- Rather than prejudge investigations appreciated not only by those of us force the laws, but to also maintain a before he knows the facts, he here at home but by our allies and level of independence that enables it to unwaveringly promised to make deci- friends around the world who have been have credibility in the eyes of our citi- sions only after thoroughly reviewing hungry for American leadership. zens.’’ all the relevant information in a par- When Assad crossed a line the entire From all I see and know about him, ticular case. He committed to not pre- international community deemed ab- I believe Mr. Rosenstein will keep his judge the situation before he knew the horrent, President Trump, unlike promise for integrity and independ- facts. And he committed to conducting President Obama, took action. Unfor- ence. He promised us if he is confirmed every investigation with independence. tunately, President Trump has inher- I personally believe Mr. Rosenstein as Deputy Attorney General, ‘‘all in- ited foreign policy predicaments that possesses the necessary independence vestigations under my supervision were created by both the action and in- to conduct any investigation of this [will] be initiated and conducted in a action of his predecessor around the type. He told us he had never met with fair, professional, and impartial man- world. My hope is, President Trump Russian officials nor has he spoken to ner, without regard to political consid- will continue to work with the great the President or Attorney General erations.’’ We can’t ask for anything team he has assembled to make sure about this matter. And he spoke in more. I urge all my colleagues to join U.S. interests are put first and that great length about his career-long com- me in voting to confirm Mr. Rosenstein America continues to exert its leader- mitment to independence and to con- to be Deputy Attorney General. ship role around the world. duct his work free from political con- I yield the floor. The truth is, a strong America and cerns. I suggest the absence of a quorum. an America that leads is a stabilizing In fact, we already know that he has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and peacekeeping influence around the a well-known reputation for independ- clerk will call the roll. world. Just the opposite is also true. As ence. In 2012, Attorney General Holder The senior assistant legislative clerk America retreats, there is no other specifically asked Mr. Rosenstein to proceeded to call the roll. country that can fill that leadership handle a special investigation into Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask vacuum. It is inherently destabilizing, leaks of classified information because unanimous consent that the order for and it is an invitation for bad actors of his reputation for independence and the quorum call be rescinded. around the world to take advantage of impartiality. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that power vacuum. When Republicans suggested a spe- objection, it is so ordered. I look forward to working with the cial prosecutor might be appropriate, ORDER OF PROCEDURE administration, as well as all of our members of the Judiciary Committee Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask colleagues in the Congress, to help assured us that none was necessary unanimous consent that all time keep Americans safe by making clear precisely because Mr. Rosenstein was postcloture on the Rosenstein nomina- that we will back up and support our at the helm of the investigation. One tion expire at 5 p.m. today and that, if allies and partners abroad and send a member of the Committee described confirmed, the President be imme- powerful message to those who threat- him as a ‘‘scrupulous man’’ and ‘‘inde- diately notified of the Senate’s action en our interests. pendent.’’ There was ‘‘no reason to be- and the Senate resume consideration of I yield the floor. lieve why [he] cannot work with the the Acosta nomination. I suggest the absence of a quorum. FBI and assemble a very strong pros- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ecution team where warranted.’’ objection, it is so ordered. clerk will call the roll. Mr. Rosenstein is still scrupulous and Mr. GRASSLEY. I yield the floor. The bill clerk proceeded to call the independent. If Mr. Rosenstein could f roll. conduct an investigation with inde- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask pendence under Holder then, he can RECESS unanimous consent that the order for certainly do it now. Furthermore, Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the quorum call be rescinded. Rosenstein comes with high rec- the previous order, the Senate stands The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ommendations from a bipartisan list of in recess until 2:15 p.m. CRUZ). Without objection, it is so or- former Attorneys General and Deputy Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:30 p.m., dered. Attorneys General. And he comes with recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I high recommendations from his home bled when called to order by the Pre- support Mr. Rosenstein’s nomination state Senators, current and former. siding Officer (Mr. PORTMAN).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.012 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2506 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued the 600th Transportation Company, he along to have mobility on the ground. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- transferred to the 755th Chemical Com- Our President has proposed, at least ator from Nebraska. pany. Why the transfer? Because he earlier this year, that we spend about learned the 755th would soon deploy. In $25 billion to build a wall, maybe 10-, HONORING NEBRASKA’S SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN COMBAT late 2006 it did. Bill Bailey went with 15-, 25-feet high along the 2,000 miles Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise it. The 755th Chemical Company was between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf today to remember another of Nebras- assigned to provide security escorts for of Mexico. I have never been convinced that ka’s fallen heroes—those young men truck convoys operating out of the that is the best way—to put all of our and women who have given their lives Balad Air Base in Iraq. Iraq at this money in the basket—that that is real- defending our freedom in Iraq and Af- time was increasingly unstable. It was ly the best way to better ensure the se- ghanistan. They all have different sto- dangerous, but Bill’s good nature made curity of our border with Mexico. As it ries. Their families all have the same it bearable. SGT Timothy Ossowski remembers turns out, most of the folks who are request: Remember their sacrifice. By SPC Bill Bailey fondly: ‘‘When I be- coming into the United States from telling the stories of these heroes here came his team leader, I thought I had that part of the world are not Mexi- on the Senate floor, we honor the re- struck the jackpot.’’ By 2007, the insur- cans. Actually, more Mexicans are quest of these Gold Star families. gency in Iraq had erupted to new levels going back into Mexico than Mexicans SPECIALIST WILLIAM ‘‘BILL’’ BAILEY of violence. Increased American forces coming across the border into the Today, Mr. President, I honor the life sought to seek out and destroy the al- United States. and service of William ‘‘Bill’’ Bailey of Qaida network. Casualties ran high. Most of the illegal immigration—not Bellevue, NE. Now, the name ‘‘Wil- Despite the high operations tempo, all but most of it—is coming from liam’’ comes from old German. It Bill and Dee communicated almost three countries: Honduras, Guatemala, means ‘‘determined protector’’. Bill every day through phone calls or texts. and El Salvador. The reason why they Bailey lived up to his name. His moth- On May 24, they were able to talk by come here is because their lives are er Margaret says he was a born pro- phone. In typical fashion, Bill men- miserable. They are miserable because tector. When Bill was very young, he tioned he was excited to finish his dull we buy drugs. We have this insatiable lost his father to a car accident. Mar- watchtower duty and start a new secu- appetite for illegal drugs. So a lot of garet recalls how Bill embraced his rity escort mission the next day. Bill them are trafficked through Honduras, younger sister Jessy just after her was also excited for his upcoming leave Guatemala, and El Salvador. birth. The word came to her at once: in June, when the Bailey family We send money down to those three protective. planned to celebrate Bill’s birthday. countries for the drugs, and we send As he grew, Bill naturally looked to The next day, May 25, 2007, Bill took guns down to that part of the world. protect those outside his family too. part in that security escort mission. When we catch bad guys in this coun- Ron Budwig was matched with Bill During it, his vehicle struck an impro- try from Honduras, Guatemala, and El through the Big Brothers Big Sisters vised explosive device. Three Nebraska Salvador, we send them back to those program. Army National Guard soldiers were three countries. Ron recalled a simple but profound wounded, and Bill Bailey was killed. So part of the security of our south- example of Bill looking out for Ron’s More than 1,000 people gathered in ern border involves actually trying to family. Ron’s mother was running late Bellevue to remember Bill. A Patriot help those three countries figure out to one of the program’s activities, and, Guard of more than 100 flag-flying mo- ways to keep their people home, rather meanwhile, the parking lot was filling torcycles accompanied his funeral pro- than wanting to come to our country. up. Bill went and stood in a parking cession. Specialist Bailey earned sev- Part of it is making sure that they space, keeping it open until Ron’s eral military awards, including the have decent lives to live. Twenty years mother could come. It was a simple Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the ago, as you all may remember, a bunch act, but it said a lot. Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Combat of gunmen rounded up the supreme Bill attended Bellevue East, where Action Badge. Bill’s brother-in-law, court justices in Colombia, took them the call to protect his country prompt- Damian Kuzeppa, summarized Bill’s into a room, and shot and killed ed him to enlist in the Nebraska Army life: them—shot them all to death. National Guard in 1995. After grad- Bill was a wonderful husband, brother, son, It was a time when the government uating from high school in 1996, he father. He dedicated quite a bit of his life to was tottering and there was a question served out his enlistment with distinc- helping other people. He was definitely a go- of whether they were going to survive tion. doer. He will definitely be missed. in Colombia. Some very brave people A few years later, in December 2000, William Bailey is survived by his stood up in Colombia and said: No, no, Bill met Deanna, whom everyone calls mother Margaret, his wife Deanna, and we want to survive, we want to fend off Dee. She was a bank teller at Wells their children, Cody, Maquala, the drug cartels, and we want to fend Fargo. He drove an armored truck. Catlynn, Billy, and Logan. Bill Bailey off the leftist guerillas. Ultimately, They met through a service window. is a true Nebraska hero. I am honored they were successful. It has taken 20 Now, Bill had left the service in 2001 to tell his story. years. when his enlistment ended. After 9/11, I yield the floor. They worked on something called he felt the call to serve his country The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Plan Colombia to help turn around again—but first things first. Bill and ator from Delaware. their country. We came in, and we Dee married in 2004. Dee’s children, BORDER SECURITY helped them. They did the heavy lift- Cody and Maquala, took immediately Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I am ing, and we helped out as well. I like to to Bill and his children, Catlynn and pleased to be able to serve with the say that it is sort of like at Home Billy. Logan soon followed. Presiding Officer on the Committee on Depot: ‘‘You’’ can do it—using, in that As you can expect, Bill’s protective Homeland Security. Part of our respon- case, Colombia—and ‘‘we’’ being the nature made him a great father. It also sibilities on homeland security is to United States. made him a great firefighter. Extend- make sure, to the extent that we can, A similar kind of thing is going on in ing his protection beyond his family that our borders are secure. We do that Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. once again, he joined the Bellevue Vol- in a variety of ways. We do that, in They have come up with their own unteer Fire Department. He was a nat- some cases, with our Border Patrol of- Plan Colombia. You might call it ural fit. Whether there or working as a ficers. We have a lot of them. We ap- ‘‘Plan Central America.’’ The three life flight dispatcher, Bill worked to preciate the work they do. countries have come up with things keep Bellevue safe. We also have, in many places, par- they are responsible for doing to im- That deep desire to serve his country ticularly along the border of Mexico— prove the quality of life for their folks continued to tug at him. In 2005, Bill as the Presiding Officer knows—a lot of and the ability to have economic reenlisted in the Nebraska Army Na- fencing that is there. We have a lot of growth and opportunity and hope. We tional Guard. Originally assigned to roads that our vehicles can travel are helping out as well. We have done

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.017 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2507 that in some appropriations bills for they suggest, and we can do an ‘‘all of today. We were not founded as the the last fiscal year. We are trying to the above’’ approach. But we also have leader of the free world; our people spend a little bit more. Wisely in- to consider that the reason most of the built that. Americans understood that vested, it will be a fraction of what illegals are coming to our country is when we invest in ourselves, the fabric they are actually spending on their that they live their lives in misery. If that holds our country together only own. we don’t do something to help them grows stronger. A scrappy gang of pa- To the extent that those three coun- help themselves, we are going to be triots in the American Revolution—my tries can be more attractive to people falling short of where we want to be. own family included—won us our lib- who live there, that actually helps a I just wanted to share that before we erty, which we used to push for greater whole lot in terms of the pressure on recognize the next Senator. civil and human rights and to make in- our own borders. Plus, it is the right I am looking forward to the inau- vestments in agricultural and edu- thing to do. The other thing I would gural address of the new Senator from cational systems that sparked our mention, as to our energy policy in Illinois. economy, allowing us to strengthen this country, is that sometimes we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- our military into the greatest fighting have had an ‘‘all of the above’’ energy ator from Oregon. force the world has ever seen. approach. It is not just coal, it is not Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I am Success, however, was never guaran- just wind, it is not just solar, it is not honored to be on the floor for the maid- teed. From our founding, the United just geothermal, it is not just nuclear, en speech of my colleague Senator States of America was forged through and it is not just natural gas. It is all DUCKWORTH. fierce debates and stark divisions. of the above. It is conservation as well. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Slavery led to bloodshed across the We need a similar approach to con- ator from Illinois. country, including in the Senate Cham- tinuing to protect our borders, whether OUR SHARED VALUES ber, and culminated in brothers killing it is in the South or other places. But Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I brothers during our Civil War. Yet our it should involve a variety of things. thank my friend and mentor, a great Union made it through our greatest There are some places along the 2,000 Illinoisan, Senator DURBIN for being challenges and emerged even stronger. miles where it will actually make some here today. I wouldn’t be here without We emerged a more perfect Union. sense. There are a lot of places where a his guidance and friendship over the Our strength has been on display out- fence makes more sense. There are a years. side of our military as well: When he- lot of places where it makes more sense It is truly an honor to stand at this roes like Frederick Douglass and Har- just to pave the roads alongside the desk, which was once held by another riet Tubman risked everything to help border. great Illinoisan by the name of Barack bring an end to slavery; when Martin The Presiding Officer actually spent, Obama, delivering my maiden speech Luther King, Jr., had a dream; when as he said, his ‘‘misspent youth’’—but I from the floor of the U.S. Senate to the the children of the Little Rock Nine will say his youth—earlier in his life people of Illinois, the same State that braved harassment and abuse to bring where he and other kayakers were in has been represented in Washington by an end to segregated schools and en- boats along the Rio Grande River. Part other impressive leaders like Paul sure educational opportunity for all; of border security is boats along that Simon and Abraham Lincoln. And it is and when the backbreaking work of stretch of the river, that stretch of the an honor to address the people of the Asian and American laborers united border because it is literally hundreds United States of America, the greatest our Nation from sea to shining sea of miles where the border is defined by Nation in the world. with the completion of the trans- a river. So in some places, boats make Though we have occasionally made continental railroad. sense. In other places, boat ramps choices as a society that do not reflect America catalyzed the industrial rev- make sense. our best selves, we are today the great- olution for the globe. We helped rescue Sometimes it makes sense to have est Nation on Earth because of the the global community from fascism drones up in the air that can surveil up founding ideals that have anchored our during World War II. We promoted civil to 100 miles into Mexico for folks com- Nation and because of the shared val- and human rights around the globe. We ing our way. Sometimes it makes sense ues that have guided the development explored space, launched the internet to put helicopters, sometimes fixed- and strength of our economy and our revolution, helped feed the world, built wing aircraft. But you can’t just send people—values like treating each other a world-class infrastructure network, them up with binoculars. You need to equally, showing strength and resil- developed a gold standard education put the right kind of surveillance ience in the face of hardship, and em- system, and grew the strongest econ- equipment on there. We have that bracing the diversity that makes us omy ever seen. equipment. The key is to put it on the who we are. They are shared values We were able to win World War II not aircraft. that have helped us to strive toward because of the brave troops in our Sometimes stationary towers going that more perfect Union the Constitu- Armed Forces alone but also because up 200, 300 feet makes sense. Some- tion’s Framers envisioned, a more per- our Nation’s manufacturers and steel times it makes sense to make those fect Union that offers everyone a mills were able to produce the tanks mobile. Sometimes we can put those chance to reach his or her potential, a and planes and firearms and other tools surveillance systems 5,000 feet up in more perfect Union that will not give we needed to defeat the Nazis. We were the air to look literally 100 miles into up on its people, and a more perfect able to build those weapons, launch the Mexico to see what is coming our way. Union whose people don’t give up on internet revolution, and send a man to If we have the right surveillance sys- themselves either. the Moon only because we had a well- tem, they could see not just during We face a great deal of challenges educated workforce made of people daylight, sunny skies, but they could and threats, threats I know well, but from all around the globe, all of whom see at night. They can see in fog and we cannot allow today’s hardships to had an opportunity to attend world- dense fog. So the key is all of the change who we are as a people, to tear class colleges and universities right above—it is not any one thing—and to down the pillars that make this Nation here in the United States, universities find out what works. The other thing great. Falling victim to fear and dema- we spent generations strengthening. is, maybe to continue to support and goguery will only ensure a weaker Our economy was able to grow to its ask our Border Patrol: What do you America for our children, and that is current strength not only because of guys and gals think? What do you simply not the future I want for my that well-educated workforce and those think makes sense? And listen to them. Abigail. who came from distant lands but also No, I am not smart enough to figure When we, as a society, think about all who came and stayed to contribute out how much money we put exactly in the future we want for all of our chil- to our society. It was also able to grow each one of those, but I think it makes dren, I think it is important for us to because we had invested heavily in in- sense, depending on what the needs are remember how we got here. Our Nation frastructure and built an interstate and on the advice of the folks who real- wasn’t founded as the dominant global system and air and rail networks that ly are the experts on the ground, what economic and military force that it is enabled our farmers, ranchers, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.018 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 other producers to get their goods to greatest military the world has ever We cannot afford to leave our agri- market inside and outside our coun- seen, sending a signal that we will not cultural sector behind. We should be try’s borders. cower in front of anyone, now finds working to preserve policies like the We were able to feed the world not itself with leaders who believe in the Renewable Fuel Standard that support only because of our strong agricultural misguided notion that it is simply bet- agricultural jobs and to open new mar- sector and infrastructure alone but ter to hide behind walls than to help kets, like Cuba, for their goods. also because of the scientific advances lead with strength. For generations, our manufacturers supported by those educational institu- Make no mistake, America has not and agricultural sectors have relied on tions that helped increase farm produc- lost her greatness. Our Nation remains a strong infrastructure network, in- tion and yields. the dominant force on the global stage. cluding roads, bridges, waterways, rail- Throughout our history, we pushed But if we don’t act, if we don’t invest ways, and air transportation, to get to expand human and civil rights from in ourselves, our adversaries are posi- their goods to market, both domesti- the abolitionists to the suffragettes, tioned to overtake us. cally and internationally. Illinois has learning from people like the Tuskegee Though some may try to convince us often led the way. We built the Na- Airmen, the Selma marchers, and the the path forward is less engagement tion’s first elevated electric rail line in LGBTQ leaders today that being inclu- with the world, less acceptance of oth- the 1800s. But today, far too much of sive and enabling people to reach their ers, and less investment in ourselves, I that infrastructure is crumbling. It is full potential only strengthens the know the path forward for our country in dire need of the investments our so- American core. We did all of these cannot include—does not include— ciety once understood the need for. The things as a result of our shared values, turning our backs on the shared values down payments previous generations and we have reaped their rewards for that built this Nation. made paid dividends to us all in the generations. Perhaps more than any other State, form of increased tourism, lower costs, We have seen our Nation’s strength Illinois knows this. We represent all more efficient shipments, easier travel, in our prouder moments, as when the strengths of our Nation, from our and so many other benefits. America chose to go to the Moon—not dynamic cities to our strong rural and If we fail to continue the investments because it was easy but, in President industrial communities and everything past generations have made, we risk Kennedy’s words, because it was hard. in between. We are the realization of falling behind our global competitors, We have seen our strength in trag- the values that have created that ro- hurting not only our tourism industry edy, reuniting under a common cause bust American economy, bolstered by a but also our manufacturers and our in the rubble of the Pentagon and strong agricultural community and hard-working ranchers, farmers, and Ground Zero on 9/11. manufacturing sector, both of which producers who will find it harder and We might get knocked down, but the innovate and strengthen our Nation more expensive to get their products to America that I know, the America that with the help of wise public policy and market. I fought for and love, does not give up. investments. If we choose to disregard our infra- Those investments enabled Illinois That is not a Democratic principle or a structure much longer, we simply will steelworkers to help us develop our Republican principle; it is simply the not be able to compete in the 21st cen- farmland, build our cities, and secure American way. tury global economy. Improving our in- America’s greatness has never de- our military strength. American manu- frastructure isn’t a partisan issue. It is pended on the strength of any indi- facturing built this Nation, but too common sense. It is an economic pri- many of the steel mills we relied on to vidual person, but on all of us working ority, a defense priority, and a national win World War II have been idled or together toward a common goal. When security imperative. This is something shuttered completely. we have failed to stay true to our core we can all work on together. After years of illegal trade practices, I am proud to say that the first bill values, when we deny another person like dumping of cheap foreign products I proposed after arriving here in the our Nation’s promise of opportunity, and currency manipulation by our Senate passed unanimously with bipar- our Nation’s strength suffers. When a competitors, our manufacturing base tisan support. It will cut redtape and child can’t access the tools to succeed has been weakened. That hurts not help streamline efforts to modernize in school, when a woman can’t afford only American jobs but also our Na- our infrastructure and allow our econ- basic healthcare, when refugees fleeing tion’s military strength as well as the omy to continue growing for genera- terror see the door slammed shut in resilience of our entire economy. We tions to come. their face, when we deny civil rights on simply need to do a better job of keep- That is also true of supporting our the basis of skin color or sexual ori- ing manufacturing jobs within our bor- schools, colleges, and universities. We entation or religion, and when a work- ders, and we need to make the invest- have developed global gold standards ing family can’t put food on the table, ments necessary to ensure that we for education that enable our manufac- our whole Nation suffers. At the end of have a workforce trained for our 21st turers, agricultural workers, engineers, the day, America’s greatness depends century jobs. and brilliant Americans all across on each of us remaining true to the We can do better by Illinois’ tens of every sector to push our economy fur- common values of our Nation. thousands of farmers as well. These ther. But we have lost sight of those val- farmers, ranchers, and agricultural There is a reason that wealthy elites ues. The Nation that built an inter- workers form the basis of our Nation. across the globe—including world lead- state highway system, that was a ref- They all wake up with a purpose, each ers from foreign lands—still send their uge for immigrants who became the farm feeding nearly 170 people every children to be educated on our shores, foundation of our economy, this Nation year while supporting an industry that in world class institutions like the Uni- that pushed humanity to new heights, is developing cutting-edge biofuels and versity of Illinois and the University of first with planes and helicopters and other technologies. Chicago. Our education system is wide- then into space, that same Nation I have seen firsthand the painful ly recognized as the best in the world. seems to have forgotten how to invest price our Nation pays because of our Our teachers and institutions continue in itself. overreliance on oil imported from our to produce some of the best trained and Our country that ushered in the era competitors. The simple fact is that most skilled professionals in every of aviation is now home to aging air- American farmers are helping us im- field imaginable—both American and ports that struggle to compete with prove our national security. They are international students. That is a good their global competitors. Our country helping to strengthen our Armed thing. that took on the Herculean task of re- Forces and our entire country every But more and more Americans are no versing the flow of the Chicago River day. They are already helping produce longer able to access those same edu- to protect the city’s drinking water billions of gallons of clean fuel for our cational opportunities. We have priced can no longer muster the resources to cars, our factories, and our military, too many of our own children out of modernize public water systems to pre- and every single one of those gallons the market for those colleges and uni- vent our children from being poisoned brings us closer to energy independ- versities that we have developed to en- by lead. Our country that built the ence. sure our Nation’s workforce remains

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.020 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2509 more skilled than our competitors, or accessible for all disabled Americans America great—is rooted firmly in our we have saddled them with crippling and truly equal for all LGBTQ Ameri- shared sense of sacrifice. It comes from debt. We are failing to make the nec- cans. our single parents working multiple essary investments in K–12 public insti- I worry that we are at risk of going jobs just to make sure our kids don’t tutions that, regardless of ZIP Code, backward instead of forward. Failing to go to school hungry; it comes from the should be preparing every single one of continue our Nation’s inclusive nature farmer in Illinois waking long before our children to lead our country into weakens our global standing as well as dawn and working long after dusk to the future. the rest of the world begins to look help power and feed our Nation; it Quality primary education should elsewhere for moral leadership. That comes from an immigrant family will- not be a privilege only for the wealthy, would be a failure for us and a weak- ing to put everything on the line to and it should not depend on rolling the ening of our Nation that I will fight to give their kids a chance at a better life dice on receiving a voucher. In the prevent. than their own; it comes from the hard greatest and wealthiest Nation in the Of course, I also know how much our work and compassion, the sacrifice world, a quality education should be a military has contributed to our Na- that Americans serving in our country right for every single American child. tion’s greatness throughout our his- in and out of the military demonstrate Our Nation’s promise of opportunity tory. We must do a better job of recog- every single day. should be a reality for every child in nizing these contributions, not just by We can all do a better job of remem- America, not just for those whose par- purchasing equipment and technology, bering the shared values that have ents can afford it. We already have though what our skilled workforce has helped to build this Nation, but I want some of the world’s greatest teachers, done is the envy of the world, but also to make one thing clear: America is al- the brightest students, and the best fa- by ensuring that we recognize and re- ready great. We shouldn’t let anyone cilities within our own borders. All we spect the sacrifices made by our troops, tell us otherwise. have to do is ensure they have the re- our military families, and our vet- We know we still have a lot of work sources they need to succeed. That erans. Servicemembers embody our to do as a country, but let us not lose means our kids should not have to values of shared sacrifice and persever- sight of the core values that make our worry about going to school hungry or ance, of loyalty and selfless service, improbable Union possible. We are still getting the help they need after school and they each make great sacrifices to the greatest Nation on the face of the or being able to pay for college when protect us. Earth, and if anyone has the capacity they graduate high school. They deserve from their leaders in to overcome the challenges of today, it That is why I focus on commonsense Washington a clear sense of mission is this Nation. It is the American peo- solutions to increase access to edu- and strategy, and they deserve to know ple. cational opportunity, whether by help- we fully support them. So, yes, when I thank my colleagues for joining me ing to lead the charge to make college the drums of war are beating in the today for my maiden speech. more affordable or doing well to ensure Thank you, Mr. President. White House or in Congress, you can The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the education we are providing people bet I am going to be right here on the ator from Illinois. actually helps them find good-paying floor of the Senate, asking tough ques- CONGRATULATING SENATOR DUCKWORTH jobs when they graduate. tions and making sure our leaders in Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to In that vein, I am also disheartened Washington, especially those who have thank my colleague for her first by the recent erosion of civil rights never worn the uniform, truly consider speech. The first speech given on the protections in our Nation. The calls for the true costs of war—not just in dol- bigger walls and closed doors are not floor of the Senate is a memorable oc- lars and cents but in human lives—in casion for not only my colleague but only bad, costly policies, they run the commitments we are making on be- for the staff, friends, and family who counter to our society’s shared value half of the Nation. I will also be here to have followed this amazing story of for inclusion over exclusion. Too many remind my colleagues that we are all TAMMY DUCKWORTH, a U.S. Senator of us seem to forget the immigrant dishonored when any veteran is forced from Illinois. She didn’t disappoint roots within our own families. If we to lay their head down to sleep on the with this first speech. lose sight of our Nation’s founding same streets they defended. We must If there was ever an inspirational principles, as some in Washington end veterans homelessness. When our speech speaking to who we are as a na- would like us to do, we will lose out on troops come home, I will be working to tion and what we can be, she encap- the innovations we have seen from im- see that the veterans receive the care sulated it in her comments on the floor migrants and immigrant families. and support they earned for the sac- of the U.S. Senate. It was an aspira- If we had rejected immigrants years rifices they have made. tional speech, too—a challenge to all of ago, Apple Computers might never Each of these components of our soci- us to do a better job for this Nation, to have been founded by the son of a Syr- ety contribute to what has made our make it stronger and to represent more ian man. I worry that at a time when country great—our military, our val- effectively the people who have sent us we still have so much work to do to ues, our infrastructure, our agri- here to serve them. make our Union more perfect and to culture, our manufacturers, and our She brings a special quality to the provide truly equal rights for all, under world-class educational system. If we service that very few have been able to the current administration we are at fall prey to our fears, to our worst de- bring to the U.S. Senate. I first met risk of backtracking on hard-fought mons, and allow any of these pillars to MAJ TAMMY DUCKWORTH 12 years ago progress made by civil rights leaders fall, we will lose our opportunity to re- when she was my guest at the State of who bled and even died for the rights of main the leader of the world. We can the Union Address just weeks after her all Americans, regardless of race, gen- rebuild the foundation of our Nation’s helicopter had been shot down over der, religion, sexual orientation, in- strength and revamp it for the 21st cen- Iraq. I was amazed by her tenacity, her come or ZIP Code to have the right to tury, but we can’t simply rest on our courage, her good humor. I thought to vote, to have equal protection under past successes and act like our great- myself, this woman has really made the law, to have basic worker protec- ness is guaranteed forever. It isn’t. It history. I think she can even make tions, and for the everyday rights and will take work. more history, and she has, being elect- privileges so many of us take for grant- This is deeply personal for me. I ed to the U.S. House of Representatives ed. We still have so much progress left wouldn’t be here today without the as well as the U.S. Senate, an oppor- to make if we want the American public education that enabled me to tunity that fewer than 2,000 Americans dream to be accessible to all Ameri- serve in our military for more than two have had in our Nation’s history. cans—equal pay for equal work, a decades and allowed me to give back to I think back on what she brings to criminal justice system that truly pro- my Nation, both in and out of uniform. the Senate, and it is something that is vides justice for all, nationwide leave Our Nation would not be as strong as special and extraordinary. To come to policies that enable anyone to take it is today without the millions of indi- this Senate after her service in the time to care for a sick family member viduals who sacrificed to build it. Our military is to follow in the path of Sen- or to start a family, a society that is Nation’s strength—what truly makes ator Bob Dole, a disabled veteran from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.021 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2510 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 World War II, who led the Republican years—a full percentage point lower businesses. According to the American side of the aisle; Senator Daniel than the average growth rate over the Action Forum, the Obama administra- Inouye, a personal friend to both Sen- past 50 years. We cannot resign our- tion was responsible for implementing ator DUCKWORTH and me, who served in selves to that. Resigning ourselves to more than 675 major regulations that World War II; Senator Paul Douglas of long-term growth of 1.9 percent would cost the economy more than $800 bil- Illinois, who served as well; Strom mean resigning ourselves to decades of lion. Given those numbers, it is no sur- Thurmond, from South Carolina, a Re- fewer jobs and opportunities, low wage prise that the Obama economy left publican; and more recently, Max growth, and a reduced standard of liv- businesses with few resources to dedi- Cleland, a Vietnam veteran; Bob ing. Fortunately, there are a lot of cate to growing and creating jobs or Kerrey, John Kerry—the list goes on things we can do to get our economy that new business creation seriously and on, the great people who have thriving again and to spur economic dropped off during the Obama adminis- served our Nation in the military and growth. tration. then came to serve in the Senate. A recent report from the Economic Since the new Congress began in Jan- One of the points she made in that Innovation Group identified one impor- uary, Republicans in Congress and the speech was one of the reasons I sup- tant problem with our economy today, President have been focused on repeal- ported her so wholeheartedly. When we and that is a lack of what the EIG calls ing burdensome Obama-era regula- face the most difficult, trying, and economic dynamism. Economic dyna- tions. So far, we have saved individuals challenging votes in a Senate career, mism, as the Economic Innovation and businesses approximately $67 bil- the vote to go to war, having the voice Group defines it, refers to the rate at lion and freed them from 56 million of TAMMY DUCKWORTH on the floor is a which new businesses are born and die. hours of paperwork. Eliminating bur- reminder of the real cost of war and In a dynamic economy, the rate of densome regulations will continue to how we should avoid it at any cost, if new business creation is high and sig- be a priority for both Republicans in we can, and what we are asking our nificantly outstrips the rate of busi- Congress and for the White House. men and women in America to do if we ness death, but that has not been the In addition to removing burdensome send them off to war. She will have case in the United States lately. New regulations, we need to focus on re- more credibility, will have more con- business creation has significantly forming our Tax Code. Our current Tax fidence in her judgment, than virtually dropped over the past several years. Code is strangling businesses, both any colleague on the floor of the U.S. Between 2009 and 2011, business death large and small. Some corporations es- Senate. So she is going to play a spe- outstripped business birth, and while cape with paying very little in taxes, cial role. the numbers have since improved but others end up paying the highest Finally, let me say, in a short period slightly, the recovery has been poor corporate tax rate in the developed of time serving as a U.S. Senator from and far from historical norms. world. Meanwhile, small businesses and the State of Illinois, she has shown The Economic Innovation Group family farms face high tax rates, at that she is not going to be taking it notes that in 2012—which, by the way, times exceeding those paid by large easy. She has covered our State from was the economy’s best year for busi- corporations. one end to the other, most recently ness creation since the recession—it Tax reform needs to address these ob- during the Easter recess, with town still ‘‘fell far short of its worst year stacles to growth. We need to trim our meetings and meetings with all sorts of prior to 2008.’’ This is deeply con- excessive corporate tax rate to make people across our State, leaving a posi- cerning because new businesses have U.S. businesses competitive in the tive impression of her commitment to historically been responsible for a sub- global economy, and we need to reduce public service. stantial part of the job creation in this taxes for small businesses so that we When I saw her and her mom and her country, not to mention a key source do not choke off these sources of little daughter Abigail get on the plane of innovation. When new businesses are growth and innovation. Measures like just the other day, yesterday, to come not being created at a strong rate, allowing new businesses to deduct their out here, I realized it is a family com- workers face a whole host of problems. startup costs and expense more of their mitment which includes all of her fam- ‘‘A less dynamic economy,’’ the Eco- investments in machinery and equip- ily and her husband Bryan. They are nomic Innovation Group notes, ‘‘is one ment would spur new business creation committed to this country, they are likely to feature fewer jobs, lower labor and help small businesses thrive. committed to our great State, and we force participation, slack wage growth, Our goal is to take up tax reform this are fortunate to have her service. and rising inequality—exactly what we year, and I am looking forward to that Mr. President, I congratulate my col- see today.’’ debate. Reforming our Tax Code will go league. Restoring economic dynamism would a long way toward restoring dynamism I yield the floor. go a long way toward boosting eco- to our economy and encouraging I suggest the absence of a quorum. nomic growth and providing new jobs growth, job creation, and better wages. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and opportunities for American work- There are other growth-boosting clerk will call the roll. ers. One big thing we can do to achieve measures we can take as well, like re- The assistant bill clerk proceeded to this is to relieve the burden of exces- moving unnecessary barriers that re- call the roll. sive government regulations. Obvi- strict access to capital. Both new and Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask ously, some government regulations existing businesses rely on capital to unanimous consent that the order for are important and necessary, but too help them innovate and expand. the quorum call be rescinded. many others are unnecessary and do The last 8 years were discouraging The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. nothing but load businesses with com- years for American workers, but the HOEVEN). Without objection, it is so or- pliance costs and paperwork hours. The stagnation of the Obama years does not dered. more resources businesses spend on have to be the new normal. American THE ECONOMY complying with regulations, the less workers and job creators are as dy- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, it is no they have available for growth and in- namic and creative as ever; we just surprise that the economy continues to novation. Excessive regulations also need to clear the obstacles from their be one of the top issues on the minds of prevent many new businesses from ever paths. I look forward to working with Americans. The 8 years of the Obama getting off the ground. Small startups my colleagues this year as we make administration were characterized by simply do not have the resources to putting our economy on the path to weak economic growth, a dearth of jobs hire individuals—let alone consultants long-term health and vitality a top pri- and opportunities, and almost non- and lawyers—to do the costly work of ority for the U.S. Senate. existent wage growth. The Obama ad- complying with scores of government I yield the floor. ministration ushered in long-term eco- regulations. I suggest the absence of a quorum. nomic stagnation. Unfortunately, over the past 8 years, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The Congressional Budget Office pre- the Obama administration spent a lot clerk will call the roll. dicts that the economy will grow at a of time on imposing burdensome and The legislative clerk proceeded to rate of just 1.9 percent over the next 30 unnecessary regulations on American call the roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.023 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2511 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I lenges—but whatever the issue, Brian torney General of the United States at ask unanimous consent that the order always rose to the moment. the Justice Department. Rod has for the quorum call be rescinded After the 2014 election, when I be- served the people of Maryland extraor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without came majority leader, I asked Brian to dinarily well since 2005 as the U.S. at- objection, it is so ordered. leave speechwriting behind and become torney for the District of Maryland. I TRIBUTE TO BRIAN MCGUIRE the chief of staff in my personal office. am pleased to support his nomination, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, this He agreed, fortunately. He took to his and I hope the Senate will confirm him is one of those days I never look for- new opportunity to serve the people of in very short order. ward to. In my time in the Senate, I Kentucky with similar skill and always I might point out that he received a have had a lot of outstanding chiefs of good humor. favorable recommendation from the staff. It is a pretty impressive group of These days, you would be forgiven for Judiciary Committee by a lopsided men and women who have been in that thinking Brian had spent his formative vote of 19-to-1. position with me over the years—none years in Albany, KY, rather than Al- Rod Rosenstein is the total package. more impressive than the person who, bany, NY. He is an adaptable guy. He He has committed his life to public unfortunately, I have to say goodbye to led my office in pressing the Common- service. Rod graduated from the Whar- today. wealth’s priorities on issues as diverse ton School of the University of Penn- I am here today to pay tribute to as industrial hemp, clean coal tech- sylvania with a B.S. in economics, Brian McGuire, the chief of staff in my nology, and the fight against heroin summa cum laude, in 1986. He earned personal office, who is going to be leav- and opioid abuse. So we can see the his J.D. degree from Harvard Law ing after well over 10 years of service in versatility, from a skilled writer from School in 1989, where he was the editor several different capacities but over New York, of all places, to an effective of the Harvard Law Review. He then the last few years as my personal office advocate for Kentucky and Kentucky’s served as a law clerk to Judge Douglas chief of staff. He is really a uniquely interests. H. Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Ap- gifted person. He is one of the most Brian will be ably succeeded by an- peals for the District of Columbia Cir- skilled writers I have ever encountered other impressive individual, Phil cuit. After finishing his clerkship in and, in fact, in my career, the most Maxson, a Kentucky native who I know 1990, he became a trial attorney in the skilled writer I ever encountered. But will continue Brian’s legacy of service Public Integrity Section of the Crimi- in addition to that, he is good at a to Kentucky and who will serve with nal Division of the Department of Jus- whole lot of other things, too, as I will similar distinction. tice. He has remained at the Justice subsequently describe in my remarks. Brian McGuire probably never imag- Department for his entire career. As I think back about the chiefs of ined he would find himself here. Like Mr. Rosenstein has devoted his life to staff I have fortunately been lucky me, he grew up dreaming of a career in public service. In Maryland, Rod was enough to have, none has been better the Major Leagues. As he put it, appointed in 2005 by President Bush at so many different things than Brian though, you can either hit the fastball and then held over by President McGuire. I always hate to see these or you can’t. And since neither of us Obama, with the strong support of his talented people go, but we know the could, we ended up here. But Brian is two home State Senators, which in- best way for each of us to operate is to more than just another power hitter; clude myself and the senior Senator at do what is in our own best interests. Of he, like his idol growing up, the Mets’ that time, Senator Barbara Mikulski. course, he has reached the point where Keith Hernandez, is an all-star. Brian Rod has now become the longest serv- he has a big family. There are more lu- is an indispensable utility player who ing U.S. attorney in the country today. crative alternatives out there—maybe can play every position, and I am not I really want to underscore that not as much fun and not as meaningful sure what I would have done without point. I know my colleagues know the as daily life around here but important him. He is also one of the most inter- prerogatives we have when we come to making sure our families are taken esting guys you will meet. Brian has a into office and there is an opening at care of. great sense of humor and a rather infa- the U.S. attorney’s office because of an It is hard to know really where to mous reputation for spot-on impres- election of a President from your own begin with Brian. He came to my office sions. He is probably the only one party where the previous U.S. attorney in 2007. It was a critical time. I had around here who holds Keith Her- was appointed by the other party. In just been elected Senate Republican nandez and Aristotle in similar rev- this case, it was a Republican who ap- leader. We were not in the majority, erence and can reference each with pointed Mr. Rosenstein. President but I had just been elected to this posi- similar ease. Obama came into office, and the senior tion. There was a lot of pressure to get At his core, though, Brian is incred- Senator and junior Senator had the op- things right. ibly grounded. He is all about the portunity to replace that U.S. attor- Obviously, I was setting up a new things that really matter—his Catholic ney, which has been the tradition in staff in the leadership office. I wanted faith, his two beautiful children, Stella the Senate. Senator Mikulski and I had the best I could find. When we set out and Max, and his wonderful wife Ash- no hesitation when asking Mr. Rosen- to hire a speechwriter, I certainly ley. Ashley, I am happy to say, is due stein to remain on as the U.S. attorney wasn’t envisioning an upstate New with their third child next month—just in Maryland. We did that because we Yorker with a master’s in philosophy in time for Mother’s Day. So Brian has knew how valuable he was for law en- and a resume that included stints at a lot to look forward to as he climbs forcement in our State. HUD and the Schenectady Daily Ga- the next mountain. I hope he takes As U.S. attorney for the District of zette. From HUD to the Schenectady some time to look back and reflect on Maryland, Rod has garnered broad bi- Daily Gazette and a guy from Albany, all he has accomplished here in his partisan support from the State and NY—not exactly what I had envisioned, time with us. local law enforcement officials across but that was Brian McGuire, and he Let me say again that Brian our great State as he has tackled prob- quickly proved himself in that role. McGuire, on so many different occa- lems of crime, terrorism, drug traf- That wouldn’t surprise anyone who sions, has made me look so much bet- ficking, gun and gang violence, civil knows Brian. He is, as I said earlier, a ter than I am. I could never thank him rights enforcement, environmental skilled writer. He is bright. He is tal- enough for the enormous contribution crimes, intellectual property fraud, and ented. He is guided by faith and his he made not only to my career but to corruption. I just mentioned a couple family. He is also the consummate pro- Kentucky and to the Nation. So it of those. fessional, going above and beyond each won’t surprise my colleagues to know I I sat down with the U.S. attorney to and every time, no matter what the am going to miss Brian McGuire a lot. talk about gang violence in our State challenge, and we have plenty of them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- because I had been to Central America As the years went by, there would be ator from Maryland. and I saw the exporting of gang vio- many different challenging situa- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise lence from Central America to Mary- tions—communications challenges, today in support of the nomination of land. The U.S. attorney, Mr. Rosen- policy challenges, political chal- Rod J. Rosenstein to be the Deputy At- stein, and I had a chance to talk about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.025 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2512 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 the strategies we would use in Mary- Office, but other law enforcement agencies, Maryland attorney general Brian land to combat that. But he didn’t just and a debt of gratitude from the public that Frosh, a Democrat, wrote: has greatly appreciated his work to make work by himself at the U.S. attorney I have found [Rod] to be intelligent, prin- Baltimore a safer place to live and work. level; he worked with local law en- cipled, and fair. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. forcement to make sure we had a team State and local elected prosecutors of Rosenstein has been an exemplary leader. He approach. both political parties in Maryland have inherited an office that was in turmoil. With In terms of his pro bono work, Rod also weighed in in support of Mr. a steady hand and superb management, he wrote in his Judiciary Committee ques- Rosenstein’s nomination. Scott has built it into an institution that is uni- versally respected in our state. He has been tionnaire: Shellenberger, the Baltimore County State’s attorney, wrote on behalf of the able to recruit and retain extremely talented My entire legal career has been devoted to Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Associa- attorneys, investigators and staff, and the public service, and much of my work directly office has been effective and successful in benefits disadvantaged persons. In addition tion: carrying out its mission. Rod has been an outstanding partner with to my official duties and public speaking, I I expect Rod to exercise the same have taught without compensation at area every local prosecutor in the State of Mary- law schools, served as a judge at law school land. Whether it is partnering with prosecu- management style as the Deputy At- moot court and mock trial competitions, and tors in the City of Baltimore to stem gun vi- torney General overseeing the dozens counseled other lawyers who have devoted olence, to the prosecution of prison gang cor- of divisions, offices, and agencies at some or all of their career to public service. ruption both in the city and in rural coun- the Department of Justice. He will use He has truly been a model for many ties . . . Rod has always been there for law that same commitment that he used as enforcement. When prosecutors in this State the U.S. attorney for the State of others in public service, a real role ask Rod for assistance, he does not care if model. you are a ‘‘D’’ or an ‘‘R,’’ he has only cared Maryland. Let me share a few examples with my about making this State a safer place. Rod Lastly, let me quote from former colleagues of how State and local offi- makes his decisions based on the law, the Deputy Attorney General James Cole, cials in Maryland have viewed Rod’s evidence, logic and reasons, never allowing who served in President Obama’s ad- work over the past decade. Let me emotion or passion to move him from his ministration under Attorney General begin with the city of Baltimore, which core mission. Holder. I know Mr. Cole well. He was has just entered into a consent decree I have full confidence that Rod will the special counsel during the House with the U.S. Department of Justice to call it like he sees it without regard to ethics investigation of former Speaker reform its police practices after the partisan or political considerations and Newt Gingrich, which committee I was death of Freddie Gray in custody 2 that he will continue to uphold his on. Mr. Cole supports Mr. Rosenstein’s years ago. oath to support and defend the Con- nomination. Mr. Cole writes: Baltimore police commissioner Kevin stitution and laws of the United Rod brings with him the knowledge, skill, Davis wrote: States. experience, and wisdom that is required for I must tell you that I have heard Mr. Rosenstein and the Baltimore Police this job. He also brings an understanding of, Department have collaborated on numerous from State and local officials directly and respect for, the important role the De- large-scale investigations and resulting in- who have worked with Rod on political partment of Justice occupies in our govern- dictments of violent criminal organizations corruption cases and thanked Rod for ment—the need for it to not only enforce the operating in Baltimore City. Under Mr. the manner in which he collaboratively laws, but to also maintain a level of inde- Rosenstein’s leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s worked to root out corruption and mis- pendence that enables it to have credibility Office and its prosecutors operate with the in the eyes of our citizens. Rod will make an conduct by State and local officials in excellent Deputy Attorney General. . . . highest sense of justice and integrity in the Maryland. As you can imagine, State course of these investigations and trials. Even at an earlier age, he exhibited the and local officials do not always wel- sound judgment and careful thought that Commissioner Davis continues: come Federal investigations or pros- was necessary to handle the very sensitive It is undeniable that Baltimore City is a ecutions into their domain, so this public corruption cases that were prosecuted safer place as a result of Mr. Rosenstein’s really speaks volumes about Rod as a by the [Public Integrity Section of the tenure as U.S. Attorney. Through our profes- prosecutor and a person and his ability Criminal Division]. sional collaborations, I have come to know That is Mr. Cole. Mr. Cole was a Mr. Rosenstein on a personal basis as well. to get along and accomplish results. Mr. Rosenstein is a man of utmost character Former Maryland attorney general former Deputy Attorney General, and and intellect. Doug Gansler wrote: he understands this role very well and understands Mr. Rosenstein is uniquely Former State’s attorney for Balti- I have always found [Rod] to be totally by- the-book and completely apolitical. Rod un- qualified to hold this position. more City, Gregg Bernstein, a Demo- derstands the importance of staying out of I want to conclude by urging my col- crat, wrote: the political limelight. The fact that I am a leagues to support Mr. Rosenstein’s Simply stated, Rod was a terrific partner. Democrat who served in elected office for 16 nomination. Even a cursory review of his body of work as years and that Rod was appointed by a Re- I especially thank Rod’s family for the United States Attorney for the District publican President never was mentioned. He of Maryland makes readily apparent that makes decisions for the right reasons and ar- their contribution to public service as Rod was committed to reducing the level of ticulates those reasons with aplomb. . . . well. As we know, we can’t do this violent crime in Baltimore. His commitment Rod is and always has been extremely eth- without a supportive family, and this and effort trickled down to other law en- ical and conscientious, qualities which have service comes at a steep price in terms forcement agencies as well, including the earned him the respect of his peers and col- of time spent doing public service and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. leagues. sacrifices made by his family. I thank In Rod, we saw a person who was not inter- As Deputy Attorney General, Rod his wife Lisa and his daughters, Julie ested in personal credit or accolade, but in- stead, one who created an atmosphere of col- Rosenstein would basically serve as the and Allison, for being willing to share laboration that had not been seen in Balti- chief operating officer at the Justice their husband and father with our more for some time. It was much more im- Department and manage the daily op- country. portant to him that everyone was working as erations of the Nation’s largest firm. I urge the Senate to confirm Mr. hard as they could to fight crime in the City The Department of Justice is a sprawl- Rosenstein’s nomination to be the next and the rest of Maryland. ing Cabinet Department with more Deputy Attorney General of the United Mr. Bernstein continues: than 100,000 employees and a $28 billion States at the Justice Department. As a result of his tireless efforts, Rod budget. That is a pretty big under- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Rod helped to reduce the homicide rate in Balti- taking. It is good to know that a per- Rosenstein’s nomination to be Deputy more to historically low levels not seen in son of his reputation has shown that he Attorney General comes at a unique decades. He also was responsible for super- will not yield to partisan pressure but moment in history and critical junc- vising a United States Attorney’s Office that do what is right. It is good to know ture for the Department of Justice, as was able to dismantle many of the gangs in that we have that type of person whom well as for this country. It has been 44 Baltimore that were responsible for much of the illegal drug trade and violence that have we can confirm as the Deputy Attorney years since the Senate considered a plagued the City. He has earned the uni- General. That is why it is so important Justice Department nominee who will versal respect and admiration of not only his that we have an effective manager and be in charge of an active criminal in- colleagues in the United States Attorney’s leader. vestigation into a sitting President’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.026 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2513 campaign and administration. Since ter.’’ The current situation unquestion- whether he will continue to support the Judiciary Committee reported Mr. ably meets that standard. Mr. Rosen- the Justice Department’s Smart on Rosenstein’s nomination to the Senate stein acknowledged at his confirmation Crime initiative, focusing the most se- earlier this month, further press re- hearing that it would be an unusual rious criminal penalties on the most ports underscore how important it is challenge to lead an investigation that serious offenders. With his 27 years of that we have an independent and im- potentially includes the Attorney Gen- experience in the Justice Department, partial investigation into Russian in- eral, his direct supervisor. This inves- I hope that Mr. Rosenstein will be an terference in our elections and connec- tigation now not only includes Mr. independent check on the excesses of tions with the Trump campaign and ad- Rosenstein’s potential boss, but also this administration, which has already ministration. several others inside the White House. sought to undermine the principle of In just the past 3 weeks, we learned Americans deserve an investigation judicial review. He has served as U.S. that a notable Trump campaign adviser that is independent and inspires public Attorney under both Democratic and was reportedly the subject of a FISA confidence, and that requires appoint- Republican administrations, so I hope warrant. CNN reported that this ad- ment of a special counsel who is free that, as Deputy Attorney General and viser was among those who ‘‘Russian from political influence. This issue is as Acting Attorney General in matters operatives tried to use . . . to infiltrate too important for us to skew for par- relating to the Trump campaign, he the Trump campaign.’’ The AP re- tisan motivations. Country must come will remember that he is not the Presi- ported that Paul Manafort, who before party, and I hope and trust Mr. dent’s attorney, but the people’s attor- worked for free as the Trump campaign Rosenstein will understand that if he is ney. chairman, previously received at least confirmed. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I yield $1.2 million for consulting work on be- We know that this administration the floor. half of a Ukrainian ally of Russian and this President have already inter- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- President Putin. That is in addition to fered with the House Intelligence Com- ator from Delaware. reports that Mr. Manafort earned $10 mittee’s investigation into Russian ac- THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET million per year for secret work on be- tivity and connections to the Trump Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I rise half of Vladimir Putin. We learned that campaign. DEVIN NUNES, the chairman today to address President Trump’s President Trump’s first National Secu- of the House Intelligence Committee, proposed budget for fiscal year 2018. My rity Advisor ‘‘failed to list payments recused himself from his own commit- predecessor in this seat, my friend, from Russia-linked entities’’ on his fi- tee’s investigation after what Ryan former Vice President Joe Biden, once nancial disclosure forms. We also Lizza of the New Yorker called a ‘‘co- said to me years ago: Show me your learned that the President’s son-in-law ordinated effort between the Trump budget and I will show you your values. and top adviser failed to disclose meet- Administration and [Chairman] Nunes One of my concerns about the pro- posal we have received—the initial ings with the Russian Ambassador and . . . to manufacture a fake scandal’’ in slimmed-down overview proposal we other officials on his application to ob- order to distract from, as well as ob- have received—is that it suggests val- tain top secret security clearance—just struct, any real investigation. Earlier ues that I think are quite out of line like when the Attorney General pro- this month, President Trump even said with what my home State of Delaware vided false testimony before the Senate that ‘‘it’s not too late’’ to fire FBI Di- would look for me to be doing in this Judiciary Committee in response to rector Comey. This administration body, what I think addresses the real questions from me and Senator cannot be trusted to respect the inde- needs and priorities of the American FRANKEN about his own Russian con- pendence of any investigation, which is people. tacts. why we need an outside special coun- Last month President Trump re- If confirmed, Mr. Rosenstein will as- sel. Whoever assumes the role of Dep- leased an overview of his budget—what sume leadership of the sprawling inves- uty Attorney General in this adminis- is called a skinny budget—and we tigation into Russia’s multifaceted at- tration will face extraordinary tests of haven’t yet received a full and detailed tempts to interfere with our elections, integrity. Mr. Rosenstein has a reputa- budget proposal. Even though what we an investigation that embroils not only tion for integrity that is unusual for have received is just an overview, it in- individuals in the Trump campaign, this administration’s nominees, and I dicates that the cuts President Trump but also those who are now in the hope he is up to the challenge. is proposing will significantly weaken President’s Cabinet and senior officials We already know from the intel- vital domestic programs, often with in the White House. Attorney General ligence community’s public report that the goal of completely eliminating ex- Sessions was forced to recuse himself Russian President Putin waged a isting and valued initiatives. from this investigation after the press multifaceted influence campaign to This chart gives a rough summary of revealed that he had misled the Judici- delegitimize Secretary Clinton and all the different Federal agencies that ary Committee and the American peo- help Donald Trump win the Presidency. would take double-digit hits in order to ple about his connections to Russian Worse, he intended to undermine public be able to pay for the significant $54 officials and agents. There is no ques- faith in our democratic process. This billion increase to defense spending. tion that the Attorney General’s interference did not end on November Targeting only nondefense programs recusal was required—and should have 8th. It is ongoing and, according to the that millions of Americans and Dela- happened on day 1 after assuming of- intelligence community, President wareans rely on ignores commitments fice. Justice Department regulations Putin will continue using cyberattacks made over the last couple of budget cy- required him to recuse himself because and propaganda campaigns to under- cles and years, as Republicans and of the integral role that then-Senator mine our future elections—but there is Democrats have worked together to en- Sessions played in the Trump cam- still much we do not know. sure placing equal priority on defense paign and his continuing contacts with We need a thorough, independent in- and nondefense spending. those directly under investigation. vestigation. President Putin’s goal last Under sequestration, under the Budg- These Department of Justice regula- year was to undermine our democratic et Control Act, we have already made tions protect the impartiality of all institutions—to corrode Americans’ significant cuts to important domestic Justice Department investigations. trust and faith in our government. If programs. After the difficult budgets of The Justice Department’s regula- we do not get to the bottom of Russian the last few years, in my view, we have tions regarding appointment of a spe- interference, he will have been success- already made too many cuts to some of cial counsel are equally significant. ful, and he will no doubt do it again. I the programs that helped build our Na- These regulations direct appointment hope that Mr. Rosenstein will do the tion. of a special counsel when there is ‘‘a right thing and appoint a special coun- To be clear, I am as passionate as conflict of interest for the Department sel to lead a truly independent inves- anyone in this body about supporting or other extraordinary circumstances’’ tigation—one in which all Americans our Armed Forces, particularly when and ‘‘it would be in the public interest can have confidence. they are in harm’s way and particu- to appoint an outside Special Counsel If confirmed, Mr. Rosenstein will face larly as we continue to conduct oper- to assume responsibility for the mat- other critical tests as well, including ations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:25 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.002 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2514 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 But Democrats will not stand for cut- budget; it also threatens job growth State in infrastructure is the so-called ting domestic programs simply to pay and economic security. As a President TIGER Program, which invests in a for a $54 billion military expansion who ran a campaign on a middle-class whole range of infrastructure options— that hasn’t been explained or justified jobs agenda, I am struck that his pro- highway, transit, rail and port—by through a thorough review of what are posed budget would endanger Ameri- leveraging private capital and sup- the appropriate investments in defense cans across the country financially by porting competitive, innovative solu- that will respond to the challenges and also undermining support for develop- tions to infrastructure challenges. The threats we face in this world. ment in both rural areas and urban TIGER Program has supported projects To pay for that $54 billion increase in areas. Take the Department of Agri- like a new regional rail transportation defense by cutting investments in edu- culture, which provides critical support center at the University of Delaware, cation, housing, job training, and more through the Rural Development Pro- taking advantage of the former Chrys- here at home strikes me as the wrong gram. In Delaware, at least, Rural De- ler rail yard, and the significant new set of priorities and the wrong direc- velopment, or RDA, has played a crit- growth we are seeing at the University tion. If anything like these proposed ical role in supporting housing, busi- of Delaware’s STAR campus. This is an Trump budget cuts are enacted, I know nesses, and communities in the rural investment that will have several mul- my home State of Delaware would lose parts of Delmarva—Delaware and tiples that will leverage private sector millions and millions of dollars for val- Maryland. benefits by promoting economic devel- uable and effective Federal programs The Trump budget would also elimi- opment, accessible housing, and multi- that help my constituents each and nate the Rural Business-Cooperative mobile transportation choices in the every day. Trump’s budget proposal Service, or RBS, which promotes eco- area. would cut research and health pro- nomic development in distressed rural Many of my colleagues have similar grams. It would cut job-creating infra- areas. That is a program which has experiences in their States about the structure programs. It would cut supported things like Del Tech auto- impact of the TIGER Grant Program. grants for higher education. It would motive technician training and archi- In the last year, it had a demand near- cut housing and so much more. tectural services for the Seaford His- ly 