S3470 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 26, 2021 The Democrats had already decided hodgepodge of stuff—stuff like electric (2) the people of the United States will to run up the American people’s credit cars and welfare programs. This is $7 never be fully protected against the COVID– cards no matter what. Their first pur- trillion of mediocre socialism and lib- 19 pandemic until the pandemic is also chase was a $1.9 trillion excuse for a eral social engineering. No serious ex- brought under control through vaccination around the world; COVID bill that the Democrats pert thinks this is what our economy (3) the release of Special Drawing Rights rammed through on a party-line vote. actually needs. No wonder Larry Sum- by the International Monetary Fund, as was Even liberal economists and even mers says he is concerned that these done after the 2008 global economic crisis, is former advisers to Presidents Clinton proposals are ‘‘substantially excessive a no-cost way to help poorer countries pro- and Obama cautioned that the Demo- . . . way overdoing the requisite re- cure COVID–19 vaccines and protect against crats’ bill was way larger than the re- sponse.’’ the instability caused by a severe economic maining hole in our economy, badly The sooner this administration can downturn; tailored, and might well cause infla- get the memo, the more bipartisan (4) helping protect against another global economic meltdown by releasing Special tion. progress we will be able to make, and Drawing Rights is also a way to help protect So everyone, from Republicans to lib- the better off working families will be. United States export jobs at home, and why eral economists, warned that the f the move is supported by leaders of United Democrats’ bad bill could easily cause States businesses and labor organizations; CONCLUSION OF MORNING inflation that would hurt ordinary and BUSINESS American families. Well, look where we (5) any allocations of Special Drawing are today. Where are we today? We just The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning Rights approved by the International Mone- got the most dramatic monthly infla- business is closed. tary Fund to help with the purchase of COVID–19 vaccines and stem the worst eco- tion report in over a decade. Ask any f nomic impact of the pandemic should in- working family about gas prices, food LEGISLATIVE SESSION clude ongoing efforts to discourage countries prices, home prices, lumber prices, that are allies of the United States from ex- used car prices. One survey just found --- changing Special Drawing Rights for hard that more than 80 percent of American ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT—Resumed currencies with rogue countries and follow- families are literally tightening their up by the International Monetary Fund to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under audit how such allocations were spent. household budgets because of the the previous order, the Senate will re- threat of inflation. sume consideration of S. 1260, which The senior assistant legislative clerk Yet the problem with the Democrats’ the clerk will report. read as follows: product wasn’t just how much credit The senior assistant legislative clerk and borrowed money it flooded into the The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. KENNEDY] read as follows: proposes an amendment numbered 1710 to economy; the problem was also how lit- A bill (S. 1260) to establish a new Direc- amendment No. 1502. tle of substance American families got torate for Technology and Innovation in the for the money. Larry Summers, former National Science Foundation, to establish a The amendment is as follows: President Clinton’s Treasury Sec- regional technology hub program, to require AMENDMENT NO. 1710 retary, put it this way—and this is the a strategy and report on economic security, Larry Summers who also had a role in science, research, innovation, manufac- (Purpose: To prohibit allocations of Special turing, and job creation, to establish a crit- Drawing Rights at the International Mone- the Obama administration. tary Fund for perpetrators of genocide and Here is what he said: ical supply chain resiliency program, and for other purposes. state sponsors of terrorism without con- What’s striking about [that bill, the gressional authorization) COVID bill] is that all of the trillions of dol- Pending: lars—all of it—does not include a penny di- Schumer amendment No. 1502, in the na- At the end of title III of division C, add the rected at ‘‘building back better.’’ ture of a substitute. following: He continued: Cantwell amendment No. 1527 (to amend- SEC. 3314. PROHIBITION ON ALLOCATIONS OF ment No. 1502), of a perfecting nature. SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS AT It transfers to state and local governments AMENDMENT NOS. 2014, 1710 AND 1911 TO INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND that don’t have any new budget problem. . . . FOR PERPETRATORS OF GENOCIDE AMENDMENT NO. 1502 It’s paying people who have been unem- AND STATE SPONSORS OF TER- ployed more in unemployment insurance The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under RORISM WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL than they earned when they were working. the previous order, the following AUTHORIZATION. It’s giving checks to families in the 90th per- amendments will be called up and re- Section 6(b) of the Special Drawing Rights centile of income distribution. ported by number. Act (22 U.S.C. 286q(b)) is amended by adding That is from Larry Summers. He is a The senior assistant legislative clerk at the end the following: Democrat. He is a friend of the admin- read as follows: ‘‘(3) Unless Congress by law authorizes istration’s. The Senator from Illinois [Mr. DURBIN] such action, neither the President nor any The Democrats’ hard-left turn has al- proposes an amendment numbered 2014 to person or agency shall on behalf of the ready hurt our economy, but they still amendment No. 1502. United States vote to allocate Special Draw- The amendment is as follows: ing Rights under article XVIII, sections 2 seem to think that this massive bill and 3, of the Articles of Agreement of the should only actually just be the appe- AMENDMENT NO. 2014 Fund to a member country of the Fund, if tizer. The administration has proposed (Purpose: To express the sense of the Senate the government of the member country has— a total of about $7 trillion of spending on the allocation of Special Drawing ‘‘(A) committed genocide at any time dur- in its first few months in office. That Rights by the International Monetary ing the 10-year period ending with the date absurdly overpriced COVID package Fund to help other countries procure of the vote; or would actually be the cheapest of the COVID–19 vaccines and protect against the ‘‘(B) been determined by the Secretary of three massive bills the Democrats ac- economic instability caused by the COVID– State, as of the date of the enactment of the 19 pandemic) Strategic Competition Act of 2021, to have tually want to pass. repeatedly provided support for acts of inter- For some perspective, about $7 tril- At the end of subtitle A of title II of divi- sion C, add the following: national terrorism, for purposes of— lion is considerably more money in in- ‘‘(i) section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export flation-adjusted terms than America SEC. 3219L. SENSE OF SENATE ON ALLOCATION OF SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS BY Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. spent in fighting and winning World INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND 4813(c)(1)(A)(i)); War II. The Biden administration RELATING TO COVID–19 PANDEMIC. ‘‘(ii) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance wants to tax, borrow, and print more It is the sense of the Senate that— Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371); money than America spent on World (1) it is in the strategic interests of the ‘‘(iii) section 40(d) of the Arms Export Con- United States to help ensure that COVID–19 trol Act (22 U.S.C. 2780(d)); or War II to finance a grab bag of mis- ‘‘(iv) any other provision of law.’’