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

Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 No. 29 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY both sides should view as an important called to order by the President pro LEADER. step, and today, I hope we will vote to tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. advance it. HYDE-SMITH). The majority leader is When the Senate votes on the agree- f recognized. ment, we will be voting to avoid a sec- f ond partial shutdown and provide the PRAYER MEASURES PLACED ON THE certainty of a fully functioning Federal The PRESIDENT pro tempore. To- CALENDAR—S. 483 and S.J. RES. 8 Government. We will be voting to de- day’s opening prayer will be offered by liver another downpayment on the Pastor Eddie Edmonds of Moler Avenue Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, President’s commitment to securing Church of the Brethren from Martins- I understand there are two measures at burg, WV. the desk due a second reading en bloc. our Nation’s borders and keeping The guest Chaplain offered the fol- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The American communities safe. And we lowing prayer: clerk will read the title of the meas- will do it free from the influence of poi- Let us pray. ures for the second time en bloc. son pills that sought to derail progress Creator God, we give You thanks and The senior assistant legislative clerk and stifle compromise. praise for the phenomenal country in read as follows: A bill (S. 483), to enact into law a bill by To be sure, in recent months, we which we live, move, and have our have seen the radical left go out of its being. Our thanks also for the men and reference. A bill (S.J. Res. 8) recognizing the duty of way to try to gum up the works. Even women You have called to serve in this the Federal Government to create a Green the Speaker of the House threw her government and specifically the Sen- New Deal. ate. Our prayer is that You will equip, support behind wild assertions that Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, empower, and encourage each indi- tried-and-true methods of securing sov- in order to place the measures on the vidual Senator as they work to answer ereign borders were now immoral. They calendar under provisions of rule XIV, the call to serve the people of this said there wouldn’t be more than one I would object to further proceedings great Nation. Their decisions impact dollar for border barriers. They said en bloc. the lives of not only those they serve The PRESIDING OFFICER. The there should be fewer tools for the men but also people the world over. Help measures will be placed on the cal- and women who enforce our immigra- them to remember those who have lit- endar under rule XIV. tion laws. Fortunately, none of that tle, need much, and are challenged nonsense has carried the day. each day of their lives. Give each Sen- f ator strength to make wise decisions GOVERNMENT FUNDING So here we are, with a solemn deal in front of us. As the Senate prepares to and the courage to stand up in the face Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, vote later today, I want to extend my of adversity, doing the right thing, last night, our colleagues Chairman deepest gratitude to Chairman SHELBY, first time, every time, putting others SHELBY and Ranking Member LEAHY first in each decision rendered. May filed the final text of a bipartisan, bi- along with Ranking Member LEAHY Your peace fill the lives of each Sen- cameral legislative agreement. For the and my colleagues on the Appropria- ator and those they serve until You past couple of weeks, in conference tions Committee. This legislation will come again to claim Your Kingdom. with their House counterparts, they mark success for our bipartisan process We pray in the Most Holy Name of have worked in good faith to reach a by finalizing all the regular appropria- Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. compromise to address urgent prior- tions bills for the fiscal year. Thanks, ities, including funding for our Na- as well, to Shannon Hines and the en- f tion’s border security. tire Appropriations staff, whose hard The product of this work is a com- work made this agreement and all of PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE promise that no side will view as a per- last year’s progress possible. The President pro tempore led the fect deal. For instance, I am frustrated Later today, I hope each of my col- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: by House Democrats’ cynical opposi- leagues will join me in moving forward I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tion to including commonsense exten- United States of America, and to the Repub- sions of the Violence Against Women with the agreement produced by this lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Act and other important items. Never- hard work, and the President will sign indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. theless, this agreement is something it into law.

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

S1337

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.000 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 UNANIMOUS CONSENT ually. I didn’t know any of the victims familiar with and have been debating AGREEMENT personally, but the stories are familiar. long before this tragedy: a ban on cer- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, They are the stories of my children and tain weapons, universal background I ask unanimous consent that notwith- their friends, who are of the same age checks, taking on what is described as standing rule XXII, the cloture vote on and are at the same times in their the gun lobby. These issues dominated the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 1 lives. the national media coverage, and sup- It is impossible to fully comprehend occur at a time to be determined by port for these positions is not new. unless you have gone through the loss the majority leader, in consultation They predate this tragedy. of a child—by the grace of God, I have In our Republic, people most cer- with the Democratic leader. not—particularly under such tragic tainly have the right to advocate for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and traumatic circumstances. this or against it. They have the right objection, it is so ordered. Throughout the last 12 months, as we to lobby for it. They have the right to f have reached different milestones in vote for candidates who support these RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME my two daughters’ lives, whether it positions and to vote against those who was their proms or graduation days, or do not. They are valid issues to debate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under whether it was dropping off my oldest on public policy, but at the end of the the previous order, leadership time is at college or attending a class ring day, neither go directly to the heart of reserved. ceremony for a junior, we have been al- this particular case and to the facts f most reminded, for just a moment, of that led up to it. the parents who had expected to have At the heart of this is that the killer, CONCLUSION OF MORNING been doing the same during this time the perpetrator of this terrible tragedy, BUSINESS of the year but have been unable. was known to be dangerous for a long The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning I have learned a lot from those par- time by many people in positions of business is closed. ents, many of whom I have gotten to power and authority at the school dis- f know personally and have worked trict, the sheriff’s office, and at the alongside, in the last year, on a num- FBI, and no one did anything about it. EXECUTIVE SESSION ber of issues. In the year that has This is now a documented fact. passed, they have, as have the stu- Early in the days after this, we saw dents, turned their grief into effective images of the sheriff and the super- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR activism. The parents, in particular, intendent lecturing people and talking The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under are the ones with whom I have about what a great job they had done, the previous order, the Senate will pro- interacted the most here in Wash- but the facts will show that it was ceed to executive session to consider ington on a regular basis, and it is why their incompetence that allowed this the following nomination, which the I thought it appropriate to come to the to happen, and, then, even worse, they clerk will report. floor today. I think they would say tried to cover it up. The senior assistant legislative clerk that the best way to honor the memo- There is an article entitled ‘‘Schools read the nomination of William ries of the children they lost is to take culture of tolerance lets students like Pelham Barr, of Virginia, to be Attor- actions that will work to make sure [the killer] slide,’’ by Megan O’Matz ney General. that no other parent will ever have to and Scott Travis, reporters at the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- face this again. South Florida Sun Sentinel. I am going ator from Florida. Several of the parents have publicly to read from it, and then I am going to described what happened a year ago f introduce it into the RECORD. I am not today as the most avoidable mass mur- going to read the whole article. HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE der in American history, but what was Here is how it opens: VICTIMS OF THE SENSELESS AT- it that enabled this to happen? Why Broward schools have grown so tolerant of TACK AT MARJORY STONEMAN was it avoidable? What could have been misbehavior that students like [the killer] DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL done to address it? are able to slide by for years without strict Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, a year In the brief moments that we have punishment for conduct that could be crimi- here—my colleague from Florida will nal. ago this afternoon, I was sitting in my The culture of leniency allows children to office in the Russell Office Building have additional statements as well—I want to point to some of the things we engage in an endless loop of violations and when a news report began to flash second chances, creating a system where now know that we didn’t know a year about a shooting at a high school in kids who commit the same offense for the ago today or in the days that followed. South Florida. I was the father at the 10th time may be treated like it’s the first. From it, not only should that spark time—in the case of one of my two ... outrage, but it should also spark ideas [The killer] was suspended at least 67 days older children—of a child who was still about how to fix those things so never over less than a year and a half at a high school student in South Florida. again will any parent have to face what Westglades Middle School, and his problems You would normally be interested, just they did and none of my colleagues will continued at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in being a Senator from the State, but have to stand here and give a speech High School. . . . you would be most particularly inter- like the ones my colleague from Flor- The South Florida Sun Sentinel ob- ested as a parent. As it turns out, the ida and I have to give today. tained the killer’s discipline records, incident and the shooting took place at At the outset, let me say that the they reviewed discipline policies, and a school that was about 50 miles— credit for much of what I am about to here is what they found: about 50 minutes—from my home, and speak about belongs to the extraor- Students can be considered first-time of- we all know of the story and of the dinary journalists at the South Florida fenders even if they commit the same offense lives that were lost in this terrible Sun Sentinel, who have done a remark- year after year. tragedy. able job over the last 10 months of re- The district’s claim of reforming bad be- On a personal level, it is clearly an havior is exaggerated. vealing to the public many facts that Lenient discipline has an added PR benefit issue that has affected me, first, be- would have been unknown otherwise. for the district: lower suspensions, expul- cause I am one of two Senators who At a time when there is so much de- sions and arrests along with rising gradua- represent the State. Every person who bate about journalism and its role in tion rates. was impacted—every victim, everyone our society and in public service and in It goes on to say: who was wounded—is a constituent of politics, they deserve tremendous cred- Many teachers and parents say Broward ours. Yet, as I have also pointed out, it for bringing this to light, and I think has created a culture in which teachers are my two oldest children are the same it is an example of why journalism re- expressly told or subtly pressured not to ages as the victims. When you see the mains an important institution in our send students to the administration for pun- pictures and you hear the stories, you country. ishment so a school’s image is not tarnished. can’t help but recognize the stories and A lot of the attention in this debate One teacher who taught for 37 years the pictures, maybe just not individ- has been paid to the issues that we are in the district before retiring said she

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.002 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1339 retired early due to her concerns about sured not to send students to the administra- plicated discipline ‘‘matrix’’ that lists the student discipline. tion for punishment so a school’s image is prescribed punishment for a litany of of- Here is a quote: not tarnished. fenses: skipping school, violating rules, Mary Fitzgerald taught for 37 years in the being disruptive, having drugs, fighting, de- It was so many things. I had three students district before retiring from Sunrise Middle stroying property, committing a crime. bring knives to my classroom. One was out in Fort Lauderdale in 2016. She said she re- It was designed to help staff make fairer of the classroom for one day. Another had so tired a year early due to her concerns about and more equitable decisions in handing out many things on his record, he was gone for student discipline. penalties. But potential punishments have five days. None were expelled. ‘‘It was so many things. I had three stu- become more lenient over the years. Part of this leniency is a program dents bring knives to my classroom. One was More than five years ago, a high school called the Promise program, which the out of the classroom for one day. Another student who used profanity toward a staff superintendent of the district claims had so many things on his record, he was member would receive a three- to 10–day sus- has a 90-percent success rate by keep- gone for five days. None were expelled.’’ pension. That was reduced to one to two days ing students from reoffending. That is NO ONE HEEDED WARNING SIGNS ABOUT NIKOLAS after the discipline chart was revised. CRUZ BEFORE SCHOOL SHOOTING The first violation for disruptive classroom a misleading statistic because, ‘‘A stu- behavior called for an in-school suspension of dent can commit a subsequent infrac- Safety concerns at Sunrise were brought up at faculty meetings. ‘‘The message out one to five days. Later, it was reduced to a tion without being considered a repeat there is that the students are untouchable. suspension of under one day. offender as long as it’s not the exact Habitual negative behavior means nothing Since the 2012–13 school year, suspensions same violation, in the exact same year. anymore,’’ state the minutes of a Faculty have declined 27 percent, according to the Each year they start with a clean Council meeting on Feb. 2, 2015. Florida Department of Education. Incidents slate. ‘‘My principal basically would tell me it reported to law enforcement have fallen 8 In the interest of time, I ask unani- was his job to market the school. He was ad- percent. The number of arrests per 1,000 stu- mous consent that the rest of this arti- amant about not looking bad,’’ Fitzgerald dents: down 64 percent. said. The district’s menu of choices for dealing cle be entered into the RECORD. Runcie, in an interview with the Sun Sen- with rule-breaking students include deten- There being no objection, the mate- tinel, acknowledged there are complaints tion, internal suspension, out-of-school sus- rial was ordered to be printed in the that discipline isn’t consistently enforced. pension and expulsion, where children can be RECORD, as follows: In a memo to principals Wednesday, sent to an alternative education center. [From the Sun Sentinel, May 12, 2018] Runcie said he reinforced that ‘‘we have to Or another option: the Promise program. SCHOOLS’ CULTURE OF TOLERANCE LETS be vigilant in reporting every incident so UNDER ATTACK that we can ensure our students who are vic- STUDENTS LIKE NIKOLAS CRUZ SLIDE Runcie is proud and protective of the pro- tims, as well as offenders, get the appro- (By Megan O’Matz and Scott Travis) gram, which was launched under his leader- priate intervention and support. ship in November 2013 when the Broward Broward Schools have grown so tolerant of ‘‘We’re going to try to make sure, from the Sheriff’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, misbehavior that students like Nikolas Cruz top, we’re sending the right message related the NAACP, the state Department of Juve- are able to slide by for years without strict to discipline and holding our schools ac- nile Justice and the State Attorney signed punishment for conduct that could be crimi- countable,’’ he said. an agreement to reduce school-based arrests. nal. The superintendent said in the memo that But the program is under attack because of The culture of leniency allows children to he will propose the School Board create a widespread allegations that Cruz, the Mar- engage in an endless loop of violations and Climate and Discipline Department to ‘‘bet- jory Stoneman Douglas school shooter, bene- second chances, creating a system where ter monitor and support school teams as fited from it. kids who commit the same offense for the they address students with major challenges Runcie had insisted that Cruz was not in 10th time may be treated like it’s the first, and concerns.’’ according to records and interviews with the Promise program, but he did an abrupt THE PROMISE PROGRAM shift this week and said Cruz had been re- people familiar with the process. The Pine Ridge Education Center, just out- Cruz was suspended at least 67 days over ferred to it in 2013 for vandalizing a bath- side Fort Lauderdale, houses the Promise less than a year and a half at Westglades room. Cruz did not complete the three-day program, as well as secure classrooms for Middle School, and his problems continued stint, the district said, but administrators other children who have been expelled from at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, haven’t said why. their regular school but need supervision and until he finally was forced to leave. BROWARD SCHOOLS BACKTRACK ON GUNMAN guidance. NIKOLAS CRUZ’S PROMISE PROGRAM CONNECTION The South Florida Sun Sentinel obtained The principal describes it as a ‘‘school of Cruz’s discipline records, reviewed discipline promise and encouragement, not a school of A couple of months later, he was sent to a policies and found: punishment.’’ Students call it the ‘‘Zap special school for children with severe emo- Students can be considered first-time of- School,’’ as in you’ve been ‘‘zapped’’ and sent tional and behavioral disorders. As a tot, he fenders even if they commit the same of- there as punishment. was found to be developmentally delayed and fenses year after year. Runcie claims the Promise program has a had been considered a special needs child in The district’s claim of reforming bad be- 90 percent success rate at keeping children school, entitled to certain services and pro- havior is exaggerated. from re-offending, but that statistic can be tections under law. Lenient discipline has an added PR benefit deceiving. Some parents and community leaders have for the district: lower suspensions, expul- A student can commit a subsequent infrac- criticized the superintendent for misleading sions and arrests along with rising gradua- tion without being considered a repeat of- the public about Cruz, and the school district tion rates. fender, as long as it’s not the exact same vio- appears not to be able to make sense of all of SCHOOL DISTRICT SHUTS DOWN INFORMATION lation, in the exact same year. the records it has on him. AFTER STONEMAN DOUGLAS SHOOTING The following year, they start with a clean ‘‘To me, it’s an indication that the various The forgiving attitude goes beyond the slate. discipline programs in place at the district schools’ controversial Promise program, the ‘‘It’s extremely problematic,’’ said Tim are confusing, poorly implemented and exe- target of considerable public scrutiny for en- Sternberg, a former assistant principal at cuted, and clearly if we take the district at abling students to avoid criminal charges for Pine Ridge Educational Center who adminis- its statement, they’ve been difficult to misdemeanor offenses. tered the Promise program. ‘‘You can de- track,’’ said Ryan Petty, whose daughter The program, the pride of Superintendent velop a psyche that it is OK to commit crime Alaina was one of 17 people shot to death in Robert Runcie, was designed to use coun- because you can refresh the clock every Cruz’s Valentine’s Day massacre. ‘‘If the seling and mentoring to help students avoid year.’’ records are this difficult to find, clearly it the school-to-prison pipeline. Under former Sternberg says he doesn’t have confidence would be difficult to know whether this is zero-tolerance policies, black students ended in the district’s data. ‘‘They aren’t tracking helping students or not.’’ up suspended, expelled and arrested at rates kids over time.’’ Despite Cruz’s history of discipline prob- that were widely disproportionate to their Asked about kids starting each year anew, lems, neither the schools nor police ever peers. without marks against them from prior se- steered him to the justice system. Desmond Blackburn, then Broward’s chief mesters, Runcie told the Sun Sentinel he Mr. RUBIO. The second article—I will review it. school performance and accountability offi- will be brief on this—is from the Sun cer, specifically instructed teachers and staff ‘‘We’ll make whatever adjustments we need to. We review the discipline policy Sentinel, by Scott Travis: ‘‘Broward in a video years ago to challenge and nurture schools fought against 2013 plan for students, while using suspensions, expulsions every year and have made some adjustments and arrests as ‘‘absolute last resorts.’’ and continue to take feedback.’’ more security money.’’ Now, many teachers and parents say INSIDE THE MATRIX They turned down a proposal to levy Broward has created a culture in which The district’s Student Code of Conduct, $55 million in tax dollars for school teachers are expressly told or subtly pres- first created in 2004–05, includes a com- safety, and one of the quotes is this:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.004 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 One of the school board members slammed At least a quarter of campuses do not have In fact, I have here with me the the proposal. They said they’d rather ask single-entry points to control intruders. Safe record of those 69 discipline points. It voters for money to improve technology and spaces to protect children in classrooms renovate old schools, which they did in No- haven’t been identified. is extensive, and I ask unanimous con- sent that that record be entered into vember of 2014. The killer wasn’t welcome at that In hindsight, that was a terrible mis- high school, by the way. the RECORD. take. He was known by former classmates and There being no objection, the mate- There is another article from the Sun even administrators as a potential school rial was ordered to be printed in the Sentinel: ‘‘What’s being done to stop shooter. And still he walked right onto cam- RECORD, as follows: another school shooting.’’ Again, it is a pus. very long article. I will just say this: It goes on to say: The table below shows the history of inci- Once he decided to shoot up a school, there [The killer] didn’t keep his homicidal dents involving Nikolas Cruz as reported by wasn’t much to stop [the killer]. urges quiet. But the schools incompetently school officials during his time at His threats were ignored, the campus was handled the threat he represented to his fel- Westglades Middle School and Marjory wide open, the school doors were unlocked low classmates and teachers. Stoneman Douglas High. In between those and students had nowhere to hide. [The killer’s] lust for violence had been schools, Cruz attended Cross Creek, a public What has changed after 10 months documented officially 69 times in his life. At school in Pompano Beach for students with since the shooting? This was back on least 30 people knew of his troubling behav- emotional and behavioral disorders. December 29, 2018. ior before the shooting.

Date School Type of incident

5/15/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 5/17/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 5/30/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 6/5/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISOBEDIENCE/INSUBORDINATION 8/12/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... Profanity towards Staff 8/28/12 ...... WESTGLADES ...... FIGHTING 2/20/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 2/20/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 2/25/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 3/4/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 3/4/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 3/11/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 3/11/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 3/20/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... FALSE ALARM/911 4/8/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... OUT OF ASSIGNED AREA 4/10/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... RULES VIOLATION (Includes Classroom Rules) 4/10/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 4/17/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 4/17/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 4/22/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 5/6/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 5/20/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... OUT OF ASSIGNED AREA 5/21/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 5/22/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 8/23/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTION ON CAMPUS (MINOR) 8/27/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/3/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 9/11/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/16/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/18/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/23/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 9/24/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/30/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 10/1/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... LEVEL 3 BUS VIOLATION 10/2/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... LEVEL 3 BUS VIOLATION 10/3/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... VANDALISM <$1000 10/15/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISOBEDIENCE/INSUBORDINATION 10/22/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY/HABITUAL 10/29/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 10/29/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 11/4/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTIVE (UNRULY) BEHAVIOR 11/8/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... LEVEL 3 BUS VIOLATION 11/12/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 11/12/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 11/19/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROHIBITED/DISTRACTING ITEMS-POut-of-School SuspensionESSION/USE 11/19/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTION ON CAMPUS (MINOR) 11/20/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTION ON CAMPUS (MINOR) 11/25/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... VANDALISM <$1000 12/11/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 12/12/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... ASSAULT (VERBAL)/THREAT—LOW LEVEL NON CRIMINAL 12/17/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... DISRUPTION ON CAMPUS (MINOR) 12/19/13 ...... WESTGLADES ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 1/29/14 ...... WESTGLADES ...... FALSE ALARM/911 2/24/16 ...... STONEMAN ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 9/20/16 ...... STONEMAN ...... FIGHTHING MEDIUM 9/29/16 ...... STONEMAN ...... PROFANITY/USE OF INSULTING/OBSCENE LANG 12/22/16 ...... STONEMAN ...... PROFANITY DIRECTED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER 1/19/17 ...... STONEMAN ...... ASSAULT (VERBAL)/THREAT—LOW LEVEL NON CRIMINAL

Mr. RUBIO. Wrapping up on this and nothing was in place to do any- It found that the most typical weap- point, there is another article from the thing about it. on used was a semiautomatic pistol. It Sun Sentinel entitled ‘‘Hide, deny, I wrap up with a couple of points. found that 50 percent of these attacks spin, threaten: How the school district The first is that the Marjory Stoneman were done with weapons that were tried to mask failures that led to Park- Douglas High School Public Safety taken from the home—not even pur- land shooting.’’ It talks about efforts Commission empaneled by the State chased, but taken from the home. It that were made by the school district looked at these shootings and from it, found that in four of five incidents, at to keep from the public the sorts of I think, are pretty instructive of some least one person had some knowledge things that we are now finding out. of the things I hope we can work on to- that they were going to do this, and in Finally, ‘‘Here’s what the [school dis- gether. It looked at a 20-year period more than half of the cases, at least trict] knew about the Parkland shoot- and found that 48 individuals com- two people knew they were going to do er’’ is another article that talks about, mitted 46 of these attacks, and 35 were this. time and again, how this killer told students, and 10 were former students. It is on the basis of these discoveries, people he was going to do this—not So 45 of the 48 were either students or working with many of the parents just one person, but multiple people— former students. whose children lost their lives a year

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.005 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1341 ago today, that last year we pursued on SCOTT and I have put forth a resolution sisters; they were students and athletes a bipartisan basis and passed the STOP that commemorates this day. It honors and musicians and teachers. Not a day School Violence Act, which provides, the survivors. It pledges continued sup- goes that I don’t think about that day over a 10-year period, $100 million a port for their recovery. It recognizes and the amazing people who were year for strengthening school security, the strength and resiliency of Marjory snuffed out by the deranged actions of providing school training to identify Stoneman Douglas High School and the a madman. threats before they take action, and community that surrounds it. It ex- Over the course of the last year, I creating school threat assessments and presses gratitude to the emergency have spent countless hours with the crisis intervention. That has passed. medical and healthcare professionals of families of the victims. Unfortunately, It is why this year I have reintro- the community for their efforts in re- I wish we had never met like this. They duced the Extreme Risk Protection sponding and caring for the victims have been partners in our efforts to en- Order and Violence Protection Act, and survivors. Most of all, it com- sure that this never happens again. We which will dedicate the Department of memorates the victims who were killed worked together, along with educators, Justice funds to incentivize States to in the attack, and it offers the Senate’s mental health professionals, and law give law enforcement the authority to heartfelt condolences and deepest sym- enforcement, to pass the Marjory prevent individuals that pose a threat pathies to the families, loved ones, and Stoneman Douglas High School Public to themselves or others the ability to friends of the victims. Safety Act, to make sure our State purchase or possess firearms, so that if Madam President, as if in legislative does everything in its power to prevent information like what was available to session, I ask unanimous consent that tragedies like this from happening authorities in Parkland is available to the Senate proceed to the consider- again. people now, they can actually go to ation of S. Res. 71, submitted earlier Today, the State of Florida stands court—to prove their case with due today. united with heavy hearts. Nothing we process, and take the guns away from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The say here today can bring back the lives this person before they go out and com- clerk will report the resolution by that were lost. Nothing we do can re- mit this crime. More importantly, they title. place the angels of Marjory Stoneman can alert their parents to secure the The senior assistant legislative clerk Douglas High School who were taken guns at home so they don’t use that read as follows: from us too soon. But we must never gun to commit the crime. A resolution (S. Res. 71) honoring the forget them. We must honor their I have also introduced a bipartisan Memory of the Victims of the Senseless At- memory every day, and we must re- bill, the Threat Assessment Prevention tack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High dedicate ourselves to the goal of ending and Safety Act. It creates a task force School 1 Year Ago. violence in our schools. of experts to provide recommendations The PRESIDING OFFICER. There I yield the floor. for a national strategy to keep our being no objection, the Senate pro- RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER communities safe from targeted vio- ceeded to consider the resolution. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The lence through threat assessment and Mr. RUBIO. I ask unanimous consent Democratic leader is recognized. management, which experts say is the that the resolution be agreed to, the best way to identify potential killers preamble be agreed to, and the motions f before they act. to reconsider be considered made and EXECUTIVE CALENDAR If something like this had been in laid upon the table with no intervening place, it is highly likely that authori- action or debate. GOVERNMENT FUNDING ties, putting all this together—what we The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, know today—would have said this indi- objection, it is so ordered. later today we will vote on the agree- vidual is a serious threat and we need The resolution (S. Res. 71) was agreed ment by the conference committee to to do something about it before they to. keep the government open, as well as take action. The preamble was agreed to. provide additional border security. And, finally, yesterday, Senator (The resolution, with its preamble, is Once again, I applaud the members of GRASSLEY and I reintroduced the EA- printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- the conference committee and their GLES Act, which would reauthorize mitted Resolutions.’’) staffs. They were the nub here, and and expand the U.S. Secret Service Na- Mr. RUBIO. I yield the floor. they did outstanding work, nights and tional Threat Assessment Center to Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I weekends, to reach an agreement. We help communities proactively mitigate ask unanimous consent that the Sen- knew that if the conference committee threats of violence in schools. ator from Florida be given 3 minutes to were allowed to work, they could bring It is my hope that this terrible trag- speak on the resolution of his colleague this together. The agreement is a vali- edy and what we have learned about it from Florida, and then I speak on lead- dation of the idea that when you put will guide us and will provide us a road er time, to be followed immediately by Members of both parties in a room to map of concrete steps that we can take Senators WHITEHOUSE, SCHATZ, and negotiate in good faith, when everyone to empower communities, schools, and MERKLEY. is willing to give and take, progress is police departments and parents and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without never out of reach. So, again, I thank families with the tools they need, not objection, it is so ordered. the members of the committee. just to identify people who are poten- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The agreement is a reasonable com- tially violent but to prevent it from ator from Florida. promise. It provides additional funding happening and to get out ahead of it— Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam Presi- for smart, effective border security. It maybe it is a risk assessment or maybe dent, I thank my colleague Senator does not fund the President’s wall, but it is institutionalized mental health or RUBIO for standing with me to remem- it does fund smart border security ini- wraparound services, but anything that ber the victims and their families on tiatives that both parties have always can be done. this tragic anniversary and for his un- supported, including increased security I raise all of this today because if you wavering commitment to school safety. at our ports of entry and humanitarian were to speak to the families, as I Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin assistance at our border. Most impor- know my colleague from Florida and I Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, tantly, it will keep our government often do, they will tell you that the Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris open. most important thing we can do to Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Everyone, I believe, including the honor the memory of their children Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina President, wants to avoid a repeat of whom they lost in this terrible tragedy Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena what happened before Christmas. Ev- is to make sure it doesn’t happen to Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen eryone wants to avoid another sense- anybody else. Schentrup, Peter Wang—one year ago less government shutdown. I expect Now, there is one more thing we today, these 17 souls were taken from Congress will pass this bill sometime would like to do to honor the victims us in a brutal act of violence. They this afternoon, and President Trump of this tragedy. My colleague Senator were sons and daughters, brothers and should sign it immediately.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.006 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 THE GREEN NEW DEAL the ball forward. They are bringing a that and won’t. Leader MCCONNELL has Madam President, on another sub- resolution forward so that they can all voted six times against sense-of-the- ject, this morning, I challenge Leader vote against it. Senate resolutions that climate change MCCONNELL to say that our climate This cheap, cynical ploy evidently is real and human activity has contrib- change crisis is real, that it is caused represents the sum total of Senate Re- uted to it. He has dodged the issue time by humans, and that Congress needs to publicans’ leadership on the vital issue and again, but maybe his opinion has act. Let me elaborate. of climate change, an issue that cries changed. So when Leader MCCONNELL The Republican leader fashions him- out for serious engagement by Mem- brings his Green New Deal resolution self as someone who doesn’t waste time bers of both parties. But rather than forward for a vote, we Democrats de- with political stunts. I am not sure I seriously engage on the issue, our Re- mand our own amendment votes. Let’s could count the number of times he has publican colleagues are taking a page see if anything has changed since 2015, shrugged off a piece of legislation by from President Trump’s petty play- when only five brave Republicans were calling it a ‘‘futile gesture’’ because book, trying to make this a game of able to vote yes on a resolution saying the President will not sign it or be- political ‘‘gotcha.’’ They are taking climate change is real and caused by cause he thinks it would be a waste of their lead from the President, a man humans. Two of them aren’t even here the Senate’s time. who is so willfully ignorant and foolish anymore. Yet, on Tuesday, the Republican that he thinks he is clever by ridi- If Leader MCCONNELL blocks amend- leader announced he would bring up his culing the global scientific consensus ments, we will know where he and his Green New Deal resolution for a vote on climate change whenever it snows. party stand: against science, against because he wants to make sure every- Well, the American people are not fact—ostriches with their heads buried body has the ‘‘opportunity to go on laughing. They weren’t laughing when in the sand as the tide comes in. record and see how they feel’’ about it, a U.S. Senator brought a snowball to If Leader MCCONNELL allows amend- knowing full well his entire party will the floor of this Chamber to mock cli- ments, allows an actual, real debate on vote against it, including himself, and mate science. They weren’t laughing climate change, we will see which of that it will not pass. when President Trump called climate our Republican friends are finally Since Republicans took control of change a hoax perpetrated by the Chi- ready to admit that climate change is this Chamber in 2015, they have not nese. The rest of the world isn’t laugh- real—is happening right now—and are brought a single Republican bill to ing either, not when basically every ready to act on it. Unlike what Leader meaningfully reduce carbon emissions country in the world—including Syria, MCCONNELL is proposing, that would be to the floor of the Senate—not one bill. North Korea, and Iran—is working to- actual progress. Republicans have controlled this gether to reduce carbon emissions I yield the floor. Chamber for 4 years and have not while the Trump administration has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- brought a single bill to significantly forced the United States to sit on the ator from Rhode Island. reduce carbon emissions. sidelines. I would say to our Repub- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- We are supposed to conduct the busi- lican colleagues that this is no game, dent, let me start by thanking Leader ness of the Nation. We are supposed to and it is no joke. Climate change is SCHUMER for his incredible remarks tackle our country’s greatest chal- deadly serious, and the time for all of this morning. There is a surge of en- lenges. Well, climate change is the No. us to treat it that way is now, before it ergy around this issue. He has rep- 1 threat to our planet, yet not a single is too late. resented that surge of energy very Republican bill that addresses climate So when the Republican leader says well. He challenged the other side of change in a meaningful way has he wants to bring the Green New Deal the aisle to bring it on. Let me sign up reached the floor—not a one. In fact, resolution up for a vote, I say: Go for right now as the proud member of the the Republican majority has spent the it. Bring it on. You think it might em- ‘‘bring it on’’ caucus. Bring it on. We Senate’s time on legislation that would barrass Democrats to vote on a non- are looking forward to this conversa- make climate change even worse. In binding resolution that some of us may tion on our side. one instance, the Republican leader support but not others. Trust me, we It is clear that the people of America moved to repeal a commonsense and will be fine because the American peo- want action. The polling is immensely vital program to reduce methane emis- ple know that our entire party actually strong on this issue. It is clear that the sions, and it failed only because a few believes that climate change is hap- people of America see this issue in brave Republicans joined all of the pening and it is caused by humans. We their daily lives. This is not academic Democrats in voting no. actually believe the consensus of the theory any longer. They see the Now, with amazing irony, the first worldwide scientific community that wildfires. They see the droughts. They measure to address climate change climate change is an existential threat see the floods. They see the sea level from the Republican leader—the first to this planet, one that threatens not rise. They see the fish moving about. one in 4 years—will be one that he only our children and our grand- This is in their lives now, and the poll- wants all of his Members to vote children but all of us right now. ing shows that. against. Let me say that again. The We actually believe that we need to A vast majority of Americans say Republican leader announced he is do something about climate change. Do they are—and this is the word in the going to bring up a resolution he in- Republicans believe that? Do Repub- poll—‘‘worried’’ about climate change. tends to vote against. licans agree with the overwhelming The world has reported they see this as That is what the American people consensus of the scientific community? the No. 1 issue facing the world’s secu- hate about Congress, the pointless par- Does Leader MCCONNELL? I seriously rity. tisan games. Next time you see con- want to know, and so do the American Against that backdrop of an active, gressional approval level hovering people. engaged, and knowledgeable American around 15 percent, don’t ask why. This So today, I am issuing a challenge to population and a world that is looking is why: Leader MCCONNELL proposing the majority leader. I don’t do this for the United States to lead, the city resolutions so he can vote against often, and my colleagues know I would on the hill, what—what—do we get them and never proposing anything on rather work in a bipartisan way on cli- from the Republican majority in the this subject, climate change, that is mate change, but this stunt—his cyn- Senate? We get a bill, a measure constructive. ical stunt—demands a response. brought to the floor—the first time, as I hope the American people are pay- I challenge Leader MCCONNELL to say Leader SCHUMER pointed out, that the ing attention because they need to see that our climate change crisis is real, Republican-controlled majority has what is going on here. The American that it is caused by humans, and that brought any meaningful legislation re- people need to see that this is all there Congress needs to act. That is what lated to climate change to the floor— is to the Republican plan to deal with two-thirds of the American people that they intend to vote against. climate change. This is all they can agree with—two-thirds. Who brings a bill to the floor that muster—a political stunt, not designed My strong suspicion, unfortunately, you intend to vote against? How is that to make progress, not designed to move however, is that McConnell can’t say possibly sincere or serious, and what is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.008 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1343 your alternative? If you don’t like the take away ice cream and aviation and of the Paris accords. They allowed him Green New Deal, what is your plan? everything that is good in the world to begin the process of rolling back Where is there one? because they know their position on your fuel efficiency standards, to re- The fact is, since the Citizens United climate change is absolutely unten- peal the Clean Power Plan, to prop up decision and since the fossil fuel indus- able. coal—even though it makes no eco- try powered up its political efforts, Over the last couple of days, I read nomic sense in a lot of instances any- there is now no Republican Senator in some what we call very serious people more—and they put climate deniers in the Senate who has cosponsored any in Washington, DC, sort of marveling top science positions in the govern- serious bill to significantly reduce car- at Leader MCCONNELL’s trolling exer- ment. bon dioxide emissions. They stay away cise. This is supposed to be the world’s They put Secretary Zinke in charge from this issue like the plague. greatest deliberative body. It is not of the Department of the Interior, and The world has changed around us. Twitter. This is supposed to be where the first thing he did was to open up The 2020 election has already begun, in we solve the greatest problems facing lands for oil and gas leases. They put many respects. Voters are alert to this. the United States. This is not where we Scott Pruitt in charge of the EPA, and A Democratic House is ready to troll each other. This is where we are when he finally proved to be a political produce real legislation, meaningful supposed to have the great debates. liability—not for his climate policy but legislation. With any luck—actually on Senate Democrats have done all sorts because of his personal habits—they re- the House side, somewhat bipartisan of work on climate: the ITC and the placed him with someone with the legislation, and here in the Senate, the PTC for solar and wind, conservation same policies, Andrew Wheeler, who is blockade continues, and the only meas- and efficiency, carbon pricing, fighting literally a coal lobbyist. ure brought to the floor is a trick vote deforestation. So Republicans do not If you wrote all of this into a screen- that its sponsors will actually vote have the high ground here. They are play, people would say: That is a little against. That is a pathetic statement trying to make this a partisan exer- too on the nose. That is a little too ob- of where our friends on the other side cise, where you have several news orga- vious. This is ridiculous. This is not ac- are on this. nizations churning because they don’t tually how Washington works. They I hope this actually turns into a want to deal with climate change. wouldn’t put a coal lobbyist in charge breakthrough moment in which there If the Senate Republican leadership of the Environmental Protection Agen- are some serious conversations on the wants to bring up anything about cli- cy, would they? They did. They did. other side to say this is not tenable; mate, I echo the words of Senator It is not just that Republicans don’t this is ridiculous; we are going to be SCHUMER and Senator WHITEHOUSE: We have a plan to make things better, it is embarrassed by this; but on our side, have never been more fired up. We are that the Democratic approach is to we say bring it on. going to take this opportunity to have treat this like the emergency it is and I yield the floor. a real debate about climate because invest in clean air, clean water, and The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Republicans do not have a plan to ad- smarter infrastructure, and the Repub- SCOTT of Florida). The Senator from dress climate change. That is not a lican approach is to put polluters in Hawaii. rhetorical flourish. That is not an ac- charge to actively, aggressively, and Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, our cusation. That is just an observation. proudly make climate change worse. friends on the other side of the aisle— They don’t have a plan to stop climate I have seen the right approach work the Republicans—are misreading the pollution. They do not agree with 99 in Hawaii. For decades, since the de- moment. The planet is in an emergency percent of the scientific community mise of the sugar plantation, we relied situation, and instead of coming to the saying not just that this problem ex- on imports of fossil fuels for our energy table with ideas on how to fix it, they ists but that Congress must act. needs. As recently as 2010, we got more are running the same play they always If you look at the last session of Con- than 90 percent of our electricity from run; that is, that they take a popular gress, it is actually worse than that. I burning oil, which is the dumbest way idea—investing in clean energy, maybe want to put this in context. The last to do things. It is very expensive and making college more affordable, mak- session of Congress spanned two of the very dirty. Less than a decade later, we ing the Tax Code more fair—and they worst years of weather in U.S. history. are well on our way to 100 percent try to characterize it as a liberal In 2017, there were about 10 million clean energy. project so people put on their partisan acres that were burned by wildfires. We have addressed the legitimate uniforms. There were Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, concerns, we ignored trolls, and we Our ideas are popular, and what they and Maria. In 2018, we had the costliest moved forward together. We have quin- have done recently is, they have taken and deadliest wildfires California had tupled clean energy, lowered elec- a batch of our ideas and have said: So- ever seen. In these two record-setting tricity rates, and created tons of jobs. cialism. You are going to turn into years, climate change cost the econ- Clean energy is the future for Hawaii, Venezuela if you do all of these things. omy and the taxpayers billions of dol- and it is the future for the United I know you think you want affordable lars. Communities all across the coun- States. This can be done. Do not be college. I know you think you want cli- try struggled to rebuild and recover. afraid. mate action. I know you think you People lost their lives, their homes, If Republicans think the Democratic want to not get ripped off by the Tax and their livelihoods. ideas are no good, fine; then offer a dif- Code, but that will cause you to be In these 2 years, the number of pieces ferent plan. They are the only major Venezuela. of legislation that Republicans put for- political party in the developed world This is the play they run every time, ward to address climate change—even that doesn’t even believe climate and they run it with cover from the if I thought they were inadequate, even change is a problem. There is no other Wall Street Journal’s editorial board if I thought they were the wrong ap- issue where the majority party denies and FOX News to try to trick the proach, even if I thought they were that the problem exists at all, not American people into opposing ideas half measures or too private sector-ori- cyber security, not healthcare, not they actually like. ented, whatever the criticism might even income inequality. This is not That is what is happening with this have been, I can’t even make criticisms tenable. nonbinding resolution that 12 Senators of their climate policy. They have no Whenever a Senate Democrat or a have cosponsored. Republicans are try- climate policy other than to make group of Senate Democrats come to the ing to take frequently asked ques- things worse. floor to talk about climate change, we tions—a document that was posted on They have allowed coal companies to usually have a good little group over the website of a new Member of Con- leak dirty water and waste into here, and always—always—in my 7 gress, and then subsequently taken streams without having to clean it up. years in the U.S. Senate, there is al- down and disavowed, and make you be- They voted to make it easier for oil ways an empty Chamber on the Repub- lieve this is what Democrats want to and mining companies to pay foreign lican side—empty. The only Republican do when it comes to climate action. governments. They allowed the Presi- I am ever talking to is someone who is They want you to believe we want to dent to start the process of pulling out maybe waiting to give a speech about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.010 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 something else or the Presiding Offi- ocean temperatures. What does one say The Senator from West Virginia. cer. That is because Republicans in the to them—that there is not an issue; GOVERNMENT FUNDING Senate have no plan at all as it relates that we don’t have a problem? Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, before I to climate change. The entire scientific community of begin with my remarks, I would like to We have trillions of dollars in infra- the world has said you can see the facts take a moment, as I think everybody structure that needs to be addressed on the ground, but we don’t need them here in the country should, to remem- over the next couple of decades. We to see the facts on the ground. We see ber and honor all the lives lost 1 year could make those investments in ways it through the everyday impacts on ago today during the shooting at Mar- that also address climate. We could Americans, on our farmers, our ranch- jory Stoneman Douglas High School in offer tax breaks for clean energy. We ers, and on our communities plagued Parkland, FL. It was a horrible act, as should reenter the Paris accord, but by smoke or wiped out by hurricanes. the Presiding Officer of the Senate is they are pulling the same play they al- So we do have a problem. The answer well aware, and its reverberations are ways do, to make this so partisan, to is, yes, we do have a problem. If you still felt deeply today, especially mock the issue itself so they can con- say there is no problem, then your among those who lost friends and loved tinue to do nothing. They are whistling head is stuck in the tar sands, and you ones, many of whom work day in and past the graveyard. are failing your responsibility not just day out to keep their memory alive. I yield the floor. as a U.S. Senator, you are failing your We have before us on the floor today The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- responsibility as a human being. You a bipartisan government funding meas- ator from Oregon. are failing your constituents if you ure, and as the chairman of the Home- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, how think there is no problem, while their land Security Appropriations Sub- do we make our communities, our lives and their economy are being so committee, I rise in support of the con- States, our Nation, and our planet bet- dramatically impacted by this issue. ference agreement to secure our border ter for our children? How do we make I ask my colleagues, did you come and fund our government and end any it better for our children’s children and here to fail your constituents, to fail as possibility of a shutdown at the same their children? Isn’t that the task we a Senator, to fail as a human being to time. This agreement is a compromise have in the U.S. Senate, to make address this issue? Did you come to between Republicans and Democrats, things work better, not worse? fail, or did you come to take on the between the House and the Senate, and We have this question before us: Do issues that face us and build a better because it is a compromise, none of us we have a carbon pollution problem? world for your children? really got everything we wanted. What is the answer, yes or no? I ask If you believe there is a significant When you are working to reach an agreement, whether you are in govern- each of my colleagues, yes or no? challenge, what are you doing about it? Presiding today is a new Member of What actions are you planning? Be- ment or in a family, it is important to the Senate from Florida. I have been cause if you believe there is a problem understand the difference between compromising on details and compro- down to Florida. I will tell you that I and you are not putting forward a plan mising on your principles. While this heard about the rising seawater pol- to address it, then your leadership is a agreement may compromise on some of luting the aquifers and creating fresh- failure. So we have a choice on the Repub- the specifics, it does not compromise water supply problems for communities lican side of the aisle. Is it that you are on our commitment to our Nation and in Florida. I heard about coastal ero- too obsessed with the power of the to secure our Nation. That commit- sion. I heard about coral reefs being Koch Brothers to address the needs of ment is also shared by our President, damaged and the fish offshore. I heard the citizens of the United States of who has been unwavering in his prom- about the toxic red algae on the gulf America, that you have your heads ise to strengthen our border. It is a side—so toxic it is killing fish and dol- stuck in the tar sands? Is that the goal we must achieve in a smart and phins and turtles and manatees, and issue, or is it that you want to sit on informed way to address the real and they are washing up on the shore of the sidelines? You know there is a ever-changing challenges we face as a Florida on the gulf side. problem, but you want to sit on the nation. The people have two problems. The sidelines and do nothing, in which case On the border itself, I have been very toxic algae is creating breathing prob- you are a failed leader. clear that our agreement had to in- lems, and then there is a stench arising So how about reject ignorance, and clude three critical elements, three from the dying sea life. People on the how about reject failed leadership and legs of the stool: physical barriers, gulf side of Florida say: We have to come together to make a better world technology, and personnel. take inland vacations. for our children. That is what we need There were a few sticking points with I know my colleague presiding today to do, all of us, together, because the our Democratic colleagues. We did hear knows about these issues in his State impacts we see from carbon pollution from the Speaker of the House that because we see the impacts of carbon and climate chaos—those are not im- there would be no wall or there would pollution and climate chaos in every pacts affecting blue America or red not be $1 for the wall. Instead, this single State. We certainly see it in my America; they touch the lives of every agreement provides almost triple the State. We see it through the more pow- citizen, no matter which political money for new wall construction that erful forest fires—hotter, more acreage, party they belong to. It is going to af- we appropriated last year. In fact, we and more destruction. We see it in the fect every child we have now and every will pay for 55 new miles of wall in the smoke affecting the communities and child born in the future, whether they Rio Grande Valley where Customs and the economies throughout Oregon. Of register as a Democrat or a Repub- Border Protection has told us it is des- course, we saw the devastating forest lican. We have already wasted decades perately needed. This agreement will fires in California, wiping out the town in getting at this issue. Let’s waste no build twice as many miles of new wall of Paradise and afflicting so many more time. as last year’s appropriations, despite other communities. I suggest the absence of a quorum. the fact that we were negotiating with It is not just the impact on the nat- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The those who didn’t want to have any ural world; it is the impact on the peo- clerk will call the roll. wall. ple. When you affect the fisheries, you The bill clerk proceeded to call the Would I have preferred more money affect the fishermen. When you affect roll. for the wall? Of course. But this bill the forests, you affect the timber in- UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT provides the most money ever in a sin- dustry. When you proceed to produce Mr. MCCONNELL. Pursuant to the gle appropriations bill for a barrier. I conditions of more floods and more order of February 13 with respect to drafted legislation—passed by the Sen- droughts, you affect the farmers and the Barr nomination, I ask the Chair to ate Appropriations Committee last ranchers of America. It is the people of put the question on the nomination of June—that would have fully funded the America. William Barr to be Attorney General at President’s budget request for the wall. How about the Panhandle of Florida. 12:30 p.m. today. I would have voted for higher It was wiped out by a more powerful The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without amounts—and did, actually, in com- hurricane, driven by those warmer objection, it is so ordered. mittee—of funding for the wall. That is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.011 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1345 because I believe strongly that phys- the fiscal year 2018 funded level to de- Hines, who is Chairman SHELBY’s right- ical barriers are a vital part of securing fend and police our border, and we will hand woman on the committee, was our border. I saw it myself when I add $600 million for nonintrusive in- fantastic. Thank you to Adam Telle, toured the borders in California and spection technology. Peter Babb, Christian Lee, Chris Cook, Texas. I saw the need. I saw how the As I have said before, border wall, and Thompson Moore of the Homeland walls work. And I will stand side by personnel, and technology are all vital Security Subcommittee staff, which I side with the President as he works to parts of securing our border. They are chair, as well as to my own appropria- secure additional money to construct a very critical in addressing the drug epi- tions staffer, J.T. Jezierski. I say border wall in the future. demic that has plagued my State of thank you—a big thank you. We got $1.375 billion, and that is a West Virginia and many other parts of I have spent the majority of my time long way from $1. It is a critical down- this country. today and the last several weeks on my payment on the President’s ultimate This bill includes the highest level of bill—our bill. My thanks and congratu- border security goal. The best path for- funding ever in a homeland security lations also go to my fellow chairmen ward to secure our border today is to appropriations bill to combat the who have titles in this package. They pass this agreement. opioid epidemic—more than $700 mil- have produced legislation that will The bill also stands with the men and lion—and it has funds for investiga- help West Virginia expand access to women of ICE, Immigration and Cus- tions when it comes to human traf- broadband, combat the opioid epi- toms Enforcement. A statutory cap on ficking, looking into the dark web, and demic, enhance our transportation, fos- the number of ICE detention beds other crimes. ter economic development, and ad- would have required dangerous crimi- The homeland security portion of vance scientific research and dis- nals to be released from ICE custody. It this agreement also takes a major step covery. They, too, faced similar chal- would have posed a threat to families forward in advancing our Nation’s lenges to draft bipartisan legislation, and communities across the country, Coast Guard by building a new polar and they too got it done. and it would have compromised an im- security cutter to help address oper- In closing, although conferees com- portant principle. This agreement re- ational needs in the Arctic. This is promised on details, we did not com- jects that anti-ICE proposal. critical to our homeland security. We promise our principles. Passing this I have said many times that I sup- also address the needs of the TSA, the conference agreement is in our na- port the men and women of ICE and Secret Service, and FEMA—to name tional security interest. It will provide their important work to secure our Na- just a few of the other entities within the resources, the direction, and the tion, and that is why the agreement be- this title. support that the President has said fore us gives ICE the operational flexi- This bill is not the bill I would have many times he needs to protect our Na- bility it needs to accomplish its goals. written alone. I don’t get to do that. It tion. Taking advantage of the flexibility is the product of give-and-take that is I am very proud to have been a part this bill provides, ICE can utilize 18 necessary to forge a bipartisan con- of this process, and I encourage my col- percent more detention beds than they sensus. It is a strong compromise that leagues to join me in a bipartisan fash- are currently using. That means ICE will help secure our border and make ion in passing this bill later this after- can continue interior enforcement ef- America safer. noon. forts and be ready to respond to any Senator JON TESTER, the ranking Thank you. surges on the border, so it gives ICE member of our subcommittee and the I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the flexibility they need. Senator from Montana, has been an ex- I say to my friends who, like me, ator from California. cellent partner as we have worked to want more money for the wall: This deliver a bill worthy of the men and f agreement is better for the wall and women of the Department of Homeland JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF better for ICE than any other alter- Security. So I thank him for his efforts LYNCHING ACT OF 2019 native. Rejecting this agreement will throughout this process. We have cost dozens of miles of new wall and Ms. HARRIS. James Baldwin once worked very well together. jeopardize ICE’s ability to detain dan- said: I also want to thank Chairman gerous criminals. Not everything that is faced can be Another government shutdown can- SHELBY and Vice Chairman LEAHY for changed. But nothing can be changed until it not and should not be allowed to hap- their work in guiding the Appropria- is faced. pen. We need to provide certainty to tions Committee to a deal. These are That is why we are here again today, our Federal workers and the American seasoned appropriators who know how to face the history of lynching in this people whom we serve. I also think we to get the job done. Their leadership country. From 1882 to 1986, the U.S. need to restore trust in our ability to has demonstrated that the Appropria- Congress failed to pass anti-lynching work across the aisle, to work across tions Committee can come together legislation when it had the opportunity party lines to reach settlement, nego- and forge bipartisan consensus in the more than 200 times. tiated settlement that moves us for- national interest. We have an opportunity, once again, ward, because if we are in a stalemate, The leaders of the House Appropria- to right this wrong and face the ugly we are standing still. In my opinion, if tions Committee, Chairman NITA history of lynching in America. Let’s you are standing still, you are actually LOWEY, whom I know very well; and recall this stain on America’s history. going backward, and we don’t want to Ranking Member KAY GRANGER, who is Lynching is an act of terror. It is mur- do that as a nation. a good friend of mine from my service der. The work done by the men and in the House; as well as my counter- These were summary executions. Vic- women in our Federal workforce during part in the House and chairman of tims of lynching were dragged out of the shutdown should continue to be ap- Homeland Security, LUCILLE ROYBAL- their homes. They had ropes wrapped plauded. Without pay and in a period of ALLARD; and Ranking Member CHUCK around their necks. They were hanged great uncertainty, thousands of men FLEISCHMANN, of the Homeland Secu- on trees. In many cases, they were cas- and women did their jobs at the high- rity Subcommittee. They deserve our trated and burned as crowds of people est level. We should be thankful for gratitude for forging ahead with a will- watched and applauded. The premise their service, and we are. ingness to negotiate. underlying all of these acts was that One of the things I am proud of in I also appreciate the contributions of Black people were not full human this bill is a 1.9-percent pay increase all the members of our conference com- beings. for the men and women of the Depart- mittee, and I would like to thank a According to the Equal Justice Ini- ment of Homeland Security. This is group of individuals who have dedi- tiative, lynching was used as an instru- ICE. This is Border Patrol. To the cated a lot of nights, weekends, and ment of terror and intimidation 4,084 Coast Guard, Secret Service, FEMA, we family time to this effort. Their knowl- times during the late 19th and 20th cen- salute you. edge of the facts and their commitment turies. Under this agreement, we will also to the cause never waned, even though In 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old hire 200 new Border Patrol agents over their time to sleep did wane. Shannon African-American boy, was lynched in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.013 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Mississippi after being accused of of- victims of lynching and their families. on the rise. Hate crimes against fending a woman in her family’s gro- As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said: LGBTQ Americans and Muslim Ameri- cery store. When Emmett Till’s mother ‘‘The time is always right to do what is cans are on the rise. This is unaccept- held open her son’s casket at his fu- right.’’ able. Justice for the victims of lynch- neral, the image of his body became I now yield the floor to my friend and ing has been too long denied, and as we one of the starkest examples of racial colleague, the great Senator from the look forward we must collectively in violence in America. great State of New Jersey, CORY BOOK- this body make a strong, unequivocal These lynchings, I think no one can ER. statement. deny, were acts of violence. They were The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The last time Senator HARRIS and I needless, horrendous acts of violence, ator from New Jersey. came to the floor with this request, I and they were motivated by racism. Mr. BOOKER. Thank you. read from an excerpt of a speech given Lynchings were crimes that were com- Mr. President, I thank Senator HAR- by Congressman George Henry White, mitted against innocent Americans. RIS for her partnership and leadership the first Member of Congress to intro- These crimes, for the most part, did on this bill. I also thank my colleague duce an anti-lynching bill more than a not go without consequence. They rare- and my friend, TIM SCOTT from South century ago and the last Black Member ly were followed by an arrest or the Carolina, for his leadership and part- of Congress to serve for decades fol- charging of a crime or the prosecution nership on this legislation. lowing Reconstruction. of a crime or the punishment for the As Senator HARRIS just said, this is In 1901, in the last speech he ever crime. Of course, the victims of these not the first time we have come down gave on the floor, the last speech of a acts and their families never received to the floor of the U.S. Senate to im- Black Congressman for decades, he said justice in our courts of law or in their plore this body to recognize lynching about the terror of lynching: ‘‘This evil community. for what it is—bias-related terror. It is peculiar to America, yes, to the United This is an uncomfortable history to not the first time we have come down States, must be met somehow, some think of, to talk about, and under- to this body to try to right the wrongs day.’’ standably makes many people uncom- of history. After numerous attempts— For too long in this body, in the U.S. fortable because of the violence we are dozens and dozens—during the height Congress, we have relied on the inevi- describing, because it is part of Amer- of lynchings in the United States, this tability of ‘‘some day’’ when it comes ica’s history, because it is something body failed to act. This body did not to addressing this profound injustice. we have never truly acknowledged and stand up to protect American citizens For too long we have failed—failed—to recognized, in terms of the crime it and condemn the horrors of lynching. ensure justice for the victims of lynch- was, the crime it is, and how we, In December of last year, as Senator ing, and failed to make clear that in through our laws, must recognize the HARRIS and I were standing here, this the United States of America, in this seriousness of it. body actually made a historic decision. great country, lynching is and always Today we have that opportunity, and It was a profound moment, an emo- has been not just a Federal crime but a we must recognize the context in which tional moment. They made the deci- moral failure. we discuss it today. Just in the last sion to pass the Justice for Victims of We have the opportunity right now, month, we have had difficult and high- Lynching Act by unanimous consent— again, to make history in this moment. profile conversations about slavery and no opposition. We have the opportunity right now to blackface, issues that are claimed to be After a long, painful, and shameful recognize the wrongs of both our his- part of a bygone era. However, it is history of this body, the U.S. Senate fi- tory and our recent past, to honor the clear that in many ways our past is our nally voted unanimously to make memories of those so brutally mur- present. lynching a Federal crime. Unfortu- dered, and to leave a legacy that future Lynching is not a relic of the past. In nately, the bill was not taken up in the generations can look back on. We will 2011, three men in Brandon, MS, mur- House before the end of the last Con- know, after some 200 attempts in this dered an African-American man, James gress. So we are here today with the body in more than 100 years, that on Craig Anderson. They robbed him, beat hope and expectation that for the sec- this day, this moment in American his- him, and ran him over with a truck. ond time this body will make history tory—notably Valentine’s Day; as one That is modern-day lynching. by passing Federal anti-lynching legis- leader once said, ‘‘Never forget that Let’s be clear. No one should have to lation and that, for the first time in justice is what love looks like in pub- fear for their life because of their race, history, this bill will actually become lic’’—that on this day, we can right national origin, religion, or sexual ori- the law of the land. this wrong. entation. We must confront hate di- Senator HARRIS referenced the Equal I would like to recognize the Senator rectly. Justice Initiative, which documented from California. In December of 2018, our Senate col- over 4,000 cases of racially motivated Ms. HARRIS. Thank you, Senator leagues, I am proud to say, voted lynchings between 1877 and well into BOOKER. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. unanimously, in a bipartisan way, to the 20th century. Lynchings were used Mr. President, as in legislative ses- pass the Justice for Victims of Lynch- to terrorize, marginalize, and oppress sion, I ask unanimous consent that the ing Act, which I proudly introduced Black communities, to kill human Senate proceed to the immediate con- with Senators BOOKER and SCOTT. After beings in order to sow deeper fear, in- sideration of S. 488, introduced earlier 100 years and more than 200 failed at- equality, and injustice for generations. today. tempts in the U.S. Congress, the U.S. The use of lynching to inflict racial The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate finally spoke the truth about terror is ugly, disturbing. It is a tragic clerk will report the bill by title. lynching. part of our history, but we know its The bill clerk read as follows: Today I have reintroduced the bill legacy does not just live in our history A bill (S. 488) to amend title 18, United and will ask the Senate to pass it books. Less than 2 weeks ago, an actor States Code, to specify lynching as a depri- again. The Justice for Victims of and activist was brutally attacked in vation of civil rights, and for other purposes. Lynching Act is a historic piece of leg- Chicago by two men yelling racial and There being no objection, the Senate islation that would make lynching a homophobic epithets. proceeded to consider the bill. Federal crime for the first time in Lynching is not a relic of the past. Ms. HARRIS. Mr. President, I ask American history. With this bill, we fi- We are seeing in the present pernicious unanimous consent that the bill be nally have a chance to speak the truth evil, and we still have yet to confront considered read a third time. about our past and make clear that this in this body. Bias-motivated acts The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without these hateful acts should never happen of violence and intimidation in Amer- objection, it is so ordered. again and, God forbid, they do, we are ica are actually on the rise. Hate The bill was ordered to be engrossed making clear there will be swift, seri- crimes are on the rise for the third for a third reading and was read the ous, and severe consequences. year in a row. Hate crimes against third time. We can now finally offer some long Black Americans are on the rise. Hate Ms. HARRIS. I know of no further de- overdue justice and recognition to the crimes against Jewish Americans are bate on the bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.015 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1347 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and ‘‘§ 250. Lynching further debate? people of color burdened with contemporary ‘‘Whoever conspires with another person to Hearing none, the bill having been presumptions of guilt and police violence. violate section 245, 247, or 249 of this title or read the third time, the question is, (17) Notwithstanding the Senate’s apology section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 Shall the bill pass? and the heightened awareness and education U.S.C. 3631) shall be punished in the same about the Nation’s legacy with lynching, it manner as a completed violation of such sec- The bill (S. 488) was passed as fol- is wholly necessary and appropriate for the lows: tion, except that if the maximum term of Congress to enact legislation, after 100 years imprisonment for such completed violation S. 488 of unsuccessful legislative efforts, finally to is less than 10 years, the person may be im- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- make lynching a Federal crime. prisoned for not more than 10 years.’’. resentatives of the United States of America in (18) Further, it is the sense of Congress (b) TABLE OF SECTIONS AMENDMENT.—The Congress assembled, that criminal action by a group increases the table of sections for chapter 13 of title 18, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. likelihood that the criminal object of that United States Code, is amended by inserting This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Justice for group will be successfully attained and de- after the item relating to section 249 the fol- Victims of Lynching Act of 2019’’. creases the probability that the individuals lowing: SEC. 2. FINDINGS. involved will depart from their path of crim- ‘‘250. Lynching.’’. inality. Therefore, it is appropriate to speci- Congress finds the following: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Con- (1) The crime of lynching succeeded slav- fy criminal penalties for the crime of lynch- ery as the ultimate expression of racism in ing, or any attempt or conspiracy to commit gratulations. the United States following Reconstruction. lynching. Ms. HARRIS. Thank you, Mr. Presi- (2) Lynching was a widely acknowledged (19) The United States Senate agreed to dent. Thank you to all of our col- practice in the United States until the mid- unanimously Senate Resolution 118, 115th leagues. dle of the 20th century. Congress, on April 5, 2017, ‘‘[c]ondemning Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- (3) Lynching was a crime that occurred hate crime and any other form of racism, re- sent that the motion to reconsider be throughout the United States, with docu- ligious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incite- considered made and laid upon the mented incidents in all but 4 States. ment to violence, or animus targeting a mi- nority in the United States’’ and taking no- table with no intervening action or de- (4) At least 4,742 people, predominantly Af- bate. rican Americans, were reported lynched in tice specifically of Federal Bureau of Inves- the United States between 1882 and 1968. tigation statistics demonstrating that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (5) Ninety-nine percent of all perpetrators ‘‘among single-bias hate crime incidents in objection, it is so ordered. of lynching escaped from punishment by the United States, 59.2 percent of victims f State or local officials. were targeted due to racial, ethnic, or ances- (6) Lynching prompted African Americans tral bias, and among those victims, 52.2 per- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR to form the National Association for the Ad- cent were victims of crimes motivated by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- vancement of Colored People (referred to in the offenders’ anti-Black or anti-African ator from Texas. this section as the ‘‘NAACP’’) and prompted American bias’’. GOVERNMENT FUNDING members of B’nai B’rith to found the Anti- (20) On September 14, 2017, President Don- Defamation League. ald J. Trump signed into law Senate Joint Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, late (7) Mr. Walter White, as a member of the Resolution 49 (Public Law 115–58; 131 Stat. last night, we received the text of the NAACP and later as the executive secretary 1149), wherein Congress ‘‘condemn[ed] the appropriations agreement to fund the of the NAACP from 1931 to 1955, meticulously racist violence and domestic terrorist attack remaining portions of the government investigated lynchings in the United States that took place between August 11 and Au- through the end of this fiscal year, and worked tirelessly to end segregation and gust 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia’’ which is through the end of September. racialized terror. and ‘‘urg[ed] the President and his adminis- tration to speak out against hate groups We were successful in doing some- (8) Nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were in- thing that we had not done in a long troduced in Congress during the first half of that espouse racism, extremism, xenophobia, the 20th century. anti-Semitism, and White supremacy; and time previously, which was to fund 75 (9) Between 1890 and 1952, 7 Presidents peti- use all resources available to the President percent of the Federal Government, tioned Congress to end lynching. and the President’s Cabinet to address the leaving 25 percent remaining. Unfortu- (10) Between 1920 and 1940, the House of growing prevalence of those hate groups in nately, the remaining 25 percent was Representatives passed 3 strong anti-lynch- the United States’’. held hostage to this unreasonable and ing measures. (21) Senate Joint Resolution 49 (Public unnecessary debate over whether we (11) Protection against lynching was the Law 115–58; 131 Stat. 1149) specifically took notice of ‘‘hundreds of torch-bearing White should fund border security. I say the minimum and most basic of Federal respon- debate was unnecessary because I sibilities, and the Senate considered but nationalists, White supremacists, Klansmen, failed to enact anti-lynching legislation de- and neo-Nazis [who] chanted racist, anti-Se- thought that we all shared a conviction spite repeated requests by civil rights mitic, and anti-immigrant slogans and vio- that it was important to secure our groups, Presidents, and the House of Rep- lently engaged with counter-demonstrators border. resentatives to do so. on and around the grounds of the University It is important to note that most of (12) The publication of ‘‘Without Sanc- of Virginia in Charlottesville’’ and that the bill that we will vote on later tuary: Lynching Photography in America’’ these groups ‘‘reportedly are organizing today has been out in the public do- helped bring greater awareness and proper similar events in other cities in the United States and communities everywhere are con- main for more than 6 months. It is the recognition of the victims of lynching. product of bipartisan deliberation by (13) Only by coming to terms with history cerned about the growing and open display of can the United States effectively champion hate and violence being perpetrated by those the Appropriations Committee and has human rights abroad. groups’’. been available to any Senator who (14) An apology offered in the spirit of true (22) Lynching was a pernicious and perva- might want to be acquainted with the repentance moves the United States toward sive tool that was used to interfere with details. reconciliation and may become central to a multiple aspects of life—including the exer- The part that is relatively new is the new understanding, on which improved ra- cise of Federally protected rights, as enu- detail relative to border security. I am cial relations can be forged. merated in section 245 of title 18, United pleased that, notwithstanding Speaker (15) Having concluded that a reckoning States Code, housing rights, as enumerated in section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 PELOSI’s statement that physical bar- with our own history is the only way the riers are somehow immoral, this does country can effectively champion human (42 U.S.C. 3631), and the free exercise of reli- rights abroad, 90 Members of the United gion, as enumerated in section 247 of title 18, authorize and fund up to 55 miles of ad- States Senate agreed to Senate Resolution United States Code. Interference with these ditional fencing along the U.S.-Mexico 39, 109th Congress, on June 13, 2005, to apolo- rights was often effectuated by multiple of- border. gize to the victims of lynching and the de- fenders and groups, rather than isolated indi- I believe that border security con- scendants of those victims for the failure of viduals. Therefore, prohibiting conspiracies sists of three components: physical the Senate to enact anti-lynching legisla- to violate each of these rights recognizes the barriers in hard-to-control locations; tion. history of lynching in the United States and serves to prohibit its use in the future. technology, which is important as a (16) The National Memorial for Peace and force multiplier; and then, of course, Justice, which opened to the public in Mont- SEC. 3. LYNCHING. gomery, Alabama, on April 26, 2018, is the the boots on the ground—the Border Nation’s first memorial dedicated to the leg- (a) OFFENSE.—Chapter 13 of title 18, United Patrol agents, who are absolutely es- acy of enslaved Black people, people terror- States Code, is amended by adding at the end sential. I am pleased to say that this ized by lynching, African Americans humili- the following: piece of legislation incorporates all

