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

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017 No. 160 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was for work could often seem bleak. For check, helping businesses grow and called to order by the President pro those men and women, the promise of a workers succeed, helping move the tempore (Mr. HATCH). hard-earned retirement seemed to drift economy into high gear so we can sus- f further and further away. For so many tain real prosperity into the future for middle-class Americans, the last dec- America’s middle class. PRAYER ade meant a weak economy and a de- These are the kinds of ideas that The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- cline of opportunities. People of this should be shared by everyone, Repub- fered the following prayer: Nation deserve better. They deserve licans and Democrats alike. Our friends Let us pray. larger paychecks, more jobs, and better across the aisle supported the need for Father of love, who made Heaven and opportunities to get ahead. tax reform for many years. They used Earth, sustain us through this day. This Congress is committed to help- to advocate it loudly. But the tone May our lawmakers focus on Your ing the economy live up to its full po- seems to be different now. What glory and not their own. Inspire them tential once again, which is exactly changed? The President, or so it would with Your presence so that their lives why we are committed to passing tax seem. will reflect Your mercy and truth. reform. This is our once-in-a-genera- We know that our Democratic friends Lord, give them the wisdom to trust tion opportunity to overhaul a broken are under immense pressure from the Your plans and to desire for You to do tax code that holds us back and replace hard left to oppose everything this as You please for our Nation and world. it with something that actually works President touches, but I hope they can Forgive us when we depend primarily for the hard-working people of our resist that pressure and do what they on our strength and ability to meet country. It represents the single most know is right. After all, shouldn’t we life’s challenges, forgetting that You important thing we can do today to get all support cutting middle-class taxes, are able and eager to help us. God, our our economy back on the right track. helping small businesses, and bringing deliverer, we bless Your Name from Working together, President Trump, jobs and investments back to our coun- this time forth and forever more. his team, and the tax-writing commit- try? Thank You for Your merciful kindness tees in Congress have developed the I was always under the impression that is new each day. framework that will help us get there. that Democrats wanted to end cor- We pray in Your precious Name. Here is what it envisions: porate offshoring, eliminate loopholes Amen. For American workers, we want to for the wealthy, and cut middle-class f make your taxes lower, simpler, and taxes. Well, these are all aspects of the fairer. We want to take more money current tax reform framework. So PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE out of Washington’s pockets and put there is no need for our friends to in- The President pro tempore led the more in yours. vent reasons to justify opposing tax re- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: Helping individuals and families suc- form. There is no reason to launch at- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the ceed is the first aim of tax reform. tacks on the tax reform framework United States of America, and to the Repub- Helping businesses succeed is the sec- based on made-up details that aren’t lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ond aim, so we can help create more actually in it. Tax reform has been a indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. jobs and keep them right here in Amer- bipartisan effort in the past. It can be, f ica. and it should be, again now. American businesses, both large and It is up to our Democratic friends to RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY small, face an increasingly competitive decide if they would like to engage in a LEADER global economy. We want to put Amer- serious way. I personally hope they The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The ican businesses and workers on a level will join us in advancing this impor- majority leader is recognized. playing field because when they are, tant initiative for our country. I think f they can win. we owe at least that much to the mil- We want to help bring jobs and prof- lions of Americans who felt forgotten TAX REFORM its back home, and once they are here, over the last decade. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, we want to give businesses the right in- Tax reform can help move our econ- during the Obama years, many of the centives to keep them right here in omy into high gear. It can help deliver hard-working men and women of Amer- America. more jobs, higher wages, and increased ica’s middle class felt completely for- We want to unleash the potential of opportunities for the American people. gotten. Paychecks often did not keep the American economy—helping you The men and women of this country de- pace with rising costs. Opportunities keep more of the money in your pay- serve it, which is why I am committed

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:54 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.000 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 to keeping up the work to get tax re- the position of Vice Chair for Super- this country well as USCIS Director. form accomplished. vision—another essential role. The role of the USCIS in implementing It is critical that Mr. Quarles begin f and administering our immigration his work at the Fed as soon as possible. benefits is too important for any other RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME There really is no time to waste. He result. I believe strongly in the impor- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. will do a great job. tance of immigrants to the culture and STRANGE). Under the previous order, (At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the economy of the United States, and I the leadership time is reserved. following statement was ordered to be hope Mr. Cissna’s actions as Director printed in the RECORD.) show that he agrees. However, I cannot f ∑ Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, in good conscience vote to confirm CONCLUSION OF MORNING I had expected to be able to vote today someone about whom I have so many BUSINESS on the confirmation of Mr. Randal concerns.∑ Quarles to be a member of the Federal Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I suggest The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning Reserve. Instead, I am in Las Vegas, the absence of a quorum. business is closed. meeting with victims of and first re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The f sponders to the deadliest mass shoot- clerk will call the roll. ing in modern U.S. history. The legislative clerk proceeded to EXECUTIVE SESSION On the question of Mr. Quarles’s call the roll. nomination, I want to make clear that Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask I would have voted ‘‘no’’ had I been unanimous consent that the order for EXECUTIVE CALENDAR present. While an official in the Bush the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under administration Treasury Department The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the previous order, the Senate will pro- in the lead-up to the economic crisis of objection, it is so ordered. ceed to executive session and resume 2007 to 2009, Mr. Quarles failed to take RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER consideration of the Quarles nomina- action to prevent the build-up of risk The Democratic leader is recognized. tion, which the clerk will report. that ultimately led to hundreds of LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING The legislative clerk read the nomi- thousands of foreclosures and evictions Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, as we nation of Randal Quarles, of Colorado, in Nevada. In fact, Mr. Quarles during continue to grieve with the people of to be a Member of the Board of Gov- that period repeatedly maintained that Las Vegas and families of the injured ernors of the Federal Reserve System the financial system was safe, that and the deceased, when I think of the for the unexpired term of fourteen large banks were well-capitalized, and pictures I see of those beautiful young years from February 1, 2004. that the housing market was strong, people who had the best of life ahead of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under notwithstanding clear signs of esca- them, we ache for them. But our the previous order, the time until 10 lating risk. After serving in the Treas- thoughts must turn to action so this a.m. will be equally divided between ury Department, Mr. Quarles was the doesn’t happen again. the two leaders or their designees. beneficiary of the second-largest ‘‘loss What can we do as a nation to The Senator from Utah. share’’ agreement in the Federal De- change? Because surely when there are Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise posit Insurance Corporation’s history. more mass shootings this year than today to applaud the nomination of This agreement provided a taxpayer- there are the number of days this year, Randal Quarles to help oversee the backed guarantee and allowed Mr. when we average more than one mass Federal Reserve System. Mr. Quarles is Quarles to profit substantially off of shooting per day, something has to certainly eminently qualified to serve the failure of a large bank. change. in this capacity in this important posi- If confirmed, I hope that Mr. Quarles I am sure that if you asked the griev- tion. Through his long experience in will exceed my expectations and be- ing families whether they want the public service and the private sector, come a strong advocate for a safe and laws to change so this might not hap- Mr. Quarles has gained experience in fi- resilient American financial system. pen again, the overwhelming majority nancial regulation, economics, and the However, I cannot in good conscience would say yes, they would want us to firsthand operations of financial insti- vote to confirm him given my concerns do something. If we could talk to those tutions. He also has a proven track about his past record. brave souls who were killed and are record of leadership and policy man- Thank you. now in Heaven, they would say: Do agement. NOMINATION OF LEE FRANCIS CISSNA something. They wouldn’t say: Let’s The Fed’s responsibilities are exten- Mr. President, I had expected to be wait. They wouldn’t say: Leave things sive, and they are varied, and the roles able to vote today on the confirmation alone. The fact that they were killed, Mr. Quarles has been nominated for of Mr. Lee Francis Cissna, to be Direc- the fact that there were so many in- come during a unique period in the tor of the U.S. Citizenship and Immi- jured—they wouldn’t think it is polit- Fed’s history. The years ahead will be gration Services, USCIS. Instead, I am ical to try to save their lives or pre- decisive for the development of the in Las Vegas helping my constituents vent somebody else from dying the way Federal Reserve, the American econ- in the aftermath of the worst mass they did. So when folks say: Don’t omy, as well as domestic and inter- shooting in modern American history. bring politics into this, that it is inap- national financial reform. It is para- On the question of Mr. Cissna’s nomi- propriate, I am sure the families of the mount that the Fed be equipped with a nation, I want to make my opposition loved ones who were lost would agree well-rounded leadership team so it can to his confirmation clear. I do not be- with me that it is appropriate and im- meet the many challenges and opportu- lieve Mr. Cissna to be qualified to lead portant and necessary. nities of maintaining monetary and fi- the USCIS. This decision is based on Politics is where we are supposed to nancial stability. I firmly believe that his prior experience, as well as his tes- come together and debate the great Mr. Quarles is an ideal fit to take on timony before the Senate Judiciary problems of our time in order to find such responsibilities—for the success of Committee. Mr. Cissna stated during solutions to them. Politics is how we the Federal Reserve and the good of his confirmation hearing that he had a are supposed to make our country a our Nation. role on President Trump’s transition better, safer, more prosperous place to In closing, I applaud and strongly team and he offered his ‘‘technical as- live. And there is no more appropriate support the President’s nominee to sistance’’ in crafting some of the Presi- time than now to talk about the issue help oversee the Federal Reserve Sys- dent’s draconian immigration policies. of gun violence. tem. I know him personally. I know Additionally, it is my belief that Mr. Yesterday, President Trump visited what a fine man he is. I know what an Cissna does not have the management Las Vegas. I am glad he went to show excellent leader he is. He will do a good experience necessary to oversee a large our solidarity and remind everyone job. organization like the USCIS. there that they have the full support of Importantly, I would note that it is If confirmed, I hope that Mr. Cissna the Nation. But he didn’t talk about the intention to confirm Mr. Quarles to will surpass my expectations and serve guns. There is a huge opportunity he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.002 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6329 missed to lead this Nation in a reason- Fully automatic weapons are already ical, but we have to make sure the is- able, moderate debate on gun safety, illegal, made so by a law signed by land has enough cash to start the proc- but that opportunity is not over. The President Reagan in 1986. Banning ess. In FEMA, local governments often President still has the opportunity. All bump stocks is entirely consistent with have to lay out the money first and eyes are on the President to see if he the books. Senator FEINSTEIN intro- then they get repaid, but Puerto Rico will grasp the opportunity and lead the duced a reasonable proposal. What are doesn’t have the money to lay out so Nation to do something reasonable and we waiting for, the NRA to give us a we have to deal with that issue to moderate about guns and gun safety. green light? That is so wrong. make it effective. President Trump, are you going to If the President and Congress are so With these issues in mind, we should wait to hear what the NRA says first? beholden to the NRA that they can’t do act quickly on this supplemental aid, Are you going to wait for the NRA to the very bare minimum—banning a de- but it is just the beginning of give you the green light? You ran your vice that allowed a shooter to kill 59 Congress’s aid to rebuild. campaign saying you were beholden to Americans with ease, a device whose TAX REFORM no one. You fashion