. cellaneous liberal programs that would vaccines are available to other countries, particularly poorer countries with limited The Senator from Alaska [Mr. SULLIVAN] further jack up prices on the things resources, not only as a timely live-saving families actually need to buy. It took proposes an amendment numbered 1911 to and humanitarian measure, but also as the amendment No. 1502. less money to win a global war than best way to protect hard-fought gains made these Democrats want to spend on a against the pandemic in the United States; The amendment is as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.005 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3471 AMENDMENT NO. 1911 vate practice, and then got involved in like moment, he said: Politics be (Purpose: To require institutions of higher Republican politics in Virginia at that damned. We are going to do what is education to submit attestations on free- point. right for Virginia. dom of speech) I think Senator KAINE will probably The truth was, we ended up fixing At the end of title V of division B, add the speak to this. Being involved in Repub- that challenge, and Virginia got named following: lican politics in the late fifties and the best managed State and the best SEC. 2528. FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR early sixties was the progressive party State for business, and we made record AWARD. in Virginia. investments in education. I am not (a) IN GENERAL.—Consistent with the First He ended up serving President Nixon Amendment to the Constitution for public sure we would have gotten there if institutions, and in compliance with stated as Secretary of the Navy, and he was John Warner had not been willing to institutional policies regarding freedom of the head of the Bicentennial. Then, in use his own personal political capital, speech for private institutions, and all appli- 1978, in a campaign that TIM will prob- but this was at a time when everybody cable Federal laws, regulations, and policies, ably comment on, he got elected to the was signing those crazy no-new-tax entities receiving awards under title I or U.S. Senate, where he then served for pledges, and John Warner said: Politics title II of this division shall— five terms—30 years. be damned. Let’s do what is right for (1) protect free speech, viewpoint diversity, John Warner was a remarkable guy. Virginia. the free exchange of ideas, and academic He was someone—and I say this, again, TIM will talk, probably, a little bit freedom, including extramural speech of staff and students; respectfully—who looked the part, who about this. I mean, his role as chair of (2) protect religious liberty; and sounded the part. He could say things the Armed Services Committee was (3) prohibit discrimination, consistent with that, if they came out of my mouth or legendary, and there is not a sailor, titles IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act of even somebody’s as eloquent as Sen- soldier, marine, or airman anywhere in 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000c et seq; 2000d et seq.). ator KAINE, they might sound a little Virginia—for that matter, anywhere in (b) ATTESTATION.— over the top. Coming out of John War- the country—who doesn’t owe a debt of (1) IN GENERAL.—An institution of higher ner, they always sounded senatorial, gratitude to John Warner. education that submits an application for thoughtful, and pretty darned cool. I live in Alexandria, close to the Federal funding under title I or II of this di- vision, or an amendment made by title I or How I got to know John was in really river. I look out my window each day II of this division, shall provide to the Direc- kind of an unusual way. I was a little and see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, tor, as part of such application— bit active in Democratic politics in the which, for those of us who live in this (A) an intra-institutional attestation that late eighties, early nineties. Then I had region, was a big bottleneck way in the institution is in compliance with the re- the audacity in 1996 to actually run decay. How John Warner got $1.2 bil- quirements under subsection (a); and against John Warner. By the way, you lion for that bridge when it was way (B) information on the actions taken by know, John Warner v. MARK WARNER down the list in terms of getting refur- the institution to ensure such compliance. managed to confuse the hell out of Vir- bished was maybe a story that can’t be (2) ANNUAL SUBMISSION.—An institution shall not be required to submit an attesta- ginians. The takeaway from that cam- told on the Senate floor. tion under paragraph (1) more than once per paign—and TIM has had to hear this As John got older, I always said—you year. story many times, and John always know, as I had tried my one time (c) DIRECTOR REPORT.—The Director shall used to tell the story as well—is that against him—if you want to stay in annually transmit to Congress and make we had a bumper sticker from the cam- this seat, I think you can stay as long public on the website of the Foundation the paign that simply read—and it was our as you want. In 2008, he decided he attestations submitted under subsection (b). one good idea—‘‘Mark, not John.’’ It is would go out at the top of his game. I (d) OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL RE- the honest-to-goodness truth. would go see him, and I know Senator PORT.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this division, and every 2 I was down in Danville one day, KAINE would, as well, to always ask for years thereafter, the Office of Inspector Gen- which is near the North Carolina bor- his advice and counsel. eral of the Foundation shall submit a report der, and got in the car, and somebody I have two more quick stories, and to Congress that contains a review of the ef- saw the bumper sticker as I was trying then I will yield to my friend Senator forts of the Foundation to ensure that all re- to shake hands, for I was not that well- KAINE, and we can go back and forth a cipients of an award from the Foundation known. He looked at me, and he said: little bit. are aware of and in compliance with all Fed- Excuse me. Is that a biblical reference? In 2014, I was so extraordinarily hon- eral requirements for such an award, includ- There was no divine intervention. ored when John Warner—Republican ing the requirements under subsection (a). The right Warner won that race, and senior Senator John Warner—endorsed The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- John Warner got reelected. MARK WARNER for the U.S. Senate. ator from Virginia. The thing that I didn’t understand That kind of thing doesn’t happen in REMEMBERING JOHN WARNER then but that I understand better now politics too much these days. I can re- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise is, after you run against somebody, member, up and down through the to mourn the passing of a statesman, a even in a respectful campaign, you bear Shenandoah Valley, there was one trip patriot, a mentor, a friend, and some- some scars, some bruises, whatever. on which Senator KAINE and I were one who loved this institution as much You know, I got really close to John campaigning with John. He was, you as anybody I know. It was the passing Warner in terms of that race. I almost know, at that point already in kind of late last night of Senator John Warner. beat him. his eighties, with a walking stick. Let I am joined here by my friend of 39 Afterward, I was thinking about con- me assure you, we had both been years—now maybe 40—TIM KAINE, and tinuing and maybe trying one more former Governors and both had kind of we are going to go back and forth a lit- time, and I thought about running for thought we knew our stuff, but when- tle bit as we talk about someone who Governor. John Warner was willing to ever John Warner was in the room, we played an enormously important role become my friend. I got elected Gov- were the junior guys and followed his in both of our lives, both, I can say, on ernor. He was a Republican, and I am a lead. a personal basis and on a political Democrat, and anything I tried to do As a matter of fact, in this last cam- basis, and we will get some of the basic as Governor that was hard, like a paign, where he endorsed me again, facts out. transportation referendum up here, there was one fundraiser we went to. John Warner was 94 years old when John Warner was right there by my He introduced me. I did my little talk. he passed. He was born in Washington, side, saying: We are going to do what is Then he kind of took his walking stick DC, into a family from Amherst, VA. right for Virginia. and kind of whacked me on the shins He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 We had a battle in which our budget and said, ‘‘Sit down, Mark. I’ve got in the waning days of World War II. He was way out of whack, and I had a 2-to- some more to say,’’ and got up and served from 1945 to 1946. He left the 1 Republican legislature. I can still re- spent 30-plus minutes telling old sto- military and then rejoined the Marines member sneaking him into the State ries of how the Senate used to work. I in 1950, when the Korean war started. capitol so the press corps wouldn’t see have never been at a fundraiser where After he left the military, he worked him, and he got up on the third floor people got more of their money’s worth for the U.S. attorney, worked in pri- where the press room was. In a Zeus- than that night.