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.016 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 three of those components of what THE GREEN NEW DEAL years, and they don’t answer the ques- makes up smart and sensible border se- Mr. President, we have seen a lot of tion about how much it will cost. Some curity. discussion lately about the so-called estimates put the pricetag at $5.7 tril- I am also happy to see that the ini- Green New Deal. It has been stealing lion. That is $2 trillion more than our tial demands made by our colleagues headlines and capturing people’s imagi- annual tax revenue. In other words, it across the aisle that we limit the num- nations. It has been the subject of a lot would add $3.7 trillion to the national ber of detention beds are not in this of social media interaction and cer- debt. bill and that law enforcement can con- tainly has had a lot of coverage on TV Remember, that is just for the en- tinue to detain people with criminal and in the papers. ergy portion of the Green New Deal. records who happen to be illegally in It has ended up causing quite a head- There are other components, as well. this country so that we can discourage ache for our colleagues across the aisle There is Medicare for All, which, of and deter further illegal immigration. who have tried to explain exactly what course, would destroy the private in- surance industry and employer-pro- One of the worst aspects of our bro- they are trying to do and how they are vided coverage and would be ken immigration system is this notion trying to do it. Last week, the junior unaffordable. They offer free college, of catch-and-release. During the Senator from Massachusetts intro- paying the way for people who are able George W. Bush administration, I re- duced with Congresswoman OCASIO- but don’t want to work. member talking to Secretary Chertoff CORTEZ of New York a resolution that was framed as a way to create jobs and This is an extraordinary wish list, about this huge upsurge in Brazilians combining the most costly ideas of the coming across our border. I asked Sec- fight climate change. A number of Presidential aspirants here in the Sen- radical fringes on the left in one place. retary Chertoff why we were seeing all It is really remarkable they were able these Brazilians coming. He said it was ate—and there are a lot—quickly em- braced this resolution. to condense all of these into one place, catch-and-release. They knew that if where we could understand the entire there were no penalty associated with If you lived in a vacuum and you saw only the text of the resolution, you picture. coming across or if they wouldn’t be The resolution also commits to up- detained, there was no deterrence. might say: Well, this is a pretty good idea. It mentions things like creating date ‘‘all existing buildings . . . to I am glad to see that this appropria- high-wage jobs, ensuring economic achieve maximal energy efficiency, tions bill, which will prevent another prosperity, investing in infrastructure water efficiency, safety, affordability, government shutdown, contains no cap and industry, and securing clean air comfort, and durability.’’ I am all for on detention beds to detain criminal and water for all. That sounds pretty local and State government and, where aliens and others who are exploiting good. But the resolution does not spell it is appropriate, Federal Government vulnerabilities in our immigration sys- to talk about building codes and en- out how we are supposed to achieve all tem. ergy efficiency. That is a desirable of those things. I would say, though, one of the things Fortunately, one of the authors re- thing. But to try to retrofit every gov- that is notably absent in this bill is an leased a summary, which, oddly ernment building, every airport, every extension of the Violence Against enough, provided more details on what football stadium, every home, every Women Act, which provides resources the Green New Deal strives to do. It grocery store, and every shopping mall—every single building in the to assist women who are victims of do- tells us more than the actual resolu- United States would have to be up- mestic violence and sexual assault. Re- tion does. One of the lines of the reso- dated. How crazy is that? How much publicans made absolutely clear from lution says to ensure ‘‘prosperity and the get-go that we wanted to extend would that cost? economic security for all people of the On second thought, I guess we don’t the current law. I am incredulous that United States.’’ But the summary our Democratic colleagues objected to have to worry about updating airports clarifies that this is, in reality, a new because the Green New Deal also calls extending the current law, the Vio- entitlement program on steroids. This, lence Against Women Act. for building ‘‘high-speed rail at a scale at a time when our national debt just where air travel stops becoming nec- It is really hard for me to believe hit $22 trillion, adds additional entitle- that Speaker PELOSI and House Demo- essary.’’ I saw an interview with our ment spending on top of it. friend the Senator from Hawaii, who crats object to a modest extension of This provision would guarantee every this critical legislation, which helped was asked about that component of the person in the United States a job, Green New Deal. She said: Well, that countless victims receive the support healthcare, education, healthy food, they need, but because of the political wouldn’t work very well for Hawaii. and paid vacations. They might have High-speed rail wouldn’t exactly get jockeying, the Violence Against thrown in free beer and pizza too. But Women Act will expire at midnight to- you from the west coast out to Hawaii. they take it even a step further. Ac- I hate to burst their bubble, but this morrow. There were two options avail- cording to the Green New Deal, the is not something that is feasible or able to us. One was to provide an ex- government will foot the bill for any easy to do. Look at California talking tension through the end of the fiscal person who is ‘‘unable or unwilling to about high-speed rail. Earlier this year—through the end of September— work.’’ If you don’t like your job, don’t week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced which would have allowed us to work want to get out of bed in the morning, the State was hitting the brakes on a on a long-term reauthorization under don’t feel like going to the office high-speed rail project because it regular order. The second option, today, no worries. The Green New Deal would take too long and cost too much. which our Democratic colleagues says you don’t have to go to work. And I bet Governor Newsom and I don’t chose, is to do nothing and let this im- the people who do go to work—the agree on a lot from a political stand- portant legislation expire while trying hard-working taxpayers of America— point, but I agree with him on that. to plot out a long-term plan. The will foot the bill. Last March, California estimated choice seemed pretty obvious to me, Another component of this Green that the project would cost between $77 but apparently not to Speaker PELOSI New Deal is to move to 100 percent and $98 billion, and that is just to con- and not to the Democratic leader here clean and renewable energy in just 10 nect Northern and Southern California. in the Senate. years. I come from an energy State, I can’t imagine how much it would cost Since my days as attorney general, I the State of Texas. When people think to build a high-speed rail to connect have long been a believer in advocating about Texas, they think about oil and California to Maine. If the word for victims’ rights. I am beyond dis- gas, but we actually believe in all of ‘‘green’’ refers to the amount of money appointed that we have ended up in the above. We generate more elec- this would cost, then at least that this situation. It is shameful to play tricity from wind than any other State point is accurate. politics with the Violence Against in the country because we have more There are no details on how we are Women Act. But because of their ob- infrastructure deployed for that. going to pay for all of this, of course, struction, this important resource for I actually think moving toward because our Democratic colleagues victims across the country will lapse cleaner and renewable energy is a good know that the Green New Deal is en- tomorrow night at midnight. thing. But they want to do it in 10 tirely fantasy—it is unrealistic. These

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.017 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1349 are just talking points that have been the President will be able to sign it openings hit a record high in Decem- designed to appeal to the fringe of their into law. So stay tuned on that. Hope- ber. Once again, there were more job political party and to make a political fully, that will all transpire later openings than job seekers. In fact, job statement. That is why a number of today. openings outnumbered job seekers by our colleagues on the Democratic side TAX REFORM more than a million jobs. Think about changed their tune once the majority Mr. President, tax reform is working. that. There are more job openings than leader announced that the Senate When Republicans took office 2 years there are people who are looking for would vote on this resolution. ago, we had one goal in mind, and that work. It is not just by a little but by a Generally speaking, in my experience was to make life better for the Amer- lot—by a million job openings. in the Senate, if you introduce a bill or ican people. Key to that goal was get- The Department of Labor reports a resolution, you are thrilled to hear ting our economy going again after that the number of job openings has the majority leader say he is going to years of economic stagnation under the outnumbered the number of job seekers schedule it for a vote on the floor—but Obama administration. We took action now for 10 straight months. Wage not the Senator from Massachusetts, to lift burdensome regulations, and in growth has accelerated. Wages have one of the proponents of the Green New December of 2017, we passed the his- now been growing at a rate of 3 percent Deal. Following the leader’s announce- toric, comprehensive reform of our Na- or greater for 6 straight months. The ment, he released a statement that de- tion’s Tax Code. last time wage growth reached this level was in 2009—a decade ago. cried Senator MCCONNELL’s effort to Why the Tax Code? A Bloomberg article from yesterday ‘‘sabotage’’ the Green New Deal by his Well, the Tax Code plays a huge role reported: giving them a vote on their resolution. in the health of our economy. It helps to determine how much money individ- A strong labor market is proving to be [a] Apparently, holding a vote on some- blessing for job switchers as they pocket big- thing you have introduced is now a uals and families have to spend and to ger raises amid record openings. Median form of sabotage in this wild and save. It helps to determine whether a wage growth for those who jumped to new wacky world in which we currently small business can expand and hire. It positions picked up to 4.6 percent in January live. The Senator from Minnesota, who helps to determine whether larger busi- from a year earlier—the fastest pace since announced her bid for President, later nesses hire, invest, and stay in the October of 2007. downplayed her support and brushed it United States. A small business owner Median household income is at an all off as aspirational. who faces a huge tax bill is highly un- all-time, inflation-adjusted high of Our constituents didn’t send us to likely to be able to expand her business $61,372, and the list goes on. Washington to advocate for partisan or to hire a new employee. A larger These are a lot of statistics, but be- wish lists that will never be voted on. business is going to find it hard to cre- hind those numbers are American fami- They want us to be accountable as ate jobs or to improve benefits for em- lies whose lives are improving, thanks their elected Representatives. They ployees if it is struggling to stay com- to Republican economic policies— sent us here to craft legislation that petitive against foreign businesses that American families who no longer have can and will make our country strong- pay much less in taxes. A larger busi- to choose between a car repair and a er. This Green New Deal is nothing ness is also unlikely to keep jobs and dentist’s bill; American families who more than a Socialist agenda that is investment in the United States if the now have a little extra every month to being disguised as feel-good environ- Tax Code makes it vastly more expen- put away for the kids’ college or for mental policy, and it is indicative, un- sive to hire American workers. their retirement. Thanks to Repub- fortunately, of the hard left turn our Before we passed tax reform a year lican economic policies, Americans are feeling more optimistic and more hope- friends across the aisle, the Democratic ago in December, our Tax Code was not ful about their futures. Party, have taken. helping our economy. It was taking Gallup reports: ‘‘Americans’ opti- The Green New Deal is not what our way too much money from American mism about their personal finances has country needs, and as we have heard families, and it was making it harder climbed to levels not seen in more than from both Republicans and Democrats for businesses, large and small, to cre- 16 years, with 69 percent now saying over the last several days, it is not ate jobs, increase wages, and grow. they expect to be financially better off what our country wants. That is why, after months of work, we ‘at this time next year.’ ’’ passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I yield the floor. There are 57 percent of Americans I suggest the absence of a quorum. This legislation cut tax rates for who ‘‘rate the economy as excellent or The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. American families, doubled the child good,’’ according to Gallup, which is BOOZMAN). The clerk will call the roll. tax credit, and nearly doubled the the highest level since January of 2001. The bill clerk proceeded to call the standard deduction. It lowered tax There are 69 percent of Americans roll. rates across the board for owners of who say that now is a good time to find Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask small- and medium-sized businesses, a quality job, which is the highest per- unanimous consent that the order for farms, and ranches. It lowered our Na- centage that Gallup has ever recorded. the quorum call be rescinded. tion’s massive corporate tax rate, There is optimism in this country. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without which, up until January 1 of last year, There is optimism within families, and objection, it is so ordered. was the highest corporate tax rate in there is optimism within small busi- GOVERNMENT FUNDING the developed world. It expanded busi- nesses. There is optimism at every Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, later ness owners’ ability to recover the level when it comes to this economy today, we hope we will have an oppor- costs of the investments they make in and the jobs and the wages that are tunity to vote on legislation that will their businesses, which frees up cash being created as a result of these eco- fund the government and provide much that they can reinvest in their oper- nomic policies. needed support for border security. ations and in their workers. It also When it came time to draft tax re- While no agreement is perfect and not brought the U.S. international tax sys- form, we had hoped it could have been everybody gets everything one wants, tem into the 21st century so that a bipartisan endeavor. After all, many this makes a significant downpayment American businesses would not be op- of the ideas that we included were the on a border wall as well as on other erating at a competitive disadvantage product of both Republican and Demo- border security measures. At the same next to their foreign counterparts. cratic proposals. As someone who has time, it funds all of the appropriations I am proud to report that the Repub- been around tax policy for a number of bills for this fiscal year. licans’ economic policies are working. years and had served as a member of I hope, as our Members review the Our economy is thriving. The economy the Senate Finance Committee when text, they will have an opportunity to grew at a robust 3.4 percent in the tax reform was written, I have seen conclude that we will be able to get the third quarter of 2018. January marked many of the bills that have been intro- votes that will be necessary to move the 11th straight month that unem- duced. the legislation through the Senate and, ployment has been at or below 4 per- A few years ago, I led a task force hopefully, ultimately, through the cent. That is the longest streak in that took ideas from both sides and in- House and to the President and that nearly five decades. The number of job corporated them into a document that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.019 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 we put out there that provided for they work shoulder to shoulder with We would be happy to accommodate many of the ideas that were included in Federal employees for all of us. Unfor- any reasonable suggestion; we just tax reform, and some of those were tunately, and this is important, while haven’t seen any. We haven’t received Democratic ideas. What happened, un- Federal employees have received back- any specific suggestions. fortunately, was that the Democrats pay—a bill this Chamber passed unani- Too often, contractors are invisible were not over the 2016 election, and mously—their contractor counterparts to the public, but they suffered greatly they absolutely refused to collaborate have been left out in the cold with no during this recent shutdown. Rep- on tax reform legislation. Now they are backpay. resentative AYANNA PRESSLEY and I re- trying to pretend that the economic I have introduced legislation, which cently authored an op-ed about this, progress we have made over the past 2 has bipartisan support, which would and it included a story about a woman years doesn’t exist. right this wrong, and it should have named Tamela, whom we both met. We In a recent tweet, one Democrat been included in the final budget deal, wrote in our op-ed: Presidential hopeful here in the Senate but it appears that the White House Tamela was worried that she would fall be- went so far as to actively mislead blocked it. hind on her mortgage and car payments, ru- Americans about tax reform by falsely I have talked with many of my col- ining the good credit she’d worked so long suggesting that tax reform raised taxes leagues on both sides of the aisle here and so hard to build. And as she spoke, beads for the middle class when, instead, it in the Senate Chamber, and I have not of sweat rolled down her face. Was she nerv- lowered taxes for an estimated 90 per- found a single person who says contrac- ous about speaking in front of a crowd? No. tors don’t deserve backpay. We all As Tamela explained, she’s diabetic and has cent of middle-class Americans. The high blood pressure. Without her regular Washington Post called her tweet agree on this, and that is why every paycheck, she hadn’t been able to afford the ‘‘nonsensical and misleading.’’ Presum- Democrat in this Chamber has cospon- co-pay for a doctor’s appointment to have ably, most Americans are well aware sored my bill, and that is why several her blood pressure tested and her prescrip- that the size of their tax refunds has of my Republican colleagues and many tion renewed. So she was going without her nothing to do with the size of their tax others in this room have not only co- medicine. bills. sponsored but have also expressed sup- I recently received a letter from That statement—made by a Demo- port for finding a solution to this chal- Annie, a Federal contractor in Duluth. cratic candidate for President—peddles lenge. Annie wrote to me: a blatantly false narrative in the hopes So why not provide backpay to con- I am losing wages that I count on each of scoring political points, and for that tractors in the funding bill before us month to make significant payments to- statement, she was awarded four today? Because it appears the White wards my student loans and contributions to Pinocchios by the Washington Post, House apparently has said not to do it. my savings, (including my retirement sav- which is about as big a whopper as you But I have talked to the White House ings). I can honestly say I never thought I’d can get. Luckily, no matter how much just in the last week. I didn’t hear any be applying for unemployment, especially as the Democrats try to pretend that our fundamental reasons why our plan a 31-year-old, but today I did just that. economy isn’t improving, they can’t couldn’t go forward and why challenges These employees deserve backpay. hide the reality that Republican eco- couldn’t be resolved. They had nothing to do with creating nomic policies are making life better While I don’t claim to know the this crisis, and we should all be able to for American families. White House’s motivation in opposing come together in a bipartisan way to I am proud of everything we have ac- this bill, I do know there are several make sure these Federal contract em- complished so far, and we are going to misconceptions about this legislation ployees receive backpay. So I stand keep working to ensure that our econ- that I would like to address today. here today to say I am going to con- omy can thrive for the long term and First, some have claimed that the tinue working to get this bill passed, to make sure that every American will problem is just too complicated to and I look forward to continuing to have access to a secure and prosperous solve or that it would involve an un- work with my colleagues on both sides future. tested process, but that is not right. of the aisle to find a path forward. I yield the floor. My bill would allow Agencies to I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- make what is called equitable adjust- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator from Minnesota. ment to contract prices to compensate ator from New Hampshire. GOVERNMENT FUNDING contractors who provide backpay to Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise their furloughed employees. This equi- we hope to vote on a bipartisan, bi- today to speak on the government table adjustment process is used regu- cameral agreement that will fully fund funding agreement announced last larly by contracting officers and con- the government and provide additional night. I greatly appreciate the work of tractors. It has already been used to measures to strengthen our border se- Senator SHELBY, Senator LEAHY, and address other shutdown-related claims, curity. the Appropriations Committee in their including hundreds of claims for shut- I want to applaud all of the members efforts to reach a bipartisan agree- down-related compensation this year of the conference committee who ment. I appreciate the efforts of Sen- alone. This process has already been worked on this agreement. I particu- ator MCCONNELL, Senator SCHUMER, used to pay contractors, just not for larly want to recognize those Senate and our House counterparts, as well, to backpay. So my bill would build on the Members, led by Chairman SHELBY and reach an agreement. existing processes already in place. Vice Chairman LEAHY, for negotiating I am glad we will avert another gov- These processes are established, and it a bipartisan compromise that will keep ernment shutdown and also make crit- is just not that complicated. the government’s doors open. Neither ical investments in several areas that Second, some have claimed that the side got everything they wanted—that are important to my home State of administrative costs of the bill would is why it is called a compromise—but Minnesota; however, there is an impor- just be too large, and that is simply in the end, fully funding the govern- tant piece of unfinished business that false. ment and keeping it open is what is wasn’t included in the agreement, and It is true that Agencies would need best for the American people. that is to provide backpay for the em- to take administrative steps to imple- What we saw during the 35-day gov- ployees of Federal contractors who ment the bill, just as they do with the ernment shutdown was that it took a were forced out of work for more than passage of any legislation. But, again, terrible toll on our Federal workers, a month during the shutdown. my bill builds on an existing adminis- and it cost the U.S. economy $11 bil- During the longest Federal shutdown trative process that is used regularly lion—including $3 billion that is gone in history, thousands of Americans and efficiently without large adminis- forever, according to the Congressional who serve as contractors to the Federal trative costs. Budget Office. Government lost over a month’s pay Let me be clear. If the White House Across the country, Federal workers through no fault of their own, and or anyone has suggestions on ways to have been very anxiously waiting to these are people who work as security improve this legislation to make it see if we were going to come to an guards and clean office buildings, and easier to implement, we are all ears. agreement, if they were going to be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.020 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1351 able to pay their mortgages, afford gro- tions working on the frontlines—pro- Americans are tired of partisanship. ceries, and get their prescriptions. viding a balanced approach of law en- They expect their elected officials to Well, today, hopefully we can put their forcement, treatment, and recovery re- work together to come to a bipartisan minds at ease. We can pass this legisla- sources to help our communities that compromise and to do what is good for tion, and hopefully the President will are dealing with opioid and fentanyl the country, and I couldn’t agree more. sign it, because failure to do so would deaths. This amount is $21 million The Senate will soon consider an ap- once again deprive Americans of im- higher than the fiscal year 2018 level propriations package to supply Federal portant government services and throw and $336 million higher than the Presi- investments for programs that support our economy into a tailspin. dent’s budget request. For commu- national defense, small businesses, con- I urge all of our colleagues in Con- nities desperately fighting opioid ad- servation of public lands, food assist- gress to take up this funding legisla- diction, any further delay in funding is ance for low-income families, and so tion, to pass it, and the President to dangerous and could be deadly, so it is much more. This package also includes sign it as soon as it reaches his desk. critical that we pass this bill today. compromised proposals to improve our Protecting our borders should not be Importantly, the legislation also con- border security. an exercise in partisanship, and I am tains the highest funding level ever for I hope that we will pass this package glad to see that this bill supports com- the Office on Violence Against this afternoon and that the President monsense investments that focus on Women—$497.5 million for critical pro- will sign this legislation into law as the technology, infrastructure, and grams that provide training for police soon as it passes the House. personnel that are needed at the south- officers and prosecutors, rape preven- Federal workers are dedicated to ern and northern borders to provide ac- tion programs, and funding for wom- serving the American people, and they tual security that works. en’s shelters. have families to care for. They should The bill provides $1.375 billion for While I am glad that the appropria- never again be used as pawns. We targeted fencing in vulnerable areas tions package provides funding for should never again use shutting down along the southern border and more these Violence Against Women Act the Federal Government as an excuse than $800 million for Border Patrol programs, more work needs to be done over disagreements over policy issues. agents, better surveillance and screen- to better support survivors of domestic It is time for our elected leaders to ing technologies, and increased secu- and sexual violence. I look forward to move away from the partisan politics and to live up to the expectations of rity at our ports of entry. When continuing to work with my colleagues our constituents. Let’s fund the gov- resourced and deployed appropriately, on both sides of the aisle to address the ernment, and let’s do it today. these types of smart investments are complex issue of domestic violence. The appropriations package also sup- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Wil- far more likely to interrupt the flow of liam Barr is unquestionably qualified narcotics than a costly and ineffective ports investments in our national in- frastructure and provides more than to serve as Attorney General, a posi- border wall. tion to which he was confirmed unani- Importantly, the legislation also in- $49 billion to the Federal Highway Ad- mously in 1991, in President George cludes $77 million for opioid equipment ministration to modernize our high- H.W. Bush’s administration. Mr. Barr’s and staffing to interdict fentanyl and ways and repair our bridges. This legislation would also provide a record of public service and long career other synthetic opioids that are $1.3 billion increase for housing pro- in the law are exemplary. I have care- shipped through international mail and grams like rental assistance and home- fully reviewed his record, listened to express consignment facilities. This is less support services. For us in New his testimony before the Judiciary particularly important to States like Hampshire, that means that 9,500 low- Committee, and questioned him for an mine, New Hampshire, where we have income households will continue to hour in my office. Given the significant the second highest overdose death rate have a place they can call home. issues before the Department of Justice from opioids in the country. So many I am pleased that the appropriations and the fact that it is currently led by of those deaths are caused by the syn- package includes a 1.9-percent pay in- an unconfirmed, Acting Attorney Gen- thetic fentanyl. The opioid epidemic is crease for Federal civilian employees. eral, I will vote to confirm Mr. Barr. a true national emergency, and Federal This is a cost-of-living increase that is It is imperative that the Senate con- investments like these are needed to long overdue. firm an Attorney General who is com- stop the illegal flow of these drugs into During the shutdown, I had a chance mitted to allowing the Special Counsel the country. to meet with a number of our Federal to complete his investigation When Congress takes up and passes workers, and one of the things that im- unimpeded. Mr. Barr gave this commit- this deal, it will not only pass the ap- pressed me the most was the dedication ment under oath to the Judiciary Com- propriations bill for the Department of those workers had to their jobs and to mittee and again to me in our private Homeland Security but also six other serving the people of this country. meeting. He testified clearly that he appropriations bills that have unfortu- They were going to work without get- will not permit any interference in nately been waylaid by our shutdown. ting paid and without knowing when Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation This appropriations package supports they were going to get paid. Yet they into Russian attempts to influence the critical Federal investments across all showed up every day because of their 2016 election. In fact, Mr. Barr told the government Agencies, and I want to commitment to the people of this committee that he believes ‘‘the over- highlight just a few of those, starting country. arching public interest is to allow with the programs funded in the bipar- In addition to passing this appropria- [Special Counsel Mueller] to finish.’’ tisan Commerce, Justice, Science, and tions package, Congress should take He also said he would resign if he were Related Agencies appropriations bill further action to provide financial se- ordered by the President to fire the for fiscal year 2019. curity to Federal employees and con- Special Counsel without good cause. As ranking member of the CJS Sub- tractors. We just heard our colleague Mr. Barr testified, ‘‘The country needs committee, I worked closely with my TINA SMITH talking about the impor- a credible resolution to these issues, colleague Senator MORAN from Kansas, tance of providing the pay to those and if confirmed, I will not permit par- who chairs the subcommittee, and we people who so far are not slated to get tisan politics, personal interests, or crafted what I believe is a truly bipar- backpay. I have cosponsored legisla- any other improper consideration to tisan bill that will promote the econ- tion to secure backpay for the Federal interfere with this or any other inves- omy, protect the American people, and contractor employees, including jani- tigation. I will follow the Special secure our Nation’s leadership in torial, food, and security service work- Counsel regulations scrupulously and science and innovation. ers who were furloughed or forced to in good faith, and on my watch, Bob For example, the fiscal year 2019 CJS accept reduced work hours as a result [Mueller] will be allowed to finish his bill provides $468 million in dedicated of the shutdown. I hope we in Congress work.’’ Justice Department grant programs to will take up and pass the bills Senator Not only must the Special Counsel be tackle the opioid epidemic. The legisla- SMITH outlined as soon as possible. allowed to finish his work, but also his tion will provide funding to State and I know you know this, Mr. President, conclusions must be as open and trans- local governments and those organiza- because we have talked about it, but parent to the public as possible. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.022 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Special Counsel regulations, put in is against discrimination against any- am prepared to work with my Senate place during the Clinton administra- one on account of their gender identity colleagues to protect against any ef- tion, have guided administrations from or sexual orientation. He further stated forts that would undermine our con- both parties for two decades. Those that he is willing to support ‘‘red flag stitutional rights, and I will continue regulations instruct the Special Coun- laws’’ as a step toward preventing gun to conduct congressional oversight on sel to submit a confidential report to violence. the executive branch, a duty I take the Attorney General, and Mr. Barr Mr. Barr offered his commitment to very seriously. testified that he will be as transparent implementing the newly enacted Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I as possible about the report, consistent FIRST STEP Act, a bill I supported rise to vote against William Barr’s with the law. He told me he will always and that he described as one that ‘‘rec- nomination to serve as Attorney Gen- err on the side of disclosure and be- ognizes the progress we have made over eral. Although Mr. Barr has served as lieves transparency is critical to the the past three decades in fighting vio- Attorney General in the past, I do not public’s confidence in the investiga- lent crime.’’ Mr. Barr is also com- believe he is the right candidate to tion. When asked whether he would mitted to combating scams and fraudu- lead the Department of Justice at this allow the President or his attorneys to lent schemes that target seniors, time. edit any report, Mr. Barr told the com- which, as chairman of the Senate Americans are facing unprecedented mittee, ‘‘That will not happen.’’ Aging Committee, I have investigated times. The President fired former FBI Mr. Barr and I also discussed the and urged the Department to Director James Comey to circumvent memo he wrote in 2018 about obstruc- prioritize. and frustrate a Federal investigation. tion of justice and his views on execu- Finally, Mr. Barr has served our Former Deputy Director of the FBI An- tive power. I asked him whether sub- country previously with distinction. drew McCabe confirmed today that he orning perjury would be obstruction. One hundred and twenty former offi- opened an investigation into the Presi- He said yes. I asked him what he would cials and employees from various ad- dent himself regarding his potential do if the President asked him to stop ministrations have praised Mr. Barr’s ties to Russia after Comey’s firing. an otherwise lawful investigation. He ‘‘character of unwavering commitment Special Counsel Robert Mueller is in- vestigating President Trump and his said he would resign. We discussed the to the rule of law without regard to campaign for collusion and Russian in- political checks that exist to limit Ex- favor or politics.’’ His nomination is terference in the 2016 Presidential elec- ecutive power, and he described the supported by many leaders from the tions. Some of the President’s close Special Counsel as a ‘‘super charged po- law enforcement community, including confidants have been indicted, pled litical check.’’ the Fraternal Order of Police and the Some have suggested, however, that Federal Law Enforcement Officers As- guilty and are cooperating with the Mr. Barr’s memo means he believes the sociation. In his testimony before the Special Counsel. Yesterday, a judge President cannot obstruct justice at Judiciary Committee, Mr. Barr pledged ruled that President Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, all. In a letter to Chairman Graham, to run the Department of Justice with lied to Federal investigators about his Mr. Barr responded: ‘‘Quite the con- professionalism and integrity. He noted interactions with Russians during the trary, [the memo] expressed my belief that the President did not seek any promises from him and that he made campaign. that a President, just like anyone else, During this tumultuous time, Ameri- can obstruct justice if he or she en- none to the President. Mr. Barr has pledged his allegiance cans need an Attorney General who gages in wrongful actions that impair to the rule of law, the Constitution, values transparency, who is inde- the availability of evidence. Nor did and the American people. He has served pendent, and who can stand up to a the memorandum claim, as some have our country honorably in the past, and President who has shown repeatedly incorrectly suggested, that a President I believe he will do so once again. that he believes that the Attorney can never obstruct justice whenever he Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to General of the United States is his per- or she is exercising a constitutional support William Barr’s nomination to sonal attorney and not the attorney of function. If a President, acting with be Attorney General of the United the American people. After closely fol- the requisite intent, engages in the States. After meeting with Mr. Barr, I lowing Barr’s nomination hearing and kind of evidence impairment the stat- am convinced he is a qualified can- analyzing his record, I do not believe ute prohibits—regardless whether it in- didate and is committed to upholding he will stand up to the President and volves the exercise of his or her con- our constitutional liberties. effectively lead the Department. stitutional powers or not—then a Mr. Barr’s record of achievement and Before Barr was formally nominated President commits obstruction of jus- civil service to our country stretches to be Attorney General, he wrote and tice under the statute. It is as simple back over 30 years. Early in his career, distributed a 19-page memo where he as that.’’ he served as an intelligence analyst at characterized the Mueller investiga- Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosen- the CIA and an assistant attorney gen- tion as ‘‘fatally misconceived’’ with stein has said publicly that Mr. Barr’s eral in the Department of Justice Of- ‘‘potentially disastrous implications memo had no impact on the investiga- fice of Legal Counsel. He was later ap- not just for the Presidency, but for the tion. Mr. Rosenstein also noted, ‘‘Lots pointed Deputy Attorney General in Executive branch as a whole and for of people offer opinions to the Depart- the George H.W. Bush administration the Department in particular.’’ Barr ment of Justice, but they don’t influ- before becoming our 77th United States wrote this memo well aware that his ence our own decision making.’’ Attorney General. Mr. Barr’s suit- knowledge of the facts surrounding the Mr. Barr’s views on executive power, ability for the role of attorney general Mueller probe is severely limited to while legitimate, differ from my own has been tested before; in fact, he has public reporting. and do concern me as a member of the excelled in that capacity. Nevertheless, Barr concluded that legislative branch. His opinions high- Concerns have been raised regarding Trump’s publicly reported interactions light the tension that sometimes Mr. Barr’s position with respect to the with former FBI Director James emerges among the branches of govern- Second Amendment. Wyoming is a Comey could not constitute obstruc- ment and which is rooted in the separa- State of gunowners, and I am a strong tion of justice and sent the memo to tion of powers. On any given matter, I defender of our Second Amendment Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosen- would likely argue for a more limited rights, so naturally I probed these con- stein, Assistant Attorney General approach to Executive power. Regard- cerns. I had the opportunity to person- Steve Engel, the Solicitor General, less of his philosophy, Mr. Barr has ally meet with Mr. Barr and directly White House Special Counsel, Jared noted correctly that the President is ask him about his stance on the Second Kushner’s attorney, and Donald not above the law. Amendment. He gave me direct an- Trump’s personal attorneys. He made Mr. Barr brings considerable experi- swers and made it clear that he does certain that everyone in Trump’s orbit ence to bear on important legal policy not support limiting our Second knew his name and knew about this matters at the DOJ. He testified that Amendment rights. memo. he supports efforts to protect the civil Ultimately, the Constitution solely This behavior should alarm not only rights of LGBT individuals and that he grants Congress power of law-making. I Senators but every American. Former