yourself as a ban would in no way infringe on the le- Mr. President, finally, on the Repub- strong man. Well, are you going to gitimate rights of gun owners—then lican tax plan, I have so much to say show that you are not beholden to any- our politics, our means of making this about this plan. It is so awful in so one now? Are you going to show your country a better and safer place, will many ways: huge tax cuts for the strength now? Are you going to be the have once again failed us. wealthy and the powerful, raising taxes first Republican President in a genera- PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS on middle-class people—which I am tion to buck the NRA? You know what RECOVERY EFFORT going to talk about in a minute—blow- the right thing to do is. Mr. President, turning to the human- ing a huge hole in our deficit, and to I say to President Trump: Come out itarian crisis in Puerto Rico and the fund the tax cuts for the rich, cutting and say that you support and would U.S. Virgin Islands, yesterday, once Medicare and Medicaid by close to $1.5 sign a law to ban bump stocks—the again, Congress received a request from trillion. modification used by the Las Vegas the administration for a supplemental We are all in favor of a serious tax re- gunman to make his weapons auto- aid package that will go to help Puerto form debate. We have mentioned our matic. That is small, and it is the right Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other guidelines: no tax cuts for the 1 per- thing to do. Don’t wait for the NRA to States hit by storms. It also includes cent, no increase in the deficit, and do make up their mind. Do it. some money for the Western States it in a bipartisan way. The Republican Of course, banning bump stocks can’t beset by wildfires. plan does just the opposite. That is be our only response. It is hardly It is a good first step, but it is just why Democrats are so opposed. It lav- enough. Even though we should do the start of a long recovery and relief ishes tax breaks on the rich, pays for it whatever we can in this body in obei- effort that will require additional aid by cutting Medicare and Medicaid, and sance to the NRA, we must do more. from this Congress. While aid and re- leaves everyone in the cold, except the Abandoning efforts to deregulate si- sources are necessary now, these is- very wealthy. lencers would be the next step. The po- lands are just starting to assess the Today I want to focus on one provi- lice were able to figure out where the damage. Once they determine how dev- sion of the GOP tax plan: the repeal of gunman was because of the noise from astating these storms actually were, the State and local tax deduction. The his gun in the Mandalay Bay Hotel. we need to respond immediately to pro- Republican plan raises taxes on mil- Let’s forget about implementing a vide additional support and funds to as- lions of middle-class families across national concealed carry reciprocity. sist their recovery and rebuilding, just the country by repealing the State and My police officers in Times Square as we have done for past storms and local deduction. Forty-four million don’t want to let someone who has had disasters. On this package, I have three Americans take that deduction. That is no check, who might have a mental de- points. about one in eight. It is about one in rangement like Paddock, come to First, I am urging my colleagues to four or five families who take that de- Times Square—and they can’t do any- add additional and vital flexible fund- duction. One-third of all taxpayers thing about it; that is what that law ing for recovery like the community take the deduction. It is almost one in would do—or any other heavily popu- development block grant. We gave three. They don’t just get a few pennies lated place, the downtowns of many of CDBG to help Texas after Harvey. We back. They get several thousand dol- our big cities and even medium-sized can’t deprive Puerto Rico and the Vir- lars off their taxes each year. It is not cities, Disney World, baseball games, gin Islands of this money. just a rarified group in States like football stadiums. If this concealed Second, I am warning my colleagues Massachusetts, New York, and Cali- carry reciprocity passed, crazy people on the other side—particularly those in fornia. The reason it brings in $1.3 tril- could carry weapons concealed into the House—not to attach any extra- lion is because it affects so many peo- any football stadium in America, and neous, ideological policy riders to this ple throughout the entire country. the police couldn’t check on them and urgent aid package. Ideological policy If you do not believe me, look at the see if they had a gun. changes to the Flood Insurance Pro- numbers. Look at these charts. I am We have to do these things. If you gram and forest management policies posting the percentages for each State. looked at what would be the most ef- should come nowhere near this bill. Forty-six percent of the people in fective way in stopping the daily gun They tried to do it last week in the Maryland get an average deduction of violence that is doable, the most im- FAA bill, and we had to send it back $12,900. Connecticut gets 41 percent. I portant and attainable thing to do because of joint opposition, both sides showed one of my colleagues that Vir- would be adopting universal back- of the aisle. Let’s not go through that ginia is higher than New York. Thirty- ground checks. It is common sense, it again. I thank our chairman of the seven percent get an $11,000 deduction. is measured, it is prudent, and it would Banking Committee for helping in that Massachusetts, Oregon. To my col- be really effective. regard. leagues from Utah, 35 percent of Utah The bill Senator MURPHY introduced Third, it has become clear that Puer- taxpayers get an average deduction of yesterday is one I have been involved to Rico’s recovery will be further hin- $12,954. In Utah, they say: Well, the with for a long time, and we should see dered by its ongoing debt crisis. That standard deduction makes up for it. if we can get enough support to pass it. crisis, coupled with the devastation With most families, the standard de- We can and should talk about these from Hurricane Maria, has led to grow- duction will not because we are taking issues more. It requires only a mod- ing concerns that the island will soon away the standard exemption so it is a icum of moral and political coverage. face a liquidity crisis. Simply put, the wash if you are a family of three. President Trump and Republicans in island is running out of money to pay Let’s keep going. Minnesota and New Congress ought to show that moral and for essential services like first respond- York. I want to show my Republican political courage now by bucking the ers, not to mention funds for rebuilding colleagues how it would affect some of NRA and engaging in a reasonable de- and recovery. The funds we hope to in- their States. Let’s take Georgia. One- bate about commonsense gun laws. clude in the disaster package are crit- third of all taxpayers get an average

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.004 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 break of $9,000. Look at these numbers, tax break. The standard deduction does Time and again, he has promised that my colleagues. I am going to send them not undo it because you lose the stand- he would ‘‘never be beholden to the lob- to every one of you. Look how it af- ard exemption. Even if you are just a byists or the special interests,’’ but he fects your State. husband and wife without kids— has appointed dozens of Big Business Here we go. Iowa, 29 percent of all Mr. President, I am going to ask executives and lobbyists to senior posi- people get a $10,000 break, on average; unanimous consent that the debate be tions in his administration. During his Pennsylvania, 29 percent, an $11,000 delayed for a few minutes. I know my campaign, he promised that he would break; Arizona, 28 percent, a $7,000 colleagues are—well, I just need to fin- not let the Wall Street guys get away break. ish my remarks. I am almost done. with murder, but after he was sworn in, My friend from Idaho, I didn’t know The benefit of State and local de- he loaded up his economic team with he would be here, but his number on ductibility affects every State, every Goldman Sachs executives. Over and the chart—28 percent of Idahoans get city, every town, every municipality, over again, he has promised to drain an average of an $8,800 break. Do you and goes deep into the middle class and the swamp, but then he appointed an want to take that away from them? the working class. army of lobbyists and industry insiders The standard deduction doesn’t make One other point I have to make, now to positions that oversee the industries up for it if you have one child or more. realizing this, some of our Republican that paid them for years. Nebraska, 28 percent get an $11,000 de- colleagues are saying we will modify it. Randal Quarles is just the latest in duction. Folks, there is no real way to modify this long line of corporate appoint- By the way, these numbers come the provision to eliminate State and ments. He is President Trump’s nomi- from a group that put it together, but local deductibility. If you want to give nee to the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair it is from the IRS. These are IRS num- a choice that will not work—because for Supervision. He has gone through bers. for middle-class taxpayers, it is only the revolving door so many times that South Carolina, 27 percent, $8,000; the combination of their itemized de- it is hard to keep up—from a big Wall Missouri, 26 percent, $9,800; Ohio, 26 ductions, such as State, local, mort- Street law firm, to the Treasury De- percent, $10,000. Kentucky, my dear gage, and others, that make it worth it partment, back to the Wall Street law friend the Republican leader, in his for them to itemize. firm, back, eventually, to the Treasury If you have to choose between the State, 26 percent of the people—one out Department, then to a private equity mortgage deduction and your property of four—get that State and local prop- fund, followed most recently by a trip tax deduction, it is a loser. So they erty deduction, averaging $9,995. Do say: Well, we will just do this for the to another private equity fund. Now you want to take that away? Mr. Quarles is ready for another spin Alabama, where our dear friend the very rich. Yet, as I mentioned, that is not where the money is. Where are you through the revolving door. Presiding Officer is from, gets 26 per- The Vice Chair for Supervision of the going to cap it? It is mostly a middle- cent. One out of four of his constitu- Fed is one of the most important jobs class deduction. If you cap it, say, for ents get an average break of $5,900. in the government. After the 2008 cri- people whose incomes are above Kansas, 25 percent, gets an average sis, Congress put the Fed in charge of $500,000 or $1 million, you don’t bring in break of $9,400. much money. So it is a loser. You can- supervising the biggest banks. That in- I am saying these numbers because not fix it. Get rid of it. You cannot fix cluded banks and other financial insti- our friends on the hard right, who just it. The plans that are being done still tutions that would bring down the want to lower their own taxes, are tell- continue to hurt the middle class dra- whole financial system with them if ing everybody, oh, this is just in four matically. they went under—the so-called ‘‘too States—Massachusetts, New York, The Republican plan to repeal State big to fail’’ institutions. The Fed is California, New Jersey. and local cannot be fixed, modified, or what stands between millions of Amer- No, it is across America. tweaked around the edges. Each of the ican families and another economic ca- Let’s keep going. I am having a good proposals does not work. It must be tastrophe that could rob them of their time. I hope you all are. scrapped. The State and local deduc- jobs, their savings, or their homes. Oklahoma, 24 percent of the people tion affects everyone, even the almost After the 2008 crisis, Congress created get an $8,000 break. I think this is Mis- one in five taxpayers in the lowest the Vice Chair for Supervision position sissippi, 23 percent, gets a $6,300 break; States where it affects the fewest peo- to lead efforts to supervise these giant Louisiana, 23 percent, close to one out ple. It is just one of the many flaws in institutions. There is no other position of four, $6,700. Texas, the great State of this broken, broken framework. in government that has a more impor- Texas, where our majority whip comes Let’s start over. Don’t just do a Re- tant role in stopping the next financial from, 23 percent, close to one out of publican plan that appeals to the hand- crisis. four Texans, get a $7,800 break. Indi- ful of very wealthy corporations and So what kind of supervision and over- ana, 23 percent get an $8,700 break; very wealthy individuals. Work with us sight does Mr. Quarles believe in? His Florida, 22 percent get a $7,300 break. on a fair plan that helps the middle motto seems to be, ‘‘Whatever the big Wyoming—it wouldn’t affect Wyoming class, not the very wealthy. We are banks want, give it to ’em.’’ because it is a rural State—22 percent ready, but if you do the same thing Mr. Quarles has spent more than a get a $6,300 break. that you did on healthcare in trying to decade in private equity and invest- The State that is least affected is do it by yourselves, I think that you ment management, where he has ar- still very affected. South Dakota and will meet with the same fate that the gued repeatedly for weaker rules for West Virginia, only 17 percent of the healthcare bill did. giant banks, including relaxing the people get a $9,000 break in West Vir- I yield the floor. rules for stress tests that evaluate ginia and a $6,000 break in South Da- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- banks’ soundness, lowering capital and kota. North Dakota, Tennessee, and ator from Massachusetts. leverage standards, and repealing the Arkansas—21 percent, 19 percent, 18 Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask Volcker rule. percent breaks, between $4,900 and unanimous consent that Senator CRAPO At his hearing before the Banking, $6,800. and I both be allowed to speak for 5 Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, The Achilles’ heel of this bill—there minutes on the nomination of Randal I showed Mr. Quarles a 124-page list of are many—is State and local deduct- Quarles. financial rule rollbacks from a lob- ibility. It kills the middle class and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there bying group for the biggest banks in upper middle income people. It doesn’t objection? the country. I asked him to tell me really affect the rich. They do not pay Without objection, it is so ordered. which of those dozens of changes he a lot of property taxes, the bulk of Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, every disagreed with. He couldn’t name one— these deductions. They make their time President Trump has the choice not one. money in high-income places. They between standing up for American fam- The