20 times the available funding. Yet I wish to take a few minutes to focus torical Society, among many other the Trump budget would again elimi- on a few of many proposed budget cuts things. nate all Federal funding to this vital to give a sense of the impact it might Something I am much more familiar transportation infrastructure program have on our livelihood, our security, with and more passionate about is the that creates jobs and helps to leverage and our prosperity at home. Let me Manufacturing Extension Partnership. private sector investment. start with some cuts that would di- Across the State of Delaware, the There are so many other programs on rectly affect our national security, our MEP, as it is known, has helped small the chopping block, it is hard to even safety. and medium manufacturing companies begin to touch on them: Community In my view, the deep cuts made in to be better at taking advantage of Development Block Grants, which I re- the proposed Trump budget would sim- cutting-edge technology, under- lied on in my previous job as county ply make us less safe. For example, the standing how to manage their inven- executive to provide support for low-in- U.S. Coast Guard, which has a station tory, how to invest more wisely in new come and disabled individuals to have in Delaware, would be cut by more capital equipment, and how to grow access to high quality housing; the than $1.3 billion. The Transportation and compete around the world. Security Administration, or TSA, has Since 2000, Delaware’s Manufacturing funds that support things like Meals on just as high a cut. Ironically, even Extension Partnership Program has Wheels, that allow our low-income sen- though these are the very agencies used Federal support to help Delaware iors to age in place rather than having that protect our ports and other points manufacturers increase sales by more to be moved to institutions; and many of entry, Trump proposes cutting their than $120 million, helping create more other programs through the Federal funding so that a southern border wall than 1,600 good-paying jobs and finding Department of Housing that have a can be built for an estimate well above over $100 million in cost savings in positive impact in communities up and $25 billion. This simply makes no Delaware’s small and medium manu- down my State, from Newark and Wil- sense. If you listen to the words of the facturers. These are great impacts for a mington to Dover and Seaford. Coast Guard Commandant, ADM Paul fairly small program. Why that pro- If you take the U.S. Department of Zukunft, he warned that simply focus- gram specifically targeted at helping Agriculture’s rural water and waste- ing all those resources on building a small and medium manufacturing com- water loan and grant programs, these wall along the border with Mexico panies would be a priority for elimi- would be eliminated entirely. These would make our ports and waterways nation is beyond me. programs are critical to ensuring that even more appealing to smugglers and Cuts to other areas that impact re- rural communities can access funds to those who seek to bring illicit drugs or search and energy in our economy also support safe drinking water and sewer to bring people into the United States strike me as unwise and ill-considered. systems. Many communities in South- through unlawful entry. It is not just our economy and national ern Delaware rely on rural water funds That is not all. The Trump budget security; Trump’s budget would also to ensure safe drinking water supplies would make us less safe by depleting threaten our infrastructure, our trans- for the families that live there. As I Federal protection from natural disas- portation, and our housing. have suggested, the list of potential ters, starting with a proposed $600 mil- As a Delawarean and someone who cuts to programs goes on and on. lion cut to FEMA State and local rides Amtrak between Wilmington and Let me move to some impacts on the grants. The budget also proposes re- Washington almost every day we are in environment, briefly. The Chesapeake structuring fees for the National Flood session, I know how important our pas- Bay is one of the world’s largest estu- Insurance Program, which would lead senger rail system is for the Northeast, ary systems, and Delaware is a State to raising rates for homeowners who as well as for connecting the rest of our that borders on the Chesapeake Bay get flood insurance. country. Amtrak’s long-distance routes watershed. Economists insist that My home State of Delaware is the are critically important to the Na- there is nearly $1 trillion worth of eco- lowest mean elevation State in Amer- tion’s economy and to sustaining pas- nomic value to the Chesapeake Bay wa- ica—literally the lowest lying State senger rail as a nationwide Federal tershed, yet the Trump budget cuts and ground zero for sea level rise. service. Yet, as our competitors around nearly half of the funding for the EPA These cuts would have a significant im- the world are investing billions of dol- to allow States to get grants that will pact on homeowners up and down my lars in high-speed rail and in efficient help improve air quality, clean up con- State, those at our seashore and those rail networks that connect whole coun- taminated waste sites, and remove lead in my home community of Wilmington tries, President Trump’s proposal from drinking water. Delaware alone who face steadily rising flood insurance would eliminate all Federal funding for would lose $3 million in these vital ini- premiums. Amtrak’s long-distance routes. tiatives. It is not just our safety, though, that Another effective Federal program There are millions of Americans who would be impacted by the President’s that has made a difference in my home rely on many more programs listed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.028 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2515 here—AmeriCorps, Low Income Home REFORMING FINANCE FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES ACT their ability to make small business Energy Assistance Program, Corpora- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I rise and consumer loans curtailed—all as a tion for Public Broadcasting, the Afri- today to discuss my bill, the Reforming result of the unnecessary, heavy hand can Development Foundation, and Finance for Local Economies Act, of government. In fact, since Dodd- many more—all eliminated in this which I introduced earlier this week. Frank was passed in 2010, this country budget in order to prioritize a focus on This bill is very simple and straight- has lost 1,700 small institutions. The our military and defense. forward. It would exempt community reason is very simple. Dodd-Frank has I don’t think the President under- banks and credit unions with assets of forced community banks and credit stands that we cannot maintain our less than $10 billion from complying unions to merge, consolidate, or to go status as a global leader with defense with the loan-killing, anti-jobs disaster out of business because of the heavy and military alone. We need to ensure that we commonly refer to as Dodd- hand of regulation and because they that a complementary strength exists Frank. Every reasonable person with a can’t make the loans that they nor- in our development and diplomacy pro- passing knowledge of our banking sys- mally would be able to make. grams, which are less than one-tenth of tem knows the destabilizing effect that Nationwide, we have been losing an average of one community bank or our spending on national defense. Dodd-Frank has had on local econo- mies, community banks, and the Na- credit union a day—every single day— I recently had the opportunity to see since Dodd-Frank was passed because the impact that USAID and our pro- tion’s credit unions. Just last week, President Trump of its costs, which have driven our grams to assist the hungry and needy banks to sell or merge with larger around the world can make in stabi- turned to the problems wrought by Dodd-Frank by signing two Presi- banks. It is so ironic that this forced lizing fragile states and preventing consolidation—forcing our smaller them from becoming failed states. We dential memorandums to take a look at the Orderly Liquidation Authority banks and credit unions to either spent less than one percent of the Fed- merge with or be bought out by larger eral budget on these sorts of programs. and the systemic risk designation proc- ess at the Financial Stability Over- institutions—has caused even greater They provide a critical connection to concentration of assets on the books of parts of the world where a positive un- sight Council. I applaud the President’s efforts in that regard. I believe they even larger and, in some cases, too-big- derstanding of America and our values to-fail banks that Dodd-Frank was sup- would be a good thing. are desperately needed. Reforming this flawed law is crucial to the future suc- posed to do something about. The international affairs budget, My legislation will help 5,785 Amer- cess of the American economy. which includes needed funding for ican credit unions. It will help 5,461 Some of my colleagues were here USAID, the State Department, and community banks in our country sur- when Dodd-Frank was passed in 2010. other related programs, would be cut vive. Specifically, financial institu- As we all know, it was intended to pre- by one-third under the Trump budget— tions with assets of less than $10 bil- vent another 2008-like banking crisis a 29 percent cut to the State Depart- lion—if you are a financial institution by strengthening Federal Government ment alone. and you have less than $10 billion in as- regulation of financial services. But in If history is any indicator, the last 70 sets, you will be exempt completely the process, as so often happens, Con- years show these investments in diplo- from Dodd-Frank, its 2,300 pages and gress actually crippled America’s small macy and development are critical. its 22,000 pages of regulations. We are community banks and credit unions Foreign assistance is not charity. It talking about a lot of banks. that played absolutely no role—none, serves a humanitarian purpose, but it Banks with less than $10 billion in as- zero, nada—in instigating the 2008 also makes us stronger by promoting sets make up 92 percent of our Nation’s meltdown. And that is not just my American values around the world, banks, according to the FDIC. Banks opinion. Our Federal Reserve Chair, Dr. building coalitions that isolate our ad- with less than $10 billion in assets pro- Janet Yellen, appeared before the Sen- versaries, and helping make tens of vide 48 percent of all small business ate Banking Committee earlier this millions less susceptible to terrorism loans, 16 percent of residential mort- year—actually, February 14. When it and to extremism around the world. gages, 44 percent of lending to purchase was my turn to ask her questions, I farmland, 43 percent of lending for This is a false choice between signifi- asked her the following simple ques- cantly increasing our defense spending farm operations, and 35 percent of com- tion: ‘‘What did community banks do mercial real estate loans. If my bill and the need to sustain our invest- wrong in 2008?’’ ments in diplomacy and development. I passes, these institutions will no This was the Chairwoman’s answer: longer have to reduce their products hope my colleagues and constituents ‘‘Well, community banks were not the will take time to think about the many and service offerings in order to divert reason for the financial crisis. It was resources to compliance, to interpreta- different Federal programs that I have larger institutions that took risks and briefly discussed in these remarks tion, and to execution. risks that developed outside the bank- The expertise of our smaller banks about the proposed budget and all the ing system.’’ and credit unions in America in evalu- different ways that these Federal pro- Let me read that first sentence ating risk will no longer be reduced to grams have invested in our quality of again. Chair Yellen: ‘‘Well, community some algorithm—some mathematical life, in our national security, and our banks were not the reason for the fi- exercise. Instead, our institutions will economic prosperity. Many of them are nancial crisis.’’ be able to deliver the desperately need- scheduled for elimination under this I believe she is right. The fact is that ed capital to the customers they know budget. our smaller banks and our credit so well because that is what commu- As I have heard both Republicans and unions are smothering under the nity banks and credit unions do. They Democrats say in press interviews and weight of Dodd-Frank. I will give you take in local deposits, and they make on this floor: No President’s budget is an example of what I am talking about. loans to local borrowers whom they adopted without change. It is my hope The Truth in Lending Act passed by know and whose creditworthiness they that this budget will be set aside and Congress is actually 22 pages long. The can closely monitor because commu- that the folks who represent our States Federal Reserve Act, setting up our nity bankers, as we all know, are rela- here will begin anew the process of Federal Reserve System, is 32 pages tionship bankers. They don’t partici- building an appropriations path for- long. Glass-Steagall, about which we pate in widespread subprime lending. ward that actually protects our coun- heard a great deal, was 37 pages long. They don’t use derivatives to specu- try, protects our livelihood, and in- Dodd-Frank is a breathtaking 2,300 late, and they never did. Most of them vests significantly in sustaining and pages with 22,000 pages of regulations. have fewer than 100 employees. saving the very best of these programs You can stand on the thing and paint The type of regulation they need— that have benefited my home State and the ceiling. and I am not suggesting they don’t my constituents for so very long. That is why so many community need regulation. What I am suggesting With that, I yield the floor. banks no longer exist. Those that have is the type of regulation they need—be- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- managed to survive have seen their cause of the risks our small institu- ator from Louisiana. costs go up, their profits go down, and tions take—is much different than the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.029 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2516 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 regulation needed by a $700 billion or a Briefly, his experience, aside from did so. That is the conclusion of the in- trillion-dollar bank. being an outstanding citizen, was as a vestigation that was already done by I am certain that the proponents of secretary of revenue in Louisiana, a our intelligence community, and it is a Dodd-Frank were well-intentioned State treasurer in Louisiana, and an conclusion that is virtually universally when they wrote and passed it. But 150 attorney and a law school professor. accepted. The only question now is years ago, doctors used to bleed their So now there are his committee ap- this: What was the involvement and po- patients with the best of intentions. pointments, which include the Bank- tential collusion and aiding and abet- They stopped doing that because their ing, Appropriations, and Judiciary ting of Americans in that Russian patients died. That is why I suggest Committees, which are tailor-made for cyber attack on this country? In my today that we eliminate Dodd-Frank what he does. As a product of a small view, it was an act of war. We can de- for our smaller institutions. Making town and as someone who as treasurer bate that question. Dodd-Frank applicable to community in our State has been so aware of the What is undebatable is the need for a banks and credit unions is a lot like economic development issues, no one thorough, impartial, vigorous, and ag- using a sledgehammer to go after a would know better than he what a crit- gressive investigation that will give gnat. It is way over the top. ical role small banks play in gener- that information to the American peo- Now, certainly our smaller institu- ating the capital and delivering the ple. It must be an investigation that tions need regulation. Certainly, they capital to a small business that grows can pursue criminal wrongdoing, if it is need regulation to ensure that they are to be a bigger and a bigger and a big proved, and that can prosecute it and stable and secure. Our small institu- business, while along the way employ- ultimately make that investigation tions know that. They know they need ing more folks. transparent to the American people so it. They want it. They welcome it. But So, as we as a nation grapple with they know what actually happened. even after my bill becomes law, com- how to create better-paying jobs, it is I have asked Rod Rosenstein to fol- munity banks are still going to be sub- fitting that Senator KENNEDY would low the precedent that was established ject to a strict regulatory scheme es- begin by speaking directly to how to by Elliot Richardson under cir- tablished by dozens of applicable Fed- create better-paying jobs. I welcome cumstances that were not unlike the eral statutes. I am talking about the him as a colleague. I look forward to ones we encountered here. Banking Secrecy Act, the Electronic working with him for things that The saying is that history almost Fund Transfer Act, the Truth in Lend- would benefit our State, our Nation, never repeats, but it rhymes. What we ing Act, and the Equal Credit Oppor- and the people who live here. have here is a situation that rhymes tunity Act, and I could go on and on. I yield the floor. with the one that Elliot Richardson en- I suggest the absence of a quorum. All of these statutes will still apply countered when he was Attorney Gen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to our smaller banks and credit unions. eral-designee. He was requested to ap- clerk will call the roll. Our smaller banks and credit unions— The bill clerk proceeded to call the point a special prosecutor as a condi- now exempt, if my bill passes, from roll. tion of his confirmation. He agreed to Dodd-Frank—will still be under the su- Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I do so in 1973. He appointed Archibald pervision of the Federal Reserve. They ask unanimous consent that the order Cox. That, in turn, led to the Water- will still be under the supervision of for the quorum call be rescinded. gate investigation and, ultimately, it the Comptroller of the Currency. They The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without vindicated the judgment on the part of will still be regulated by the Federal objection, it is so ordered. our Senate Judiciary Committee that Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Na- Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, an independent special prosecutor was tional Credit Union Administration, in less than an hour, we will consider necessary under those circumstances. and even the Department of Justice. the nomination of Rod Rosenstein to My colleague who is presiding, as a America’s smaller lending institu- be Deputy Attorney General of the former State attorney general, knows tions need some relief. What they need United States. well the importance of independence is relief from the destabilizing con- We consider his nomination under and credibility in any judicial role of sequences of Dodd-Frank. The Reform- highly unusual, if not unique, cir- this kind. This Nation now faces a ing Finance for Local Economies Act, cumstances. Only today, there were looming constitutional crisis—again, in my estimation, is a step in that di- revelations from the House Oversight not unlike Watergate, which ulti- rection. I would also like to say, in Committee at a bipartisan conference mately resulted in United States v. closing, that I am pleased that both indicating that General Flynn, for- Nixon before the U.S. Supreme Court, a President Trump and Senate Repub- merly the National Security Advisor, subpoena that had to be enforced by licans are committed, as we are, to may have broken criminal laws by his that special prosecutor against the paving the way for new businesses and concealing payments from Russia—spe- President of the United States. the jobs they create through regu- cifically, from Russia Today—in con- Only Rod Rosenstein can vindicate latory reform as our actions have al- nection with his speaking fees and that important public interest. Only ready proven this year. travel expenses in 2015. He concealed the Deputy Attorney General of the However, I would also like to stress these payments in security clearance United States can appoint a special that helping our community banks and forms submitted in 2016, SF86 forms. prosecutor because the Attorney Gen- credit unions is a bipartisan issue and False statements on such forms are a eral rightly has recused himself. Jeff one that I hope will garner support violation of our criminal laws. His po- Sessions has recused himself because of from many of my colleagues, not only tential criminal liability is a serious his own conversations with Russian of- just on the Republican side of my aisle and important allegation that needs to ficials, which he failed to disclose dur- but by friends on the Democratic side be investigated further. ing testimony to the Judiciary Com- of the aisle. What we know for sure is that the in- mittee. I welcome their support. I look for- vestigation of this allegation and oth- Only the Deputy Attorney General ward to working with my fellow Sen- ers—this very colorful violation of Fed- can perform that vital function, and ators on the Banking Committee to eral criminal law—can be done reli- only a special prosecutor can do what find some commonsense solutions that ably, impartially, and credibly only by is necessary to vindicate the public in- will help grow our local economies. a special prosecutor. That is why I terest through a vigorous investigation I yield the floor. have asked Mr. Rosenstein to commit into any criminal wrongdoing and to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. that he will appoint a special pros- prosecute lawbreakers. STRANGE). The Senator from Louisiana. ecutor to investigate this allegation as I have confidence that our Intel- CONGRATULATING SENATOR KENNEDY well as others involving the President’s ligence Committee in the Senate will Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I would staff, campaign associates, and staff in impartially and objectively do what- like to acknowledge my experienced connection with Russia’s interference ever it can to uncover the truth. But and talented friend from Louisiana in with our election. even if it succeeds—and there are ob- his maiden speech, speaking about There is no question that the Rus- stacles and challenges to its success—it something that reflects his experience. sians sought to interfere and that they cannot pursue a criminal investigation,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.030 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2517 and it cannot bring criminal charges These kinds of attacks on the judici- That public information concerning and pursue a conviction. It probably ary undermine respect and trust in a known associates of the President and cannot make fully transparent or dis- branch of government that is the bul- their Russian contacts includes Gen- close all of the facts that it uncovers. wark of our democracy and that, in my eral Flynn’s actions disclosed today. Its custom is to issue a report and, view, when the history of this era is On December 10, 2015, General Flynn when it does so, redacting information written, will be regarded as having was paid to attend an event in Moscow that can be considered classified or been one of its finest hours. We will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of sensitive. It may well lead, in an abun- relying on it to protect our Nation’s Russia Today, a propaganda arm of the dance of caution, toward redacting fundamental rights and liberties. The Russian Government. He concealed the rather than disclosing. independence of the judiciary is a sa- amount Russia Today paid him for That is why I have asked Rod Rosen- cred pillar of our democracy, and it speaking fees and travel expenses in stein, as a condition of his becoming must be free of political interference. those security clearance forms he sub- Deputy Attorney General, to commit The other hero of this era, in my mitted in 2016, the SF86. He dined with that he will appoint a special inde- view, will be the press, which has un- Vladimir Putin just 18 months after pendent prosecutor. Call that office covered many of the facts leading to leaving his position leading the De- whatever you wish—special counsel, my conclusion, joined by so many of fense Intelligence Agency. As a retired independent counsel, special pros- my colleagues, that there must be a general, he is prohibited from receipt ecutor. The role is what is significant. special prosecutor. That conclusion is of consulting fees, gifts, travel ex- It is someone who will uncover the not mine alone. It has been joined by penses, honorary or any other kind of wrongdoing and follow the evidence many of my colleagues, 10 of them hav- salary from a foreign government with- and the facts wherever they lead. ing cosigned a letter I wrote in mid- Neither Mr. Rosenstein nor Mr. Ses- out congressional consent. That action February asking for a special pros- sions can do so. Neither Rosenstein nor also is a potentially prosecutable ac- ecutor. Sessions will ever convince the public tion. The independence of our judiciary After the election, General Flynn that they are really pursuing their and of our prosecutors is so critically spoke repeatedly to Russian Ambas- boss, the President of the United important for the trust and credibility sador Kislyak regarding lifting sanc- States, if there is evidence that leads of the American people that the rule of to his culpability. They report to him. tions on Putin, an amazing act of dis- law will prevail and that no official Rod Rosenstein reports to Jeff Ses- loyalty. Misleading Vice President will put himself above the rule of law. sions, and he, in turn, reports to the PENCE and the American public on the That is the threat and the constitu- President of the United States. That is nature of these secret discussions, he tional crisis that we potentially face. why the appearance and the reality of demonstrated a lack of candor and Two high-ranking administration of- credibility inconsistent with the role of independence is so critically impor- ficials have been caught misrepre- tant, and that is why only a special National Security Advisor, and there- senting their ties with Russia. One of prosecutor can pursue that interest. fore he was compelled to resign. them is, in fact, the Attorney General, If we were in normal times, Rod The President also selected Carter Rosenstein would be an eminently ac- Jeff Sessions, who did so before the Ju- Page to serve during the campaign on ceptable nominee, and I would welcome diciary Committee, under oath. his foreign policy advisory committee. Mr. Rosenstein has said that he his nomination without attaching any He is the same individual we have wants to be approved by the Senate be- kind of request or condition. He is cer- learned who was under investigation fore he decides whether to appoint a tainly an honorable public servant. He for his contacts with Russian agents. special prosecutor, but that delay will is a career prosecutor. I admire his The President’s campaign manager, mean that a man who was hired and dedication and commitment to public Paul Manafort, worked for years on a can be fired by President Trump will service. As U.S. attorney for Maryland, disinformation campaign to benefit the he certainly has an admirable record. decide whether the Trump administra- Putin government and was paid mil- He is, in some senses, what we value in tion will face a thorough and complete lions of dollars to do so. The Presi- the Department of Justice—someone investigation. This body has a duty to dent’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held who is committed to the rule of law. insist on it before his confirmation. We an undisclosed meeting with both the That is why I have been surprised and must seize this opportunity to assure Russian Ambassador and also execu- disappointed that he has failed to heed accountability to the American people tives from a Russian bank, EDB, a my request. and make sure also about their con- bank built by Putin’s cronies. The Whatever happens today, I want to fidence in our electoral system. While President himself has sold real estate ensure my colleagues and, most espe- Mr. Rosenstein has claimed he needs to to Russian investors seeking to profit cially, him and the loyal and dedicated be in office to familiarize himself with from their corrupt activities in Russia members of the Department of Justice the facts of an investigation into the or, as his son, Donald Trump, put it, that I will support his work in his ca- Trump administration before he can ‘‘We see a lot of money pouring in from pacity as Deputy Attorney General, if commit to appointing a special pros- Russia.’’ he is confirmed today, because the pro- ecutor, the row of facts are all a mat- The administration’s supposed at- fessionalism of the Department of Jus- ter of public record now. tempts to investigate itself have pro- tice is of preeminent interest for me We know Russia interfered in the 2016 duced mixed signals and clear conflicts personally, having served as a U.S. at- election. We know the FBI is inves- of interest such as House Intelligence torney and also as attorney general of tigating Trump administration Chair DEVIN NUNES’s ill-fated trip to my State, but it is also vitally impor- lawbreaking associated with that in- the White House to discuss his com- tant to the American people. terference. That investigation has been mittee findings. We must consider his nomination in confirmed by the Director of the FBI The robust congressional oversight the light of the looming constitutional himself. We know Attorney General hearings that we all hope will happen crisis that our Nation confronts. It is a Jeff Sessions met with officials of Rus- are certainly essential, but only the crisis partly of the administration’s sia’s Government, and yet he said Department of Justice can analyze making by its attacks on the judiciary, under oath that he did not meet with these facts and information which are calling a member of the bench a ‘‘so- those Russians. That is more than only the tip of the iceberg—analyze it, called judge,’’ saying to the American ample information to justify appoint- digest it, determine its relevance to a people that a circuit court of appeals ing a special prosecutor, but there is criminal investigation and to a pros- will be responsible for any violence much more, including actions by Car- ecution, pursuit of a violation of law that may occur as a result of its ruling ter Page, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone. and charges. The FBI can investigate, on the constitutionality of Executive These kinds of abundant facts are but it cannot bring charges. Only a orders related to immigration, demean- known now and warrant this action lawyer from the Department of Justice ing and disparaging a judge because of and also more than justify this body can do so, and only a special prosecutor his ethnic heritage—a judge born, in insisting that he commit to appointing can make that judgment independently fact, in Indiana. that special prosecutor. and impartially without having to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.033 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 worry about what his boss thinks or The result was announced—yeas 94, requires that Congress receive prior no- what his boss’s boss thinks. nays 6, as follows: tification of certain proposed arms So I have reached the conclusion re- [Rollcall Vote No. 114 Ex.] sales as defined by that statute. Upon luctantly—because Rod Rosenstein has YEAS—94 such notification, the Congress has 30 a very admirable record of public serv- Alexander Gardner Paul calendar days during which the sale ice—that I must vote against his nomi- Baldwin Graham Perdue may be reviewed. The provision stipu- nation in just a short time because of Barrasso Grassley Peters lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- his failure to commit to a special pros- Bennet Hassan Portman Blunt Hatch tion of proposed sales shall be sent to ecutor. I have no illusions about con- Reed Boozman Heinrich Risch the chairman of the Senate Foreign vincing my colleagues about joining Brown Heitkamp Roberts Relations Committee. me to vote on cloture with a degree of Burr Heller Rounds In keeping with the committee’s in- Cantwell Hirono Rubio realism about the views of this body on Capito Hoeven tention to see that relevant informa- Sanders his nomination, but I hope he will heed Cardin Inhofe tion is available to the full Senate, I Carper Isakson Sasse the example of Mr. Richardson in 1973 Schatz ask unanimous consent to have printed and also of Jim Comey, who at one Casey Johnson in the RECORD the notifications which Cassidy Kaine Schumer point also resorted to a special pros- Cochran Kennedy Scott have been received. If the cover letter ecutor to investigate a controversial Collins King Shaheen references a classified annex, then such matter that arose during President Coons Klobuchar Shelby annex is available to all Senators in Corker Lankford Stabenow George Bush’s administration. Cornyn Leahy Strange the office of the Foreign Relations There is clear, unmistakable, bipar- Cotton Lee Sullivan Committee, Room SD–423. tisan precedent for a special prosecutor Crapo Manchin Tester There being no objection, the mate- under these circumstances. There is Cruz Markey Thune rial was ordered to be printed in the Daines McCain not only precedent, there is historical Tillis RECORD, as follows: Donnelly McCaskill Toomey imperative. At the root of this con- Duckworth McConnell Udall DEFENSE SECURITY stitutional crisis is a concern for the Durbin Menendez Van Hollen COOPERATION AGENCY, Enzi Merkley Warner Arlington, VA. rule of law, for preserving the public’s Ernst Moran Whitehouse Hon. BOB CORKER, faith and trust and respect for our jus- Feinstein Murkowski Wicker tice system. It is at the foundation of Fischer Murphy Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Wyden U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. what we do when we vote. When we Flake Murray Franken Nelson Young DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- make laws, we presume they will be porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of rigorously and fairly enforced without NAYS—6 the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, fear or favor, and that no official, not Blumenthal Cortez Masto Harris we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. even the President of the United Booker Gillibrand Warren 17–18, concerning the Air Force’s proposed States, will be placed above the law. The nomination was confirmed. Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to Canada That is the lesson of Watergate, but it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under for defense articles and services estimated to cost $195 million. After this letter is deliv- is also the lesson established through- the previous order, the President will be immediately notified of the Senate’s ered to your office, we plan to issue a news out our history, going back to the release to notify the public of this proposed Founders and the preeminent role action. sale. played by our U.S. Supreme Court. f Sincerely, I will support Mr. Rosenstein in his EXECUTIVE CALENDER GREG KAUSNER, efforts to pursue the truth and pursue (For J.W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, justice, as I believe he must do, and I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- USN, Director). hope he will do because the credibility ate will resume consideration of the Enclosures. the of the Department of Justice and following nomination, which the clerk TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–18 our justice system is so much at stake. will report. Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of I urge my colleagues to vote against The senior assistant legislative clerk Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended his nomination, as I will do, but I also read the nomination of R. Alexander Acosta, of Florida, to be Secretary of (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of pledge my support for him and the Canada. loyal, dedicated, hardworking members Labor. Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I sug- (ii) Total Estimated Value: of the Department of Justice if he is Major Defense Equipment* $ 0 million. gest the absence of a quorum. confirmed. Other $195 million. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the Total $195 million. clerk will call the roll. (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- floor. The assistant bill clerk proceeded to tities of Articles or Services under Consider- I suggest the absence of a quorum. call the roll. ation for Purchase: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None. clerk will call the roll. Non-MDE: Non-MDE items and services unanimous consent that the order for The senior assistant legislative clerk under consideration for sale are follow-on the quorum call be rescinded. proceeded to call the roll. support for five (5) CC177 aircraft (Canada’s The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. designator for the C–17), including con- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I RUBIO). Without objection, it is so or- tractor logistics support (CLS) provided ask unanimous consent that the order dered. through the Globemaster III Integrated for the quorum call be rescinded. Sustainment Program (GISP), in-country f The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. field services support, alternate mission JOHNSON). Without objection, it is so LEGISLATIVE SESSION equipment, major modification and retrofit, ordered. software support, aircraft maintenance and Under the previous order, all time is technical support, support equipment, per- expired. MORNING BUSINESS sonnel training and training equipment, ad- The question is, Will the Senate ad- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask ditional spare and repair parts, publications vise and consent to the Rosenstein and technical documentation, and other U.S. unanimous consent that the Senate be Government and contractor engineering, lo- nomination? in a period of morning business, with gistics and program support. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Senators permitted to speak therein (iv) Military Department: Air Force (QCR). ask for the yeas and nays. for up to 10 minutes each. (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: CN–D– The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without QZZ—$1.3B—15 Nov 06. sufficient second? objection, it is so ordered. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- There appears to be a sufficient sec- fered. or Agreed to be Paid: None. f (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained ond. ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION in the Defense Article or Defense Services The clerk will call the roll. Proposed to be Sold,: None. The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, section (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: called the roll. 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act April 19, 2017.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.034 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2519 *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms estimated to cost $295.6 million. After this quested equipment includes the following: Export Control Act. letter is delivered to your office, we plan to (4,400) M16A4 rifles; (46) M2 50 caliber ma- POLICY JUSTIFICATION issue a news release to notify the public of chine guns; (186) M240B machine guns; (36) M1151 HMMWVs; (77) M1151 up-armored Government of Canada—Sustainment this proposed sale. HMMWVs; (12) 3 Kilowatt Tactical Quiet Support for C–17 Aircraft Sincerely, J.W. RIXEY, Generator sets; body armor, helmets, and The Government of Canada has requested a Vice Admiral, USN, Director. other Organization Clothing and Individual possible sale of follow-on support for five (5) Enclosures: Equipment (OCIE); small arms and associ- CC177 aircraft (Canada’s designator for the TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–10 ated accessories including tripods, cleaning C–17), including contractor logistics support kits, magazines, and mounts; mortar sys- (CLS) provided through the Globemaster III Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of tems and associated equipment; Chemical, Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP), in- Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explo- country field services support, aircraft main- Arms Export Control Act, as amended sive (CBRNE) detection and protective tenance and technical support, support (i) Prospective Purchaser, Government of equipment; dismounted and mounted radio equipment, alternate mission equipment, Iraq. systems; commercial navigation equipment software support, spares, personnel training (ii) Total Estimated Value: including compasses, binoculars, and and training equipment, U.S. Government Major Defense Equipment * $40.6 million. Geospatial Position System (GPS) limited to and contractor engineering and logistics sup- Other $255.0 million. the Standard Positioning System (SPS); port services, publications and technical doc- Total $295.6 million. M1142 HMMWVs; medical equipment; Mine umentation, and major modification and ret- (iii) Description and Qantity or Quantities Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles rofit kits support. The total estimated pro- of Articles or Services under Consideration (MRAP); cargo and transportation equip- gram cost is $195 million. for Purchase: ment, including light tactical vehicles, me- This proposed sale will contribute to the Major Defense Equipment (MDE): dium tactical vehicles, water trucks, fuel foreign policy and national security objec- Four thousand four hundred (4,400) M16A4 trucks, and ambulances; (36) refurbished tives of the United States by sustaining the Rifles. M119A2 105mm howitzers; spare parts, train- military capabilities of Canada, a NATO ally Forty-six (46) M2 50 Caliber Machine Guns. ing and associated equipment related to the that has been, and continues to be, an impor- One hundred eighty-six (186) M240B Ma- mentioned vehicles and artillery systems. tant force for ensuring political stability and chine Guns. This proposed sale will contribute to the economic progress in the world, including Thirty-six (36) M1151 High Mobility Multi- foreign policy and national security objec- through its involvement in military, peace- purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs). tives of the United States, by supporting keeping, and humanitarian operations. The Seventy-seven (77) M1151 up-armored Iraq’s capacity to degrade and defeat the Is- sustainment of Canada’s C–17s will ensure HMMWVs. lamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). the country’s continued capability to rapidly Non-MDE: All necessary equipment and ac- Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing this deploy its forces, as well as the continued cessories to outfit two Peshmerga Regional equipment into its armed forces. interoperability between the U.S. and Cana- Brigades and two support artillery battal- The proposed sale of this equipment and dian Air Forces’ C–17s. ions, to include twelve (12) 3 kilowatt tac- support will not alter the basic military bal- The proposed sale of defense articles and tical quiet generator sets, body armor, hel- ance in the region. services is required to maintain the oper- mets, and other Organization Clothing and There are a number of contractors involved ational readiness of the Royal Canadian Air Individual Equipment (OCIE); small arms in this effort, including but not limited to Force C–17 aircraft. Canada’s current con- and associated accessories including tripods, AM General, Oshkosh Defense, Navistar De- tract supporting its five (5) C–17s will expire cleaning kits, magazines, and mounts; mor- fense, Harris Radio, and Colt Corporation. on 20 September 2017. The Royal Canadian tar systems and associated equipment; There are no known offset agreements pro- Air Force will have no difficulty absorbing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, posed in connection with this potential sale. this support. and Explosive (CBRNE) detection and pro- Implementation of this proposed sale will The proposed sale of this equipment and tective equipment; dismounted and mounted not require the deployment of any additional support will not alter the basic military bal- radio systems; commercial navigation equip- U.S. Government or contractor personnel to ance in the region. ment including compasses, binoculars, and Iraq. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- Sources of supply will award contracts Geospatial Position System (GPS) limited to fense readiness as a result of this proposed when necessary to provide the defense arti- the Standard Positioning System (SPS); sale. cles ordered if items ordered are not avail- M1142 HMMWVs; medical equipment; Mine able from U.S. stock or are considered lead- Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–10 time away. (MRAP); cargo and transportation equip- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of The prime contractor will involve the fol- ment, including light tactical vehicles, me- Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the lowing contractors: dium tactical vehicles, water trucks, fuel Arms Export Control Act Boeing Company, Long Beach, California. trucks, and ambulances; thirty-six (36) refur- Annex Item No. vii Boeing Company Training Systems, St. bished M119A2 105mm howitzers; RF–7800V (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: Louis, Missouri. Very High Frequency (VHF) dismounted ra- 1. M16A4 Assault Rifle. The M16A4 assault Lockheed Martin Corporation/MFC, Lex- dios; spare parts, training and associated rifle is the fourth generation of the M16 se- ington, Kentucky. equipment related to the mentioned vehicles ries that fires 5.56mm NATO cartridges. The There are no known offsets. Any offset and artillery systems. A4 variant is equipped with a removable car- agreements will be defined in negotiations (iv) Military Department: Army (ADI, rying handle and full length quad Picatinny between the purchaser and the contractor. ADJ). rail for mounting optics and other ancillary Implementation of this proposed sale will (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None. devices. The highest level of information not require the assignment of any additional (vi) Sales Commission, Fee. etc., Paid. Of- that could be disclosed through the sale and U.S. Government or contractor representa- fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. testing of this end-item is UNCLASSIFIED. tives to Canada. There is an on-going foreign (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained 2. M2 Machine Gun. The M2 machine gun is military sales case providing C–17 in the Defense Article or Defense Services an air-cooled belt-fed machine gun that fires sustainment services. There are currently 13 Proposed to be Sold: None. the .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun (BMG) contractors from Boeing in-country pro- (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: cartridge. The highest level of information viding contractor technical services support April 18, 2017. that could be disclosed through the sale and on a continuing basis. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms testing of this end-item is UNCLASSIFIED. There will be no adverse impact to U.S. de- Export Control Act. 3. M240B Machine Gun. The M240B machine fense readiness as a result of this proposed gun is a belt-fed, gas-operated medium ma- POLICY JUSTIFICATION sale. chine gun firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges. Government of Iraq—Equipment for Two The M240B variant is a tripod or vehicle- DEFENSE SECURITY Peshmerga Infantry Brigades and Two mounted configuration. The highest level of COOPERATION AGENCY, Support Artillery Battalions information that could be disclosed through Arlington, VA. The Government of Iraq has requested a the sale and testing of this end-item is UN- Hon. BOB CORKER, possible sale of the equipment necessary to CLASSIFIED. Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, fully outfit two full Peshmerga Regional Bri- 4. M1151 HMMWV. The M1151 is an ex- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. gades of light infantry, as well as the equip- panded capacity armament carrier HMMWV DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- ment necessary to outfit two artillery bat- variant that is armor-ready. Designed as an porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of talions that will ultimately provide support armament carrier, the M1151 provides for the the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, to those regional brigades. These artillery mounting and firing of various weapon sys- we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. battalions and infantry brigades will operate tems that are ring-mounted with a 360 de- 17–10, concerning the Army’s proposed Let- under the Kurdistan Regional Governments gree-arc of fire. The level of information ter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Govern- Ministry of Peshmerga (KRG MOP) with the that could be disclosed through the sale and ment of Iraq for defense articles and services concurrence of the central government. Re- testing of this end-item is UNCLASSIFIED.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.039 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 5. Garmin Fortrex 401 Navigation Set/Glob- construction, and other related elements of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, al Positioning System (GPS). The Garmin program support. we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. Fortrex is a commercial GPS solution for in- (iv) Military Department: Air Force (X7–D– 16–80, concerning the Army Corps of Engi- dividual navigation which utilizes GPS Se- NAA). neers’ proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Accept- lective Positioning Service (SPS) mode only. (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: N/A. ance to the Government of Kuwait for air- This is a commercial-off-the-shelf item. The (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- base construction and services estimated to level of information that could be disclosed fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. cost $319 million. After this letter is deliv- through the sale and testing of this end-item (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained ered to your office, we plan to issue a news is UNCLASSIFIED. in the Defense Article or Defense Services release to notify the public of this proposed 6. RF–7800V Very High Frequency (VHF) Proposed to be Sold: None. sale. (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Dismounted Radio. The RF–7800V is a multi- Sincerely, April 11, 2017. purpose, exportable radio system that can be * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms J.W. RIXEY, configured for 10W handheld/dismounted, 50W Export Control Act. Vice Admiral, USN, Director. vehicle, or 50W base station use. The system Enclosures. POLICY JUSTIFICATION incorporates 128 and 256 bit Harris propri- TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–80 etary and Advanced Encryption Standard Republic of Iraq—Pilot and Maintenance Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of (AES) encryption and does not utilize SG/ Training Contractor Logistical Support Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the NATO waveforms. The system has an inte- (CLS) for Trainer Aircraft, and Base Sup- Arms Export Control Act, as amended grated GPS receiver which is SPS capable port only. This radio is not used by the U.S. mili- The Government of Iraq has requested a (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of tary and the highest level of information possible sale of pilot training; maintenance Kuwait. that could be disclosed through the sale and training; and contractor logistical services (ii) Total Estimated Value: testing of this end-item is UNCLASSIFIED. support for C–172, C–208, and T–6 aircraft for Major Defense Equipment * $0 million. 7. Tactical Quiet Generator Set. The 3KW up to five (5) years to include contractor air- Other $319 million. Tactical Quiet Generator Set—Mobile Elec- craft modification; repair and spare parts; Total $319 million. tric Power (MEP) 831A (60HZ) is a mobile publications; aircraft ferry; and miscella- (iii) Description and Quantity or electrical generator that runs on JP/Diesel neous parts, along with training base oper- Ouantities of Articles or Services under Con- fuel. These items are no longer in service ation support, base life support, security, sideration for Purchase: with the U.S. military, but are offered as re- construction, and other related elements of Non-MDE: Design, construction, and pro- furbished articles to Foreign Military Sales program support. The estimated total pro- curement of key airfield operations, com- (FMS) customers. The highest level of infor- gram value is $1.06 billion. mand and control, readiness, sustainment, mation that could be disclosed through the The proposed sale will contribute to the and life support facilities for the Al Mubarak sale and testing of this end-item is UNCLAS- foreign policy and national security of the Airbase in Kuwait. The U.S. Army Corps of SIFIED. United States by helping to provide for a sta- Engineers (USACE) will provide project man- 8. All other support and non-MDE equip- ble, sovereign, and democratic Iraq, capable agement, engineering services, technical ment offered on this case carry no tech- of combating terrorism and protecting its support, facility and infrastructure assess- nology transfer concerns. The highest level people and sovereignty. Iraq currently owns ments, surveys, planning, programming, de- of information that could be disclosed twelve (12) C–172, five (5) C–208, and fifteen sign, acquisition, contract administration, through the sale and testing of this end-item (15) T–6 training aircraft. The training pipe- construction management, and other tech- is UNCLASSIFIED. line will allow the Iraqi Air Force to tailor nical services for the construction of facili- 9. All equipment and support listed on this pilot training for several U.S.-origin oper- ties and infrastructure for the airbase. The transmittal are authorized for release and ational aircraft. The C–172s and T–6s are overall project includes, among other fea- export to the Government of Iraq. Iraq’s training platforms for their mobility tures, a main operations center, hangars, and fighter attack fleets. The C–208s are training facilities, barracks, warehouses, DEFENSE SECURITY Iraq’s platform of choice for training its In- support facilities, and other infrastructure COOPERATION AGENCY, telligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance required for a fully functioning airbase. Arlington, VA. (ISR) pilots. (iv) Military Department: U.S. Army Corps Hon. BOB CORKER, The proposed sale of training and support of Engineers (USACE) (HBE). Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, services will improve Iraq’s ability to train (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: N/A. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. its pilots and maintenance technicians. By (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- training its own pilots and maintenance fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of technicians in-country, Iraq will decrease its (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, overseas training requirements, significantly in the Defense Article or Defense Services we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. reduce its training costs, and will enhance Proposed to be Sold: None. 17–03, concerning the Air Force’s proposed its ability to take over the sustainment of (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Gov- its aircraft. Iraq will have no difficulty ab- April 6, 2017. ernment of the Republic of Iraq for defense sorbing this support. In addition to its pri- * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms articles and services estimated to cost $1.06 mary mission—pilot and maintenance train- Export Control Act. billion. After this letter is delivered to your ing for Iraqi Air Force personnel—this pro- POLICY JUSTIFICATION office, we plan to issue a news release to no- posed sale includes Contractor Logistical Government of Kuwait—Facilities and tify the public of this proposed sale. Support costs for the trainer aircraft, as well Infrastructure Construction Support Service as possible future construction and base op- Sincerely, The Government of Kuwait has requested J.W. RIXEY, eration support costs. The proposed sale of this training and sup- possible sale for the design, construction, Vice Admiral, USN, Director. and procurement of key airfield operations, Enclosures. port will not alter the basic military balance command and control, readiness, TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–03 in the region. The principal contractor is Spartan Col- sustainment, and life support facilities for Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of lege, Tulsa, OK. At this time, there are no the Al Mubarak Airbase in Kuwait. The U.S. Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the known offset agreements proposed in connec- Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will pro- Arms Export Control Act, as amended tion with this potential sale. vide project management, engineering serv- (i) Prospective Purchaser: The Government Implementation of this proposed sale will ices, technical support, facility and infra- of Iraq. require the assignment of approximately structure assessments, surveys, planning, (ii) Total Estimated Value: four U.S. Government representatives and programming, design, acquisition, contract Major Defense Equipment * $0 billion. 50–55 contractor representatives to Iraq. administration, construction management, Other $1.06 billion. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- and other technical services for the con- Total $1.06 billion. fense readiness as a result of this proposed struction of facilities and infrastructure for (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- sale. All training and support listed on this the airbase. The overall project includes, tities of Articles or Services under Consider- transmittal are authorized for release and among other features, a main operations ation for Purchase: export to the Government of Iraq. center, hangars, training facilities, barracks, Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None. warehouses, support facilities, and other in- Non-MDE: Pilot training; maintenance DEFENSE SECURITY frastructure required for a fully functioning training; and contractor logistical services COOPERATION AGENCY, airbase. The estimated total cost is $319 mil- support for C–172, C–208, and T–6 aircraft for Arlington, VA. lion. up to five (5) years to include contractor air- Hon. BOB CORKER, The proposed sale will contribute to the craft modification; repair and spare parts; Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, foreign policy and national security of the publications; aircraft ferry; and miscella- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. United States by supporting the infrastruc- neous parts, along with training base oper- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- ture needs of a friendly country which has ation support, base life support, security, porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of been, and continues to be, an important

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.041 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2521 force for political stability and economic across the country compete for their couldn’t put compost out on the curb progress in the Middle East. State championship title. The journey like they do with their trash and recy- The facilities being constructed are similar of a championship team is not merely a cling, and with that, Garbage to Gar- to other facilities built in the past by USACE in other Middle Eastern countries. story of glory or success, but rather an den was born. Tyler set up a table on These facilities replace existing facilities aggregation of hard work, sportsman- Congress Street during a First Friday and will provide autonomous airbase oper- ship, and persistence. Today I wish to Artwalk, and by the end of the day, 17 ations to the Kuwait Air Force. The new air- extend recognition to a team in Maine Portland residents had signed on to his base will ensure the continued readiness of whose perseverance and teamwork curbside composting service. Today the Kuwait Air Force and allow for the con- have made them a force to be reckoned one in seven Portland households par- tinued education of current and future Ku- with each season. I am proud to high- ticipates in Garbage to Garden. Tyler wait Air Force personnel. The construction of this airbase will enable Kuwait to enhance light the achievements of the Lewiston and his partners have expanded their the operational effectiveness of its military High School Blue Devils competition service to eight other Maine commu- and promote security and stability through- cheerleading team who, on the path to nities and three communities in Massa- out Kuwait. Kuwait will have no difficulty their third consecutive Class A State chusetts. absorbing this additional capability into its title for the sixth time in the last Tyler was able to create a unique and armed forces. seven seasons, have demonstrated a re- effective composting company, and The proposed sale of this infrastructure markable level of drive, ambition, and with more than 8,000 households, and support will not alter the basic military schools, restaurants, and businesses balance in the region. pride towards achieving success. USACE is the principal organization that Lewiston High School’s nationally using their services, they are the most will direct and manage this program. USACE recognized and distinguished competi- successful curbside composting com- will provide services through both in-house tion cheer program has a long history pany in the country. Tyler has created personnel and contract services. The esti- of talent and teamwork symbolic of the a sustainable and local experience. mated number of U.S. Government and con- pride felt for the Blue Devils through- Food scraps are composted by Benson tractor representatives to be assigned to Ku- out the community. As the eighth con- Farms in Gorham, and all food waste wait to implement the provisions of this pro- secutive Class A North/East Regional can be incorporated into Garbage to posed sale will be determined as a result of Garden’s compost, due to the high-heat program definitization. Champions, the cheer team has experi- There are no known offset agreements pro- enced few losses in recent years, but process they use. Garbage to Garden posed in connection with this potential sale. the program and student-athletes see also collects used cooking oil, and There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- each challenging loss as an opportunity Maine Standard Biofuels turns it into fense readiness as a result of this proposed to work harder and be stronger. The biofuel and soap, which is then used to sale. All defense articles and services listed Blue Devils fulfilled that promise and wash the composting buckets. Using in this transmittal are authorized for release more this past season. After a loss in clean composting buckets is a key part and export to the Government of Kuwait. the Kennebec Valley Athletic Con- of Garbage to Garden’s process, elimi- f ference, KVAC, the team responded nating the ‘‘ick factor’’ that turns ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS with an impressive display of discipline many people off from composting. Gar- and grit when they exceeded expecta- bage to Garden even offers free service tions and won the State title with a to those who volunteer for the com- REMEMBERING SHAWN GILBERT score of 95—representative of a nearly pany or for one of their partner organi- ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I seamless routine. zations. Every day, Garbage to Garden wish to honor the life of Shawn Gil- The Lewiston cheer program is much diverts 20 tons of food scraps from bert. Shawn was a prominent member more than a team of exceptional stu- landfills, and over a 3-year period, the of Montana’s Little Shell Tribal com- dent-athletes. These talented and as- average household will divert 1 ton of munity who tragically lost his battle piring young people have contributed food waste from landfills. with cancer this past January. Even in to a cheer dynasty that inspires young Garbage to Garden is a shining exam- his final days, Shawn maintained a athletes and is recognized as a premier ple of what can happen when you have positive attitude, and all who knew program throughout the State. The a little determination, a great idea, him fondly remember the constant pride felt for the program, team mem- and passion to make a difference. Tyler smile on his face. As is the Montana bers, peers, and the Lewiston commu- is an excellent example of a hard-work- way, Shawn loved the great outdoors. nity at large shows the level of dedica- ing Mainer who is making a difference He enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheel- tion and ambition that has led to so in our State and beyond. I look forward ing, and hunting with his family, as many impressive successes. to following the company’s continued well as reloading his own ammunition I wish to join the city of Lewiston growth and remarkable service to and target practice with his pistols. and the entire Maine community in Maine communities. Thank you, Tyler, Shawn served his people as a member congratulating the Lewiston High for all you have already done for the of the tribal council and dreamt of the School competition cheering team for greater Portland community and our day his nation, Little Shell Nation, their well-earned recognition. The pro- great State of Maine. We are lucky to would be formally recognized. It is our gram has built a legacy of success, in- have people like you working to better duty and my honor to keep that dream stilling core values of hard work, perse- our communities.∑ alive as my colleague, Senator TESTER, verance, and sportsmanship and imbues f and I work to enact into law legisla- all that is significant about participa- NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL tion to do just that. I had the pleasure tion and competition in sport at any ARMED SERVICE ENLISTMENT of meeting Shawn while he was in of- level. For this and so much more, the fice at the Little Shell Tribal head- Blue Devils competition cheer team ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, quarters. Along with his fellow tribal are true champions.∑ today I wish to honor the following leaders, Shawn presented me with a f New Jersey high school seniors for beautiful beaded bolo tie which sits on their commendable decision to enlist RECOGNIZING GARBAGE TO display in my office. It serves as a in the U.S. Armed Forces: Craig GARDEN daily reminder of the Little Shell peo- Ackerly, Bryan Adame, Aldo Aguayo ple and of Shawn. May God watch over ∑ Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I Flores, Alba Agyao, Dalton Ailtmar, his soul as his light lives on through wish to honor the work of Tyler Frank Janae Albright, Michael Vincent Alva- the memories of his loved ones.∑ and his award-winning company Gar- rez, Michael Luis Alvarez, Jose Alva- f bage to Garden—a curbside composting rez, Juan Alvarez, Alexander Alvarez service that was founded in Portland, Escobar, Andre Ascura, Daniel Ayala, RECOGNIZING THE LEWISTON ME. In August 2012, Tyler Frank was Elijah Baez, Justin Baez, Joseph HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION living in Portland and wanted to start Barbato, David Batastini, Frederick CHEERLEADING TEAM a compost pile, but didn’t have the Bauer, Sergio Bautista Benitez, ∑ Mr. KING. Mr. President, each year space in his urban surroundings. He Joseluis Bejarano, Alejandro Bejarano high school student-athletes from and his roommates wondered why they Valencia, Nathan Bell, Joseph Bell,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.043 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 Fallon Bennett, Nula Bolden, hon, Jose Mendez Sagastume, German It is thanks to the dedication of un- Chrisopher Bonario, Joyce Bonilla Mendoza, Luis Mendoza, Kiyara Mid- told numbers of patriots like these Gonzalez, James Brackett, Patrick dleton, Joseph Mihalko, Phillip Milder, that we are able to meet here today, in Brand, Nicolas Brett, Imani Brown Hil- Charles Miles, Luis Mimbs Fuentes, the U.S. Senate, and openly debate the ton, Alexander Brutosky, Tyree Bull, Jeffrey Miranda, Edward Molano, Xa- best solutions to the many and diverse Logab Burns, Rory Bushby, Jose Caba, vier Molina, Laura Molina, David problems that confront our country. It Dino Cabrales, Jorge Cabral Gonzalez, Monaco, Carlos Monterrosa, Albert is thanks to their sacrifices that the Ralph Calitre, Brian Callahan, Chris- Montilla, Michael Mourey, Almadelia United States of America remains a topher Campos, Daniel Cano, Reinier Navarro Martinez, Shania Negron, beacon of hope and freedom throughout Carlos, Jose Caro, Rafael Castellanos, Mylique Nelson, Daniel Newkirk-Car- the world. We owe them, along with all Addison Chang, Eric Cho, Dhane penter, Victor Noa, Chelsea Nunez, those who serve our country, a deep Christensen, Anthony Ciarlo, Jack Jacob Nussbaum, Collins Nwekeze, debt of gratitude.∑ Lucas Ochoa, Peter Oliva, Tyler Cipas, Dashonda Clark, Amanda f Clarke, Tyler Cochran, Alexander Oliveira, Zachary Ortega, Kiara Colavito, Liam Collins, Vincent Osbourne Willis, Wesley Osoria, RECOGNIZING DESTINATIONS INN Concina, Dayana Coreas-Alvarez, Kevin Zachary Pacetti, Mariya Pakhomova, ∑ Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, our coun- Cornelio, Ethan Correa, Kevin Cosme, George Panchana, Nicholas Paola, try has been built upon a bedrock of Jonathan Cox, Jeffrey Cox, Nasir Kiana Papaleo, Nathaniel Paras guiding principles which has molded Crank-Williams, Kevin Cubillos, An- Clenista, Piiquline Park, Shweta Patel, the character of many Americans. Hard drew Cumming, Aidan Curran, Douglas Brandon Paul, Jacob Perez, Ashley work, risk-taking, and perseverance Dasilva, Joshua Dechillo, Michael Perezferrer, Charles Phan, Justin Mi- are some of the characteristics that Dehaas, Michael Delcher, Johanny Del- chael Pineda, Aidan Proulx, Cross have helped so many of our Nation’s Orbe, Esvicarla Delossantos, Chris- Quinlan, Nidhi Rakholia, Michelle Ra- citizens achieve the American Dream. topher DeRienzo, Damian Diaz, Diego mirez, Sheehan Ramirez, Adam Continually on the cutting edge of in- Diazrazuri, Thomas Digiovanni, Brett Randazzo, Jackie Remache, Ernesto novation, America’s entrepreneurs Dolgos, Heydi Dominguez, Eric Dough- Reyes, Nicholas Ribeirocarvalho, Evan share an inspiring creative spirit. As erty, Sean Dougherty, Christopher Ridgell, Alido Rivera, Brian Rivera, chairman of the Senate Committee on Dramis, Anna Drew, Santana Duran, Isis Rivera, Jayvon Roberson, Guy Small Business and Entrepreneurship, John Duran, Jared Durante, Miguel Robinson, Peter Robinson, Daniel it is my pleasure to recognize one such Duvergepena, Jesse Efymow, Linwood Roble, Stephan Roche, Viana Rodri- entrepreneur, Larry Fisher, and his guez, Guillermo Rodriguez Zavala, Mickey Evans, Matthew Eggink, Kath- small business, Destinations Inn, as Christopher Rojas, Yandry Romero, erine Espinal, Jacob Fallon, Tyler the Senate Small Business of the Darion Rosario, David Roxas, James Fanz, Joseph Fiduccia, Nicholas Month for April 2017. Fiorelli, Jack Flores, Salatiel Flores, Russell, Kevin Saar, Lau Sage, Vicuna With a lifelong understanding of Saltos, Nicholas Salvucci, Anthony Kimberly Fox, Jacob Franks, Richard business, Mr. Fisher has built many Sanchez, Christopher Sanford, Michael Furmanek, Benito Gabriel, Manuel successful businesses, including the Santangelo, Eddie Santiago, John Gallego, Matthew Galloway, Eddison critically acclaimed Black Swan Inn. Santiago, Giovanni Santos, Nicholas Garcia, Jack Garcia, Giselle Garcia Acquired in 1997, Mr. Fisher trans- Clavijo, Edgar Garcia Gonzalez, Mi- Scanzano, Jacob Schettino, Lisa Schrage, Jason Schultz, Dylan formed the unique 1933 English Tudor chael Garrido, Liam Gavin, Sebastian into a luxury themed suite lodging fa- Geary, Jake Gerber, Andrew Ghaleb, Schweibinz, Paloma Seijas, Kyle Seo, Armani Serrano, Dante Shearin, Ed- cility catering to couples, tourists, and Brian Gilligan, Ryan Goldy, Edward business travelers who are looking for Gomez, Adriana Gomez, Jeremy ward Simo, Gurvir Singh, Jacob Solem, Victor Souza, Terrell Stearns Bailey, a unique experience. Gomez, Matthew Gonzalez, Josue Gon- After the success of the Black Swan Brian Stevens, Brendan Stevenson, zalez, Christian Gonzalez, Carlos Gon- Inn, the Fishers purchased and opened Alaysia Stewart, Dawid Sura, Yerines zalez, Anthony Goodell, Destiny Suriel-Baez, Shane Tambussi, Joseph a sister hotel located in Idaho Falls in Goodridge, Jonathan Gorgonio Rami- Tamimi, Jordan Tanis, Nicholas 2010, the Destinations Inn. The building rez, Robert Gorny, Patrick Grabowski, Tejada, Michael Tesauro, Jailey was built in 1905 and has served as host Julian Guarderas, Christian Guevara, Torres, Fabio Toyos, Brandon to a number of businesses since that Grant Gunnarson, Samantha Harris, Tuberquia, Elvis Tumuxcurruchich, time, including the O.P. Skaggs Gro- Jonathan Hart, Anthony Hernandez, Paul Turnbull, Luke Turner, Jared cery Store and Ferrell’s Clothing. In Henry Hernandez, Travis Hickman, Tymon, Zaria Underwood Madden, Mi- 2006, the Destinations Inn reopened as a Christian Hoffman, Nicholas Hoffman, chael Valdes, Steve Valencia, Mateo premier luxury hotel and began to host Frank Hofmann, Sean Holl, Rose Hol- Valentine, Miranda Vallese, Jessica guests from all over the world. When lywood, Tyler Horner, Ryan Howard, Vanderzyde, Damian Vanriper, Francis the Fishers acquired the building in Brendan Ingino, Kyle Irwin, Zach Vanteeckelenburgh, John Vargas, Mi- 2010, they used their skills in artistry Irwin, Andrew Jones, Miguel Juarez chael Velthaus, Edward Villela, and contracting to transform the hotel Hernandez, Sabrina Jung, Madison Romelson Virtusio, Jeffrey Walsh, into a world-class themed suite lodging Kasza, Brendan Kelly, Bailey Kiefer, Kevin Watts, Jacob Wendt, Camdyn facility. Each of the 14 suites within Kaitlyn Kimble, Shayne King, Cody Williams, Tenzin Woeser, Brandon the Destinations Inn is creatively tai- Kniveton, Thomas Kopec, Benjamin Woodall, James Young, and Drew Zigo. lored to encapsulate an imaginative at- Kwok, Caelb Lamberson, Emma These outstanding individuals will mosphere. Combining their talents and Landsaw, Bryan Laumbach, Corey also be honored at various ‘‘Our Com- vision, Larry and Debbie Fisher have Laurenzi, Justin Lebron, Kevin Lee, munity Salutes’’ recognition events created a business environment where Sandro Lema, Derik Leon, Brandon held throughout New Jersey in May creativity and ideas thrive. The Fish- Lima, Derek Liptak, Alexzander 2017. ers exemplify professionalism and en- Lonky, Ever Lopez, Moises Luna, The future of our Nation remains trepreneurial passion through the suc- Marcus Macalinao, Jastin Macalino, strong because these individuals have cess of the Destinations Inn. Marc Macalino, Joshua MacMillan, decided to step forward and commit Born and raised in Pocatello, ID, Mr. Austin Madden, Liam Madden, Jaelon themselves to the defense of our Nation Fisher has been a mainstay in his com- Magat, Christopher Major, Julio and to uphold the ideals upon which it munity since his early years. Mr. Fish- Maldonado Martinez, Joana Mallari, was founded. Indeed, these New er currently serves on numerous boards Mark Mangravito, Armando Marrero, Jerseyans represent the very best of and committees, including the Poca- Jerwin Martilus, Miguel Martinez, America, and they should rest assured tello Development Authority, Grand Jayr Martinez Reyes, Pedro Martinez that the full support of the U.S. Sen- Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of Tapia, Evan Martinovitch, Anthony ate, as well as the American people, are America, and Portneuf Valley Inter- Mazza, Aubrey McCarrick, Matthew with them in whatever challenges may faith Fellowship. Recognized for his McGee, Caitlin McHorney, Jack McMa- lie ahead. commitment to the community, Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.038 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2523 Fisher was a recipient of a number of EC–1272. A communication from the Sec- FEMA–2016–0002) received during adjourn- awards, including Parade of Homes retary of Defense, transmitting a report on ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- Best Show, Builder of the Year, Bridge the approved retirement of Vice Admiral dent of the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Builder Award from the Grand Teton Philip H. Cullom, United States Navy, and Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban his advancement to the grade of vice admiral Affairs. Council of the Boy Scouts of America, on the retired list; to the Committee on EC–1282. A communication from the Assist- voted as best lodging property several Armed Services. ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, years by the community, TripAdvisor EC–1273. A communication from the Acting and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, Hall of Fame Award for 5 years of cer- Deputy Secretary, Department of Agri- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- tificates of excellence, and the Commu- culture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ative to a vacancy in the position of Under nity Black Belt Volunteer Award. Mr. Federal Grain Inspection Service Annual Re- Secretary (Terrorism and Financial Intel- Fisher has dedicated his life to serving port for 2016 and the Uniform Resource Loca- ligence), Department of the Treasury, re- tor (URL) for the report; to the Committee ceived in the Office of the President of the his customers and the community. It is on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senate on April 7, 2017; to the Committee on my honor to recognize Larry and EC–1274. A communication from the Chief Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Debbie Fisher and the employees of Counsel, Federal Emergency Management EC–1283. A communication from the Assist- Destinations Inn who have done so Agency, Department of Homeland Security, ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, much for their community. You make transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, our State proud, and I look forward to a rule entitled ‘‘Final Flood Elevation Deter- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- watching your continued growth and minations; Panola County, MS, and Incor- ative to a vacancy in the position of Director ∑ porated Areas, et al.’’ (Docket No. FEMA– of the Mint, Department of the Treasury, re- success. 2017–0002) received during adjournment of the ceived during adjournment of the Senate in f Senate in the Office of the President of the the office of the President of the Senate on Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Banking, MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Housing, and Urban Affairs. Messages from the President of the EC–1275. A communication from the Dep- EC–1284. A communication from the Chief United States were communicated to uty Assistant Secretary for Export Adminis- Counsel, Federal Emergency Management the Senate by Ms. Ridgway, one of his tration, Bureau of Industry and Security, Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of secretaries. suant to law, the report of a rule entitled ’’Re- a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community f visions to the Unverified List (UVL)’’ Eligibility (Loudon County, VA, et al.)’’ ((44 (RIN0694–AH29) received during adjournment CFR Part 64) (Docket No. FEMA–2016–0002)) EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED of the Senate in the Office of the President received during adjournment of the Senate In executive session the Presiding Of- of the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Com- in the Office of the President of the Senate ficer laid before the Senate messages mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Bank- from the President of the United fairs. ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. EC–1276. A communication from the Chief EC–1285. A communication from the Chief States submitting sundry nominations Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Counsel, Federal Emergency Management which were referred to the appropriate Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Agency, Department of Homeland Security, committees. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of (The messages received today are a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community printed at the end of the Senate pro- Eligibility (Pierce County, WA, et al.)’’ ((44 Eligibility (Jackson County, MO, et al.)’’ ((44 ceedings.) CFR Part 64) (Docket No. FEMA–2016–0002)) CFR Part 64) (Docket No. FEMA–2016–0002)) received during adjournment of the Senate received during adjournment of the Senate f in the Office of the President of the Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate EXECUTIVE AND OTHER on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Bank- on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Bank- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. COMMUNICATIONS EC–1277. A communication from the Chief EC–1286. A communication from the Chief The following communications were Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Counsel, Federal Emergency Management laid before the Senate, together with Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Agency, Department of Homeland Security, accompanying papers, reports, and doc- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of uments, and were referred as indicated: a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community Eligibility (Otsego County, NY, et al.)’’ ((44 Eligibility (Davidson County, TN, et al.)’’ EC–1267. A communication from the Dep- CFR Part 64) (Docket No. FEMA–2016–0002)) ((44 CFR Part 64) (Docket No. FEMA–2016– uty Director, Office of Senate Security, received during adjournment of the Senate 0002)) received during adjournment of the transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- in the Office of the President of the Senate Senate in the Office of the President of the ative to the National Defense Authorization on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Bank- Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2011 (OSS–2017– ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. 0369); to the Committee on Armed Services. EC–1278. A communication from the Assist- EC–1287. A communication from the Assist- EC–1268. A joint communication from the ant Director for Legislative Affairs, Con- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of sumer Financial Protection Bureau, trans- and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, transmitting a re- mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- quest relative to issuing a travel restriction ‘‘Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s ative to a vacancy in the position of Assist- on senior officials’ travel to Syria for the pe- Office of Minority and Women Inclusion An- ant Secretary (Financial Institutions), De- riod of April 7, 2017, until further notice; to nual Report to Congress’’; to the Committee partment of the Treasury, received during the Committee on Armed Services. on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. adjournment of the Senate in the Office of EC–1269. A communication from the Senior EC–1279. A communication from the Assist- the President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; Official performing the duties of the Under ant to the Board of Governors of the Federal to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- Reserve System, transmitting, pursuant to Urban Affairs. nology, and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal EC–1288. A communication from the Acting ant to law, a report relative to Modification Reserve Bank Capital Stock’’ (RIN7100–AE47) Solicitor General, Department of Justice, to Support for Non-Federal Development and received in the Office of the President of the transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- Testing of Material for Chemical Agent De- Senate on April 6, 2017; to the Committee on ative to the Consumer Financial Protection fense; to the Committee on Armed Services. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Bureau’s for-cause removal provision; to the EC–1270. A communication from the Acting EC–1280. A communication from the Assist- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Secretary of the Navy, transmitting, pursu- ant to the Board of Governors of the Federal Affairs. ant to law, a report relative to the Program Reserve System, transmitting, pursuant to EC–1289. A communication from the Assist- Acquisition Unit Cost (PAUC) and Average law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal ant Director for Legislative Affairs, Con- Procurement Cost (APUC) for the Advanced Reserve Bank Capital Stock’’ (RIN7100–AE47) sumer Financial Protection Bureau, trans- Arresting Gear (AAG) program; to the Com- received in the Office of the President of the mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled mittee on Armed Services. Senate on April 6, 2017; to the Committee on ‘‘Fair Lending Report of the Consumer Fi- EC–1271. A communication from the Sec- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. nancial Protection Bureau’’; to the Com- retary of Defense, transmitting a report on EC–1281. A communication from the Chief mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- the approved retirement of Lieutenant Gen- Counsel, Federal Emergency Management fairs. eral William J. Bender, United States Air Agency, Department of Homeland Security, EC–1290. A communication from the Sec- Force, and his advancement to the grade of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- lieutenant general on the retired list; to the a rule entitled ‘‘Final Flood Elevation Deter- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on Committee on Armed Services. minations; Carroll County, MS’’ (Docket No. the national emergency with respect to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G25AP6.039 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2524 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 Syria that was declared in Executive Order Counsel, Department of the Treasury, re- (Notice 2017–23) received during adjournment 13338 of May 11, 2004; to the Committee on ceived during adjournment of the Senate in of the Senate in the Office of the President Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. the Office of the President of the Senate on of the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Com- EC–1291. A communication from the Sec- April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. mittee on Finance. retary of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant EC–1300. A communication from the Assist- EC–1309. A communication from the Chief to law, a report relative to the export to the ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, People’s Republic of China of items not det- and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the rimental to the U.S. space launch industry; transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and ative to a vacancy in the position of General report of a rule entitled ‘‘Proposed Revenue Urban Affairs. Counsel, Department of the Treasury, re- Procedure for Requesting Consent to Change EC–1292. A communication from the Chair- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in a Method of Accounting’’ (Notice 2017–17) re- man, National Credit Union Administration, the Office of the President of the Senate on ceived during adjournment of the Senate in transmitting, pursuant to law, the National April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. the Office of the President of the Senate on Credit Union Administration’s 2016 annual EC–1301. A communication from the Assist- April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. report; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, EC–1310. A communication from the Chief ing , and Urban Affairs. and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–1293. A communication from the Wild- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the life Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Service, De- ative to a vacancy in the position of General Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the partment of the Interior, transmitting, pur- Counsel, Department of the Treasury, re- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Notice on Windsor- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Related Estate, Gift and Generation-Skip- ‘‘Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in the Office of the President of the Senate on ping Transfer Issues’’ (Notice 2017–15) re- Alaska; Harvest Regulations for Migratory April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Birds in Alaska During the 2017 Season’’ EC–1302. A communication from the Assist- the Office of the President of the Senate on (RIN1018–BB71) received during adjournment ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. of the Senate in the Office of the President and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, EC–1311. A communication from the Chief of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to the Com- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, mittee on Environment and Public Works. ative to a vacancy in the position of Sec- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the EC–1294. A communication from the Chief retary of the Treasury, received during ad- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of the Policy, Performance, and Management journment of the Senate in the Office of the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Announcement and Programs Division, Fish and Wildlife Serv- President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to Report Concerning Advance Pricing Agree- ice, Department of the Interior, transmit- the Committee on Finance. ments’’ (Announcement 2017–03) received ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–1303. A communication from the Assist- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- titled ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, fice of the President of the Senate on April and Plants; Reclassification of the West In- and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, 13, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. dian Manatee From Endangered to Threat- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- EC–1312. A communication from the Chief ened’’ (RIN1018–AY84) received during ad- ative to a vacancy in the position of Chief of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the journment of the Senate in the Office of the Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Depart- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to ment of the Treasury, received during ad- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Relief from Section the Committee on Environment and Public journment of the Senate in the Office of the 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code’’ (An- Works. President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to nouncement 2017–4) received during adjourn- EC–1295. A communication from the Spe- the Committee on Finance. cial Agent in Charge of the Branch of Inves- EC–1304. A communication from the Assist- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- tigations, Office of Law Enforcement, Fish ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, dent of the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. and Wildlife Service, transmitting, pursuant and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, EC–1313. A communication from the Chief to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Civil transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Penalties; 2017 Inflation Adjustments for ative to a vacancy in the position of Mem- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Civil Monetary Penalties’’ (RIN1018–BB97) ber, Internal Revenue Service Oversight Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the received during adjournment of the Senate Board, Department of the Treasury, received report of a rule entitled ‘‘2017 Automobile in the Office of the President of the Senate during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- Price Inflation Adjustment’’ (Rev. Proc. on April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Envi- fice of the President of the Senate on April 2017–29) received during adjournment of the ronment and Public Works. 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. Senate in the Office of the President of the EC–1296. A communication from the Chief EC–1305. A communication from the Assist- Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on of the Policy, Performance, and Management ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, Finance. Programs Division, Fish and Wildlife Serv- and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, EC–1314. A communication from the Chief ice, Department of the Interior, transmit- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ative to a vacancy in the position of Mem- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the titled ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife ber, Internal Revenue Service Oversight Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the and Plants; Removal of the Scarlet-Chested Board, Department of the Treasury, received report of a rule entitled ‘‘Small Business/Self Parrot and the Turquoise Parrot From the during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- Employed Fast Track Settlement’’ (Rev. Federal List of Endangered and Threatened fice of the President of the Senate on April Proc. 2017–25) received during adjournment of Wildlife’’ (RIN1018–BB29) received during ad- 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. the Senate in the Office of the President of journment of the Senate in the Office of the EC–1306. A communication from the Assist- the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Com- President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, mittee on Finance. the Committee on Environment and Public and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, EC–1315. A communication from the Chief Works. transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–1297. A communication from the Assist- ative to a vacancy in the position of Assist- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, ant Secretary (Financial Markets), Depart- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, ment of the Treasury, received during ad- report of a rule entitled ‘‘March 2017 Supple- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- journment of the Senate in the Office of the ment to Rev. Proc. 2014–64, Implementation ative to a vacancy in the position of Under President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; to of Nonresident Alien Deposit Interest Regu- Secretary (Intelligence Affairs), Department the Committee on Finance. lations’’ (Rev. Proc. 2017–31) received during of the Treasury, received in the Office of the EC–1307. A communication from the Direc- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of President of the Senate on April 6, 2017; to tor, Office of Regulations and Reports Clear- the President of the Senate on April 13, 2017; the Committee on Finance. ance, Social Security Administration, trans- to the Committee on Finance. EC–1298. A communication from the Assist- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule EC–1316. A communication from the Prin- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, entitled ‘‘Anti-Harassment and Hostile Work cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, Environment Case Tracking and Records Political-Military Affairs, Department of transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- System’’ (RIN0960–AH82) received during ad- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, an ad- ative to a vacancy in the position of Deputy journment of the Senate in the Office of the dendum to a certification, of the proposed Secretary, Department of the Treasury, re- President of the Senate on April 14, 2017; to sale or export of defense articles and/or de- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in the Committee on Finance. fense services to a Middle East country the Office of the President of the Senate on EC–1308. A communication from the Chief (OSS–2017–0378); to the Committee on For- April 11, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. of the Publications and Regulations Branch, eign Relations. EC–1299. A communication from the Assist- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the EC–1317. A communication from the Bu- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Election by Quali- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, the De- transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- fied Small Business to Claim Payroll Tax partment’s annual report concerning mili- ative to a vacancy in the position of General Credit for Increasing Research Activities’’ tary assistance and military exports (OSS–

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.009 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2525 2017–0402); to the Committee on Foreign Re- Accession of Montenegro of March 28, 2017; to grant Education Program)’’ (RIN1810–AA99) lations. the Committee on Foreign Relations. received in the Office of the President pro EC–1318. A communication from the Prin- EC–1330. A communication from the Bu- tempore of the Senate; to the Committee on cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Political-Military Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- EC–1339. A communication from the Chair- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, an ad- port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- man of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, dendum to a certification, of the proposed port Control Act (DDTC 17–008); to the Com- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- sale or export of defense articles and/or de- mittee on Foreign Relations. sion’s fiscal year 2016 annual report relative fense services to a Middle East country EC–1331. A communication from the Bu- to the Notification and Federal Employee (OSS–2017–0379); to the Committee on For- reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of eign Relations. State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on EC–1319. A communication from the Prin- port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of port Control Act (DDTC 17–017); to the Com- fairs. Political-Military Affairs, Department of mittee on Foreign Relations. EC–1340. A communication from the Direc- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, an ad- EC–1332. A communication from the Bu- tor, Office of the Secretary, Department of dendum to a certification, of the proposed reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting, sale or export of defense articles and/or de- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- pursuant to law, the Department’s fiscal fense services to a Middle East country port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- year 2016 annual report relative to the Noti- (OSS–2017–0380); to the Committee on For- port Control Act (DDTC 17–005); to the Com- fication and Federal Employee Antidiscrimi- eign Relations. mittee on Foreign Relations. nation and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR EC–1320. A communication from the Acting EC–1333. A communication from the Dep- Act); to the Committee on Homeland Secu- Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legis- uty Assistant Secretary for Program Oper- rity and Governmental Affairs. lative Affairs, Department of Justice, trans- ations, Employee Benefits Security Adminis- EC–1341. A communication from the Acting mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled tration, Department of Labor, transmitting, Administrator, General Services Administra- ‘‘Report of the Attorney General to the Con- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled tion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Ad- gress of the United States on the Adminis- ‘‘Definition of the Term ‘Fiduciary’; Conflict ministration’s fiscal year 2016 report relative tration of the Foreign Agents Registration of Interest Rule—Retirement Investment Ad- to the Notification and Federal Employee Act of 1938, as amended,’’ for the six months vice; Best Interest Contract Exemption (Pro- Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of ending June 30, 2016; to the Committee on hibited Transaction Exemption 2016–01); 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Class Exemption for Principal Transactions Homeland Security and Governmental Af- EC–1321. A communication from the Office in Certain Assets Between Investment Ad- fairs. EC–1342. A communication from the Chief of Presidential Appointments, Department of vice Fiduciaries and Employee Benefit Plans Judge, Superior Court of the District of Co- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, thirty- and IRAs (Prohibited Transaction Exemp- lumbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- six (36) reports relative to vacancies in the tion 2016–02); Prohibited Transaction Exemp- port relative to the District of Columbia Department of State, received during ad- tions 75–1, 77–4, 80–83, 84–24 and 86–128’’ Family Court Act; to the Committee on journment of the Senate in the Office of the (RIN1210–AB79) received in the Office of the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- President of the Senate on April 14, 2017; to President of the Senate on April 7, 2017; to fairs. the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, the Committee on Foreign Relations. EC–1343. A communication from the Gen- EC–1322. A communication from the Acting and Pensions. eral Counsel, Privacy and Civil Liberties EC–1334. A communication from the Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legis- Oversight Board, transmitting, pursuant to Secretary of Labor, transmitting, pursuant lative Affairs, Department of Justice, trans- law, the Board’s fiscal year 2016 annual re- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revi- mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled port relative to the Notification and Federal sion of FOIA Regulations’’ (RIN1290–AA30) ‘‘Report of the Attorney General to the Con- Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- received in the Office of the President of the gress of the United States on the Adminis- tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Com- Senate on April 7, 2017; to the Committee on tration of the Foreign Agents Registration mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- Act of 1938, as amended,’’ for the six months Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. mental Affairs. ending June 30, 2016; to the Committee on EC–1335. A communication from the Regu- EC–1344. A communication from the Acting Foreign Relations. lations Coordinator, Division of Select Chairman, Occupational Safety and Health EC–1323. A communication from the Bu- Agents and Toxins, Centers for Disease Con- Review Commission, transmitting, pursuant reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of trol and Prevention, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commission’s fiscal year 2016 an- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Posses- nual report relative to the Notification and port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- sion, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and port Control Act (DDTC 16–074); to the Com- Toxins—Addition of Bacillus cereus Biovar Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to mittee on Foreign Relations. anthracis to the HHS List of Select Agents the Committee on Homeland Security and EC–1324. A communication from the Bu- and Toxins’’ (RIN0920–AA64) received during Governmental Affairs. reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of adjournment of the Senate in the Office of EC–1345. A communication from the Presi- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- the President of the Senate on April 11, 2017; dent, Inter-American Foundation, transmit- port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- to the Committee on Health, Education, ting, pursuant to law, the Foundation’s fis- port Control Act (DDTC 16–137); to the Com- Labor, and Pensions. cal year 2016 annual report relative to the mittee on Foreign Relations. EC–1336. A communication from the Assist- Notification and Federal Employee Anti- EC–1325. A communication from the Bu- ant General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Home- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of land Security and Governmental Affairs. port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- a rule entitled ‘‘Benefits Payable in Termi- EC–1346. A communication from the Sec- port Control Act (DDTC 16–126); to the Com- nated Single-Employer Plans; Interest As- retary of Transportation, transmitting, pur- mittee on Foreign Relations. sumptions for Valuing and Paying Benefits’’ suant to law, the Department’s fiscal year EC–1326. A communication from the Bu- (29 CFR Part 4022) received during adjourn- 2014 and fiscal year 2015 inventories of com- reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- mercial and inherently governmental posi- State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- dent of the Senate on April 13, 2017; to the tions in the Department of Transportation; port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and to the Committee on Homeland Security and port Control Act (DDTC 16–105); to the Com- Pensions. Governmental Affairs. mittee on Foreign Relations. EC–1337. A communication from the Dep- EC–1347. A communication from the Acting EC–1327. A communication from the Bu- uty Assistant General Counsel for the Divi- Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of sion of Regulatory Services, Department of Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Education, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commission’s fiscal year 2016 annual re- port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Adjustment of port relative to the Notification and Federal port Control Act (DDTC 16–100); to the Com- Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation’’ Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- mittee on Foreign Relations. (RIN1801–AA16) received during adjournment tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Com- EC–1328. A communication from the Bu- of the Senate in the Office of the President mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- reau of Legislative Affairs, Department of of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the Com- mental Affairs. State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and EC–1348. A communication from the Spe- port relative to section 36(c) of the Arms Ex- Pensions. cial Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, port Control Act (DDTC 16–080); to the Com- EC–1338. A communication from the Dep- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office’s mittee on Foreign Relations. uty General Counsel, Office of General Coun- fiscal year 2016 report relative to the Notifi- EC–1329. A communication from the Presi- sel, Department of Education, transmitting, cation and Federal Employee Antidiscrimi- dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled nation and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR suant to law, a report relative to the Pro- ‘‘Title I—Improving the Academic Achieve- Act); to the Committee on Homeland Secu- tocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the ment of the Disadvantaged (Subpart C—Mi- rity and Governmental Affairs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.010 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 EC–1349. A communication from the Acting erans Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to law, mals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Missile Director, Environmental Protection Agency, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘VA Dental In- Launch Operations’’ (RIN0648–BG25) received transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency’s surance Program’’ (RIN2900–AP91) received during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- fiscal year 2016 annual report relative to the in the Office of the President of the Senate fice of the President of the Senate on April Notification and Federal Employee Anti- on April 7, 2017; to the Committee on Vet- 10, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 erans’ Affairs. Science, and Transportation. (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Home- EC–1360. A communication from the Office EC–1367. A communication from the Assist- land Security and Governmental Affairs. Program Manager, Office of Regulation Pol- ant Secretary, Federal Maritime Commis- EC–1350. A communication from the Acting icy and Management, Department of Vet- sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory erans Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to law, port of a rule entitled ‘‘Amendments to Reg- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Release of VA ulations Governing Service Contracts and the Commission’s fiscal year 2016 annual re- Records Relating to HIV’’ (RIN2900–AP73) re- NVOCC Service Arrangements’’ (RIN3072– port relative to the Notification and Federal ceived in the Office of the President of the AC53) received in the Office of the President Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- Senate on April 6, 2017; to the Committee on of the Senate on April 6, 2017; to the Com- tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); to the Com- Veterans’ Affairs. mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- EC–1361. A communication from the Acting tation. EC–1368. A communication from the Man- mental Affairs. Deputy Administrator, Transportation Secu- EC–1351. A communication from the Direc- rity Administration, Department of Home- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of tor of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Direc- land Security, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to tor of National Intelligence, transmitting, law, a report relative to the Administra- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- pursuant to law, the Office’s fiscal year 2016 tion’s decision to enter into a contract with ness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, annual report relative to the Notification a private security screening company to pro- S.A., Turboshaft Engines’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) vide screening services at Jackson Hole Air- and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination (Docket No. FAA–2016–7850)) received in the port (JAC); to the Committee on Commerce, and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act); Office of the President of the Senate on April to the Committee on Homeland Security and Science, and Transportation. EC–1362. A communication from the Asso- 6, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, Governmental Affairs. Science, and Transportation. ciate Chief of the Mobility Division, Wireless EC–1352. A communication from the Acting EC–1369. A communication from the Acting Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Com- Chief of the Policy and Rules Division, Office transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency’s munications Commission, transmitting, pur- of Engineering and Technology, Federal fiscal year 2016 annual report relative to the suant to law, the report of a rule entitled Communications Commission, transmitting, Notification and Federal Employee Anti- ‘‘Amendment of the Commission’s Rules pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 with Regard to the 800 MHz Cellular Radio- ‘‘Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 80, 90, 97, and 101 (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Home- telephone Service’’ ((WT Docket No. 12–40; of the Commission’s Rules Regarding Imple- land Security and Governmental Affairs. WT Docket No. 10–112; WT Docket No. 16–138; mentation of the Final Acts of the World EC–1353. A communication from the Direc- RM No. 11510; RM No. 11660) (FCC 17–27)) re- Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, tor, Court Services and Offender Supervision ceived in the Office of the President of the 2012) (WRC–12), Other Allocation Issues, and Agency for the District of Columbia, trans- Senate on April 7, 2017; to the Committee on Related Rule Updates’’ ((ET Doc. No. 15–99) mitting, pursuant to law, the Agency’s fiscal Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (ET Doc. No. 14–14) (FCC 17–33)) received dur- year 2016 annual report relative to the Noti- EC–1363. A communication from the Asso- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office fication and Federal Employee Antidiscrimi- ciate Chief of the Mobility Division, Wireless of the President of the Senate on April 11, nation and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Com- 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, Act); to the Committee on Homeland Secu- munications Commission, transmitting, pur- Science, and Transportation. rity and Governmental Affairs. suant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–1370. A communication from the Attor- EC–1354. A communication from the Direc- ‘‘Promoting Technological Solutions to ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- tor, Office of Communications and Legisla- Combat Contraband Wireless Device Use in partment of Transportation, transmitting, tive Affairs, Equal Employment Opportunity Correctional Facilities’’ ((GN Docket No. 13– pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, 111) (FCC 17–25)) received in the Office of the cancy for the position of Maritime Adminis- the Commission’s Annual Sunshine Act Re- President of the Senate on April 7, 2017; to trator, Maritime Administration, Depart- port for 2016; to the Committee on Homeland the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ment of Transportation, received during ad- Security and Governmental Affairs. Transportation. journment of the Senate in the Office of the EC–1355. A communication from the Direc- EC–1364. A communication from the Chief President of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to tor, Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of of Staff, Media Bureau, Federal Communica- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and the Director of National Intelligence, trans- tions Commission, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation. mitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Expanding EC–1371. A communication from the Attor- two (2) vacancies in the Office of the Direc- the Economic and Innovation Opportunities ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- tor of National Intelligence, received during of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions; partment of Transportation, transmitting, adjournment of the Senate in the Office of Amendment of Parts 73 and 74 of the Com- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- the President of the Senate on April 10, 2017; mission’s Rules to Establish Rules for Dig- cancy for the position of Administrator, Na- to the Select Committee on Intelligence. ital Low Power Television and Television tional Highway Traffic Safety Administra- EC–1356. A communication from the Acting Translator Stations; Channel Sharing by tion, Department of Transportation, received Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legis- Full Power and Class A Stations Outside the during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- lative Affairs, Department of Justice, trans- Broadcast Television Spectrum Incentive fice of the President of the Senate on April mitting, pursuant to law, the Department’s Auction Context’’ ((GN Docket No. 12–268; 18, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Annual Privacy Report for the period Octo- MB Docket No. 03–185; MB Docket No. 15–137) EC–1372. A communication from the Attor- (FCC 17–29)) received in the Office of the ber 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016; to the ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- Committee on the Judiciary. President of the Senate on April 7, 2017; to partment of Transportation, transmitting, EC–1357. A communication from the Direc- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- tor, Administrative Office of the United Transportation. cancy for the position of Administrator, Fed- EC–1365. A communication from the Dep- States Courts, transmitting, pursuant to eral Railroad Administration, Department of law, the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) uty Chief, Disability Rights Office, Federal Transportation, received during adjourn- for two reports entitled ‘‘2016 Annual Report Communications Commission, transmitting, ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- of the Director of the Administrative Office pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the of the United States Courts’’ and ‘‘Judicial ‘‘Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Committee on Commerce, Science, and Business of the United States Courts’’; to the Service Program; Telecommunications Transportation. Committee on the Judiciary. Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Serv- EC–1373. A communication from the Attor- EC–1358. A communication from the Asso- ices for Individuals with Hearing and Speech ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- ciate General Counsel for General Law, De- Disabilities’’ ((CG Docket No. 10–51 and CG partment of Transportation, transmitting, partment of Homeland Security, transmit- Docket No. 03–123) (FCC 17–26)) received in pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- ting, pursuant to law, two (2) reports relative the Office of the President of the Senate on cancy for the position of Administrator, to vacancies in U.S. Citizenship and Immi- April 7, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Ad- gration Services, Department of Homeland merce, Science, and Transportation. ministration, Department of Transportation, Security, received during adjournment of the EC–1366. A communication from the Acting received during adjournment of the Senate Senate in the Office of the President of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regu- in the Office of the President of the Senate Senate on April 13, 2017; to the Committee on latory Programs, Office of Sustainable Fish- on April 18, 2017; to the Committee on Com- the Judiciary. eries, Department of Commerce, transmit- merce, Science, and Transportation. EC–1359. A communication from the Chief ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–1374. A communication from the Attor- of Special Projects, Office of Regulation Pol- titled ‘‘Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- icy and Management, Department of Vet- to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mam- partment of Transportation, transmitting,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.012 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2527 pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- for Transportation Policy, Department of proposing amendments to the United States cancy for the position of Administrator, Fed- Transportation, received during adjourn- Constitution which impose fiscal restraints eral Highway Administration, Department of ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- on the federal government, limit the power Transportation, received during adjourn- dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the and jurisdiction of the federal government, ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- Committee on Commerce, Science, and and limit the terms of office for its officials dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the Transportation. and for members of Congress; and be it fur- Committee on Commerce, Science, and EC–1383. A communication from the Attor- ther Transportation. ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- Resolved, that this application constitutes EC–1375. A communication from the Attor- partment of Transportation, transmitting, a continuing application in accordance with ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- Article V of the United States Constitution partment of Transportation, transmitting, cancy for the position of Assistant Secretary until the legislatures of at least two-thirds pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- of Transportation for Policy, Department of of the several states have made applications cancy for the position of Administrator, Fed- Transportation, received during adjourn- on the same subject; and be it further eral Transit Administration, Department of ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- Resolved, that the Legislative Assembly Transportation, received during adjourn- dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the adopts this application expressly subject to ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- Committee on Commerce, Science, and the following reservations, understandings, dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the Transportation. and declarations: Committee on Commerce, Science, and EC–1384. A communication from the Attor- 1. An application to the Congress of the Transportation. ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- United States to call an amendment conven- EC–1376. A communication from the Attor- partment of Transportation, transmitting, tion of the states pursuant to Article V of ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- the United States Constitution confers no partment of Transportation, transmitting, cancy for the position of Deputy Secretary, power to Congress other than the power to pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- Department of Transportation, received dur- call such a convention. The power of Con- cancy for the position of Administrator, Fed- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office gress to exercise this ministerial duty con- eral Motor Carrier Safety Administration, of the President of the Senate on April 18, sists solely of the authority to name a rea- Department of Transportation, received dur- 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, sonable time and place for the initial meet- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office Science, and Transportation. ing of a convention; 2. Congress shall perform its ministerial of the President of the Senate on April 18, EC–1385. A communication from the Attor- duty of calling an amendment convention of 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- the states only upon the receipt of applica- Science, and Transportation. partment of Transportation, transmitting, tions for an amendment convention for the EC–1377. A communication from the Attor- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- substantially same purpose as this applica- ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- cancy for the position of Secretary of Trans- tion from two-thirds of the legislatures of partment of Transportation, transmitting, portation, received during adjournment of the several states; pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- the Senate in the Office of the President of 3. Congress does not have the power or au- cancy for the position of Assistant Secretary the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the Com- thority to determine any rules for the gov- for Research and Technology, Department of mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- erning of a convention for proposing amend- Transportation, received during adjourn- tation. ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- ments called pursuant to Article V of the f dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the United States Constitution. Congress does Committee on Commerce, Science, and PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS not have the power to set the number of del- Transportation. egates to be sent by any state to such a con- EC–1378. A communication from the Attor- The following petition or memorial vention, nor does it have the power to name ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- was laid before the Senate and was re- delegates to such a convention. The power to partment of Transportation, transmitting, ferred or ordered to lie on the table as name delegates remains exclusively within pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- indicated: the authority of the legislatures of the sev- cancy for the position of Assistant Secretary eral states; POM–16. A concurrent resolution adopted 4. By definition, an amendment convention for Governmental Affairs, Department of by the Legislature of the State of North Da- Transportation, received during adjourn- of the states means that states shall vote on kota urging the United States Congress, the basis of one state, one vote; ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- under Article V of the United States Con- dent of the Senate on April 18, 2017; to the 5. A convention for proposing amendments stitution, to call for a constitutional conven- convened pursuant to this application must Committee on Commerce, Science, and tion limited to proposing amendments to the Transportation. be limited to consideration of the topics United States Constitution, which impose specified herein and no other. This applica- EC–1379. A communication from the Attor- fiscal restraints on the federal government, ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- tion is made with the express understanding limit the power and jurisdiction of the fed- that an amendment that in any way seeks to partment of Transportation, transmitting, eral government, and limit the terms of of- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- amend, modify, or repeal any provision of fice for its officials and for members of Con- the Bill of Rights is not authorized for con- cancy for the position of Chief Financial Of- gress; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ficer, Department of Transportation, re- sideration at any stage. This application is ceived during adjournment of the Senate in HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3006 void ab initio if ever used at any stage to the Office of the President of the Senate on Whereas, the founders of the United States consider any change to any provision of the April 18, 2017; to the Committee on Com- Constitution empowered state legislators to Bill of Rights; merce, Science, and Transportation. be guardians of liberty against excessive use 6. Pursuant to Article V of the United EC–1380. A communication from the Attor- of power by the federal government; and States Constitution, Congress may deter- ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- Whereas, the federal government has cre- mine whether proposed amendments must be partment of Transportation, transmitting, ated a crushing national debt through im- ratified by the legislatures of the several pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- proper and imprudent spending; and states or by special state ratification con- cancy for the position of General Counsel, Whereas, the federal government has ventions. The Legislative Assembly rec- Department of Transportation, received dur- ceased to operate under a proper interpreta- ommends Congress select ratification by the ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office tion of the United States Constitution; and legislatures of the several states; and 7. The Legislative Assembly may provide of the President of the Senate on April 18, Whereas, the federal government has in- further instructions to its delegates and may 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, vaded the legitimate roles of the states recall its delegates at any time for a breach Science, and Transportation. through the manipulative process of federal EC–1381. A communication from the Attor- mandates, most of which are unfunded to a of a duty or a violation of the instructions ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- great extent; and provided; and be it further Resolved, that the Secretary of State for- partment of Transportation, transmitting, Whereas, it is the solemn duty of the ward copies of this resolution to the Presi- pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- states to protect the liberty of our people, dent and Secretary of the Senate and the cancy for the position of Assistant Secretary particularly for the generations to come, by Speaker and Clerk of the House of Rep- for Aviation and International Affairs, De- proposing amendments to the United States resentatives of the Congress, each member of partment of Transportation, received during Constitution through a convention of the the United States Congressional Delegation adjournment of the Senate in the Office of states under Article V for the purpose of re- from North Dakota, and the presiding offi- the President of the Senate on April 18, 2017; straining these and related abuses of power: cers of each house of the legislatures of the to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Now, therefore, be it several states, requesting their cooperation. and Transportation. Resolved by the House of Representatives of EC–1382. A communication from the Attor- North Dakota, the Senate concurring therein: f ney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, De- That the Sixty-fifth Legislative Assembly REPORTS OF COMMITTEES partment of Transportation, transmitting, urges the Congress, under the provisions of pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- Article V of the United States Constitution, The following reports of committees cancy for the position of Assistant Secretary to call a convention of the states limited to were submitted:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.013 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 By Mr. HATCH, from the Committee on Fi- which nominations were received by the Sen- Young, which nominations were received by nance, without amendment: ate and appeared in the Congressional the Senate and appeared in the Congres- S.J. Res. 41. An original joint resolution Record on March 27, 2017. sional Record on April 6, 2017. providing for an exception to the limitation Air Force nominations beginning with Lori Air Force nominations beginning with on the appointment of certain persons as the J. Betters and ending with Lisa S. Shear, Allen Seth Abrams and ending with Thomas United States Trade Representative. which nominations were received by the Sen- Benjamin Williams, which nominations were f ate and appeared in the Congressional received by the Senate and appeared in the Record on March 27, 2017. Congressional Record on April 6, 2017. EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF Air Force nomination of James A. Crider, Air Force nominations beginning with COMMITTEES to be Colonel. Chad A. Bellamy and ending with Andrew L. The following executive reports of Air Force nominations beginning with Jose Thornley, which nominations were received E. Barrera and ending with David H. Zonies, by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- nominations were submitted: which nominations were received by the Sen- sional Record on April 6, 2017. By Mr. MCCAIN for the Committee on ate and appeared in the Congressional Air Force nominations beginning with Armed Services. Record on March 27, 2017. Aimee L. Alviar and ending with David A. Navy nominations beginning with Rear Air Force nominations beginning with Whitehorn, which nominations were received Adm. (lh) Richard A. Brown and ending with Kristin L. Ader and ending with Christopher by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Rear Adm. (lh) John W. Tammen, Jr., which C. Vannatta, which nominations were re- sional Record on April 6, 2017. nominations were received by the Senate and ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Air Force nominations beginning with appeared in the Congressional Record on Congressional Record on March 27, 2017. Willie J. Babor and ending with Maureen March 21, 2017. Air Force nominations beginning with Schellie Wood, which nominations were re- Navy nominations beginning with Capt. Gregg Michael Caggianelli and ending with ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Kevin M. Jones and ending with Capt. Thom- William Scott Wiecher, which nominations Congressional Record on April 6, 2017. as J. Moreau, which nominations were re- were received by the Senate and appeared in Air Force nominations beginning with Hec- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the the Congressional Record on March 27, 2017. tor L. Coloncolon and ending with Kevin L. Congressional Record on March 21, 2017. Air Force nominations beginning with Pat- Lockett, which nominations were received Marine Corps nominations beginning with rick W. Albrecht and ending with Stephen S. by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Brig. Gen. David G. Bellon and ending with Yoon, which nominations were received by sional Record on April 6, 2017. Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, which the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Air Force nominations beginning with nominations were received by the Senate and sional Record on March 27, 2017. Beth M. Baykan and ending with William T. appeared in the Congressional Record on Air Force nomination of Stephen N. Luker, Wilson, which nominations were received by March 21, 2017. to be Major. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Marine Corps nominations beginning with Air Force nominations beginning with sional Record on April 6, 2017. Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta and ending with Tyler J. Banachowski and ending with Air Force nomination of Martin J. Ham- Brig. Gen. Eric M. Smith, which nominations Marita N. Zguri, which nominations were re- ilton, to be Colonel. were received by the Senate and appeared in ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Air Force nominations beginning with Mi- the Congressional Record on March 21, 2017. Congressional Record on March 27, 2017. chael A. Blackburn and ending with Jason S. Marine Corps nomination of Col. Michael Air Force nominations beginning with Joni Wrachford, which nominations were received S. Martin, to be Brigadier General. A. Abbott and ending with Danielle C. Yuen, by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Marine Corps nominations beginning with which nominations were received by the Sen- sional Record on April 6, 2017. Col. James H. Adams III and ending with ate and appeared in the Congressional Army nomination of Scott C. Apling, to be Col. Christian F. Wortman, which nomina- Record on March 27, 2017. Lieutenant Colonel. tions were received by the Senate and ap- Air Force nominations beginning with Mi- Army nomination of Patricia L. George, to peared in the Congressional Record on March chael J. Alfaro and ending with Sara M. Wil- be Colonel. 21, 2017. son, which nominations were received by the Army nomination of Adam J. Points, to be Army nomination of Maj. Gen. Bryan P. Senate and appeared in the Congressional Lieutenant Colonel. Fenton, to be Lieutenant General. Record on March 27, 2017. Army nomination of Larry G. Workman, to Army nomination of Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Air Force nominations beginning with Jes- be Lieutenant Colonel. Williams, to be Lieutenant General. sica L. Abbott and ending with Heath D. Army nomination of Robert J. Dunlap, to Navy nomination of Rear Adm. David H. Wright, which nominations were received by be Lieutenant Colonel. Lewis, to be Vice Admiral. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Army nomination of Wayne O. Dehaney, to Navy nomination of Rear Adm. Mathias W. sional Record on March 27, 2017. be Colonel. Winter, to be Vice Admiral. Air Force nominations beginning with Army nomination of Johnathan T. Navy nomination of Rear Adm. (lh) Steven Corey R. Anderson and ending with Andrew Parchem, to be Colonel. L. Parode, to be Rear Admiral. J. Stoy, which nominations were received by Army nominations beginning with Jacob Navy nomination of Rear Adm. (lh) John the Senate and appeared in the Congres- P. Absalon and ending with G010445, which P. Polowczyk, to be Rear Admiral. sional Record on March 27, 2017. nominations were received by the Senate and Navy nominations beginning with Rear Air Force nominations beginning with Ed- appeared in the Congressional Record on Adm. (lh) Jon A. Hill and ending with Rear ward R. Anderson III and ending with Ramon March 27, 2017. Adm. (lh) Gordon D. Peters, which nomina- Yambo Arias, which nominations were re- Army nominations beginning with Mark P. tions were received by the Senate and ap- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Adams and ending with G010388, which nomi- peared in the Congressional Record on March Congressional Record on March 27, 2017. nations were received by the Senate and ap- 27, 2017. Air Force nominations beginning with Pat- peared in the Congressional Record on March Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, for the rick M. Albritton and ending with Ray A. 27, 2017. Committee on Armed Services I report Zuniga, which nominations were received by Army nominations beginning with Amir A. Abuakeel and ending with D013352, which favorably the following nomination the Senate and appeared in the Congres- sional Record on April 4, 2017. nominations were received by the Senate and lists which were printed in the RECORDs Air Force nominations beginning with Neil appeared in the Congressional Record on on the dates indicated, and ask unani- R. Copeland and ending with Olivia M. March 27, 2017. mous consent, to save the expense of Vaughan, which nominations were received Army nominations beginning with Vanessa reprinting on the Executive Calendar by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- R. Asmus and ending with D013007, which that these nominations lie at the Sec- sional Record on April 6, 2017. nominations were received by the Senate and retary’s desk for the information of Air Force nomination of Robert P. McCoy, appeared in the Congressional Record on Senators. to be Colonel. March 27, 2017. Air Force nomination of Allen R. Hender- Army nomination of Michael C. Flynn, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without son, Jr., to be Colonel. be Lieutenant Colonel. objection, it is so ordered. Air Force nomination of George L. Bur- Army nomination of Steve L. Martinelli, Air Force nomination of Raymond C. Jones nett, to be Lieutenant Colonel. to be Colonel. III, to be Major. Air Force nomination of Dion R. Dixon, to Army nominations beginning with Ken- Air Force nomination of Christopher E. be Lieutenant Colonel. neth Ahorrio and ending with Paul W. Zie- Austin, to be Colonel. Air Force nomination of Rebecca A. Lipe, gler III, which nominations were received by Air Force nominations beginning with to be Major. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Robert D. Houghteling and ending with Carl Air Force nomination of Michael N. sional Record on March 27, 2017. H. Spears, Jr., which nominations were re- Tesfay, to be Major. Army nominations beginning with ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Air Force nomination of Megan G. K. Tolulope O. Adeyemi and ending with Congressional Record on March 27, 2017. Steele, to be Major. D013595, which nominations were received by Air Force nominations beginning with Lisa Air Force nominations beginning with the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Ann Banyasz and ending with Julie L. Wible, Ryan W. Abner and ending with Breanca G. sional Record on March 27, 2017.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.023 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2529 Army nominations beginning with Paul J. Subramanian, which nominations were re- topher T. Hambrick, which nominations E. Auchincloss and ending with D012628, ceived by the Senate and appeared in the were received by the Senate and appeared in which nominations were received by the Sen- Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. the Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. ate and appeared in the Congressional Army nomination of Mark W. Hopkins, to Marine Corps nominations beginning with Record on March 27, 2017. be Lieutenant Colonel. Jeremy T. Flannery and ending with Mark Army nominations beginning with Rachel Army nominations beginning with Thomas L. Oldroyd, which nominations were received A. Acciacca and ending with Lauren E. R. Matelski and ending with Joshua H. by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- White, which nominations were received by Walker, which nominations were received by sional Record on April 4, 2017. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Marine Corps nomination of Joseph W. sional Record on March 27, 2017. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Hockett, to be Major. Army nomination of Christopher J. Brown, Army nomination of Mark B. Howell, to be Marine Corps nominations beginning with to be Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel. Francisco D. Amaya and ending with Tyson Army nominations beginning with Daniel Army nomination of Julio ColonGonzalez, E. Peters, which nominations were received B. King and ending with Todd E. Wainman, to be Lieutenant Colonel. by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- which nominations were received by the Sen- Army nominations beginning with Jason sional Record on April 4, 2017. ate and appeared in the Congressional N. Bullock and ending with Gerald A. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Record on March 27, 2017. Nunziato, which nominations were received Michael M. Dodd and ending with Robert J. Army nomination of John J. Bottorff, to by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Snoddy, which nominations were received by be Major. sional Record on April 4, 2017. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Army nomination of Eugene L. Thomas III, Army nomination of Jennifer A. McAfee, sional Record on April 4, 2017. to be Major. to be Colonel. Marine Corps nomination of David S. Army nomination of John T. Bleigh, to be Army nomination of Nina R. Copeland, to Gersen, to be Major. Lieutenant Colonel. be Major. Marine Corps nomination of John W. Army nomination of Jeffrey D. Buck, to be Army nomination of Calvin E. Townsend, Glinsky, to be Major. Colonel. to be Major. Marine Corps nomination of Keith A. Ste- Army nomination of Michael W. Army nomination of Scott A. McDonald, to venson, to be Major. Preczewski, to be Major. be Lieutenant Colonel. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Army nominations beginning with Candy Army nomination of Thomas P. Lukins, to Quentin R. Carritt and ending with Eric A. Boparai and ending with Lincoln F. Wil- be Major. Sharpe, which nominations were received by liams, which nominations were received by Army nomination of Scott M. McFarland, the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- to be Colonel. sional Record on April 4, 2017. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Army nomination of Jeffrey A. Miller, to Marine Corps nominations beginning with Army nominations beginning with Charles be Colonel. Anthony P. Green and ending with Michael Army nomination of Joseph M. Kilonzo, to J. Haselby and ending with Jason T. A. Young, which nominations were received be Lieutenant Colonel. Ramspott, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Army nomination of Brandi A. Schuyler, by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- sional Record on April 4, 2017. to be Lieutenant Colonel. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Marine Corps nomination of Stuart M. Army nomination of Alexander M. Willard, Army nomination of David J. Kaczmarek, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Barker, to be Lieutenant Colonel. to be Major. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Army nomination of Christopher K. Army nomination of Jonathan A. Johnson, to be Major. Richard Canedo and ending with David L. Berthold, to be Major. Ogden, Jr., which nominations were received Army nomination of Preston H. Leonard, Army nominations beginning with James A. Benson and ending with William M. by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- to be Major. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Army nomination of Nicole E. Ussery, to Yanek II, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Marine Corps nomination of John E. Simp- be Lieutenant Colonel. son III, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Army nomination of Michael D. Baker, to sional Record on April 6, 2017. Marine Corps nomination of Sean T. Hays, be Colonel. Army nomination of Crystal J. Smith, to to be Lieutenant Colonel. Army nomination of Bridget V. Kmetz, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Marine Corps nominations beginning with be Colonel. Army nomination of Dana B. Love, to be Luke A. Crouson and ending with Jason C. Army nominations beginning with Vedner Major. Flores, which nominations were received by Bellot and ending with James Robinson, Jr., Army nomination of Douglas A. McKewan, the Senate and appeared in the Congres- which nominations were received by the Sen- to be Colonel. sional Record on April 4, 2017. ate and appeared in the Congressional Army nomination of David M. Wallace, to Marine Corps nominations beginning with Record on April 4, 2017. be Colonel. Army nominations beginning with Angela Army nomination of Lisa M. Patton, to be Arlington A. Finch, Jr. and ending with L. Funaro and ending with Chad Hackley, Colonel. Kevin M. Tscherch, which nominations were which nominations were received by the Sen- Army nomination of Basil J. Catanzaro, to received by the Senate and appeared in the ate and appeared in the Congressional be Colonel. Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Record on April 4, 2017. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Army nomination of Brian R. Harki, to be Daniel E. Alger, Jr. and ending with Jessica Stephen J. Acosta and ending with Donald R. Colonel. M. Wall, which nominations were received by Wright, which nominations were received by Army nominations beginning with Jona- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- than L. Bouriaque and ending with David A. sional Record on April 4, 2017. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Langer, which nominations were received by Marine Corps nominations beginning with Marine Corps nominations beginning with the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Anis A. Abuzeid and ending with Craig A. Joshua P. Bahr and ending with Janhendrik sional Record on April 4, 2017. Zoellner, which nominations were received C. Zurlippe, which nominations were re- Army nominations beginning with Tim- by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the othy L. Baer and ending with Gerald R. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. White, which nominations were received by Marine Corps nominations beginning with Marine Corps nominations beginning with the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Daniel W. Annunziata and ending with Leah John T. Brown, Jr. and ending with Julius G. sional Record on April 4, 2017. R. Parrott, which nominations were received Jones, which nominations were received by Army nomination of James V. Crawford, to by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- be Colonel. sional Record on April 4, 2017. sional Record on April 4, 2017. Army nomination of Mohammed S. Aziz, to Marine Corps nomination of James R. Marine Corps nominations beginning with be Major. Reusse, to be Lieutenant Colonel. Eli J. Bressler and ending with James R. Army nomination of Seth C. Lydem, to be Marine Corps nominations beginning with Strand, which nominations were received by Major. Jose M. Acevedo and ending with Francisco the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Army nomination of Christopher C. Ostby, X. Zavala, which nominations were received sional Record on April 4, 2017. to be Colonel. by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Marine Corps nominations beginning with Army nomination of Calvin E. Fish, to be sional Record on April 4, 2017. Chadwick W. Ardis and ending with Brad J. Colonel. Marine Corps nominations beginning with Wilde, which nominations were received by Army nomination of Aaron E. Lane, to be Henry Centeno, Jr. and ending with James L. the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Major. Shelton, Jr., which nominations were re- sional Record on April 4, 2017. Army nomination of Damien Boffardi, to ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Marine Corps nomination of Duane A. be Lieutenant Colonel. Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. Gumbs, to be Major. Army nomination of Randy D. Dorsey, to Marine Corps nomination of Richard K. Navy nomination of Aaron B. Mayer, to be be Colonel. O’Brien, to be Major. Lieutenant Commander. Army nominations beginning with Ben- Marine Corps nominations beginning with Navy nomination of John J. Kitt, to be jamin R. Smith and ending with Stalin R. Michael J. Allen and ending with Chris- Commander.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.017 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 Navy nominations beginning with Jorge R. the National Global War on Terrorism Me- S. 936. A bill to designate certain National Balares, Jr. and ending with Brandon M. morial as a commemorative work in the Dis- Forest System land and certain public land Zoss, which nominations were received by trict of Columbia, and for other purposes; to under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Interior in the States of Idaho, Montana, Or- sional Record on April 4, 2017. sources. egon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilder- Navy nomination of Mary E. Linnell, to be By Mr. LEAHY (for himself and Mr. ness, wild and scenic rivers, wildland recov- Lieutenant Commander. GRASSLEY): ery areas, and biological connecting cor- Navy nominations beginning with Spencer S. 927. A bill to allow acceleration certifi- ridors, and for other purposes; to the Com- M. Burk and ending with Brianna S. cates awarded under the Patents for Human- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Whittemore, which nominations were re- ity Program to be transferable; to the Com- By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. BLUNT, ceived by the Senate and appeared in the mittee on the Judiciary. Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. Congressional Record on April 4, 2017. By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. ROUNDS, and Ms. KLO- Navy nominations beginning with Kirk J. BOOKER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BUCHAR): Hippensteel and ending with John M. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BROWN, Ms. CANT- S. 937. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Ruggero, which nominations were received WELL, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. MARKEY, enue Code of 1986 to provide for a refundable by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- Ms. WARREN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. adoption tax credit; to the Committee on Fi- sional Record on April 4, 2017. HIRONO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. WHITE- nance. Navy nomination of Evita M. Salles, to be HOUSE, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. By Mr. PETERS (for himself, Ms. COL- Lieutenant Commander. MERKLEY, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. MURPHY, LINS, Mr. CARPER, and Mr. REED): Navy nomination of John P. H. Rue, to be Mr. LEAHY, Mr. CASEY, Mr. FRANKEN, S. 938. A bill to require notice of cost-free Captain. Ms. HARRIS, and Mr. DURBIN): Federal procurement technical assistance in Navy nominations beginning with Michael S. 928. A bill to prohibit, as an unfair or de- connection with registration of small busi- W. Ameche and ending with Joshua J. ceptive act or practice, commercial sexual ness concerns in procurement systems; to Whitlow, which nominations were received orientation conversion therapy, and for the Committee on Homeland Security and by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- other purposes; to the Committee on Com- Governmental Affairs. sional Record on April 6, 2017. merce, Science, and Transportation. By Mr. CRUZ: Navy nominations beginning with Rachel By Mrs. SHAHEEN: S. 939. A bill to reserve any amounts for- E. Carter and ending with Kevin D. Keith, S. 929. A bill to improve the HUBZone pro- feited to the United States Government as a which nominations were received by the Sen- gram; to the Committee on Small Business result of the criminal prosecution of Joaquin ate and appeared in the Congressional and Entrepreneurship. Archivaldo Guzman Loera (commonly known Record on April 6, 2017. By Mr. FLAKE (for himself, Mr. as ‘‘El Chapo’’), or of other felony convic- Navy nominations beginning with Mauer MCCAIN, and Mr. KING): tions involving the transportation of con- Biscotti III and ending with Adam J. S. 930. A bill to require the Administrator trolled substances into the United States, for Susmarski, which nominations were received of the Western Area Power Administration security measures along the Southern bor- by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- to establish a pilot project to provide in- der, including the completion of a border sional Record on April 6, 2017. creased transparency for customers, and for wall; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Navy nomination of Donald V. Wilson, to other purposes; to the Committee on Energy By Mr. ENZI (for himself and Mr. NEL- be Commander. and Natural Resources. SON): Navy nomination of Michael A. Winslow, By Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. S. 940. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- to be Lieutenant Commander. BENNET): enue Code of 1986 to modify the rules relat- Navy nominations beginning with Horacio S. 931. A bill to designate the facility of ing to loans made from a qualified employer G. Tan and ending with Derrick A. Thomas, the United States Postal Service located at plan, and for other purposes; to the Com- which nominations were received by the Sen- 4910 Brighton Boulevard in Denver, Colorado, mittee on Finance. ate and appeared in the Congressional as the ‘‘George Sakato Post Office’’; to the By Mr. TESTER: Record on April 6, 2017. Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- S. 941. A bill to withdraw certain National Navy nomination of Natalie C. O. Gilliver, ernmental Affairs. Forest System land in the Emigrant Crevice to be Lieutenant Commander. By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. JOHN- area located in the Custer Gallatin National Navy nomination of John F. Sharpe, to be SON, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. Forest, Park County, Montana, from the Commander. LEE): mining and mineral leasing laws of the Navy nomination of Reann S. Mommsen, S. 932. A bill to amend the Congressional United States, and for other purposes; to the to be Lieutenant Commander. Budget Act of 1974 to provide that any esti- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- By Mr. HATCH for the Committee on Fi- mate prepared by the Congressional Budget sources. nance. Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation By Mr. HATCH: *Robert Lighthizer, of Florida, to be shall include costs relating to servicing the S.J. Res. 41. An original joint resolution United States Trade Representative, with public debt, and for other purposes; to the providing for an exception to the limitation the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Committee on the Budget. on the appointment of certain persons as the Plenipotentiary. By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. United States Trade Representative; from *Nomination was reported with rec- CASEY): the Committee on Finance; placed on the ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 933. A bill to direct the Secretary of Vet- calendar. ject to the nominee’s commitment to erans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to f respond to requests to appear and tes- provide veterans the option of using an alter- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND tify before any duly constituted com- native appeals process to more quickly de- termine claims for disability compensation, SENATE RESOLUTIONS mittee of the Senate. and for other purposes; to the Committee on The following concurrent resolutions (Nominations without an asterisk Veterans’ Affairs. were reported with the recommenda- By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself and and Senate resolutions were read, and tion that they be confirmed.) Mrs. MURRAY): referred (or acted upon), as indicated: f S. 934. A bill to amend the Federal Food, By Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mrs. Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend CAPITO, Mr. DAINES, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND the user-fee programs for prescription drugs, RUBIO, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. JOINT RESOLUTIONS medical devices, generic drugs, and bio- BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. MANCHIN, The following bills and joint resolu- similar biological products, and for other Mr. SANDERS, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. tions were introduced, read the first purposes; to the Committee on Health, Edu- TESTER, and Mr. BLUMENTHAL): cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. Res. 138. A resolution honoring National and second times by unanimous con- By Mr. PAUL (for himself and Mr. Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on sent, and referred as indicated: HELLER): April 9, 2017, and commemorating the 75th By Mrs. ERNST (for herself and Ms. S. 935. A bill to amend the Endangered Spe- anniversary of the fall of Bataan; to the HIRONO): cies Act of 1973 to permit Governors of Committee on Foreign Relations. S. 925. A bill to amend title 38, United States to regulate intrastate endangered spe- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. RUBIO, States Code, to improve the ability of health cies and intrastate threatened species, to Mr. BOOZMAN, and Mr. DURBIN): care professionals to treat veterans through amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to per- S. Res. 139. A resolution condemning the the use of telemedicine, and for other pur- mit the taking of certain black vultures and Government of Iran’s state-sponsored perse- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- ravens, and for other purposes; to the Com- cution of its Baha’i minority and its contin- fairs. mittee on Environment and Public Works. ued violation of the International Covenants By Mrs. ERNST (for herself and Mr. By Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself, on Human Rights; to the Committee on For- MANCHIN): Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. BROWN, Mr. DUR- eign Relations. S. 926. A bill to authorize the Global War BIN, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. STABENOW, and By Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Ms. on Terror Memorial Foundation to establish Mr. MENENDEZ): STABENOW):

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.018 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2531 S. Res. 140. A resolution supporting the Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) were added as (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- designation of April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s cosponsors of S. 339, a bill to amend sor of S. 611, a bill to amend the Awareness Month’’; considered and agreed title 10, United States Code, to repeal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance to. the requirement for reduction of sur- Act to meet the needs of homeless chil- By Mr. SCOTT (for himself and Mr. GRAHAM): vivor annuities under the Survivor dren, youth, and families, and honor S. Res. 141. A resolution congratulating the Benefit Plan by veterans’ dependency the assessments and priorities of local University of South Carolina women’s bas- and indemnity compensation, and for communities. ketball team for winning the 2017 National other purposes. S. 632 Collegiate Athletic Association Division I S. 445 At the request of Mr. COONS, the Women’s Basketball Tournament Champion- At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. ship; considered and agreed to. CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- By Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. names of the Senator from Maine (Mr. sor of S. 632, a bill to amend title 28 of WARNER): KING), the Senator from Massachusetts S. Res. 142. A resolution commemorating (Mr. MARKEY), the Senator from Wis- the United States Code to authorize the 10th anniversary of the tragic events at consin (Ms. BALDWIN), the Senator the appointment of additional bank- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State from Ohio (Mr. BROWN), and the Sen- ruptcy judges; and for other purposes. University on April 16, 2007; considered and ator from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITE- S. 652 agreed to. HOUSE) were added as cosponsors of S. At the request of Mr. KAINE, the By Mr. TESTER: 445, a bill to amend title XVIII of the name of the Senator from Connecticut S. Res. 143. A resolution supporting fair and equitable grading treatment for exports Social Security Act to ensure more (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- of United States wheat products to Canada; timely access to home health services sponsor of S. 652, a bill to amend the to the Committee on Finance. for Medicare beneficiaries under the Public Health Service Act to reauthor- f Medicare program. ize a program for early detection, diag- S. 470 nosis, and treatment regarding deaf ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS At the request of Mr. CASEY, the and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, S. 59 name of the Senator from New York and young children. At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- S. 717 name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. sponsor of S. 470, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. 59, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to en- name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. a bill to provide that silencers be treat- hance the Child and Dependent Care GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of ed the same as long guns. Tax Credit and make the credit fully S. 717, a bill to promote pro bono legal S. 109 refundable. services as a critical way in which to empower survivors of domestic vio- At the request of Mr. CASEY, the S. 487 lence. name of the Senator from Maryland At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from North Caro- S. 720 At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the of S. 109, a bill to amend title XVIII of lina (Mr. TILLIS) was added as a co- the Social Security Act to provide for sponsor of S. 487, a bill to amend the name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. coverage under the Medicare program Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to pro- GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of of pharmacist services. vide for an exclusion for assistance pro- S. 720, a bill to amend the Export Ad- S. 223 vided to participants in certain veteri- ministration Act of 1979 to include in the prohibitions on boycotts against At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the nary student loan repayment or for- name of the Senator from Michigan giveness programs. allies of the United States boycotts fostered by international governmental (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor S. 497 of S. 223, a bill to provide immunity organizations against Israel and to di- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the rect the Export-Import Bank of the from suit for certain individuals who names of the Senator from Arkansas disclose potential examples of financial United States to oppose boycotts (Mr. COTTON) and the Senator from against Israel, and for other purposes. exploitation of senior citizens, and for New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) were S. 722 other purposes. added as cosponsors of S. 497, a bill to At the request of Mr. CORKER, the S. 234 amend title XVIII of the Social Secu- names of the Senator from Missouri At the request of Mr. DONNELLY, the rity Act to provide for Medicare cov- (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator from Idaho name of the Senator from Wisconsin erage of certain lymphedema compres- (Mr. CRAPO), the Senator from Wash- (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- sion treatment items as items of dura- ington (Ms. CANTWELL), and the Sen- sor of S. 234, a bill to provide incen- ble medical equipment. ator from Iowa (Mr. GRASSLEY) were tives for businesses to keep jobs in S. 517 added as cosponsors of S. 722, a bill to America. At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the impose sanctions with respect to Iran S. 253 name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. in relation to Iran’s ballistic missile At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the MORAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. program, support for acts of inter- name of the Senator from Montana 517, a bill to amend the Clean Air Act national terrorism, and violations of (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor with respect to the ethanol waiver for human rights, and for other purposes. of S. 253, a bill to amend title XVIII of Reid vapor pressure limitations under S. 744 the Social Security Act to repeal the such Act. At the request of Mr. DONNELLY, the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation S. 569 names of the Senator from Georgia therapy caps. At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the (Mr. PERDUE) and the Senator from S. 292 names of the Senator from New Hamp- Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) were At the request of Mr. REED, the shire (Ms. HASSAN) and the Senator added as cosponsors of S. 744, a bill to names of the Senator from Florida (Mr. from Michigan (Mr. PETERS) were amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act RUBIO) and the Senator from New York added as cosponsors of S. 569, a bill to to delay the inclusion in consumer (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were added as co- amend title 54, United States Code, to credit reports and to establish require- sponsors of S. 292, a bill to maximize provide consistent and reliable author- ments for debt collectors with respect discovery, and accelerate development ity for, and for the funding of, the Land to medical debt information of vet- and availability, of promising child- and Water Conservation Fund to maxi- erans due to inappropriate or delayed hood cancer treatments, and for other mize the effectiveness of the Fund for billing payments or reimbursements purposes. future generations, and for other pur- from the Department of Veterans Af- S. 339 poses. fairs, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. NELSON, the S. 611 S. 754 names of the Senator from New Mexico At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the At the request of Mr. KAINE, the (Mr. UDALL) and the Senator from New name of the Senator from Wisconsin name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.025 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. rent resolution expressing the sense of profit organization created a strand of 754, a bill to support meeting our Na- Congress that those who served in the rice enriched with vitamin A to pre- tion’s growing cybersecurity workforce bays, harbors, and territorial seas of vent a nutritional deficiency that is needs by expanding the cybersecurity the Republic of Vietnam during the pe- the leading killer of children globally. education pipeline. riod beginning on January 9, 1962, and A social enterprise made a low-cost S. 832 ending on May 7, 1975, should be pre- solar light that can replace dangerous At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the sumed to have served in the Republic kerosene lamps in areas without elec- name of the Senator from Michigan of Vietnam for all purposes under the tricity. These life saving inventions are (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor Agent Orange Act of 1991. exactly the kind of innovations that of S. 832, a bill to enhance the trans- S. RES. 99 our intellectual property system parency and accelerate the impact of At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the should incentivize. programs under the African Growth name of the Senator from Arkansas In 2012, the Director of the PTO testi- and Opportunity Act and the Millen- (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- fied before the Judiciary Committee nium Challenge Corporation, and for sor of S. Res. 99, a resolution recog- that Patents for Humanity would at- other purposes. nizing the 11 African-American soldiers tract even more innovators if the win- S. 869 of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion ners could transfer their acceleration certificates to a third party. Fre- At the request of Mr. PAUL, the name who were massacred in Wereth, Bel- of the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. gium, during the Battle of the Bulge in quently, successful small businesses and individual inventors are unable to TOOMEY) was added as a cosponsor of S. December 1944. 869, a bill to repeal the violation of sov- f continue their projects or are pre- vented from taking advantage of the ereign nations’ laws and privacy mat- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED ters. accelerated process because of acquisi- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS tions and reorganizations. Transfer- S. 872 By Mr. LEAHY (for himself and ability of the award certificates would At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the Mr. GRASSLEY): increase the incentive for these small name of the Senator from New York S. 927. A bill to allow acceleration businesses and individuals to develop (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- certificates awarded under the Patents innovative technologies that would sponsor of S. 872, a bill to amend title for Humanity Program to be transfer- benefit the public and international de- XVIII of the Social Security Act to able; to the Committee on the Judici- velopment. make permanent the extension of the ary. This bipartisan legislation would Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, tomor- allow Patents for Humanity winners to program and the increased payments row, April 26, is World Intellectual transfer their acceleration certificates. under the Medicare low-volume hos- Property Day, an opportunity for peo- This straightforward, common sense pital program. ple around the world to appreciate and reform to the Patents for Humanity S. 878 learn about the role of intellectual Program passed the Senate by unani- At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the property rights in promoting innova- mous consent last Congress. I am hope- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. tion. Our Founders believed that the ful that it will again this Congress and WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. right to enjoy the benefit of one’s own that we can finally enact into law this 878, a bill to establish privacy protec- inventions was so important to the simple improvement to a successful tions for customers of broadband Inter- progress of science that they included program. We should take every oppor- net access service and other tele- it in the Constitution. More than 200 tunity we can to encourage and sup- communications services. years later, limited exclusive rights for port enterprising Americans with S. 901 inventors continue to incentivize the bright ideas that will benefit both our At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the research and development and make country and the world. name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. the United States the global leader in KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. innovation. By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. 901, a bill to prohibit any reduction in In the spirit of this year’s theme, JOHNSON, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. the amount of the per diem allowance ‘‘Innovation—Improving Lives,’’ I am PAUL, and Mr. LEE): to which members of the Army, Navy, proud to partner with Senator GRASS- S. 932. A bill to amend the Congres- Air Force, and Marine Corps or civilian LEY to reintroduce the Patents for Hu- sional Budget Act of 1974 to provide employees of the Department of De- manity Program Improvement Act. that any estimate prepared by the Con- fense are entitled based on the dura- Patents for Humanity is a perfect ex- gressional Budget Office or the Joint tion of temporary duty assignments or ample of how intellectual property Committee on Taxation shall include official travel, and for other purposes. rights encourage inventors to develop costs relating to servicing the public creative solutions to some of the debt, and for other purposes; to the S. 910 world’s most pressing humanitarian Committee on the Budget. At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the challenges. Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask name of the Senator from Wisconsin Since 2012, the Patents for Humanity unanimous consent that the text of the (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- Program of the U.S. Patent and Trade- bill be printed in the RECORD. sor of S. 910, a bill to prohibit discrimi- mark Office, PTO, has honored patent There being no objection, the text of nation against individuals with disabil- holders whose inventions apply cut- the bill was ordered to be printed in ities who need long-term services and ting-edge technology to meet global the RECORD, as follows: supports, and for other purposes. challenges in medicine, nutrition, sani- S. 932 S. 923 tation, energy, and living standards. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the The winning inventors receive a cer- resentatives of the United States of America in name of the Senator from Kentucky tificate to accelerate future PTO proc- Congress assembled, (Mr. PAUL) was added as a cosponsor of esses, such as a reexamination or addi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. S. 923, a bill to exempt certain finan- tional patent applications. The Patents This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Budgetary cial institutions from regulations for Humanity Program provides an im- Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of issued under the Dodd-Frank Wall portant incentive for talented 2017’’ or the ‘‘BASIC Act’’. Street Reform and Consumer Protec- innovators to use their expertise and SEC. 2. CBO AND JCT ESTIMATES TO INCLUDE tion Act. DEBT SERVICING COSTS. intellect to enhance the public good. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Congressional Budget S. CON. RES. 12 The winners of the Patents for Hu- and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the manity Program have addressed some U.S.C. 621 et seq.) is amended by inserting names of the Senator from Minnesota of the toughest challenges in the devel- after section 402 the following: (Mr. FRANKEN) and the Senator from oping world. One lab developed a vac- ‘‘ESTIMATES TO INCLUDE DEBT SERVICING COSTS Ohio (Mr. BROWN) were added as co- cine cooler that has been used in the ‘‘SEC. 403. Any estimate prepared by the sponsors of S. Con. Res. 12, a concur- fight against the Ebola virus. A non- Congressional Budget Office under section

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.029 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2533 402, and any estimate prepared by the Joint Whereas the productive peace between the (3) In Iran, ‘‘Bahai blood may be spilled Committee on Taxation, shall include, to the United States and Japan has produced a with impunity, and Bahai families are not extent practicable, the costs (if any) of serv- model of reconciliation between former com- entitled to restitution’’ and ‘‘Bahais cannot icing the public debt.’’. batants; receive compensation for injury or crimes (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of Whereas, in 2009, the Government of Japan committed against them and cannot inherit contents of such Act is amended by inserting offered an apology to the United States pris- property.’’; after the item relating to section 402 the fol- oners of war for the damage and suffering of (4) The Government of Iran ‘‘requires uni- lowing: the prisoners of war in Imperial Japan; versities to exclude Bahais from access to ‘‘403. Estimates to include debt servicing Whereas, in 2010, the Government of Japan higher education or expel them if their reli- costs.’’. established a program for former prisoners of gious affiliation becomes known.’’; and war and their families to visit Japan and the (5) In Iran, ‘‘Bahais are banned from gov- f former prisoner of war camps; and ernment employment’’ and ‘‘[t]here were re- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Whereas the former prisoners of war who ports of non-Bahais being pressured to refuse have participated in the program described employment to Bahais or dismissing Bahais in the ninth whereas clause have encouraged from their private sector jobs.’’; the Government of Japan to partner with Whereas on June 8, 2016, the United Na- SENATE RESOLUTION 138—HON- Japanese companies to continue the program tions Special Rapporteur on the situation of ORING NATIONAL FORMER PRIS- as— human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran ONER OF WAR RECOGNITION (1) an international model of reconcili- and the United Nations Special Rapporteur DAY ON APRIL 9, 2017, AND COM- ation; and on freedom of religion or belief issued a joint MEMORATING THE 75TH ANNI- (2) a permanent fund to support projects statement condemning the ‘‘wave of incite- VERSARY OF THE FALL OF BA- for remembrance, documentation, education, ment of hatred of the Baha’i community re- TAAN and exchange: Now, therefore, be it flected in speeches made by religious, judici- Resolved, That the Senate— ary and political officials in the Islamic Re- Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mrs. CAP- (1) honors National Former Prisoner of public of Iran’’; ITO, Mr. DAINES, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. War Recognition Day on April 9, 2017; Whereas on September 6, 2016, the United RUBIO, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. (2) commemorates the 75th anniversary of Nations Secretary-General issued a report on BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942; and the situation of human rights in the Islamic (3) applauds the efforts of the Government SANDERS, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. TESTER, Republic of Iran (A/71/374), which stated that of Japan toward a historic apology for the ‘‘human rights violations have continued at and Mr. BLUMENTHAL) submitted the maltreatment of United States prisoners of an alarming rate’’; following resolution; which was re- war by Imperial Japan. Whereas on December 17, 2016, the United ferred to the Committee on Foreign f Nations General Assembly adopted a resolu- Relations: tion (A/RES/70/179), which ‘‘[e]xpresse[d] seri- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask SENATE RESOLUTION 139—CON- ous concern about ongoing severe limita- unanimous consent that the text of the DEMNING THE GOVERNMENT OF tions and restrictions on the right to free- bill be printed in the RECORD. IRAN’S STATE-SPONSORED PER- dom of thought, conscience, religion or belief There being no objection, the text of SECUTION OF ITS BAHA’I MINOR- and restrictions on the establishment of the bill was ordered to be printed in ITY AND ITS CONTINUED VIOLA- places of worship, as well as attacks against TION OF THE INTERNATIONAL places of worship and burial, as well as other the RECORD, as follows: human rights violations, including but not S. RES. 138 COVENANTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS limited to harassment, persecution and in- Whereas, throughout United States his- Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. RUBIO, citement to hatred that lead to violence tory, United States servicemen and service- Mr. BOOZMAN, and Mr. DURBIN) sub- against persons belonging to recognized and women held as prisoners of war have endured mitted the following resolution; which unrecognized religious minorities, including unimaginable cruelty and unspeakable treat- was referred to the Committee on For- Christians, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Mus- lims, Zoroastrians and members of the ment at the hands of their captors in— eign Relations: (1) British prison ships floating in the har- Baha’i Faith and their defenders’’; bor of New York City; S. RES. 139 Whereas since May 2008, the Government of (2) tiger cages in North Vietnam; Whereas in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, Iran has imprisoned the 7 members of the (3) coal mines in Omuta, Japan; and 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, former ad hoc leadership group of the Baha’i (4) mine shafts in Berga, Germany; 2015, and 2016, Congress declared that it de- community in Iran, known as the Yaran-i- Whereas many of these servicemen and plored the religious persecution by the Gov- Iran, or ‘‘friends of Iran’’—Mrs. Fariba servicewomen, while in service to the United ernment of Iran of the Baha’i community Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. States, lost their lives as prisoners of war and would hold the Government of Iran re- Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz under cruel and inhumane conditions; sponsible for upholding the rights of all Ira- Tavakkoli, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, and Mr. Whereas United States service members nian nationals, including members of the Vahid Tizfahm—and these individuals were held as prisoners of war have— Baha’i Faith; convicted of charges including ‘‘spying for (1) endured situations few people of the Whereas the United States Commission on Israel, insulting religious sanctities, propa- United States can imagine; and International Religious Freedom 2016 Annual ganda against the regime and spreading cor- (2) found courage in a darkness that other Report states— ruption on earth’’ and sentenced to 20-year people of the United States will hopefully (1) ‘‘The Baha’i community, the largest prison terms, the longest sentences given to never experience; non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, long any prisoner of conscience in Iran at that Whereas National Former Prisoner of War has been subject to particularly severe reli- time, now reportedly reduced to 10 years; Recognition Day was established to memori- gious freedom violations. The government Whereas beginning in May 2011, officials of alize the surrender by General Edward P. views Baha’is, who number at least 300,000, the Government of Iran in 4 cities conducted King of 80,000 United States and Filipino as ‘heretics’ and consequently they face re- sweeping raids on the homes of dozens of in- troops on the Bataan Peninsula on April 9, pression on the grounds of apostasy.’’; dividuals associated with the Baha’i Insti- 1942, which led to— (2) ‘‘Since 1979, authorities have killed or tute for Higher Education (referred to in this (1) the infamous Bataan Death March; and executed more than 200 Baha’i leaders, and Resolution as ‘‘BIHE’’) and arrested and de- (2) nearly 4 years of brutal imprisonment more than 10,000 have been dismissed from tained several educators associated with and slave labor for the survivors; government and university jobs.’’; and BIHE, with 16 BIHE educators ultimately Whereas, by May 10, 1942, over 11,500 sol- (3) ‘‘Over the past 10 years, approximately sentenced to 4- or 5-year prison terms, 7 of diers from the United States and the Phil- 850 Baha’is have been arbitrarily arrested.’’; whom remain in prison; ippines surrendered on Corregidor, a fortress Whereas the Department of State 2015 Whereas scores of Baha’i cemeteries have island in Manila Bay, and at various bases on International Religious Freedom Report been attacked, and, in 2014, Revolutionary islands in the southern Philippines, which states— Guards began excavating a Baha’i cemetery resulted in the largest surrender of United (1) Religious minorities in Iran ‘‘continued in Shiraz, which is the site of 950 graves, and States soldiers in United States military his- to face societal discrimination, especially built a cultural and sport center on the cem- tory; the Bahai community, which reported con- etery site; Whereas, during World War II, over 26,000 tinuing problems at different levels of soci- Whereas the Baha’i International Commu- prisoners of war from the United States were ety, including personal harassment.’’; nity reported that there has been a recent held by Imperial Japan, of which an esti- (2) The Government of Iran ‘‘continued to surge in anti-Baha’i hate propaganda in Ira- mated 40 percent died, and nearly 1⁄3 of those prohibit Bahais from officially assembling or nian state-sponsored media outlets, noting deaths occurred on ‘‘hell ships’’ that carried maintaining administrative institutions, ac- that— the prisoners of war to Japan to become tively closed such institutions, harassed Ba- (1) in 2010 and 2011, approximately 22 anti- slave labor in Japanese companies; hais, and disregarded their property rights.’’; Baha’i articles were appearing every month;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.021 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 (2) in 2014, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- tors, the exact cause of the disease in most Carolyn Peck as the only 2 African-American cles rose to approximately 400 per month; individuals is still unknown; female head coaches to lead a National Col- and Whereas, as of March 2017, there is no ob- legiate Athletic Association Division I bas- (3) by 2016, the number of anti-Baha’i arti- jective test or biomarker for diagnosing Par- ketball team to a national title; cles rose to approximately 1,500 per month; kinson’s disease; Whereas this is the first National Colle- Whereas there are currently 90 Baha’is in Whereas there is no known cure or drug to giate Athletic Association Division I Wom- prison in Iran; slow or halt the progression of Parkinson’s en’s Basketball Tournament Championship Whereas the Government of Iran is party disease, and available treatments are limited for the University of South Carolina Game- to the International Covenants on Human in their ability to address the medical needs cocks women’s basketball team, who fin- Rights and is in violation of its obligations of patients and remain effective over time; ished the season with 33 wins and 4 losses; under such Covenants; Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson’s dis- Whereas A’ja Wilson, who is from Colum- Whereas section 105 of the Comprehensive ease vary from person to person and may in- bia, South Carolina, and an alumna of Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divest- clude— Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, was ment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 8514) authorizes (1) tremors; named Southeastern Conference player of the President to impose sanctions on individ- (2) slowness of movement and rigidity; the year and the National Collegiate Ath- uals ‘‘responsible for or complicit in, or re- (3) difficulty with balance and gait; letic Association Division I Women’s Basket- sponsible for ordering, controlling, or other- (4) disturbances in speech and swallowing; ball Tournament Championship most valu- wise directing, the commission of serious (5) cognitive impairment and dementia; able player; human rights abuses against citizens of Iran (6) mood disorders; and Whereas the University of South Carolina or their family members on or after June 12, (7) a variety of other nonmotor symptoms; has been a leader on the Southeastern Con- 2009’’; and Whereas volunteers, researchers, care- ference Academic Honor Roll for last 10 Whereas the Iran Threat Reduction and givers, and medical professionals are work- years; Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Public Law ing to improve the quality of life for individ- Whereas, each year, University of South 112–158) amends and expands the authorities uals living with Parkinson’s disease and Carolina student-athletes support approxi- established under the Comprehensive Iran their families; and mately 100 events and organizations for a Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Whereas increased research, education, and total of more than 5,000 hours of service; Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–195) to sanction community support services are needed— Whereas A’ja Wilson received First Team Iranian human rights abusers: Now, there- (1) to find more effective treatments; and All-America recognition from the Women’s fore, be it (2) to provide access to quality care for in- Basketball Coaches Association, and senior Resolved, That the Senate— dividuals living with Parkinson’s disease: center Alaina Coates earned an All-America (1) condemns the Government of Iran’s Now, therefore, be it honorable mention; state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i mi- Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas junior Kaela Davis was a College nority and its continued violation of the (1) designates April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s Sports Information Directors of America International Covenants on Human Rights; Awareness Month’’; Academic All-District selection; (2) calls on the Government of Iran to im- (2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkin- Whereas University of South Carolina stu- mediately release the 7 imprisoned Baha’i son’s Awareness Month; dent-athletes earned a departmental grade leaders, the 7 imprisoned Baha’i educators, (3) continues to support research to find point average of 3.245 for the Fall 2016 semes- and all other prisoners held solely on ac- better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s ter, the 20th-consecutive semester in which count of their religion; disease; Gamecock student-athletes have combined (3) calls on the President and Secretary of (4) recognizes the individuals living with for a grade point average above 3.0; and State, in cooperation with responsible na- Parkinson’s disease who participate in vital Whereas the University of South Carolina tions, to immediately condemn the Govern- clinical trials to advance the knowledge of is ranked number 1 in the United States for ment of Iran’s continued violation of human the disease; and attendance at women’s basketball games: rights and demand the immediate release of (5) commends the dedication of organiza- Now, therefore, be it prisoners held solely on account of their reli- tions, volunteers, researchers, and millions Resolved, That the Senate— gion; and of individuals across the United States work- (1) congratulates the University of South (4) urges the President and Secretary of ing to improve the quality of life for individ- Carolina women’s basketball team for win- State to utilize available authorities to im- uals living with Parkinson’s disease and ning the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic pose sanctions on officials of the Govern- their families. Association Division I Women’s Basketball ment of Iran and other individuals directly f Tournament Championship; and responsible for serious human rights abuses, (2) recognizes the achievements of— including abuses against the Baha’i commu- SENATE RESOLUTION 141—CON- (A) the team’s players, coaches, and staff, nity of Iran. GRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY whose hard work and dedication helped the f OF SOUTH CAROLINA WOMEN’S University of South Carolina women’s bas- BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WIN- ketball team win that Championship; and SENATE RESOLUTION 140—SUP- (B) the dedicated faculty and staff of the PORTING THE DESIGNATION OF NING THE 2017 NATIONAL COLLE- GIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION University of South Carolina for building an APRIL 2017 AS ‘‘PARKINSON’S educational environment that has helped AWARENESS MONTH’’ DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKET- University of South Carolina student-ath- BALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPION- letes to thrive. Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Ms. SHIP STABENOW) submitted the following f resolution; which was considered and Mr. SCOTT (for himself and Mr. GRA- HAM) submitted the following resolu- agreed to: SENATE RESOLUTION 142—COM- S. RES. 140 tion; which was considered and agreed to: MEMORATING THE 10TH ANNI- Whereas Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, VERSARY OF THE TRAGIC S. RES. 141 progressive neurological disease and is the EVENTS AT VIRGINIA POLY- second most common neurodegenerative dis- Whereas, on April 2, 2017, at American Air- TECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE ease in the United States; lines Center in Dallas, Texas, the University Whereas there is inadequate data on the of South Carolina Gamecocks won the na- UNIVERSITY ON APRIL 16, 2007 incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s dis- tional title game for the National Collegiate Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. WAR- ease, but the disease affects an estimated Athletic Association Division I Women’s NER) submitted the following resolu- 1,000,000 individuals in the United States and Basketball Tournament over the Mississippi tion; which was considered and agreed its prevalence is expected to more than dou- State Bulldogs by a score of 67 to 55; to: ble by 2040; Whereas the University of South Carolina Whereas, according to the Centers for Dis- Gamecocks women’s basketball team won S. RES. 142 ease Control and Prevention, Parkinson’s the 2017 Southeastern Conference champion- Resolved, That the Senate— disease is the 14th leading cause of death in ship; (1) recognizes the 32 victims who lost their the United States; Whereas the University of South Carolina lives as a result of the tragic events at Vir- Whereas every day Parkinson’s disease Gamecocks women’s basketball team head ginia Polytechnic Institute and State Uni- greatly impacts millions of individuals in coach Dawn Staley, a 3-time Olympian who versity (referred to as ‘‘Virginia Tech’’) on the United States who are caregivers, family was elected to carry the United States flag April 16, 2007, Ross A. Alameddine, Chris- members, and friends of individuals with at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer topher James Bishop, Brian R. Bluhm, Ryan Parkinson’s disease; Olympics, was elected to the Naismith Me- Christopher Clark, Austin Michelle Cloyd, Whereas, although research suggests that morial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, and Jocelyne Couture-Nowak, Kevin P. Granata, the cause of Parkinson’s disease is a com- is the new head coach of the United States Matthew Gregory Gwaltney, Caitlin Millar bination of genetic and environmental fac- women’s national basketball team, joins Hammaren, Jeremy Michael Herbstritt,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.032 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2535 Rachael Elizabeth Hill, Emily Jane Hilscher, (A) grade wheat produced in Canada in the committees be discharged from further Jarrett Lee Lane, Matthew Joseph La Porte, same manner as wheat produced in the consideration of and the Senate now Henry J. Lee, Liviu Librescu, G.V. United States; and proceed to the immediate consider- Loganathan, Partahi Mamora Halomoan (B) be fair to agricultural producers in the ation of the following resolutions en Lumbantoruan, Lauren Ashley McCain, Dan- United States; and bloc: S. Res. 105, S. Res. 122, S. Res. 128, iel Patrick O’Neil, Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz, (2) the President should— Minal Hiralal Panchal, Daniel Alejandro (A) examine whether the wheat grading S. Res. 129, S. Res. 130, S. Res. 131, and Perez Cueva, Erin Nicole Peterson, Michael laws of Canada adhere to trade agreements; S. Res. 133. Steven Pohle, Jr., Julia Kathleen Pryde, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mary Karen Read, Reema Joseph Samaha, (B) insist on full access for United States objection, it is so ordered. Waleed Mohamed Shaalan, Leslie Geraldine exporters of wheat to the Canadian market. There being no objection, the Senate Sherman, Maxine Shelly Turner, and Nicole f proceeded to consider the resolutions Regina White; en bloc. (2) recognizes the 17 individuals who sur- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO S. RES. 128 vived the shooting and supports the contin- MEET Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I ued recovery of those survivors from phys- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I wish to ask my Senate colleagues to ical and psychological wounds; have 5 requests for committees to meet (3) offers condolences to the families and join me in designating April 2017 as Na- friends of the victims; during today’s session of the Senate. tional Congenital Diaphragmatic Her- (4) expresses hope that the memory of each They have the approval of the Majority nia Awareness Month. Congenital Dia- victim will live on; and and Minority leaders. phragmatic Hernia, also known as (5) recognizes— Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph CDH, is a birth defect that occurs when (A) the resilience of the Virginia Tech 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- the fetal diaphragm fails to fully de- community in the decade following the trag- ate, the following committees are au- velop, allowing abdominal organs to edy of April 16, 2007; and thorized to meet during today’s session move into the chest cavity and pre- (B) that the perseverance of the Virginia of the Senate: venting lung growth. When the lungs Tech community serves as an example to COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES do not develop properly during preg- communities that experience similar trage- The Committee on Armed Services is dies. nancy, it can be difficult for the baby authorized to meet during the session to breathe after birth, or the baby is f of the Senate on Tuesday, April 25, unable to take in enough oxygen to 2017, at 9:30 a.m., in open session, to re- stay healthy. Congenital diaphrag- ceive testimony on policy and strategy matic hernia is a birth defect that oc- SENATE RESOLUTION 143—SUP- in the Asia-Pacific. curs in 1 out of every 2,500 live births PORTING FAIR AND EQUITABLE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE worldwide. Only about 50 percent of GRADING TREATMENT FOR EX- The Committee on Finance is author- CDH cases are diagnosed in utero. The PORTS OF UNITED STATES ized to meet during the session of the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- WHEAT PRODUCTS TO CANADA Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 10 vention, CDC, estimates that CDH af- Mr. TESTER submitted the following a.m., in 215 Dirksen Senate Office fects 1,600 babies in the U.S. each year. resolution; which was referred to the Building, to consider the nomination of Every 10 minutes, a baby is born with Committee on Finance: Robert Lighthizer, of Florida, to be CDH, adding up to more than 700,000 S. RES. 143 United States Trade Representative. babies with CDH since 2000. According Whereas Canada is the second-largest COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS to the CDC, babies born with CDH ex- goods trading partner of the United States, The Committee on Foreign Relations perience a high mortality rate ranging with $575,000,000,000 in goods traded between is authorized to meet during the ses- from 20 to 60 percent, depending on the the 2 countries in 2015, as the United States sion of the Senate on Tuesday, April 25, severity of the defect and the treat- exported $280,000,000,000 in goods to Canada 2017, at 9:45 a.m., to hold a hearing en- ments available at delivery; yet most and imported $295,000,000,000 in goods from titled ‘‘The Crisis in Libya: Next Steps people have never heard of CDH. Canada in that year; and U.S. Policy Options.’’ Researchers are making great Whereas the efficient and equitable flow of progress to determine the cause of this agricultural goods across the border is a crit- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY ical component of the trade relationship be- The Committee on the Judiciary is birth defect and to identify optimal tween the United States and Canada; authorized to meet during the session treatment methods. In fiscal year 2017, Whereas wheat is the third-most widely of the Senate, on April 25, 2017, at 10 the National Institutes of Health fund- produced field crop in the United States, and a.m., in room SD–226 of the Dirksen ed approximately $4 million in CDH re- approximately 1⁄2 of the wheat produced in Senate Office Building, to conduct a search, an increase of $700,000 from fis- the United States is exported; hearing entitled ‘‘Intellectual Prop- cal year 2015. There is still much Whereas Canadian law requires wheat im- progress to be made, however. The ported from the United States to be seg- erty—Driver of Innovation: Making Our Lives Healthier, Safer, and more cause of CDH remains unknown, and regated from wheat produced in Canada and there currently is no cure. CDH sur- automatically designated as feed quality, Productive.’’ the lowest possible designation, regardless of COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE vivors often endure long-term com- the actual quality or the variety of the The Senate Select Committee on In- plications, such as congenital heart de- wheat product; telligence is authorized to meet during fects and developmental delays, and Whereas United States Federal law allows the session of the 115th Congress of the the average CDH survivor will face wheat imported from Canada to be graded U.S. Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, postnatal care of more than $100,000. under the same system as domestically from 2:15 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in room SH–219 Last month, members from the Asso- grown wheat; ciation of Congenital Diaphragmatic Whereas that unfair devaluation practice of the Senate Hart Office Building to hold a closed hearing. Hernia Research, Awareness and Sup- puts United States agricultural producers at port, also known as CHERUBS, visited a distinct disadvantage when attempting to f my office. Among them were David and access Canadian wheat markets; Whereas the treatment by Canada of PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR Allison Finger and their daughter United States wheat products is likely a vio- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask Vivienne from Hyattsville, MD. lation of trade agreements and is to the det- unanimous consent that my intern Vivienne was born with CDH and had riment of United States agricultural pro- Nicholas Piwonka be granted privileges to spend 60 days in the newborn inten- ducers; and of the floor for the remainder of the sive care unit after birth and had to Whereas the strong economic ties between day. have surgery to repair the hernia when the United States and Canada are extremely The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without she was only 3 weeks old. On March 18, important and well-served when a level play- 2017, Vivienne celebrated her second ing field exists across all industries: Now, objection, it is so ordered. therefore, be it f birthday and is doing very well. Babies like Vivienne, born with CDH, today Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate RESOLUTIONS DISCHARGED that— have a better chance of survival due to (1) wheat grading practices in Canada Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask early detection and research on treat- should— unanimous consent that applicable ment options.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.031 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017 For these reasons, I am proud my The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without colleague the junior Senator from Ala- objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. bama, Mr. STRANGE, has joined me in The resolution (S. Res. 140) was The resolution (S. Res. 142) was submitting a resolution designating agreed to. agreed to. April 2017 as National Congenital Dia- The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution is printed in today’s phragmatic Hernia Awareness Month. (The resolution, with its preamble, is RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- In previous years, I was pleased to printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- tions.’’) work with his predecessor, Senator mitted Resolutions.’’) f Sessions, on this resolution. Desig- f APPOINTMENT nating this month in this fashion pro- CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The vides an opportunity to raise public SITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA WOM- awareness about CDH; promote quality Chair, on behalf of the Democratic EN’S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR leader, in consultation with the vice prenatal care and ultrasounds to detect WINNING THE 2017 NATIONAL CDH in utero; and support finding for chairperson of the Committee on In- COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIA- dian Affairs, pursuant to the provisions the research necessary to improve TION DIVISION I WOMEN’S BAS- screening and treatment of CDH, dis- of Public Law 114–244, appoints the fol- KETBALL TOURNAMENT CHAM- lowing individual to serve as a member cover the causes of CDH, and develop a PIONSHIP cure for CDH. of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Soboleff Commission on Native Chil- unanimous consent that the resolu- unanimous consent that the Senate dren: Tami DeCoteau of North Dakota. tions be agreed to, the preambles, proceed to the consideration of S. Res. f where applicable, be agreed to, and the 141, submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL motions to reconsider be considered 26, 2017 made and laid upon the table, all en clerk will report the resolution by Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask bloc. title. unanimous consent that when the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The senior assistant legislative clerk ate completes its business today, it ad- objection, it is so ordered. read as follows: journ until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April The resolution (S. Res. 105) was A resolution (S. Res. 141) congratulating 26; further, that following the prayer agreed to. the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team for winning the 2017 Na- and pledge, the morning hour be The preamble was agreed to. tional Collegiate Athletic Association Divi- deemed expired, the Journal of pro- (The resolution, with its preamble, is sion I Women’s Basketball Tournament ceedings be approved to date, the time printed in the RECORD of March 30, 2017, Championship. for the two leaders be reserved for their under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) There being no objection, the Senate use later in the day, and morning busi- The resolutions (S. Res. 122 and S. proceeded to consider the resolution. Res. 128) were agreed to. ness be closed; further, that following Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask leader remarks, the Senate proceed to The preambles were agreed to. unanimous consent that the resolution (The resolutions, with their pre- executive session to resume consider- be agreed to, the preamble be agreed ation of the Acosta nomination, with ambles, are printed in the RECORD of to, and the motions to reconsider be April 7, 2017, under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- the time until 11:30 a.m. equally di- considered made and laid upon the vided in the usual form; finally, that tions.’’) table with no intervening action or de- The resolution (S. Res. 129) was notwithstanding the provisions of rule bate. XXII, the cloture vote on the Acosta agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (The resolution is printed in the nomination occur at 11:30 a.m. tomor- objection, it is so ordered. row. RECORD of April 7, 2017, under ‘‘Sub- The resolution (S. Res. 141) was mitted Resolutions.’’) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without agreed to. objection, it is so ordered. The resolutions (S. Res. 130, S. Res. The preamble was agreed to. 131, and S. Res. 133) were agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is f The preambles were agreed to. printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. (The resolutions, with their pre- mitted Resolutions.’’) TOMORROW ambles, are printed in the RECORD of f Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, if there is April 7, 2017, under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- no further business to come before the tions.’’) COMMEMORATING THE 10TH ANNI- Senate, I ask unanimous consent that f VERSARY OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS AT VIRGINIA POLY- it stand adjourned under the previous SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION TECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE order. OF APRIL 2017 AS ‘‘PARKINSON’S UNIVERSITY ON APRIL 16, 2007 There being no objection, the Senate, AWARENESS MONTH’’ at 5:44 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask day, April 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate f unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consider- proceed to the consideration of S. Res. ation of S. Res. 142, submitted earlier NOMINATIONS 140, submitted earlier today. today. Executive nominations received by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the Senate: clerk will report the resolution by clerk will report the resolution by DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE title. title. KARI A. BINGEN, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE A PRINCIPAL DEP- The senior assistant legislative clerk The senior assistant legislative clerk UTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, VICE MARCEL J. read as follows: read as follows: LETTRE II, RESIGNED. ROBERT DAIGLE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DIRECTOR OF A resolution (S. Res. 140) supporting the A resolution (S. Res. 142) commemorating COST ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION, DE- designation of April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s the 10th anniversary of the tragic events at PARTMENT OF DEFENSE, VICE JAMIE MICHAEL MORIN. Awareness Month.’’ ROBERT STORY KAREM, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State BIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, There being no objection, the Senate University on April 16, 2007. VICE DEREK H. CHOLLET, RESIGNED. KENNETH P. RAPUANO, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSIST- proceeded to consider the resolution. There being no objection, the Senate ANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, VICE ERIC ROSENBACH, Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask proceeded to consider the resolution. RESIGNED. unanimous consent that the resolution Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask DEPARTMENT OF STATE be agreed to, the preamble be agreed unanimous consent that the resolution SCOTT P. BROWN, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, TO BE AMBAS- to, and the motions to reconsider be be agreed to and the motion to recon- SADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO NEW ZEALAND, considered made and laid upon the sider be considered made and laid upon AND TO SERVE CONCURRENTLY AND WITHOUT ADDI- table with no intervening action or de- the table with no intervening action or TIONAL COMPENSATION AS AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES bate. debate. OF AMERICA TO THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.037 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE April 25, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2537

JOHN J. SULLIVAN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- CARL TAYLOR JENKINS, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING–NAMED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN RETARY OF STATE, VICE ANTONY BLINKEN, RESIGNED. GREGORY ALAN JOHNSON, OF VIRGINIA SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTER- CATHLEEN MAURA JONES, OF VIRGINIA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AS A FOR- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ROBERT HERBERT JOSWIAK, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- EIGN SERVICE OFFICER, A CONSULAR OFFICER, AND A STEPHEN ELLIOTT BOYD, OF ALABAMA, TO BE AN AS- LUMBIA SECRETARY IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE SISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, VICE PETER JOSEPH ERIKA H. KARASIEWICZ, OF VIRGINIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CAITLIN MAUREEN KEEGAN, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- KADZIK. EDWARD FRANCIS ACEVEDO, OF FLORIDA LUMBIA BRIAN THOMAS ANDERSON, OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PATRICIA ELIZABETH KEHOE, OF VIRGINIA MEGAN ELLSBETH KENNY, OF WASHINGTON JONATHAN A. ARMAH, OF WISCONSIN LEE FRANCIS CISSNA, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DIRECTOR BAILEY KIMSSY, OF VIRGINIA JONATHAN ERIC BANCO, OF CONNECTICUT OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION MARC J. KLINE, OF VIRGINIA RAZIA ZARINA BAQAI, OF CALIFORNIA SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, VICE PATRICK JAMES KNAPP, OF NEW YORK RAYMA BARAN, OF TEXAS LEON RODRIGUEZ. PATRICIA LOUISE KNISELEY, OF VIRGINIA SARAH ATWOOD BARMA, OF NEBRASKA JOANNE ELLEN KRAMB, OF VIRGINIA MICHAEL THOMAS BEHAN, OF CALIFORNIA FOREIGN SERVICE SCOTT MICHAEL KRUSHINSKI, OF VIRGINIA LILLIAN D BENJAMIN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THE FOLLOWING–NAMED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN DEREK JAMES KVERNO, OF CALIFORNIA KENT ANTHONY MACKINNON BENSON, OF FLORIDA SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO BE A CON- CAYLEY ELYSE LAMB, OF VIRGINIA STEPHEN F. BERLINGUETTE, OF FLORIDA SULAR OFFICER AND A SECRETARY IN THE DIPLOMATIC PATTY BADA LANE, OF VIRGINIA NATHANIEL BILLS, OF VERMONT SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: ERIC JOHN LARSON, OF VIRGINIA BRINTON EDWARD BOHLING, OF VIRGINIA MARY H. LAWAL, OF VIRGINIA KIMBERLY ANN BOSTWICK, OF MARYLAND JOEL JUSTIN AGALSOFF, OF VIRGINIA JESSE ZELUCK LEEDS, OF VIRGINIA CIBELES GARCIA BURT, OF TEXAS MICHAEL ANDRUCHOW, OF VIRGINIA VICTORIA ELIZABETH LEWIS–YOUNG, OF NEW JERSEY HAROLD GEORGE CAREY, JR., OF CALIFORNIA JONATHAN MANUEL ARAYA, OF VIRGINIA PAIJ BRIGITTE LINTZ, OF VIRGINIA DAVID B. CHALMERS, OF WASHINGTON MEAGHAN CHRISTINE ARCHER, OF VIRGINIA ALEKSANDRA MARIA LIPSCOMB, OF VIRGINIA CORY COLEMAN, OF ALABAMA DANIEL JACOB BABINSKI, OF VIRGINIA ADAM RYAN LONGENECKER, OF VIRGINIA JENNIFER CONNOLLY, OF PENNSYLVANIA AMIN SHEILONI BAILEY, OF VIRGINIA GRAHAM TRUITT MACDONALD, OF FLORIDA TIMOTHY GUSTAVO CURTIN, OF MISSOURI ELIZABETH REUSS BAIOCCHI, OF FLORIDA ANUM SHAUKAT MALIK, OF VIRGINIA JOSEPH B. DEVER, OF MICHIGAN MERAH IRIS BAIRD, OF VIRGINIA SHEHERBANO MALIK, OF VIRGINIA CHARLEE NICOLE DOOM, OF NEW YORK AMY EILEEN BARNES, OF VIRGINIA BRIAN BEARCE MALLOY, OF ILLINOIS NICOLE ENERSEN, OF MINNESOTA BRIAN ANTHONY BARONE, OF NEW YORK SARA ELSBETH MANN, OF VIRGINIA JESSICA R. FABER, OF WASHINGTON REBECCA CHRISTINE BEARDSLEY, OF VIRGINIA LAUREN CHRISTINE MANNERS, OF VIRGINIA JACINTO F. FABIOSA, OF IOWA DANIELLE M. BERRA, OF VIRGINIA COLLIN MICHAEL MANNING, OF VIRGINIA TODD EVAN FLOWER, OF MISSOURI CHRISTINA HERTA BERTRAND, OF VIRGINIA KATHERINE ANNE MARKEY, OF VIRGINIA JUAN J. GAMBOA, OF TEXAS DEVIN DRAKE BICKMORE, OF VIRGINIA LESLIE EDNA MARKS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ROY JOSEPH GEISER, OF VIRGINIA JEFFREY ROBERT BITTER, OF VIRGINIA COREY D. MARTIN, OF VIRGINIA THOMAS GIBB, OF COLORADO ALEXANDER JAMES BLACK, OF GEORGIA FIONA ROSE MASLAND, OF MASSACHUSETTS JAMES M. GILMAN, OF MASSACHUSETTS JOHN YOUNG BONDS IV, OF TEXAS BRIAN J. MASSEY, OF VIRGINIA JUSTIN ROSS GUNNOE, OF OHIO BRANDON WAYNE BOYATT, OF VIRGINIA LAQUANA LEIGH MCCALL, OF VIRGINIA CAITLIN GAYLE HALL, OF FLORIDA ERIC THOMAS BRASSIL, OF VIRGINIA MATTHEW RYAN MCCARTY, OF FLORIDA FRANCIS XAVIER HIGDON, OF FLORIDA TONI RAQUEL BRINK, OF VIRGINIA ANDRE SHAUN MCGLASHAN, OF VIRGINIA CAROLINE B. HILLAS, OF VIRGINIA CHARLENE SUZANNE BROWN, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- JOHN DEAN MCGREGOR III, OF MICHIGAN SHAWNA GILLESPIE HIRSCH, OF WASHINGTON LUMBIA DOMINIC PAUL MCINTYRE, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTOPHER ANDREW HOBBS, OF MASSACHUSETTS MARSHA L. BROWN, OF VIRGINIA KRISTIN AUSTRA MEANS, OF HAWAII COLIN MARK HOLMES, OF CALIFORNIA GREGORY S. BROWN, OF VIRGINIA WILLIAM D. MENZIE, OF VIRGINIA MARK K. HYLAND, OF CALIFORNIA TARA LYNN DI TROLIO CAMPBELL, OF VIRGINIA RICHARD A. MERCURIO, OF VIRGINIA MARKHAM ANTHONY ISOM, OF FLORIDA MARIJA CANIC, OF VIRGINIA LYLE VINCENT MIKOWICZ, OF NORTH CAROLINA JOHN JIRASEK, OF MINNESOTA DAVID W. CARR, OF VIRGINIA RONALD P. MILLER, OF VIRGINIA NERY Y. JUBERT RIVERA, OF MARYLAND ANA ALICIA CARRIEDO, OF VIRGINIA ANUPAM MOHANTY, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTINE KATIN, OF FLORIDA I JUN CHEN, OF VIRGINIA SCOTT ANDREW MOORE, OF MASSACHUSETTS ANNA IRIS KATZ, OF PENNSYLVANIA MATTHEW CLAYTON CHILDS, OF VIRGINIA EMMA ECKERT MOROS, OF VERMONT CHELSEA JACCARD KAUFMAN, OF VIRGINIA KWANG U. K. CHUNG, OF NEVADA NORMA IRIS MOZEE, OF COLORADO JAMES PATRICK KELLEHER, OF VIRGINIA GABRIELLE CHWAZIK–GEE, OF NEW YORK CLAIRE S. NEELY, OF VIRGINIA JULIA C. KENNEDY, OF TEXAS CASEY RICHARD CLARK, OF VIRGINIA JOSHUA MICHAEL NELSON, OF FLORIDA AMBER LILY KENNY, OF MISSOURI SEAN P. COGHLAN, OF VIRGINIA MELLISA LEA NELSON, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ASHLEY M. KING, OF WASHINGTON GREGORY ROBERT COLLINS, OF VIRGINIA DANE CLIFFORD RICHARD NIELSEN, OF VIRGINIA DENNIS KNECHT, OF OHIO RYAN WEISS COOPER, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTOPHER PANKIEWICZ NOHR, OF VIRGINIA LUKE RICHARD LEDENBACH, OF ILLINOIS JORDAN PAIGE COUGHENOUR, OF VIRGINIA GREGORY JOSEPH NORTON, OF VIRGINIA STEPHEN FONTAINE LITTLE, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- MICHAEL ANDREW CRAMER, OF CALIFORNIA ANNE LOVE NUECHTERLEIN, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- LUMBIA TRAMPES CHRISTOPHER CROW, OF VIRGINIA LUMBIA JESSICA–LOUISE BASS LOPEZ, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- COREY J. CROWLEY, OF VIRGINIA KATHERINE A. O’LEARY, OF VIRGINIA LUMBIA JENNY LYNN CURATOLA, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA JOHN ROBERT OLSON, OF VIRGINIA PATRICE A.D. LOPEZ, OF MARYLAND BENJAMIN JOHN CUSHING, OF VIRGINIA JONATHAN JARRETT ORR, OF VIRGINIA KENNETH W. MACLEAN, OF FLORIDA THOMAS A. DALTON, OF VIRGINIA SHANNON D. OTTMERS, OF VIRGINIA KATELIN B. MAHER, OF FLORIDA BRYAN RUSSEL DELEUW, OF VIRGINIA KRYSTAL AMANDA OVERMYER, OF NEBRASKA TERHI H. MAJANEN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MARCO J. DELGADO RODRIGUEZ, OF VIRGINIA MONALISA PAK–ARCHER, OF VIRGINIA COURTNEY MCGILL MALONEY, OF MICHIGAN KEITH J. DOMINICK, OF VIRGINIA RUBY REYNA CHAN PARKER, OF MASSACHUSETTS ASHLEY B. MARCUS, OF VIRGINIA ANGUS JAMES DOWTON, OF CONNECTICUT SHANNON A. PARONG, OF VIRGINIA ANDREW MALONE MCCOWN, OF TEXAS THERESA MARGUERITE VERMEULEN DRAKE, OF VIR- KELLY LYNN PEDRONI, OF VIRGINIA ALEXIS MCGINNESS, OF CALIFORNIA GINIA ELIZABETH A. PENDZICK, OF VIRGINIA DHULCE–JANICE MCGUIRE, OF VIRGINIA MICHELLE LYNNE DURANT, OF VIRGINIA STEPHEN V. PERRY, OF VIRGINIA ISABELLE CHRISTINA MULIN, OF TEXAS CHRISTINE MARIA DWULET, OF VIRGINIA ALEXANDER ROBERT PICKETT, OF VIRGINIA SARAH MUWANGA–MASAGAZI, OF NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTOPHER JAMES EDGECOMB, OF GEORGIA ALLISON J. PILGER, OF VIRGINIA ANDREW JAMES NELSON, OF VIRGINIA APRIL MAE ELDREDGE, OF VIRGINIA ANDREW FORREST POE, OF VIRGINIA JANE ASHLEY NETHERTON, OF KENTUCKY LESLIE MARIE ELDRIDGE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- ROBERT PHILIP POVTAK, OF VIRGINIA DANI L. NEWCOMB, OF FLORIDA BIA MARION EILEEN PREDA, OF VIRGINIA MARK ANDREW NEWTON, OF VIRGINIA ROBERT C. ELLIOTT, OF VIRGINIA JAMES TATE PRESTON, OF VIRGINIA OGHALE A.D. ODDO, OF KENTUCKY ANNA EROKHINA, OF VIRGINIA MICHAEL FRANCIS QUINE, OF VIRGINIA THERESA FINN OUTLAW, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALISON K. ESQUIVEL, OF VIRGINIA ROBERT LEE REEVES, OF UTAH OLEKSANDRA MYKOLAYIVNA PRICE, OF NEW YORK ELIZABETH MARIE ESTELA, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTINE NOELLE REYES, OF VIRGINIA GUADALUPE ELIZABETH RAMIREZ, OF THE DISTRICT OF PENNY FIELDS, OF WASHINGTON CHRISTINA W. ROHRS, OF VIRGINIA COLUMBIA JEFFREY FINE, OF VIRGINIA JAMES B. RYAN, OF VIRGINIA MATTHEW DAVID RUSSELL, OF WISCONSIN THOMAS HAROLD FINKEN, JR., OF NEW YORK ANNE ELIZABETH SACKVILLE–WEST, OF THE DISTRICT DANIEL PATRICK RYAN, OF CALIFORNIA CARL F. FIORELLO, OF VIRGINIA OF COLUMBIA MELISSA A. SCHERER, OF VIRGINIA JOEL BRENDON FITCH, OF FLORIDA JASON E. SASALA, OF VIRGINIA KRISTI SCHOBER, OF TEXAS ANNE COVINGTON FOSS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MOMOKO SATO, OF VIRGINIA AGATHE SECTOR, OF FLORIDA TIMOTHY J. FRANCIS, OF VIRGINIA SCOTT D. SCHAIPER, OF VIRGINIA JOSEPH A. SIDARI, OF ILLINOIS MARCUS SMOLIC FREDERICK–ROSE, OF VIRGINIA GREGORY THOMAS SCHROEDER, OF VIRGINIA AMY M. SOUTHWORTH, OF PENNSYLVANIA AMBER MARIE GARLOCK, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- NICHOLAS JOHN SCHUCK, OF OHIO JOANN CARLA SPARACINO, OF WASHINGTON BIA AMANDA CHRISTINE SHIFFLETT, OF VIRGINIA DYLAN J. STEARNS, OF FLORIDA CHELSEA NICOLE GEIER, OF WISCONSIN EDWARD DONGCHUL SHIN, OF VIRGINIA SHANNON LYNN STONE, OF WISCONSIN CHRISTINE E. GERSON, OF VIRGINIA LINDA LEE SHIN, OF VIRGINIA DAVID J. STRINE, OF CONNECTICUT KATHRYN K. GHENT, OF VIRGINIA BENJAMIN WICKE SHOAF, OF VIRGINIA PAMELA LESLIE STRONG, OF OREGON SAMUEL PATRICK GLEASON, OF TEXAS KARINA BRITKOVA SILVER, OF VIRGINIA ALENA JUNKO TANSEY, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ADAM GOODBERG, OF VIRGINIA CASEY RAYE SIMMONS, OF VIRGINIA JASON P TAYLOR, OF IDAHO GREGORY FOSTER GOVORUHK, OF VIRGINIA JESSICA SUSAN SKREBES, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- MARIA JULIA TELEVANTOS, OF PENNSYLVANIA ROSARIO GRANADOS–RUIZ, OF VIRGINIA BIA JOHN NICHOLAS THUROW, OF WYOMING JAMES GARRISON GREENLEAF, OF OKLAHOMA NATHAN ROGER PRIBBLE SLATTENGREN, OF IDAHO SERGIU ZGRIPCEA TROIE, OF MASSACHUSETTS LAURA MARIE GUNDERSON, OF VIRGINIA CLAUDE VANDIVER SMITH, OF VIRGINIA LAURA MONICA VILLANUEVA, OF VIRGINIA ANA HACIC–VLAHOVIC, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTOPHER BEARD COPEN SORENSEN, OF VIRGINIA CONSTANCE WARHOL, OF MINNESOTA KEITH ERIK HAGER, OF NEW YORK NATHAN ANDREW ST. JOHN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- STACEY T. WARREN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AARON RAY HALL, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BIA THIBAUT WILLIAMS, OF VIRGINIA JASON BRADFORD HARMS, OF COLORADO JOHN ROBERT STARK, OF FLORIDA ERIN N. WROBLEWSKI, OF INDIANA RAFI HAROUTUNIAN, OF VIRGINIA ROBERT WILLIAM STUCKEY, JR., OF VIRGINIA GRACE YANG, OF VIRGINIA ELIZABETH A. HARPER, OF VIRGINIA KATHLEEN M. SUDDARTH, OF VIRGINIA SHANNON R. YOUNG, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BETHANY ANNE HAWORTH, OF VIRGINIA SADIE LEE THIMSEN, OF VIRGINIA KATHERINE YOUNKER, OF CALIFORNIA KYLE JOSEPH HENNING, OF OREGON ERIN ROGAN THURBER, OF DELAWARE BENJAMIN D. ZINNER, OF MINNESOTA KATHRYN D. HINKLE, OF VIRGINIA MARTIN ALEXANDER THURN, OF FLORIDA MICHAEL ALLEN HINKLE, OF VIRGINIA JULIE GAIL TRAWEEK, OF TEXAS THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE HIEP ANH HOANG, OF VIRGINIA JENNIFER MARIE TURNER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES SHARON M. HOCH, OF VIRGINIA BIA AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PRO- ZACHARY JOHN HODYNA, OF MICHIGAN MARIE TONYA VLAHOS, OF VIRGINIA MOTION WITHIN THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE MATTHEW ALAN HOFFER, OF VIRGINIA BENJAMIN DAVIS WHITNEY, OF VIRGINIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CLASS OF MINISTER– ANGIE M. HUNT, OF VIRGINIA LAUREN VICTORIA WILLY, OF COLORADO COUNSELOR: JILLIAN LARSEN ITHARAT, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- COURTNEY ANN WYCHE, OF VIRGINIA JIM NELSON BARNHART, JR., OF GEORGIA BIA HYOJUNG YANG, OF VIRGINIA ANDREW M. HERSCOWITZ, OF CALIFORNIA LLOYD JACKSON, OF VIRGINIA IVA ZIZA, OF MARYLAND TERESA L. MCGHIE, OF NEVADA

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.005 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE S2538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 2017

THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE DAVID A. ASHFORD, OF NEW YORK DAVID GOSSACK, OF CALIFORNIA FOREIGN SERVICE FOR PROMOTION INTO THE SENIOR JEFFERY S. AUSTIN, OF SOUTH CAROLINA SARAH KEMP, OF NEW YORK FOREIGN SERVICE, AS A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SEN- GEORGE A. BALL III, OF FLORIDA KEITH KIRKHAM, OF MAINE IOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF THERESA L. BOYLE, OF COLORADO THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE AMERICA, CLASS OF COUNSELOR: LEONIDES L. CARDENAS, OF FLORIDA FOREIGN SERVICE FOR PROMOTION INTO THE SENIOR DARYA CHEHREZAD, OF CALIFORNIA HAVEN G. CRUZ–HUBBARD, OF MARYLAND FOREIGN SERVICE, AS A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SEN- CYNTHIA K. DUERR, OF FLORIDA TIMOTHY J. DONNAY, OF VERMONT IOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF RUSSELL A. DUNCAN, OF MARYLAND JOSEPH L. DORSEY, OF VIRGINIA AMERICA, CLASS OF COUNSELOR: PETER WILLIAM DUFFY, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CONRAD ESTRADA, OF NEW YORK STEPHEN ALLEY, OF TENNESSEE JOHN L. DUNLOP, OF VIRGINIA KELAN R. EVANS, OF MISSOURI ISABELLA CASCARANO, OF VIRGINIA MICHAEL JAMES EDDY, OF MISSOURI JOHN F. GILMORE, OF FLORIDA WILLIAM CZAJKOWSKI, OF CALIFORNIA GABRIEL F. GRAU, OF FLORIDA JOHN J. HURLEY, OF MARYLAND BRIAN MCCLEARY, OF VIRGINIA ALER GRUBBS, OF INDIANA JEROMY J. MCKIM, OF WYOMING MARY AILEEN NANDI, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ANDREW DAVID HOLLAND, OF CALIFORNIA DAVID G. MIDGARDEN, OF FLORIDA ALYCE CAMILLE RICHARDSON, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- KAREN R. HUNTER, OF FLORIDA ROBERTO E. PANTALEON, OF FLORIDA JENNIFER MARIE LINK, OF ILLINOIS MARK C. PRESCOTT, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LUMBIA SANDRA K. MINKEL, OF NEVADA SCOTT D. SAXE, OF PENNSYLVANIA SCOTT SHAW, OF ILLINOIS DIANE B. MOORE, OF NEW YORK ROBERT T. TANAKA, OF OHIO DOUGLAS WALLACE, OF CALIFORNIA THOMAS R. MORRIS, OF VIRGINIA FRED WANG, OF MARYLAND PAMELA WARD, OF CALIFORNIA MARGARET ELIZABETH ENIS SPEARS, OF MARYLAND SHARON WILLIAMS, OF KANSAS TANYA S. URQUIETA, OF SOUTH DAKOTA JEFFREY G. WILLNOW, OF OREGON f ANNE N. WILLIAMS, OF MARYLAND THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DE- CONFIRMATION SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DE- PARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR PROMOTION WITHIN PARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR PROMOTION WITHIN THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CLASS OF CAREER MINISTER: Executive nomination confirmed by OF AMERICA, CLASS OF MINISTER–COUNSELOR: DAVID CHARLES MILLER, OF WASHINGTON the Senate April 25, 2017: SCOTT S. SINDELAR, OF MINNESOTA JEANNE F. BAILEY, OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CLAY M. HAMILTON, OF TEXAS THE FOLLOWING–NAMED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN BOBBY GENE RICHEY, JR., OF TEXAS SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COM- ROD J. ROSENSTEIN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DEPUTY AT- ERIC A. WENBERG, OF WYOMING MERCE FOR APPOINTMENT AS A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFI- TORNEY GENERAL. THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE CER, A CONSULAR OFFICER, AND A SECRETARY IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE FOR PROMOTION INTO THE SENIOR DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMER- f FOREIGN SERVICE, AS A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SEN- ICA: IOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF FRED AZIZ, OF FLORIDA AMERICA, CLASS OF COUNSELOR: DAWN BRUNO, OF FLORIDA WITHDRAWAL ALI ABDI, OF VIRGINIA JULIE ANN CARDUCCI, OF FLORIDA MICHAEL LEO CONLON, OF VIRGINIA JAMES PRESTON CURTIS, OF GEORGIA Executive Message transmitted by PAUL ALLEN SPENCER–MACGREGOR, OF VIRGINIA MINDI B. HERTZOG, OF FLORIDA the President to the Senate on April 25, W. GARTH THORBURN II, OF FLORIDA NEIL PAUL PICKETT, OF FLORIDA ROBERT HENRY HANSON, OF WISCONSIN MATTHEW QUIGLEY, OF MICHIGAN 2017 withdrawing from further Senate THE FOLLOWING–NAMED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN NATHALIE SCHARF, OF FLORIDA consideration the following nomina- SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AG- THE FOLLOWING–NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE tion: RICULTURE FOR APPOINTMENT AS A FOREIGN SERVICE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DE- OFFICER, A CONSULAR OFFICER, AND A SECRETARY IN PARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR PROMOTION WITHIN THE TODD M. RICKETTS, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF RETARY OF COMMERCE, WHICH WAS SENT TO THE SEN- AMERICA: AMERICA, CLASS OF MINISTER–COUNSELOR: ATE ON JANUARY 20, 2017.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Apr 26, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A25AP6.007 S25APPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with SENATE