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26MY6.003 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S3472 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 26, 2021 John was also very, very disturbed My father-in-law became the first Re- gone for 4 years. But I started to meet and concerned about where our country publican-elected Governor of Virginia, people whom I didn’t know—John was headed, the lack of respect for the elected in 1969, at the time that John McCain and Carl Levin and JACK REED rule of law, what was happening to his was Secretary of the Navy. and so many others whom I did not beloved Republican Party. But he al- One day, a Navy ship, moored on the know before I was here—and then I ways kept that burning sense of opti- Elizabeth River, broke free and ran really learned about John Warner. mism. into and destroyed a bridge. I learned about his service as the I saw him 4 or 5 weeks ago, pretty And my father-in-law called: Mr. Sec- chair and ranking of the Armed Serv- frail, but he still, oftentimes with a retary. ices Committee. I learned about the pocket square and looking like he had Yes, Governor. fact that he was always in the middle just stepped out of a Hunt Country One of your ships has broken one of of whatever gang was trying to do magazine, but he was asking about how my bridges. something good. I learned about his we could get the Senate back on track They had so much fun together as love for this institution. I learned and how we could always continue to friends. about his love for his fellow Senators. put our country first. In 1978, they ran against each other I was on a ticket with one of those I want to say a couple of other to be in this body—a four-way Repub- fellow Senators, Senator Hillary Clin- things, but let me yield at this point to lican nominating convention. Neither ton, and stood with John Warner when my dear friend Senator KAINE. of them won. Dick Obenshain won that he came out to endorse us, and he We in Virginia were blessed, and our convention. John Warner was second, talked with such depth about working country was blessed, to have him, and my father-in-law was third, and some- together with Senator Clinton on the I am going to miss him horribly. But I one else was fourth. Armed Services Committee. do know this much: When I am wres- Dick Obenshain was killed in a plane I asked John Warner to come to tling with an issue, I often will think: crash, and it was unclear how it would lunch with me one day in the Senate What would John Warner do? And if I sort out and who would be the nomi- Dining Room, and it was like I had follow that mantra, chances are I am nee. My father-in-law threw his sup- brought the Pope in. I mean, we sat doing the right thing for Virginia and port behind John Warner. John Warner down and everyone—all the staff, ev- the right thing for our country. got the nomination. John Warner ran erybody working in the Senate Dining I will miss him greatly, and I would and then became the longest serving Room, all the Senators and their fami- be happy to yield to my friend and col- Senator in Virginia history, with 30 lies—were coming over to talk to John league, the other Senator from Vir- years. Warner because they loved him so ginia. When I married Anne in 1984, I was much. And one of the reasons they Mr. KAINE. Well, thank you. adopted into the John Warner friend- loved him is they knew how much he Mr. President, I want to thank my ship society because of being part of loved the institution. best friend in politics, Senator MARK the Holton family. We were friends, There is so much more I could say, WARNER. And I just realized something. and I enjoyed him. I admired him, and but I just want to tell one more thing. John Warner defeated in an election I saw his work here. John and I, at some point during my my best friend in politics, and John I came into public life as a city coun- first term, were talking about the Sen- Warner also defeated in an election my cilman and mayor in Richmond, and ate, and we were both regretting that political hero, my father-in-law, John Warner: I have to produce for the the Senate of today was not the Senate Linwood Holton, who was Governor of mayor of my capital city. that John Warner served in—that the Virginia from 1970 to 1974. I was a young whippersnapper. I was relationship-based Senate was turning So I want to talk a little bit about mayor when I was—I think I was—39, into a more partisan Senate. And we John’s effect on me personally and and by now John Warner was in his were just being candid about that. then also his great partnership when I mid-seventies, but he would produce But when we finished, John said to was mayor of Richmond and Governor for the capital city. me: Old friend—old friend is what he and into the Senate, and then I will And then, as Mark knows, because he would call you—old friend, that is the hand it back to our senior Senator for had the same relationship when he was way it is. But it is not in the water his comments. Governor—I was Governor, and I was supply, and it is not sick building syn- When John Warner came out of the about 45 or 46, and by now John Warner drome. It is just in the character and Pacific at the end of World War II, he was nearly 80—John Warner had an old- priorities of the people who walk in the went back to complete his studies at fashioned sense: You do what the Gov- doors every day. So if you don’t like Washington and Lee. He was a surface ernor says. There are two Senators, but the way it is right now, guess what. ship guy in the Pacific Navy and went there is only one Governor. You will walk in the Capitol tomorrow, back to Washington and Lee in Lex- I treated him like he was the senior and it can be different tomorrow if you ington. My father-in-law, Linwood Hol- partner, but he kind of treated you, try to make it better. ton, was a submariner in the Pacific when you were Governor, as, sort of, That was just John’s attitude about during World War II and also came ‘‘Well, we have to produce for the Gov- this country and about this institution, back to complete his studies at Wash- ernor.’’ and it leaves a big hole in my life. I am ington and Lee. John Warner and We were working on the Metro Silver just grappling with the big hole in my Linwood Holton, my father-in-law, met Line project, the rail to Dulles, and the life now not to have John Warner to go in 1946 at W&L, and they were part of project during the George W. Bush ad- to and seek his advice. the same fraternity, and John Warner ministration was about to be With that, I yield to the chairman of used to always say that my father-in- unplugged from life support, after dec- the Armed Services Committee, the law broke a paddle across his backside ades of work, and John Warner helped Senator from Rhode Island. in a fraternity hazing ritual. us get in and save that project. Mr. REED. Thank you very much, But those friends began a friendship A tremendous friend, a tremendous Senator KAINE and Senator WARNER. that went to 75 years—75 years of supporter, but I will say this and then I am here today to pay tribute to an friendship. My father-in-law is still hand maybe to Senator REED, who extraordinary gentleman, a great Sen- alive. He will be 98 in September, and it might want to say a word, and then ator, a decent and honorable indi- was an amazing friendship. They back to Senator WARNER, because I vidual, the paragon of what we would worked on projects together. think Senator WARNER might want to all like to be—John Warner. As Senator WARNER mentioned, they be our closer here. John was someone who appreciated had to build the Republican Party in I got to know a new side of John War- everyone, respected everyone, and Virginia. We were a one-party State, ner when I came to the Senate. I mean, treated people with kindness. He has dominated by the Byrd machine Dixie- I felt like we were like best friends and monumental achievements, but at the crats, and they had to build the Repub- family friends, and he helped me when end of his days, I think people remem- lican Party with just a handful of oth- I was mayor and Governor. I came to ber him most for the kindness and the ers. the Senate in 2013, and he had been personal help that he gave naturally