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.006 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1353 FBI Director Comey testified under and not to the President. I do not be- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without oath that President Trump said to him, lieve Mr. Barr is that Attorney Gen- objection, it is so ordered. ‘‘I need loyalty, I expect loyalty.’’ eral. f President Trump publicly railed Mrs. SHAHEEN. I yield the floor. against former Attorney General Ses- I suggest the absence of a quorum. LEGISLATIVE SESSION sions for following the guidance of De- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. partment of Justice ethics officials and MORNING BUSINESS recusing himself from anything per- The senior assistant legislative clerk taining to the Russia investigation. proceeded to call the roll. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask During his confirmation hearing, Barr Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate would not commit to following the ad- unanimous consent that the order for proceed to legislative session for a pe- vice of career ethics officials at DOJ if the quorum call be rescinded. riod of morning business, with Sen- they recommend that he recuse himself The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ators permitted to speak therein for up from the Russia investigation to avoid objection, it is so ordered. to 10 minutes each. any appearance of conflicts of interest. VOTE ON BARR NOMINATION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Instead, he said that he would rely on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection, it is so ordered. his own judgment. Mr. Barr is essen- question is, Will the Senate advise and f consent to the Barr nomination? tially asking Senators to trust him and VETERANS’ AFFAIRS OVERSIGHT his judgment. Why should Senators Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I ask for Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, it is trust his judgment when there are sys- the yeas and nays. no secret that the 116th Congress got tems and processes in place that were The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a off to a rocky start as we tried to ad- created for this exact circumstance? sufficient second? dress the ongoing partial shutdown. Mr. Barr cannot call himself an insti- There appears to be a sufficient sec- Despite that, I remain optimistic that tutionalist concerned with maintaining ond. The clerk will call the roll. we can work together to get things the rule of law while seemingly being The senior assistant legislative clerk done for the American people. unwilling to submit to the rule of law called the roll. Those looking for an example of how when it applies to him. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is It is not surprising that the Presi- to find common ground should look no necessarily absent: the Senator from dent would select as his next Attorney further than the important work Con- North Carolina (Mr. BURR). General someone who not only refuses gress has done, and continues to do, for The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. to recuse himself from the investiga- our veterans. The hearing room of the YOUNG). Are there any other Senators tion but also believes that elements of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is in the Chamber desiring to vote? Mueller’s probe are ‘‘fatally mis- traditionally one of the most bipar- The result was announced—yeas 54, tisan places in Washington. It is also conceived.’’ nays 45, as follows: Finally, during his confirmation one of the busiest. The result was announced—yeas 54, hearing, Barr was repeatedly pressed Last Congress, under Chairman ISAK- nays 45, as follows: by Republicans and Democrats on SON’s leadership, we held 30 hearings, [Rollcall Vote No. 24 Ex.] whether or not he would agree to re- considered 56 pieces of legislation, and lease the final Mueller report in its en- YEAS—54 sent to the full Senate 17 of President tirety. Barr would not commit to do so. Alexander Gardner Perdue Trump’s nominees to serve our vet- Barrasso Graham Portman erans. I believe that the report should be Blackburn Grassley Risch made available not only to Members of Blunt Hawley Roberts That spirit of cooperation continued Congress but to all Americans so that Boozman Hoeven Romney here on the floor. During the last ses- they can see the evidence for them- Braun Hyde-Smith Rounds sion of Congress, the Senate passed 23 Capito Inhofe Rubio major pieces of veteran-related legisla- selves and reach their own conclusions. Cassidy Isakson Sasse If we want Americans to trust their ju- Collins Johnson Scott (FL) tion. As a result, the President signed dicial system, we must insist on trans- Cornyn Jones Scott (SC) into law bills that significantly en- Cotton Kennedy Shelby hance healthcare, education, retire- parency and honesty. Cramer Lankford Sinema Beyond those issues, I am concerned Crapo Lee Sullivan ment, and other benefits for our vet- about Mr. Barr’s commitment to civil Cruz Manchin Thune erans. rights. During his confirmation hear- Daines McConnell Tillis I want to talk briefly about two of Enzi McSally Toomey the more notable measures—the VA ing, he seemed ignorant about the dis- Ernst Moran Wicker parate treatment between Whites and Fischer Murkowski Young MISSION Act and the Forever GI bill— to underscore why it is so important Blacks in our criminal justice system. NAYS—45 When he served as Attorney General for Congress to operate in a collabo- Baldwin Harris Reed under President George W. Bush, he ad- Bennet Hassan Rosen rative manner. Bipartisan oversight of vocated for policies that have in turn Blumenthal Heinrich Sanders the Departments and Agencies that im- led to mass incarceration of nonviolent Booker Hirono Schatz plement the laws we pass in that Brown Kaine Schumer Chamber is critical to ensuring that offenders. In 2015, he publicly opposed Cantwell King Shaheen the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Cardin Klobuchar Smith the executive branch follows the intent Act, bipartisan legislation that would Carper Leahy Stabenow of Congress. These two laws highlight have reduced Federal mandatory mini- Casey Markey Tester just how important that is. Coons Menendez Udall mums, and required the Bureau of Pris- Cortez Masto Merkley Van Hollen Let’s start with the VA MISSION ons to provide more rehabilitative pro- Duckworth Murphy Warner Act. This law was passed to replace the gramming to prisoners. Durbin Murray Warren Veterans Choice Act, which was cre- Feinstein Paul Whitehouse ated in response to the VA Health Ad- Last year, Congress passed the First Gillibrand Peters Wyden Step Act with broad bipartisan sup- ministration scandal of 2014. This was a port. The First Step Act included simi- NOT VOTING—1 good first step. The Choice Program lar provisions to the Sentencing Re- Burr addressed many shortcomings within form and Corrections Act. The First The nomination was confirmed. the VA system. However, my col- Step Act will not be successful without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- leagues and I quickly learned it had its direction from the Attorney General. I ator from Arkansas. own share of troubles. Specifically, we intend to use my position on the Ap- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask heard repeated stories of difficulties propriations Committee to hold Barr unanimous consent that the motion to navigating the complex and confusing accountable and to make sure he is reconsider be considered made and laid bureaucratic process. Despite the new proactively implementing this law. upon the table and that the President reforms, many veterans were still fac- Americans deserve to have an Attor- be immediately notified of the Senate’s ing unacceptably long wait times at ney General who is loyal to the office action. VA medical centers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.009 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Through our oversight of the Choice ing rates. This should have been cal- portance. The bipartisan manner in Program, we recognized that more culated based on the ZIP Code where which the Veterans’ Affairs Committee needed to be done to strengthen and the student takes the majority of works to uphold that oversight respon- streamline VA healthcare services and classes, rather than on the ZIP Code in sibility sets an excellent example for its community care programs. That which the school’s main campus is lo- the rest of Washington to follow. was the genesis of the VA MISSION cated. Instead, some GI bill recipients We appreciate the hard work of Sec- Act. One of the key reforms in the VA were receiving housing stipends at the retary Wilkie and that of his team and MISSION Act is that it enables vet- 2017 rate and based on the school’s ZIP all of those in the VA system who work erans to seek quality healthcare serv- Code. This was clearly unacceptable. so very hard on behalf of our Nation’s ices in their own communities, whether Once it was evident that the VA was veterans. In working together, we can inside the VA system or from a private not following the statute, Congress had ensure that veterans receive the bene- sector provider. an obligation to act. That is why Sen- fits they deserve and were promised. Specifically, the law requires the De- ator SCHATZ and I introduced the For- I yield the floor. partment to establish access and qual- ever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfill- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ity standards that will be used as the ment Act to demand an immediate fix ator from Connecticut. framework for the VA and the veteran from the VA. That bill became law f to decide when to get care in a VA fa- within a matter of weeks from its in- VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE cility and when to get care in the com- troduction. Mr. MURPHY. I thank the Presiding munity. If the VA is unable to meet With this law, what we are asking of Officer. the VA is really threefold. The first is certain designated access standards, Mr. President, from time to time, I to make every unpaid or underpaid vet- veterans will be given the option to re- come to the floor of the Senate to ceive care in the community. Last eran whole. The second is to be ac- share with my colleagues stories of the week, the VA announced the proposed countable for the errors that have hap- victims of gun violence. I had hoped new access standards to determine a pened and prevent them from recurring the statistics that consistently show veteran’s eligibility for the community in the future. The third is to fix the this country has a gun violence rate care that will take effect this June. problems to prevent them from recur- that is 10 to 20 times higher than those I am pleased that the VA maintained ring so that we will not go through this of other similar high-income nations— the spirit of the law in its proposed ac- problem again. It is promising to see data that shows this continuing epi- cess standards. We understood that by that the VA has begun to carry out demic of mass slaughter during which providing additional access to commu- some of the requirements that have we average a mass shooting almost nity healthcare resources, there would been dictated in the Forever GI Bill every day—would have compelled my be an added cost. As chairman of the Housing Payment Fulfillment Act. colleagues to action. It hasn’t. So I Appropriations subcommittee that has The VA recently announced the have tried to come down to the floor as jurisdiction over the VA, the entire members of the tiger team that the VA often as I can to explain who these peo- committee will be closely working is required to assemble per the statute. ple are and to explain the genius that with the Department and my col- For those who are unfamiliar with the has been lost from this world when leagues. Together, we will have the re- term, a tiger team is a team of special- lives are cut so short by gun violence— sponsibility of making sure that the al- ists tasked to achieve a specific goal. gun violence that is largely prevent- location of resources to support vet- In this case, it is comprised of six sen- able in this country. erans’ healthcare is spent wisely. ior benefits and IT officials at the VA I come to the floor with an unusually Oversight is also crucial to uncover who will be tasked with providing Con- heavy heart because I want to talk negligence on the part of the Agencies gress a detailed plan to correct this about some of the lives that were lost charged with implementing the law. egregious error. Hopefully, the move to a year ago today at the shooting in This is exactly what happened when quickly establish this team is reflec- Parkland, FL, at Marjory Stoneman the VA failed to fully comply with the tive of the seriousness with which the Douglas High School. It was a year ago housing stipend rates set by the For- Department takes this mandate. It is that I was actually walking to the ever GI bill. frustrating that it has taken another floor to give a speech on immigration Passage of the initial GI bill after act of Congress to get to this point, but when I learned of another mass shoot- World War II was seen as a turning all of us are committed to ensuring ing. It hits hard for those of us who point in the way our Nation treated that the VA follows the law as written. represent Connecticut because we are those who have served. The program is In a spirit of cooperation, the leader- still working through the ripples of designed to give service men and ship of the congressional committees grief that never ever disappear in a women the building blocks they needed who oversee the Department recently community that has been shattered by to succeed after leaving the military. sent a letter to Secretary Wilkie to re- an episode of catastrophic gun vio- The problem is, those building blocks quest that the VA work collaboratively lence—in our case, in Sandy Hook, CT. have changed in the 70-plus years since with Congress throughout the imple- In February of last year, 17 students the GI bill was first instituted. Since mentation process. This message was and teachers were gunned down in then, Congress modernized the GI bill echoed during a recent subcommittee their classrooms at Marjory Stoneman when it passed the post 9/11 GI bill. hearing I chaired about the VA’s imple- Douglas High School. One of them was After 17 years of war, it was once again mentation of a modern, commercial, Peter Wang. time for an update. electronic health record. It is impor- Peter was 15 years old. He was a U.S. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Edu- tant to ensure that the VA is able to Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Train- cational Assistance Act—also known as share information with the Depart- ing Corps cadet. He was getting ready the Forever GI bill—brings educational ment of Defense and community to celebrate the Chinese New Year with benefits to veterans so that they can healthcare providers while it under- his family. His two younger siblings receive them in this modern era. It be- takes the largest health record mod- and many other friends called him a came apparent, however, that the VA ernization project in the Nation’s his- natural leader. was implementing key provisions of tory. With all of the reforms getting When the shooter entered the high the law incorrectly. When Secretary underway simultaneously, it is vital school, Peter had a choice to make: He Wilkie testified before the VA Com- for the VA to share information open- could run and protect himself or he mittee last September, I pressed him ly, even predecisional information, so could try to help his fellow students in about the Department’s failure to fully that we can work together and have a need. He chose the latter. He chose to award the housing allowances for more common understanding of the impact hold a door open to help his classmates than 340,000 Forever GI bill bene- of changes, including costs, and can as- escape. He saved other people’s lives ficiaries. sess the challenges that may arise. while he lost his own. According to the statute, the VA The laws we pass in this Chamber are Classmate Jared Burns said: ‘‘For as should have used the Department of a key part of our legacy, but our over- long as we remember him, he is a Defense’s 2018 basic allowance for hous- sight responsibilities are of equal im- hero.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.025 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1355 ‘‘He yanked open a door that allowed ments remembered that Aaron had school like that. It makes their little, dozens of classmates, teachers and guided him through those treatments. tiny, developing brains unable to learn. staffers to escape,’’ officials said. He would send me prayers. He would send There is a biological process that actu- His middle school basketball coach me Bible scripts and just stuff to cheer up ally happens to these kids. That trau- said that he was just a ‘‘joyful person.’’ my day. ma is what Parkland has been going His sacrifice, according to his coach, Aaron died while protecting the kids through for the last year, and that ‘‘just made perfect sense’’ because he at that school. trauma is what kids in Baltimore, New was that selfless. These 4 stories are amongst those of Haven, Hartford, Chicago, and New Or- Peter was posthumously accepted to the 17 people who died at Marjory leans go through every single day. We the U.S. Military Academy at West Stoneman Douglas High School. Yet 93 are ruining millions of children all Point for his heroic actions on that people die every day from gun violence. across this country because of an epi- day. Most of those are suicides. A bunch of demic that we could choose to solve, Alex Schachter was a freshman who them are homicides. Others are acci- that we could choose to do something played the trombone and baritone in dental shootings, but they are all pre- about. the marching band, and he loved to ventable. This week, the House of Representa- play basketball. He loved music so As we remember today the mass tives had a hearing and a meeting to much that in middle school, he took shooting at Parkland, it is important move forward with a universal back- two band classes so that he could get that even on those days on which no- ground checks bill that is supported by ready to join the marching band in body puts up on cable news a mass 97 percent of Americans. It will pass high school, which was his dream. His shooting, there are still somewhere the House of Representatives, with Re- Eagle Regiment Marching Band actu- around 90 people who die every day, publican and Democratic support, with ally won the State championship in and I will tell you about one of them. flying colors. Do you know what that Tampa. Corey Dodd was 25 years old when he tells us? It tells us that the most im- His dad said that he was just a sweet- died last month in Baltimore, MD. portant thing we could do to save lives, heart of a kid. He said that he just That morning, he told Marissa, his to cut down on the 93 people who are wanted to do well to make his parents’ wife, to stay home and rest with their killed every day, is to pass that uni- happy. 3-year-old and their 3-week-old while versal background checks bill. In His dream was to attend the Univer- he took the 5-year-old twins to school. States that have universal background sity of Connecticut. He told everybody. After he dropped the twins off at school checks, there is about 30 percent less He was only a freshman, but he knew and pulled up outside their home, he gun crime and fewer gun homicides where he was going to college. He was shot to death. The 3-year-old was than in States that don’t have those wanted to go to my State, to Con- inside. Marissa had to tell her kids universal background checks. necticut. He wore a UConn sweatshirt that Daddy wasn’t coming home. As we remember 1 year since the almost every single day to school. His She said: massacre at Parkland and as we strive favorite song was an old one by Chi- I’ve told the kids that Daddy is done. He’s to understand that this is an epidemic cago, ‘‘25 or 6 to 4,’’ which is kind of an not coming back. that takes 90 people every day, know odd choice for a 14-year-old. Yet Their family was planning to move that it is within our power to do some- UConn’s band actually chose to play because Corey was looking for work, thing about it. We can’t eliminate that song at halftime at one of UConn’s and they were going to move to wher- every single gun death. We can’t stop football games, and UConn admitted ever he found work. He had recently every suicide or every homicide, but Alex posthumously because his dream finished a program to earn his commer- with commonsense legislation that is was to be a UConn Husky. cial driver’s license. Things were look- supported by 97 percent of Americans, Helena Ramsay was full of laughter we can make a big difference, and we and had this infectious smile. She was ing up for Corey and Marissa and their four kids. can send a signal to would-be shooters 17 when she was shot that day. She who are contemplating violence that loved all kinds of music, although she I didn’t know Corey, but I know something about his death because I they should not interpret our silence as was mostly into K-pop. She had all a quiet endorsement. It is up to us. sorts of other interests too. She was in- happened to be in Baltimore on that day. I happened to be at Corey’s kids’ I yield the floor. terested in human rights and the envi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- school at the moment he was shot. I ronment. She joined the school’s ator from North Carolina. was inside that school when an an- United Nations Club and the Christian f faith-based First Priority Group. She nouncement came over the loud speak- was always looking out for her friends. er that there was a code green. I didn’t REMEMBERING WALTER JONES One of her friends said: ‘‘When I was know what a code green meant. A few Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I come to stressed out from my chemistry lab minutes later, I found out that it is the floor with a heavy heart today. A that I thought I was going to fail, she what happens inside schools in Balti- colleague in the House passed away, calmed me down and told me that it more when there is a shooting in the and right at this very moment, down in was going to be OK.’’ neighborhood. They locked down the Greenville, NC, we have a number of One of her best friends said that she school and our classroom and pulled Congressmen and friends and family was ‘‘one of the kindest people I’ve down the shades, and we turned off the members congregated to celebrate the ever met.’’ lights. A few minutes later, the police life and mourn the death of Congress- When the gunman walked into her notified us that the scene was clear, man Jones. classroom, she turned to her friend to that the school was safe, and that the Congressman Jones served in Con- make sure that her friend was safe and day could go on. Yet, unbeknownst to gress for over 24 years. His dad served told her to shield herself with books. me, just down the hall from me inside before that. Between the two of them, People described it as a ‘‘moment of that school were two twins whose fa- the Jones family has represented the bravery in the face of horror.’’ ther had been shot blocks away from eastern portion of North Carolina for 50 Another hero that day was Aaron that school. Their lives will never be out of the last 53 years. Feis. He was an assistant football the same. Now, Congressman Jones was some- coach, and he was a security guard. He Part of the reason we care so much body who was a bit of a maverick and threw himself in front of his kids. That about this epidemic is that it is not a bit of an independent spirit on the is how he died that day. just the victims; it is also about the House side, and we didn’t agree on cer- The football program’s spokesperson people who are left behind. Imagine tain measures. But I never doubted his said: going to an elementary school in which sincerity and his heart and his commit- [Aaron] died the same way he lived—he put you fear for your life when you walk to ment to North Carolina and to this himself second. . . . He was a very kind soul, and from school and where parents of great Nation. a very nice man. He died a hero. your friends are shot at 10:30 in the He is survived by his wife Joe Anne One of his football players who had morning. It changes their brains, the of over 50 years. In fact, they were been going through leukemia treat- trauma these kids go through in a married in 1966.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.027 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 He has a number of people in the is. Other people could say it is not a Before I make my comments, I want statehouse who served with him, in a wall. I don’t care as long as you ulti- to say that from Deputy Chief Ortiz all chamber where I was speaker of the mately recognize that voting for this the way down in the organization in house. They are mourning his death measure and sending the signal to the that sector—the McCowan sector that today. I couldn’t be there in person be- President that we have his back, that we were in—the best of America is in cause we have to be here for the votes we understand his priorities, and that uniform right now, every day and that we are taking up this afternoon, we will continue to work on other night, protecting our rights and privi- but I wanted the Jones family to know, measures on a bipartisan basis makes leges here in the United States. I was and all the people in Eastern North sense. proud to meet these people and to be a Carolina, how much I cared for and So I intend to support it today. It is part of this trip. loved Walter Jones. not a vote that I am going to enjoy, What we saw this weekend is dis- f but sometimes we have to do things turbing on many levels. We spoke di- here to make progress, to compromise, rectly to Border Patrol agents. We GOVERNMENT FUNDING and to move on. We owe it to the went to the retention center. We saw Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, one of the American people to keep the govern- firsthand that we have not just illegal reasons why I continue to be here in ment open. We owe it to border secu- immigration there, but we have a na- Washington rather than visiting with rity to listen to their recommendations tional security crisis. We saw it first- family and friends of Congressman to fund people, technology, and infra- hand. Jones is that we have a very important structure. This is a step in the right di- This is a situation that the border vote that we expect the Senate to take rection. agents face every day, and it is a grim up here sometime this afternoon. f situation. It is shameful that we here It is a vote that is borne out of com- in Congress have not given Border Pa- promise. To quote Winston Churchill— VALENTINE’S DAY trol agents adequate resources to do I think it was—it is the worst possible Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, it was a their jobs. option except for all the other options year ago today that I was presiding and First, the real tragedy at the border considered up to this point. something occurred to me. One is that is the dramatic increase in illegal drug It is not perfect, but it is important in the 12 years that I have been in pub- trafficking. Even though the conversa- that we get the votes and that we en- lic service, I have virtually spent none tion in this room deals mainly with il- courage the President to sign this bill of those Valentine’s Days at home. legal immigration across that border, into law. Last year, I was thinking about how I in this sector, the drug traffic in- Now, I walked through the hallway messed up. I didn’t even order flowers creases are remarkable. this morning, and I had the press come or do the things that I would normally This year alone, fiscal year 2018—this up to me. Some in the press probably do, although, I usually get flowers on is from October 1 to today—we had a want to report honestly, but others Valentine’s Day. 22-percent increase of heroin seized at want to create a narrative. But then I started contemplating the the southern border, a 38-percent in- So the latest narrative is this: Sen- Senate rules, and I know that there are crease of methamphetamine and a 73- ator, how do you feel about a bill that a number of, well, things you just can’t percent increase in fentanyl. just got published last night—1,200 do on the floor. The amount of fentanyl seized by ICE pages—and you are going to be asked I determined, for example, that you so far this year is enough to kill every to vote on it today? can’t do an ad hoc prop and say some- American citizen by overdose. Let me I told them, specifically, because I thing because it would be a violation of say that again. The tonnage of have been following this measure since the rules. So although I thought about fentanyl seized is up 73 percent this the last Congress. I said: Are you refer- putting this heart up and presenting year across the entire southern border, ring to the almost-1,200-page bill, of this and saying, ‘‘I love my wife Susan and that is not 100 percent of what is which all but 41 pages were matters Tillis of 32 years,’’ I am not going to do crossing that border. That is a 73-per- that were taken up in the Appropria- that because I think it would be a vio- cent increase over the last year. The tions Committee, voted out of com- lation of the rules. tonnage that has been seized this year mittee unanimously in all but one case But in the event that someday we do is enough to kill every American cit- and with 26 votes in the other case? Are change the rules and we are able to izen by overdose. you referring to that bill? come to the floor and express our love What is so remarkable is the esti- If the Senators are doing their job for our spouses and people who sac- mate that only 7 to 10 percent of the and the Congressmen are doing their rifice as much as we do, I hope some- drugs that they are attempting to job, they read that months ago when day to be able to give that speech on bring across the border are actually they were passed out of the Appropria- the Senate floor. interdicted—less than 10 percent. That tions Committee. Most of this is not I yield the floor. is consistent with what our new information. About 41 pages of it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- SOUTHCOM combatant commander relates to the compromise that ulti- ator from Georgia. tells us repeatedly year after year. By mately—because we couldn’t get a f the end of fiscal year 2019, CPB—Cus- compromise back in December—re- toms and Border Patrol—will have BORDER SECURITY sulted in the government shutdown. seized 1.7 million pounds of narcotics It absolutely funds some of the Presi- Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, I rise at the border. dent’s priorities for border security. today to talk about an experience I had The Border Patrol agents we spoke to There are people that get caught up on this weekend that was extremely mem- estimate that they are only able to either end of the spectrum. It reminds orable to me. stop, again, about 10 percent, and that me of how my kids used to fight in the I used to live in Texas. I used to be is because they don’t have the re- back of the minivan when we used to involved in businesses in the Valley, as sources. take them on vacations. It is a childish they call it there—from Brownsville to The movement of drugs from Mexico argument: It is a wall. Weslaco, to Edinburg, to McCowan. to the United States at the southern No, it is not. This past weekend, a good colleague of border is the greatest drug threat to It is a wall. mine, Senator STEVE DAINES from our country. These drugs pouring No, it is not. Montana, and I traveled to the south- across the border are destroying com- Look, it is steps taken forward in a ern border to visit the Customs and munities across the Nation. Congress positive way for border security. It is a Border Patrol people, to visit with ICE has to act to give these Border Patrol structure that makes sense. It is tech- people, and to see firsthand what goes agents and our ICE agents the infra- nology. It is personnel. It is what we on in a typical night. We were there structure they need to address this dra- need to ultimately secure the border. overnight on Sunday night. We had a matic spike in illegal drug trafficking. Some people can call it a wall be- remarkable evening, and we saw first- I know that the illegal immigration cause you could argue that in total it hand what these people are up against. topic is a hot topic. I don’t disagree

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.028 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1357 with that, but we are not talking about ber of illegal apprehensions at the There are 250 miles of border across this at the level that we should. southern border, primarily driven by 19 counties. It is a crisis down there. We have had historic opioid legisla- catch-and-release and the implementa- Right now, what we have there is 55 tion. I was a supporter of that. Now we tion of some of these loopholes we are miles of barrier with 35 gaps in it. They need to move on and make sure we se- talking about right now. That was a have 55 miles that were built in 2006 in cure the southern border. dramatic increase—more than a 21⁄2 this sector. It is totally ineffective. The second point I want to make is times increase—250 percent in just 8 The quickest thing we could do in that that agents on the ground told us how years. sector is close the 35 gaps. There were Mexican drug cartels just across the The word got out that the new Presi- supposed to be gates, but there are no border use migrants—illegal immi- dent, who was elected in November— gates there. There is some litigation grants coming up out of Central Amer- right here—said: Well, we are going to regarding that, but we need to fix that ica—to camouflage what they are doing enforce the law. They began to do that, and make that barrier effective. and to distract our border agents from and we saw a dramatic decrease in ille- The U.S. Capitol Police—who do such the real war that is going on, and that gal immigrants coming across the bor- an outstanding job protecting Members is the intrusion of illegal drugs into der—a dramatic decrease. of Congress, our staffs, the Capitol the country. Then there was a court case that building, and several blocks around The cartels charge a toll for every in- said: Well, you can’t really do that. every day—employs about 2,000 offi- dividual who comes through their area That court case is being appealed, and cers. The Metropolitan Police Depart- of control. It is amazing right now. The what we have seen since then is that ment here in Washington has over 4,000 charge is $8,000 per person. There are the cartels are back in business. This is employees to help protect an area of 68 some estimates that this toll business one measure of the drug trade that we square miles. Let’s put that in perspective. There on illegal immigrants coming across don’t talk about. These are the poor are 55 miles of barrier with 35 miles of the southern border is somewhere souls who are coming across our border gaps in it, and only 3,000 agents in that around $2.1 billion in revenue for the illegally right now. entire sector. I think you can see cartels. These are the illegal cartels By the way, we are at a point now where the problem might be. just south of the Rio Grande Valley in that is higher than at the peak during We have to give these men and Texas. This doesn’t account for the bil- the Obama administration. People say: women the tools they need to be suc- lions of dollars these cartels earn from Well, you know, we don’t have a crisis cessful and to protect our country. The the drug trade every year, which is a here. It is not a problem. Well, the longer we wait to take action, the primary business. numbers are down. more money cartels will make off drug There are some estimates that the $2 I don’t know what numbers they are trafficking, the more people will die, billion they get in tolls for illegal im- looking at, but these are the numbers. the more families will be destroyed, migrants coming into the United These are facts. I believe right now we and the longer our communities will be States is overshadowed by tenfold, rel- have a full-blown crisis at the southern in danger. ative to the drug trade. Some esti- border. Some estimates show that my home mates are $25 to $30 billion of first cost I am not trying to define how we use State of Georgia has over 70,000 gang value in revenue from the drugs that money to put up a border wall or any- members in it—70,000. It is a destina- are coming across that border. thing. That is not what I am trying to tion for these people. Many of the illegal immigrants being do in this speech. What I am trying to There were Hondurans who were ap- exploited by these cartels are unac- do is point out that we have a full- prehended that night while we were on companied children and family units. blown crisis of illegal immigrants and patrol. We asked them where they were We met some of these people. It breaks illegal drugs crossing the southern bor- going. One said New York; one said your heart. The number of these to der. I saw it firsthand on patrol with Miami; and one said Woodstock, GA. claim asylum has surged at our south- our border agents over the weekend. I As we continue to debate this issue, I ern border since 2014. This massive am contrasting that with years ago, want to say clearly and unequivocally surge is due to loopholes in our asylum when I used to go across that same bor- that Congress has to do better. We all and immigration laws. der, when this was not a crisis. must do better. For the men and These laws allow unaccompanied mi- The last four Presidents have built women who put their lives on the line nors and family units to easily assert 654 miles of barriers. We saw some of it every day to protect our Nation’s bor- broad asylum claims. Again, the num- in this sector. They have built 654 der, we must do better for our country. ber of family units, individuals with miles of barriers. Now we have 2,000 We can start by passing disaster children, and unaccompanied children miles of total southern border. The funding for the people in Georgia and has skyrocketed over the last 5 years. four Presidents—from George H. W. other States who are hurting from his- Due to certain provisions in the law Bush all the way to President Obama— toric hurricanes and fires. It is out- and court rulings currently enforced, have built border barriers because they rageous that the funding package being these children and individuals are re- all agreed that this is a crisis. It was considered here today does nothing to leased into the United States while intended to stop or slow down drug help these farmers and victims of these they are theoretically waiting for their trafficking and the illegal incursion of wildfires out west and of the hurri- canes in the southeast. formal removal proceedings to begin illegal immigrants. When President Trump came to Geor- President Obama built 135 miles. months or years down the road. gia to tour the damage after the hurri- These loopholes, combined with pro- President Trump has 124 miles under cane, he said: grams like DACA, have led to a stag- construction right now. What we have Farmers really got hurt, especially in gering increase in the number of unac- been talking about here in the last few Georgia, but we’re going to get it taken care companied children and family units at weeks is just 55 miles; we heard today of. the border. it is an additional 55 miles. Vice President PENCE said: The question is, Do these barriers In fiscal year 2019 to date, there is a We will rebuild these crops and these com- 280-percent increase in the number of work? Well, we have three areas where, munities. We will restore southwest Georgia. family units apprehended at the border over the last 30 years, border barriers We will restore the Sunbelt region bigger compared to the same point in fiscal have been built—San Diego, Tucson, El and better than ever before. year 2018. From just 1 year ago, there is Paso—and we have actual numbers to We have a moment right now in time a 280-percent increase. show that the illegal crossing of drugs where Congress needs to act. Today we The monthly apprehension numbers and illegal immigrants in those sectors have to get this funding done and move we are currently seeing even surpass where those barriers were put up forward. We have to get this disaster those during the Obama administra- dropped 95 percent. But what they have relief, I think, moved forward in a sup- tion. I think this chart shows it best. done is, they have pushed this traffic plemental, if that is what we are going We see what happened over here, in to areas that don’t have those barriers. to do, but this has to happen imme- blue, under the last administration. One of those was the McCowan district, diately. Disaster relief should be con- This is a dramatic increase in the num- which we visited this weekend. sidered right now—no more excuses.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.029 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 I yield the floor. of the aisle, who have been crowing The U.S. auto industry is a major The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- about the benefits of the tax bill of late driver of our economy, supporting ator from Iowa. 2017 and the jobs it has created and the nearly 10 million American jobs and ac- f good it has done for workers, why counting for 3 percent of the gross do- would you want to put on a $73 billion mestic product. Without question, any GOVERNMENT FUNDING tax increase through tariffs that would tariffs that are imposed will have a Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, undo a lot of good that we say and the negative effect on the U.S. auto indus- today I want my colleagues to listen to President says the tax bill has done. try and our economy. some ideas that I have about tariffs, Let me repeat it again. On a whole, Our focus, instead, should be on generally, and where we are on tariffs this is going to be damaging to the strengthening our relationships with and where we might be on tariffs in a economy. our allies, while targeting China’s couple of weeks, depending on what the A 2018 study by the International harmful trade practices and policies. Secretary of Commerce says, because Monetary Fund reviewed tariff changes Tariffs on autos and auto parts will not in a few days, that Secretary is ex- across 151 countries between the dec- help us achieve these critical prior- pected to provide the President a re- ades of the 1960s to 2014. The Inter- ities. port. national Monetary Fund found that f This report will detail his Depart- tariff increases led to less output and ment’s findings in the investigation of less productivity, and, then, you know TAX POLICY whether imports of automobiles and what happens. There is more unem- Mr. GRASSLEY. On another subject, auto parts pose a national threat to ployment, and when you have more un- I would like to, as I did yesterday, re- the United States. Common sense tells employment, you get greater inequal- mind my colleagues about some of the me it doesn’t. Let me repeat that be- ity. benefits of tax policy. This is speaking cause I think it is important for us to The recent U.S. tariff increases have about tax policy that I thought would understand whether the cars that ev- invited tariff retaliation from our trad- be adopted as part of the upcoming ap- eryday Americans rely on to get to ing partners. I know because Iowans propriation bill to make sure we don’t work, to drive their children to are bearing the brunt of this retalia- shut down government. schools, to visit their families—wheth- tion. Imposing tariffs on auto parts For several months now, we have er or not the importation of those will inevitably invite more retaliation, been working to extend a set of tax automobiles threatens national secu- and we simply can’t afford more of provisions that expired at the end of rity. that. 2017. Around here we commonly refer Now, having said that, you might The United States must continue to to these as ‘‘tax extenders.’’ We have think that I disagree with the Presi- lead the world on trade and economic also been working to enact bipartisan dent—and I don’t—that we must have issues, as we have for at least the pe- disaster tax relief to help families and fair and enforceable trade agreements riod of time since World War II. We businesses that continue to recover that benefit Americans. Sometimes we have benefitted from one of the most from the disasters that occurred across have to make hard decisions in order to open markets in the world, and we the country in 2018, and I thought that, get and have fair and enforceable must continue to lead the world by too, would be in the bill we are going providing a good example. We have led agreements. I do not agree that we to vote on later today. to a better world since World War II, The best and most timely option to should alienate our allies or jeopardize and the results have been these. Sev- advance these provisions is with the the health of our economy to achieve eral decades ago, 50 percent of the government funding deal being worked the good outcomes of fair and enforce- world’s population was in poverty. on this week, but that isn’t going to able agreements. Today, it is less than 10 percent. Re- happen. There have been press reports The Tax Foundation has found that a cently, in two or three references I stating that if the extenders aren’t 25-percent tariff on auto imports would have seen, the fact is that right now or part of the funding bill, they are dead, amount to roughly a $73.1 billion tax next year, as for major middle class and I reject that conclusion. increase. According to the Center for status in the various countries around Regardless of what happens on the Automotive Research, a 25-percent tar- the world and in different ways around bill to keep the government open, I iff on auto imports would also result in the world, half of the world is middle will continue to fight to get the ex- the loss of 700,000 jobs and raise the class. President Trump is right to hold tenders enacted and to work toward a price of an average car by nearly $7,000. our trading partners accountable. So I longer term resolution. Since the Dealers would see a decline in annual don’t find fault with him there. House has failed to send us a govern- sales by as many as 2 million vehicles. We can’t take benefits we have re- ment funding bill that includes the tax Consumers would face up to a 10-per- ceived from international trade for extenders and disaster tax relief provi- cent increase in the cost of repairs and granted. International trade has been a sions, look for me to introduce a bill replacement parts. In short, raising tremendous benefit to farmers and addressing these tax matters here in tariffs on cars and parts would be a businesses in my State of Iowa and the Senate, and I would ask my col- huge tax on consumers who buy or across the country. We are better off leagues on the Finance Committee to service their cars, whether those cars because we can sell our products join me in that effort. are imported or domestically produced. around the world. When these provisions were extended Make no mistake, Americans will be Our farmers say they don’t want aid early last year, the tax extenders had paying those taxes. from the Federal Treasury. They want been expired for more than a year al- Tariffs are a tax paid at the time of markets. They want to trade. You de- ready. Now we are back in the very import. Historically, they have been a velop those markets and you keep same place, with these tax incentives protectionist tool intended to prop up those markets. Tariffs and retaliation now expired for more than a year, domestically produced goods by mak- send a signal to other countries that again. ing foreign goods more expensive. Tar- you might not be a reliable supplier, It seems to me that the right thing iffs are not a long-term solution, and and they go elsewhere to create rela- to do now is to extend these provisions nobody wins with the producing of tar- tionships that they can depend on. for 2018 and 2019. Some people are say- iffs. America ought to be able to be de- ing you ought to do it longer. Why 2 While they may provide short-term pended upon any place in the world years? protection for domestic industries, from the standpoint of trade. First, we need to provide clarity for they do so at the expense of ordinary When you talk about America and taxpayers trying to file their 2018 re- consumers and industries increasingly Iowa exporting products, these are turns, which are due in just over eight dependent on a complex global supply some of the best products in the world. weeks. Even though the year has obvi- chain. On the whole, I think this all In this vein, then, I hope the President ously ended, a repeated extension of adds up to damaging the economy. For will heed my call to forego the auto many of these provisions has led indi- an administration, including this Sen- tariffs and instead focus on opening up viduals and businesses to assume that ator and most Republicans on this side new markets. we will do so again.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:03 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.031 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1359 These business people relied on last overall. This credit has been extended FEBRUARY 5, 2019. year to make business decisions. In many times since it was first enacted Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Speaker of the House, other words, people did what we want- on a temporary basis in 2004. Legisla- ed them to do when these provisions Washington, DC. tion introduced in the last Congress Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, were created. We shouldn’t retro- would have made the short line credit Senate Majority Leader, actively punish them now for making permanent, and the bill had 56 cospon- Washington, DC. those decisions that we wanted them to sors in the Senate. The bill is led by Hon. RICHARD NEAL, make. Chairman, House Committee on Ways & Means, Second, we should provide certainty Senators CRAPO and WYDEN and has al- Washington, DC. for this year to give room to take a ready been reintroduced for this Con- Hon. CHARLES GRASSLEY, long-term view on all of the tax ex- gress. Chairman, Senate Finance Committee, tenders. I want to stress that I want to Washington, DC. Another tax extender that is very im- Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, find a long-term resolution of these portant, particularly for Iowa, is the House Republican Leader, provisions so that we can stop repeated biodiesel tax credit. Generally, this Washington, DC. extensions of temporary tax policy, but provision provides a tax credit of $1 per Hon. CHARLES SCHUMER, while we work on that, these extenders Senate Democratic Leader, gallon for biodiesel and renewable die- are intended to be incentives, and, to Washington, DC. be successful, they need to be in effect sel. This credit helps provide for a Hon. KEVIN BRADY, when individuals and businesses are more sustainable future by reducing Ranking Member, House Committee on Ways & considering whether to make the in- our dependency on fossil fuels and pro- Means, Washington, DC. moting a renewable domestic resource. Hon. RON WYDEN, vestments required to take advantage Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee, of these particular tax extenders. Plans for promoting environmental Washington, DC. I want to go into more detail on what efficiency have been in the news lately, the tax extenders are. The numbers DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI, REPUBLICAN LEADER and an extension of the biodiesel tax have changed over time, but there are MCCARTHY, MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL, now currently around 26 temporary tax credit is needed to keep more people DEMOCRATIC LEADER SCHUMER, CHAIRMAN provisions that expired at the end of working at their jobs in this industry. NEAL, RANKING MEMBER MCCARTHY, CHAIR- MAN GRASSLEY, AND RANKING MEMBER 2017. At one time we were dealing with For example, I have learned that West- WYDEN: As you continue your negotiations 50 to 55 such tax extenders, so we have ern Iowa Energy in Wall Lake, IA, has on the final Continuing Resolution Fiscal reduced the number considerably. What reduced runtime forecasts by 60 per- Year 2019, the advanced and cellulosic we are dealing with now include provi- cent, consequently running at 40 per- biofuels industry urges you to extend a suite sions incentivizing alternative fuels, cent capacity. They are also putting of critical advanced biofuels tax incentives— electric vehicles, and the construction capital improvement projects on hold. the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Tax of energy-efficient homes. These are In Wall Lake, this reduction in Credit, the Special Depreciation Allowance provisions that incentivize the produc- for Second Generation Biofuel Plant Prop- tion of coal on Indian lands, provide an runtimes means that there are 26 trucks per day that are not operating, erty, the Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel exclusion from income of the discharge Fuels Credit, and the Alternative Fuel Vehi- of indebtedness on a principal resi- and potential layoffs are on the horizon cle Refueling Property. dence, and provide a deduction for tui- if the tax credit is not extended as soon These tax extenders expired at the end of tion and related expenses. Within these as possible. 2017 after having been extended retroactively 26 provisions there is probably some- According to the National Biodiesel in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Allow- thing that is very important to all 100 Board, the U.S. biodiesel industry sup- ing these tax incentives to lapse has created Senators, whether you are Republican ports more than 60,000 jobs and gen- uncertainty for investors and the industry or Democrat. about the availability of these credits; jeop- I want to focus on two of them in erates more than 11 billion in economic impact. ardizing the long-term investments nec- particular. The first is the railroad essary for the development of these biofuels. track maintenance credit, otherwise A group of renewable energy stake- Availability of these credits are critical as known as the short line credit. This holders wrote to congressional leaders our companies make significant investments provision provides short line railroads last week. Their letter reads in part: to create new agricultural supply chains, a credit equal to a percentage of the ‘‘Allowing these tax incentives to lapse build infrastructure for liquid biofuels, and capital they invest to maintain and im- has created uncertainty for investors develop innovative new technologies. These prove their tracks. credits have enabled our industry to create and the industry—‘‘ Short line railroads are small busi- new jobs, contribute to rural prosperity, and ness railroads that are vital to keeping The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. diversify our nation’s energy supply. How- rural and small town America con- BRAUN). Will the Senator yield? ever, the continued delays in extending these nected to the national economy. They Mr. GRASSLEY. ‘‘jeopardizing the credits puts these investments and benefits are a particularly important part of at risk. our transportation system for getting long-term investments necessary for the development of these biofuels.’’ In the interest of job creation, infrastruc- agricultural and other products to ture development, innovation, and energy se- market across the country and, hope- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- curity, we respectfully ask Congress to im- fully, abroad. sent to have printed in the RECORD let- mediately pass a seamless multi-year exten- For example, the Iowa Interstate ters to Congress regarding tax extend- sion, which includes 2018 retroactively, to Railroad, which operates between ers from biofuel and biodiesel busi- ensure companies will be able to account for Council Bluffs and Chicago, connects nesses and associations across the these credits in this year’s tax filings. Iowa companies such as the Elite Oc- United States. We look forward to working with you to tane ethanol plant in Atlantic, IA, to achieve this important goal. the world market. There being no objection, the mate- Sincerely, According to the American Short rial was ordered to be printed in the ADVANCED BIOFUELS Line and Regional Rail Association, RECORD, as follows: BUSINESS COUNCIL, short line railroads operate more than ALGAE BIOMASS 47,500 miles of track and make up 29 ORGANIZATION, percent of the freight rail network of BIOTECHNOLOGY our Nation. INNOVATION In a report prepared by PWC last ORGANIZATION, GROWTH ENERGY, year, it was noted that the short line NATIONAL BIODIESEL industry directly provided more than BOARD, 17,000 jobs in the United States in 2016 RENEWABLE FUELS and supported more than 61,000 jobs ASSOCIATION.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2019. tute, Petroleum Marketers Association plied LNG; Aria Energy; Armory Advisors; Hon. NANCY PELOSI, of America, Society of Independent Arrick’s Bottle Gas INC; Arrick’s Propane; Speaker, House of Representatives, Gasoline Marketers of America. ARRO Autogas; Arrow Disposal Service; Ar- Washington, DC. rowhead LP Gas; Associated Development. Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019. Athens Services; Atlantic City Jitney As- Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. CHARLES GRASSLEY, sociation; Atlas Disposal; Atlas Disposal of Washington, DC. Chairman, Committee on Finance, Utah; Atlas Road Clean Fuels, LLC; ATZ, Hon. Richard Neal, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Inc. dba Doug Fox Parking; Automatic Gas Chairman, House Committee on Ways and Hon. RICHARD NEAL, Co.; Auxier Gas, Inc.; Aviation CNG; AVSG Means, Washington, DC. Chairman, Committee on Ways & Means, House LP; Bair Propane LLC; Bakers Propane; Bar- Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, of Representatives, Washington, DC. rett Propane; BayRunner Shuttle; Beaudry Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Hon. RON WYDEN, Oil & Propane; Bergquist, Inc.; Berico Fuels; Washington, DC. Ranking Member, Committee on Finance, Black Hills Energy; Blackburn Propane Hon. CHUCK SCHUMER, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Service, Inc.; Blackhawk Propane. Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Hon. KEVIN BRADY, Blossman Gas and Alliance Autogas; Washington, DC. Ranking Member, Committee on Ways & Means, Blossman Gas, Inc.; Blue Bird Bus Sales of Hon. CHUCK GRASSLEY, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Pittsburgh, Inc.; Blue Diamond Disposal, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, DEAR CHAIRMEN GRASSLEY AND NEAL, AND Inc.; Blue Energy Group; Blue Line Transfer, Washington, DC. RANKING MEMBERS WYDEN AND BRADY: The Inc.; Blue Springs School District; Blue Star DEAR LEADER MCCONNELL, SPEAKER undersigned organizations represent users, Gas; Blue Star Gas SLC Co.; Bluhms Gas PELOSI, LEADER SCHUMER AND LEADER retailers, customers, fleet managers, utili- Sales; Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp.; Bolinger’s MCCARTHY, AND CHAIRMEN GRASSLEY AND ties, and producers of clean alternative Propane Service; Bosselman Energy; NEAL: On behalf of the entire biodiesel sup- transportation fuels. Boulden Brothers Propane; Boyertown Oil & ply chain—including biodiesel producers, We ask your support for including a rein- Propane; Boye’s Gas Service, Inc.; Brooks feedstock providers, blenders, fuel marketers statement of the $0.50/gallon alternative Gas Co., Inc.; Buatane & Propane Gas Co.; and consumers—we urge you to maintain fuels tax credit (AFTC) (26 USC 6426(d) and Budget Meter; Building Products Plus LLC. and extend the biodiesel blenders’ tax credit 6427(e)) in a fiscal year 2019 government Burke County BOE Transportation; Buster as soon as possible. In light of Congress’s spending package. The AFTC is a credit of Brown Propane; Butane Propane News past practice of retroactively extending the $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) of (BPN); C. Blackburn Inc.; C.A.T. Inc.; C3H8 tax credit after it lapses, our industry has certain transportation fuels, including nat- Consulting LLC; Caglia Diversified Manage- been compelled since January 1, 2018 to oper- ural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, P Series ment; Caglia Environmental; Calif Renew- ate on the assumption that the credit would Fuels, liquefied hydrogen and others. Ex- able Power; Callahan’s Gas Inc.; CalMet be extended, effectively pricing the credit’s tending the AFTC retroactively for 2018 and Services; CalPortland Company; Cans Unlim- value into our costs of doing business. It is prospectively for 2019 will allow businesses ited (CUI); Cardinal Bus Sales & Service, essential that the businesses that have and customers to continue to deploy cleaner Inc.; Carlson Home & Auto; Carolina Whole- priced product artificially low are made alternative fuel technologies. A full five-year sale Gas Company Inc.; Carson Gas Com- whole. In addition, we urge Congress to ex- extension of the AFTC would provide busi- pany; Catalina Composites; Cavagna North tend the credit prospectively, thereby aug- ness certainty along with a significant con- America; Cedar Avenue Recycling & Transfer menting consumer benefits and encouraging tribution to our nation’s economic growth. Station. additional investment in clean-burning Unfortunately, the credit has currently Cedarburg Police Department; Centennial biofuels. lapsed as of December 31, 2017 and many SD; CenterPoint Energy; Central Butane Gas The blenders’ credit has worked success- fleets, businesses, and manufacturers are un- Co.; Central Energy Co LLC; Central Gas fully to build a robust biodiesel and renew- able to plan future investments as they man- Service; Central Jersey Propane, Inc.; Cen- able diesel industry in the United States. As age current uncertainty. Immediately rein- tral Montana Propane; Central Oklahoma a result, the U.S. biodiesel and renewable stating the AFTC for 2018 and 2019 is nec- Transportation and Parking Authority; Cen- diesel market has grown from roughly 100 essary to encouraging further deployment of tral States Bus Sales, Inc.; Certified Con- million gallons in 2005 to nearly 2.6 billion new, clean transportation technology. tracting; Champagne’s Energy, Inc.; Cherry gallons in 2017. The tax credit is an impor- Extending the AFTC will bring significant Energy; Chesapeake Utilities; Chilton Oil tant demand stimulus, which improves plant environmental benefits, improved air qual- Company; Chilton Propane Gas Company; efficiencies, encourages investment in U.S. ity, and enhance our energy independence by CHS Brandon; CHS Devils Lake; CHS Her- distribution infrastructure, and supports lowering our dependence on foreign oil. Re- man; CHS Inc. high-paying jobs throughout the country, all newal of the AFTC also promotes increased CHS Rochester; Citizen; City of Albu- while incentivizing consumption of fuels private-sector investment in infrastructure querque, NM; City of Beverly Hills; City of that significantly reduce greenhouse gas and equipment, which leads to more jobs and Columbia, MO; City of Commerce; City of emissions. The biodiesel tax credit lowers economic output. Edmonds; City of Montebello City of Port the price that truck drivers pay for fuel, and Thank you for your continued support for Washington Police Department; City of lowers the price that heating oil customers the AFTC and for the use of cleaner-burning Redmond, Washington; Clean Communities pay to heat their homes. alternative transportation fuels. We appre- of CNY; Clean Energy Fuels Corp.; Clean Extending the biodiesel blenders credit ciate your consideration of this request. Fuels Consulting; Clearwater Gas System, will allow us to continue to provide these Sincerely, FL; Cleburne Propane, LLC; CNG Center; economic and environmental benefits. NGVAmerica; National Propane Gas Asso- CNG Services of Arizona; CNG Source, Inc.; Unfortunately, the uncertainty caused by ciation; American Public Gas Association; CNG-One, LLC; CoEnergy Propane. the ‘‘on-again, off-again’’ tempo of legisla- Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Energy Association; Cokesbury Transportation; Colorado & tive extensions, including the Bipartisan American Natural Gas; Clean Energy Fuels New Mexico Propane Gas Associations; Budget Act of 2018 which retroactively ex- Corp.; Schwan’s Company; Trillium; United Comfurt Gas, Inc.; Community Transpor- tended the biodiesel tax incentives through Parcel Service; VIA Metropolitan Transit tation Association of America; Consolidated the end of 2017, has somewhat frustrated our Authority; Waste Management; 1975; 1st Gas; Consolidated Utilities Corp.; Consulting sector’s ability to anticipate the availability Class Real Estate; 21st Century Coop; 3G Solutions, LLC; Consumer Oil & Propane, of the incentives and make the necessary in- CNG Corporation; 4th Generation Home Inc.; Contract Transport Services LLC.; vestments. This severely disrupts access to Builders, LLC; A&B Propane; A–1 Propane & Coombs Gas, Inc.; Core-Mark; Core-Mark capital, as well as the ability to hire and ex- Services, Inc.; ACE Solid Waste. Carolina; Core-Mark International Tampa pand. Ace-Robbins, Inc.; Acme Propane Gas; Ad- Division; Core-Mark International, Inc. Since the credit’s inception, the market re- vanced Propane, Inc.; Advantage Propane; Cornerstone Environmental Group—A sponded as Congress intended. The under- Aero Propane Gas, Inc.; Agility Fuel Solu- Tetra Tech Company; Corporate Green, LLC; signed trade associations are united in urg- tions; AGL Welding Supply Co. Inc.; Council Rock School District; Country Pro- ing Congress to act on a multiyear extension AgVantage FS; AgWest Commodities LLC; pane Inc.; Coyne Oil & Propane; CR&R Incor- of this successful program and provide our Air & Gas Technologies, Inc.; Airpark; Ala- porated; CS Gas Inc.; Cultural Care Au Pair; industry long-term certainty as expedi- bama Propane Gas Association; Alameda Cummins Westport Inc.; Cycle World; Cyl- tiously as possible. County Industries; Algas Inc.; Allaround inder Exchange Service LLC; D and D Gas; Sincerely, Propane Inc.; Allgas Inc. of Montgomery; Al- D. Fox Consulting; D.F. Richard Energy; Da- Advanced Biofuels Association, Amer- lied Propane Service; Ameresco; American vidson-Macri Sweeping, Inc.; D-B Cartage, ican Farm Bureau Federation, Amer- Biogas Council; American Fueling. Inc.; DCC Propane, LLC. ican Trucking Associations, National American Natural Gas; American Public Dead River Company; Defter Bros. Heating Association of Convenience Stores, Na- Gas Association; AmeriGas; AmeriGas Pro- Cooling Energy; DeKalb County Fleet Man- tional Biodiesel Board, National Ren- pane; Amp Americas; Anderson BlueBird Bus agement; Delco Foods; Delta Liquid Energy; derers Association, NATSO, Rep- Sales of NE; AnywherEnergy L3C; Apadana Delta Liquid Energy/ARRO Autogas; DFI resenting America’s Travel Centers and Inc.; Apex Gas and Appliance Co.; Apex Transport LLC; Dick’s Sanitation Service, Truckstops, New England Fuels Insti- Trucking Inc.; Applebee Oil & Propane; Ap- Inc.; Dillon Logistics, Inc.; Dixie Gas & Oil