No. 1 thing that we need from a have a lot of stocks and a lot of bonds. ilies or standing up for wealthy banks Vice Chair for Supervision is independ- It is the middle class and the upper and giant corporations, he chooses the ence from Wall Street—a demonstrated middle class who get clobbered by this rich guys. willingness to stand up to the wishes of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.006 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6331 the big banks and protect the interests In February, Chair Yellen committed Schumer Udall Whitehouse of working families. There is not a in a hearing that she expected Presi- Stabenow Warren Wyden speck of independence in Mr. Quarles’ dent Trump’s nominee for Vice Chair- NOT VOTING—3 track record. man for Supervision to have the same Cochran Cortez Masto Heller Mr. Quarles’ time in government also responsibilities that Governor Tarullo The nomination was confirmed. raises red flags. As Under Secretary of had, including heading the Federal Re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the Treasury for Domestic Finance, he serve’s Committee on Supervision and the previous order, the motion to re- was responsible for overseeing finan- Regulation and representing the Fed at consider is considered made and laid cial institutions, markets, and regula- the Financial Stability Board and in upon the table and the President will tions in the years leading up to the fi- Basel. be immediately notified of the Senate’s nancial crisis. Let me say that again. I expect Mr. Quarles to perform those action. Mr. Quarles was the Treasury official same duties in the interim, and I look The Senator from Idaho. in charge of helping to oversee Wall forward to confirming him to that posi- Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise to Street in the years leading up to the tion soon. Mr. Quarles has strong bi- make a unanimous consent request. We crisis. Does anyone want to point out partisan support and was voted out of have been able to work out an agree- how that worked out? the Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- ment on further aspects of Mr. Quarles’ If Mr. Quarles had wanted to stand up fairs Committee with the affirmative to the banks, he could have found and nomination. vote of 17 to 6. If confirmed, he will I want to thank my ranking member, fixed systemwide problems in the mar- play a key role in developing regu- SHERROD BROWN, for working with us kets before catastrophe struck. In- latory and supervisory policy for the stead, in 2006, when the banks were on this and helping us to be able to Federal Reserve System. move forward. making gobs of money off of risky bets I urge all of my colleagues to support that eventually crashed the economy, f Mr. Quarles’ nomination today and Quarles gave a speech in front of a vote for his confirmation. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR roomful of bankers and said: ‘‘Fun- I yield the floor. Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask damentally, the economy is strong, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The unanimous consent that the Senate financial sector is healthy, and our fu- question is, Will the Senate advise and proceed to the consideration of the fol- ture’’—the banks’—‘‘looks bright.’’ lowing nomination: Executive Calendar Less than 2 years later, the entire sys- consent to the Quarles nomination? No. 303. tem exploded and cost Americans, col- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lectively, about $14 trillion. for the yeas and nays. Make no mistake about it, con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a objection, it is so ordered. firming Mr. Quarles endangers the sufficient second? The clerk will report the nomination. health of the economy. The last time There appears to be a sufficient sec- The senior assistant legislative clerk that Mr. Quarles was in charge, he ond. read the nomination of Randal Quarles, failed to act to protect the American The clerk will call the roll. of Colorado, to be Vice Chairman for people from the biggest recession since The senior assistant legislative clerk Supervision of the Board of Governors the Great Depression either because he called the roll. of the Federal Reserve System for a missed the signs or because he delib- Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators term of four years. erately ignored them. Either way, that are necessarily absent: the Senator Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask makes him the wrong person for the from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) and the unanimous consent that the Senate job. Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER). vote on the nomination with no inter- American families deserve a strong Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the vening action or debate; that if con- leader as the Vice Chair for Super- Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ firmed, the motion to reconsider be vision of the Fed who will fight hard to MASTO) is necessarily absent. considered made and laid upon the keep them safe. Everything we know The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there table; that the President be imme- about Mr. Quarles says that he will be any other Senators in the Chamber de- diately notified of the Senate’s action; fighting hard for the big banks. I will siring to vote? that no further motions be in order; be voting no on Mr. Quarles’ nomina- The result was announced—yeas 65, that any statements relating to the tion, and I urge all of my colleagues to nays 32, as follows: nomination be printed in the RECORD; do the same. [Rollcall Vote No. 213 Ex.] and that the Senate then resume con- sideration of the Gingrich nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- YEAS—65 ator from Idaho. One modification, Mr. President. I Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise in Alexander Flake Perdue am striking the portion of this unani- Barrasso Gardner Peters support of the nomination of the Hon- Bennet Graham Portman mous consent request relating to the orable Randal Quarles to be a member Blunt Grassley Risch Gingrich nomination. of the Board of Governors of the Fed- Boozman Hatch Roberts The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Burr Heitkamp Rounds eral Reserve System. Capito Hoeven objection, it is so ordered. Mr. Quarles has extensive govern- Rubio Cardin Inhofe Sasse Is there further debate on the nomi- Carper Isakson ment and private-sector experience Scott nation? Cassidy Johnson dealing with both domestic and inter- Shaheen Collins Kennedy Hearing none, the question is, Will Shelby national financial markets. He is no Coons King the Senate advise and consent to the stranger to public service in his having Corker Lankford Strange Quarles nomination? previously served in multiple top posts Cornyn Lee Sullivan Tester The nomination was confirmed. in the Treasury Department. Cotton Manchin Crapo McCain Thune f Mr. Quarles has also been nominated Cruz McCaskill Tillis to serve as the Vice Chairman for Su- Daines McConnell Toomey CLOTURE MOTION pervision, a role that has never been of- Donnelly Moran Van Hollen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant ficially filled. Instead, former Federal Enzi Murkowski Warner Ernst Nelson Wicker to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Governor Dan Tarullo has acted as the Fischer Paul Young Senate the pending cloture motion, de facto Vice Chairman for Supervision which the clerk will state. NAYS—32 in various ways, including by chairing The senior assistant legislative clerk the Federal Reserve Board’s Com- Baldwin Franken Markey read as follows: mittee on Supervision and Regulation, Blumenthal Gillibrand Menendez Booker Harris Merkley CLOTURE MOTION overseeing the Large Institution Su- Brown Hassan Murphy We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Cantwell Heinrich pervision Coordinating Committee, and Murray ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the representing the Fed at the Financial Casey Hirono Reed Duckworth Kaine Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Stability Board and in Basel, among Sanders move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Durbin Klobuchar Schatz other functions. Feinstein Leahy nation of Lee Francis Cissna, of Maryland, to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.007 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 be Director of United States Citizenship and Director of United States Citizenship The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Immigration Services, Department of Home- and Immigration Services, Department jority whip. land Security. of Homeland Security. TAX REFORM Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Mike The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, not too Crapo, John Cornyn, John McCain, Pat Roberts, Steve Daines, Roger F. the previous order, the question is, Will long ago—I believe this was 2011—a Wicker, Mike Lee, John Boozman, the Senate advise and consent to the President came to a joint session of Lindsey Graham, James M. Inhofe, Cissna nomination? Congress and before the American peo- Cory Gardner, Jeff Flake, John Thune, Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I ask for ple, he said what needed to be said John Barrasso, Orrin G. Hatch. the yeas and nays. about our Tax Code. He was pretty The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a blunt. He said that our Tax Code is imous consent, the mandatory quorum sufficient second? ‘‘rigged.’’ He said: ‘‘It makes no sense, call has been waived. There appears to be a sufficient sec- and it has to change.’’ Of course, you The question is, Is it the sense of the ond. can imagine, that was met with bipar- Senate that debate on the nomination The clerk will call the roll. tisan applause in the House Chamber of Lee Francis Cissna, of Maryland, to The bill clerk called the roll. and across the country. be Director of United States Citizen- Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators The same President called on Demo- ship and Immigration Services, Depart- are necessarily absent: the Senator crats and Republicans to ‘‘simplify the ment of Homeland Security, shall be from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) and the system, get rid of the loopholes, and brought to a close? Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER). . . . lower the corporate tax rate’’—one The yeas and nays are mandatory Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the that, I might add, ranks among the under the rule. Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ highest in the industrialized world. The clerk will call the roll. MASTO) is necessarily absent. That President, like the rest of us, The assistant bill clerk called the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there knows that our business tax rate is a roll. any other Senators in the Chamber de- self-inflicted economic wound because Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators siring to vote? businesses figure out, How can I move are necessarily absent: the Senator The result was announced—yeas 54, money offshore and my headquarters from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) and the nays 43, as follows: offshore, and if I earn money overseas, Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER). [Rollcall Vote No. 215 Ex.] how can I avoid bringing that back to Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the YEAS—54 the United States for better wages and Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ Alexander Flake Murkowski more jobs and to build the business? MASTO) is necessarily absent. Barrasso Gardner Paul That is all because of our self-destruc- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- Blunt Graham Perdue tive Tax Code. Boozman Grassley Portman But the President’s name—and I gave LIVAN). Are there any other Senators in Burr Hatch Risch the Chamber desiring to vote? Capito Heitkamp Roberts it away by saying the year the speech The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 54, Cassidy Hoeven Rounds was given. The President’s name might nays 43, as follows: Collins Inhofe Rubio surprise you, given the nature of the Corker Isakson Sasse [Rollcall Vote No. 214 Ex.] Cornyn Johnson Scott current debate in Washington. It was YEAS—54 Cotton Kennedy Shelby Barack Obama who said that, and the Crapo Lankford Strange straight talk came from his 2011 State Alexander Flake Murkowski Cruz Lee Sullivan of the Union address. Barrasso Gardner Paul Daines Manchin Thune Blunt Graham Perdue Donnelly McCain Tillis Let’s fast forward a few years. We Boozman Grassley Portman Enzi McCaskill Toomey have a new President from a different Burr Hatch Risch Ernst McConnell Wicker party beating the same drum. Presi- Capito Heitkamp Roberts Fischer Moran Young Cassidy Hoeven Rounds dent Trump has called our Tax Code a Collins Inhofe Rubio NAYS—43 relic and a colossal barrier standing in Corker Isakson Sasse Baldwin Harris Reed the way of America’s economic come- Cornyn Johnson Scott Bennet Hassan Sanders Cotton Kennedy Shelby back. He is right, of course, but so was Blumenthal Heinrich Schatz Crapo Lankford Strange President Obama. Booker Hirono Cruz Lee Sullivan Schumer Brown Kaine Tax reform doesn’t have to be par- Daines Manchin Thune Shaheen Cantwell King tisan. In fact, it shouldn’t be because Donnelly McCain Tillis Stabenow Cardin Klobuchar Enzi McCaskill Toomey Tester the ramifications are much more im- Carper Leahy Ernst McConnell Wicker Udall portant than just the politics and the Casey Markey Fischer Moran Young Van Hollen Coons Menendez scorekeeping of the day. The job cre- Warner Duckworth Merkley ators in my State of Texas are the ones NAYS—43 Warren Durbin Murphy Baldwin Harris Reed Whitehouse who really understand what is at stake Feinstein Murray because they are living it. They are the Bennet Hassan Sanders Franken Nelson Wyden Blumenthal Heinrich Schatz Gillibrand Peters ones who are getting slammed by our Booker Hirono Schumer current system. Brown Kaine Shaheen NOT VOTING—3 Cantwell King Take Lisa Fullerton, for example, Stabenow Cochran Cortez Masto Heller who owns a small retail business in Cardin Klobuchar Tester Carper Leahy Udall The nomination was confirmed. San Antonio, my hometown. Ms. Ful- Casey Markey Van Hollen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under lerton is an accountant with 33 years of Coons Menendez Warner Duckworth Merkley the previous order, the motion to re- experience, who used to handle her own Warren Durbin Murphy consider is considered made and laid business’s tax compliance in-house. Feinstein Murray Whitehouse upon the table and the President will Eventually, though, the code became Wyden Franken Nelson be immediately notified of the Senate’s too complex, and enforcement became Gillibrand Peters action. too punitive, and she couldn’t take NOT VOTING—3 f that risk anymore. She said that her Cochran Cortez Masto Heller outsourcing of tax and employment EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this functions now costs her small business vote, the yeas are 54, the nays are 43. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- roughly $280,000 more per year than it The motion is agreed to. ate will resume consideration of the did in 2000. f following nomination, which the clerk Lisa is far from the only one who is will report. frustrated. Kurt Summers is the Presi- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The legislative clerk read the nomi- dent of Austin Generator Service, a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nation of Callista L. Gingrich, of Vir- small residential power company in the clerk will report the nomination. ginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary Texas capital. For him, a lower tax The bill clerk read the nomination of and Plenipotentiary of the United rate would mean the difference be- Lee Francis Cissna, of Maryland, to be States of America to the Holy See. tween his company turning a profit or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:54 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.011 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6333 a loss. It would literally make the dif- ommends what is widely agreed upon Americans who think we need back- ference between being able to keep the as overdue, which is lowering our un- ground checks for every gun sale, in- doors open or have to lock them up competitive corporate rate, which puts cluding 74 percent of NRA members. permanently. He explained that any American employers and workers at a There are 89 percent of Americans who extra profits realized through tax sav- disadvantage. think we should prevent the mentally ings might enable his company to grow Today, it is sad but true that we are ill from purchasing guns. There are 82 more aggressively. To him, the need for divided on many issues in America. But percent of Republicans who want us to change is very simple. It means more as President Trump and President bar gun purchases for people on the no- hiring and more jobs. Obama have suggested, tax reform does fly or terrorist watch list. Yet Con- So Texans, like Alaskans and like all not have to be one of them. gress has done nothing to respond to Americans, get the picture. But the I listened to our friend the Demo- the American people. We did nothing picture is pretty messed up, and it cratic leader, Senator SCHUMER, this after Aurora, after Newtown, after Or- doesn’t make any sense. morning, calling for bipartisan tax re- lando—nothing. Greg Brown, President of W.W. Can- form. They are going to have a chance Unlike Washington, in Colorado, non, an industrialized storage company to do that because, after we pass a after the two mass shootings in Aurora in Dallas, says that compliance has budget resolution, I anticipate that in and at Columbine, our legislators rose gotten to be a truly herculean tax. It the Senate Finance Committee, Sen- to the occasion and made tough choices has gotten so difficult that he has had ator HATCH will call up a base bill after we suffered two of the worst mass to outsource that to a CPA—again, be- known as the chairman’s mark, which shootings in our Nation’s history. After cause it is so complex and people don’t will be open for amendment in the Sen- the massacre at Columbine, we closed want to risk the burden of not doing it ate Finance Committee. That is what the gun show loophole. After the trag- right because of the punitive nature of people have been asking for, a chance edy in Aurora, we strengthened our the penalties. to participate in the writing of the leg- background checks in a Western State. Darryl Lyons, CEO of PAX Financial islation in the committee and then to Last year, those background checks Group, has done the same thing. He is have it come to the floor for open de- blocked 8,704 people from buying guns. harmed each year by the passthrough bate and amendment. It is what we call That may sound like a lot, but 380,000 taxes on his small business income, regular order around here. But what I people applied for guns in Colorado last which impair his ability to save for am hearing from our Democratic col- year. That means just 2 percent of business emergencies, as well as to pay leagues is, yes, they want bipartisan those folks who applied were blocked off his company debt. legislation, but they don’t want to par- and that 98 percent were able to buy Lastly, in terms of my stories here, ticipate in the process of writing. It guns without a problem. Andy Ellard, the owner and general strikes me as pretty hypocritical. This Who were the 2 percent whom Colo- manager of a machine company in Dal- shouldn’t be partisan, as President rado is blocking but whom this Con- las, regularly purchases expensive com- Obama and President Trump have dem- gress fails to block? Among them were puter numerical controlled equipment onstrated and as Democrats and Re- murderers and rapists and kidnappers to stay competitive in his industry. I publicans alike have said time and and domestic abusers. have no idea what that is—computer again. No one could come to this floor and numerical controlled equipment. He We in Washington have no magic tell me Colorado is worse off because said that the tax ramifications of every wand that will make our Tax Code sud- we have kept guns out of the hands of purchase have to be considered. Almost denly disappear, but that doesn’t ex- those people. The average wait time for every day, he asks: Can we expense it? cuse us from working to make taxes those background checks is 12 minutes. Do we have to depreciate it? And if we and tax compliance a little less pain- That strikes me as a fair tradeoff to do, over how long? ful. keep guns out of the hands of mur- Mr. Ellard isn’t shy with his words. I yield the floor. derers and kidnappers and rapists. Yet He calls the complicated deduction The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- here in Washington, despite now an an- scheme for business expenses ‘‘chaos.’’ ator from Colorado. nual tragedy—tragedy after tragedy— Clearly, something needs to change. LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING Congress has done nothing. We haven’t As I said at the outset, that has been Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, last even done the simple things like close acknowledged on a bipartisan basis by weekend a man camped out on the 32nd the gun show loophole or stop people the current President and the past floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las on the terrorist watch list from buying President. I even brought out some Vegas. He stockpiled 23 weapons and weapons. quotes yesterday or the day before hundreds of rounds of ammunition. He This is not about taking guns away from the Democratic leader, Senator set up bipods and scopes. He brought a from people who have them. It is about SCHUMER, making exactly the same ar- hammer to knock out the window. keeping guns out of the hands of people gument. The ranking member of the Then, on Sunday, he opened fire. He who nearly everybody agrees should Senate Finance Committee, the Sen- kept firing for 15 minutes, stopping not have them. It is about stopping ator from Oregon, said that lowering only to reload and switch weapons. more people like the Las Vegas killer the corporate tax rate will make Amer- Over 15 minutes, he murdered 58 Amer- from modifying his rifles to become al- ica more competitive globally and will icans and injured more than 500. most fully automatic and far more bring money back home for jobs and in- The day after the shooting, I was in deadly. I cosponsored a bill this week vestment in our country. So it is im- Washington. I had seven or eight meet- to ban those modifications, and I am portant for us to be consistent and, un- ings, and not a single person in those encouraged that some of my Repub- fortunately, they haven’t been. meetings brought up the worst shoot- lican colleagues seem to be open to Things are starting to change. Last ing in modern American history—not that idea. week, the so-called Big 6—led by one. I know we cannot stop every madman Speaker RYAN; Treasury Secretary I am not sure if it was two mass or every random act of violence in this Steve Mnuchin; KEVIN BRADY, chair- shootings ago or three when we started country—we cannot—just as we cannot man of the House Ways and Means to accept this as a normal condition of stop every murder from happening, but Committee; and the Finance Com- American life, when we lost our belief that does not mean we should not mittee chairman, ORRIN HATCH—re- that it was within our power to protect make them less likely or that we can- leased a unified framework that con- our fellow Americans at a country not take steps to limit their harm, tains core principles for reform. Among music concert or at a nightclub or at a steps that are backed by the over- them are a simplified rate structure, movie theater or at a school. whelming majority of Americans and the elimination of the alternative min- I know there are strong beliefs about that are fully consistent with the Con- imum tax, and many itemized deduc- guns in America—principled beliefs— stitution. tions and incentives for companies to but there are also steps that the over- I remember, after the shooting at the keep jobs on American soil. Perhaps whelming majority of Americans want Pulse Nightclub, I was supposed to most importantly, the framework rec- us to take. There are 90 percent of take my daughter to camp that day.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.014 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 She was going to be away from us for a Yet our small businesses face a mar- small businesses—first EH Chocolates month. I can remember I did every- ginal tax rate as high as 39.6 percent. & More and, later, Farm Fresh thing I could to keep her from hearing At the same time, their effective tax Produce. Both are growing and deli- the news that day, as the numbers of rate can vary widely. In fact, a CNBC cious businesses. fatalities increased during the course survey showed that 22 percent of small Small businesses employ middle- of the day, because I didn’t want her to businesses cannot really say what their class Americans who power this and leave us—she was about 12 at the effective tax rate really is. other small businesses across the coun- time—with a sense of fear, the fear I Think about that. try. We need more folks like Eric—lots felt and the country felt. I am so sorry If you are a small business that is a more—who are willing to take the risk, my children and America’s children partnership or an LLC, then your prof- who have a good idea, and who want to have to grow up in a country where its are going to pass through to you stay and work in their own homes in mass shootings are common, where we and be taxed at the individual rate. rural America and certainly in our are beginning to see them just as part There are currently seven individual State of West Virginia, which has had of our lives. tax brackets. Then you have credits a major economic downturn. We need I heard somebody the other day on and deductions. There is also a self-em- more Eric Hotts. We need to simplify television say that is the price of free- ployment tax, and the list goes on. On the Tax Code for small businesses and dom. What a shame that somebody top of that, small businesses can have let them focus on what they do best, would say that in the United States of Social Security and Medicare taxes, a which is refining their products, pro- America. What a surrender that rep- Federal unemployment tax, and em- viding their services, and providing resents to our children and to the vic- ployment taxes. That is not even tak- jobs for people in their various areas. As much as any other policy that tims of these crimes. I didn’t grow up ing into account taxes like a State- Congress can advance, tax reform will in that America, but conditions have level income tax or property tax and more. That is why businesses and indi- promote growth and provide job oppor- changed. We have let it happen. The re- tunities across this great country. viduals spend billions of dollars a year sult is, we now have an entire genera- Across the entire country, only two in to comply with the Tax Code. That is tion of Americans—of our countrymen, five distressed communities have seen more than 18 hours for every man and our sons, and our daughters—who are any job growth during the past 5 years. woman and child in the United States growing up with a reasonable fear that Fully 50 percent of U.S. job growth has they could be victims of a mass shoot- of America. If I could give a visual occurred in just 2 percent of our coun- ing or that their moms or their dads here, that is basically 3 million people try’s counties. might not come home one day. working full time on taxes for small We need to change that. We need to I think our kids have enough to businesses at a cost of $195 billion. help small businesses that are major worry about. They have every right to The point is, it is complicated. Our economic drivers in every part of our see a movie with their parents, to go Tax Code is too complicated, and that country. It is no wonder that small dancing with their friends, or to see a is part of what tax reform is about— businesses have found it difficult to concert on their one night off without simplifying the Tax Code. If Congress open, let alone succeed in many parts having the fear of being shot down by can simplify the Tax Code just to cut of our country. Because of our out- people who have no business carrying compliance costs in half, think of how dated Tax Code, real wages for most such powerful weapons. They have a many significant resources that would workers have barely increased for dec- right to expect that this Congress will free up that would be better used to ades. By modernizing our Tax Code, we finally do something about gun vio- grow the economy, create jobs, raise can create more opportunity and high- lence in our country—violence which is wages, and expand businesses. er wages for Americans. We can far greater than anywhere else in the The National Federation of Inde- achieve a simpler system with lower industrialized world. pendent Business, which represents rates that is good for business and In the wake of these horrific acts, as 325,000 small businesses across this workers and, from the description I always, Americans spring into action. country, called this tax reform frame- just put forward, would be a good time First responders secure the area and work a good start, and it has urged us saver and resource saver. care for the wounded. Neighbors hold to take swift action. According to a The best thing about this in terms of vigils to honor the victims and support survey by Paychex, 41 percent of small small business is that it would lead to grieving families. Journalists shed business owners want tax reform to be more jobs. Let’s create an environment light on what happened and why. Citi- the very top priority. that leads to more investment in our zens speak out to demand action from Whom will these reforms really help? States and continues to grow and build their elected officials. They are doing We are going to have a long discussion jobs. These are the changes hard- their jobs, and it is time for Congress on this. This is just part of whom they working West Virginians and Ameri- to do ours. will help. They will help the small cans are hungering for. In order to I yield the floor. businesses that employ so many people make West Virginia the best place to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. in my home State of West Virginia. live and work, now is the time for tax FISCHER). The Senator from West Vir- They will help people like Eric Hott, of reform. ginia. EH Chocolates & More, from Hamp- I look forward to working with my TAX REFORM shire County. Eric has a great story. colleagues to make this a reality. Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, last Eric grew up on a farm in Kirby, WV. Doing it will benefit so many—every- week, I rose to talk about the impor- His mother was from Hornberg, Ger- one in this country. tance of tax reform. I believe this is a many. While growing up, his grand- I thank the Presiding Officer and policy issue we cannot talk about mother was always cooking something. yield the floor. enough and that we cannot emphasize After graduating from high school, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator from Arizona. enough. So, today, I rise to talk about Eric moved to Germany to begin a cul- (The remarks of Mr. FLAKE per- inary apprenticeship. By 2006, he had a how important the reform is to our taining to the introduction of S. 1937 small businesses, and in the coming chef apprenticeship at a five-star hotel are printed in today’s RECORD under in Germany. He went on to serve at weeks, I will be up here to talk about ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and events like the G8 Summit and for other important aspects of tax reform. Joint Resolutions.’’) We are all from different States and guests that included the German Chan- Mr. FLAKE. I yield the floor. other parts of the country, but we all cellor and his First Lady. After run- I suggest the absence of a quorum. know small businesses are a major eco- ning a patisserie in Germany, he moved The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nomic driver in our country, as 95 per- to Switzerland, where he refined and clerk will call the roll. cent of businesses in the United States perfected the art of chocolate-making. The senior assistant legislative clerk are small businesses, and that number That sounds good to me. Then what did proceeded to call the roll. is even higher in my State of West Vir- he do? He wanted to come home. He re- Mr. LEE. Madam President, I ask ginia. Small businesses employ more turned home to West Virginia. He went unanimous consent that the order for than half of West Virginia’s workforce. back to Kirby, WV, and started his own the quorum call be rescinded.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.015 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6335 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without His addresses and sermons were full tigation are not done at this point, but objection, it is so ordered. of moral exhortation and practical ad- some of it is. REMEMBERING ELDER ROBERT D. HALES vice on living well. Don’t walk, run to Several aspects are clear from the in- Mr. LEE. Madam President, I rise holiness, he urged his brothers and sis- vestigation, though, again, it is not today to honor the life of Elder Robert ters in faith. Elder Hales knew that ho- complete, and we will have a final doc- D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of liness is an activity, a pursuit to which ument at the end. Some of the areas the Twelve Apostles of the Church of we must consecrate our whole lives that are clear are that Russia was try- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. running the race and enduring to the ing to use active measures to engage us Elder Hales passed away peacefully end. in our last election. That part is very, on Sunday, October 1, at the age of 85. Through his example and through his very clear. He leaves behind his faithful wife Mary words, Elder Hales taught that virtue The question comes for many people: and their two sons, Stephen and David. is not just a good intention but a good Why would they do that? Quite frank- Robert Hales was born and raised in a deed reinforced and compounded by ly, this is the way Russia has worked faithful household in Long Island, NY. past deeds. for a very long time—this asymmetric He was an all-American boy who Elder Hales urged young men and warfare they do where they try to con- played baseball through college at the women to embrace the joys of adult- stantly interfere in other people’s University of Utah but eventually trad- hood through marriage, child-rearing, thoughts and conflicts. They have done ed in his baseball uniform for a flight and responsible citizenship. He knew it across Europe for a long time. They suit, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a that the way to true happiness lies in are now doing it here. jet fighter pilot. Elder Hales’s service those sacrificial activities, not the self- Some of this is a product of Russia’s as a military aviator would inform the ish lifestyles that tempt so many having a very weak economy and try- rest of his life and certainly his entire today. ing to find some way to bolster them- ministry. He took with him the unit During one memorable address to the selves up. In the last 2 years, the Rus- motto displayed on the side of his air- General Conference of the church, sian ruble has dropped 40 percent in craft: ‘‘Return With Honor.’’ Elder Hales recounted the advice he re- value. As they struggle with low oil After his discharge from the mili- ceived as a boy when he had been prices and struggle in the way they tary, Elder Hales entered the world of tempted to make a poor decision: function with their government with international business. In jobs around ‘‘Robert,’’ his father had said to him, the oligarchs and have a select group of the world, he established a reputation ‘‘straighten up and fly right!’’ From people who can succeed and other folks as an enthusiastic leader who relished the testimony of his life, it is clear who continue to struggle around the a challenge and dealt fairly with oth- that Elder Hales honored his father’s country and as they struggle under ers. Because of these qualities, Elder advice in the Air Force, in the work- that system where they have fake elec- Hales rose to become president of force, in the household, and in the tions and such, they try to reach out to Paper Mate, a division of Gillette. church. Elder Robert D. Hales flew other countries and try to interfere in Later, he assumed senior executive po- right. Now he has returned with honor our elections to make us look like sitions at Max Factor Company, the to be embraced by his Heavenly Fa- them. Hughes Television Network, and ther. We have a free press that they try to Chesebrough-Pond’s Manufacturing Thank you, Madam President. engage in. We have free speech that Company. But Elder Hales never let I yield the floor and suggest the ab- they don’t have in Russia. We have work dominate his life, as so many ex- sence of a quorum. freedom of religion, which they don’t ecutives do. Despite the enormous de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The have in Russia. We have the ability to mands on his time, he stayed faithful clerk will call the roll. be able to have disputes on political to the more important commitments The senior assistant legislative clerk issues. They clearly don’t have that in he made to his family and to his Lord. proceeded to call the roll. Russia. If you disagree with leadership So it was that Robert Hales, a busi- Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I in Russia, you will end up in prison. If ness executive of international re- ask unanimous consent that the order you disagree with leadership in the nowned, made an unusual decision in for the quorum call be rescinded. United States, you will end up on TV. the prime of his life: He left the cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without It is very different to be in an open so- porate world to give his all to the objection, it is so ordered. ciety like ours. But they reach into church. When Jesus said ‘‘Come, follow RUSSIA INVESTIGATION what we consider a strength and try to me,’’ Robert Hales left his nets Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I make it our weakness. straightaway and became a fisher of want to be able to give a quick update We are going to try to get the facts men. to this body on a conversation that out on this over the next several Elder Hales was called to become the started yesterday and has been ongoing months as we work through this proc- presiding bishop of the church in 1985, for months about Russia and their in- ess. We are going to expose what Rus- overseeing the church’s vast charitable terference in our elections and how sia is really trying to do. Do they use network. As bishop, he used the skills they are trying to engage with us in a some overt propaganda networks like of a business executive not for profit way that much of Europe has seen for Sputnik Radio and RT? Is their Rus- but to help the least of those among us. decades but that we just haven’t seen sian propaganda on multiple cable and In 1994, Elder Hales was sustained to in the United States. satellite channels throughout the the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a Yesterday, Senator BURR and Sen- United States? Their version of the church position he held for 23 years ator WARNER stood up and gave an up- facts are designed to create discord in until his passing just days ago. From date of where we are in the status of our Nation. That is what they do. this position as a watchman on the the investigation of the Senate Select They also have ways that are not tower, he boldly proclaimed the Gospel Committee on Intelligence. They quite as overt. They reach in on social of Jesus Christ, and he also spoke out walked through some of the statistics. media platforms. They have their trolls on such pressing societal issues as reli- We have done over 100 interviews. We in Russia who have thousands of fake gious freedom. He saw that the erosion have 4,000 pages of transcript from accounts on Facebook and Twitter and of religious belief in the United States those interviews. We have 100,000 docu- other social media apps. They use was quickly devolving into social and ments that we have gone through so those thousands of apps to search political intolerance for religious peo- far, and there is more to go. We have around any news in America and find a ple and institutions. But this pre- completed some areas where we have place where there is conflict in Amer- diction did not lead Elder Hales to de- interviewed everyone who we could ica and then try to amp up the volume. spair, no; instead, he redoubled his ef- possibly interview in that area. In To be clear, the Russians are not cre- forts to edify the next generation—the other areas, as we do one interview, ating conflict in America. We have young men and women who were in the they quote a couple of other people, plenty of it. We disagree on issues. preparatory period of life, as he termed and we chase down those individuals, Again, it is our free society. When we it. and it continues. So parts of the inves- disagree on something, we disagree on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.018 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 it publically and sometimes loud. That after our elections to see if they can of religion, and opportunities for indi- is who we are as Americans. We try to find a way, at the end of the election, viduals to actually engage and to have work things out, sometimes at a high to make us doubt the outcomes. conflict with their own government volume. But just like two kids who are What can we do about that? I will and to be able to disagree publically on fighting on the playground in the fifth give you several ideas. One of them, I things. We still can disagree with each grade—remember those two kids that would say, is that we need to protect other. We need to be aware that they started a fight and their friends were the primacy of States running the elec- want to turn us into them. I would watching them? Then, eventually, tions. There is absolutely no need for hope for the sake of the Russian peo- someone on the other side of the play- the Federal Government to go to ple, in the days ahead, that they could ground started yelling ‘‘fight,’’ and the States and take over their election be more like us. crowd started forming. The Russians process. It is a constitutional protec- Ronald Reagan told a story about a aren’t starting the fight. They aren’t tion that those States have to be able friend of his who had a conversation even in the fight. They are the kids on to run their elections, but every State with a Cuban refugee fleeing from com- the far side of the playground, trying is also responsible to do it. Of the 21 munism and oppression in Cuba in 1964. to get more people to run to the fight. States that I noted here that the Rus- He said that his friend, this Cuban ref- They are not starting the Twitter wars sians tried to engage in, they couldn’t ugee, said: and the battles, but they look at where get to a single voting machine. The If we lose freedom here, there is no place to America is divided, issues like race. States are already doing a good job, escape to. This is the last stand on Earth. Their troll farms will try to find areas but they need help. We are still a role model for the rest where we disagree, such as areas of There is no reason the State of Okla- of the world. As much conflict as we race, and reach in and try to amplify homa should have to work alone to be have with each other, we are still a the volume on that by repeating accu- able to protect itself from the Russians role model. I have no issue disagreeing sations and by trying to be even more trying to invade it in the cyber attack. at times with people on this floor. We hostile online. They are trying to stoke They are going to need some allies to can have our disagreements, but I don’t disunity in our Nation. come along with them, but the States want the Russians to interfere in our It is important that we know that should still be able to run the system. disagreements. They can keep their every time you see something with a There should be more sharing between business over there. In the days ahead, high number of hashtag counts that the State and the Federal Government. we will continue to expose the things goes up, it is not always Americans There should be an opportunity for the they are doing. So they can back off who are pushing that up. Occasionally, Federal Government to be able to say and go bug someone else because we it is an outside body trying to raise the to a State, earlier than 10 months after are akin to what they are doing. volume and make a conflict look even the election: Hey, you are being With that, I yield the floor. bigger than it already is in America be- hacked. For the FBI to notify States a I suggest the absence of a quorum. cause they are into sowing discord. couple of weeks ago that they were The PRESIDING OFFICER. The That is what they love to do. That is hacked in the 2016 elections is a little clerk will call the roll. what the rest of the nations have seen late. When it is occurring, we need to The senior assistant legislative clerk them do. We should be very clear that have that engagement between State proceeded to call the roll. the Russians are trying to continue to IT folks and Federal IT folks. We need Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask sow chaos into us. to be able to have that conversation as unanimous consent that the order for They have reached into our election it is ongoing so the State can take pro- the quorum call be rescinded. systems. In the previous couple of tective measures as it is occurring. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without weeks, the FBI notified 21 different need to have that cooperation between objection, it is so ordered. States that during the last election States and the Federal Government. The Senator from Ohio. season, the Russians tried to interfere We need to be able to help States come EQUIFAX BREACH in their election process as a State. up with ways they can audit their sys- Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I say Now, that doesn’t mean they did inter- tem after the election is over. to the Presiding Officer—and the Sen- fere. That means they reached in and When every election occurs, you ator who is about to become the Pre- tested systems. That means they tried should be able to audit it and make siding Officer—I appreciated the work to go into voter databases to see if sure the machines that were running of you two together, in tandem, today they could access a voter database to the election actually were not hacked. for two nominees in front of the Agri- see who was registered to vote. They You can verify that. In Oklahoma, we culture Committee. I thank you. tried to get into a secretary of State’s have optical scanners. You fill out a (Mr. SASSE assumed the Chair.) office in a local State to see if they paper ballot. You run it through an op- Mr. President, I rise to talk for a mo- could figure out how they do their elec- tical scanner at the end of the election ment about a hearing yesterday, which tions. That means they reached into time, and they can count everything the Presiding Officer sat through, too, systems in States to see what voting from the optical scanner. If there is with the outgoing CEO of Equifax. We machines they used and if they tried to any question, they can go back to the know what happened with Equifax, yet connect them in. They were trying to paper and actually do a hand count. We we really don’t know entirely what find out how they do elections, learn as can literally audit our elections and happened. We know there was a breach much as they could about their proc- their process. It is a safe system that of Equifax’s information, and 145 mil- ess, and see how far they could get. we have set up in our State. Every lion Americans—more than half of the Through all of our work, we have yet State does it differently, but I would adult population in our country—had to find a single vote that was changed. encourage every State to set up a sys- their data breached. Criminals will now The Russians didn’t get into voting tem where they can audit their system. have access to the data of far too many machines. They didn’t alter the elec- We know this year that the Russians Americans. tion in any way, but they were con- were trying to engage in our election. I am hopeful because I and Senator stantly probing through multiple It could be someone else who could do CRAPO, the chairman of the committee, States to see what they could get ac- it. Any number of groups could try to and others on the committee were pret- cess to. interfere in our process. It is basic ty unhappy—not to speak for others, Now, it is my belief that they are common sense to say we should have a certainly, but we were pretty unhappy preparing for something else. They are system of elections we can actually with Equifax’s performance yesterday trying to see what they could get ac- audit. Perhaps Russia, in the days because we didn’t get a lot of answers cess to in the last election to see if ahead, hopes that our Nation will be to a number of our questions. they could get back into it and do even more like theirs. We will not be. When you think about what we do more in the next election. We should be We are the longest constitutional Re- with medical language, with our per- aware of that. We should be aware not public in the world. We still need the sonal medical information, we have only of their propaganda, but we world. We still put out our values laws to say that our personal medical should be aware that they are going about free speech, free press, freedom information belongs to us. We, of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.019 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6337 course, can share it with a hospital or ple’s medical records—we ought to gotten access, so we don’t know what is a doctor or whomever we want, but our have the same protection for their fi- happening there. doctor can’t share it with other doctors nancial records. It simply makes sense, In short, the situation is perilous, without our permission. Our hospital and I am hopeful we can come to a so- and we don’t have a moment to waste. can’t share it with other hospitals lution. Like many, I had hoped that during without our permission. But our per- I yield the floor. his visit to Puerto Rico, the President sonal financial data doesn’t fall into I suggest the absence of a quorum. would take the high road and set a new those categories. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tone after his administration’s woe- We know how this happens. Equifax clerk will call the roll. fully delayed and inadequate response is a company that many have rarely The senior assistant legislative clerk to Hurricane Maria. Instead, the Presi- thought about. A lot of people have proceeded to call the roll. dent took victim-blaming to a whole never thought much about it, and Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I ask new level. He told emergency respond- many have never really explored who unanimous consent that the order for ers and local elected officials: ‘‘I hate they are. Equifax is a company in At- the quorum call be rescinded. to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you have lanta. There are three data agencies The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without thrown our budget a little out of like this. They get your data without objection, it is so ordered. whack.’’ your permission. They get it from a PUERTO RICO RECOVERY EFFORT Well, Mr. President, perhaps we have utility company or from a bank or Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I to dial back the budget-bursting, tril- from somebody else. They have two rise today, as I have on so many occa- lion-dollar tax cuts you want to give to jobs: to collect your data and then to sions, to give voice to the 3.5 million billionaire families like yours, because protect your data, your personal finan- Americans who call Puerto Rico home. it is going to take more than paper cial data. Their lives have been turned upside towels to help the people of Puerto This company—this CEO has been down by Hurricane Maria, and now Rico. paid $69 million over the last 3 years. more than ever, they desperately need In this country, we don’t turn our The CEO we met with, who has retired, to be heard. I invite my colleagues on backs on Americans in need. We don’t has been compensated very generously. both sides of the aisle to join me in am- complain about how much it costs to Who knows if he will end up getting bo- plifying the voices of millions of Puer- restore power to hospitals or rebuild nuses and golden parachutes and all? to Ricans calling out for help and the roads in ruin that connect people to The American public has come to un- millions here on the mainland who their government and essential serv- fortunately expect that these CEOs have yet to hear from their families. ices or get clean drinking water and will abuse the public trust. Here on the floor with me today are food and medicine to the hungry and Look at what happened at Wells aerial photos of the destruction caused the frail. We are the United States of Fargo, creating all kinds of accounts by Hurricane Maria, the astounding America, and we are there for each for people who didn’t even want those damage I saw firsthand when I toured other, whether it is Texas after Harvey accounts, who didn’t even know they Puerto Rico by helicopter on Friday, or Florida after Irma or New Jersey were having those accounts opened. pictures largely taken by me. after Sandy or Puerto Rico after And look at Equifax. Take this collapsed bridge in the mu- Maria. In far too many cases, these compa- nicipality of Utuado, situated in the If you heard the President speak ear- nies don’t protect our information the central mountains of Puerto Rico. lier this week, you would heard that way they have promised they would. It Every day, the 30,000 Americans who everything is going great and that he makes all of us, the 145 million, subject live in Utuado depend on these bridges in particular is doing the greatest job to some kind of criminal activity in all to cross the beautiful rivers that run any President has ever done in the his- kinds of ways—to violate our privacy through it, but today those 30,000 tory of the world. The administration and to take advantage of us financially Americans are secluded, waiting in the will tell us that the majority of hos- and all the identity theft and all the dark, and wondering when help will ar- pitals are open but leave out the fact things that come with that. rive. that many are running on emergency If you were a student at Bowling Images like these have stayed with generators at significantly reduced ca- Green State University who graduated me from the moment I left Puerto pacity. They will leave out how the and you miss a student loan payment Rico, and I share them today because shortages of ambulances and fuel and after you have graduated, you get your the people of Puerto Rico need our col- functional roads have made getting to credit dinged by Equifax. If you are a lective voices and support to stop this the hospitals nearly impossible. Even if homeowner in Mansfield, OH, or in Ra- humanitarian crisis from devolving you do find a way there, the hospitals venna, OH, and you miss a monthly into a full-blown American tragedy. might not have the medicine, supplies, payment or a couple of monthly pay- This is another example of some of or doctors you need. ments, you get your credit dinged. You the devastation of a large number of The administration will boast that it are held accountable by Equifax, but homes in a community. has set up 11 distribution points for Equifax hasn’t really been held ac- If we hope to overcome the monu- food, water, and other necessities, but countable much by anyone. mental challenges before us, we need a what good is a distribution center that The cynicism people in this country full grasp of the reality on the ground. takes hours to reach and is out of sup- have toward our financial system, to- I thought that is why President Trump plies before you get there? ward Wall Street—then we see Wells went to Puerto Rico this week—to get They will brag about how half of the Fargo do what they have done; then we a dose of reality. Instead, the President people have access to running water see Equifax do what they have done. It continued to feed on his own warped but neglect to say that in some rural is time for Congress to push away these version of reality. The President told areas in the north, barely over 13 per- special interest groups that have far the people of Puerto Rico that they cent of people have access to running too much influence in this body. should be ‘‘very proud’’ that the death water. The White House has not been help- count was only ‘‘16 versus literally They will boast about all of the ful. The White House looks like a re- thousands of people’’ who died in ‘‘a buildings being inspected—something treat for Goldman Sachs executives, real catastrophe like Katrina’’—a real that even the Governor of Puerto Rico with all the people around the Presi- catastrophe like Katrina. And cer- questioned—but look at this image I dent who do the bidding of Wall Street tainly that was a catastrophe, but this took 5 days before the President land- and protect far too many of these Wall is no less real for the people of Puerto ed. This is just 25 minutes outside of Street firms and Wells Fargo and the Rico. Yet, moments later, the AP re- San Juan. Hurricane Maria destroyed Equifaxes of the world. ported that fatalities in Puerto Rico many of the wooden homes that popu- I am hopeful that we will sit down in have tragically risen to 44. And while I late the island and weakened many of a bipartisan way and begin to figure pray it is not the case, I fear that it its immense structures, as the picture out what to do here. Maybe we do con- may be even worse, because we have se- showed that we had up before. Here is sider the protections we have for peo- cluded communities that still have not an example of it. So you see that all of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.021 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 these homes are destroyed. Some of never be able to return. Entire genera- Hurricane Maria didn’t create this them are not made in the same way. tions of close-knit communities may disparity, but it exposed the long- Here is a cement structure that is also never be the same. standing inequities that have hindered totally destroyed. I saw the same Despite these dire conditions, during the island’s success for generations. sights across Puerto Rico in commu- my visit to Puerto Rico, I felt the spir- The people of Puerto Rico don’t receive nities near the capital, in the moun- it of community and commitments equal Medicaid funding, Medicare cov- tains, and along the coast. shared by so many Americans across erage, or access to tax credits. They What does all this tell us? It tells us the island. After Hurricane Maria, they aren’t just numbers on a ledger; they an unfortunate truth: that the admin- woke to devastation, no communica- are long-term care for a grandparent, istration’s response to this crisis has tion, and the isolating affects of roads treatment for a critically ill child, and been woefully inadequate from the being cut off by fallen trees, electrical a fair shot to make a living wage and start. posts, and debris. As they wait and raise a family. For 2 weeks, Puerto Ricans cried out wonder when their government will This didn’t happen overnight. These for help—help accessing clean water, come to their aid, they are doing ev- wrongs add up over time. As Governor help powering hospitals, help feeding erything they can to survive. They Rossello said so eloquently: families. Yet the President accused have taken matters into their own I invite you to reflect on why Puerto Rico them—the victims of this historic nat- hands. They are clearing roads, shel- is in the current state of disadvantage and ural disaster—of being ingrates clam- tering