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.009 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3473 because he was an extraordinary gen- Mr. WARNER. Thank you, Senator and we will go back to the legislature tleman. REED. I see Senator THUNE is here. I and shame them into doing the other He also was a patriot, not just in will be very brief. million. words, not wearing a lapel pin or doing You mentioned, Senator REED, about And we did that. It was one of the something like that. He joined the the occasional twinkle in his eye. I am most moving days in my life to see Navy at 18 years old at the end of not sure, again, here is the right time these individuals who had been cheated World War II because he wanted to de- or place to tell the stories, but that out of their education receive the abil- fend and serve the Nation. He didn’t twinkle really lit up when he would ity to get an education. And John War- get overseas, but in 1950, with the Ko- talk about some of his sailing trips ner never wanted an ounce of credit rean war, he decided to drop everything with Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator and, I don’t think, even to this day, he was doing and join the U.S. Marine Chris Dodd, usually also involving that story has been told too many Corps, and he served with distinction stopping at select locations, at selected times. and left the service as a captain. moments in time. At the close of this, which is—I know So he knew what it was like to be a Mr. REED. Many of them in Rhode I am not supposed to do this, but I will sailor, a marine, a soldier, an airman, Island. do this briefly. John Warner appro- and he never forgot that, and that Mr. WARNER. And many of them in priately got recognized for his service, molded his service to this country. It Rhode Island. and there is a submarine named after was about service. It was about sac- There are two other comments I him. And I remember going to the com- rifice, and it was about protecting the want to make. One was, again—both of missioning. He and his wife Jeanne, other fellow and other men, and that our political parties sometimes go a they were so proud of the young men was John Warner. little bit awry. But one of the things and women who were serving on that that John Warner did—he didn’t need He was bipartisan because, again, his boat and then carried on the kind of to do this. He was a sitting Senator, focus was the country. It wasn’t party. sense of patriotism and public service well respected, senior. There was a fel- It was principle and what is best for that he exemplified. low in Virginia who was getting into the country, and I think that dedica- As we have both said, we are going to politics who had kind of a checkered tion stemmed from the fact that he miss him a lot, but I hope we will take history. Sometimes, he was not nec- knew that all across the world, all that sense of his heart and courage and essarily always willing to tell the through his tenure in the Senate and commitment and maybe rededicate truth. His name was Oliver North. John his public life, there were thousands of ourselves to trying to follow that kind Warner did not think that Mr. North young Americans defending us, and he of example. had the personal characteristics that wanted to make sure they were well With that, I yield the floor. ought to be in a Senator of Virginia, prepared and well protected. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- and at great political risk to himself, publican whip. And as chairman of the Armed Serv- he was willing to make that known. He Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, before I ices Committee, he did that. He did it didn’t leave the party—his party—but give my remarks, I want to echo what in an extraordinarily bipartisan way. said that, you know, the party, his Re- has been said on the floor here by our He set a tone and a tempo for the com- publican Party, had to stand for prin- two colleagues, the two Senators from mittee that still is with us today, that ciples, truth, and respect for the rule of the Commonwealth of Virginia, about is imbued in what we all try to do. law. Again, it is an example of the Senator John Warner. Now, he was someone who had a spar- John Warner that was so special. I would just say, too, that when I kle in his eye. He always had a sense of More recently, as Senator KAINE first got to the Senate, my first 6 years humor, a sense of—I won’t say mis- knows, we, in Virginia, have a very in the Senate, I was a member of the chief, but probably close to mischief. checkered history with race. And in Senate Armed Services Committee. And I remember a specific codel he or- the aftermath of Brown v. Board of When I got here, Senator Warner was ganized. This was his major codel going Education, there were a number of the chairman of that committee. And I into Iraq in 2003, and, of course, it was school divisions that literally shut had known him a little bit from a dis- bipartisan: Senator Levin, Senator down rather than letting White chil- tance because I had worked as a staffer CORNYN, myself, and others. We were in dren go to school with Black children. out here back in the 1980s, but I got the there because John had to see firsthand And in Prince Edward County, in a lit- chance to know him in a very personal what the troops were experiencing, tle town called Farmville, which was— way as the chairman of the Senate what he could do to help them, what a group of Black students had literally Armed Services Committee. we needed to know about the situation. done a walkout, in their case, on the And I have to just, again, associate Again, public service—even if it is in- part of Brown v. Board of Education myself with many of the comments convenient—is something that he did case. For a couple of years, Black stu- that have already been made about constantly. dents had no place to go because they him. He truly was a gentleman in the But also he had, as I said, this sense took the public money and put it into truest sense of the word—somebody of mischief and a twinkle in his eye. private academies, and there were no who represents everything, I think, Now, as we flew out of Iraq, we had to public schools, a great blot on the his- that is good about public life in politics find a place to spend overnight so the tory of Virginia, leaving these young and legislating and making public pol- crew could rest. And John, being a very people—now not so young—when this icy and cared profoundly and deeply for sophisticated gentleman, a former Sec- issue came up about 2002 or 2003, with a our men and women in uniform. retary of the Navy, knew that there big hole in their education. As the chairman of the committee, was a nice place to spend a few hours. So we thought we could maybe end that was his No. 1 priority. Of course, So we landed in Souda Bay, and John up providing these individuals an edu- as has been mentioned, he was a ma- arranged that we would get on a bus, cation, give them a couple of years of rine and Secretary of the Navy and had drive up to this beautiful restaurant community college education. It was a just a deep, deep passion to make sure overlooking the Aegean, and have a fairly audacious idea. The local editor that the men and women who defend nice night of Greek food and fellow- of the newspaper there came up with this country on a daily basis were re- ship, bipartisan fellowship. You could this. And, at first, the legislature, you spected and had the resources, the tell he was enjoying himself because know, didn’t want to do this. They equipment, the training, and every- other people were enjoying themselves. didn’t want to take this on. thing they needed to succeed in their We will miss him, and I just hope and So John Warner got on the phone and jobs. pray that his example of thoughtful, called one of his friends, John Kluge, a So he truly was a—he couldn’t have principled bipartisanship is recognized very successful business guy, and said: been a kinder person to me. As a rookie and honored today, as it was when he Would you put up the money? It is only out here, I remember I was standing was here with us. a couple of million dollars. And John over there offering an amendment to With that, I would yield to my col- and I worked out something, where we the Defense authorization bill. I think league. said: Let’s have Kluge put up a million, it was my first, probably, amendment