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.045 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1361 Corp.; Dixie Land Energy; Dominion Energy; Lincoln Liquefied Gas Company; Lindens Education and Research Council Member; Doonan Truck & Equipment of Wichita, Inc; Propane; Livermore Sanitation Inc.; Locks Propane Gas Association of New England; E. G. Smith Inc.; E.J. Harrison & Sons, Inc.; Mill Propane; Long’s Propane Gas LLC; Lou- Propane Marketers Association of Kansas; Early Dawn Refreshment Services, Inc.; isiana Clean Fuels; Louisiana Propane Gas Propane People Inc.; PS Logistics FL; PT Eastern Propane Inc; ECI; Eco Friendly LLC; Association; LP Gas Insurance Specialists of Risk Management Insurance Services L’; Edco Disposal Corporation; EDGE Gathering America; LPG & NH3 Supply, Inc.; M & B Quantum Fuel Systems LLC; R.D. White and Virtual Pipelines 2, LLC; EDL. Products, Inc.; M&M Cartage Co Inc.; M. A. Sons; R.E. Michel Co; Rand Wade OilCo; Ray Edmonston & Associates; Edward Zengel Brightbill Body Works, Inc.; MacAllister Murray Inc; RCLegacy Holdings LLC. and Son Express Inc.; Ehrhart Energy; EIV Transporation; Maschmeier fuels; Mascott Recology CleanScapes; Red Baker Propane Capital, LLC; Electric Motor Shop, Inc.; Em- Equipment Co; Mbg enterprises; McAbee Inc.; Reddaway; Redigas Inc.; Redmark Cng erald Alternative Energy Solutions, Inc.; Trucking, Inc. Services L.L.C.; ReFuel Energy Partners; Enerdyne; Energy Distribution Partners; En- McCraw Oil Company, Inc.; McMahan’s Regional Transportation Commission of ergy Technology Training; Energy Vision; Bottle Gas; McNeill Oil and Propane Inc; Southern Nevada; Rego Products; Renergy, Energy’s USA Inc.; EnergyUnited Propane, Medstar transportation; MFA Oil Company; Inc.; Renzenberger, Inc; Republic Services, LLC; Enviro Express Inc; Estes Express Michigan Propane Gas Association; Mid Inc.; Rhoads Energy; Riverside Transit Agen- Lines; Evergreen FS Inc.; EVO CNG; EVO States Propane; Mid Valley Disposal; Mid- cy; RNGA Energy Group; Robert H. Hoover & Transportation and Energy; Services, Inc. west Energy Solutions, Inc.; Midwest Roof- Sons Inc.; ROUSH; ROUSH CleanTech; Ruan Expo Propane/Sal’s Propane/Energy Dis- ing & Construction LLC; Mississippi Propane Transportation Management Systems; Rush tribution Partners; Express Mondor; Farm- Gas Associations; MN Propane Association; Enterprises; Rutherford Equipment. ers Co-op Oil; Farmers Cooperative Assn; Modern Disposal Services Inc.; Modern Gas Safety, Training, and More LLC; Salem Farmers Union Oil; FCA Transport LLC.; Company; Modern Welding Company; Mo- Area Mass Transit District; Salmon River Federal Signal. mentum Fuel Technologies; MOR-GAS, INC; Propane; San Diego Metropolitan Transit Felker Truck and Equipment Inc.; Fend Oil Morongo Basin Transit Authority; Morrissey System; Sapp Bros Inc.; SchagrinGAS; & LP Co., Inc.; Filter Supply; First Alt. Fuel, Consulting, LLC. School Lines, Inc.; Schwan’s Company; Se- Inc.; First Coop Association; Fisk Tank Car- Morrow Renewables; Mountain Gas; lect Milk Producers, Inc.; Self Heating & rier; Flinthills Environmental, LLC; Florida Moyers Gas Service, Inc.; Mt. Diablo Re- Cooling, Inc.; Sentara; Sequoia Gas Com- Propane Gas Association; Florida Public source Recovery; MTankCo; MTC Transpor- pany; Sharp Energy; Shaw Propane LLC; Utilties; Florida Transportation Systems, tation; Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia; Sheehy Mail Contractors Inc.; Shifflett Safe- Inc.; Foothill Transit; France Propane Serv- Muskogee County Public Transit Authority; ty and Support; Shuttle Park Two Inc.; Sim- ice, Inc.; Franger Gas Co, Inc. Mutual Liquid Gas & Equipment Co., Inc.; ple-Fill, Inc.; Slate Spring LP Gas Co., Inc.; Frank Lamparelli Oil Co., Inc.; Fred Garri- MVP Airport Parking; Napa County Recy- South Central FS. son Oil Company; Freedom CNG; Freedom cling & Waste Services, LLC; NASA Services South Central Oil and Propane; South Florida Gas Co.; South Jersey Industries; Fuel Equipment, LLC; Freeway Propane; Inc; Nat G CNG Solutions; National Propane South San Francisco Scavenger Co Inc.; Fresno Chamber of Commerce; Fuel Cell and Gas Association; National Waste & Recy- South West Transit Association; Southwest Hydrogen Energy; Association; Gala Gas Co., cling Association; Natural Gas Supply LLC; Transportation Agency; Southwestern En- Inc.; Garrow Propane; Gateway FS; G-En- NC Propane Gas Assoc. ergy, LLC; Georgia Gas Distributors, Inc; Neill Gas Inc.; Nel Hydrogen; Nevada Pro- ergy Company; Sparq Natural Gas, LLC; Spe- Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing Inc.; pane Dealers Association; New Century cialized Biogas Services; SporTran; Stan- Gladstein, Neandross & Associates; Gold Farm Service; New Frontier Holdings, LLC; fords Propane Autogas Service Center; Stan- Coast Transit District; Golden Empire Tran- New Jersey Natural Gas; Newport News Pub- fords Propane Gas Conversion Center; Stan- fords Propane Gas Appliance Center; Stan- sit District; Granite Propane Inc; Great lic Schools; Newport West LLC; Nexceris; ford’s Propane Gas LLC; Stark Area Re- River CNG, LLC; Greens Propane Gas Co. NGV Solutions; NGVAmerica; NICE Bus; gional Transit Authority; Stirk Compressed Inc; Greentree Consulting LLC. NiteHawk Sweepers; NJ Propane Gas Asso- Natural Gas; Stuck Enterprises, Inc; Subur- Greenwood RRST, LLC; Growmark, Inc.; ciation; Normandy Distributing DBA; AAA ban Disposal Corp.; Sullivan Propane; Sum- GS Hydraulic Hose Corp; G’s Logistics, Inc.; Advanced Chem-Dry; North Central Bus and Guard Construction and Contracting; Cor- ter County Board of Education. Equipment; North County Transit District. Superior Energy Systems; Superior Gas poration; Guntown LP Gas Company; GW North Kansas City #74 School District; Inc., Notasulga; Superior Gas, Inc.; Superior Ehrhart Inc; H&M Gas Co.; H&S Bakery Inc.; North Kansas City Schools; North Star En- Plus; Superior Propane Incorporated; Supe- Hall Oil and Propane, Inc.; Hamilton Utili- ergy LLC; Northern Recycling and Waste rior Ready Mix; Supervalu/UNFI; Tankfarm ties; Harris Feeding Company; Heetco Inc.; Services; Northern Resources Cooperative; LLC; Tarantin Industries; Taylor Gas Com- Hempfield School District; Henry County Northwest Propane Gas Company; Northwest pany, Inc.; Tech Air dba Scully Propane Schools Transportation; Heritage Propane; Transport, Inc.; NOVUS Wood Group; Service; Tech Air Mid-Atlantic; Ted Johnson Hexagon; High Plains Cooperative; Hisway Nutrien Ag Solutions; NW Alliance for Clean Propane Co.; Tennessee Propane Gas Asso- Partners Inc. DBA. Transportation; NW Natural; O’Connor Bus ciation; Tesei Petroleum, Inc.; Texas Natural Hometown Comfort; Hocon Gas, Inc.; Hol- Sales; Ogden Polar; Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition; Gas Vehicle Alliance; Texas Propane Gas As- land Bus Company; Homewood Disposal Ohio Propane Gas Association; Oklahoma sociation; The American Trucking Associa- Service, Inc.; Honeyville Propane Inc.; Hoo- Liquefied Gas, Inc.; Oklahoma Propane Gas tions; The Coalition for Renewable Natural ver Truck & Bus Centers; Houston Distrib- Association; Oklahoma State University Gas (RNG Coalition); The Rural Gas Com- uting Company; Hudson Fire Protection Dis- and; Stillwater Community Transit; Okla- pany. trict; Hunt Propane, Inc.; ICOM North Amer- homa Transit Association. ThompsonGas, LLC; Thornton’s Gas Serv- ica; IGS CNG Services; Illini FS; Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.; OLG Pro- ice; Three Rivers FS Company; Thunder I.dependence Fuel Systems, LLC; Inde- pane; OMetro, Inc.; Omnitek Engineering Ridge Transport Inc.; Time Transport, Inc.; pendent Propane Co; InduMar Products, Inc.; Corporation; Omnitrans; Onboard Dynamics; TN GAS, LLC; Tops Markets; Torrance Tran- Indy Propane LLC; Innovative Ag Service. OnCue; O’Nealgas, Inc.; Orange Avenue Dis- sit System; Town of Berthoud; Transfuels Iowa Propane Gas Association; J&J Com- posal, Inc.; Owens Energy; Pacific Coast Pro- LLC and Capital Fuels, LLC; Transportation pression, LLC; J. Rayl Transport, Inc.; J.S. pane; Paladin Propane Partners, LLC; Palm Energy Partners; Tri-Gas Company; Tril- West Propane; Jack’s Butane Service; Springs Disposal Services; Palmer Gas & Oil; lium; TruStar Energy; Tucker Properties; Jaycox Construction CNG; JaySan Gas Serv- Palmetto Gas Corp.; Palmetto Propane; Pal- U.S. Gain; UBCR LLC; United Parcel Serv- ice, Inc.; JBI; JEB Lease Service Inc.; JG En- metto Propane, Fuels & Ice; Paraco Gas Cor- ice; United Propane Autogas Solutions ergy Solutions; JM Reynolds Oil Co., Inc.; poration & Subsidiaries; Parden LP Gas & Group; United Rail Partners, Ltd. Johnson Oil; JR Leonard Construction Co; service Co., Inc.; Pariso Logistics Inc.; United Truck Body Co, Inc.; Unitrans KALM Transport; Kamps Propane; Kansas Parker Gas Co., Inc.; Paso Robles Country (ASUCD/City of Davis); USA Hauling & Re- City Area Transportation Authority; KB Disposal, Inc; Paso Robles Roll Off; Paso cycling; USBiogas; USF Holland LLC.; Van Johnson Oil & Gas Co.; Kentuckiana Robles Waste & Recycle; Payne Oil Com- Unen Miersma Propane; Vegas Propane Inc.; Cleanfuel, LLC. pany; Pecos Propane, Inc. Veriha Trucking, Inc.; VIA Metropolitan Kentucky Propane Gas Association; KI PELGAS; Penn Valley Gas; Pennsylvania Transit Authority; Viafield; VT Accounting BOIS Area Transit System; Kinetrex Energy; Propane Gas Association; PepsiCo; Phelps Associates, LLP; Walters Gas Service, Inc.; Klemm Tank Lines; Knight Waste Services Sungas, Inc.; Philadelphia Gas Works; Phil- Warco Inc.; Warco Transportation; Ware Dis- Ltd; Koppy’s Propane, Inc.; L H Dickens & lips Energy; Phoenix Energy Corp; Piece of posal Inc.; Waste Connections Lone Star; Son Inc.; L&L Enterprises of Waupaca, Inc.; Mind, LLC; Polk-Burnett Propane; Portage Waste Connections of California Inc.dba L.G. Jordan Oil Co., Inc.; LA Gas Autogas Area Regional Transportation; Authority; Greenteam of San Jose; Waste Connections, station; LaFerry’s LP Gas Co. Inc.; Lamers Porter Gas Service Inc.; Postal Fleet Serv- Inc.; Waste Industries. Bus Lines, Inc.; Lampton Love Inc.; Landi ices; Prairieland FS, Inc. Waste Management; Waste Pro; Waste Pro Renzo USA; Landmark Services Cooperative; Premier Cooperative; Prescott Transit and of Florida; Waste Pro of Georgia; Waste Pro Leaf River Ag Service; Lee’s Propane Serv- Executive; Transportation; Presto Tap, LLC; USA; Waste Pro USA, Waste Pro of Florida; ice, Inc.; Lee’s Summit RVII Schools; Level Pro Image Communicarions; Professional Waukon Feed Ranch Inc.; WCA Waste Cor- Lifestyle; Liberal CNG Coop; Liberty Pro- Propane Services; ProGas Inc.; Progressive poration; Webbtown Propane Company; Web- pane. Power, LLC; Propane Autogas LLC; Propane ster & Garner Inc.; Wells Propane Inc. dba:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.048 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Baygas Propane; Wessels Oil Co. Inc.; West ference report to accompany H.J. Res. 31, flow of illegal drugs through our ports Propane; West Virginia Propane Gas Asso- making further continuing appropriations of entry. All Republicans and all Demo- ciation; Western Natural Gas Co.; Western for the Department of Homeland Security for crats supported that. We provide funds Propane Gas Association; Western Propane fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes. to hire more judges to address the im- Services, Inc.; Westhoff, Cone & Holmstedt; Richard C. Shelby, Shelley Moore Capito, WGL; Whidbey Seatac Shuttle; White River John Cornyn, John Boozman, John migration backlog in our country. We Distributors. Thune, Johnny Isakson, Lindsey Gra- provide more than half a billion dollars Williams Energy Group; Wilson Oil & Pro- ham, Mike Crapo, Thom Tillis, Kevin to support Central American countries, pane; WIN Propane; Winnebago County Sher- Cramer, John Hoeven, Roger F. addressing the root causes of undocu- iff’s Office; Wisconsin Bus Sales; Wicker, Steve Daines, James E. Risch, mented migration. We included $400 Wittenberger Bus Service; WJDAYTECH Jerry Moran, Mike Rounds, Mitch million to improve medical care and Inc.; WoodFuel.com LP; Woodruff Energy; McConnell. address the humanitarian concerns at Worthington Industries; X3CNG; XPO Sales UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT the border. Every one of us has seen INC.; Yavapai Bottle Gas; YRC Worldwide; Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Zebulon Innovations. enough of what is going on there; we consent that notwithstanding rule are trying to show that America—the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I XXII, the cloture vote on the con- greatest Nation on Earth, also the hope the next time I have a chance to ference report to accompany H.J. Res. wealthiest and the most humani- have the floor, I will not be inter- 31 occur at 3:30 p.m. today; further, tarian—will address it. rupted. that if cloture is invoked, all This is what a compromise looks I yield the floor. postcloture time be yielded back and like. This is how the American people The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- the Senate vote on the adoption of the expect our government to function— jority leader is recognized. conference report. not by tweets but by reasonable, re- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ality-based compromise. just had an opportunity to speak to objection? Unfortunately, often lost in this de- Without objection, it is so ordered. President Trump, and I will state to all bate over border security were the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of my colleagues, he is prepared to sign more than 800,000 public servants and the bill. ator from Vermont. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as some- their families who were held hostage He will also be issuing a national by the Trump shutdown for weeks. emergency declaration at the same one who has been here for some period of time, I was glad to see Republicans They once again lived in fear and un- time, and I indicated to him that I am certainty that their next paycheck going to support the national emer- and Democrats, both in the House and the Senate, come together in the past may not come because the President gency declaration. chose to use them as hostages. This So for all of my colleagues, the Presi- few weeks, especially this week. agreement ensures that these public dent will sign the bill we will be voting We ignored the distractions and servants remain on the job doing the on shortly. tweetstorms coming from the White House. We reached an agreement to important work of the American people f fund our government and make respon- through the end of the fiscal year, and MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING sible investments for the American also all those who are not on a govern- APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DE- people. ment payroll but support all our dif- PARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECU- Not one of us—none of the final four ferent Agencies that were involved in RITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019— who did the negotiations, sitting in this. They weren’t paid either. CONFERENCE REPORT that room, felt that this was an agree- This agreement funds nine Federal Departments. Keep in mind—it is not Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ment that any one of us would have in- just the borders; it is nine Federal De- ask unanimous consent that the Chair dividually written. partments and their related Agencies. I lay before the Senate the conference There are things in this bill that I will give a couple of examples. It in- report to accompany H.J. Res. 31. support and things I disagree with, but creases funding for the Environmental The PRESIDING OFFICER. The that could be said by all four of us, Re- Protection Agency. It supports our na- clerk will report the joint resolution publicans and Democrats. You try to tional parks. It rejects the anti-science by title. find as much common ground as you The senior assistant legislative clerk can. Everybody had to give something, know-nothingism of the administration read as follows: but we ended up with a bipartisan com- by supporting research and our dedi- promise. We had to deal with facts that cated scientists. The committee of conference on the dis- This is extremely important to me agreeing votes of the two Houses on the are based on reality, not rhetoric based amendment of the Senate to the joint resolu- on political fantasy. because Senator CRAPO and I wrote the tion (H.J. Res. 31), having met, have agreed Democrats have always supported last Violence Against Women author- that the House recede from its disagreement border security, but we support smart ization. We wrote the expansion of that to the amendment of the Senate and agree to border security, targeted strategies law. Our bill today provides the highest the same with an amendment and the Senate that address the real problems facing funding level ever for the Office on Vio- agree to the same, signed by a majority of us at our southwest border. That is lence Against Women to support pro- the conferees on the part of both Houses. what we tried to accomplish here. We grams that prevent domestic violence. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to stood together. We rejected the toxic It also provides more than half a bil- consider the conference report. and hate-filled immigration tweets lion dollars to combat the opioid crisis. (The conference report is printed in coming from the other end of Pennsyl- In my earlier career, I saw too many the House proceedings of the RECORD of vania Avenue. deaths because of the violence against February 13, 2019.) The agreement does not fund Presi- women. I saw too many deaths of CLOTURE MOTION dent Trump’s wasteful wall. After all, young people from drug overdoses, and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I he gave his solemn promise to the the numbers have only dramatically send a cloture motion to the desk for American public that Mexico would increased from the days when I was a the conference report. pay for it, so let them work on that. It prosecutor. Supporting the Violence The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- does not fund President Trump’s re- Against Women Act brought Repub- ture motion having been presented quested deportation force, and it re- licans and Democrats together. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the jects the unjustified and dramatic in- The agreement invests in rural clerk to read the motion. crease in the detention bed levels the America, secures our interests abroad, The senior assistant legislative clerk President would have used to enforce rebuilds our highways, and supports read as follows: his extreme immigration policy. public housing. CLOTURE MOTION But just as important as what this This week, four of us met—first in We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- agreement rejects is what we were able Chairman SHELBY’s Appropriations ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the to accomplish. Committee office and then later into Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby We invested hundreds of millions of the evening several times in my office move to bring to a close debate on the con- dollars in new technology to stop the here in the Capitol. Senator SHELBY,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Feb 26, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD19\FEBRUARY\S14FE9.REC S14FE9 February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1363 Representative LOWEY, Representative Johnnie Kaberle, Gerry Petrella, Meghan not been made whole. Regrettably, we GRANGER, and I proved that we can set Taira. were unable to include that in the aside the political struggles in Wash- Mr. LEAHY. I conclude by saying it agreement, but we are going to keep ington to find a path to progress for takes a lot of long days and it takes a working and fighting for Senator the American people—two Republicans lot of long nights to produce a bill of SMITH’s proposal to ensure our contrac- and two Democrats who are four of the this magnitude. I appreciate their hard tors are made whole again. most senior Members of the House and work. The Senate was in the very same po- the Senate. I thank them for their ef- I think we may have others who will sition just before Christmas, with a fort. want to speak. deal in hand, when the President re- If I can go to a personal matter for Mr. President, how much time do we versed himself and engineered the long- just a moment, I want to thank Sen- have before the vote? est shutdown in American history. ator SHELBY for his friendship and his The PRESIDING OFFICER. Four After all of the pain of the shutdown partnership. Senator SHELBY and I minutes remains. caused by President Trump, we are ba- come from different parts of the coun- Mr. LEAHY. I yield the floor. sically right back where we started, try. We are much different politically, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The with nearly the same parameters of a but he is one of the closest friends I Democratic leader. bipartisan agreement we were ready to have here. He and his wonderful wife, Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, the pass around Christmas. Leader PELOSI Dr. Annette Shelby, my wife Marcelle, Senate will soon vote on the agreement and I, for instance, offered the Presi- and I have traveled to so many places by the conference committee to keep dent $1.37 billion for border security together. Some were very grim areas of the government open. The agreement with the same language that would this world. But we understand how was a product of a lot of hard work and have prohibited the wall then as is in grownups have to act in the Congress long nights and weekends by members the agreement now. and how they have to work together. of the conference committee and their Let this be a lesson. Government We worked together with our House staffs. I want to salute Senator LEAHY shutdowns don’t work. I hope President counterparts—the senior Democrat and and Senator SHELBY. I want to salute Trump has learned that lesson once senior Republican in the House—on all of the conferees. and for all. I hope we never go down this conference. We worked together. When Leader MCCONNELL and I met— the road to shutdowns again. The We didn’t pass just Homeland Security; as we moved to open up the govern- American people suffer and very little we passed all 12 appropriations bills on ment for a short period of time—I sug- is accomplished. a bipartisan basis. I hope we do the gested that we do a conference com- President Trump should sign this bill same thing for fiscal year 2020. I hope mittee because I had a great deal of ASAP. that we can begin very soon, with Sen- faith in the members of the conference I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator SHELBY and me working together, committees on both sides of the aisle, ator from Alabama. to pass the fiscal year 2020 bills. We and that faith has proved to be vindi- Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I will be passed the ones last year out of our cated. I thank Senator LEAHY, Senator brief. committee virtually unanimously. We HELBY S , their staffs, and all the mem- First of all, I thank Senator LEAHY, were able to get Members of both par- bers of the conference committee for the vice chairman of the Appropria- ties to join us. I thank him. the great job they have done. tions Committee, who worked dili- I also thank the Appropriations Com- The agreement will provide smart gently for the past year to get to where mittee staff on both sides of the aisle border security, increasing support for we are today in a bipartisan way and for their hard work. I joke that Sen- technologies at our ports of entry. It also, recently, in the conference com- ators are merely constitutional im- will not fund the President’s expensive, mittee, which we thought last week pediments to their staff. Evening after ineffective wall. It will provide des- had broken down. I also thank MITCH evening, sometimes into the wee hours perately needed humanitarian assist- MCCONNELL, the majority leader, and of the morning, weekend after week- ance—medical support, transportation, CHUCK SCHUMER, the Democratic lead- end, I saw dedicated men and women in food, and clothing—for children and er. I thank everybody else who has con- the Appropriations Committee staff families in detention. It will provide tributed to get us to this point. working line by line to try to get us funding to our neighbors in Central Nothing is perfect, but we think this through this. America to fight the actual root causes is a good bill for the American people. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- of migration—the violent gangs and It opens up all of the government—the sent that a list of their names be print- drug cartels. 25 percent that we had not addressed. ed in the RECORD. In short, it represents a fair com- The conference report includes a ro- There being no objection, the mate- promise that includes priorities from bust and comprehensive investment in rial was ordered to be printed in the both sides of the aisle. I expect the leg- border security, providing funding for RECORD, as follows: islation will pass this Chamber with a personnel, technology, and infrastruc- Charles E. Kieffer, Chanda Betourney, Jess significant bipartisan majority, pass ture that is critical to keeping our na- Berry, Jay Tilton, Hannah Chauvin, Dianne the House, and be sent to the President tion secure and our people safe. Criti- Nellor, Adrienne Wojciechowski, Teri Curtin, Jean Toal Eisen, Jennifer Eskra, Blaise with plenty of time to avoid a govern- cally, the bill provides nearly Sheridan, Jordan Stone, Ellen Murray, ment shutdown tomorrow at midnight. $1,400,000,000 to further construction of Diana Gourlay Hamilton, Reeves Hart, Scott There is word that the President will a barrier along the southwest border. Nance, Chip Walgren, Drenan E. Dudley, declare a national emergency. I hope But that is only a down payment. More Rachael Taylor, Ryan Hunt, Tim Rieser, he won’t. That would be a very wrong resources are required. Fortunately, Alex Carnes, Kali Farahmand, Dabney Hegg, thing to do. Leader PELOSI and I will be the President has at his disposal both Christina Monroe, Jordan Stone, Shannon H. responding to that in short order, but constitutional and existing statutory Hines, Jonathan Graffeo, David Adkins, Mar- before that, I just want to say that in authorities that allow him to supple- garet Pritchard, Carlisle Clark, Patrick Car- order to reach this point, in order to ment the congressional investment in roll, Elizabeth Dent, Hamilton Bloom, Amber Beck, Allen Cutler, Matt Womble, attain this bipartisan compromise, border security that was made today. Sydney Crawford, Andrew Newton, Lauren 800,000 public servants were forced to This bill preserves those authorities, Nunnally, Brian Daner, Courtney Bradford, suffer without pay for over a month as and I support action by the President Adam Telle, Peter Babb, Chris Cook, Thomp- President Trump put the country to use them to the fullest extent per- son Moore, Christian Lee, Leif Fonnesbeck, through a completely unnecessary missible to secure our border. In par- Lucas Agnew, Emy Lesofski, Nona McCoy, shutdown that snarled airports, de- ticular, this bill does not restrict the Clare Doherty, Gus Maples, Rajat Mathur, layed loans for farmers and small busi- President’s ability to declare a na- Jason Woolwine, LaShawnda Smith, Robert nesses, trashed our national parks, and tional emergency or to exercise emer- W. Putnam, Christy Greene, Blair Taylor, Jenny Winkler, Hong Nguyen, Clint took billions of dollars out of our econ- gency authorities under such a declara- Trocchio, George A. Castro, Elmer Barnes, omy. tion. Nor does this bill further restrict Penny Myles, Karin Thames, Shalanda We still need to address the plight of the Administration’s ability, pre- Young, Chris Bigelow, Anne Marie Chotvacs, government contractors who still have viously granted by the Congress, to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:09 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.038 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 transfer funds in support of efforts to Rounds Sinema Udall PROVIDING FOR A CORRECTION IN Sanders Smith Van Hollen gain operational control of our south- Schatz Stabenow Warner THE ENROLLMENT OF H.J. RES. 31 west border and to cease the traf- Schumer Sullivan Whitehouse Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ficking of persons and drugs across it. Scott (FL) Tester Wicker ask unanimous consent that the Sen- I am going to get on with the vote. Shaheen Thune Wyden I want to say thank you to every- Shelby Tillis Young ate proceed to the immediate consider- body, including Shannon Hines on our NAYS—15 ation of S. Con. Res. 4. staff and everybody else who contrib- Booker Hawley Rubio The PRESIDING OFFICER. The uted to this. Cotton Inhofe Sasse clerk will report the concurrent resolu- At this point, I ask unanimous con- Cruz Lee Scott (SC) tion by title. Gillibrand Markey Toomey The bill clerk read as follows: sent to waive the mandatory quorum Harris Paul Warren call with respect to the cloture vote on A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 4) NOT VOTING—1 the conference report to accompany providing for a correction in the enrollment H.J. Res. 31. Burr of H.J. Res. 31. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection, it is so ordered. vote, the yeas are 84, the nays are 15. objection to proceeding to the meas- CLOTURE MOTION Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- ure? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant sen and sworn having voted in the af- Without objection, it is so ordered. firmative, the motion is agreed to. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the There being no objection, the Senate Senate the pending cloture motion, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, all postcloture time proceeded to consider the concurrent which the clerk will state. resolution. The bill clerk read as follows: has expired. The question is, Will the Senate Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous CLOTURE MOTION adopt the Conference Report to accom- consent that the concurrent resolution We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- pany H.J. Res. 31? be agreed to and the motion to recon- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the sider be considered made and laid upon Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Mr. BARRASSO. I ask for the yeas move to bring to a close debate on the con- and nays. the table with no intervening action or ference report to accompany H.J. Res. 31, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a debate. making further continuing appropriations sufficient second? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for the Department of Homeland Security for There appears to be a sufficient sec- objection, it is so ordered. fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes. ond. The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Richard C. Shelby, Shelley Moore Capito, The clerk will call the roll. Res. 4) was agreed to. John Cornyn, John Boozman, John The senior assistant legislative clerk Thune, Johnny Isakson, Lindsey Gra- called the roll. (The concurrent resolution is printed ham, Mike Crapo, Thom Tillis, Kevin Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Cramer, John Hoeven, Roger F. necessarily absent: the Senator from Resolutions.’’) Wicker, Steve Daines, James E. Risch, North Carolina (Mr. BURR). Jerry Moran, Mike Rounds, Mitch The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there f McConnell. any other Senators in the Chamber de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- siring to vote? BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SUR- imous consent, the mandatory quorum The result was announced—yeas 83, VIVORS PROTECTION ACT—Mo- call has been waived. nays 16, as follows: tion to Proceed The question is, Is it the sense of the [Rollcall Vote No. 26 Leg.] Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Senate that debate on the conference YEAS—83 report to accompany H.J. Res. 31, an move to proceed to Calendar No. 17, S. Alexander act making further continuing appro- Gardner Portman 311. Baldwin Graham Reed The PRESIDING OFFICER. The priations for the Department of Home- Barrasso Grassley Risch land Security for fiscal year 2019, and Bennet Hassan Roberts clerk will report the motion. for other purposes, shall be brought to Blackburn Heinrich Romney The bill clerk read as follows: Blumenthal Hirono Rosen a close? Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 17, S. Blunt Hoeven Rounds The yeas and nays are mandatory Boozman Hyde-Smith Sanders 311, a bill to amend title 18, United States under the rule. Brown Isakson Schatz Code, to prohibit a health care practitioner The clerk will call the roll. Cantwell Johnson Schumer from failing to exercise the proper degree of Capito Jones The bill clerk called the roll. Scott (FL) care in the case of a child who survives an Cardin Kaine Shaheen abortion or attempted abortion. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is Carper Kennedy Shelby necessarily absent: the Senator from Casey King CLOTURE MOTION Sinema Cassidy Klobuchar North Carolina (Mr. BURR). Smith The PRESIDING OFFICER. Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Collins Lankford Coons Leahy Stabenow President, I send a cloture motion to any other Senators in the Chamber de- Cornyn Manchin Sullivan the desk for the motion to proceed. siring to vote? Cortez Masto McConnell Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- Thune The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 84, Cramer McSally ture motion having been presented nays 15, as follows: Crapo Menendez Tillis Daines Merkley Udall under rule XXII, the Chair directs the [Rollcall Vote No. 25 Leg.] Duckworth Moran Van Hollen clerk to read the motion. YEAS—84 Durbin Murkowski Warner The bill clerk read as follows: Enzi Murphy Whitehouse Alexander Crapo King Ernst Murray Wicker CLOTURE MOTION Baldwin Daines Klobuchar Feinstein Perdue Wyden Barrasso Duckworth Lankford We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Fischer Peters Young Bennet Durbin Leahy ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Blackburn Enzi Manchin NAYS—16 Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Blumenthal Ernst McConnell Booker Hawley Sasse move to bring to a close debate on the mo- Blunt Feinstein McSally Braun Inhofe tion to proceed to Calendar No. 17, S. 311, a Boozman Fischer Menendez Scott (SC) Cotton Lee Braun Gardner Merkley Toomey bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to Cruz Markey Brown Graham Moran Warren prohibit a health care practitioner from fail- Gillibrand Paul Cantwell Grassley Murkowski ing to exercise the proper degree of care in Harris Rubio Capito Hassan Murphy the case of a child who survives an abortion Cardin Heinrich Murray NOT VOTING—1 or attempted abortion. Carper Hirono Perdue Burr Mitch McConnell, David Perdue, Mike Casey Hoeven Peters Crapo, Pat Roberts, John Cornyn, Cassidy Hyde-Smith Portman The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Johnny Isakson, James M. Inhofe, Collins Isakson Reed vote, the yeas are 83 and the nays are Coons Johnson Risch Thom Tillis, Roger F. Wicker, Lindsey Cornyn Jones Roberts 16. Graham, Ben Sasse, Roy Blunt, John Cortez Masto Kaine Romney The conference report is adopted. Thune, John Boozman, John Barrasso, Cramer Kennedy Rosen The majority leader. Joni Ernst, James E. Risch.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:26 Feb 26, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD19\FEBRUARY\S14FE9.REC S14FE9 February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1365 EXECUTIVE SESSION Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The motion was agreed to. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The clerk will report the nomination. nation of Michael J. Desmond, of California, The bill clerk read the nomination of EXECUTIVE CALENDAR to be Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue John L. Ryder, of Tennessee, to be a Service and an Assistant General Counsel in Member of the Board of Directors of Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the Department of the Treasury. move to proceed to executive session to James E. Risch, Johnny Isakson, Todd the Tennessee Valley Authority for a consider Calendar No. 16. Young, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, John term expiring May 18, 2021. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Thune, Rob Portman, Roy Blunt, Thom CLOTURE MOTION question is on the motion. Tillis, John Boozman, Roger F. Wicker, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The motion was agreed to. James Lankford, Tim Scott, Steve send a cloture motion to the desk. Daines, Michael B. Enzi, John Hoeven, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- The clerk will report the nomination. Mitch McConnell. The bill clerk read the nomination of ture motion having been presented Eric D. Miller, of Washington, to be f under rule XXII, the Chair directs the United States Circuit Judge for the LEGISLATIVE SESSION clerk to read the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk Ninth Circuit. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: CLOTURE MOTION move to proceed to legislative session. CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The send a cloture motion to the desk. question is on agreeing to the motion. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- The motion was agreed to. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby ture motion having been presented f move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the EXECUTIVE SESSION nation John L. Ryder, of Tennessee, to be a clerk to read the motion. Member of the Board of Directors of the Ten- The senior assistant legislative clerk nessee Valley Authority for a term expiring read as follows: EXECUTIVE CALENDAR May 18, 2021. Mitch McConnell, Steve Daines, John CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Thune, John Cornyn, James M. Inhofe, We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- move to proceed to executive session to Pat Roberts, Mike Crapo, Chuck Grass- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the consider Calendar No. 10. ley, Richard Burr, John Barrasso, Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Jerry Moran, Roy Blunt, Shelley move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the motion. Moore Capito, John Boozman, Johnny nation of Eric D. Miller, of Washington, to be Isakson, Thom Tillis, John Hoeven. United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth The motion was agreed to. Circuit. The clerk will report the nomination. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Mitch McConnell, David Perdue, Mike The bill clerk read the nomination of consent that the mandatory quorum Crapo, Johnny Isakson, John Cornyn, Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Ad- calls for the cloture motions be waived. Pat Roberts, James M. Inhofe, Thom ministrator of the Environmental Pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Tillis, Roger F. Wicker, Lindsey Gra- tection Agency. objection, it is so ordered. ham, Roy Blunt, John Thune, John The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Boozman, John Barrasso, James E. CLOTURE MOTION Democratic leader. Risch, Richard Burr, John Hoeven. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I GOVERNMENT FUNDING send a cloture motion to the desk. f Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, first, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- let me congratulate the Chamber on LEGISLATIVE SESSION ture motion having been presented the overwhelming vote for the appro- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I under rule XXII, the Chair directs the priations bill. It is good news that we move to proceed to legislative session. clerk to read the motion. passed it by a lot of votes, and I hope The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The senior assistant legislative clerk the House does it by a lot, too. question is on agreeing to the motion. read as follows: I need to comment on the news that The motion was agreed to. CLOTURE MOTION President Trump may declare a na- f We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- tional emergency in an attempt to ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the EXECUTIVE SESSION build his border wall. If President Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Trump decides to go forward with a move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- nation of Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be disaster declaration, he will be making EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Administrator of the Environmental Protec- a tremendous mistake. tion Agency. Declaring a national emergency Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, John would be a lawless act, a gross abuse of move to proceed to executive session to Boozman, Johnny Isakson, Mike Crapo, the power of the Presidency, and a des- consider Calendar No. 6. Pat Roberts, John Hoeven, Shelley perate attempt to distract from the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Moore Capito, Roger F. Wicker, John fact that President Trump broke his question is on the motion. Barrasso, Joni Ernst, Mike Rounds, core promise to have Mexico pay for The motion was agreed to. John Thune, John Cornyn, Jerry Moran, Chuck Grassley, Richard Burr. the wall. It will be another demonstra- The clerk will report the nomination. tion of President Trump’s naked con- The bill clerk read the nomination of f tempt for the rule of law and congres- Michael J. Desmond, of California, to LEGISLATIVE SESSION sional authority. be Chief Counsel for the Internal Rev- Congress just debated this very issue. enue Service and an Assistant General Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session. There was not support for the Presi- Counsel in the Department of the dent’s position. Congressional intent Treasury. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion. on this issue is very clear. The Presi- CLOTURE MOTION The motion was agreed to. dent’s wall has been before Congress Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I several times and has never garnered f send a cloture motion to the desk. enough votes to even merit consider- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- EXECUTIVE SESSION ation. For the President to declare an ture motion having been presented emergency now would be an unprece- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the dented subversion of Congress’s con- clerk to read the motion. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR stitutional prerogative. The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The fact is, this is not an emergency, read as follows: move to proceed to executive session to and the President’s fearmongering CLOTURE MOTION consider Calendar No. 12. doesn’t make it one. A policy dispute We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The about our southern border does not ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the question is on the motion. constitute a national emergency.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:09 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.047 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Democrats support and have always Tellingly, just last night, we learned He told the leaders of the G7 that supported strong border security, but that Manafort has lied again and again Crimea should be a part of Russia. He the fact is, according to the CBP, ap- about the truth of his contacts and his told the President of France to leave prehensions at our southern border are conversations. Did Manafort determine the EU. He said that Montenegro, a at historic lows. that lying to prosecutors was a better NATO member, could start World War President Trump couldn’t convince alternative to telling the truth? III because they are ‘‘very aggressive Mexico, he couldn’t convince the Finally, let’s not forget the revela- people.’’ He said that the Soviet Union American people, and he couldn’t con- tion from just a few weeks ago that the invaded Afghanistan because ‘‘terror- vince their elected representatives to Nation’s top law enforcement agency ists were going into Russia’’ and Russia pay for his ineffective and expensive reportedly opened a counterintel- was ‘‘right to be there.’’ wall. Now he is trying an end run ligence investigation into the Presi- The Wall Street Journal rightly said around Congress in a desperate at- dent, in part for firing the FBI Director that ‘‘we cannot recall a more absurd tempt to put taxpayers on the hook for because of ‘‘this Russia thing.’’ misstatement of history by an Amer- it. Make no mistake—Congress will de- You can’t make this stuff up. Not ican President.’’ fend our constitutional authorities in even in your wildest dreams, not even I challenge anyone to find one per- every way that we can. on the TV set of ‘‘Homeland’’ could you son—one person in the State Depart- I yield the floor. make this stuff up. The news of a pos- ment, the Defense Department, the Na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sible counterintelligence investigation tional Security Council—who believes ator from New Jersey. against a sitting President should these statements and would have put RUSSIA shake us all to the core. Instead, we them in the President’s ear. So who Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, over are barely even surprised. does he get these ideas from? I can the last 2 years, many of us have grap- For the rightwing pundits who spoon- think of only one person—his good pled with a very difficult question feed a warped reality to President friend Vladimir Putin. about our President. It is a question Trump every hour of the day, it is just Thus far, our greatest insights into that never before could we even imag- one more excuse to paint him—the what may be driving President ine thinking about an American Presi- most powerful man in the world—as a Trump’s peculiar behavior toward Rus- victim, but for the rest of us, these rev- dent, let alone saying it out loud on sia have come out of Special Counsel elations only sharpen the dread that the floor of the Senate. I am talking Mueller’s investigation and the addi- gnaws at us as we search our minds for about the entirely legitimate question tional investigations spawned by it. any explanation for President Trump’s of whether Donald Trump could be With every new court filing, we learn perplexing posture toward Russia. that the tentacles of Russian influence compromised by the Russian Govern- Look, I may have my differences over the President and his associates ment. It is more than a legitimate with the President on tax policy, on are wrapped tighter than we previously question; it is the natural question immigration policy, on healthcare pol- that comes to mind every time we icy, and more, but let me assure you, thought. Meanwhile, the President and his learn more about the links between every time he was set to meet with cheerleaders on FOX News continue to President Trump, his associates, and Putin, I, for one, hoped and prayed that discredit the Mueller probe as some the Russian Government. our President would prove our sus- kind of partisan witch hunt, when the With the Mueller investigation pos- picions wrong. sibly coming to a close in the near fu- I hoped that the President of the truth is that it has already resulted in ture, we may be forced to deal with— United States would stand up to Putin 4 individual sentences, 7 guilty pleas, both Congress and the American pub- and demand accountability for Russia’s and a total of more than 30 people and lic—some very stark facts about the interference in the 2016 elections—the 3 Russian entities charged. President’s ties to Russia. Just think cyber attacks, the stolen data, the ma- But all of this still begs the question about the reported revelations over the lign social influence campaigns de- why. Why does President Trump be- last month or so. signed to stoke division and doubt in have as though he has been com- We have learned that President the American people. I hoped President promised by the Russian Government? Trump took unprecedented steps to Trump would make clear to Putin that Why is he so deferential to Putin? We conceal the contents of his conversa- legal aggression against Ukraine and saw that at the Helsinki summit. Why tions with Putin from his own advisers. the continual denial of Ukrainian sov- have those around the President gone We have learned that following one of ereignty is unacceptable and will result to such great lengths to cover up and the meetings with Putin, Trump in consequences. I hoped President lie about the extent of their inter- phoned a New York Times reporter to Trump would not congratulate Putin actions with Russia and with Russians? argue that Russia did not interfere in on another sham election victory but Of course, if we can consider the pos- the 2016 election—once again carrying operate from a position of truth about sibility that the President is an asset the Kremlin’s water in direct conflict his grip on power—that it comes from of the Russian Government, we then with the entire U.S. intelligence com- the oppression of the Russian people, have to wonder whether he is a witting munity. the seizure of their assets, the torture or an unwitting asset. We have learned that over the past and murder of dissenters, the building On the one hand, it seems as though year, President Trump repeatedly ar- of a chemical weapons arsenal, and the most of what President Trump does is gued for pulling the United States out denial of a free press and basic human unwitting. Perhaps his refusal to take of NATO—something that Putin de- rights. And of course I hoped President Russian interference in 2016 seriously sires. Trump would not budge an inch on is merely an outgrowth of his nar- We continue to learn new details sanctions on the Kremlin. cissism, a symptom of a fragile ego about Paul Manafort’s—President But time and again, our President that cannot accept that maybe, just Trump’s campaign chairman—meet- has let us down. He has let our country maybe the unprecedented malign influ- ings with Konstantin Kilimnik, a Rus- down. He has left Americans to lie ence campaign orchestrated by the sian national with suspected ties to awake at night asking themselves: Kremlin did indeed sway some votes on Russian intelligence and an associate What does Putin have on our Presi- election day. of Oleg Deripaska’s. We know that dent? Why won’t he hold Russia ac- On the other hand, the more I learn Manafort met with Kilimnik repeat- countable? Why won’t he champion the about President Trump’s strange be- edly, provided him with polling data, values of democracy, freedom, and havior toward Russia, the more I won- and discussed ending U.S. sanctions human rights that transcend political der if he knows exactly what is going and adopting a Russia-friendly peace parties and define our greatest ideals on; the more I wonder if he knows that plan for Ukraine. This is perhaps the as a nation? his campaign was making promises most significant indication that Instead, our President champions about pro-Kremlin positions and roll- Trump’s inner circle was discussing talking points that could have only ing back sanctions; the more I wonder pro-Kremlin policies in the months be- come out of the Kremlin. Let me pro- if Trump knows that he is indebted to fore the election. vide just a few examples. Russia and cannot allow the truth of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.059 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1367 his business dealings to come to light, Trump may not have investments in tions or CAATSA law passed in 2017 for the truth may tell us that Trump’s Russia, but it is quite possible that the with the support of 98 Senators. overtures to Putin, his disparaging of Kremlin has an investment in him. Given the circumstances we face NATO, his refusal to fully apply con- That is what keeps me up at night. today, we need additional legislation to gressionally mandated sanctions, and That is why I believe the time is now protect American interests. That is his mixed messages on Ukraine are ac- to pass legislation requiring all Presi- why Senator GRAHAM and I introduced tually instances of conspiracy with the dential candidates to disclose their tax just yesterday the Defending America’s Kremlin in real time. returns and why I am the sponsor of Security from Kremlin Aggression Act Perhaps it is because I am from New such legislation. or DASKA, a bipartisan piece of legis- Jersey and I have lived through dec- So many of my colleagues decried lation that is joined by several of our ades of Donald Trump’s questionable Trump’s shattering of this norm, but Republican colleagues. business dealings, but I cannot under- since he arrived at White House, the This comprehensive legislation will stand why anyone would flat out reject Republicans have done nothing to stop ensure our diplomats have the tools to the proposition that he is indebted to it from becoming the new normal. advance our interests and stand up to Russia. He is the first Presidential can- We still don’t know who is behind the the bully in the Kremlin. It includes didate in decades to refuse to disclose vast majority of the Trump organiza- new sanctions, as well as provisions de- his tax returns. He is the first Presi- tion projects around the world, many signed to harden our democratic insti- dent in modern history to refuse to di- of which continue to this day. We have tutions and make us less vulnerable to vest from his business interests, leav- to follow the money to get to the attack. Perhaps most urgently, ing us wondering whether he and his truth. How else will we ever know why DASKA requires Senate consent, family are profiting from his position our President is either unable or un- should the President act on his desire in the Oval Office. willing to publicly stand up to Putin? to pull the United States out of NATO. Beyond the myth of the man, Trump What too many of my Republican To risk letting this President pull our is no business genius. He was a million- colleagues seem to forget is that at the Nation out of a military alliance so aire by age 8, thanks to his father. He end of the day, this is not about Donald vital to America’s security would be a ran the business into the ground. He Trump; it is about the American peo- tragedy fit for the ages. defaulted on debt, refused to pay work- ple. It is about whether an American The collapse of NATO is No. 1 on Mr. ers, and declared multiple corporate President may be beholden to foreign Putin’s wish list, and with leaders like bankruptcies. Eventually, American interests and how those interests fare Secretary Mattis no longer around to banks saw through him and refused to against our own. babysit this President, Congress has a lend him money, so Trump had to look When the President embraces our responsibility to act. This bipartisan elsewhere for cash. When you have greatest adversaries and gives the back bill is essential to giving the United been essentially blacklisted from the of the hand to our closest allies; when States a more solid footing against the U.S. banking system, where do you he continually denies Russia’s inter- Kremlin moving forward. turn? You turn to less savory sources. ference in 2016 and belittles the find- We should treat DASKA with ur- The fact that the Trump Organiza- ings of our entire intelligence commu- gency. The time to pass this legislation tion courted and sold real estate to nity; when, in spite of those findings, is now. We need hearings, a vote on the wealthy Russian buyers and financiers he suggests lifting sanctions on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is no secret, nor is the reality that to Russians; when he backs down from and swift consideration on the floor of be wealthy in Putin’s Russia means to challenging Putin after Russia com- the Senate. have close ties to the Kremlin. Much of mits an unacceptable act of aggression Likewise, we must finally pass legis- the stolen wealth amassed by Putin against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov, an lation to protect the Mueller investiga- and his cronies must be hidden from international border, then we need a tion and to require that all Presi- the global financial system, so where Congress willing to live up to its role dential candidates release their tax re- do you turn? Real estate. as a coequal branch of government. turns. After a string of bankruptcies and We cannot blindly follow a poten- I know, deep down, that many of my racking up debt for years, the Trump tially compromised President down Republican colleagues share my con- Organization suddenly began making a this dangerous path in which our alli- cerns. I have talked with them, a fair spate of large, unexplainable cash pur- ances are suffering, our leadership on number of them, yet they are afraid of chases, totaling $400 million over 9 the global stage is waning, and our angering the Party of Trump. Well, I years. Giant, mysterious, inexplicable competitors are seeking to fill the believe that they would be seen as cash transactions are the hallmark of void. American heroes. money laundering. So where did they We need to know the facts—not the Should the facts confirm our greatest get the cash? Well, if we are to believe latest spin dropped by Rudy Giuliani— fears to be true, I ask my colleagues to the words of the President and his sons, the facts. The American people deserve consider what the history books will much of it came from Russia. In fact, it to know whom they elected to be their say about those who knew the Presi- was Donald Junior who said in 2008 President. They deserve to know if he dent of the United States might very that ‘‘we see a lot of money pouring in is, in fact, putting America’s interests well be compromised by a foreign from Russia’’ and Eric Trump who re- first. They deserve to know if Donald power, yet still did nothing. I am talk- portedly said in 2014 that ‘‘we don’t Trump is wittingly or unwittingly an ing about my Republican colleagues rely on American banks. We have all agent for the Russian Federation. who seem to have numbed themselves the funding we need out of Russia.’’ Congress must carry out its constitu- to the latest bombshell revelations We know that several Trump tional duty to fully and thoroughly in- about the President’s posture on Rus- projects, like Trump SoHo and Trump vestigate where the facts lead. That is sia. Apparently, they don’t want to Toronto, received significant funding why we must protect the integrity of know why Russia interfered in 2016 to from Kremlin-linked financiers. In all oversight efforts including the ob- help Trump win. They don’t want to fact, Trump Toronto was funded by an jective, sober investigation still being know why the Republican platform’s asset sale by the Russian bank VTB—a conducted by Robert Mueller, and that strong language on Russia was watered transaction that would have likely is why we must push for his final re- down by the Trump team. They don’t needed approval from Putin himself. port to be made public to the American want to know how someone deeply in- We now know that the Trump Organi- people. debted to Russian oligarchs and later zation pursued the Trump Moscow At the same time, this administra- caught giving polling data to Russian project for far longer than he led on, tion’s deference to the Kremlin de- intelligence contacts became chairman including well into his campaign for mands Congress be proactive in shap- of the campaign. They don’t want to President. ing U.S. foreign policy toward Russia, know why Russia began hacking Hil- The President has unequivocally said especially with respect to sanctions. lary Clinton’s emails the same day that he has ‘‘zero investments in Rus- We saw that with the Countering that Candidate Trump asked them to sia.’’ Well, here is the problem: Donald America’s Adversaries Through Sanc- do so.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.061 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 They don’t want to know why the Third, and flowing from the coordi- bility—ensured by United States lead- President undermines our intelligence nated strategy, we need to ensure our ership—will continue to stand.’’ community and attacks law enforce- government and society are organized The President should heed his own ment for investigating Russian inter- and have the right capabilities to man- administration’s guidance. He should ference. They don’t want to know why age this ongoing confrontation in the do so publicly and with the resolve ex- he seeks to dismantle NATO, a pillar of information space. Finally, we need to pected of the Commander in Chief. security, prosperity, and the defense of develop, in coordination with our allies Unfortunately, the President’s his- western democratic ideals. They don’t and partners, our own playbook to tory on this subject to date is far from want to know why he shares Putin’s fight back. encouraging. His policy positions do joy when discord unfolds in Europe. Let me address each of these pro- not follow dictums outlined by the They don’t want to know why Trump posals in turn. Treasury Department and others in his forbade his interpreter from disclosing First of all, we need the President to administration but, instead, mirror the contents of his conversations with be straight with the American people. Russian strategic objectives. His for- Putin and took his notes. In short, The President’s own national security eign policy goals and those of Russia they don’t want to know the truth. officials and intelligence community seem to overlap. The President’s dev- Well, now is not the time to ignore agree about the existence and serious- astating threats to withdraw from the facts or avoid the truth. We are liv- ness of the attacks being conducted by NATO and his denigration of the Euro- ing in a time of unthinkable questions, Russia against our democracy. The pean Union, our trading partners, and and should the facts reveal the most President, as our Nation’s leader, must those he considers his domestic polit- unthinkable of answers, we must do embrace the same conclusion. By con- ical adversaries create or exacerbate what is necessary to protect the inter- veying to the American people the ur- internal divisions. The President must ests of the United States of America. gency of this national security threat, be made to realize that Russia supports I yield the floor. the President can ensure that as a na- his approach to foreign relations and I suggest the absence of a quorum. tion we are responding with the same domestic politics. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The level of commitment as we would to a The President is, of course, by no clerk will call the roll. military threat. This will elevate the means alone in demonizing those with The senior assistant legislative clerk urgency and gravity of the matter and whom he disagrees, but his voice is far proceeded to call the roll. help ensure we are committing the nec- more powerful as a result of the office The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- essary level of resources for both mili- he holds, and it is his obligation and ator from Rhode Island. tary and nonmilitary measures to duty to lead. Not only must the Presi- Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- counter the Russian threat and build dent distinguish his policy positions imous consent that the order for the resilience against these malign activi- from those that Russia promotes overt- quorum call be rescinded. ties. ly and through disinformation cam- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Presidential leadership is necessary paigns to tear up the fabric of the objection, it is so ordered. to help us move past domestic paro- West, he must wholeheartedly reject Mr. REED. Mr. President, first, let chial politics. We have already seen those tactics and defend our Nation me commend the Senator from New how the failure to put national secu- against them. Jersey for his very articulate, detailed, rity over partisan politics all but deci- The President needs to get on the and factually specific discussion of mated our ability to counter Russian same page with much of the rest of the Russian malign influence across the information warfare during the 2016 U.S. Government and Congress. The globe but, particularly, here in the election. The German Marshall Fund heads of the Department of Justice, the United States. concluded in their policy blueprint Federal Bureau of Investigation, the RUSSIAN HYBRID WARFARE from last year that ‘‘removing par- Department of Homeland Security, and Mr. President, today I rise to con- tisanship from the calculus in respond- the Director of National Intelligence tinue my series of speeches with regard ing to this threat is critical.’’ This is all came together to send a tough mes- to Russian hybrid warfare and, specifi- not a Democratic or a Republican prob- sage to Russia ahead of the 2018 mid- cally, to provide policy recommenda- lem. This is a national security prob- term elections. Congress has been tions in response to the threat from lem, and it is severe. If we are going to united, as well, as evidenced by the Russia, particularly the threat from in- overcome Russian efforts to magnify overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of formation warfare, which was exhibited fear and distrust, we need our Presi- the Russia sanctions bill as part of the so substantially in the 2016 election. dent to put our national security first. Countering America’s Adversaries The first part of the speech I gave on Presidential leadership is just as im- Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA. January 24 of this year, but let me perative beyond our borders. The Presi- Yet this tough messaging to Russia is briefly recap. As I described in my pre- dent speaks to the American people. completely undermined when the vious speech, Russia is prosecuting an His words must send a clear and con- President fails to confront Putin over ongoing, persistent campaign of infor- sistent message to the Kremlin that we Russian malign activities and, instead, mation warfare targeted at the United will not tolerate attacks against the repeatedly downplays the significance States and Western democracies. These United States. A real opportunity was of Russian interference with our de- information operations are conducted missed when the President did not use mocracy and society. along specific lines of effort and em- his platform during the State of the It is further undermined when he ploy tactics, techniques, and proce- Union to denounce Russian attacks on mirrors Putin’s talking points and dis- dures that Russia has developed over our democracy and showcase to the misses the Russian nationals indicted years of experimentation. Russia has world the depth of his commitment in by the special counsel, including 12 been particularly effective in adapting countering this threat. Russian military intelligence or GRU its information warfare playbook to The world must understand that the agents, as merely ‘‘bloggers from Mos- the digital age, weaponizing social President is serious and committed to cow.’’ It is further undermined when media to magnify fear and mistrust, protecting the United States, its allies, the administration unwinds sanctions create chaos, and undermine our abil- and its partners against information against a business of Putin crony Oleg ity to respond effectively. warfare and will do so for as long as re- Deripaska. I would note that this deal There are four steps we must adopt quired. As a recent report by the Treas- went forward in spite of bipartisan ac- to more effectively counter Russian in- ury Department on efforts by the tion in the Congress to try to block it. formation warfare. First, we need the United States to combat illicit finance The President’s mixed messages and President to fulfill the obligations of noted: ‘‘Russia must . . . realize that failure of leadership in mounting sus- his office and unite the American peo- the United States and its allies will not tained and credible deterrence must ple in confronting this national secu- waver in our determination to prevent end. rity threat. Second, we need a coordi- it from undermining our democracies, Despite the lack of Presidential lead- nated strategy across our government economies, institutions, and the values ership, there is work underway to and society to counter those threats. on which these pillars of global sta- counter Russian hybrid warfare—and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.062 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1369 specifically information warfare—at This year’s NDAA authorized the ap- for European Policy Analysis, Edward the Departments of Homeland Secu- pointment of a foreign influence coor- Lucas, explained that we ‘‘are still rity, State, Treasury, Justice, the Fed- dinator on the National Security Coun- playing catch up from a long way be- eral Bureau of Investigation, as well as cil staff. This would be a good step to- hind. We are looking in the rearview the National Security Agency, Cyber ward organizing a whole-of-government mirror, getting less bad at working out Command, and broader elements of the approach to counter Russian informa- what Russia just did to us. We are still Department of Defense. tion warfare. However, it remains to be not looking through the windshield to These efforts include standing up seen whether the administration will find out what’s happening now and task forces between DHS and the FBI stand up such a position. what’s going to be happening next.’’ to target foreign influence within our Once we have laid out a comprehen- If we are ever going to get out from borders, reorganizing the internal sive strategy, we must ensure that it looking at this problem through the structures of DHS, and establishing the can be successfully executed. This will rearview mirror, we need to understand Russia Influence Group across several require the support of the right organi- the patterns of Russia’s aggressive be- national security agencies. NSA and zational structures across the govern- havior and be able to anticipate the Cyber Command also established a ment and the whole of society. next attack. working group called the Russia Small The National Defense Strategy Com- In addition to ramping up Russia ex- Group to counter Kremlin information mission concluded in its report that pertise, there needs to be a coordi- warfare campaigns. Russia ‘‘developed national strategies nating body across the national secu- We must recognize the results these for enhancing their influence and un- rity apparatus to provide intelligence efforts have yielded to date. As author- dermining key U.S. interests that ex- and analysis sharing. This body would ized by this year’s National Defense tend far beyond military competition work to provide a common operating Authorization Act, or the NDAA, Cyber . . . [C]omprehensive solutions to these picture for our government and help Command has undertaken offensive comprehensive challenges will require with strategic coordination across U.S. cyber operations. Treasury has sanc- whole-of-government and even whole- Government Agencies involved in tioned more than 270 Russian individ- of-nation cooperation extending far be- countering hybrid warfare. uals and related entities. The Depart- yond DOD. A proposal to stand up an inter- ment of Justice has used our legal sys- As the Commission notes, we need to agency fusion cell similar to what I am tem to expose GRU and the Kremlin- be institutionally capable of antici- describing was recommended in the linked troll organization activities. pating Russian information warfare de- Senate Foreign Relations Committee These efforts signify that our capable velopments. As a nation, we have been minority staff report from January civil servants and military officials too slow, too late, and too divided in 2018. That report envisioned that such have developed ways to mitigate as- acknowledging the severity of these at- a center ‘‘should include representa- pects of the threat against us, but what tacks on our governmental institutions tives from the FBI, CIA, the Depart- is lacking is a synchronized campaign, and society. We watched Kremlin-di- ments of Homeland Security, State, prosecuted in a unified manner, to rected information attacks in the Defense, and Treasury, and it should counter Russian hybrid warfare against Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and else- immediately produce a strategy, plan, the United States, our allies, and our where, but we didn’t conceive that this and robust budget that coordinates all partners. Russian playbook would be deployed current and projected government pro- General Scaparrotti, the head of Eu- against us. ropean Command—who is on the What is more, we are starting from a gramming to counter Russian Govern- frontlines of this threat—testified to deficit in terms of the way our govern- ment interference and malign influ- the Armed Services Committee last ment is organized. After the Cold War, ence.’’ Similarly, the Defending American March: ‘‘[I] don’t believe there is effec- we dismantled the apparatus in place tive unification across the interagency, to recognize and counter threats from Security from Kremlin Aggression Act, with the energy and the focus that we the Soviet Union. More recently, we or DASKA, a bill that Senator MENEN- could attain.’’ found ourselves embroiled in two long DEZ indicated was reintroduced yester- The Trump administration’s national counterinsurgency wars, which reori- day in a bipartisan fashion—Senator defense strategy emphasizes the ‘‘re- ented our planning, our systems, and MENENDEZ and Senator GRAHAM are emergence of long-term strategic com- our weapons to counter those threats leading this effort—includes language petition,’’ including with Russia. I of insurgents in Iraq, Afghanistan, and to establish such a fusion center. I urge agree that this is an appropriate place elsewhere. We took our eye off the my colleagues to support this type of a to focus attention, but I have yet to growing challenges to the inter- center. It will go a long way toward see the changes needed to align with national order in Europe, and frankly further integrating a whole-of-govern- those priorities. we were late to realize that the Rus- ment approach. We must develop wholesale, scalable sians had either pushed past any reset In conjunction with standing up such strategy to counter these threats below in U.S.