relatives who lost their homes, inequality. It’s not something that happened oring for handouts. He dismissed the and working together to care for the just a few months or few weeks before this urgency of their situation, and he ef- most vulnerable. So through it all, I storm. It is a condition that has happened fectively called the mayor of San Juan saw the hard-working spirit alive in for more than a century in Puerto Rico. another nasty woman who should pipe Puerto Rico that I see whenever I I invite you to reflect on the reality down. speak with Puerto Rican families there that even after the storm hit Puerto Well, this is the mayor of San Juan, and across New Jersey, where so many Rico, even when it was evident it was a wading hip deep in water. Does this of my constituents are mobilizing to disaster in the United States, only half look like a woman who isn’t taking re- send help as they anxiously wait to of our U.S. citizens knew Puerto sponsibility? No. To me, it looks like a hear from their families. Ricans are U.S. citizens. So when Hur- leader doing everything she can to save Like so many Americans, I too wor- ricanes Irma and Maria slammed into lives. ried about my family on the island. My Puerto Rico, these disparities, these in- I knew from the start that we brother faces health challenges, and I equalities, were laid bare. weren’t getting the full picture, and be- worried about his care. Fortunately, None of this should have taken the cause the administration went out of we had a brief moment to meet, and I Trump administration by surprise. We its way not to provide support for a bi- was able to give him some supplies— knew the storm was coming. We knew partisan congressional delegation to help one person. But as tough as this for days that a category 5 hurricane visit the island, I decided to go myself. situation was, he is one of the lucky was on a collision course with Puerto After all, it will be the responsibility of ones. He lives in a suburb of San Juan Rico, just as communities across the Congress to fund disaster relief and which is relatively better off than the island were picking up the pieces after long-term recovery on these islands, more remote, rural areas. Irma. We have known for years about Let’s look at a chart of our recovery and we need the facts in order to the island’s aging infrastructure, like status. Fifteen days after the storm produce the right legislation. So last the downed power line pictured here. ravaged the island, where does it Friday, I boarded an Americans Air- In short, all of us knew Hurricane stand? Well, 93 percent of our fellow lines flight to Puerto Rico. Maria was a recipe for disaster that Americans are still without power. I Now, let me be clear. I have visited would leave 3.5 million Americans im- can tell my colleagues firsthand that the island of Puerto Rico I don’t know periled, disconnected, and in the dark. the heat and the humidity from all of how many times over the past 25 years, It should not have taken the adminis- the water that came from Maria is sti- both in my official capacity as a Mem- tration 12 days to issue a disaster dec- fling. It is oppressive. It is hard to ber of Congress and personally to vaca- laration—something I called for—for breathe. tion. It is no exaggeration to say that Sixty percent of Puerto Rico has no 100 percent of the island because, as I the island I saw on Friday is not the is- cell phone service, meaning people saw on Friday, there is no community land I have known and loved. The lush, have no way of connecting to their in Puerto Rico untouched by this trag- green, tropical landscape that comes to families on the island and outside of edy. Focused leadership would have mind when we think of Puerto Rico the island or calling for help if they had a three-star general on the ground was mostly devoid of life. needed it. If they did, we could have the moment the clouds parted, not 8 I met with the Governor of Puerto pinpoint accuracy of search and rescue days after the storms struck. Rico. I spoke to local law enforcement missions. We needed medical evacuation vehi- officials, first responders, and Federal Day by day, fewer and fewer Puerto cles and vessels, aid and relief delivery FEMA officials. With the help of the Ricans have access to clean, running systems on standby, the USNS Comfort Governor’s office and the Puerto Rico water. From October 2 to October 3, ready for immediate deployment— Joint Forces of Rapid Action—or the population with running water something I called for. Instead, the ad- FURA, as they are known on the is- dropped from 29 percent to 13 percent. ministration told us helping Puerto land—I saw the damage by helicopter. I The truth is, this situation would be Rico is hard because it is an island in saw debris and mudslides and fallen unacceptable in any major city on the a big ocean—but it happens to be an is- trees on the inland streets, destroyed U.S. mainland, but, as the people of land of 3.5 million U.S. citizens. homes sprinkled with the occasional Puerto Rico know all too well, they We have no more time to waste. That yet all-too-familiar blue of FEMA don’t get the same treatment as their is why it is so urgent that we take ac- tarps. A dead green hue covered the fellow citizens on the mainland. The tion now. If we could send 20,000 troops landscape that was such a foreign sight ugly truth is that for generations, Con- to Haiti, surely, we can get more boots to me that I caught myself thinking I gress has treated the people of Puerto on the ground saving American lives in was somewhere else. Rico not as our fellow Americans, not Puerto Rico. We need more helicopters This was an all-too-familiar scene— as people who have fought and bled for airdropping food and water to secluded the scene of a strong cement structure their country, like the famous communities. We need generators de- of a building, on the surface impervious Borinqueneers, an all-Puerto Rican in- livered and the repair of communica- to the strong winds of a hurricane, yet fantry division, who received, recently, tion towers expedited. now on the verge of sinking into the the highest decoration Congress gives It is up to the President to mobilize Earth. The hurricane eroded so much collectively—the Congressional Gold every resource possible—to save lives, land that in some inner parts of the is- Medal. They haven’t treated them as to get the lights turned on, to rebuild land, landslides have become the new first-class citizens but as second-class bridges, to reach secluded commu- norm. The people who live here may citizens. nities, to reconnect families. We can’t

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:56 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.022 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6339 afford to waste any more time, not found consequences, not just for the esty about the conditions on the when lives are on the line, not when el- Americans who live in Puerto Rico ground, the challenges we face, and the derly residents in nursing homes grow today but for generations to come. actions we must take. frailer by the moment, not when hun- We need to pass a disaster package Yes, Puerto Rico is an island in the gry American children have nothing to that matches the astounding damage middle of a very big ocean, but we are eat, not when communities are without suffered by the island. The photos I the most powerful nation on the face of clean drinking water for days on end. have brought to the floor today give a the Earth. We have the most advanced We need to keep the pressure on the ad- glimpse—not anywhere near the whole military capabilities ever known and ministration. picture—of the devastation on the the most skilled Armed Forces in the That is why I wrote the President, ground. It is not enough to reconnect a world. We have to be there for 3.5 mil- urging that he activate the Defense faulty, ailing power grid. It is time to lion Americans who are in need. We are Production Act of 1950 so the military be proactive and rebuild Puerto Rico so the United States of America. We do could more quickly deliver vast private it is prepared for the next storm and the impossible. Give our men and sector resources to those in need. That for the 21st century. It is time to fix women in uniform any mission, and is why my colleagues and I wrote to the underlying disparities which have they rise to the occasion. the White House and urged FEMA to hindered Puerto Rico’s success. Other- If we conducted the Berlin Airlift, set waive disaster relief cost sharing be- wise, we will simply be rebuilding a up tactical operations in the moun- cause, as the Governor told me: I have broken foundation. tains of Afghanistan, built green zones no revenue coming in. I have no rev- Let me close by saying, I remind my in Baghdad in the height of the Iraq enue coming in, and the likelihood of colleagues that Puerto Ricans are not war, then surely we can save the lives revenue coming in, certainly in the just citizens of the United States— of Americans in danger, and surely we short term, is not there. How do you which, in and of itself, should speak to can save those lives and help rebuild acquire the 70 or 75 percent Federal as- the compelling arguments we should be Puerto Rico. We must not rest until sistance if you don’t have the 25 per- engaged in helping Puerto Rico as our every American is safe and the work of cent to put up? That is why we have fellow Americans. They have fought to rebuilding is done. written the USDA asking that they use defend our Nation from World War I to I yield the floor. all available resources to get food to the War on Terror. Take a walk down (At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the the people of Puerto Rico. to the Vietnam Memorial, and you will following statement was ordered to be This is an all-hands-on-deck situa- see Puerto Rican names engraved in printed in the RECORD.) tion for the Federal Government, but that stone far in excess of the number ∑ Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, Congress also has a responsibility to of people proportionately to the Amer- I had expected to be able to vote today act. That is why I sent a letter to Lead- ican population. Throughout our his- on the motion to invoke cloture on the er MCCONNELL and Speaker RYAN urg- tory, Puerto Ricans have given their nomination of Callista L. Gingrich to ing that they bring forward an emer- lives so they may remain part of the be Ambassador to the Holy See. In- gency supplemental aid package and ‘‘land of the free.’’ To this day, more stead, I am in Las Vegas meeting with fund community development block than 10,000 Puerto Ricans serve in victims of and first responders to the grants for disaster recovery. It is up to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. us in Congress to immediately author- Let’s also remember that beyond the history. ize, not just the emergency funding 3.5 million citizens living on the island, I support the motion to invoke clo- needed to save lives in Puerto Rico but there are 5 million Puerto Ricans liv- ture on the nomination of Callista L. also the assistance needed for a full- ing in our States, in our congressional Gingrich to be Ambassador to the Holy powered recovery. districts, and in our communities. In See. The U.S. relationship with the We must give Puerto Ricans the tools the aftermath of this unprecedented Holy See is an important one and is to rebuild. That means making sure disaster, these Americans deserve the best supported with a confirmed am- Puerto Rico’s financial control board same rights, the same respect, and the bassador leading it. Ms. Gingrich’s gives the Governor the flexibility to same response from their Federal Gov- faith and engagement with the Catho- spearhead this recovery. Board mem- ernment. That is what I told leaders lic community will support U.S. ties to bers of that control board should be on from New Jersey’s Puerto Rican com- the Vatican.∑ the island, assessing the damage, munity earlier this week—assembly- Mr. MENENDEZ. I suggest the ab- speaking to the survivors, allowing men and women, mayors, community sence of a quorum. Governor Rossello to create a new leaders, and concerned citizens. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The budget that reflects Puerto Rico’s post- We all remember how hard it was to clerk will call the roll. Maria reality. The damage, by some es- secure the funding we needed to rebuild The legislative clerk proceeded to timates, could be as high as $90 billion, New Jersey in the aftermath of call the roll. so adjusting expectations and enabling Superstorm Sandy. We had to fight Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask flexibility is absolutely critical going tooth and nail every step of the way, unanimous consent that the order for forward. and, guess what, we had two U.S. Sen- the quorum call be rescinded. I have said it before and I will say it ators from New Jersey and 13 Members The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without again. The people of Puerto Rico must of Congress, joined by our colleagues objection, it is so ordered. come before Wall Street creditors. As from New York—two U.S. Senators Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask it turns out, this is one area where the from New York and a whole host of unanimous consent that all time be President and I can find common congressional Members as well as from yielded back on both sides. ground. Just last night, he called for Connecticut, which was also affected. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Puerto Rico’s debt to be wiped out. I It was an incredible time here to try to objection, it is so ordered. hope all of us—the administration, my get relief. CLOTURE MOTION colleagues in Congress, and the fiscal Americans in Puerto Rico have no Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays control board—can work together to vote in the Senate, they have no votes before the Senate the pending cloture jump-start Puerto Rico’s recovery. in Congress, and the fight to rebuild motion, which the clerk will state. That must include enabling flexibility, Puerto Rico will be that much harder, The legislative clerk read as follows: addressing the island’s crippling debt, but, as I have in the past, I intend to be and ensuring that pensions are pro- their voice and their vote in the U.S. CLOTURE MOTION tected and paid. Imagine not getting Senate. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- your pension—no longer working, hav- Now is not the time to pretend like ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the ing no income, and then your pension recovery will be a piece of cake. No Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- is not protected. How do you make it? one—not the Governor, not the Presi- nation of Callista L. Gingrich, of Virginia, to All of us in the Senate have a responsi- dent, not any one of us—should sugar- be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- bility to stand with Puerto Rico. How coat the human catastrophe playing potentiary of the United States of America we respond to this crisis will have pro- out in Puerto Rico. It is time for hon- to the Holy See.