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.010 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S3474 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 26, 2021 on the floor, and it was something that DUSTY JOHNSON, in a letter to Attorney and identify how it affected U.S. con- he, as the chairman, opposed. And he, I General Merrick Garland urging the sumers, producers, and the supply think, probably could have eviscerated Department of Justice to continue in- chain. me if he had wanted to, but he had vestigating the beef sector to deter- If the review finds negative impacts, that, as has been mentioned—he had mine if improper and anticompetitive the amendment would require the ad- that demeanor and disposition, some- activity has occurred. It is essential ministration to submit to Congress leg- body described it as a twinkle in his that we hold the highly concentrated islative or administrative actions to eye. He truly had that. And he really meatpacker industry accountable to address the impacts. I am a longtime was out of central casting. If anybody consumers and producers who depend supporter of country-of-origin labeling, wanted to cast somebody, he certainly upon it. I will continue to press the De- and I have been raising the importance could have had a career in Hollywood partment of Justice to thoroughly in- of this issue with the new Biden admin- because he looked the part. But it was vestigate this situation. istration. more than just looking the part. He Another important thing that we can I will continue working on a path for- lived it. He was truly not only a gen- do to help ranchers start to see better ward for country-of-origin labeling. tleman but a great Senator for the prices for their cattle is to encourage There is strong demand for U.S. born Commonwealth of Virginia and a great competition in the meatpacking indus- and raised beef, and consumers want to patriot to this country, who got up try. As I said, more than 80 percent of know where their food is coming from. every day and thought of ways that he the meatpacking industry in this coun- The least we can do for our ranchers could make our country stronger and try is controlled by just four compa- and the consumers who depend on their better. nies. Encouraging more companies to products is to provide them with the So my thoughts and prayers are with get into this marketplace and encour- benefit and certainty of seeing ‘‘Made his wife Jeanne and all of his family aging small meatpackers to expand in the USA’’ labels on grocery store today. will dilute the power of these four com- shelves in South Dakota and around AGRICULTURE panies and create more competition for the country. Mr. President, the last several years ranchers’ cattle, which will lead to I think I speak for a lot of Americans when I say there are few things I enjoy have been difficult ones for cattle pro- higher prices for ranchers when they more than a mouthwatering burger or ducers in my home State of South Da- bring their cattle to market. a really good steak. And there are a lot kota and around the country. A 2019 That is why I introduced the of men and women out there in South fire, and later COVID, caused reduc- Strengthening Local Processing Act in Dakota and across the country doing tions in meatpacking capacity, which February with Senator MERKLEY. Our the demanding work of raising cattle left cattle producers with cattle to sell legislation would help strengthen and so that the rest of us can enjoy our and no place to sell them. diversify national meat-processing ca- burgers and steaks and roasts. And even now, with our country well pacity by providing new resources for I am very proud to represent South on its way to full reopening, smaller, more local meat-processing Dakota ranchers here in the Senate, meatpackers are still not back at full operations. Encouraging new meatpackers to and I will continue to make it a pri- capacity—at least in part, it seems, be- ority to support cattle producers and cause of the enhanced unemployment enter the market and smaller meatpackers to expand their oper- make sure that they have fair and benefits the Biden administration is transparent markets for the commod- ations will provide livestock producers providing are not encouraging workers ities that they produce. with more marketing options and thus to come back to work. I yield the floor. Throughout these challenges, ranch- increase competition for their cattle. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ers have struggled, but meatpackers— Plus, spreading out and expanding our ator from Iowa. meatpackers have seen continued sub- Nation’s meat-processing capacity over Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, first stantial profit margins. While cer- more plants will make our Nation’s of all, I compliment Senator THUNE tainly market forces can see the price meat supply less vulnerable to inter- with his remarks and agree with every- for cattle fluctuate, the gap between ruption in situations like the thing that he said and particularly to meatpacker profits and rancher profits coronavirus pandemic or natural dis- emphasize his call for a hearing before raises some questions, most especially aster. the Senate Agriculture Committee, because more than 80 percent of the During the pandemic, outbreaks of something we have been trying to get meatpacking market in this country is COVID at meatpacking plants seri- done for a long period of time, and I concentrated in the hands of just four ously compromised supply, as empty hope that will soon happen. companies. grocery store meat sections attested. REMEMBERING JOHN WARNER That level of concentration creates Had meatpacking capacity been less Mr. President, secondly, I would like the opportunity for market manipula- concentrated, it is likely that we would to follow up on the comments that the tion. The gulf between rancher and not have seen such significant short- two Senators for Virginia made about meatpacker profits and the significant ages. Senator Warner. power these companies have over the Last month, I requested that the Senator Warner came to the Senate 2 beef industry has raised concerns that Senate Agriculture Committee hold a years before I did, and I remember him we are looking at something more than hearing to consider the challenges fac- almost constantly talking about the just an issue of supply and demand. ing the livestock industry, as well as No. 1 responsibility of the Federal Gov- That is why I wrote to the Depart- the bills that have been introduced this ernment: our national security and ment of Justice at the beginning of the year to try to improve the situation. I protecting the American people. And pandemic urging the Department to recognize that there are contrasting he was always, whether he was Sec- begin an investigation into the views among cattle producers on the retary of the Navy or whether he was a meatpacking industry to make sure best path forward to improve the cattle Senator from Virginia—he was always that there was no market manipula- market, but I am hopeful that a hear- speaking strongly about keeping and tion going on. The Department of Jus- ing would help lead to the passage of making sure that our military was tice responded by directing the Justice legislation that would improve the out- strong to meet its constitutional re- Department’s Antitrust Division to ini- look for cattle producers. sponsibilities. tiate an investigation. I also recently introduced, along with I also remember that he was a person Well, that was a year ago, and since Senator TESTER, an amendment to the that quite frequently would speak up then, we have heard nothing. No re- legislation the Senate is considering in Republican caucuses when he had a sults from the investigation have been today that would require the U.S. disagreement with the leadership of released, and it is not clear whether Trade Representative and the U.S. De- the day or the position of the caucus the investigation is still ongoing. partment of Agriculture to review the for the day or maybe he would even be So, last week, I led several of my 2015 World Trade Organization ruling in the minority of the caucus speaking Senate and House colleagues, along that led to the repeal of mandatory on something that he felt strongly with South Dakota Representative country-of-origin labeling, or COOL, about.