-Russia relations or had never a center, Congress may need to exam- the level of armed conflict, including actually stopped seeing us as their ine the authorities of some intelligence on the 21st-century battlefields of in- enemy. So we need to rebuild our ca- agencies, as it becomes harder to de- formation and cyber space. It must be pacity to challenge this threat. tect and counter Russian operations noted that Congress, including in the First, we must ensure that we have that look increasingly ‘‘American’’ in NDAA, has repeatedly urged the ad- the intelligence capabilities in place to nature. ministration in this direction. yield a more complete understanding Our military institutions also need Two years ago, I secured a provision, of the nature of the threat. One of the to be structured to counter Russian in- along with my colleagues, to require reasons that the Kremlin caught us off formation operations—in particular the Department of Defense, in conjunc- guard is because we significantly those conducted by the GRU. As laid tion with the Department of State and downsized the office in the CIA unoffi- out in part 1 of this speech, these oper- other Agencies, to craft a Russian ma- cially called Russia House, which was ations are persistent and ongoing, re- lign influence strategy. That strategy tasked with countering Russia during flecting current Russian military doc- was finally delivered a few months ago, the Cold War. trine, and follow discernable lines of ef- and it highlights the various efforts While the number of Russian ana- fort. We must bring appropriate mili- U.S. Government Departments and lysts has grown in recent years, we tary tools to counter this threat. Agencies are undertaking. However, as must make sure that we grow and re- Last November, General Nakasone, I have said before, the administration tain the expertise and the budget dedi- who serves as both the head of Cyber must build on and implement that cated to analyzing, attributing, antici- Command and the Director of the NSA, strategy, and these efforts must be pating, and exposing Russian informa- explained that America’s adversaries, conducted in a unified manner at the tion warfare campaigns on a persistent including Russia, ‘‘are looking to take direction of the President both oper- basis. us on below the level of armed conflict. ationally and also as the chief spokes- As I quoted in part 1 of this speech, Our military must be able to . . . com- person to the Nation and to the world. the senior vice president of the Center pete below the level of armed conflict.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.064 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 This is what great power competition and coordinate efforts of the Federal the imagination to fully realize the ex- looks like today, and it’s what we will Government to recognize, understand, tent of the coming threat. Unfortu- look at as we look to the future.’’ expose, and counter’’ foreign state nately, the ways in which the social Indeed, this type of conflict requires propaganda and disinformation tar- media companies responded to these new tools in cyber space, including of- geting U.S. national security interests. attacks mirrored the government’s fensive cyber operations and updated However, the Global Engagement Cen- failure of imagination. Social media protocols for using them. ter has been under resourced and slow companies were held up as beacons of It should be noted that Cyber Com- to execute its mission. We need to ac- innovation with a view that technology mand took important steps to safe- celerate this effort. could bring people together in common guard the 2018 midterm elections. Sev- We also need to look at our tools and cause, but these companies failed to eral days prior to the election, Na- tactics for informing our domestic au- conceive that these same tools could tional Security Advisor Ambassador dience, including how best to address also be used for malign purposes—to John Bolton acknowledged this role, concerns about the integrity of elec- misinform as well as to inform. stating that the United States was tions arising as a result of Russian When originally confronted with the ‘‘undertaking offensive cyber oper- meddling. notion that the Kremlin had had an ations . . . aimed at defending the in- As a recent report from CSIS on elec- impact on the 2016 election, Facebook tegrity of the electoral process.’’ Simi- tion security stressed, ‘‘Credibility is founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg dis- larly, the Department of Defense ex- as important as accuracy.’’ We should missed out of hand any role his com- plained that it worked to ‘‘frustrate examine what approach would best pany may have played. He said: ‘‘To and prevent adversary interference in serve the American people in terms of think . . . [Facebook] influenced the the 2018 election cycle.’’ It appears that validating the integrity of election re- election in any way is a pretty crazy these cyber operations contributed to sults, as well as mobilizing to respond idea.’’ Yet we now know that the ma- more successful deterrence or a should our elections come under at- nipulation of social media is one of the blunting of the Russian information tack. primary lines of effort used by the warfare campaign than during the 2016 This effort could be centered around Kremlin and Kremlin-linked actors to mount their information warfare cam- Presidential election. a dedicated office or assigned to a That said, we also must acknowledge group of current or former trusted gov- paigns against us. Certain social media companies have that the Russians have not stopped ernment officials. Their mission would made some reforms and worked with their operations against us, and they be to rapidly communicate to the law enforcement and DHS to take down don’t undertake information warfare American public regarding the integ- fraudulent networks—or what the com- campaigns only at election time. As we rity of elections in response to Russian panies deem as inauthentic accounts. learn to counter their operations, they efforts to undermine the public faith in For instance, late last month, Twitter learn better methods to attack us, democracy, including through informa- announced that before the 2018 mid- often with increased sophistication and tion warfare attacks. terms, it removed 418 Russian accounts The administration has taken steps less detectability. In order to stay up whose behavior mimicked that of the to speed, we must institutionalize the in this direction, including the Presi- Kremlin-linked troll organization. temporary arrangements that the De- dent’s Executive order regarding elec- However, we just can’t assume, going partment of Defense assembled for ad- tion interference from last September, forward, that these companies will act dressing information warfare oper- which requires a 45-day report assess- in the best interest of U.S. national se- ations in the midterm elections and ing attacks from foreign adversaries. curity and continue to cooperate with- make them permanent. Our efforts But this won’t be fast enough to out some guidance or, perhaps, even must be persistent and scalable to en- counter information warfare cam- regulation. These are private, for-profit sure we have the operational capacity paigns in real time. These attacks are companies, and like any company, they to respond to these attacks against our moving at the speed of the internet. We are worried how reputational damage democracy. don’t have 45 days to wait. will affect their bottom lines. If they Along those same lines, in last year’s As we look to the 2020 Presidential cannot organize themselves effectively NDAA, we required the Secretary of elections, it is imperative that we in- to combat warfare campaigns, Congress Defense to establish a process to inte- vest more in election security. While will have to legislate solutions. grate strategic and cyber-enabled in- progress has been made since 2016, it Such an effort is already underway in formation operations across the De- has paled in comparison to the mag- the European Union, which has worked partment. While information oper- nitude of the challenge. on several fronts to protect users of so- ations were a feature of military oper- Last Congress, I was disappointed cial media. The EU has established ations during the Cold War, today they when an amendment to provide an ad- data privacy rules, known as the Gen- are sometimes an afterthought. Having ditional $250 million in election secu- eral Data Protection Regulation, or better integrated procedures for these rity grant funding was blocked by my GDPR, that seek to strengthen indi- types of operations would be a good colleagues on the other side. This fund- vidual rights for the protection of per- start for getting organized inside DOD ing would have built upon the $380 mil- sonal data. In addition, the EU has to effectively counter Russian informa- lion that was appropriated for election worked with online platforms which tion warfare below the level of conven- security grants in the fiscal year 2018 are developing voluntary standards to tional conflict. Omnibus Appropriations Act. At the fight disinformation, known as the Just as important as ensuring that time of the vote last summer, the ini- Code of Practice on Disinformation. As we have the right military and intel- tial funding was already committed to well, EU member nations have also ligence tools, is ensuring that we have the States, and 91 percent of those made threats of regulation and fines if the appropriate nonmilitary tools to funds had been disbursed. We will need social media companies do not do more counter the threat. An additional cast- to provide the funding necessary if we to address disinformation and fake ac- off after the Cold War was the U.S. In- are to claim that we are committed to counts. It would make sense to look formation Agency, which was devoted improving election security. In addi- closely at what the EU is imple- to advancing public diplomacy, build- tion, the Kremlin exploits the exist- menting to see what might be appro- ing narratives, and extolling American ence of insecure or outdated systems to priate for our purposes. virtues to foreign audiences. We should promote information warfare oper- As I discussed in part 1 of this consider carefully whether it makes ations against us, furthering the nar- speech, one of the main issues in the sense to revive some of these capabili- rative that there are so-called cracks 2016 election was that social media ties for today’s information age. in our democracy. companies didn’t have the visibility One important step toward reestab- Our government is not the only actor into what had occurred across plat- lishing such a capability was enlarging that must play a role in meeting these forms, including Twitter, Facebook, the mission of the State Department’s threats. We must also look to our soci- YouTube, and others, making it harder Global Engagement Center in the fiscal ety and the private sector. As I dis- to detect and combat Russian informa- year 2017 NDAA to ‘‘lead, synchronize, cussed, the government failed to have tion warfare operations. As mentioned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.065 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1371 previously, two independent reports moral equivalence promoted by Putin longer use information warfare cam- commissioned by the Senate Intel- and other authoritarian regimes, we paigns to exploit those situations to ligence Committee examined a subset must promote and highlight our val- their advantage. of data provided by the social media ues. In doing so, we can showcase our Our responses to Russian information companies relating to the 2016 election, adherence to justice and the rule of law operations are most effective when we and they identified significant Russian by exposing Russian aggression against act in concert with allies and partners. activity across social media platforms us, our allies, and our partners. The sanctions levied on Russia after that was not discovered at the time. We must assist and protect jour- their illegal annexation of Crimea were As we look at how society must orga- nalism, including in countries where effective because they were imple- nize to counter this threat, we need criticizing the Kremlin and exposing mented together with the EU. We have greater visibility across platforms so the truth may put reporters in danger. also witnessed the effects of the more that we can more effectively anticipate In concert with allies and partners, we than 25 countries expelling Russian these operations coming and defend must encourage and support civil soci- diplomats in solidarity with the United against future interference. One ap- ety groups here and abroad to protect Kingdom in response to the Skripal proach to further that goal could be human rights and enhance rule of law poisoning. The United States worked the establishment of a social media re- protections. We can use sanctions as a closely with Greece to blunt Russia’s pository to compile data relevant to tool to expose Kremlin abuses and raise attempts to undermine an agreement identifying and countering foreign in- reputational costs to Putin and his cro- between Greece and North Macedonia formation operations. This database nies, such as the sanctions provided in that would open the door for North would be a tool for trusted independent the Magnitsky Act. Macedonia to join NATO. As these ex- researchers and academics to gain in- Our American playbook must also in- amples show, the cost to Russia is sight into cross-platform trends and clude options for responding to Russian greater when they aren’t simply dis- provide an analysis of attacks. malign activities in cyberspace. The missed as a unilateral shunning by the To this point, last month, Cyber Russians are weaponizing information United States. Commander General Nakasone testi- stolen from our government officials As the former Estonian Foreign Min- fied before the Senate Intelligence and candidates for public office. We ister and Ambassador to Russia stated: Committee that the analysis of the must define and harden our cyber doc- Joint initiatives are more likely to deter independent reports, based on the lim- trine and clearly understand how to hackers. If they don’t take seriously one ited data provided by a few social use our military in these new domains. country, they will take seriously 30 coun- media companies, was ‘‘very effective.’’ Our responses are likely to be asym- tries when they will jointly blame a hacker He added: metric rather than employing the same or foreign nation for an attack. As we prepared for the 2018 midterms, we dirty tricks from the Russian play- Last week, the Acting Attorney Gen- took a very, very close look at the informa- book. Ultimately, the integrity of our eral and the Secretary of Homeland Se- tion that was provided there. We understood electoral campaigns should lead all curity certified that our government our adversary very well, and we understood U.S. political parties and actors to ‘‘concluded there is no evidence to date where their vulnerabilities also lie. pledge not to use hacked or stolen ma- that any identified activities of a for- Imagine how helpful it would be if terials to attack or smear each other. eign government or foreign agent had a this repository were ongoing and com- The media, too, should contemplate material impact on the integrity or se- prehensive. what its responsibilities are to the citi- curity of election infrastructure or po- America’s intelligence and defensive zens of this country when covering litical/campaign infrastructure used in capabilities are vast and adaptable. To elections. They should be wary of cov- the 2018 midterm elections.’’ be sure, there is considerable work ering aspects of political campaigns in However, we should not take that ahead to restructure, realign, and focus ways that may aid or abet foreign in- certification as a reason to let down efforts across the government and soci- formation operations. While we must our guard. We seem to be getting bet- ety, but America will only be best pos- always protect the constitutional right ter at responding to the types of at- tured to prevent these attacks in the of freedom of the press, the media may tacks perpetrated against the United future once we move from a defensive come to conclude that covering hacked States in 2016, but that is no indicator posture to a strategy that plays to our materials without appropriately fram- that we have become better at antici- strengths. ing the source of those materials or in- pating future attacks. The Director of We must come up with our own cluding comments from Kremlin-linked the Department of Homeland Secu- American playbook to counter Russian trolls claiming to be American citizens rity’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure information warfare. The Kremlin has is no longer appropriate. Security Agency warned last Novem- resorted to these dirty tricks because Further, as I discussed in part 1 of ber: it knows it will not win in a fair fight. this speech, a major line of effort for The [2018] midterm is . . . just the warm- We should not try to play by their Russia is Kremlin-directed deception up or the exhibition game. . . . The big game rules or be symmetric in our response. operations using social media to pene- for adversaries is probably 2020. We should counter Russia in the arenas trate our political and social debates This statement was reinforced by where we have strategic advantages. and magnify feelings of fear and mis- DNI Coats, who testified to the Senate We should counter Russia in ways that trust. Our American playbook must Intelligence Committee late last uphold and enhance our democracy and also include ways to educate our citi- month: ‘‘Our adversaries and strategic the rule of law. We should counter Rus- zens with knowledge of these plots and competitors are probably already look- sia in ways that show our strength and provide additional media literacy ing to the 2020 U.S. elections as an op- credibility. tools, including teaching our young portunity to advance their interests,’’ As President Reagan stated: ‘‘The ul- people how to evaluate what they see and also ‘‘Moscow may employ addi- timate determinate in the struggle now online and further make the case to tional influence toolkits—such as going on for the world will not be the public for the importance and value spreading disinformation, conducting bombs and rockets but a test of wills of democratic institutions. hack-and-leak operations or manipu- and ideas—a trial of spiritual resolve, In addition, we must strengthen sup- lating data—in a more targeted fashion the values we hold, the beliefs we cher- port for one of our greatest strategic to influence U.S. policy, actions and ish and the ideas to which we are dedi- advantages—our alliances and partner- elections.’’ cated.’’ ships globally. We must take steps to We must think creatively to ensure As I have explained, Kremlin and educate the American public about the that we are ahead of this curve. I am Kremlin-linked propaganda and central role alliances play for our na- confident that this is a challenge that disinformation seek to amplify fear tional security. We must also look out- we can meet and conquer with Presi- and mistrust and convince the Amer- ward, supporting our alliances and dential leadership, a whole of govern- ican public that our democracy is no stepping up our diplomatic outreach to ment approach, and the energy and re- better than the autocratic regime in help resolve longstanding regional con- sources necessary. We can and we must Moscow. To push back against this flicts overseas so that Russia may no do this.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.066 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 As President John F. Kennedy said: barriers. They gave him less money take because, with regard to barriers, ‘‘We are not here to curse the darkness than he asked for for new barriers and this is the most Congress has ever pro- but to light the candle that can guide new fencing. vided for new barriers, new fencing. us through that darkness to a safe and The agreement includes nearly $1.4 I hope this will work to help stop this sane future.’’ billion for that—for the new barriers flow of drugs into our country, to help I yield the floor. and new fencing. By the way, it might control the illegal immigration that is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- also surprise you to learn that that is happening, to help stop the trafficking ator from Ohio. the most money Congress has ever ap- of women and children that goes on GOVERNMENT FUNDING propriated for fencing and new barriers along the border, but it is going to re- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I had in any fiscal year. quire more work. We all know that. planned to come to the floor this Let me repeat that. This is the most This is a start, and my hope is that by evening to talk about our national money Congress has ever voted for to passing this legislation we can help to parks and to talk about the lands bill provide more barriers along the border. start those even more serious efforts to that just passed, but I also want to And these are new barriers. deal with our broader issues here, in- talk for a moment, if I could, about the Now, again, if you listen to folks— cluding our broader immigration issues legislation we just voted on on this sometimes on both sides of the aisle— that have to be dealt with. floor. It had to do with border security, on this issue, you might not hear that, So I am hopeful that the House will and it had to do with six other appro- but this is the most ever in any one fis- pass it. I am hopeful that the President priations bills that include many of our cal year. By the way, we are already will sign it. I think he will. He says he Departments and Agencies. It also had 41⁄2 months into this fiscal year. will. to do with keeping the government I am glad we provided the funding be- I am also glad that we are not going from shutting down. If this legislation cause I think it is needed. I believe we into a shutdown. Shutdowns make no is now passed by the House tonight, do have a crisis on the border. I believe sense. We have legislation, as some of which is expected, and is signed into it has to do with illegal immigration, you know, to try to stop government law by the President, which is ex- but also it has to do with drugs that shutdowns from happening in the fu- pected, we will avoid a government are devastating my home State of ture. Why? Because they are bad for shutdown, which is really important. Ohio. taxpayers, who end up paying more, We don’t need to go there again. Crystal meth is on the rise—pure not less, often because workers who are I also want to talk, for a second, crystal meth from Mexico, almost all furloughed actually get paid even when about the package itself and the most of it. Ninety percent of the heroin com- they are not working, but also because controversial part of it, which has to ing into my State comes across that of the inefficiencies of government dur- do with the border. I voted yes this southern border. ing a shutdown. Taxpayer services are evening, and I did so because the legis- We now have fentanyl coming in reduced—everything from meat inspec- lation we just signed takes really im- from across the border in addition to tion to the security lines, to the IRS portant steps towards strengthening coming straight from China. We now information line to figure out how to our southern border. Frankly, I am not have, of course, cocaine coming across file your doggone taxes. I mean, all of hearing much about that on either side the southern border. We have serious that gets affected. of the aisle. drug problems that need to be ad- So shutdowns don’t make sense. It First, let me just say that President dressed. really doesn’t make sense for the men Trump had a proposal on the border. I have done a lot of work on the issue and women who work for the Federal His was a comprehensive proposal— of human trafficking, and I can just Government and for their families. yes—of more barriers and fencing but tell you that what we have learned, During this last shutdown of 35 days, also of more cameras, more remote sadly, is that the amount of trafficking workers who were told they were essen- sensing, more screening at ports of going on along the southern border in- tial, therefore, had to report for work, entry, more judges, more Border Pa- creases as you have more and more and they were not getting paid. So, trol, and so on. people who are trafficking human again, those who weren’t working got That legislation that he asked us to beings for work—illegal immigration, paid after the fact, and those who were take up included $22.8 billion—a lot of which I think is mostly for people com- working were not getting paid during money, right? ing here to find a better life for work, the shutdown. That doesn’t make a lot Now, some will say: But Congress but they are bringing with them a lot of sense to me. didn’t follow what President Trump of people who are trafficking women By the way, missing two pay periods wanted to do because they gave him and children. is a big deal for a lot of the government less money. So the trafficking issue is real. That workers I know because they live pay- The border security funding in this is what the experts tell us, and that is check to paycheck. They had rent pay- package is actually about $300 million another reason for us to have a more ments. They had house payments, in less than the President asked for. It is secure southern border. So I am glad some cases. They had car payments. $22.5 billion. that we are providing the funding. They had real issues getting through But Congress decided—and I think With regard to the new barriers, this. Let’s not put them through it Congress is right about this—that our what the President had asked for is again. It is not their fault. They southern border is in need of help right that his funding go to fund the top pri- shouldn’t be pawns in this. now. Some call it a crisis. Some just orities of the Border Patrol. Customs So my hope is that we can pass the say it is a big problem. I don’t care and Border Protection has a border se- ‘‘end government shutdown’’ legisla- what you call it. We need more help on curity improvement plan. You can tion. It has 33 cosponsors now, which is the border. We need more barriers, but check it out online. The border secu- a lot for around here, and it gets you we also need more cameras, more re- rity improvement plan has a number of started. A third of the Senate has said: mote sensing, and more ways to stop priorities. The President wanted to Yes, let’s stop these things. That is a the drugs from coming in, most of fund those priorities. This proposal big deal. My hope is that on both sides which come through the ports of entry. that we voted on tonight does fund of the aisle our leadership agrees to Yes, we need more people to be able to about 55 miles of new barriers—not just take this to the floor. Let’s have a vote respond. Yes, we need more judges to fixing up old barriers, but new bar- on it. Let’s decide whether people be able to handle this backlog of immi- riers—which comprise the top two pri- think shutdowns are a good idea or not. gration cases that has built up. Yes, we orities of that border security plan. I think they are a bad idea. need more humanitarian assistance. Would the President like to do more By the way, it is the fifth Congress in By the way, the Trump administra- in terms of barriers? Yes, he would, and which I have introduced this legisla- tion and the Democrats from Congress he is talking about ways to do that. tion, and I must say that we have never supported both of those things. The But my point tonight is very simple. had this many cosponsors. So I do place where there was a difference was If you really care about the southern think more and more people are real- the amount of funding to put into the border, then, this was the right vote to izing that this is just not the way we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.067 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1373 ought to operate. It is no way to run a We have a lot of migratory species, in- the actual reconstruction of that build- railroad or a government. cluding our State bird, the cardinal. ing. It is called a maintenance backlog. NATIONAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT George Voinovich, whose seat I hold, That backlog has grown and grown and Earlier this week, as I was saying was a big champion for this program in grown over the years to the point that earlier, the Senate passed other legis- his time in the Senate, and he used to we now have a $12 billion maintenance lation called the lands bill, but it is talk about the importance of this from backlog in our parks, and the park really about land conservation. It is an economic point of view. It is true funding that we provide every year about ensuring that we have the abil- that bird watching brings more than can’t come close to providing that ity to protect treasures around our 75,000 visitors a year to just one single funding. So what some of us have done great country. birding event in Ohio. For the birders over the years is tried to bring atten- There were two provisions that were who are listening, you probably know tion to this and to figure out a way to in this land bill that were very impor- it. It is in northwest Ohio at the get funding that was specifically fo- tant for Ohio. One had to do with some- Maumee Bay State Park. It is called cused on how to ensure that our na- thing called the Ohio & Erie Canalway the ‘‘Biggest Week in American tional parks don’t continue to deterio- National Heritage Area. You have Birding,’’ and polls have ranked it as rate. probably heard of the Erie Canal. It ran the top birding event in the country. Again, they are such a beautiful part through Ohio, New York, Pennsyl- We like to think it is. of our country, our history, and our vania, and other States. The national There is a study out of Bowling culture. We have to preserve that leg- heritage area is a 110-mile route on Green that indicates that bird watch- acy. that canal from Cleveland to New ing around Lake Erie has contributed In Ohio, we have eight national Philadelphia, OH. It follows the route more than $26 million annually to our parks, including Cuyahoga Valley Na- of the canals that went along the Cuya- local economy—$26 million a year—and tional Park. Cuyahoga Valley National hoga River. It is a beautiful, beautiful it has created almost 300 jobs. Park is one of the top 14 visited parks area. It is the 87-mile trail, which is So passage of this legislation is great in the country. We are very proud of now enjoyed by 2.5 million visitors a news for us. It is about protecting that that. Whether it is biking, hiking, fish- year, that we wanted to be sure to pro- habitat in Ohio but also the habitat ing, or kayaking, 2.7 million visitors a tect in this legislation. where these birds go in the wintertime. year go to Cuyahoga Valley. I am one I have been there, and my family has They are snow birds. They go south. We of them. I like to do all of that there. been there. It is a great place to hike ensure they are going to come back So these parks need to be sure that and great place to bicycle. It is a great and ensure we can continue to have they can continue to be this treasure place to go bird watching. It is a great that economic benefit and enjoy that for the future. The infrastructure—the place just to enjoy time with your fam- natural beauty. water infrastructure, the roads, the ily. So I commend Senators MURKOWSKI, buildings, the bridges—is all deterio- It is our history that we are pre- CANTWELL, and MANCHIN for working to rating to the point where actually serving. The canalway was established get this legislation through the Senate. as a national heritage area by Congress some of it can’t be used. I look forward to the House’s taking it If you go to a national park today, in 1996, and although Congress has au- up. It also has a good provision in there you may see that there is a trail closed thorized funding for the Ohio & Erie for helping our sportsmen and ensuring or there is a visitors center that can’t Canalway National Heritage Area that we have public access to public be visited. You may see that some of through fiscal year 2021, we had reached a funding cap this year, which lands. So my hope is that can move for- the campgrounds are closed or some of meant we were at risk of losing about ward and we can ensure that we begin the bathrooms are closed because those 100,000 bucks. That may not sound like to deal with the issues that were ad- facilities have not been able to keep up much in the context of the Federal dressed in that lands package. with their deferred maintenance. One thing that was not addressed in So I think we should be putting more budget, but $100,000 is a big deal to the canalway. Why? Because we use the the lands package that I want to be money into deferred maintenance and Federal money to leverage private sure we don’t lose sight of is the condi- bringing our parks up to speed and ad- money and State and local money, and tion of our national parks. dressing this $12 billion backlog than Now, again, if you are going to talk it is a critical part of making sure that the idea of expanding parks. We ought about the treasures of our country, you we continue to have this beautiful to be focused more on the stewardship treasure in our State that brings 2.5 have to put the national parks right at of the parks we have, and that $12 bil- million visitors a year. It adds a lot of the top. We have this amazing park lion is impossible to find within the economic benefits to our area. So Sen- system that is the envy of some of the parks’ budget that we have. other countries around the world and Think about your own house. If you ator BROWN from Ohio and I have pro- moted this. We know that this limited the reason so many foreign visitors allow deferred maintenance to build up Federal funding is going to be critical come to our country. The national and you don’t take care of the roof, as to leveraging those public-private part- parks now attract 330 million visitors an example, what happens? Well, you nerships, helping to create 4,200 jobs in annually. By the way, that is more get a leak in the roof and then pretty the region and generating $408 million visitors in the last few years than in soon your drywall is ruined, and I am in economic benefits. the previous few years. So it is actu- pretty sure you would find out that It is important to have that kind of ally going up some. your floor is ruined, and the costs stable funding in our heritage areas so These 330 million visitors come to see mount up. That is what is happening in they can continue to do what they do— 84 million acres of parks and historical our parks. So we are not fixing the de- to tell our Nation’s rich history and to sites. Again, it is a huge economic boon ferred maintenance, and we are cre- provide the recreational opportunities to our country because a lot of people ating other costs and other problems, to the people I represent. So I am glad are coming from outside the country and I have seen it. I have gone to four that was included in the land package. but also from the local areas, where of our larger parks in Ohio to see, spe- There was also another piece of legis- people travel to get a beautiful vaca- cifically, what their priorities are in lation that was passed. It was a bill tion with their family, one they can af- terms of deferred maintenance. that Senator CARDIN from Maryland ford. So we need to do everything we One is a leaky roof. Another is a and I had been promoting called the can do to hold our parks up. bridge. Another is part of a railroad Migratory Birds of the Americas Act, Here is the problem. We have, over track that runs through it, a tourism and it reauthorizes the Fish and time, funded the parks’ day-to-day op- railroad track. Another is a seawall on Wildlife’s program that promotes long- erations but not funded their longer Lake Erie. If that is not fixed, it then term conservation, research, and habi- term maintenance problems. So think causes other damage. tat protection for more than 380 dif- of a building that has a roof that is My hope is that we can, on a bipar- ferent species of migratory birds. leaking. Now we are funding the pro- tisan basis, deal with this because This is a big deal to our State of gram within that building and the nat- these problems compound. They get Ohio. We are a big bird-watching State. uralists, but what we are not funding is worse and worse if you don’t deal with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.068 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 them. We can’t wait any longer to ad- Virginia, Senator LAMAR ALEXANDER publicans and Democrats alike—more dress these maintenance needs. from Tennessee, and Senator ANGUS than one-third of this Chamber. Even though we don’t have Yellow- KING from Maine. Two Republicans, A similar House bill, our House com- stone Grand Teton, or Yosemite in one Democrat, and one Independent— panion bill, had 234 Members cospon- Ohio—we don’t have huge parks like that makes it tri-partisan. It is called soring it—more than the 218 needed, those—we have a $100 million backlog the Restore Our Parks Act—a common- more than the majority. sense solution to deal with this $12 bil- in deferred maintenance in our smaller The Senate Energy and Natural Re- lion backlog of long-overdue mainte- parks in Ohio—$100 million. sources Committee reported this bill I toured Cuyahoga Valley National nance projects. out on a bipartisan basis last fall. I was Park with Superintendent Craig I thank my colleagues for stepping on the committee. We had a good de- Kenkel and Deb Yandala, who is CEO of up and working on this together, and bate on it. We reported it out with a 19- the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley we have. We have had different pro- to-4 vote. There is not a lot we do National Park. Deb is also president of posals out there. Senator WARNER around here that is that bipartisan. the national association of friends came up with the idea of using offshore groups for our parks. These friends and onshore revenue from oil and gas We received overwhelming support groups are fantastic. They provide a lot drilling. We combined with the bill from conservation and outdoor recre- of funding for the parks, private sector that Senator ALEXANDER and Senator ation groups. This includes the Na- funding. I think that is an incredibly KING had put forward. There are others tional Parks Conservation Association, important part of our overall park who have great ideas. Senator STEVE the Outdoor Industry Alliance, the funding, but they can’t afford these DAINES from Montana is one of our Trust for Public Land, the Pew Chari- maintenance projects either. strong supporters. He is chair of the table Trusts, and others. At our hear- Today, there is more than $45 million National Parks Subcommittee of the ing we had on the legislation last year, at Cuyahoga Valley alone in unmet Energy and Natural Resources Com- the director of the Pew Charitable maintenance needs—$875,000 for badly mittee. As he said, he grew up in the Trusts said it well: ‘‘Supporting this needed renovations for their welcome shadow of Yellowstone Park. We have bipartisan bill is a wise investment for center. I have been there. I have seen lots of colleagues on both sides of the our National Parks System and has it. They need it. More than $3 million aisle who care about this and are in- overwhelming support from the Amer- is needed to renovate parking lots that volved, and I thank them for their hard ican public, generates hundreds of are crumbling, and more than $2 mil- work. thousands of jobs and billions of dollars Senator ALEXANDER told me that in lion is needed for trail repair for the for the economy each year and provides the 100-year history of our national extensive trail system throughout the access to world class recreation oppor- parks, there has never been a single park. tunities and helps preserve our nation’s I have also been to other parks in bill more important than this one. history.’’ That is saying a lot. Since Teddy Roo- Ohio and have seen what some of the Yes, the parks do all of that. That is sevelt decided to acquire this land for deferred maintenance is. At the Perry’s why it is so important that we preserve our national parks, there have been Victory & International Peace Memo- them and ensure that this long-term lots of ways we have tried to help the rial up on Lake Erie, $47.7 million is problem gets addressed now. parks, including, recently, legislation needed in long-delayed maintenance, I am proud to introduce legislation in that I drafted on the centennial of the which includes millions to repair the the Senate this week, and I am proud parks that helps us get more public and cracks in the seawall there to enable that the House companion bill is being private money into the parks. That is the rest of the monument to continue good, but it is not enough to handle introduced today by Representatives to exist, and the visitor’s center has to ISHOP ILMER these incredible—$12 billion—deferred B and K . I look forward to be made ADA compatible and needs re- maintenance costs we have now. working with my colleagues to get this pairs. The legislation creates what is called bill across the finish line. I thank the Everything we talk about here in a legacy restoration fund, which will Senators who have already signed up as terms of the parks is normally very get half of all the annual energy reve- cosponsors. I hope we can continue to positive. Democrats and Republicans nues over the next 5 years that are not build support for this and get this com- alike love the parks. People in America otherwise allocated, and it will be used monsense bill done to help preserve our love our parks. But I think they are for priority deferred maintenance national treasures. surprised to learn that just underneath projects. These are royalties from on- I yield the floor. the surface, our parks are crumbling. shore and offshore energy development. I suggest the absence of a quorum. We have to do more to ensure they are The Trump administration is doing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The going to be enjoyed for generations to more of that development, so there is clerk will call the roll. come. more revenue coming in. The bill caps From 2006 until 2017, annual visita- The senior assistant legislative clerk the deposits into the fund at $1.3 bil- proceeded to call the roll. tion increased by 58 million people. As lion annually, so no matter what, even Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I these needs are growing, more people if there is a lot more money coming in, ask unanimous consent that the order are coming, putting more and more we will have a cap of $1.23 billion annu- pressure on the parks. Keeping up with ally, which will provide a total of $6.5 for the quorum call be rescinded. this aging infrastructure and increased billion for deferred maintenance The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without visitation has really stretched the projects over the next 5 years. objection, it is so ordered. Park Service and required them to I said $12 billion earlier, and that is focus on just the very immediate main- the amount, but for the urgent prior- f tenance needs and postpone or delay ities, it is about $6.5 billion. That is these other projects. We can’t continue how we came up with that number. So JOINT REFERRAL OF NOMINATION to use these bandaids. We have to ad- what we are trying to do is—at least dress the underlying issue. let’s address the urgent priorities in Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, I feel this is a debt unpaid. This is de- the next 5 years using the revenues I ask unanimous consent that PN175, ferred maintenance that has built up coming into our government from the nomination of John Lowry III, of over the last couple of decades that we these offshore and onshore energy Illinois, to be Assistant Secretary of should have addressed and we didn’t, projects, oil and gas projects. Again, if Labor for Veterans’ Employment and and now we need to go back and do it it is allocated for something else, like Training, sent to the Senate by the to ensure that it doesn’t cause addi- the Land and Water Conservation President, be referred jointly to the tional costs. So this week, I have re- Fund, we don’t touch it. It is just fund- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- introduced legislation I have worked ing that is not already allocated some- sions and the Veterans’ Affairs Com- on in the last three Congresses. I have where else. mittees. reintroduced it with three of my col- Last year, we had 37 cosponsors here The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leagues—Senator MARK WARNER from in the Senate for this legislation, Re- objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.070 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1375 LEGISLATIVE SESSION ance bill—to help seniors and children that were occurring in the world. Both of us from poor families. The bill never signed up immediately when war was de- passed. clared and knew our moral responsibility to MORNING BUSINESS In 1955, John Senior died in office defend America and fight for the freedom of mankind. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, from tuberculosis. That same year, at I ask unanimous consent that the Sen- the age of 29, his son was chosen in a He went on to say: ate proceed to legislative session for a special election to finish his father’s We were from a political generation that period of morning business, with Sen- term. understood delivering for the American peo- ators permitted to speak therein for up At the start of every new Congress, ple was more important than political wins. The success of government and good public to 10 minutes each. John Dingell introduced a bill to create a Medicare Program to provide health policy is the success of hard-working men The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and women. objection, it is so ordered. insurance for older adults. He never gave up on fulfilling his father’s dream. He closed with a plea, almost a pray- f When Medicare finally came up for a er: REMEMBERING JOHN DINGELL vote in 1965, he was given honor of pre- May the stories of my good friend help us Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ar- siding over the House, in memory of find our way back to a society that promotes rived in the U.S. Congress in January his father. He lent the gavel he had dialogues, not demagogues, and that it helps us to remember we, the people, have the abil- used that day to Speaker NANCY PELOSI 1983—a new Congressman from ity to restore this great nation to common downstate Illinois, the son of an immi- when the House voted to pass the Af- ground rather than letting it continue its grant mother—and I was in awe. fordable Care Act in 2010. John Dingell downward spiral into constant chaos. sat by President Obama’s side when he Just listen to this list of House Com- In closing, Loretta and I send our signed the Affordable Care Act into law mittee chairmen back then: chairman deepest condolences to John’s wife, the of the Rules Committee: Claude Pep- in 2010. Millions and millions of Ameri- love of his life, Congresswoman DEBBIE per; Judiciary chairman: Peter Rodino; cans can afford to see a doctor today DINGELL moreover, to John’s three sur- and retire with a bit of security and Veterans Affairs chairman: Sonny viving children: Chip, Christopher, and dignity because of John Dingell. Montgomery; Interior Committee Jennifer; and their families, including chairman: Mo Udall; Ways and Means Chairman Dingell’s father taught him that public service through poli- John’s three grandchildren; to his Committee chairman: Danny Rosten- brother and sister; his countless friends kowski. tics can be a noble calling. He treated everyone with dignity. He cared about and the countless more who thought of Yet even among these legends, John him as a friend and mourn his passing. Dingell, chairman of the House Energy people who struggle, as his own family and Commerce Committee, stood out. struggled when he was young. The f He was a giant among giants, and not priest who officiated at his funeral BORDER SECURITY just because he stood 6 foot 3. A 26-year mass in Dearborn yesterday told a veteran of the House at the time, he story about a woman who approached Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, in his was revered as the architect of Medi- him recently and told him, ‘‘If not for tortuous attempt to make a case for care and a driving force behind some of John Dingell, I would not have been billions of taxpayer dollars to wall off the most important civil rights and en- able to put food on the table.’’ our southern border, President Trump vironmental laws in America’s history. Last week, on the day he died, John claimed that a wall would stop human He went on to become the longest serv- Dingell dictated some reflections to his trafficking, which has been touted as a wife, Congresswoman DEBBIE DINGELL. ing member of Congress in American priority of this administration. She was John’s partner and his rock for history. But it is the quality and cour- On several occasions, the President 40 years, and she now holds the seat age of John Dingell’s service, even has depicted human trafficking as that John and his father once held. more than its length, that made John women and girls smuggled across the John’s ‘‘parting thoughts,’’ as he called Dingell one of the most influential leg- border with their hands and legs tied them, were published in the Wash- islators of all time. He helped write and duct tape across their mouths. No ington Post. They are profoundly mov- most of the Nation’s major environ- doubt there are such cases, but the ing and wise. One in particular stands mental and energy laws. He helped save overwhelming majority of trafficking out for me. Chairman Dingell said that the American auto industry twice: in victims in this country are U.S. citi- it always grated on him to hear it said 1979 and again during the great reces- zens, and among non-citizen victims, that a person ‘‘has’’ power. ‘‘In demo- nearly 80 percent cross through legal sion. cratic government,’’ he wrote, ‘‘elected His nickname—‘‘Big John’’—was a points of entry. As we have seen time officials do not have power. They hold and again, President Trump makes reflection not only of his commanding power—in trust for the people who short shrift of the truth and relies on height but also of his moral stature. Of elected them.’’ the more than 25,000 votes he cast in I’ll close with one last story—one scare tactics, rather than evidence, to Congress, the one he as most proud of final more bit of wisdom—from my gamer support for his misguided poli- was his vote in support of the 1964 Civil friend John Dingell. cies. Rights Act. That vote led to a brutal In 1944, when he turned 18, John en- Not only would the President’s bor- reelection fight later that year. It was listed in the U.S. Army. The following der wall do next to nothing to combat the second time John Dingell ever had year, he was supposed to be among the the most common instances of human a cross burned on his lawn and the first wave of American soldiers to in- trafficking in the United States, his closest he ever come to losing a race. vade mainland Japan. Only the sur- administration’s policies have actually But John Dingell was unbowed. He render of Japan saved him from what harmed trafficking victims, especially went on to champion the Voting Rights would have been near-certain death. non-citizen victims. Act of 1965 and—many more major civil All of his life, he remained proud of his Last year, the administration an- rights laws. service and deeply committed to other nounced that applicants who are denied John David Dingell, Jr, was born in veterans and to their families. a T visa—an immigrant visa that en- 1926, the eldest of three children. His When President George H. W. Bush ables certain victims of sex or labor family, he once said, was as ‘‘poor as died shortly after Thanksgiving, Chair- trafficking to temporarily remain in Job’s chicken.’’ man Dingell wrote a posthumous trib- the United States—may be required to In 1932, when John was 6 years old, ute—the last World War II veteran to appear in immigration court, the first his father was elected to Congress, serve in Congress, writing to honor the step in deportation proceedings. This where he became a leading champion of last World War II veteran to occupy policy has reportedly had a self-cen- the New Deal. He stood behind FDR as the Oval Office. It was published in the soring effect on victims and victims’ he signed the law creating Social Secu- Detroit News. This is what John Din- advocates who are hesitant to apply or rity. gell wrote: to encourage their clients to apply for In 1943, John Senior introduced Both of us understood how fragile this a visa that may ultimately land them America’s first national health insur- American democracy was and the atrocities in immigration court.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.071 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 The administration also eliminated The latest ill-conceived attempt by Conversely, there are those in Con- grant funding for criminal record seal- the White House to punish Cuba would gress and the Trump administration ing or expungement for survivors of permit Title III of the Helms-Burton who believe strongly that we should human trafficking, previously made Act to go into effect. This would allow, ratchet up the pressure on the Cuban available by the Department of Jus- among others, individuals who were Government in an attempt to achieve tice’s Office for Victims of Crime. Sur- Cuban citizens when their property in those elusive goals. vivors may have a criminal record as- Cuba was expropriated half a century I have often spoken publicly about sociated with their trafficking, such as ago to sue in U.S. courts any Cuban, the lack of political freedom and civil an arrest for prostitution or for a foreign, and even American company liberties in Cuba, but I also think it is charge tangential to their trafficking whose business in Cuba today uses that important to try to be objective: to such as loitering or theft. Helping sur- property. That could be an airport, criticize when called for and to ac- vivors clear their criminal record is a port, warehouse, hotel, restaurant, you knowledge positive changes when they critical step in their recovery, one that name it. Virtually every American and occur. gives survivors a greater chance at se- foreign company investing in Cuba I recognize that those who favor curing stable employment, affordable would suddenly be liable for treble maintaining the failed economic em- housing, higher education, visas and damages. bargo have a longstanding, visceral an- green cards, and more. The purpose, as the law’s authors tagonism and resentment toward the So once again, we are forced to try to made clear when it was enacted 23 Cuban Government. While they rarely, reconcile the President’s rhetoric with years ago, is to harm Cuba’s economy if ever, mention the corrupt and brutal the actions of his administration. They by making it completely inhospitable Batista regime that enjoyed unquali- don’t align. If this White House were for foreign investment. fied U.S. support until it was over- serious about combating human traf- As my friend in the House, Rep- thrown in 1959, they have legitimate ficking, it would focus less on creating resentative JIM MCGOVERN, has pointed reasons to criticize the mistreatment a false narrative about trafficking out; of the Cuban people by the current gov- across our southern border and instead ‘‘It’s no mystery why Presidents Clinton, ernment and its support for the corrupt devote the resources to ensure that Bush, Obama, and Trump blocked Title III and repressive Maduro regime in Ven- trafficking victims can come forward from going into effect every six months for ezuela. knowing they will be protected and as- the past 23 years. But they too should acknowledge sisted on their path to recovery. It is hypocritical—it penalizes companies that threatening and bullying Cuba has for doing what American companies do all f not worked. In fact, it has made the over the world. situation worse and provided an excuse It is contrary to international law, which THE FREEDOM TO EXPORT TO for the Cuban Government to blame its CUBA ACT recognizes the right of expropriation and re- quires compensation. own failures on us. They should also Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I It is an extraterritorial sanction that guar- acknowledge positive changes in Cuba, want to commend Senator KLOBUCHAR antees a response from our trading partners, but they never do—not ever. It is al- for introducing the Freedom to Export like Canada, Spain and the EU, including most as if they are psychologically, to Cuba Act, of which I and Senator complaints at the World Trade Organization. ideologically, or emotionally incapable ENZI are cosponsors. I urge other Sen- And if you care about agriculture, be of saying one positive thing about the ators to join us. warned: It will open a new front in the trade Cuban Government, no matter what This bill is about ending the anachro- war, with all the repercussions that can bring. positive things it does. nistic prohibitions in U.S. law that for It will allow Cuba to claim victim status Perhaps they are afraid that, if they decades have limited U.S. engagement and rally international support. did, they would alienate their donors in with Cuba, including preventing Amer- It will clog our courts with lawsuits. the Cuban-American community. Of ican companies from exporting their It will make it impossible to negotiate course, we know that Cuban-Americans products to Cuba. The fact that legisla- compensation for U.S. claims in Cuba, and, are divided about the U.S. embargo. tion to do so is even necessary is illus- in the end, hurt the very Americans who Some are hardcore believers in the em- trative of the absurdity of the situa- seek compensation for the property they lost. bargo, and they always will be. But at tion in which we find ourselves. Com- It will divide us from friends and allies who least as many—and increasing num- panies from Europe, Russia, China, are now working for a peaceful solution in bers—oppose the embargo, especially Mexico, and every other country can Venezuela. those who were born after the Cuban sell their products to Cuba, which is And it will guarantee that new investment revolution. just 90 miles from our coast, but Amer- in Cuba will come from the Russians, Chi- I wonder what the pro-embargo isola- ican manufacturers and retailers are nese and others who are hostile to the United tionists would say if the Cuban Govern- largely shut out of the Cuban market. States, and whose state-owned companies ment were to stop harassing and abus- can’t be sued in U.S. courts.’’ For example, Cuba buys rice from ing dissidents who favor a more demo- Vietnam and powdered milk from New I agree with my friend in the other cratic system. Would those who oppose Zealand, half a world away, not from body. What the White House is consid- the embargo say anything positive? Alabama, Vermont, or Michigan. That ering would trigger an avalanche of un- What if the Cuban Government de- makes no sense. This bill would enable intended consequences that would cided to embrace a free market econ- American companies to compete, bring U.S. commerce with Cuba to a omy and let private businesses flour- which every believer in a free market halt, harm relations with our allies in ish? Would those who oppose the em- should support. this hemisphere and beyond, and make bargo say anything positive? It is also important for Senators to resolving property claims more dif- I doubt it. I doubt it because no mat- know that punitive actions by the ficult. I ask unanimous consent that a ter what positive reforms occur in Trump administration last year to fur- piece by William Leogrande on Title III Cuba, they will continue to defend the ther restrict the right of Americans to of the Helms-Burton Act published in embargo until Cuba is a full-fledged de- travel to Cuba have had devastating the February 13, 2019 issue of mocracy and those who currently hold consequences for Cuba’s fledgling pri- OnCubaNews be printed in the RECORD power either die or are voted out of of- vate sector, the very people the White following my remarks. fice. House and supporters of the restric- Like many issues, Members of Con- We all want Cuba to become a democ- tions profess to want to help. The fact gress have strong feelings pro and con racy, where civil and political rights that they have said nothing about the about U.S. relations with Cuba. It is no are respected, and the sooner the bet- harm they are causing Cuba’s strug- secret that, after more than half a cen- ter, but those same defenders of the gling entrepreneurs demonstrates that tury of a policy of isolation that has embargo support billions of dollars in they care more about continuing their achieved none of its objectives and pri- U.S. aid—and weapons sales—to coun- failed policy of sanctions, regardless of marily hurt the Cuban people, I, like tries that are led by authoritarian, who they hurt, than about helping the Senators KLOBUCHAR and ENZI and brutal, and corrupt dictatorships and Cuban people or about protecting the many others in this body, favor closer monarchies, some of which have held right of Americans to travel freely. relations. power for decades or generations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.067 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1377 How do the pro-embargo diehards drafted in consultation with the arts vented the winner of the most popular reconcile that? They don’t, and they community. votes from being elected President. can’t. According to one observer, ‘‘during The Cuban people want to live better The fact is, Cuba is changing—not [the latter half of last year], nearly 8.9 and they want a lot less government nearly as fast as we and the Cuban peo- million Cubans debated the draft of a control over their lives. Armed with ple would like, but it is changing in new constitution in their workplaces, cellphones and the internet, they are ways that few would have predicted not neighborhoods and schools. Communist going to make increasing demands of very long ago. Party members were told not to argue their government. This is happening at Last year, Raul Castro’s hand-picked with even the most radical proposals a time when Venezuela’s economy is successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel, became for amendments, and the ensuing de- collapsing and the survival of the President, and he promised a govern- bates were freewheeling, often lasting Maduro regime, Cuba’s closest ally in ment more accessible and responsive to past their scheduled time. Among the the hemisphere, is in question. Not sur- the people’s needs. How he delivers on main topics: whether the president and prisingly, the Cuban Government is that promise remains to be seen. state governors should be directly trying to limit the pace of change and Since 2010, after the Cuban Govern- elected by voters; whether the con- to secure other benefactors. It is turn- ment recognized that the internet is centration of wealth and property ing increasingly to Russia, Algeria, essential if Cuba wants to be part of should be allowed; whether term limits Iran, and other countries that welcome the modern world, internet access has and age limits for leaders were a good the chance to challenge U.S. influence exploded. The government has opened idea; and whether the Communist in this hemisphere. This is a time for the United States hundreds of public Wi-Fi hot spots and Party should be subordinated to the to be actively and visibly engaged in cyber cafes in the past 5 years, and constitution and hence the law.’’ Not Cuba, for Americans to be traveling to home internet access became legal and long ago it would have been unthink- Cuba, for expanding educational, cul- available in 2017. Today, almost half of able to openly debate these issues, es- tural, and professional exchanges be- the Cuban people have personal pecially as part of a constitutional re- tween the U.S. and Cuba, and for Amer- cellphones that were illegal just a dec- form process. ican companies to be competing in ade ago. One article that attracted intense de- Cuba. It is not a time to return to a As others have pointed out, these bate recognized same-sex marriage and failed policy of threats and ulti- changes have encouraged new forms of was promoted by Raul Castro’s daugh- matums, driven by domestic politics communication, networking, and orga- ter, a long-time activist for LGBTQ rather than by what is in our national nizing via social media. rights. The proposal sparked strong op- interests. But change does not come easily in position from evangelical churches That is why I am cosponsoring the Cuba, as it does not in many countries. supported by the Catholic Church. Gay Freedom to Export to Cuba Act, and it Last July, the government announced rights advocates countered with cam- is why I intend to support other bipar- onerous new regulations on the private paigns of their own. The chance of a tisan legislation to replace our failed sector, covering a wide range of issues: significant ‘‘no’’ vote on the entire Cuba policy with one that serves Amer- food safety, labor contracts, procure- constitutional reform led the govern- ica’s interests, not the interests of a ment, taxation, limits on the size of ment to drop the provision from the shrinking minority, and not the inter- private businesses. The new rules were final draft of the constitution with a ests of Russia and other countries that an attempt by hardliners to crack pledge to consider it later. are reaping the economic benefits of down on the private sector, which was This surge in mobilization by well-or- our self-defeating policy of isolation. criticized for black marketeering. ganized constituencies utilizing social There being no objection, the mate- But private entrepreneurs resisted, media to resist government policy, rial was ordered to be printed in the and they challenged the regulations as from burdensome private sector regula- RECORD, as follows: contradictory to the government’s own tions to gay marriage, is unprece- [From OnCubaNews, Feb. 13, 2019] plans that recognizes the private sector dented in Cuba. The government’s will- PRESIDENT TRUMP RISKS ALIENATING ALLIES as important to economic growth and ingness to not only tolerate these orga- OVER CUBAN AMERICAN PROPERTY CLAIMS employment. They appealed to govern- nized challenges but to change policies (By William M. LeoGrande) ment officials and spoke publicly about in response to them is significant. The Trump administration is seriously the harm the new rules would have on As has been noted, none of these considering whether to allow Title III of the their businesses. issues dealt with the rigid structure of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity When the final regulations were the Cuban system. Cuba remains a one- Act (Helms-Burton) to go into effect in issued, several that had caused the party state, in which those who chal- March, according to National Security Ad- most resentment were dropped. Accord- lenge the system are treated as crimi- viser John Bolton. On January 16, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that he ing to the Minister of Labor and Social nals, but the precedent of organized in- was suspending Title III for just 45 days in- Security, the decision to revise the terest groups mounting successful cam- stead of the usual six months while the ad- rules was due to ‘‘the opinion and expe- paigns to challenge and change govern- ministration reviews whether its implemen- riences of those directly involved.’’ ment policy is now established, which tation would promote democracy in Cuba. He The government also retreated on a is positive. warned foreign companies doing business on new law—Decree 349—requiring artists, None of the longstanding critics of the island that they had better ‘‘reconsider musicians, and performers to register the Cuban Government in the U.S. Con- whether they are trafficking in confiscated property and abetting this dictatorship.’’ with the state and pay a large commis- gress or the Cuban-American commu- Title III allows U.S. nationals to file suit sion on their earnings from private en- nity have acknowledged any of this, in U.S. courts against anyone ‘‘trafficking’’ gagements, and it banned work with nor are they likely to. For them, any- in their confiscated property in Cuba—that objectionable content and empowered thing less than a wholesale change of is, anyone profiting from it. If President inspectors to shut down any offensive government in Cuba is unworthy of Trump allows Title III to go fully into effect, exhibition or performance. Clearly, an mention, even though they apply a he will open the door to as many as 200,000 attempt to further limit free expres- very different standard—a double law suits by U.S. nationals, most of them Cuban Americans, whose property was taken sion. standard—to other authoritarian gov- by the Cuban government after 1959. U.S. Since the 1980s, Cuban artists have ernments. In fact, they would ridicule courts would be swamped, the ability of U.S. had more freedom to be critical of the anyone who regards such changes as companies to do business on the island would government than other social sectors, positive or worthy of recognition. be crippled, and allies abroad might retaliate and so it was not surprising that De- As we know from our own experience, for U.S. suits brought against their compa- cree 349 ignited widespread protests. political reform is difficult. Our own nies in Cuba. Once the suits have been filed, After social media was used to mobilize Electoral College, an anachronism de- there will be no way to undo the resulting opposition within the Cuban arts com- signed to protect a slave-holding mi- legal chaos and the tangle of resulting litiga- tion could take years to unwind. munity and among artists abroad, the nority, remains in effect more than The U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Com- government agreed not to enforce the two centuries later. Five times, in the mission has certified 5,913 claims of U.S. na- law until implementing regulations are world’s oldest democracy, it has pre- tionals whose property was seized. These are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.050 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 the claims that Cuba recognizes and that the could conceivably be sued under Title III. budget authority will result in $2,980 United States and Cuba had begun to discuss Another family that owned the Port of million in outlays in Fiscal Year 2019. during the Obama administration. But Title Santiago could file suit against U.S. cruise This measure also includes $12,000 III takes the unusual position of allowing ships docking there. naturalized Cuban Americans who lost prop- Moreover, it would be almost impossible million in nonsecurity discretionary erty to also file suit against alleged traf- for a U.S. or foreign company to know in ad- budget authority designated for dis- fickers. Normally, international law recog- vance whether a proposed business oppor- aster relief pursuant to section nizes the sovereign right of governments to tunity in Cuba might become the subject of 251(b)(2)(D) of BBEDCA. This designa- dispose of the property of their own citizens. Title III litigation. ‘‘This will effectively end tion makes the spending associated According to the Department of State, by in- for decades any attempt to restore trade be- with this provision and its associated cluding Cuban Americans who were not U.S. tween the U.S. and Cuba,’’ attorney Robert outlays of $600 million eligible for an citizens when their property was taken, Title Muse told the Tampa Bay Times. adjustment. III creates the potential for an estimated When President Trump announced new 75,000–200,000 claims worth ‘‘tens of billions sanctions on Cuba back in June 2017, senior This legislation repurposes nonsecu- of dollars.’’ administration officials said they were de- rity discretionary budget authority for Back in 1996, when the law was being de- signed ‘‘to not disrupt existing business’’ emergency efforts. This funding is des- bated in Congress, angry opposition from that U.S. companies were doing in Cuba. If ignated pursuant to section U.S. allies Canada, Mexico, and the European the president fails to continue the suspen- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of BBEDCA. CBO esti- Union, whose companies doing business in sion of Title III, business relations will be Cuba would be the targets of Title III law mates that this repurposing of funds disrupted far more severely and irreparably will result in $10 million in outlays this suits, led President Bill Clinton to insist on than they would be by any regulatory a presidential waiver provision in Title III. change. fiscal year. As a result, the president has the authority As a result of the aforementioned to suspend for six months the right to file f designations, I am revising the budget Title III law suits, and he can renew that authority and outlay allocations to the suspension indefinitely. Every six months BUDGET ENFORCEMENT LEVELS since the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Sol- Mr. ENZI. Madam President, section Committee on Appropriations by in- idarity Act was passed, successive presi- 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emer- creasing revised security budget au- dents, Democrat and Republican alike, have gency Deficit Control Act of 1985, thority by $165 million, revised non- continued the suspension of Title III. BBEDCA, establishes statutory limits security budget authority by $20,000 U.S. allies have denounced Title III’s million, and outlays by $3,590 million extraterritorial reach. Mexico, Canada, the on discretionary spending and allows for various adjustments to those lim- in Fiscal Year 2019. Further, I am in- United Kingdom, and the European Union all creasing the budgetary aggregate for passed laws prohibiting compliance with it. its. In addition, sections 302 and 314(a) The European Union also filed a complaint of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 Fiscal Year 2019 by $20,165 million in with the World Trade Organization, which it allow the chairman of the Budget Com- budget authority and $3,590 million in did not pursue after President Clinton sus- mittee to establish and make revisions outlays. pended Title III. In fact, the principal jus- I ask unanimous consent that the ac- tification both President Clinton and Presi- to allocations, aggregates, and levels consistent with those adjustments. companying tables, which provide de- dent George W. Bush offered for continuing tails about the adjustment, be printed the suspension was the need to maintain co- The Senate will soon consider the operation with European allies. conference report for H.J. Res. 31, the in the RECORD. If President Trump does not renew the sus- Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 There being no objection, the mate- pension, all these old wounds with allies will This measure provides full-year appro- rial was ordered to be printed in the be reopened as U.S. claimants try to haul priations for Federal Government RECORD, as follows: foreign companies into U.S. courts for doing agencies and contains spending that business in Cuba. We already have enough qualifies for cap adjustments under REVISION TO BUDGETARY AGGREGATES tough issues on our agenda with Mexico, (Pursuant to Sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of Canada, and Europe without adding another current statute. 1974) one. At this very moment, Washington is This measure includes $8,165 million trying to muster their support in dealing in budget authority that is designated $s in millions 2019 with the Venezuelan crisis, support that as being for Overseas Contingency Op- Current Spending Aggregates: could be endangered if the administration erations/Global War on Terrorism pur- Budget Authority ...... 3,619,159 picks a fight with them over Title III. suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of Outlays ...... 3,546,419 U.S. businesses would not be exempt from Adjustments: BBEDCA. Of that amount, $165 million Budget Authority ...... 20,165 potential liability. A Cuban American family Outlays ...... 3,590 in Miami claims to have owned the land on is for spending in the security category Revised Spending Aggregates: which Jose´ Martı´ International Airport was and $8,000 million is for nonsecurity Budget Authority ...... 3,639,324 Outlays ...... 3,550,009 built, so any U.S. carrier using the air field spending. CBO estimates that this REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 (Pursuant to Sections 302 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974)

$s in millions 2019

Current Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 715,835 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 600,577 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,352,810 Adjustments: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 165 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 20,000 General Purpose Outlays ...... 3,590 Revised Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 716,000 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 620,577 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,356,400

Program Disaster Memorandum: Detail of Adjustments Made Above Regular OCO Integrity Relief Emergency Total

Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 165 0 0 0 165 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 8,000 0 12,000 0 20,000 General Purpose Outlays ...... 0 2,980 0 600 10 3,590

RECOGNIZING IDAHO NATIONAL SON, I recognize an important anniver- the National Reactor Testing Station LABORATORY sary being celebrated at the U.S. De- in Idaho. partment of Energy’s, DOE, 890–square- For 70 years, work done by the sci- Mr. RISCH. Madam President, along mile site in eastern Idaho. with my colleagues Senator MIKE On February 18, 1949, the U.S. Atomic entists, engineers, technicians, and CRAPO and Representative MIKE SIMP- Energy Commission decided to build support staff at Idaho’s lab has helped

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:09 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.052 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1379 promote American prosperity and con- cated service of Jeffrey Brendan has worked to improve the lives of tributed to our national security. Mackie to Delawareans as a member of Philadelphians as an educator, commu- Since 1967, research conducted at my constituent services staff. Brendan nity activist, and political leader. Idaho National Laboratory’s, INL, Ad- is smart, funny, kind, and creative, The oldest of seven children, Blondell vanced Test Reactor has powered and with a deep respect for our Nation’s Reynolds Brown was born in Sumter, modernized the U.S. Nuclear Navy. history and institution and a genuine, SC, to Sadie Reynolds, a schoolteacher, Fifty years ago, the Navy had to re- intense passion for public service. and the late Whittimore Reynolds, who fuel its nuclear fleet frequently, an ex- Over the past 51⁄2 years, Brendan has worked in construction. At the age 5, pensive and time-consuming process. put the needs and challenges of people Reynolds Brown and her family moved Today, as a result of experiments from across Delaware first. Brendan to Philadelphia, where she would go on conducted at the Advanced Test Reac- worked on my constituent outreach to graduate from the Philadelphia High tor, ATR, the Navy’s nuclear fleet can and communication teams, serving as School for Girls. run the lifetime of the ship—more than veterans advocate, staff photographer, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown dem- three decades—without refueling. That and press assistant. In total, Brendan onstrated an early proclivity for public saves American taxpayers millions of resolved more than 1,500 cases for con- service. Following her graduation from dollars and ensures that our fleet is ac- stituents and in his last year alone pro- Pennsylvania State University, she tively defending U.S. national security duced more than 350 documents and was on track to join the Peace Corps, instead of sitting in port waiting to be postings for our communications team. but instead decided to start her service refueled. Brendan has also served with distinc- in Philadelphia and teach in the city’s Roughly a decade and a half ago, tion in the U.S. Army, Delaware Na- public schools. Congress designated INL as the Na- tional Guard, Hawaii National Guard, In 1999, Reynolds Brown was elected tion’s lead nuclear energy research and twice overseas in support of Operation to one of seven at-large city council development laboratory. This is fitting Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring seats. It was her time as a legislative because on December 20, 1951, INL first Freedom, as a first responder following aide for a State senator that inspired demonstrated nuclear fission could be Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane her initial decision to run for city used to generate power to light our Maria, and served as an AmeriCorps council. During this time, Reynolds homes and cities. Throughout its his- volunteer with the Corporation for Na- Brown noticed a lack of Black women tory, INL has built and operated 52 tional and Community Service. in leadership roles and led her own ef- original nuclear reactors and helped es- Brendan’s ability to balance his forts to promote equity and diversity tablish an American industry that workload while focusing on his own in public office. today produces approximately 19 per- professional development was equally During her time in office, Reynolds cent of our Nation’s electricity and admirable. While on my team, he grad- Brown has championed meaningful leg- more than half of our carbon-free elec- uated from Wilmington University in islation in service of children, women, tricity. INL has become a world leader 2014, Officer Candidate Schoo1 in 2015, arts and culture, education, small busi- in cyber security research and works Military Intelligence School in 2016, ness development, and the environment actively with government and industry and Air Assault School in 2017. These and sustainability. Councilwoman Rey- to protect and make the Nation’s most milestones have strengthened nolds Brown’s major legislative accom- critical infrastructure more resilient. Brendan’s capacity as a leader and plishments include the creation of the INL has advanced broader clean energy have increased his knowledge of de- Fund for Children, the establishment of research, informing electric vehicle de- fense and intelligence matters. requirements for menu labeling within ployment and developing bioenergy so- Tomorrow, Brendan will finish his Philadelphia, the implementation of lutions that benefit the environment service with my Senate office and soon sexual harassment training for city of and our Nation’s farmers. Even as we after will join the staff of the U.S. De- Philadelphia employees, the overhaul celebrate INL’s 70 years, the lab’s lead- partment of Veterans Affairs, where I of the parks and recreation system, ership and staff are looking ahead. know he will be a zealous advocate for and the expansion of domestic partner Those seven decades of service provide members of the military and veteran benefits within city contractors. She a foundation upon which today’s INL community. His colleagues—now also did a great deal to advocate for will help this Nation build a brighter friends—who enjoy his wit and wisdom the appointment of woman to board po- future. INL leads the effort to main- will miss him. While we will miss his sitions and helped leverage funding for tain and extend the lives of America’s regular anecdotes laced with historical mentorship, early childhood education, nuclear reactor fleet, while helping in- references, we know we will continue the arts, and Philadelphia tourism. dustry develop advanced reactor de- to enjoy his ‘‘on this day’’ Facebook Beyond her work on city council, signs, including small modular reactors posts and updates as he continues to Reynolds Brown is an active member of and microreactors. INL’s vital national read biographies on every American the Philadelphia community. She is a and homeland security work grows president. board member of the Philadelphia Con- more important every day as our sys- In sum, Brendan stood out amongst vention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Mar- tems become increasingly automated my staff and demonstrated a level of ian Anderson Award, Philadelphia and interdependent. intelligence, analytical ability, char- Young Playwrights, the Greater Phila- As we eye the energy systems that acter, and a devotion that will serve delphia Cultural Alliance, and will power U.S. prosperity into the fu- him well in the future. I will miss his Wynnefield Residents Association. ture, INL’s clean energy research is de- insights and his constant focus on Reynolds Brown is also an ex-officio veloping breakthroughs that will help making things better for the constitu- member of the board of the Philadel- integrate renewables into the power ents we serve, and I look forward to phia Dance Company, and a general grid and allow our manufacturing and hearing about his successes to come. member of the Philadelphia Alumnae transportation systems to operate f Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta So- more efficiently and with less environ- rority, Incorporated. mental impact. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS I wish to thank Councilwoman It is our great honor to congratulate Blondell Reynolds Brown for her long INL and DOE on this important anni- service to Philadelphia on its city TRIBUTE TO BLONDELL versary, and to wish its employees well council. I wish her success in all her fu- REYNOLDS BROWN as they work to resolve our nation’s ture endeavors to serve the people of pressing clean energy and national se- ∑ Mr. CASEY, Madam President, today Pennsylvania.∑ curity challenges. I wish to honor Councilwoman Blondell f f Reynolds Brown, a notable public serv- ant in Pennsylvania, as she concludes TRIBUTE TO SETH BEAL TRIBUTE TO BRENDAN MACKIE 20 years of service within the Philadel- ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, along Mr. COONS, Madam President, I rise phia City Council. Throughout her ca- with my colleague Senator JAMES E. to recognize with gratitude the dedi- reer, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown RISCH, I congratulate Seth Beal, who is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:09 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.054 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 retiring after more than 30 years of A third generation Montanan, Rus- REMEMBERING BISHOP MCKINLEY serving as a commissioner for Butte sell was born and raised in Ovando, YOUNG County, ID. MT. Mr. James graduated high school ∑ Ms. HARRIS. Madam President, our Seth Beal has dedicated so much of from Thompson Falls, where he went Nation mourns the loss of one of the his time and talents to serving others to the University of Montana. Directly country’s greatest servant-leaders, The throughout his communities. He was after graduation in 1980, Russell dove Right Reverend, Senior Bishop McKin- appointed to the Butte County Com- into the workforce, taking a job as a ley Young, whose life work ministering mission on June 6, 1988. Seth has said professional truck driver. to countless individuals and whole that efforts that established far-reach- Russell has been a professional truck communities in search of both hope ing benefits for his communities have driver for 38 years and has accumulated and democracy exemplifies faith in ac- been the most satisfying parts about over 1 million accident-free miles. He tion. his job. This includes the establish- has won numerous awards during his Senior Bishop McKinley Young was ment of the rural addressing of Butte tenure as a driver, including the 2008 born on November 10, 1944, in Atlanta, and South Custer Counties. He also as- YRC employee of the Year Award and GA; the eldest son of Reverend Lonnie sisted with Federal legislation pro- the 2018 YRC Road to Excellence C. Young and Mrs. Nellie Cummings viding for small community and arid Award. He has represented YRC every Young. He attended Morris Brown Col- landfill design. He was involved with year at the Montana Truck Driving lege, where he earned his bachelor’s de- ensuring that local counties could ac- Championships since 2005, as well as gree and later received two master’s cess Payment in Lieu of Taxes, PILT, the National Truck Driving Champion- degrees from Andover Newton Theo- payments because of the local presence ships in 2011 and 2014. Russell is active logical School and the University of of U.S. Department of Energy facili- in the community, volunteering with Chicago Divinity School respectively. ties. Another highlight of his work on the Blackfoot River Preservation Early in his ministry, Bishop Young the Butte County Commission is the Group and environmental quality im- pastored churches in the first, fourth, commission’s establishment of the provement and wildlife habitat. He is and sixth Episcopal Districts, including Butte County Elected Scholarship, also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys the historic Big Bethel A.M.E Church which awards three scholarships per tending to his small family farm. in Atlanta, GA. After being elected and year to Butte County High School sen- I congratulate Russell on his lifetime consecrated the 109th Bishop of the Af- iors. of outstanding achievements and will- rican Methodist Episcopal Church in Through his work and public service, ingness to give back to his community. 1992, his first episcopal assignment was Seth has helped improve his local com- A tried and true Montanan, I look for- to the 15th District of Angola, South munities and supported area youth. In ward to seeing his success in his future Africa, and Namibia where he led the addition to his service on the county endeavors.∑ Centennial Celebration of African commission, Seth has served as an as- Methodism. Bishop Young would later sistant football coach for 8 years at f serve as presiding prelate in Texas, Butte County High School. He has Florida, and the Bahamas. His final served as bishop and stake president in TRIBUTE TO OFFICER MILOS episcopal assignment was with the the Idaho Falls Temple Presidency. He GRUBNIC third District, which includes Ohio, has also been involved with the pur- West Virginia, and Western Pennsyl- ∑ chase and renovation of buildings that Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President, vania, where he served until his transi- provide improved facilities for the today I wish to honor supervisory tion to the church triumphant on county. Transportation Security Officer Milos Wednesday, January 16, 2019. In addition to his extensive service Grubnic for going above and beyond his Bishop Young’s commitment to the on the Butte County Commission, he duties while serving with the U.S. De- church community was as strong as his has served in numerous other leader- partment of Homeland Security’s commitment to voter education, voter ship positions that include service on Transportation Security Administra- registration, and getting people from several boards, including the Idaho tion, TSA, at O’Hare International Air- the pews to the polls. This passion County Risk Management Program for port in Chicago, IL. came from his lifelong belief that ‘‘a 20 years; GEM PLAN, the county’s in- On November 26, 2018, Officer Grubnic vote-less people is a hopeless people.’’ surance plan, for 14 years; East Central was featured in TSA Today after he For decades, Bishop Young organized Idaho Development Association for 12 and a fellow Transportation Security voter registration drives across the years; founding member of the Re- officer, John Kozcur, helped a pas- United States, empowering those who gional Development Alliance and 21 senger recover his stolen cell phone. were historically voiceless in the vot- years of service; 7th Judicial District Not only did they handle the situation ing process. His commitment to demo- Commissioner for 24 years; District 6 in a thorough and professional manner cratic values led him to South Africa, elected officials chairman for 5 years; by reviewing security footage, tracking where he worked on voter registration Idaho National Lab Citizens Advisory the individual down and returning the efforts during the first free democratic Board member for 7 years; founding item, but they were able to do so before election of the President of South Afri- member of the 3–B Juvenile Detention the passenger boarded his flight. Many ca. Center; and founding member of the times, the hard work of our Transpor- Throughout his journey and in addi- Energy Communities Alliance. tation Security officers goes unnoticed tion to his ministerial and civic work, Seth Beal, congratulations on your and unreported, and I am thankful for Bishop Young worked diligently to in- retirement after more than three dec- all they do to keep us safe. crease educational opportunities for ades of serving on the Butte County Officer Grubnic’s actions in Novem- African-American students, especially Commission and in many other leader- ber displayed his steadfast dedication those attending historically black col- ship positions. Your thoughtful and and passion for public service. leges and universities. He served on the committed leadership all these years is Throughout his time at O’Hare Inter- board of trustees for Payne Theological a prime example of what makes our national Airport, Officer Grubnic has Seminary, led the church in financially communities so great. Thank you for worked to support all aspects of TSA’s stabilizing Paul Quinn College, helped your dedication and extensive service mission, including assisting my family raise $2 million to secure Edward Wal- on behalf of our fellow Idahoans.∑ and me at security checkpoints as we ters College’s accreditation, and would f travel. later serve as chancellor of Wilberforce I commend Officer Grubnic’s hard University. TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL JAMES work, passion, and commitment to Bishop Young has served the ecu- ∑ Mr. DAINES. Madam President, this safeguarding the public and achieving menical community faithfully for over week I have the honor of recognizing TSA’s mission to protect our Nation’s 40 years. He was a devoted leader of the Russell James of Missoula County for transportation systems. May his con- African Methodist Episcopal Church his impact on the Whitewater commu- tinued dedication serve as an inspira- Service and Development Agency, Inc., nity. tion to us all.∑ SADA for over 20 years and served as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.056 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1381 chair of the board. Bishop Young’s of whom have been impacted by New from Appalachian State University. leadership among other faith councils Hampshire’s devastating opioid crisis. Outside of the classroom, she works only amplified the effectiveness of his She believes that it is critical to stop with her husband in their prison min- advocacy across the faith community, substance misuse before it happens and istry, Hostage of Hope Ministries. They including as a member of the Central that the best messenger for young peo- provide inmates with personal items Committee of the World Council of ple is often someone their own age. and transcribe sermons from the Churches, the National Council of For her continued efforts in pre- Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church. Churches, the World Methodist Coun- venting substance misuse, I am proud I extend my sincere thanks and grati- cil, and the Conference of National to recognize Heather McGlauflin as tude to Holly for her dedication to her Black Churches. February’s Granite Stater of the students and look forward to hearing of Bishop Young was a courageous serv- Month.∑ her continued success in the years to ant leader, activist, and champion for f come.∑ civil and human rights whose service and dedication to countless commu- TRIBUTE TO JENNIE CYRAN f ∑ nities will continue to inspire others Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today RECOGNIZING THE CHURCH OF ST. for generations to come. I recognize Jennie Cyran, the Polk MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL We wish every member of the African County Teacher of the Year from Hori- ∑ Methodist Episcopal Church that he zons Elementary School in Davenport, Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- served and those whose lives were FL. dent, this year marks the 160th year touched by Bishop Young peace during In receiving this award, Jennie cred- that the Church of St. Michael the this difficult time, especially his wife ited her colleagues and students for her Archangel has served the people of Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, his chil- success, believing she would not be in South Providence and the larger Rhode dren, Karyn, Deana, Andrea, and this position if it were not for them. Island community. Rhode Island’s ear- Stephanie, and eight grandchildren:∑ She considers successful teachers to be liest values are of inclusion, accept- ance, and respect for difference. The f those that devote their time to build- ing trust and relationships with their founder of our State, Roger Williams, TRIBUTE TO HEATHER students and their families. went off into an unknown wilderness MCGLAUFLIN Jennie considers the classroom to be and established a land in which toler- ∑ Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I a student’s second home, free from ance and religious openness were the am proud to recognize Heather judgement and a place where they can new standard. In keeping with these McGlauflin of New Boston, NH as the embrace their mistakes as learning op- founding principles, the community of February Granite Stater of the Month portunities. She tutors her students on St. Michael’s has been a place of wel- for her remarkable work to help pre- weekends at school or at their homes come since its inception. vent substance misuse. Now a high and offers parents the resources to help Generations of immigrants built this school senior, Heather has worked with their children succeed in school and country; yet too often, those who come a number of organizations since her later in life. seeking the American dream are met sophomore year to help prevent sub- Jennie has been a teacher for 13 years with discrimination. Originally serving stance misuse among her peers and to and enjoys working with new teachers Irish and Western European immigrant fight for young people to have a seat at so that they are not overwhelmed with populations often pushed to the mar- the table in efforts to combat this dev- their new jobs. She also mentors fe- gins of society, St. Michael’s has ex- astating epidemic. male students through the Girls of In- panded to incorporate the Providence Heather’s advocacy on this issue tegrity program and volunteers as a of today, a multicultural, multilingual began after a guidance counselor en- Special Olympics coach and unified community. couraged her to attend a weekend partner for several sports. Faith compels work toward fairness training with CADCA, Community I would like to thank Jennie for all and justice for all living beings, regard- Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. At her hard work to provide students with less of nationality or social status. St. the end of the weekend, Heather par- a successful learning environment. I Michael’s has fostered a vibrant com- ticipated on a panel of students pro- extend my best wishes to her and look munity of people who are answering posing solutions to government offi- forward to hearing of her continued that call. The people of St. Michael’s cials and advocates on how to strength- success in the coming years.∑ have partnered with nonprofit groups en the response to this crisis that was f and other faith organizations to carry broadcast live on New Hampshire’s out meaningful advocacy work and pro- WMUR. TRIBUTE TO HOLLY MICKLER vide direct services to those in need. It The CADCA training inspired Heath- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, today has been a privilege to know and work er’s continued activism, and in the I honor Holly Mickler, the Pasco Coun- alongside church leaders like Sister years since, she has gotten involved in ty Teacher of the Year from Pasco Mid- Mary Reilly, Father Ray Malm, and a variety of initiatives such as training dle School in Dade City, FL. the late Sister Ann Keefe. Their tire- younger students on over-the-counter Holly is an Advancement Via Indi- less advocacy and spirit of service have medication safety, presenting on the vidual Determination teacher. She fo- been manifested through the good importance of youth advocacy to DEA cuses on preparing her students for col- works of numerous community organi- agents from across New England and lege level writing, reading, and critical zations including Sophia Academy, the country, and participating in a thinking skills. She also teaches them Providence CityArts, AIDS Care Ocean public service announcement training the non-academic skills, such as perse- State, and the Institute for the Study with the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foun- verance, time management, curiosity, and Practice of Nonviolence. These dation. As a result of her work with the manners, and character building, that groups have made rich and diverse con- Mark Wahlberg foundation, Heather are so important for students success tributions to the character of Rhode Is- created several PSA’s which were se- in the classroom and in life. land. lected for further production and par- While she develops a general lesson The immigrant spirit of perseverance ticipated in an Emmy-winning PSA plan for her students, she also individ- is shared in the moral fiber of this with WMUR. Heather also helped found ualizes these plans and shifts her end country. In Rhode Island, St. Michael’s Empower Youth 603—a youth coalition goals based on their needs. Holly be- church has been a symbol of refuge and focused on substance misuse in New lieves having an intentionally flexible hope for 160 years. They have made our Hampshire—and she recently presented lesson plan is what turns good teachers State and the city of Providence better at CADCA’s national conference in into great teachers because it allows through their dedication to public life. Washington, DC, where I met Heather them to adapt their student’s needs. I applaud the work of St. Michael’s and and heard more about her work. Holly has taught at Pasco Middle its pastor, Father Robert Perron, and I Heather says she is driven by the sto- School for 14 years. She earned her congratulate the venerated parish on ries of her friends and peers, too many bachelor’s degree in special education 160 years of service.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.060 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE S. 487. A bill to require the Secretary of National Threat Assessment Center of the Energy to establish a natural gas demand re- Department of Homeland Security; to the At 12:31 p.m., a message from the sponse pilot program, and for other purposes; Committee on the Judiciary. House of Representatives, delivered by to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Ms. Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, sources. MURKOWSKI, Ms. CANTWELL, and Ms. announced that the House has passed By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. BOOK- COLLINS): the following bill and joint resolution, ER, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, Mr. S. 496. A bill to preserve United States in which it requests the concurrence of BLUMENTHAL, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. fishing heritage through a national program the Senate: JONES, Mr. REED, Ms. WARREN, Mrs. dedicated to training and assisting the next MURRAY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. generation of commercial fishermen, and for H.R. 995. An act to amend chapter 3 of title BROWN, Mr. KING, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. other purposes; to the Committee on Com- 5, United States Code, to require the publica- KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. merce, Science, and Transportation. tion of settlement agreements, and for other COONS, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KAINE, Ms. By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. BOOK- purposes. DUCKWORTH, Mr. WARNER, Ms. CORTEZ ER, Mr. COONS, Mr. SCHATZ, Mrs. SHA- H.J. Res. 37. Joint resolution directing the MASTO, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, HEEN, and Mr. REED): removal of United States Armed Forces from Mr. WYDEN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. MUR- S. 497. A bill to improve diversity and in- hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that PHY, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. TILLIS, clusion in the workforce of national security have not been authorized by Congress. Mr. RUBIO, Ms. SMITH, Mr. CARDIN, agencies, and for other purposes; to the Com- f Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. STA- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- BENOW, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. BENNET, Ms. mental Affairs. MEASURES REFERRED COLLINS, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. INHOFE, By Mr. ROUNDS: The following bill and joint resolu- Mr. ISAKSON, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Ms. S. 498. A bill to provide for an independent ERNST, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mrs. CAPITO, outside audit of the Indian Health Service; tion were read the first and the second to the Committee on Indian Affairs. times by unanimous consent, and re- Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. PORTMAN, and Ms. MURKOWSKI): By Mr. CASSIDY: ferred as indicated: S. 488. A bill to amend title 18, United S. 499. A bill to amend the Outer Conti- H.R. 995. An act to amend chapter 3 of title States Code, to specify lynching as a depri- nental Shelf Lands Act to apply to terri- 5, United States Code, to require the publica- vation of civil rights, and for other purposes; tories of the United States, to establish off- tion of settlement agreements, and for other considered and passed. shore wind lease sale requirements, to pro- purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Se- By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. HEIN- vide dedicated funding for coral reef con- curity and Governmental Affairs. RICH, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. MURPHY, servation, and for other purposes; to the H.J. Res. 37. Joint resolution directing the Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. MARKEY, Mrs. Committee on Energy and Natural Re- removal of United States Armed Forces from GILLIBRAND, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. sources. hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that BLUMENTHAL, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. have not been authorized by Congress; to the MERKLEY, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. LEAHY, WARNER, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. KING, Committee on Foreign Relations. Mr. BOOKER, Mr. UDALL, Ms. SMITH, Mr. TILLIS, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. KLO- f Ms. WARREN, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. BROWN, Mr. REED, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. CORTEZ BUCHAR, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. PETERS, MEASURES PLACED ON THE MASTO, and Mr. DURBIN): Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. BLUNT, Ms. BALD- CALENDAR S. 489. A bill to establish a State public op- WIN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. tion through Medicaid to provide Americans CASEY, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. HEINRICH, The following bill and joint resolu- with the choice of a high-quality, low-cost Mr. BENNET, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. tion were read the second time, and health insurance plan; to the Committee on DUCKWORTH, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. DAINES, placed on the calendar: Finance. and Mr. BROWN): S. 483. A bill to enact into law a bill by ref- By Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. S. 500. A bill to amend title 54, United erence. TESTER): States Code, to establish, fund, and provide S.J. Res. 8. Joint resolution recognizing S. 490. A bill to designate a mountain ridge for the use of amounts in a National Park the duty of the Federal Government to cre- in the State of Montana as ‘‘B–47 Ridge’’; to Service Legacy Restoration Fund to address ate a Green New Deal. the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- the maintenance backlog of the National sources. Park Service, and for other purposes; to the f By Mr. HEINRICH (for himself, Mr. Committee on Energy and Natural Re- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES BENNET, Mr. UDALL, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, sources. Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. By Mr. BROWN: The following reports of committees MERKLEY, and Mr. TESTER): S. 501. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- were submitted: S. 491. A bill to reaffirm the policy of the enue Code of 1986 to repeal the increase in unrelated business taxable income by By Mr. SHELBY, from the Committee on United States with respect to management amount of certain fringe benefit expenses; to Appropriations: authority over public land, and for other the Committee on Finance. Special Report entitled ‘‘Further Revised purposes; to the Committee on Energy and By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. ROBERTS, Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget To- Natural Resources. and Mr. RISCH): tals for Fiscal Year 2019’’ (Rept. No. 116–1). By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Mr. CORNYN): S. 502. A bill to amend the Endangered Spe- f S. 492. A bill to amend the FAST Act to cies Act of 1973 to require disclosure to States of the basis of determinations under INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND improve contracting opportunities for serv- ice-connected disabled veteran-owned small such Act, to ensure use of information pro- JOINT RESOLUTIONS business concerns, and for other purposes; to vided by State, Tribal, and county govern- The following bills and joint resolu- the Committee on Environment and Public ments in decision-making under such Act, tions were introduced, read the first Works. and for other purposes; to the Committee on and second times by unanimous con- By Mr. YOUNG: Environment and Public Works. S. 493. A bill to require Federal agencies By Mr. BLUNT (for himself and Ms. sent, and referred as indicated: not performing security functions to relo- SINEMA): By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. GRASS- cate throughout the United States by the be- S. 503. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- LEY, Mr. LEAHY, and Ms. COLLINS): ginning of fiscal year 2030; to the Committee enue Code of 1986 to provide the opportunity S. 485. A bill to amend the Age Discrimina- on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- for responsible health savings to all Amer- tion in Employment Act of 1967 and other fairs. ican families; to the Committee on Finance. laws to clarify appropriate standards for By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Ms. By Ms. SINEMA (for herself and Mr. Federal employment discrimination and re- MURKOWSKI, Ms. WARREN, Ms. CANT- TILLIS): taliation claims, and for other purposes; to WELL, and Mr. MARKEY): S. 504. A bill to amend title 36, United the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, S. 494. A bill to establish the American States Code, to authorize The American Le- and Pensions. Fisheries Advisory Committee to assist in gion to determine the requirements for By Mr. CASSIDY (for himself and Mr. the awarding of fisheries research and devel- membership in The American Legion, and for WARNER): opment grants, and for other purposes; to the other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- S. 486. A bill to waive the penalty for with- Committee on Commerce, Science, and diciary . drawals from retirement plans for certain Transportation. By Ms. DUCKWORTH (for herself, Mr. Federal employees and contractors affected By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. DUR- by a lapse in appropriations, and for other RUBIO, Mr. JONES, Mr. SCOTT of Flor- BIN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. HARRIS, Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Finance. ida, Mr. MANCHIN, and Mr. GARDNER): HIRONO, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MAR- By Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself and S. 495. A bill to amend title 18, United KEY, Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. Mr. KING): States Code, to reauthorize and expand the SCHATZ, Ms. SMITH, and Ms. WARREN):

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S. 505. A bill to ensure due process protec- HOLLEN, Ms. HARRIS, Mrs. GILLI- S. 521. A bill to amend title II of the Social tions of individuals in the United States BRAND, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. BOOKER, Security Act to repeal the Government pen- against unlawful detention based solely on a Mr. CASEY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. PETERS, sion offset and windfall elimination provi- protected characteristic; to the Committee and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): sions; to the Committee on Finance. on the Judiciary. S. 514. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. States Code, to improve the benefits and Mr. SCHUMER): BLUMENTHAL, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. MAR- services provided by the Department of Vet- S. 522. A bill to establish the African Bur- KEY, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, erans Affairs to women veterans, and for ial Ground International Memorial Museum Mr. SANDERS, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. DUR- other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- and Educational Center in New York, New BIN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KING, Mr. erans’ Affairs. York, and for other purposes; to the Com- CASEY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. SCHATZ, By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. BEN- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ms. WARREN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. VAN NET, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Ms. CANTWELL, By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. HOLLEN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. REED, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. MURPHY, SCHATZ, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Ms. WAR- Ms. CANTWELL): Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. REN, Mr. MERKLEY, and Ms. KLO- S. 506. A bill to support State, Tribal, and BLUMENTHAL, Mr. CASEY, Mr. CARPER, BUCHAR): local efforts to remove access to firearms Ms. SMITH, Mr. KAINE, Mr. MARKEY, S. 523. A bill to direct the Secretary of from individuals who are a danger to them- Mr. BOOKER, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. STABE- Health and Human Services to develop a na- selves or others pursuant to court orders for NOW, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. MENENDEZ, tional strategic action plan and program to this purpose; to the Committee on the Judi- Mr. COONS, Mr. KING, Ms. BALDWIN, assist health professionals and systems in ciary. Ms. WARREN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Ms. preparing for and responding to the public By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. CORTEZ MASTO, Ms. HIRONO, Ms. HAS- health effects of climate change, and for BROWN, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, SAN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. MURRAY, other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Ms. SMITH, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. PETERS, Mr. JONES, Education, Labor, and Pensions. BLUMENTHAL, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. Mr. BROWN, Mr. TESTER, Ms. HARRIS, By Mr. TESTER (for himself, Mr. SUL- SANDERS, Mr. JONES, and Ms. Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. UDALL, Ms. LIVAN, Mr. UDALL, and Ms. MUR- UCKWORTH ARNER DUCKWORTH): D , Mr. W , Mr. KOWSKI): S. 507. A bill to amend the National Voter CARDIN, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. MERKLEY, S. 524. A bill to establish the Department Registration Act of 1993 to clarify that a Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. SCHATZ, Ms. of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on State may not use an individual’s failure to SINEMA, and Mr. MANCHIN): Tribal and Indian Affairs, and for other pur- vote as the basis for initiating the proce- S. 515. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- dures provided under such Act for the re- enue Code of 1986 to clarify that all provi- fairs. sions shall apply to legally married same-sex moval of the individual from the official list By Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. RISCH, couples in the same manner as other married of registered voters in the State on the Mr. WICKER, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. couples, and for other purposes; to the Com- grounds that the individual has changed resi- CRUZ, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. COTTON, mittee on Finance. dence, and for other purposes; to the Com- Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. ROB- By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. mittee on Rules and Administration. ERTS, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, PORTMAN, Mr. KING, and Mr. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Ms. Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. ENZI, MANCHIN): WARREN): S. 516. A bill to require the use of prescrip- Mr. GARDNER, Mr. CORNYN, and Mr. S. 508. A bill to extend the authorization tion drug monitoring programs; to the Com- CRAMER): for the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory S. 525. A bill to preserve and protect the mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Commission; to the Committee on Energy Pensions. free choice of individual employees to form, and Natural Resources. By Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. join, or assist labor organizations, or to re- By Mr. MURPHY (for himself and Mr. frain from such activities; to the Committee TESTER): BLUMENTHAL): S. 517. A bill to establish a tiered hiring on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. S. 509. A bill to require the Secretary of preference for members of the reserve com- By Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Mr. the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- ponents of the Armed Forces; to the Com- UDALL): tion of the United States Coast Guard; to the mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- S. 526. A bill to withdraw certain Bureau of Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban mental Affairs. Land Management land from mineral devel- Affairs. By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. opment; to the Committee on Energy and By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. Natural Resources . BLUMENTHAL, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. By Mr. BROWN: S. 527. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- CARDIN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. WYDEN, and BROWN, Mr. WICKER, Ms. HARRIS, Ms. enue Code of 1986 to modify the earned in- Ms. SMITH): MURKOWSKI, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BLUNT, S. 510. A bill to amend the Communica- come tax credit to account for the amount Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. tions Act of 1934 to provide for certain re- by which economic growth has outpaced in- KING, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. COONS, Mr. quirements relating to charges for internet, come growth, and for other purposes; to the BOOZMAN, Mr. REED, Mr. COTTON, Ms. television, and voice services, and for other Committee on Finance. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mrs. purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. GILLIBRAND, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. Science, and Transportation. COONS, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. BOOKER, By Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and MERKLEY, and Ms. WARREN): Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. Mr. COTTON): S. 528. A bill to amend title 40, United DAINES, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. JONES, S. 511. A bill to promote and protect from States Code, to provide a lactation room in Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. HOEVEN): discrimination living organ donors; to the S. 518. A bill to amend title XVIII of the public buildings, and for other purposes; to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Social Security Act to provide for Medicare the Committee on Environment and Public Pensions. coverage of certain lymphedema compres- Works. By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and sion treatment items as items of durable By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Ms. Ms. COLLINS): medical equipment; to the Committee on Fi- MURKOWSKI, Mr. GARDNER, Mr. S. 512. A bill to establish an advisory office nance. WYDEN, and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): within the Bureau of Consumer Protection of By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, S. 529. A bill to establish a national pro- the Federal Trade Commission to prevent Mr. MURPHY, Mr. SCHUMER, and Mrs. gram to identify and reduce losses from land- fraud targeting seniors, and for other pur- GILLIBRAND): slide hazards, to establish a national 3D Ele- poses; to the Committee on Commerce, S. 519. A bill to amend certain appropria- vation Program, and for other purposes; to Science, and Transportation. tions Acts to repeal the requirement direct- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and By Ms. HARRIS (for herself and Ms. ing the Administrator of General Services to Transportation. COLLINS): sell Federal property and assets that support By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. S. 513. A bill to amend title 18, United the operations of the Plum Island Animal BROWN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. CORTEZ States Code, with respect to civil forfeitures Disease Center in Plum Island, New York; to MASTO, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN): relating to certain seized animals, and for the Committee on Homeland Security and S. 530. A bill to establish the Federal other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- Governmental Affairs. Labor-Management Partnership Council; to diciary. By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and the Committee on Homeland Security and By Mr. TESTER (for himself, Mr. BOOZ- Mr. HOEVEN): Governmental Affairs. MAN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mrs. BLACKBURN, S. 520. A bill to require the Secretary of By Mr. TESTER (for himself and Ms. Ms. STABENOW, Mr. SCHATZ, Ms. Energy to establish an energy efficiency ma- COLLINS): SINEMA, Ms. WARREN, Mr. MENENDEZ, terials pilot program; to the Committee on S. 531. A bill to permit disabled law en- Ms. HASSAN, Mr. REED, Mr. WHITE- Energy and Natural Resources. forcement officers, customs and border pro- HOUSE, Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Ms. COL- tection officers, firefighters, air traffic con- Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mrs. LINS, Ms. BALDWIN, and Ms. MUR- trollers, nuclear materials couriers, mem- MURRAY, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. VAN KOWSKI): bers of the Capitol Police, members of the