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.011 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3475 And I also remember his speaking in is—was surrounded by a Jewish ‘‘infes- of the entire State of Wyoming coming terms of—after Reagan Airport was tation.’’ Those were his words. It was into the country illegally since Janu- shut down because of 9/11 and the con- the deadliest attack on the Jewish ary 20. This year we are on a pace for sequences that brought to the economy community in U.S. history. illegal immigration to hit a 20-year of Northern Virginia, how we worked While battling the recent spike in high. so hard to get that airport opened up Asian-American and Pacific Islander Our border agents are overwhelmed. again. hate crimes, we need to remember to Two-thirds of the Border Patrol are too ANTI-SEMITIC HATE CRIMES combat all hate crimes. I look forward busy to actually be out there enforcing Mr. President, the third and last rea- to opportunities in hearings or in legis- the law. They are too busy either tak- son for coming to the U.S. Senate floor lation to see if we are doing everything ing care of kids, unaccompanied mi- at this time to speak is to, like all of that we can to protect our Jewish nors, or adults who have come across my colleagues would do, condemn the brethren and all Americans. with families and have done so ille- troubling increase in hate crimes, I yield the floor. gally. So only about one-third are out whether it is on any minority group, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- there trying to stop the bad guys who but today I come to the floor because ator from Wyoming. are coming into this country—human of the recent attacks on Jewish Ameri- Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask traffickers, drug traffickers—some cans. unanimous consent that both Senator even, we know, on the terrorist watch Anti-Semitism has been called the SULLIVAN and I be allowed to complete list. oldest hatred. Throughout the history our remarks—me for up to 12 minutes In fact, they are so overwhelmed that of the Jewish people, they have been and Senator SULLIVAN for up to 5 min- they are doing something now they subjected to cruelty, discrimination, utes—before the vote. have never done before: They are re- and violence. Even in modern times, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leasing illegal immigrants directly even here in America, Jews are still objection, it is so ordered. into the country without even giving not safe from this hatred, and that is a BORDER SECURITY them court dates. Instead, they are telling them to report to ICE facilities, profoundly bad and sad situation. No Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I oh, sometime in the next couple of Jewish American should ever experi- come to the floor today to talk about months. This is unprecedented. This is ence bigotry based on their religion, the ongoing crisis at our southern bor- worse than catch-and-release. This is nor should they be subjected to der. an absolute, total surrender by the threats, harassment, or injury because Over the past few weeks, the Biden Biden administration to people coming there is a Jewish State of Israel. border crisis has been overshadowed by into the country illegally. We can express disagreements about several other crises facing our country This is in addition to the tens of foreign policy and about conflict in the under this administration. Inflation has surged. The price of gasoline across thousands of immigrants who simply Middle East, but we should never allow escape. Border Patrol calls them those disagreements to become dehu- Wyoming and likely in the home State of the Presiding Officer as well is now getaways. They got away. They got manizing and abusive. Yet, in response into the country without being to the terrible conflict in Gaza re- over $3 a gallon. Democrats have been on another spending spree. It is a tril- stopped. We saw these folks doing this cently, Jewish Americans have been at- when a number of us went to the border tacked in recent weeks. lion-dollar spending spree. Hiring has plummeted across the country. Terror- a month or so ago, chanting across the The Anti-Defamation League has Rio Grande River: ‘‘You cannot stop us ists have attacked our closest ally. The said that the reporting of anti-Semitic now.’’ response from the Biden administra- incidents has gone up 63 percent since The top Republican on the Homeland the start of the war between Israel and tion actually on that attack has been Security Committee, Senator to treat both our closest ally Israel and Hamas. PORTMAN, revealed last week that In New York, two Jewish teenagers the attackers of Hamas as equals. I there were 40,000 of these ‘‘got-aways’’ were surrounded by an angry mob just could go on and on. just last month. Well, how many of The most serious challenges facing this last Saturday. The boys were told them were drug smugglers? How many that they had to chant ‘‘free Pal- our Nation have escalated ever since of them are human traffickers? How estine’’ or chant ‘‘kill all Jews’’ before President Biden has taken office, but many are on the terrorist watch list? they were beaten and choked. you can’t forget the border crisis that We will never know. Over the same On Thursday, a man wearing a we have now under President Biden. month, deportation hit a record low. yarmulke was beaten by a gang of men Over the last several months, basically The crisis might have disappeared who chanted words like ‘‘Hamas is since President Biden took office on from the headlines, but it hasn’t gone going to kill all of you.’’ January 20 and he changed our border away. And the people living near the In Los Angeles, anti-Israel protesters policies, the crisis has only gotten border are being impacted dramati- attacked Jewish patrons at a res- worse. cally. It is only getting worse. taurant. The attackers reportedly said President Biden flipped on a big Fifty thousand unaccompanied chil- ‘‘death to Jews’’ and ‘‘free Palestine.’’ green light and said: Come to America. dren have crossed the border since Joe An orthodox Jewish man was chased That is the message that people heard Biden became President. Unprece- by cars flying Palestinian flags in an- all across the world. He sent a clear dented. At a time of a global pandemic, other incident in Los Angeles. message that the border is open. these children are not social I hope that we all condemn this hor- On his first day in office, President distancing, let me tell you. That is rible wave of violence against Jewish Biden shut down construction of the what we saw when we saw them Americans, but Members of Congress southern border wall. He stopped all crammed in like sardines into the can do more to take down the tempera- deportations for 100 days. He brought Donna facility at the southern tip of ture. We should never vilify Israel or back a program basically known as Texas. Israelis. This only fosters other hateful catch-and-release. Now those policy The media reports that the Depart- attacks, encouraging others to do de- changes have led to a dramatic in- ment of Health and Human Services humanizing things. We can talk about crease in illegal immigration. has left some kids on buses overnight. geopolitical problems without demon- In March, our border agents caught This is a humanitarian crisis: nowhere izing a people. That is pretty common 170,000 immigrants crossing our south- for them to sleep, nowhere to bathe. sense. ern border illegally. In April, they One teenager named Joel said he was I remember how far anti-Semitic vio- caught even more: 178,000 illegal immi- left on a bus for 3 days. That is how lence can go. In October of 2018, Robert grants in just 30 days. The numbers President Biden and his administration Bowers attacked the Tree of Life syna- have gone up and up. I heard a report are handling the situation. gogue in Pittsburgh, PA, killing 11. He yesterday that we are now at half a I know Democrats love to lecture Re- did so after complaining that our first million people coming in illegally ever publicans about humane immigration President with Jewish members in the since President Biden has taken office. policy. This is not humane. This is not first family—President Trump, that Half a million—that is the population humane.