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Res. 74. A resolution marking the fifth S. 208 rity and Governmental Affairs. anniversary of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dig- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. COR- nity by honoring the bravery, determination, name of the Senator from California NYN, and Mr. JONES): and sacrifice of the people of Ukraine during (Ms. HARRIS) was added as a cosponsor S. 532. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- and since the Revolution, and condemning of S. 208, a bill to amend title 10, cation Act of 1965 to provide that an indi- continued Russian aggression against United States Code, to permit certain vidual may remain eligible to participate in Ukraine; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- the teacher loan forgiveness program under tions. retired members of the uniformed serv- title IV of such Act if the individual’s period By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. ices who have a service-connected dis- of consecutive years of employment as a full- PETERS, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SCHUMER, ability to receive both disability com- time teacher is interrupted because the indi- Mr. MARKEY, Mr. CASEY, Mr. VAN pensation from the Department of Vet- vidual is the spouse of a member of the HOLLEN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. CARPER, erans Affairs for their disability and ei- Armed Forces who is relocated during the Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. ther retired pay by reason of their school year pursuant to military orders for a BROWN, Mr. LEAHY, Ms. HARRIS, Mrs. years of military service or Combat- permanent change of duty station, or the in- FEINSTEIN, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Related Special Compensation, and for dividual works in a school of the defense de- Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mr. BURR): other purposes. pendents’ education system under the De- S. Res. 75. A resolution honoring the life, fense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 due achievements, and distinguished public serv- S. 283 to such a relocation, and for other purposes; ice of John David Dingell, Jr., and expressing At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the to the Committee on Health, Education, condolences to his family on his passing; name of the Senator from Louisiana Labor, and Pensions. considered and agreed to. (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a cospon- By Mr. CRUZ (for himself, Mr. TILLIS, By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. sor of S. 283, a bill to amend title XVIII and Mr. RUBIO): COONS, Ms. WARREN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, of the Social Security Act to improve S. 533. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. DURBIN, and Ms. ERNST): access to, and utilization of, bone mass the Treasury to consider certain trans- S. Res. 76. A resolution designating March measurement benefits under part B of actions related to precious metals for pur- 1, 2019, as ‘‘National Speech and Debate Edu- the Medicare program by establishing a poses of identifying jurisdictions of primary cation Day’’; considered and agreed to. money laundering concern, and for other By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. YOUNG, minimum payment amount under such purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. part for bone mass measurement. Housing, and Urban Affairs. KING, Mr. CARPER, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. S. 285 By Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. MAR- JONES, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. HASSAN, At the request of Ms. ERNST, the KEY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Ms. STABENOW, Ms. name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. MENENDEZ, and SMITH, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. RISCH, Mr. LEE) was added as a cosponsor of S. 285, Ms. HARRIS): MORAN, Mr. BRAUN, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. a bill to require U.S. Immigration and S. 534. A bill to prohibit certain funds from CAPITO, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. CORNYN, Customs Enforcement to take into cus- being transferred or reprogrammed to plan, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. CRAMER, develop, or construct a new physical barrier Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. CRAPO, tody certain aliens who have been along the southwest border, and for other Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. GARD- charged in the United States with a purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Se- NER, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. WICKER, Mr. crime that resulted in the death or se- curity and Governmental Affairs. ENZI, Ms. ERNST, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. rious bodily injury of another person, By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. WAR- RUBIO, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. ALEXANDER, and for other purposes. NER, and Mr. KENNEDY): Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. S. 286 S. 535. A bill to enable Federal employees BOOZMAN, Mr. DAINES, and Mr. ROM- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the and contractors to correct their credit re- NEY): name of the Senator from Connecticut ports to remove adverse items of information S. Res. 77. A resolution designating the reported as a result of a shutdown, and for week of February 16 through 23, 2019, as ‘‘Na- (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- tional FFA Week,’’ recognizing the impor- sponsor of S. 286, a bill to amend title ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. tant role of the National FFA Organization XVIII of the Social Security Act to in developing young leaders, and celebrating provide for the coverage of marriage f 50 years of female membership in the Na- and family therapist services and men- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND tional FFA Organization; considered and tal health counselor services under SENATE RESOLUTIONS agreed to. part B of the Medicare program, and By Mr. SHELBY: for other purposes. The following concurrent resolutions S. Con. Res. 4. A concurrent resolution pro- and Senate resolutions were read, and At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the viding for a correction in the enrollment of name of the Senator from Alabama referred (or acted upon), as indicated: H.J. Res. 31; considered and agreed to. By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. (Mr. JONES) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. of S. 286, supra. SCOTT of Florida): HEINRICH, Mr. BOOZMAN, Ms. COLLINS, S. Res. 71. A resolution honoring the mem- and Mr. UDALL): S. 311 ory of the victims of the senseless attack at S. Con. Res. 5. A concurrent resolution sup- At the request of Mr. SASSE, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 1 porting the Local Radio Freedom Act; to the name of the Senator from Alabama year ago; considered and agreed to. Committee on Commerce, Science, and (Mr. SHELBY) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. PERDUE (for himself, Mr. Transportation. of S. 311, a bill to amend title 18, JONES, and Mr. ISAKSON): f United States Code, to prohibit a S. Res. 72. A resolution honoring the 100th ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS health care practitioner from failing to anniversary of Fort Benning in Columbus, exercise the proper degree of care in Georgia; to the Committee on Armed Serv- S. 80 ices. the case of a child who survives an At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the By Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Mr. abortion or attempted abortion. CARDIN, Mr. MORAN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. S. 317 SASSE, Mr. KAINE, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the COONS, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. MERKLEY, S. 80, a bill to repeal the annual fee on name of the Senator from Mississippi Mr. MURPHY, Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. health insurance providers enacted by (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) was added as a co- MARKEY): the Patient Protection and Affordable sponsor of S. 317, a bill to amend title S. Res. 73. A resolution calling on the Care Act. XIX of the Social Security Act to pro- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to immediately re- S. 130 lease Saudi Women’s Rights activists and re- vide States with the option of pro- spect the fundamental rights of all Saudi At the request of Mr. SASSE, the viding coordinated care for children citizens; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- name of the Senator from Alabama with complex medical conditions tions. (Mr. SHELBY) was added as a cosponsor through a health home.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.023 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1385 S. 336 PHY, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. scendants of those victims for the failure of At the request of Mr. TESTER, the TILLIS, Mr. RUBIO, Ms. SMITH, the Senate to enact anti-lynching legisla- name of the Senator from Minnesota Mr. CARDIN, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. tion. (16) The National Memorial for Peace and (Ms. SMITH) was added as a cosponsor SANDERS, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. Justice, which opened to the public in Mont- of S. 336, a bill to direct the Comp- PERDUE, Mr. BENNET, Ms. COL- gomery, Alabama, on April 26, 2018, is the troller General of the United States to LINS, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. Nation’s first memorial dedicated to the leg- submit a report on the response of law INHOFE, Mr. ISAKSON, Mrs. acy of enslaved Black people, people terror- enforcement agencies to reports of HYDE-SMITH, Ms. ERNST, Mr. ized by lynching, African Americans humili- missing or murdered Indians. GRASSLEY, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. ated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary S. 362 CASSIDY, Mr. PORTMAN, and Ms. presumptions of guilt and police violence. MURKOWSKI): At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the (17) Notwithstanding the Senate’s apology names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. S. 488. A bill to amend title 18, and the heightened awareness and education MERKLEY) and the Senator from Iowa United States Code, to specify lynching about the Nation’s legacy with lynching, it (Ms. ERNST) were added as cosponsors as a deprivation of civil rights, and for is wholly necessary and appropriate for the of S. 362, a bill to amend the Internal other purposes; considered and passed. Congress to enact legislation, after 100 years Revenue Code of 1986 to reform tax- S. 488 of unsuccessful legislative efforts, finally to make lynching a Federal crime. ation of alcoholic beverages. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in (18) Further, it is the sense of Congress S. 380 Congress assembled, that criminal action by a group increases the likelihood that the criminal object of that At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. group will be successfully attained and de- name of the Senator from Oklahoma This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Justice for creases the probability that the individuals (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- Victims of Lynching Act of 2019’’. involved will depart from their path of crim- sor of S. 380, a bill to increase access to SEC. 2. FINDINGS. inality. Therefore, it is appropriate to speci- agency guidance documents. Congress finds the following: fy criminal penalties for the crime of lynch- (1) The crime of lynching succeeded slav- S. 426 ing, or any attempt or conspiracy to commit ery as the ultimate expression of racism in lynching. At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the the United States following Reconstruction. names of the Senator from Connecticut (19) The United States Senate agreed to (2) Lynching was a widely acknowledged unanimously Senate Resolution 118, 115th (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the Senator from practice in the United States until the mid- Congress, on April 5, 2017, ‘‘[c]ondemning Virginia (Mr. WARNER) and the Senator dle of the 20th century. hate crime and any other form of racism, re- from Oregon (Mr. MERKLEY) were added (3) Lynching was a crime that occurred ligious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incite- as cosponsors of S. 426, a bill to in- throughout the United States, with docu- ment to violence, or animus targeting a mi- crease the rates of pay under the Gen- mented incidents in all but 4 States. nority in the United States’’ and taking no- eral Schedule and other statutory pay (4) At least 4,742 people, predominantly Af- tice specifically of Federal Bureau of Inves- rican Americans, were reported lynched in tigation statistics demonstrating that systems and for prevailing rate em- the United States between 1882 and 1968. ployees by 3.6 percent, and for other ‘‘among single-bias hate crime incidents in (5) Ninety-nine percent of all perpetrators the United States, 59.2 percent of victims purposes. of lynching escaped from punishment by were targeted due to racial, ethnic, or ances- S. 455 State or local officials. tral bias, and among those victims, 52.2 per- At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the (6) Lynching prompted African Americans cent were victims of crimes motivated by name of the Senator from New Hamp- to form the National Association for the Ad- the offenders’ anti-Black or anti-African vancement of Colored People (referred to in American bias’’. shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- this section as the ‘‘NAACP’’) and prompted (20) On September 14, 2017, President Don- sponsor of S. 455, a bill to amend the members of B’nai B’rith to found the Anti- ald J. Trump signed into law Senate Joint Patient Protection and Affordable Care Defamation League. Resolution 49 (Public Law 115–58; 131 Stat. Act to provide for Federal Exchange (7) Mr. Walter White, as a member of the 1149), wherein Congress ‘‘condemn[ed] the outreach and educational activities. NAACP and later as the executive secretary racist violence and domestic terrorist attack of the NAACP from 1931 to 1955, meticulously S. 465 that took place between August 11 and Au- investigated lynchings in the United States gust 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia’’ At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, and worked tirelessly to end segregation and and ‘‘urg[ed] the President and his adminis- the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- racialized terror. tration to speak out against hate groups vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- (8) Nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were in- that espouse racism, extremism, xenophobia, sponsor of S. 465, a bill to amend the troduced in Congress during the first half of anti-Semitism, and White supremacy; and Omnibus Crime Control and Safe the 20th century. use all resources available to the President Streets Act of 1968 to make reforms to (9) Between 1890 and 1952, 7 Presidents peti- and the President’s Cabinet to address the the benefits for Public Service Officers, tioned Congress to end lynching. growing prevalence of those hate groups in and for other purposes. (10) Between 1920 and 1940, the House of the United States’’. Representatives passed 3 strong anti-lynch- (21) Senate Joint Resolution 49 (Public S. 479 ing measures. Law 115–58; 131 Stat. 1149) specifically took At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the (11) Protection against lynching was the notice of ‘‘hundreds of torch-bearing White name of the Senator from New York minimum and most basic of Federal respon- nationalists, White supremacists, Klansmen, (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a cospon- sibilities, and the Senate considered but and neo-Nazis [who] chanted racist, anti-Se- sor of S. 479, a bill to revise section 48 failed to enact anti-lynching legislation de- mitic, and anti-immigrant slogans and vio- of title 18, United States Code, and for spite repeated requests by civil rights lently engaged with counter-demonstrators groups, Presidents, and the House of Rep- on and around the grounds of the University other purposes. resentatives to do so. of Virginia in Charlottesville’’ and that f (12) The publication of ‘‘Without Sanc- these groups ‘‘reportedly are organizing tuary: Lynching Photography in America’’ similar events in other cities in the United STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED helped bring greater awareness and proper States and communities everywhere are con- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS recognition of the victims of lynching. cerned about the growing and open display of By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. (13) Only by coming to terms with history hate and violence being perpetrated by those can the United States effectively champion groups’’. BOOKER, Mr. SCOTT of South human rights abroad. (22) Lynching was a pernicious and perva- Carolina, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. (14) An apology offered in the spirit of true sive tool that was used to interfere with WHITEHOUSE, Mr. JONES, Mr. repentance moves the United States toward multiple aspects of life—including the exer- REED, Ms. WARREN, Mrs. MUR- reconciliation and may become central to a cise of Federally protected rights, as enu- RAY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. new understanding, on which improved ra- merated in section 245 of title 18, United BROWN, Mr. KING, Mr. MARKEY, cial relations can be forged. States Code, housing rights, as enumerated Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. FEIN- (15) Having concluded that a reckoning in section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 with our own history is the only way the (42 U.S.C. 3631), and the free exercise of reli- STEIN, Mr. COONS, Ms. BALDWIN, country can effectively champion human gion, as enumerated in section 247 of title 18, Mr. KAINE, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. rights abroad, 90 Members of the United United States Code. Interference with these WARNER, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, States Senate agreed to Senate Resolution rights was often effectuated by multiple of- Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. 39, 109th Congress, on June 13, 2005, to apolo- fenders and groups, rather than isolated indi- WYDEN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. MUR- gize to the victims of lynching and the de- viduals. Therefore, prohibiting conspiracies

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.018 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 to violate each of these rights recognizes the In the wake of the Parkland shoot- I look forward to working with my history of lynching in the United States and ing, there has been a flurry of activism, colleagues on this important priority. serves to prohibit its use in the future. opinions, and action on the issue of gun I yield the floor. SEC. 3. LYNCHING. safety, gun violence, and rights guar- (a) OFFENSE.—Chapter 13 of title 18, United anteed to law abiding citizens under By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. States Code, is amended by adding at the end CORNYN, and Mr. JONES): the following: the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. S. 532. A bill to amend the Higher ‘‘§ 250. Lynching It’s our obligation as members of Education Act of 1965 to provide that ‘‘Whoever conspires with another person to an individual may remain eligible to violate section 245, 247, or 249 of this title or Congress to discuss issues, short- comings, and room for advancement. participate in the teacher loan forgive- section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 ness program under title IV of such Act U.S.C. 3631) shall be punished in the same The EAGLES Act is part of the solu- manner as a completed violation of such sec- tion to prevent future violence in our if the individual’s period of consecutive tion, except that if the maximum term of communities. years of employment as a full-time imprisonment for such completed violation This past year in the Senate, we took teacher is interrupted because the indi- is less than 10 years, the person may be im- important steps to address gun vio- vidual is the spouse of a member of the prisoned for not more than 10 years.’’. lence and solutions to prevent future Armed Forces who is relocated during (b) TABLE OF SECTIONS AMENDMENT.—The attacks. the school year pursuant to military table of sections for chapter 13 of title 18, orders for a permanent change of duty United States Code, is amended by inserting Through investigations, hearings, after the item relating to section 249 the fol- oversight of federal agencies, and legis- station, or the individual works in a lowing: lation, I worked with my colleagues to school of the defense dependents’ edu- ‘‘250. Lynching.’’. shed light on the issue and seek solu- cation system under the Defense De- tions. pendents’ Education Act of 1978 due to By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, For example, last Congress, two in- such a relocation, and for other pur- Mr. RUBIO, Mr. JONES, Mr. strumental pieces of legislation to help poses; to the Committee on Health, SCOTT of Florida, Mr. MANCHIN, protect Americans from future acts of Education, Labor, and Pensions. and Mr. GARDNER): violence were signed into law. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I would S. 495. A bill to amend title 18, The first was the Students, Teachers, like to bring the Senate’s attention to United States Code, to reauthorize and and Officers Preventing School Vio- the bipartisan Preserving Teacher expand the National Threat Assess- lence Act, which provides funding to Loan Forgiveness for Military Spouses ment Center of the Department of schools to strengthen their infrastruc- Act of 2018, which I am introducing Homeland Security; to the Committee ture to make it more difficult for today with Senators CORNYN and on the Judiciary. shooters to enter schools. JONES. This legislation eliminates a EAGLES ACT The other bill signed into law was barrier for teachers in military fami- Mr. President, I come to the floor the Fix NICS Act. lies to earn federal student loan for- today to take a moment and remember This law penalizes Federal agencies giveness for their years of public serv- the tragedy that occurred a year ago at who fail to comply with the require- ice. the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High ments in current law to report dan- The Department of Education’s School in Parkland, Florida. gerous individuals and violent crimi- Teacher Loan Forgiveness program One year ago today, on Valentine’s nals to the National Instant Criminal rightfully incentivizes teachers to Day, 17 innocent lives were lost at the Background Check System. commit to students in our lowest in- hands of a troubled, evil young man These laws enjoyed bipartisan sup- come school districts in exchange for who entered a high school and opened port and will help keep our commu- up to $17,500 in Federal student loan fire. nities safe. forgiveness. Teachers qualify for the The tragedy in Parkland cannot be As former Chairman of the Judiciary Federal student loan forgiveness once forgotten. Committee, I also held a number of they have taught full-time for at least We in the Senate cannot afford to hearings on gun violence, one which five consecutive years at a low income forget such senseless acts of violence, specifically addressed the govern- school or educational service agency. and instead must continue to fight to ment’s role and failures in preventing Teachers who are forced to move in the prevent dangerous attacks in our coun- the Parkland shooting. middle of the school year to follow try and our schools. It was because of the lack of govern- their spouse’s relocation or reassign- I remain dedicated to keeping weap- ment coordination, successful identi- ment to another installation in the ons out of the hands of those who seek fication of threats, and mitigation of United States or abroad lose their ac- to harm others. dangers that I introduced the EAGLES crued eligibility for the program and That is why I am proud to reintro- Act last Congress. must restart their five years of service duce the EAGLES Act of 2019. As we learned in the hearing fol- under current law. Along with Senators RUBIO, SCOTT lowing the Parkland shooting and Last Congress, a Maryland con- from Florida, JONES, MANCHIN, and through subsequent investigations, stituent brought to my attention the GARDNER, I am reintroducing a piece of there was much more that should have barriers her daughter faced when seek- legislation today that proactively been done to prevent the Parkland ing Federal student loan forgiveness works to mitigate threats of violence shooting from happening. despite her commitment to public serv- on school campuses. There’s still more to do to address ice. Her daughter, a teacher married to The EAGLES Act is named after the the issue of targeted violence. a member of the military, was in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High I expect my colleagues on both sides middle of her fifth consecutive year School Mascot, the Eagles. of the aisle will continue to propose so- teaching at one of Maryland’s lower in- It reauthorizes and expands the U.S. lutions. come schools. As any military spouse Secret Service’s National Threat As- It’s a conversation worth having. We knows, relocation or reassignment or- sessment Center which is used to study should find more ways to keep weapons ders can come at any time, upending targeted violence and develop best out of the hands of dangerous individ- the lives of the service member and practices and training to identify and uals while still protecting important their family. Rather than being able to manage threats before they result in constitutional rights. complete a fifth year of teaching in a violence. It’s in that spirit that I am reintro- Maryland school, this family had to re- This legislation also allows the Se- ducing the EAGLES Act. locate with three months left in the cret Service to focus a significant por- By passing this Act, we can do more school year. Despite this family’s dou- tion of its efforts directly on school to assess threats, train communities ble commitment to service for our safety by equipping communities and and schools, and prevent violence. military and our schoolchildren, this schools with training and best prac- We cannot undo the tragedies of the military spouse missed the opportunity tices on recognizing and preventing past, but together we can do a better to have a portion of her Federal stu- school violence. job to prevent future tragedies. dent loans forgiven. No military spouse

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.026 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1387 should be punished for following his or Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas, on May 12, 1920, 10 Army aircraft her spouse’s relocation or reassign- (1) commemorates the victims killed in the were assigned to Camp Benning as the air de- ment. attack and offers heartfelt condolences and tachment of the post, marking the first use The legislation that Senators COR- deepest sympathies to the families, loved of aviation at Camp Benning; ones, and friends of the victims; Whereas, on February 8, 1922, Camp NYN, JONES and I have introduced is a (2) honors the survivors and pledges con- Benning was redesignated as Fort Benning; common sense proposal to allow mili- tinued support for their recovery; Whereas, on June 17, 1932, the tank school tary spouses to earn the benefits that (3) recognizes the strength and resilience of of the United States Army officially moved they have dutifully worked towards the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School from Fort Meade, Maryland, to Fort and continue to incentivize individuals community; and Benning; to teach our hardest to educate chil- (4) expresses gratitude to the emergency Whereas Fort Benning played a critical dren. Our legislation provides a waiver medical and health care professionals of the role in World War II, training thousands of from the Department of Education’s Parkland community for their efforts in re- soldiers for the European, African, and Pa- Teacher Loan Forgiveness program’s sponding to the attack and caring for the cific theaters of war; five consecutive years of service re- victims and survivors. Whereas, on June 25, 1940, the commandant quirement for qualified military f of the Infantry School was directed by the Adjutant General to provide a platoon of vol- spouses if their spouse is relocated dur- SENATE RESOLUTION 72—HON- unteers for parachute test duty, leading to ing the school year pursuant to mili- ORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY the formation of the Parachute Test Pla- tary orders from the Armed Forces. OF FORT BENNING IN COLUM- toon; This waiver will allow individuals to BUS, GEORGIA Whereas, on September 16, 1940, the War remain eligible for the Teacher Loan Department approved the formation of the Mr. PERDUE (for himself, Mr. JONES, Forgiveness program should they re- first Parachute Battalion at Fort Benning; and Mr. ISAKSON) submitted the fol- sume teaching full-time at a qualifying Whereas, on October 1, 1940, the 501st Para- lowing resolution; which was referred low-income school district within one chute Battalion was activated; to the Committee on Armed Services: year of their relocation. In addition, Whereas, in July 1941, the modern Officer this legislation requires the Depart- S. RES. 72 Candidate School for Infantry was estab- Whereas 2018 was the 100th anniversary of lished at Fort Benning to provide a rigorous ment of Education to provide a report training venue for new officers; to Congress every two years on the Fort Benning, a military installation oper- ating in Columbus, Georgia; Whereas, in December 1943, the 555th Para- number of military spouses who re- Whereas Fort Benning is named after Brig- chute Infantry Company, later redesignated mained eligible for Teacher Loan For- adier General Henry Lewis Benning, a resi- as Company A, 555th Parachute Infantry giveness due to this legislation. In ad- dent of Columbus, Georgia; Battalion, the first African-American para- dition, it would allow military spouses Whereas Fort Benning resides on land chute unit, which was known as ‘‘Triple that follow their service member over- originally belonging to the Creek Tribe of Nickles’’, was activated at Fort Benning; seas to accrue periods of service to- the Muskogee Nation; Whereas, after World War II, Fort Benning wards the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Whereas, on April 4, 1917, the day after continued to play a vital role in training sol- President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress diers for every conflict involving the United program if they teach in one of the De- States; partment of Defense Education Activi- for a declaration of war against Germany, the citizens of Columbus began advocating Whereas the Ranger Training Center was ties operated schools. for an Army camp to be constructed near Co- established on October 12, 1950, which trained I urge my colleagues to join in this lumbus, Georgia; personnel for the Korean War; effort to help families who are wholly Whereas the War Department decided to Whereas, during the Korean War, Fort committed to public service by sup- move the Infantry School of Arms at Fort Benning opened the Officer Candidate School porting the Preserving Teacher Loan Sill, Oklahoma, to a more spacious site to on February 18, 1951, which has trained— Forgiveness for Military Spouses Act. train soldiers on infantry skills and tactics; (1) thousands of infantry officers to serve Whereas, on August 27, 1918, with the help as leaders in the Army; and No family committed to service of our (2) since 1973, officers of all branches to of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, an country should lose out on earned ben- serve as leaders in the Armed Forces; 84-acre farm on Macon Road in Columbus, efits due to a technicality. Whereas the 11th Air Assault Division was Georgia, was selected as the site for the in- activated at Fort Benning on February 7, f fantry camp; 1963, to test and develop the air mobile con- Whereas, on September 18, 1918, the Adju- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS cept; tant General ordered troops from Fort Sill to Whereas the 11th Air Assault Division was report to the newly selected site by October inactivated on July 1, 1965, and replaced by 1, 1918; SENATE RESOLUTION 71—HON- the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and de- Whereas, on October 19, 1918, Columbus na- ORING THE MEMORY OF THE ployed to Vietnam on September 11, 1965, tive Anna Caroline Benning, daughter of the VICTIMS OF THE SENSELESS AT- specializing in flying troops in and out of brigadier general, raised the United States combat zones via helicopter; TACK AT MARJORY STONEMAN flag over the United States Infantry School Whereas Fort Benning served as a major DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL 1 YEAR of Arms and the site was formally christened staging ground for troops sent to the Middle AGO Camp Benning; East during Operation Desert Shield and Op- Whereas, after the end of World War I, the Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. eration Desert Storm, and later during Oper- Committee on Military Affairs of the Senate SCOTT of Florida) submitted the fol- ation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi ordered construction on Camp Benning to be lowing resolution; which was consid- Freedom; halted on January 9, 1919; Whereas, in 2009, tanks from the Armor ered and agreed to: Whereas Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia School at Fort Knox arrived at Fort S. RES. 71 strongly advocated for congressional hear- Benning, combining infantry and armor at 1 Whereas, on February 14, 2018, a mass ings to receive testimony on resuming con- post and forming the Maneuver Center of Ex- shooting that took the lives of 17 teachers struction of the post, allowing for Columbus- cellence; and students took place at Marjory area supporters, as well as infantry com- Whereas, on August 16, 2017, the 1st Secu- Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, manders who fought in World War I, to tes- rity Force Assistance Brigade was activated Florida; tify about the need for the post; at Fort Benning and subsequently deployed Whereas the people of the United States Whereas, on March 8, 1919, the Committee to Afghanistan to assist forces of the Gov- continue to pray for those who were affected on Military Affairs of the Senate voted to re- ernment of Afghanistan; by this tragedy; sume building Camp Benning; Whereas the Maneuver Center of Excel- Whereas President Donald Trump stated: Whereas the post quickly outgrew the lence consists of— ‘‘No child, no teacher, should ever be in dan- Macon Road location and, on June 17, 1919, (1) the Capabilities Development and Inte- ger in an American school. No parent should Camp Benning was moved to its present site, gration Directorate; ever have to fear for their sons and daugh- which included the 1,800-acre plantation of (2) the United States Army Infantry ters when they kiss them goodbye in the local businessman Arthur Bussey; School; morning.’’; Whereas, on January 9, 1922, the War De- (3) the United States Army Armor School; Whereas the Parkland community has partment issued General Order No. 1, making (4) the 194th Armored Brigade, 316th Cav- shown strength, compassion, and unity in Camp Benning a permanent military instal- alry Brigade, and 198th and 199th Infantry the past year; and lation and appropriating more than $1,000,000 Brigades; Whereas February 14, 2019, marks 1 year of additional building funds for the Infantry (5) the Directorate of Training and Doc- since the horrific attack: Now, therefore, be School of Arms, which later became the In- trine; and it fantry School; (6) additional tenant units;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.032 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 Whereas some of the most respected United SENATE RESOLUTION 73—CALLING year sentence for his work defending human States military leaders in the 20th century ON THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI rights; were stationed at Fort Benning, including— ARABIA TO IMMEDIATELY RE- Whereas, according to a 2018 Human Rights (1) General Omar Bradley; Watch report, ‘‘Saudi interrogators tortured (2) General Dwight Eisenhower; LEASE SAUDI WOMEN’S RIGHTS at least three of the Saudi women activists’ (3) General George Marshall; ACTIVISTS AND RESPECT THE detained beginning in May 2018’’; (4) General George Patton; FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF ALL Whereas the reports of torture include (5) General William Livsey; and SAUDI CITIZENS electric shocks, whippings, beatings, and sex- (6) General Colin Powell; ual harassment and assault; Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Mr. CARDIN, Whereas Fort Benning has helped foster Whereas, according to news reports, a top changes in the role of women in the military; Mr. MORAN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. SASSE, Mr. adviser of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Whereas, on December, 14, 1973, Privates KAINE, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. COONS, Mr. Salman, Saud al-Qahtani, has been present Joyce Kutsch and Rita Johnson became the BOOKER, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. MURPHY, during interrogation sessions with the wom- first women to graduate the Basic Airborne Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. MARKEY) sub- en’s rights activists; Course, and later, the United States Army mitted the following resolution; which Whereas, on January 16, 2019, more than Quartermaster School Parachute Rigger was referred to the Committee on For- 200 academics from around the world sent a Course; eign Relations: letter to the Saudi King calling on the Gov- Whereas, on August 21, 2015, Captain ernment of Saudi Arabia to release ‘‘Dr Kristen Griest and 1st Lieutenant Shaye S. RES. 73 Hatoon Aiwad-al-Fassi and other women’s Haver became the first 2 women to graduate Whereas the United States Government rights advocates who remain in detention’’; from the Army Ranger School at Fort and the Government of Saudi Arabia share Whereas the United States Senate resolved Benning; an important security partnership; on International Women’s Day on March 8, Whereas, on December 1, 2016, 13 women be- Whereas Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed 2018, that the empowerment of women is in- came the first ever to graduate from the bin Salman said during an April 2018 inter- extricably linked to the potential of a coun- Army Armor Basic Officer Leader Course at view with The Atlantic magazine, ‘‘I support try to generate economic growth, sustain- Fort Benning; women . . . In our religion there is no dif- able democracy, and inclusive security; Whereas, on May 19, 2017, Company A, 1st ference between men and women . . . We Whereas the Department of State’s 2017 re- Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 198th In- don’t want divided treatment for different port on human rights practices in Saudi Ara- fantry Brigade, graduated 137 new Infantry people’’; bia stated that the Government of Saudi soldiers, including 18 women who completed Whereas Saudi authorities, since Moham- Arabia’s review of guardianship laws had not the first inter-gender Infantry One Station med bin Salman became Crown Prince, have yet been completed, that the Government of Unit Training at Fort Benning; relaxed some repressive restrictions on Saudi Arabia restricts the foreign travel of Whereas, on June 22, 2017, 4 women became women, including by allowing women to women, and that the Government of Saudi the first ever to graduate from the Cavalry drive, attend certain sporting events, and Arabia continues to discriminate against School of the Army at Fort Benning; enter some professions which were pre- women; Whereas Fort Benning is the sixth largest viously closed to them; Whereas the arrests of women’s rights ac- military installation in the United States Whereas, in May 2018, Saudi authorities tivists and their supporters since May 2018 covering approximately 182,000 acres, with a began arresting women’s rights activists and are contrary to the Government of Saudi $5,500,000,000 economic impact to the ‘‘Tri- their supporters, including those who had Arabia’s stated reform goals; and Community’’ and approximately 120,000 mili- campaigned for the right to drive ahead of Whereas the detention and reported abuse tary and civilian personnel; the government’s announcement granting of women’s rights activists and the murder Whereas the Columbus Chamber of Com- women the right to drive effective June 24, of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post jour- merce, the Rotary Club of Columbus, Colum- 2018; nalist and United States resident, dem- bus 2025, and other partnering groups fought Whereas those detained included— onstrate a blatant disregard for human to establish and have continued to support (1) Samar Badawi, who petitioned Saudi rights and the freedom of expression: Now, Fort Benning from its inception; authorities to allow women the right to therefore, be it Whereas the people of the Tri-Community drive, vote, and run in municipal elections; Resolved, That the Senate— fought to establish and have continued to (2) Nouf Abdelaziz, who expressed soli- (1) calls on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support Fort Benning from its inception; and darity with arrested women’s rights activ- immediately release and drop any politically Whereas the following visionary citizens ists; motivated charges against the detained displayed the foresight, vision, and leader- (3) Mayaa al-Zahrani, an activist and Saudi women’s rights activists related to ship to fight to establish Camp Benning near friend of Abdelaziz; peaceful activities to advance human rights Columbus, Georgia: (4) Nassima al-Sadah, who campaigned for in Saudi Arabia, which are protected under (1) Mr. John Betjeman. the right to drive and against the govern- international law; (2) Mr. Rhodes Browne. ment’s male guardianship laws; (2) expresses concern over the reported use (3) Mr. John Ralston Cargill. (5) Hatoon al-Fassi, a professor of women’s of torture by the Government of Saudi Ara- (4) Mr. Lucius H. Chappell. history who was one of the first Saudi bia against the women’s activists, and urges (5) Mr. Henry B. Crawford. women to acquire a driver’s license; and investigation into such allegations and the (6) Mr. J. Homer Dimon. (6) Loujain al-Hathloul who spent 73 days holding accountable of perpetrators; (7) Mr. Robert Ernest Dismukes. in detention for defying the driving ban in (3) recognizes that the strategic relation- (8) Mr. W.J. Fielder. 2014–15; ship with Saudi Arabia is in the national in- (9) Mr. Reynolds Flournoy. Whereas one of the detained women, Aziza terest of the United States; (10) Mr. Frank U. Garrard. al-Youssef, is a United States permanent (4) reaffirms that the global recognition (11) Mr. Ralph Curtis Jordan. resident who maintains a residence in Vir- and protection of basic human rights, includ- (12) Mr. Albert Kirven. ginia; ing women’s rights, is in the national secu- (13) Mr. A.F. Kunze. Whereas Saudi authorities, on June 2, 2018, rity interest of the United States; (14) Mr. Frank G. Lumpkin. announced that they would provisionally re- (15) Mr. Leighton W. MacPherson. (5) urges the Government of Saudi Arabia (16) Mr. H.R. Mcclatchey. lease eight individuals and refer nine indi- to reform its laws that restrict basic human (17) Mr. T.T. Miller. viduals to trial, where they could face the rights, including women’s rights, such as by (18) Mr. Marshall Morton. following serious charges that carry pen- abolishing the male guardianship system; (19) Mr. Roger M. Page. alties of up to 20 years in prison ‘‘cooper- (6) urges the President and the Secretary (20) Mr. T.G. Reeves. ating with entities hostile to the kingdom,’’ of State to affirm the support of the United (21) Mr. Walter A. Richards. ‘‘recruiting persons in a sensitive govern- States for the right of activists to peacefully (22) Mr. H.C. Smith: Now, therefore, be it ment agency to obtain confidential informa- advocate for the protection of universal Resolved, That the Senate— tion to harm the interests of the kingdom,’’ human rights; (1) honors Fort Benning in Columbus, and ‘‘providing financial and moral support (7) calls on the President to press the Gov- Georgia, on its 100th anniversary; to hostile elements abroad’’; ernment of Saudi Arabia to immediately re- (2) commends the thousands of men and Whereas, in 2012, Samar Badawi, one of the lease all political prisoners, human rights women who have worked and trained at Fort activists detained by the Saudi authorities, defenders, journalists, and bloggers, includ- Benning; received the International Women of Cour- ing Raif Badawi, Waleed Abu al-Khair, and (3) honors the people of the ‘‘Tri-Commu- age Award from the United States Depart- others who support religious freedom, and nity’’ including those in Columbus, Georgia, ment of State; the women’s rights activists detained after and Phenix City, Alabama, for their contin- Whereas Samar Badawi’s brother, Raif May 2018; and ued support of Fort Benning; and Badawi, has remained imprisoned in Saudi (8) calls on the President to comply with (4) encourages Fort Benning to continue Arabia since 2012 and was publically flogged the request submitted under subsection (d) of its instrumental role in preparing the brave for his work calling for free speech on his section 1263 of the Global Magnitsky Human men and women of the United States for the website ‘‘Free Saudi Liberals’’ and his law- Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of battlefield. yer, Waleed Abu al-Khair, is serving a 15- title XII of Public Law 114-328; 22 U.S.C. 2656