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.013 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S3476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 26, 2021 The White House is now boasting The Border Patrol officers say it Now, of course, freedom of speech is that they are transferring the kids out would make a huge difference in their enshrined in the First Amendment of of Border Patrol facilities. Nothing to lives, in their jobs of protecting our our Constitution. The birth of our Na- brag about there. That is what the law Nation, if they could just put up and tion was the result of our Founding Fa- mandates. They are just sending them place that final spot of the wall. thers escaping tyranny and pursuit of from one overcrowded government fa- Some Democrats are actually encour- freedom of thought and expression. cility to another overcrowded govern- aging even more illegal immigration. And since the inception of our coun- ment facility. It seems like they are Democrats in Washington just sent $26 try, we have prevailed over every coun- playing a shell game with these kids so billion in taxpayer money to the Gov- try an empire that we have competed they can play with the numbers. ernor of California. Now, what does he with, in part, because of America’s But the problem hasn’t been solved; want to do with the $26 billion that was commitment to the free exchange of no, sir, it has not. Thousands and thou- sent to the Governor of California? He ideas, and our universities have tradi- sands of children keep showing up, and wants to give some of that money to il- tionally amplified this longstanding the crisis keeps getting worse. The legal immigrants. American ideal and comparative ad- Biden White House has told the world: Eight Senate Democrats have intro- vantage. Anyone under 18 can cross our border; duced a bill to give free healthcare to But, unfortunately, this is changing. we will let them in. And they are com- children who are here illegally. They Today, it is becoming increasingly ing in record numbers. So it is not a introduced a bill this month, knowing clear that many of our universities too surprise that tens of thousands of fami- full well about the child migration cri- lies are taking President Biden up on sis at our border. This bill would only often stamp out the exchange of ideas the offer. Not just families—criminals make the crisis worse. The Democrat for certain politically correct nar- are taking advantage of these children. promises of government benefits are a ratives. This is having a chilling effect Criminals know that Border Patrol is magnet to illegal immigrants. on our students, on campus, and most overwhelmed. Criminals know, if they Democrats talk a lot about compas- importantly, their ability to express use kids to distract our agents, they sion. This is not compassion. The com- themselves. will be able to make an end run via passionate thing to do is to stop the Let me present some disturbing find- got-away, get-around, and bring drugs crisis. We know how to do that. We ings. A recent Gallup survey of 3,000 into the country. know what works. Democrats don’t undergraduate students found that 81 Border Patrol has come to the Con- like to admit it, but President Trump percent of students widely support a gress and has told the Appropriations was historically successful in control- campus environment where they are Committee in the House that they are ling our border. exposed to all types of speech, even seizing four times as much fentanyl Democrats say that the system was speech they find offensive—81 percent. this year as they seized last year. They dismantled. This is the exact opposite However, that same survey found that are not sure how much they are miss- of the truth. Democrats are disman- only 59 percent of college students be- ing, but we do know that this is a drug tling it today. Democrats need to stop lieve that free speech rights are secure, that killed more than 30,000 Americans giving our taxpayer dollars to illegal and that is down from 73 percent just 4 in 2019. immigrants. Democrats need to turn years ago. Border Patrol has already seized off this magnet that is drawing 50,000 That same survey also found that 63 more fentanyl over the last 7 months children to risk their lives and take a percent of university students in Amer- than they did over the previous year. very dangerous journey, many paying ica agree that the climate on their They have seized enough fentanyl at those to traffic them, to bring them up campus deters students from express- the border—people trying to move it to the border and carry them across. ing themselves openly, almost two- into the country illegally—the volume We need to go back to the policies thirds of American students. That is that has been seized at the border is that make our borders secure: Enforce remarkable. It is dangerous, not just enough to kill more than a million peo- the law, close the loopholes that en- for university life but for American ple. That is just the drugs that we courage our illegal immigration, finish life, and I believe it is unacceptable. know about. Imagine the drugs we the wall that we paid for, bring back Fortunately, we can do something don’t know about. the Remain in Mexico policy. about it with the simple amendment Well, how are Democrats going to This crisis might be overshadowed by that I have offered today. deal with this border crisis? Many are the other crises that are hitting us now This bill that we are debating right ignoring it. Neither the President nor in this Nation, ones for which Joe now, the Endless Frontier Act, will be the Vice President has been to the bor- Biden is responsible; yet the crisis at sending billions, tens of billions, of dol- der since taking office 4 months ago— our Southern border will not go away lars—taxpayer dollars—to America’s neither one of them. Many Democrats until we take action. universities. My amendment says, in are trying to distract people from the I yield the floor. return for these billions of dollars issue. So why are the President and I suggest the absence of a quorum. when applying for National Science Vice President not going? Because they The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Foundation funds, universities will be know, if they go, TV cameras will go HICKENLOOPER). The clerk will call the required to attest that they are pro- with them, and it will attract more at- roll. tecting free speech, religious liberty, tention to the crisis—the humanitarian The bill clerk proceeded to call the and prohibiting discrimination on cam- crisis, the national security crisis— roll. that they have created. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask pus and explain what steps they are Now some Democrats are actually unanimous consent that the order for taking to ensure compliance. That is proposing that we make the crisis the quorum call be rescinded. it, a letter to the NSF once a year for worse. Last week, the Senate had an The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without billions in Federal research dollars. opportunity to finish the border wall. objection, it is so ordered. Now, already, we are hearing that Remember, the border wall has already AMENDMENT NO. 1911 some universities oppose my amend- been paid for. Only one Democrat voted Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, for ment, calling it ‘‘burdensome.’’ Well, to complete the wall. Every other Dem- decades, even centuries, America’s uni- here it is. It is 2 pages. It is simple. It ocrat voted to block it. They voted versities have been the envy of the is easy. This university opposition ac- against finishing the wall even though world and one of America’s biggest tually illustrates the problem that, in we have already paid for it. comparative advantages. At their best, exchange for billions of dollars in Fed- I have been there. I have seen areas they are hubs for innovative thinking, eral research money, America’s univer- of the wall. The materials are there places where free exchange of ideas are sities can’t be bothered to demonstrate lying on the ground, just needing to be not only encouraged but expected on to Congress and the American people lifted up and connected to other por- campus. They have been the backbones that they are committed to the prin- tions of the wall, and that construction of innovations that have changed ciples of the First Amendment which, stopped the day President Biden took countless lives in America and, really, by the way, have made our country and the oath of office. across the world for the better. our universities so exceptional.