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.030 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1389 note) for a determination under subsection Whereas, on February 25, 2014, fulfilling de- Whereas, on January 24, 2019, a Ukrainian (a) of that section with respect to the per- mands of the Maidan, Ukraine’s special po- court found Yanukovych guilty in absentia sons responsible for the murder of Saudi lice force known as the Berkut was dis- of high treason and complicity in conducting journalist Jamal Khashoggi. solved, as it had been heavily involved in the an aggressive war against Ukraine, and sen- violence against the Euromaidan protestors; tenced him to 13 years in prison; f Whereas the Ukrainian government’s use Whereas, in order to help Ukraine preserve SENATE RESOLUTION 74—MARKING of force against activists throughout the its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggres- THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF Euromaidan protests, including the use of sion, the United States Government has pro- UKRAINE’S REVOLUTION OF DIG- live bullets, was widely condemned by West- vided Ukraine with over $1,000,000,000 in se- ern governments, including the United NITY BY HONORING THE BRAV- curity assistance, including critical defen- States, and ultimately failed to discourage sive items such as Javelin anti-tank missiles ERY, DETERMINATION, AND SAC- the Euromaidan movement; and Island-class cutters; and RIFICE OF THE PEOPLE OF Whereas, on September 1, 2017, the Whereas, in the 115th Congress, both the UKRAINE DURING AND SINCE Ukraine–EU Association Agreement came United States Senate and the United States THE REVOLUTION, AND CON- into force after its signing by the Govern- House of Representatives passed resolutions DEMNING CONTINUED RUSSIAN ment of Ukraine and the EU; commemorating the 85th anniversary of the AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE Whereas, in response to Ukraine’s Revolu- Holodomor, the Soviet Union’s manmade tion of Dignity, the Russian Federation famine that it committed against the people Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. DUR- launched military aggression against of Ukraine in 1932 and 1933: Now, therefore, BIN, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. MUR- Ukraine, illegally occupied Ukraine’s Cri- be it mean Peninsula, and instigated a war in PHY, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. Resolved, That the Senate— eastern Ukraine, which is still ongoing and CASEY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Ms. ERNST, (1) remembers the courage and resolve has killed more than 10,000 Ukrainians; Mr. WYDEN, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. BROWN, shown by the Ukrainian people in the Revo- Whereas the Russian Federation’s at- lution of Dignity; Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. tempted invasion and annexation of Crimea JONES) submitted the following resolu- has been widely seen as an effort to stifle (2) solemnly honors the ‘‘Heavenly Hun- tion; which was referred to the Com- pro-democracy developments across Ukraine dred’’ who were killed during the Revolution mittee on Foreign Relations: in 2014 in the wake of the Revolution of Dig- of Dignity while fighting for the causes of freedom and democracy in Ukraine; S. RES. 74 nity; Whereas 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of (3) applauds the progress that the Govern- Whereas, on November 21, 2013, peaceful the signing of the Budapest Memorandum, ment of Ukraine has made since the Revolu- protests began on Independence Square which committed the United States, the tion of Dignity in strengthening the rule of (Maidan) in Kyiv against the decision by the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation law, aligning itself with Euro-Atlantic government of then-President Viktor to refrain from the threat or use of force norms and standards, and improving mili- Yanukovych to suspend signing the Ukraine- against Ukraine’s territorial integrity in ex- tary combat readiness and interoperability European Union (EU) Association Agreement change for Ukraine giving up its nuclear with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and instead pursue closer ties with the Rus- weapons; (NATO); sian Federation; Whereas the Russian Federation is a signa- (4) encourages the Government of Ukraine Whereas the Maidan protests, initially re- tory to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and to continue implementing crucial reforms to ferred to as the Euromaidan, quickly drew thus committed to respect the independence, fight corruption, build strong and free mar- thousands of people and broadened to become sovereignty, and territorial integrity of kets, and strengthen democracy and the rule a general demonstration in support of Ukraine; of law; Ukraine’s integration with the European Whereas the Government of the Russian (5) affirms the United States Government’s Union and against the corrupt Yanukovych Federation is further obligated to respect unwavering commitment to supporting the regime; the sovereignty of Ukraine pursuant to its continuing efforts of the Government of Whereas, on the night of November 30, 2013, commitments as a signatory to the Helsinki Ukraine to implement democratic and free Ukrainian police forces surrounded and vio- Final Act and the Charter of the United Na- market reforms, restoring Ukraine’s terri- lently dispersed peaceful protestors on the tions; torial integrity, as well as providing addi- Maidan; Whereas, on March 27, 2014, the United Na- tional lethal and non-lethal security assist- Whereas the next day, thousands of tions General Assembly adopted Resolution ance to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capa- Euromaidan demonstrators regrouped and 68/262 calling on states and international or- bilities on land, sea, and in the air in order resumed the protests for three months, de- ganizations not to recognize any change in to improve deterrence against Russian ag- spite facing continuing and increasing vio- Crimea’s status and affirmed the commit- gression; lence from the police; ment of the United Nations to recognize Cri- (6) condemns the Russian Federation’s on- Whereas, on January 16, 2014, anti-protest mea as part of Ukraine; going malign activities against Ukraine and laws, known as the ‘‘dictatorship laws’’, were Whereas the United States and European renews its call on the Government of the adopted by the Government of Ukraine, Union have imposed sanctions on individuals Russian Federation to immediately cease all which sought to restrict the actions of the and entities who have enabled the attempted activity that seeks to undermine Ukraine Euromaidan protestors; invasion, annexation, and occupation of Cri- and destabilize the European continent; Whereas these laws were condemned by mea; (7) reiterates its strong condemnation of Euromaidan protestors as well as Western of- Whereas, pursuant to the Revolution of the provocative actions and unjustified use ficials, including then-Secretary of State Dignity’s goal of fighting corruption in of military force by the Government of the John Kerry, who called them ‘‘anti-demo- Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Russian Federation in the Kerch Strait cratic’’; adopted the Law On the National Anti-Cor- against the Ukrainian Navy on November 25, Whereas many of these laws were repealed ruption Bureau (NABU) of Ukraine on Octo- 2018, as a blatant violation of the Russian just 11 days after being signed into law; ber 14, 2014; Federation’s commitments under inter- Whereas, on the night of February 18, 2014, Whereas, on June 26, 2017, the Law of national law and the 2003 Treaty Between police assaulted and burned down the Trade Ukraine On the Establishment of the High the Russian Federation and Ukraine on Co- Union Building in Kyiv, which had been used Anti-Corruption Court was signed into law; operation in the Use of the Sea of Azov and as a headquarters for the Euromaidan move- Whereas, on July 5, 2018, the Law on Na- the Kerch Strait; ment; tional Security was adopted, which has (8) expresses its support to all Ukrainian Whereas Yanukovych’s government forces strengthened civilian control over the political prisoners convicted on fabricated began using live ammunition against the Ukrainian military, increased transparency charges and incarcerated by Russian or Rus- Euromaidan movement, leading to the in the security sector, and more clearly de- sian-controlled authorities, including the deaths of more than a hundred protestors lineated the powers of law enforcement agen- Ukrainian sailors seized in the November 25, who are now remembered in Ukraine as the cies; 2018, attack near the Kerch Strait who are ‘‘Heavenly Hundred’’; Whereas, on January 6, 2019, the Ecumeni- due treatment under the 1949 Geneva Con- Whereas, on February 21, 2014, in the face cal Patriarch of Constantinople granted ventions and have been illegally kept in de- of the ongoing Euromaidan protests demand- autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox tention in the territory of the Russian Fed- ing his resignation, then-President Viktor Church, thus establishing the first inde- eration, while renewing its strong call on the Yanukovych fled Kyiv, and then fled Ukraine pendent Ukrainian Orthodox Church in over Kremlin to immediately release these the next day; 300 years; Ukrainian citizens; Whereas, on February 22, 2014, the Whereas despite requests by the Govern- (9) affirms the Department of State’s Cri- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized that ment of Ukraine, the Government of the mea Declaration, announced on July 25, 2018, Yanukovych had ceased his functions as Russian Federation has repeatedly refused to that rejects Russia’s attempted annexation president, voted him from office, and sched- extradite former President of Ukraine of Crimea and pledges to maintain this pol- uled early presidential elections for May 25, Viktor Yanukovych to stand trial in icy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is re- 2014; Ukraine; stored;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.031 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 (10) believes that the Nord Stream 2 pipe- tries to colleagues, staff of the House of Rep- Whereas, during every Congress in which line poses a major threat to European secu- resentatives, and visitors to the Capitol; he served, John Dingell introduced legisla- rity, seeks to further undermine Ukraine’s Whereas John Dingell had his first taste of tion to provide universal access to health economic stability, and threatens to increase public service and participation in govern- care; the country’s vulnerability to further Rus- ment as a page for the House of Representa- Whereas, in 2010, John Dingell invited sian military incursions; tives; Speaker Nancy Pelosi to use the gavel with (11) calls upon the United States Govern- Whereas John Dingell, while serving as a which he presided over passage of the Social ment, as well as its international allies and page for the House of Representatives, in the Security Amendments of 1965 (Public Law partners, to maintain a strong sanctions re- Hall of the House of Representatives on De- 89–97; 79 Stat. 286), which included the Medi- gime against the Russian Federation until it cember 8, 1941, witnessed President Franklin care program under title XVIII of the Social upholds its international obligations towards Roosevelt deliver the iconic address asking Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), to pre- Ukraine, including the Budapest Memo- for a declaration of war against Japan fol- side over passage of the Patient Protection randum on Security Assurances and the lowing the bombing of Pearl Harbor; and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18001 et Minsk Agreements; and Whereas John Dingell was drafted into the seq.) in the House of Representatives; (12) congratulates the people of Ukraine on United States Army at the age of 18 and Whereas John Dingell, over the course of the announcement on January 6, 2019, of served honorably; his tenure in the House of Representatives, autocephaly for an independent Orthodox Whereas John Dingell received a Bachelor served with the following 11 Presidents: Church of Ukraine, which has marked an im- of Science degree and a Juris Doctor degree Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, portant milestone in Ukraine’s pursuit of its from Georgetown University; Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald own future free from Russian influence. Whereas, prior to being elected to the Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and f House of Representatives, John Dingell worked— Barack Obama; SENATE RESOLUTION 75—HON- (1) in private law practice; Whereas John Dingell served as Dean of ORING THE LIFE, ACHIEVE- (2) as a park ranger with the National Park the House of Representatives from January MENTS, AND DISTINGUISHED Service; and 3, 1995, to January 3, 2015; (3) as an assistant prosecutor; Whereas John Dingell retired from the PUBLIC SERVICE OF JOHN DAVID Whereas John Dingell was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and was DINGELL, JR., AND EXPRESSING House of Representatives following the death succeeded by his beloved wife, Deborah, CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY of John David Dingell, Sr., in 1955 and was whom he referred to as his ‘‘lovely Deborah’’; ON HIS PASSING reelected 29 times; Whereas Deborah Dingell carries on the Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Whereas John Dingell— legacy of John Dingell and now serves as co- (1) advocated for affordable health insur- chair of the Democratic Policy and Commu- PETERS, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. ance coverage for seniors in the United nications Committee in the Democratic Cau- MARKEY, Mr. CASEY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, States, a cause championed by John David cus; Mr. BOOKER, Mr. CARPER, Ms. KLO- Dingell, Sr.; and Whereas, in 2014, President Barack Obama BUCHAR, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. BROWN, Mr. (2) worked to secure the enactment of the awarded John Dingell the Presidential Medal LEAHY, Ms. HARRIS, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Medicare program under title XVIII of the of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) in Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Mrs. BLACK- United States; 1965, presiding over the passage of the Social BURN, and Mr. BURR) submitted the fol- Whereas John Dingell, both before and Security Amendments of 1965 (Public Law after retirement, gathered a large following lowing resolution; which was consid- 89–97; 79 Stat. 286) in the House of Represent- ered and agreed to: on Twitter, where he demonstrated wit, wis- atives; dom, and clever commentary on politics in S. RES. 75 Whereas John Dingell witnessed President the United States while promoting greater Whereas, on February 8, 2019, the death of Lyndon B. Johnson sign into law the Social civility, patriotism, tolerance, justice, and Representative John David Dingell, Jr. (re- Security Amendments of 1965 (Public Law inclusion; and ferred to in this preamble as ‘‘John Din- 89–97; 79 Stat. 286), which enacted the Medi- Whereas John Dingell was held in the high- gell’’), former Chairman of the Committee care program under title XVIII of the Social est esteem by Members of Congress from on Energy and Commerce of the House of Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); both parties because of his record tenure in Representatives, brought a sense of deep per- Whereas John Dingell was a crusader for office, sharp intellect, good humor, congeni- sonal loss— the environment, helping to author and ality, and belief in working together to (1) to his family, including his wife, Rep- shepherd to passage— achieve consensus through trust and camara- (1) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et resentative Deborah ‘‘Debbie’’ Dingell of the derie: Now, therefore, be it 12th congressional district of Michigan, and seq.); Resolved, That the Senate— (2) the National Environmental Policy Act his children and grandchildren; (1) honors the life, achievements, and dis- (2) to his many former colleagues and of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (3) the Federal Water Pollution Control tinguished public service of John David Din- friends; gell, Jr.; and (3) to Members of Congress; and Act Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92–500; 86 Stat. 816), which formed the basis of the (2) expresses condolences to the family of (4) to the people of the United States; John David Dingell, Jr., on his passing. Whereas John Dingell represented the peo- modern Federal Water Pollution Control Act ple of southeastern Michigan with distinc- (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); f (4) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 tion in the House of Representatives for 59 SENATE RESOLUTION 76—DESIG- years, from December 13, 1955, to January 3, U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and (5) the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 2015, making John Dingell the longest serv- NATING MARCH 1, 2019, AS ‘‘NA- 300f et seq.); ing Member of either chamber of Congress in TIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE Whereas John Dingell fought to make civil the history of the United States; EDUCATION DAY’’ rights a part of the platform of the Demo- Whereas the father of John Dingell, the cratic Party in 1960, standing up to people Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. late John David Dingell, Sr., preceded John who believed it would alienate certain voters COONS, Ms. WARREN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Dingell in service as a Member of the House and declaring that making civil rights a Mr. DURBIN, and Ms. ERNST) submitted of Representatives from March 4, 1933, to platform issue was the right thing to do; the following resolution; which was September 19, 1955; Whereas John Dingell was a strong sup- Whereas the wife of John Dingell, Deborah considered and agreed to: porter in the House of Representatives of— S. RES. 76 Dingell, succeeded John Dingell on January (1) the Civil Rights Act of 1957 (Public Law 3, 2015, and continues to serve as a Member 85–315; 71 Stat. 634); Whereas it is essential for youth to learn of the House of Representatives; (2) the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (Public Law and practice the art of communicating with Whereas the people of southeastern Michi- 86–449; 74 Stat. 86); and without technology; gan have entrusted John David Dingell, Sr., (3) the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Whereas speech and debate education of- John Dingell, and Deborah Dingell together 2000a et seq.); and fers students myriad forms of public speak- to serve as their voice in Congress for the (4) the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. ing through which students may develop tal- past 86 years; 10301 et seq.); ent and exercise unique voice and character; Whereas John Dingell was raised from the Whereas John Dingell served as chairman Whereas speech and debate education gives age of 6 in southeast Michigan, the home of the Committee on Energy and Commerce students the 21st-century skills of commu- State of the parents of John Dingell, and the of the House of Representatives from Janu- nication, critical thinking, creativity, and State that John David Dingell, Sr., was ary 3, 1981, to January 3, 1995, and again from collaboration; elected to serve in the 73rd Congress; January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2009, and Whereas critical analysis and effective Whereas John Dingell was fiercely proud of served as the ranking minority member dur- communication allow important ideas, texts, his Polish-American roots and throughout ing the years in between, making John Din- and philosophies the opportunity to flourish; his life shared the joys of his heritage with gell the senior Democratic member on that Whereas personal, professional, and civic others, including by delivering paczki pas- Committee for 26 years; interactions are enhanced by the ability of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.035 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1391 the participants in those interactions to lis- Whereas the National FFA Organization is Whereas local radio stations provide free ten, concur, question, and dissent with rea- comprised of more than 8,500 chapters in all publicity and promotion to the recording in- son and compassion; 50 States, Puerto Rico, the United States dustry and performers of music in the form Whereas students who participate in Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C.; of radio airplay, interviews with performers, speech and debate have chosen a challenging Whereas more than 650,000 students in sec- introduction of new performers, concert pro- activity that requires regular practice, dedi- ondary schools, community and technical motions, and publicity that promotes the cation, and hard work; colleges, and universities are members of the sale of music, concert tickets, ring tones, Whereas teachers and coaches of speech National FFA Organization; music videos, and associated merchandise; and debate devote in-school, afterschool, and Whereas 2019 marks 50 years of female Whereas committees in the Senate and the weekend hours to equip students with life- membership in the National FFA Organiza- House of Representatives have previously re- changing skills and opportunities; tion; ported that ‘‘the sale of many sound record- Whereas National Speech and Debate Edu- Whereas the National FFA Organization ings and the careers of many performers cation Day emphasizes the lifelong impact of welcomes students with diverse back- have benefitted considerably from airplay providing people of the United States with grounds; and other promotional activities provided by the confidence and preparation to both dis- Whereas the mission of the National FFA both noncommercial and advertiser-sup- cern and share views; Organization is to develop the potential of ported, free over-the-air broadcasting’’; Whereas National Speech and Debate Edu- students for premier leadership, personal Whereas local radio broadcasters provide cation Day acknowledges that most achieve- growth, and career success through agricul- tens of thousands of hours of essential local ments, celebrations, commemorations, and tural education; news and weather information during times pivotal moments in modern history begin, Whereas, through classroom education and of national emergencies and natural disas- end, or are crystallized with public address; hands-on work experience, the National FFA ters, as well as public affairs programming, Whereas National Speech and Debate Edu- Organization prepares students for college sports, and hundreds of millions of dollars cation Day recognizes that learning to re- and a broad range of careers, including more worth of time for public service announce- search, construct, and present an argument than 255 careers in agriculture; ments and local fund raising efforts for wor- is integral to personal advocacy, social Whereas members of the National FFA Or- thy charitable causes, all of which are jeop- movements, and the making of public policy; ganization strengthen their communities ardized if local radio stations are forced to Whereas the National Speech & Debate As- through service and by preparing the next divert revenues to pay for a new performance sociation, in conjunction with national and generation of leaders to meet agricultural fee; local partners, honors and celebrates the im- challenges; and Whereas there are many thousands of local portance of speech and debate through Na- Whereas members of the National FFA Or- radio stations that will suffer severe eco- tional Speech and Debate Education Day; ganization will celebrate National FFA nomic hardship if any new performance fee is and Week during the week of February 16 imposed, as will many other small businesses Whereas National Speech and Debate Edu- through 23, 2019: Now, therefore, be it that play music, including bars, restaurants, cation Day emphasizes the importance of Resolved, That the Senate— retail establishments, sports and other en- speech and debate education and the integra- (1) designates February 16 through 23, 2019, tertainment venues, shopping centers, and tion of speech and debate education across as ‘‘National FFA Week’’; transportation facilities; and grade levels and disciplines: Now, therefore, (2) recognizes the important role of the Na- Whereas the hardship that would result be it tional FFA Organization in developing from a new performance fee would hurt busi- Resolved, That the Senate— young leaders and providing educational and nesses in the United States and ultimately (1) designates March 1, 2019, as ‘‘National career opportunities to students; and the consumers in the United States who rely Speech and Debate Education Day’’; (3) celebrates 50 years of female member- on local radio for news, weather, and enter- (2) strongly affirms the purposes of Na- ship in the National FFA Organization. tainment, and such a performance fee is not tional Speech and Debate Education Day; f justified when the current system has pro- and duced the most prolific and innovative (3) encourages educational institutions, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- broadcasting, music, and sound recording in- businesses, community and civic associa- TION 4—PROVIDING FOR A COR- dustries in the world: Now, therefore, be it tions, and all people of the United States to RECTION IN THE ENROLLMENT Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- celebrate and promote National Speech and OF H.J. RES. 31 resentatives concurring), That Congress should Debate Education Day. not impose any new performance fee, tax, f Mr. SHELBY submitted the following royalty, or other charge— concurrent resolution; which was con- (1) relating to the public performance of SENATE RESOLUTION 77—DESIG- sidered and agreed to: sound recordings on a local radio station for NATING THE WEEK OF FEB- broadcasting sound recordings over the air; S. CON. RES. 4 RUARY 16 THROUGH 23, 2019, AS or ‘‘NATIONAL FFA WEEK,’’ RECOG- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- (2) on any business for the public perform- NIZING THE IMPORTANT ROLE resentatives concurring), That, in the enroll- ance of sound recordings on a local radio sta- ment of the joint resolution H.J. Res. 31, the tion broadcast over the air. OF THE NATIONAL FFA ORGANI- Clerk of the House of Representatives shall ZATION IN DEVELOPING YOUNG amend the long title so as to read: ‘‘Making f LEADERS, AND CELEBRATING 50 consolidated appropriations for the fiscal AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND YEARS OF FEMALE MEMBER- year ending September 30, 2019, and for other PROPOSED SHIP IN THE NATIONAL FFA OR- purposes.’’. GANIZATION f SA 190. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. MENEN- DEZ (for himself and Mr. RISCH)) proposed an Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. YOUNG, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- amendment to the concurrent resolution S. Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. TION 5—SUPPORTING THE LOCAL Con. Res. 1, calling for credible, transparent, KING, Mr. CARPER, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. RADIO FREEDOM ACT and safe elections in Nigeria, and for other JONES, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. HASSAN, Ms. purposes. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. KLOBUCHAR, Ms. STABENOW, Ms. SMITH, SA 191. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. MENEN- DEZ (for himself and Mr. RISCH)) proposed an Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. RISCH, Mr. MORAN, HEINRICH, Mr. BOOZMAN, Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. UDALL) submitted the fol- amendment to the concurrent resolution S. Mr. BRAUN, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. CAPITO, Con. Res. 1, supra. Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. CRUZ, lowing concurrent resolution; which f Mr. TILLIS, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. KENNEDY, was referred to the Committee on Com- Mr. INHOFE, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. ROUNDS, merce, Science, and Transportation: TEXT OF AMENDMENTS S. CON. RES. 5 Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. GARDNER, Mr. BLUNT, SA 190. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. Mr. WICKER, Mr. ENZI, Ms. ERNST, Mrs. Whereas the United States enjoys broad- MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. RISCH)) FISCHER, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. casting and sound recording industries that proposed an amendment to the concur- ALEXANDER, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. are the envy of the world due to the sym- rent resolution S. Con. Res. 1, calling GRASSLEY, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. DAINES, biotic relationship that has existed among these industries for many decades; for credible, transparent, and safe elec- and Mr. ROMNEY) submitted the fol- tions in Nigeria, and for other pur- lowing resolution; which was consid- Whereas, for nearly a century, Congress has rejected repeated calls by the recording poses; as follows: ered and agreed to: industry to impose a performance fee on Strike all after the resolving clause and in- S. RES. 77 local radio stations for simply playing music sert the following: ‘‘That Congress— Whereas Future Farmers of America (FFA) on the radio, as such a fee would upset the (1) reaffirms the commitment of the was established in 1928 and is now known as mutually beneficial relationship between United States to supporting peace and de- the National FFA Organization; local radio and the recording industry; mocracy in Nigeria;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.038 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 (2) calls on the Government of Nigeria and election-focused nongovernmental organiza- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO all Nigerian political parties and actors to— tions, to— MEET (A) take actions to facilitate credible, (A) continue to support efforts by the Gov- transparent , and peaceful elections that re- ernment of Nigeria to address the remaining Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I have flect the will of the people and advance the electoral preparation challenges and identify 4 requests for committees to meet dur- consolidation of democracy and the stability gaps in which additional resources or diplo- ing today’s session of the Senate. They of the broader region; matic engagement could make important have the approval of the Majority and (B) condemn in the strongest terms the use contributions to the conduct of credible, Minority leaders. of speech that incites violence, and refrain transparent elections; and Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph from efforts to demonize or delegitimize op- (B) support civil society organizations and 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- ponents, sow division among Nigerians, or media organizations working to enhance otherwise inflame tensions; transparency and accountability in the use ate, the following committees are au- (C) seek to resolve any disputes over re- of state resources around the election period. thorized to meet during today’s session sults peacefully, including through judicial of the Senate: processes as necessary; COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES (D) respect the impartiality of the Inde- SA 191. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. The Committee on Armed Services is pendent National Electoral Commission; and MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. RISCH)) (E) take measures to combat vote buying; authorized to meet during the session proposed an amendment to the concur- of the Senate on Thursday, February (3) calls on the Government of Nigeria to— rent resolution S. Con. Res. 1, calling (A) refrain from deploying security forces 14, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hear- in a partisan manner; for credible, transparent, and safe elec- ing. (B) ensure that security services maintain tions in Nigeria, and for other pur- poses; as follows: COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN the highest level of professionalism and im- AFFAIRS partiality in facilitating the electoral proc- Strike the preamble and insert the fol- ess, enable accredited observers and journal- The Committee on Banking, Housing, lowing: ists to perform their work, and protect the and Urban Affairs is authorized to right of citizens to exercise their votes free- Whereas it is in the national interest of meet during the session of the Senate ly; and the United States to maintain a strong bilat- on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 10 eral relationship with a politically stable, (C) enforce laws against election malfea- a.m., to conduct a hearing on the fol- sance, including vote buying, and ensure democratic, and economically sound Nigeria that can play a leadership role in the region lowing nominations: Bimal Patel, of equal and robust application of such laws Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary through appropriate mechanisms, including and the continent more broadly; through the establishment of an Electoral Whereas Nigeria has presidential and Na- of the Treasury, Todd M. Harper, of Offenses Commission and Tribunal; tional Assembly elections scheduled for Feb- Virginia, and Rodney Hood, of North (4) urges all Nigerians to fully and peace- ruary 16, 2019, and gubernatorial and state- Carolina, both to be a Member of the fully engage in the electoral process, insist level elections scheduled for March 2, 2019; National Credit Union Administration on full enfranchisement, reject inflam- Whereas credible, transparent, and peace- Board, and Mark Anthony Calabria, of matory or divisive rhetoric or actions, and ful elections could further consolidate demo- cratic gains achieved in Nigeria since the Virginia, to be Director of the Federal seek to resolve any disputes over results Housing Finance Agency. through the legal system; transition from military to civilian demo- (5) calls upon the Independent National cratic rule; COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL Electoral Commission to sustain confidence Whereas a 2017 survey conducted by RESOURCES and trust in its management of the electoral Afrobarometer found that the overwhelming The Committee on Energy and Nat- process by taking effective measures to— majority of Nigerians agreed that demo- ural Resources is authorized to meet (A) combat vote buying through voter edu- cratic elections are the best means of choos- during the session of the Senate on cation campaigns; ing their country’s leaders, thus indicating Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 10 a.m., that the country’s citizens are deeply com- (B) institute a nationwide ban on cell to conduct a hearing. phones in the voting cubicle; mitted to democracy; (C) ensure the participation in the election Whereas collaboration between civil soci- SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE of internally displaced persons (IDPs); and ety actors and the international community The Select Committee on Intel- (D) clean the voter rolls and ensure timely was a key factor that contributed to success- ligence is authorized to meet during production and distribution of the Perma- ful elections in 2015; the session of the Senate on Thursday, nent Voter Card to new voters; Whereas successive elections in Nigeria February 14, 2019, at 2 p.m., to conduct (6) encourages political parties in Nigeria have featured varying degrees of violence; to adhere to and enforce existing codes of Whereas both the ruling coalition and op- a closed briefing. conduct that commit parties to democratic position parties have incited ethnic violence f electoral standards regarding campaign use in an apparent effort to gain electoral advan- SIGNING AUTHORITY of resources, engagement of voters, peaceful tage, intimidate electoral rivals, and sup- resolution of disputes, and acceptance of press voter turnout; Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, verified and credible results; Whereas, during the Ekiti and Osun guber- I ask unanimous consent that the sen- (7) condemns any efforts on the part of any natorial elections in July 2018 and Sep- ior Senator from Nebraska and the sen- politicians or political parties in Nigeria to tember 2018, respectively, there were con- ior Senator from Arkansas be author- politicize the security and law enforcement cerning incidents in which some elements of ized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint agencies; Nigeria’s security agencies displayed par- (8) encourages civil society organizations tisanship and a lack of objectivity, which resolutions on February 15. in Nigeria to— risks escalating tensions within the country; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (A) promote the peaceful participation of Whereas Nigeria’s Independent National objection, it is so ordered. citizens in the electoral process and draw on Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken im- f existing inter-religious and peacebuilding portant steps to improve electoral processes, bodies to enhance their efforts; notably through the introduction of contin- RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY (B) disseminate information about citizen- uous voter registration, the adoption of si- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, based observation findings and analysis to multaneous accreditation and voting, im- I ask unanimous consent that the Sen- increase public knowledge and under- provements to the secrecy of the ballot, and ate now proceed to the en bloc consid- standing about the conduct of the elections; the advancement of smart card reader tech- eration of the following Senate resolu- and nology; (C) continue leading important early warn- Whereas remaining challenges to the con- tions, which were submitted earlier ing and response activities to mitigate elec- duct of credible, transparent, and peaceful today: S. Res. 75, S. Res. 76, and S. Res. tion-related violence, including monitoring elections in Nigeria include the failure to 77. efforts to incite violence or further inflame enact additional, critical reforms to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tensions; legal framework for elections, instances of objection to proceeding to the meas- (9) supports efforts by the Department of vote buying, reported security threats in the ures en bloc? State and the United States Agency for Middle Belt and North East, incitement, and There being no objection, the Senate International Development (USAID) to assist disinformation; and proceeded to consider the resolutions elections preparations in Nigeria, including Whereas ensuring transparency in elec- through programs focused on conflict miti- toral preparations and building public con- en bloc. gation; and fidence in the electoral process is vital to Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous (10) calls on the United States Government the success of the upcoming elections in Ni- consent that the resolutions be agreed and other international partners, especially geria: Now, therefore, be it to, the preambles be agreed to, and the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.043 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1393 motions to reconsider be considered ists to perform their work, and protect the eral relationship with a politically stable, made and laid upon the table, all en right of citizens to exercise their votes free- democratic, and economically sound Nigeria bloc. ly; and that can play a leadership role in the region The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (C) enforce laws against election malfea- and the continent more broadly; sance, including vote buying, and ensure Whereas Nigeria has presidential and Na- objection, it is so ordered. equal and robust application of such laws tional Assembly elections scheduled for Feb- The preambles were agreed to. through appropriate mechanisms, including ruary 16, 2019, and gubernatorial and state- (The resolutions, with their pre- through the establishment of an Electoral level elections scheduled for March 2, 2019; ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD Offenses Commission and Tribunal; Whereas credible, transparent, and peace- under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) (4) urges all Nigerians to fully and peace- ful elections could further consolidate demo- f fully engage in the electoral process, insist cratic gains achieved in Nigeria since the on full enfranchisement, reject inflam- transition from military to civilian demo- CALLING FOR CREDIBLE, TRANS- matory or divisive rhetoric or actions, and cratic rule; PARENT, AND SAFE ELECTIONS seek to resolve any disputes over results Whereas a 2017 survey conducted by IN NIGERIA through the legal system; Afrobarometer found that the overwhelming (5) calls upon the Independent National majority of Nigerians agreed that demo- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Electoral Commission to sustain confidence cratic elections are the best means of choos- I ask unanimous consent that the Com- and trust in its management of the electoral ing their country’s leaders, thus indicating mittee on Foreign Relations be dis- process by taking effective measures to— that the country’s citizens are deeply com- charged from further consideration of (A) combat vote buying through voter edu- mitted to democracy; S. Con. Res. 1, and the Senate proceed cation campaigns; Whereas collaboration between civil soci- to its immediate consideration. (B) institute a nationwide ban on cell ety actors and the international community The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without phones in the voting cubicle; was a key factor that contributed to success- objection, it is so ordered. (C) ensure the participation in the election ful elections in 2015; The clerk will report the concurrent of internally displaced persons (IDPs); and Whereas successive elections in Nigeria (D) clean the voter rolls and ensure timely have featured varying degrees of violence; resolution by title. production and distribution of the Perma- Whereas both the ruling coalition and op- The senior assistant legislative clerk nent Voter Card to new voters; position parties have incited ethnic violence read as follows: (6) encourages political parties in Nigeria in an apparent effort to gain electoral advan- A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 1) to adhere to and enforce existing codes of tage, intimidate electoral rivals, and sup- calling for credible, transparent, and safe conduct that commit parties to democratic press voter turnout; elections in Nigeria, and for other purposes. electoral standards regarding campaign use Whereas, during the Ekiti and Osun guber- There being no objection, the com- of resources, engagement of voters, peaceful natorial elections in July 2018 and Sep- mittee was discharged, and the Senate resolution of disputes, and acceptance of tember 2018, respectively, there were con- verified and credible results; cerning incidents in which some elements of proceeded to consider the resolution. (7) condemns any efforts on the part of any Nigeria’s security agencies displayed par- Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask politicians or political parties in Nigeria to tisanship and a lack of objectivity, which unanimous consent that the Menendez- politicize the security and law enforcement risks escalating tensions within the country; Risch substitute amendment at the agencies; Whereas Nigeria’s Independent National desk be considered and agreed to; that (8) encourages civil society organizations Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken im- the concurrent resolution, as amended, in Nigeria to— portant steps to improve electoral processes, be agreed to; that the Menendez-Risch (A) promote the peaceful participation of notably through the introduction of contin- amendment to the preamble, at the citizens in the electoral process and draw on uous voter registration, the adoption of si- existing inter-religious and peacebuilding multaneous accreditation and voting, im- desk, be considered and agreed to; that bodies to enhance their efforts; provements to the secrecy of the ballot, and the preamble, as amended, be agreed (B) disseminate information about citizen- the advancement of smart card reader tech- to; and that the motions to reconsider based observation findings and analysis to nology; be considered made and laid upon the increase public knowledge and under- Whereas remaining challenges to the con- table with no intervening action or de- standing about the conduct of the elections; duct of credible, transparent, and peaceful bate. and elections in Nigeria include the failure to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (C) continue leading important early warn- enact additional, critical reforms to the objection, it is so ordered. ing and response activities to mitigate elec- legal framework for elections, instances of tion-related violence, including monitoring vote buying, reported security threats in the The amendment (No. 190) in the na- efforts to incite violence or further inflame Middle Belt and North East, incitement, and ture of a substitute was agreed to as tensions; disinformation; and follows: (9) supports efforts by the Department of Whereas ensuring transparency in elec- (Purpose: To provide a complete substitute) State and the United States Agency for toral preparations and building public con- Strike all after the resolving clause and in- International Development (USAID) to assist fidence in the electoral process is vital to sert the following: ‘‘That Congress— elections preparations in Nigeria, including the success of the upcoming elections in Ni- (1) reaffirms the commitment of the through programs focused on conflict miti- geria: Now, therefore, be it United States to supporting peace and de- gation; and The preamble, as amended, was mocracy in Nigeria; (10) calls on the United States Government agreed to. (2) calls on the Government of Nigeria and and other international partners, especially The concurrent resolution, as amend- all Nigerian political parties and actors to— election-focused nongovernmental organiza- tions, to— ed, with its preamble, as amended, (A) take actions to facilitate credible, reads as follows: transparent , and peaceful elections that re- (A) continue to support efforts by the Gov- flect the will of the people and advance the ernment of Nigeria to address the remaining S. CON. RES. 1 consolidation of democracy and the stability electoral preparation challenges and identify Whereas it is in the national interest of of the broader region; gaps in which additional resources or diplo- the United States to maintain a strong bilat- (B) condemn in the strongest terms the use matic engagement could make important eral relationship with a politically stable, of speech that incites violence, and refrain contributions to the conduct of credible, democratic, and economically sound Nigeria from efforts to demonize or delegitimize op- transparent elections; and that can play a leadership role in the region ponents, sow division among Nigerians, or (B) support civil society organizations and and the continent more broadly; otherwise inflame tensions; media organizations working to enhance Whereas Nigeria has presidential and Na- (C) seek to resolve any disputes over re- transparency and accountability in the use tional Assembly elections scheduled for Feb- sults peacefully, including through judicial of state resources around the election period. ruary 16, 2019, and gubernatorial and state- processes as necessary; The concurrent resolution, as amend- level elections scheduled for March 2, 2019; (D) respect the impartiality of the Inde- ed, was agreed to. Whereas credible, transparent, and peace- pendent National Electoral Commission; and The amendment (No. 191) in the na- ful elections could further consolidate demo- (E) take measures to combat vote buying; ture of a substitute, was agreed to as cratic gains achieved in Nigeria since the (3) calls on the Government of Nigeria to— transition from military to civilian demo- (A) refrain from deploying security forces follows: cratic rule; in a partisan manner; (Purpose: To amend the preamble) Whereas a 2017 survey conducted by (B) ensure that security services maintain Strike the preamble and insert the fol- Afrobarometer found that the overwhelming the highest level of professionalism and im- lowing: majority of Nigerians agreed that demo- partiality in facilitating the electoral proc- Whereas it is in the national interest of cratic elections are the best means of choos- ess, enable accredited observers and journal- the United States to maintain a strong bilat- ing their country’s leaders, thus indicating

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.072 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 that the country’s citizens are deeply com- (5) calls upon the Independent National Mr. MCCONNELL. I know of no fur- mitted to democracy; Electoral Commission to sustain confidence ther debate on the bill. Whereas collaboration between civil soci- and trust in its management of the electoral The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ety actors and the international community process by taking effective measures to— further debate? was a key factor that contributed to success- (A) combat vote buying through voter edu- ful elections in 2015; cation campaigns; If not, the question is, Shall the bill Whereas successive elections in Nigeria (B) institute a nationwide ban on cell pass? have featured varying degrees of violence; phones in the voting cubicle; The bill (S. 483) passed, as follows: Whereas both the ruling coalition and op- (C) ensure the participation in the election S. 483 position parties have incited ethnic violence of internally displaced persons (IDPs); and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- in an apparent effort to gain electoral advan- (D) clean the voter rolls and ensure timely resentatives of the United States of America in tage, intimidate electoral rivals, and sup- production and distribution of the Perma- Congress assembled, press voter turnout; nent Voter Card to new voters; SEC. ll. (a) H.R. 1029 of the 115th Con- Whereas, during the Ekiti and Osun guber- (6) encourages political parties in Nigeria gress, as passed by the Senate on June 28, natorial elections in July 2018 and Sep- to adhere to and enforce existing codes of 2018, is enacted into law. tember 2018, respectively, there were con- conduct that commit parties to democratic (b) In publishing this Act in slip form and cerning incidents in which some elements of electoral standards regarding campaign use in the United States Statutes at Large pur- Nigeria’s security agencies displayed par- of resources, engagement of voters, peaceful suant to section 112 of title 1, United States tisanship and a lack of objectivity, which resolution of disputes, and acceptance of Code, the Archivist of the United States risks escalating tensions within the country; verified and credible results; shall include after the date of approval at Whereas Nigeria’s Independent National (7) condemns any efforts on the part of any the end an appendix setting forth the text of Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken im- politicians or political parties in Nigeria to the bill referred to in subsection (a). portant steps to improve electoral processes, politicize the security and law enforcement notably through the introduction of contin- agencies; Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous uous voter registration, the adoption of si- (8) encourages civil society organizations consent that the motion to reconsider multaneous accreditation and voting, im- in Nigeria to— be considered made and laid upon the provements to the secrecy of the ballot, and (A) promote the peaceful participation of table. the advancement of smart card reader tech- citizens in the electoral process and draw on The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nology; existing inter-religious and peacebuilding objection, it is so ordered. Whereas remaining challenges to the con- bodies to enhance their efforts; f duct of credible, transparent, and peaceful (B) disseminate information about citizen- elections in Nigeria include the failure to based observation findings and analysis to ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY enact additional, critical reforms to the increase public knowledge and under- 15, 2019, THROUGH MONDAY, FEB- legal framework for elections, instances of standing about the conduct of the elections; RUARY 25, 2019 vote buying, reported security threats in the and Middle Belt and North East, incitement, and (C) continue leading important early warn- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, disinformation; and ing and response activities to mitigate elec- I ask unanimous consent that when the Whereas ensuring transparency in elec- tion-related violence, including monitoring Senate completes its business today, it toral preparations and building public con- efforts to incite violence or further inflame adjourn to then convene for pro forma fidence in the electoral process is vital to tensions; sessions only, with no business being the success of the upcoming elections in Ni- (9) supports efforts by the Department of conducted, on the following dates and geria: Now, therefore, be it State and the United States Agency for times, and that following each pro Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- International Development (USAID) to assist elections preparations in Nigeria, including forma session, the Senate adjourn until resentatives concurring), That Congress— the next pro forma session: Friday, (1) reaffirms the commitment of the through programs focused on conflict miti- United States to supporting peace and de- gation; and February 15, at 7 a.m.; Tuesday, Feb- mocracy in Nigeria; (10) calls on the United States Government ruary 19, at 10 a.m.; and Thursday, Feb- (2) calls on the Government of Nigeria and and other international partners, especially ruary 21, at 10 a.m. all Nigerian political parties and actors to— election-focused nongovernmental organiza- I further ask unanimous consent that (A) take actions to facilitate credible, tions, to— when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, transparent , and peaceful elections that re- (A) continue to support efforts by the Gov- February 21, it next convene at 3 p.m., flect the will of the people and advance the ernment of Nigeria to address the remaining electoral preparation challenges and identify Monday, February 25; and that fol- consolidation of democracy and the stability lowing the prayer and pledge, the of the broader region; gaps in which additional resources or diplo- (B) condemn in the strongest terms the use matic engagement could make important morning hour be deemed expired, the of speech that incites violence, and refrain contributions to the conduct of credible, Journal of proceedings be approved to from efforts to demonize or delegitimize op- transparent elections; and date, the time for the two leaders be ponents, sow division among Nigerians, or (B) support civil society organizations and reserved for their use later in the day, otherwise inflame tensions; media organizations working to enhance and morning business be closed; fur- (C) seek to resolve any disputes over re- transparency and accountability in the use ther, that following the closing of of state resources around the election period. sults peacefully, including through judicial morning business, Senator FISCHER be processes as necessary; f recognized to deliver Washington’s (D) respect the impartiality of the Inde- pendent National Electoral Commission; and ENACTING INTO LAW A BILL BY Farewell Address; further, that fol- (E) take measures to combat vote buying; REFERENCE lowing the address, the Senate resume (3) calls on the Government of Nigeria to— Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I consideration of the motion to proceed (A) refrain from deploying security forces ask unanimous consent that the Sen- to S. 311; finally, that notwithstanding in a partisan manner; ate proceed to the immediate consider- the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture (B) ensure that security services maintain ation of Calendar No. 26, S. 483. motions filed during today’s session the highest level of professionalism and im- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ripen at 5:30 p.m., Monday, February partiality in facilitating the electoral proc- 25. ess, enable accredited observers and journal- clerk will report the bill by title. ists to perform their work, and protect the The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without right of citizens to exercise their votes free- read as follows: objection, it is so ordered. ly; and A bill (S. 483) to enact into law a bill by f reference. (C) enforce laws against election malfea- ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT sance, including vote buying, and ensure There being no objection, the Senate equal and robust application of such laws proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, through appropriate mechanisms, including Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous if there is no further business to come through the establishment of an Electoral consent that the bill be considered read before the Senate, I ask unanimous Offenses Commission and Tribunal; a third time. consent that it stand adjourned under (4) urges all Nigerians to fully and peace- the previous order, following the re- fully engage in the electoral process, insist The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on full enfranchisement, reject inflam- objection, it is so ordered. marks of Senator CARPER. matory or divisive rhetoric or actions, and The bill was ordered to be engrossed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without seek to resolve any disputes over results for a third reading and was read the objection, it is so ordered. through the legal system; third time. The Senator from Delaware.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:09 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.065 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1395 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY prise a couple of years ago, is not just One of the things they do in these Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I coming from Mexico. In fact, today gangs—they have to go through an ini- just want to start off with this. This is there are more Mexicans going back tiation. Part of his initiation was a re- Valentine’s Day, and there are dif- into Mexico from the United States quirement that he rape his 13-year-old ferent days of the year that are more than there are going the other way. I sister. The son was like 15 years old, special to us than others—other than was surprised to learn that, but that is and one of the rites of passage is he had Thanksgiving and Christmas. I even the case today. to rape his 13-year-old sister. He went Illegal immigration in our country is like Halloween. But I think Valentine’s home and told his parents what was ex- down about 80 percent from the year Day is very special. pected of him. Within a week or two, 2000, and the folks coming across the For our loved ones, our spouses or the sister and the brother were on their border illegally are coming from three significant others, and our children, we way out of their country to try to be countries—Honduras, Guatemala, and love them, and I hope they know that. reunited with other relatives in the El Salvador. Each year in the last dec- But to the people who work here day in United States, and they ended up in ade or so, they have vied for the title Delaware. That is a human tragedy. I and day out, the folks who are here ‘‘Murder Capital of the World.’’ when it is a weekend, when other folks think if they had stayed there, it would Their lives are made miserable be- have been probably an even greater are maybe heading out for the holidays cause of our addiction to drugs. So hav- to visit their families across the coun- human tragedy. ing been complicit in their misery, the I am a big believer in root causes. try, we don’t say thanks enough. So to thought occurred to a number of us, in- all of them, from my heart and from Don’t just address the symptoms of the cluding the last administration’s Presi- problem. The symptom of the problem my staff, and, I think, from all of us— dent and Vice President and some of us Democrats and Republicans in the Sen- is people trying to get into our country in the House and the Senate, that and cross our borders illegally. That is ate—we want to say thank you and maybe we should see why all of those happy Valentine’s Day. a problem. That is a challenge. We need people are coming out of Honduras, secure borders, but the root cause is f Guatemala, and El Salvador and trying what is going on in the countries that to come into the United States. they are fleeing from—lack of rule of GOVERNMENT FUNDING I will tell a true story. Some of them law, impunity, police who don’t police, come to Delaware. We have three coun- Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I prosecutors who don’t prosecute, ties in my State. The southernmost want to talk a little bit about John judges who don’t really administer the county, Sussex County, is a big county Dingell this evening, but before I do law, prisons that don’t—correctional that raises a lot of corn, soybeans, and that, I just want to comment on the institutions that don’t really correct raise a lot of chickens. We process a lot fact that we passed spending bills to behavior. Instead of turning out better of chickens. Over the years, a lot of fund our government for the balance of people, they turn out better criminals. folks come up from Guatemala to work this fiscal year. That is a good thing— That has been a problem, and it has in the agriculture and poultry indus- a good, good thing. I wish we had done been a problem for some time. try. it last year. In fact, we did—months Whenever we face a situation like ago. Democrats and Republicans joined About 2 or 3 years ago, we had an in- crease—a blip in migration—especially this where an issue is really hard to together here almost unanimously to deal with, what I like to say is, let’s pass a spending plan for the balance of from Guatemala. I was in Sussex Coun- ty, in Georgetown, the county seat, find out what works. the fiscal year—all 13 appropriations I am an old Governor. I used to be right in the middle of all of this poul- bills, and they looked a whole lot like chairman of the National Governors try business. There are three chickens what we passed here today. Yet we Association. My last year as Governor, for every person in Delaware, to give went through a shutdown which cre- I chaired something in the NGA. In ad- you some idea of the extent of it. ated a lot of havoc and turmoil, not dition to being the Governor of Dela- just for Federal employees but for the I met with the folks at La Esperanza. That is Spanish for hope. It is a non- ware, I chaired something called the people whom they serve and we serve. Center for Best Practices. The idea I have apologized for that, and I profit. Their job is to try to help people who do make it across the border into was, how do we share solutions among know other colleagues have as well. Governors and among States for all the Hopefully, in the months ahead, we can our country and who have families, and they try to do some reconnection with problems we face—some of the prob- make it up to the people who were in- lems we face? convenienced. In many cases they were their families. But, anyway, I heard this story. In trying to figure out how we help not just disadvantaged but treated There was a young man in Guatemala, Guatemala and El Salvador sort of be- very badly. a teenager, who was recruited by a come less violent places, places with The President apparently is going to gang there. He said he had to talk to hope and opportunity—how can we help sign the spending bills we passed with his parents. He went to talk to his par- in that? So we looked around the broad bipartisan support, and I under- ents, and they said: We don’t want you world. We don’t have to look too far, stand he is going to declare a state of to join any gangs. but if we look south of Central Amer- emergency to be able to do additional He went back, and the gang found ica, we find Colombia. things down at the border with Mexico. him and approached him a couple of Colombia is a place where about 20 Tomorrow morning at 6 a.m., I will days later and said: Well, what do you years ago, there were leftist guerillas lead a bipartisan delegation, with think? Do you want to join our gang? trying to bring down the government, House and Senate Members, and we He said: I talked to my parents, and and there were drug lords trying to will not be going to the border. I have they don’t think it is the right thing bring down the government. One day 20 been there any number of times as for me to do now. years or so ago, a bunch of thugs chairman of the Homeland Security They said: Well, think about it some rounded up the supreme court of the Committee. We are not going to go to more. country—rounded them up, took them the border this time. A week or so later, they found him into a room, shot them all to death, The President was down there a cou- again and said: Well, what do you killed them all. ple of weeks ago, and standing at the think? Are you ready to join our gang? Colombia was teetering, and it was border he said: There is a human catas- He said: No, I don’t think I am going not clear whether it was going to real- trophe or tragedy going on at the bor- to do that now. ly make it as a nation. Some very der. They said: If you don’t join our gang, brave people stood up and some of the I thought to myself: Well, what is somebody in your family is going to leaders of Columbia stood up and said: going on at the border is very unfortu- die. Somebody in your family is going We are not going to let these guys— nate, but the real human tragedy is to die. whether it is the FARC, the leftist gue- what is going on in three countries: He went home, and he told his par- rillas, or the drug lords—take over our Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. ents. They talked it over, and he joined country and take it down. We are going The illegal immigration, to my sur- the gang. to fight back.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.077 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S1396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2019 The United States, led by then-Presi- up here, and if we lived there, we would I remember sitting there with him dent Bill Clinton and by a guy who was want to come too. repeatedly over the years—not hun- serving as the chairman, I think, of the You know, for what it is worth, we dreds of times but many times. Some- Foreign Relations Committee, Joe have had about 80 Presidential declara- times there were several people there. Biden, sort of made common calls with tions of emergencies, I guess, in maybe We talked. Sometimes it was just the the President of Colombia, who was a the last century, and they were for two of us. He gave me really good ad- very brave person, and said to the Co- Pearl Harbor, Katrina, 9/11, other disas- vice. He was like a mentor. lombians: You can do this. Stabilize ters, some of them natural disasters, The day I was sworn in as a Congress- your country. Make it a more livable, others. Since 2000, there has been an 80 man from Delaware, I was the dean of decent place to live. We can help be- percent reduction in illegal migration our delegation because we only had cause we are complicit in their misery, at the borders. Most of it is coming one, so I didn’t really have like a big too, given our addiction to drugs. from these three countries, not Mexico. brother or a big sister in my delegation Well, guess what. They started some- So we will see what happens with the to look up to in the House. There was thing called Plan Colombia, and for 20 declaration of emergency that the nobody else but me. I was brand new. years it has worked slowly. Slowly. An President is going to declare. John Dingell was nice, along with a example of what we did is we provided I think you have to be careful. To my bunch of other folks too. They kind of Apache helicopters. Why did we do Republican friends, I say this lovingly stepped up and gave me some of the that? So that the Colombian police and to you on Valentine’s Day: The idea of guidance that I needed. the Colombian military would have the a President invoking his powers, using He was an interesting fellow because mobility they need to go across the his powers in this way, I am frankly he chaired the Energy and Commerce country and go after the bad guys and not convinced that—while there cer- Committee the whole time I was in the take them on. That was just one of the tainly are challenges at the border, I House and a long time after that, and many things that was happening in have explained where I think the real he always looked out for his bread and Plan Colombia. challenges are, the real causes. butter. In Michigan, that is auto- But again, it is like Home Depot. You Someday, we will have a Democratic mobiles. This was a big deal. It was have Home Depot, Madam President, in President, and he or she will be consid- then, and it still is. So he always want- your State, and we have them in mine. ering a range of options of what to do, ed to make sure that they had the pre- What is their saying? ‘‘You can do it, and somebody is going to suggest: Well, dictability that they wanted and need- and we can help.’’ So we said: Colom- in the earlier administration, the ed and that they could be successful. If bia, you can do it, and we can help. We Trump administration, they declared I were the Senator or Representative are complicit in your misery, and we it. So they will say: Well, I will just de- from Michigan, I would want that too. can help. And we have. clare a national emergency and do But he also was really good on clean About a year or so ago, the President what I want to do. That is a slippery air issues, clean water issues, natural of Colombia won a Nobel Peace Prize. slope, and I think that is one we need resource issues, open space issues, and The leftist guerillas are—it is not per- to be very careful about going on. agricultural issues. fect, but they are part of the govern- f I remember once on one of those ment. Are drugs still a problem there? mornings, we were talking about Yes, they are, but not like before. It is REMEMBERING JOHN DINGELL Mr. CARPER. The last thing I would whether it is possible to be a good a country with a relatively bright fu- steward of the environment, mindful of ture and one that we can be proud to like to do, if I could, is I want to talk a little bit about John Dingell. I don’t air, water, open space, public health— call our friend and ally. is it possible to do all those things and When we looked for a way to help in know if our Presiding Officer ever had also look out for job creation and job Central America—the Honduras, Gua- a chance to meet him or know him. preservation, whether it is in Michigan temala, and El Salvador—we went to She says no—nods no. or some other place? Colombia, and we said: Maybe it is pos- I had the pleasure of knowing him I sible to have a Central American guess since 1982, 1983, when I was elect- My staff has heard me say this, I am version of Plan Colombia. And now we ed to the House. I was a Representa- tempted to say, a million times. Folks have that. tive, and he was already there. I was on the Environment and Public Works What we have done over the last 3, the new guy, and I had been a treasurer Committee, where I am a senior Demo- maybe 4 years, we funded those three of Delaware and a naval flight officer crat now, have heard me say this more countries in efforts to address some of before that, and I finally retired from often than they want to. I have always the deficiencies that I just described— the Navy as a captain a few years ago. said it is possible to have clean air, police who don’t police, prosecutors He was so nice to me. He was a big clean water, better public health, do who don’t prosecute, judges who don’t guy, a giant of a man and kind of gruff. good things for our planet, and create administer justice, and correctional in- He was kind of gruff, and I can’t imag- jobs. They go hand-in-glove. stitutions that don’t really correct be- ine how the pages would have reacted One of the first people who reminded havior. We have been doing this now to him if he yelled at them or frowned me of that a long time ago was John for about 3 years, and our congres- at them or growled at them. But for Dingell. He supported the Clean Air sional delegation is going to go down reasons that aren’t all clear, he was Act and the Clean Water Act. He sup- there tomorrow and do a little bit of really kind to me. I think in his heart ported the Clean Air Amendments in oversight and find out what is working that is what he was. 1990, on which he was nice enough to in those three countries and what is I like to work out. I like to run. I let me offer a provision that was incor- not, whether they are meeting their re- like to work out in gyms. They have a porated into the law. He did a lot to sponsibilities, and whether we are gym over at the House in the basement help preserve the auto industry not meeting our responsibilities. of the Rayburn Building. It is a pretty just in his State but in this country. You know, we can build a wall from nice gym. We have one here. It is small He was an amazing guy. sea to shining sea and from the Pacific by comparison. It is modest. I usually Either the day he passed away or be- Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. It can be go home at night, but occasionally I fore he passed away, with his wife 30 feet tall. But unless somehow the would spend the night in DC when I Debbie by his side—she is now a Con- root causes of that migration—and it was in the House, and the next morning gresswoman in his old seat—he shared ain’t coming from Mexico—some but I would go to the gym, and I would ei- with her some thoughts that he wanted not much. Again, more Mexicans are ther go run out on the Mall, or I would to leave as part of his legacy at 92, and going back into Mexico than are com- lift weights or ride the bike or some- those words—I am not going to read ing the other way. thing in the gym. When I finished up, them here today. I think they probably We really want to help the people of before I took a shower and got dressed, have already been read on the floor or the Honduras, Guatemala, and El Sal- I would go in the steam room—the gym introduced into the RECORD. vador address those root causes. You had a steam room in it—and a lot of I ask unanimous consent that those know, they are going to keep coming times, John Dingell was in there. words be printed in the RECORD.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.079 S14FEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE February 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1397 There being no objection, the mate- geted, much like other vulnerable men and worked for John Dingell at one time. rial was ordered to be printed in the women today. In an off-the-cuff riff about John Din- Please note: All of these challenges were RECORD, as follows: gell, he shared some of the things he addressed by Congress. Maybe not as fast as [From the Washington Post, Feb. 8, 2019] we wanted, or as perfectly as hoped. The worked on. Later on, I said: Would you JOHN DINGELL: MY LAST WORDS FOR AMERICA work is certainly not finished. But we’ve share that with me? He was kind (By John D. Dingell) made progress—and in every case, from the enough to do that. passage of Medicare through the passage of John D. Dingell, a Michigan Democrat who I wish I could say these are my civil rights, we did it with the support of served in the U.S. House from 1955 to 2015, words, but that would be plagiarism. I Democrats and Republicans who considered was the longest-serving member of Congress give him the credit, at least in a left- themselves first and foremost to be Ameri- in American history. He dictated these re- handed sort of way. This is what my cans. flections to his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D– I’m immensely proud, and eternally grate- friend gave to me. I just want to close Mich.), at their home in Dearborn, on Feb. 7, ful, for having had the opportunity to play a with these words from my friend about the day he died. part in all of these efforts during my service John Dingell: One of the advantages to knowing that in Congress. And it’s simply not possible for your demise is imminent, and that reports of This morning as I was reading the obitu- me to adequately repay the love that my it will not be greatly exaggerated, is that aries detailing Congressman DINGELL’s life friends, neighbors and family have given me you have a few moments to compose some and accomplishments, I started thinking of and shown me during my public service and parting thoughts. all the aspects of daily life that he had a di- retirement. In our modern political age, the presi- rect and meaningful impact on for almost 60 But I would be remiss in not acknowl- years. dential bully pulpit seems dedicated to sow- edging the forgiveness and sweetness of the ing division and denigrating, often in the woman who has essentially supported me for He went on to say what some of them most irrelevant and infantile personal terms, almost 40 years: my wife, Deborah. And it is were. the political opposition. a source of great satisfaction to know that The air we breathe, the water we drink. And much as I have found Twitter to be a she is among the largest group of women to The health of rivers and lakes. The wildlife useful means of expression, some occasions have ever served in the Congress (as she bus- that exists and depends upon those spaces. merit more than 280 characters. ily recruits more). The food we eat. The pills we take. The prod- My personal and political character was In my life and career, I have often heard it ucts we use. The electricity that powers our formed in a different era that was kinder, if said that so-and-so has real power—as in, economy. The efficiency of almost every not necessarily gentler. We observed ‘‘the powerful Wile E. Coyote, chairman of product that uses electricity. The phones we modicums of respect even as we fought, often the Capture the Road Runner Committee.’’ use. The health insurance we count on in a bitterly and savagely, over issues that were It’s an expression that has always grated medical crisis. The regulation and cleanup of literally life and death to a degree that—for- on me. In democratic government, elected hazardous waste. The cars we drive, of tunately—we see much less of today. officials do not have power. They hold course! And a host of other things. Think about it: power—in trust for the people who elected Impoverishment of the elderly because of them. If they misuse or abuse that public On this Valentine’s Day—when we medical expenses was a common and often trust, it is quite properly revoked (the give thanks for our loved ones, our accepted occurrence. Opponents of the Medi- quicker the better). families, and those who are special in care program that saved the elderly from I never forgot the people who gave me the our lives—I also give thanks for John that cruel fate called it ‘‘socialized medi- privilege of representing them. It was a les- and the many blessings that he has left cine.’’ Remember that slander if there’s a son learned at home from my father and us and this country. sustained revival of silly red-baiting today. mother, and one I have tried to impart to the With that, I will say I appreciate the Not five decades ago, much of the largest people I’ve served with and employed over group of freshwater lakes on Earth—our own the years. opportunity to share these words. Great Lakes—were closed to swimming and As I prepare to leave this all behind, I now God bless. fishing and other recreational pursuits be- leave you in control of the greatest nation of Thank you. cause of chemical and bacteriological con- mankind and pray God gives you the wisdom tamination from untreated industrial and to understand the responsibility you hold in f wastewater disposal. Today, the Great Lakes your hands. are so hospitable to marine life that one of May God bless you all, and may God bless ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 7 A.M. our biggest challenges is controlling the America. TOMORROW invasive species that have made them their Mr. CARPER. I will close with this. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under new home. went to the funeral. I couldn’t stay the the previous order, the Senate stands We regularly used and consumed foods, whole time. It was here in DC. I missed drugs, chemicals and other things (ciga- adjourned until 7 a.m. tomorrow morn- rettes) that were legal, promoted and ac- STENY HOYER, the Democratic majority ing. tively harmful. Hazardous wastes were leader, and his comments. I was told he Thereupon, the Senate, at 6:29 p.m., dumped on empty plots in the dead of night. was terrific, as were others, as well. adjourned until Friday, February 15, There were few if any restrictions on indus- But I did get to hear just about every- 2019, at 7 a.m. trial emissions. We had only the barest sci- thing Bill Clinton said. I was inspired entific knowledge of the long-term con- and amused by that. He was funny. He f sequences of any of this. really caught the character of John And there was a great stain on America, in and his foibles, his strengths, and bril- CONFIRMATION the form of our legacy of racial discrimina- tion. There were good people of all colors liance. Executive nomination confirmed by who banded together, risking and even losing Before I went to the funeral, I went the Senate February 14, 2019: their lives to erase the legal and other bar- to a breakfast. A friend at the break- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE fast was kind enough to share his riers that held Americans down. In their WILLIAM PELHAM BARR, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE ATTOR- time, they were often demonized and tar- words with the rest of us. He actually NEY GENERAL.

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