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 May 27, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26MY6.016 S26MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3477 Censorship, oppression, and one-sided ica’s universities will be getting as bled when called to order by the Pre- thoughts are characteristics of Com- part of the Endless Frontier Act, they siding Officer (Ms. ROSEN). munist China, not America, and cer- have to do one simple thing: once a f tainly should not be the characteristics year, send a letter to the National ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT— of America’s great universities—to the Science Foundation saying—and this is Continued contrary. in the amendment right here—they One of the most important ways to have committed to protecting free The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- compete with and win against Com- speech, viewpoint diversity, the free ator from Louisiana. munist China is to ensure that Amer- exchange of ideas, academic freedom, NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER ica—and, yes, our universities—remain and the protection of religious liberty, Mr. CASSIDY. Madam President, I what they have traditionally been: lab- and prohibiting against discrimination. rise today kind of expressing the frus- oratories of free expression, free That is it, Mr. President. It is very tration of many of my constituents. thought, creativity, innovation, and in- simple. This is what universities During the COVID–19 pandemic, we genuity. should be doing. It is a letter, once a have had Federal Agencies and employ- My simple amendment will help year, that is very simple in exchange ees not working at all—not from home, make sure this happens, and I encour- for billions and billions of Federal re- not in the office, period. Have not had age all of my colleagues to vote yes to search dollars. I certainly hope all of a lick of work for over 14 months. support this amendment, an America my colleagues will support this amend- In April, the Senate Finance Com- of free liberty, free thinking, and inno- ment—simple, needed. mittee had a hearing entitled ‘‘The So- vation. Again, this is how we outcompete cial Security Administration During I suggest the absence of a quorum. communist China, which is all about COVID: How the Pandemic Hampered The PRESIDING OFFICER. The what the Endless Frontier Act is fo- Access to Benefits and Strategies for clerk will call the roll. cused on. Improving Service Delivery.’’ The bill clerk proceeded to call the I encourage my colleagues to vote Now, following the hearing and in re- roll. yes. sponse to my concerns that seniors in Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 1911 my State with issues getting their So- unanimous consent that the order for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cial Security benefits are not being the quorum call be rescinded. question is on agreeing to the amend- sufficiently served due to field and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment. local offices being closed, my office got objection, it is so ordered. Mr. SULLIVAN. I ask for the yeas a letter from Commissioner Andrew The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under and nays. the previous order, there will now be 2 Saul. The letter states: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a I urge you to encourage the unions to con- minutes of debate equally divided prior sufficient second? to the vote on Sullivan amendment No. tinue engaging in meaningful dialogue with There appears to be a sufficient sec- management that includes a focus on the 1911. ond. very best service to the public. The Senator from Washington. The clerk will call the roll. That is a nice way of saying: We need Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise The bill clerk called the roll. today in opposition to amendment No. The result was announced—yeas 49, help getting the unions to the table so 1911. It is an amendment that claims to nays 51, as follows: we can get Federal employees back to work. be about protecting free speech but [Rollcall Vote No. 207 Leg.] Now, we are talking about manda- that could actually have a very YEAS—49 chilling effect on speech at our institu- tory services, reopening Social Secu- Barrasso Grassley Risch rity offices for in-person visits in a tions of higher education. Blackburn Hagerty Romney I share the goal of fostering campus Boozman Hawley Rounds postvaccine world to assist elderly environments that protect free speech Braun Hoeven Rubio Americans—my grandparents, your Burr Hyde-Smith and the free exchange of ideas, but I Sasse grandparents—having issues with their Capito Inhofe Scott (FL) have multiple concerns with the way Cassidy Johnson benefits. This isn’t happening because Scott (SC) government employees are not showing this amendment goes about advancing Collins Kennedy Shelby Cornyn Lankford Sullivan up. those goals. It is not the role of the Na- Cotton Lee Thune It brings to mind an old quote from tional Science Foundation or the in- Cramer Lummis Tillis spector general of the National Science Crapo Marshall an old Governor in Louisiana, Earl Toomey Foundation to police speech on cam- Cruz McConnell Long. They asked Governor Long: How Daines Moran Tuberville many people do you have working at puses. Ernst Murkowski Wicker Deciding what is appropriate regula- Fischer Paul Young the capitol? And he looks off into tion of speech should not be left to Graham Portman space, and he goes: Working? About agencies that are not experts in con- NAYS—51 two. Now, in this case, that is the way it stitutional analysis or in issues related Baldwin Heinrich Peters to First Amendment protections at our Bennet Hickenlooper Reed is going with this. The situation at the institutions of higher education. Blumenthal Hirono Rosen Department of Veterans Affairs, in I believe it would be a mistake to use Blunt Kaine Sanders connection with the National Archives Booker Kelly Schatz and specifically the National Personnel today’s amendment to make substan- Brown King Schumer tial change without the opportunity Cantwell Klobuchar Shaheen Records Center, is even worse. Accord- for input from students, educators, and Cardin Leahy Sinema ing to the National Archives, the back- Carper Luja´ n Smith log of veterans’ records grew to more stakeholders. I have heard from many Casey Manchin Stabenow institutions of higher education, as Coons Markey Tester than 499,000 requests in April of 2021. well as civil rights groups, who strong- Cortez Masto Menendez Van Hollen They estimate it will take 18 to 24 ly share my concerns. Duckworth Merkley Warner months to clear once the National Per- Durbin Murphy Warnock sonnel Records Center is staffed at full I urge my colleagues to vote no. Feinstein Murray Warren The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Gillibrand Ossoff Whitehouse capacity. ator from Alaska. Hassan Padilla Wyden I just want to make this point. We Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, with The amendment (No. 1911) was re- have 499,000 ignored document requests all due respect to my colleague from jected. from veterans. The people who have Washington, when the universities say served our country are not being served f they can’t do this because it is too bur- in their current life. densome, again, to me that actually RECESS Despite the widespread availability demonstrates the very problem my The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of vaccines and the recent relaxation of simple amendment is trying to resolve. ate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m. COVID–19 guidelines from the U.S. Cen- All it is saying is in exchange for the Thereupon, the Senate, at 1:03 p.m., ters for Disease Control and Preven- tens of billions of dollars that Amer- recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- tion, the National Personnel Records

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