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By unan- that has changed over the last 30 years, create greater opportunities for small imous consent, the mandatory quorum you know that modern advances in business owners, farmers, and others to call has been waived. technology have drastically revolu- help grow our economy and be more The question is, Is it the sense of the tionized the way business is conducted. competitive than ever before. While we Senate that debate on the nomination Today, the creation of the internet, focus on a business friendly State in of Callista L. Gingrich, of Virginia, to substantially increased automation, North Dakota—we have a very business be Ambassador Extraordinary and and instant communications have cre- friendly climate—the Federal tax con- Plenipotentiary of the United States of ated dramatic changes and in many tinues to place an undue burden on the America to the Holy See, shall be ways have brought us closer in terms nearly 71,000 small businesses that op- brought to a close? erate in our State, which is more than The yeas and nays are mandatory of communication and have inter- connected our global economy in ways 95 percent of all of the employers in the under the rule. State. Again, this is something that The clerk will call the roll. we never could have foreseen back in the 1980s, when we last reformed our applies across the Nation. The driver of The bill clerk called the roll. our economy, the backbone of our Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators Tax Code. So it is past time—not time but past economy is small business. They are are necessarily absent: the Senator the job generators. They are the job from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN), the time—to modernize our outdated Tax Code to the 21st century. We must do creators. We have to do more to help Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER), them do what they do, which is to cre- and the Senator from Arizona (Mr. so in order to ensure that American businesses can compete on the global ate jobs and to grow our economy. MCCAIN). The same applies to our family farm- stage, while providing tax relief to Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ers. My State alone has more than hard-working middle-class families Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ 30,000 family farms and ranches. Their who have been struggling to get and MASTO) and the Senator from Florida marginal tax rate can reach as high as (Mr. NELSON) are necessarily absent. stay ahead over the last decade. The recently released tax blueprint almost 45 percent, nearly twice the av- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). erage rate of the rest of the industri- Are there any other Senators in the proposes sweeping tax reforms that will benefit working families and small alized world. That creates real chal- Chamber desiring to vote? lenges. This tax framework follows the businesses throughout the country The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 75, example we have set in our State by re- while promoting job creation, eco- nays 20, as follows: storing economic opportunity, by low- nomic growth, and global competitive- [Rollcall Vote No. 216 Ex.] ering the tax burden, and by enacting a ness. This country was built on hard YEAS—75 pro-growth tax code. work by individuals and families who Economists in general agree that Alexander Fischer Murkowski strive each and every day to make ends Baldwin Flake Murphy high corporate taxes reduce wages to Barrasso Franken Murray meet to provide for their loved ones workers, raise costs to consumers, and Bennet Gardner Paul and to plan for retirement. The current reduce returns on retirement savings. Blunt Graham Perdue Tax Code is complex and has many Boozman Grassley Portman That affects all of us. Maintaining high Burr Hatch Reed loopholes that do nothing to help our tax rates does nothing to improve the Cantwell Heinrich Risch hard-working families keep more of fairness of our system. It only punishes Capito Heitkamp Roberts their own hard-earned money. Our tax Cardin Hoeven Rounds everyday citizens and reduces eco- Carper Inhofe Rubio framework will help individuals and nomic opportunities for all Americans. Casey Isakson Sasse families in my home State and across For far too long, our Tax Code has Cassidy Johnson Schumer this country to get ahead by gener- incentivized American companies to Collins Kaine Scott ating new jobs through sustained eco- Coons Kennedy Shaheen send jobs and investment overseas, in- Corker King Shelby nomic growth while lowering the over- stead of keeping them here at home— Cornyn Klobuchar Strange all tax burden and putting more money keeping that investment, keeping Cotton Lankford Sullivan back in the taxpayers’ pockets. those jobs here at home. Consequently, Crapo Leahy Thune We do this in a number of ways: by Cruz Lee Tillis large multinational corporations now Daines Manchin Toomey doubling the standard deduction, by hold approximately $2.6 trillion over- Donnelly McCaskill Warner eliminating taxes on the first $12,000 seas. That is money that could be repa- Enzi McConnell Whitehouse earned by an individual and $24,000 Ernst Menendez Wicker triated back to the United States for Feinstein Moran Young earned by a married couple, effectively investment in American jobs here at establishing a zero-percent tax rate as NAYS—20 home. Our framework would end the the bottom bracket—the bottom tax loopholes and the incentives that keep Blumenthal Hassan Stabenow rate. That means that nearly 81 per- Booker Hirono Tester foreign profits offshore by moving to a Brown Markey Udall cent of North Dakotans who claim the territorial tax system and encouraging Duckworth Merkley Van Hollen standard deduction could see a signifi- repatriation of these offshore funds, Durbin Peters Warren cant increase in their take-home pay. bringing that investment back to Gillibrand Sanders Wyden That is true of other States across the Harris Schatz America. This is about getting the country as well. Further, we are con- American economy going again and NOT VOTING—5 solidating and lowering the tax rates creating jobs and opportunity here at Cochran Heller Nelson across the board while simplifying the home rather than overseas. Cortez Masto McCain Tax Code to make it fairer for every- It is vital that we advance a com- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. body. prehensive tax reform that simplifies FISCHER). On this vote, the yeas are 75, At nearly 70,000 pages long, it is no the IRS code and simplifies rates. Put- the nays are 20. wonder that Americans currently ting more money in the pockets of The motion is agreed to. spend 6 billion hours a year complying working individuals and families and The Senator from North Dakota. with the Tax Code. In fact, 94 percent empowering private investment will TAX REFORM of taxpayers choose either to pay some- drive domestic job creation and in- Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I one else or to use software to prepare crease wages through higher demand rise today to talk about what is really their taxes because of the complexity for labor and lower business costs. All a ‘‘once in a generation’’ opportunity, of our Tax Code. Our goal for tax re- the while we can ensure stable govern- and that is the opportunity we have form is to allow the vast majority of ment revenues through a broader tax

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.038 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6341 base, a growing economy, and a more they may be forced to end enrollment (The remarks of Ms. HEITKAMP and efficient tax system. That means that of new children, cut back services, or Ms. MURKOWSKI pertaining to the intro- we will continue to be able to fund our end their programs altogether if we do duction of S. 1942 are printed in today’s priorities as we work to get our debt not act soon. Independent experts esti- RECORD under ‘‘Statements on Intro- and deficit under control. mate that at least 10 States could com- duced Bills and Joint Resolutions.’’) Ensuring U.S. competitiveness in the pletely run out of funding for their TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. ALONZO B. global marketplace and providing tax Children’s Health Insurance Program PATTERSON, JR., AND MRS. SHIRLEY PATTERSON relief to middle-class families will ben- before the end of the year, while fund- Mr. President, I wish to recognize an efit both current and future genera- ing for the remaining States’ programs extraordinary individual in my State, tions. I urge my colleagues on both would not be very far behind. along with his wife. I would like to sides of the aisle to work together to This is not a responsible way to gov- take a few minutes today to recognize get tax reform done for the people of ern. I have heard from physicians in Reverend Dr. Alonzo B. Patterson, Jr., my State of North Dakota, for their re- my State, especially in rural commu- and Mrs. Shirley Patterson. spective States, and for Americans nities, who fear that this lack of action During the first week of November, across this entire country. will mean great harm to the patients Anchorage is going to host 4 days of With that, Madam President, I yield they serve. I have heard from pediatri- events to commemorate the service of the floor. cians who know firsthand what the end two of our most beloved community The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of CHIP would mean for Michigan’s leaders, the Reverend Dr. Alonzo B. ator from Michigan. children. As our country grapples with Patterson and his wife, Shirley Patter- HEALTHCARE what we can do to expand mental son. Next month, Reverend Patterson Mr. PETERS. Madam President, in health treatment and address the ex- leaves the pulpit of Shiloh Missionary many ways, the Children’s Health In- panding opioid epidemic, letting these Baptist Church. This is a pulpit he has surance Program has been an out- programs lapse would be a huge step in held for some 47 years. Mrs. Patterson, standing example of what a bipartisan, the wrong direction. This unnecessary his wife of six decades, is to be recog- democratic process can accomplish. uncertainty has already forced some nized for her service as well. Twenty years ago, President Bill Clin- community health centers to con- Anchorage is one of America’s great ton worked with a Republican majority template staff hiring freezes and lay- communities, and it is not uncommon in both the Senate and the House of offs. It is certainly harming their day- to celebrate the retirement of a figure Representatives to successfully pass to-day operations. It has made it dif- of Patterson’s stature, but 4 separate the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- ficult for them to recruit new doctors, days of events—that is huge, and it is a gram into law. That legislation passed and it has made it harder for their of- testament to the respect our commu- with 85 votes in the Senate—an over- fices to obtain loans to grow their nity has for the Patterson family. whelmingly bipartisan vote—to recog- practices and to serve more patients. Think about this: Alaska has been a nize the simple fact that all children Luckily, this is a problem we know State for just 58 years. Reverend Pat- born in this great country of ours how to solve. I am proud to have co- terson has had his pulpit for 47 years. should have healthcare coverage. sponsored bipartisan legislation with And Shiloh is not Reverend Patterson’s The Children’s Health Insurance Pro- Senators HATCH and WYDEN that would first pulpit in Alaska; it is his second. gram, along with our Nation’s commu- ensure funding for the Children’s He came to Anchorage after founding nity health centers, has more often Health Insurance Program. I also sup- the Corinthian Baptist Church in Fair- than not seen great bipartisan support. port similarly bipartisan legislation by banks. Reverend Patterson grew up As Members of Congress, we have al- Senators BLUNT and STABENOW to ex- with Alaska, and Alaska grew up with ways come together and understood tend funding for our Nation’s commu- Reverend Patterson. the importance of these programs, and nity health centers. Corinthian and Shiloh could appro- we have done everything we can to en- I welcome the fact that the Senate priately be characterized as African- sure that quality, cost-effective care is Finance Committee held a markup yes- American churches. But for the Afri- available to millions of Americans. Un- terday and was able to advance the bi- can-American community in Alaska, fortunately, as I stand here today, partisan bill to fund the Children’s they are far more than churches; they funding for both the Children’s Health Health Insurance Program. Now the are centers of Black history in Alaska. Insurance Program and community rest of us in Congress need to do our Zakiya McCummings interviewed health centers has expired. job. Let’s bring both of these bills up Reverend Patterson earlier this year The Children’s Health Insurance Pro- for a vote because, quite frankly, we for an article published in the Anchor- gram, or CHIP, provides healthcare cannot afford to wait any longer. Our age Press, and in that interview, Rev- coverage to over 100,000 children in my Nation’s children and millions of erend Patterson explained: home State of Michigan and more than Americans who use community health The church was, and always has been, the 9 million children nationally. In addi- centers as their primary medical home sanctuary in the Black community. It is the tion, community health centers serve cannot afford to wait any longer. His- meeting place, the community center, the as the primary medical home to over torically, these programs have not focus for support and help, the place you 600,000 Michiganders and more than 20 been controversial to reauthorize, and come to be important, the psychologist for million individuals across our country. they should not be now. your particular problem, the time to shout For people living in rural and under- out your frustrations and the only place to I am urging my colleagues to be significant. You could be a Deacon or served areas, their community health prioritize the children of our rural and something in the church where in the rest of center is their doctor’s office and often underserved communities who will be the community, you were just another Black their only choice when it comes to care hurt if we do not act soon. Let’s do person. The church was for us a panacea for close to home. what is right for our country’s children many of the social ills that existed then and We have already passed the deadline and families and pass this vital legisla- still have relevance. to extend the Children’s Health Insur- tion as soon as possible. Given the central role Reverend Pat- ance Program and the Community Madam President, I suggest the ab- terson has played in Alaska’s African- Health Center Fund. We have passed sence of a quorum. American community for most of our the time to act. We should not wait The PRESIDING OFFICER. The State’s existence, it is no surprise that any longer to provide certainty to the clerk will call the roll. he is regarded as a historian of Black millions of children and their families The senior assistant legislative clerk culture in Alaska. Ms. McCummings who depend on CHIP and to the Ameri- proceeded to call the roll. observed that it is a responsibility that cans who will lose access to care if Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I ask he doesn’t take lightly. Reverend Pat- their community health center is unanimous consent that the order for terson told her: closed. the quorum call be rescinded. I feel like I have to be the keeper of our We are already seeing the impact of The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- historical plight and to speak to each gen- our inaction in the CHIP program. Sev- SIDY). Without objection, it is so or- eration in my time. It is a powerful responsi- eral States have begun to warn that dered. bility because if I go to sleep on my watch,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.040 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 then the next watch will have nothing to there was never a Sunday that I did not What makes these planes so special build on. . . . We’re responsible that the gate leave feeling inspired by the words of is, they can carry up to four large remains open for the next generation. Dr. Patterson. cargo containers. We call them igloos. Under Reverend Patterson’s watch, They aren’t calling the appreciation These igloos load into the front portion there was much progress. In the 1960s festivities for Reverend Patterson a re- of the aircraft, right behind the pilots. and 1970s, Reverend Patterson recalled, tirement ceremony. They are calling it There is a simple divider between the ‘‘much of Alaska was small family a transition, probably because nobody cargo and the passengers. So they load businesses, including the banks. If you believes Rev. Alonzo Patterson has any the cargo up front, and the passengers were not part of that family or their intentions of pursuing a future of lei- come up the back on a set of steps, just friends, you had a hard time getting a sure. Leadership and inspiration runs like we used to do in the prejetway job. in Alonzo Patterson’s DNA. times. You load from the back, but Many of the jobs for African Ameri- We wish him and Shirley well in your first 17 rows of a traditional air- cans were either construction or gov- their next calling, and we take comfort craft would be occupied by cargo. If ernment jobs.’’ in the fact that their contributions to you have more cargo—if you are flying Reverend Patterson proudly recalls our community are far from over. No- fish out from Cordova south or if you the first Black principal of a State ele- vember marks a transition, not a re- are flying your Iditarod dogs that have mentary school, an African-American tirement—and certainly not a eulogy— been dropped in Nome and need to get banker who was elected to the school for this extraordinary Alaska family. back to Anchorage and you need a lot board and subsequently to the Alaska On behalf of my Senate colleagues, I of space for the animals, you have thank Dr. Patterson and his lovely wife Legislature, an African-American ac- flexibility to move back and forth. tivist in the Fairview section of An- Shirley for their good works, and These have flown all over the State, chorage who is regarded as the grand- thank them in advance for their con- up to Nome, on the Bering Sea coast, father of the city’s public transpor- tinued leadership. along the Arctic Ocean, to the oilfields tation system. Today’s African-Amer- ALASKA AIRLINES ‘‘COMBI’’ PLANES in Prudhoe, and, most famously, in the ican community is built on the founda- Mr. President, I know I have occu- ‘‘milk run’’ area. The milk run got its tion of these pioneers who endured. pied a little bit of time on the floor name because Alaska Airlines literally Make no mistake about this, Alonzo this afternoon with a wide range of delivered the milk to the communities Patterson was no mere spectator to all topics—from the tragedies that face along the way, as well as other food of this progress. He was an agent of many of our indigenous women to rec- stuff—all manner of goods and pas- change, rooted in his observation, and ognizing a prominent leader of the senger. It is something that if you are he stated: ‘‘In ministry there are no Alaska community. Now I wish to from the southeast, we all know about share a little bit of Alaska’s history as limits except the ones we set for our- the milk run. We all complain about we see a transition in aviation and selves.’’ Under his leadership, Shiloh the fact that it takes about 5 hours to transportation. get from Anchorage down to Juneau, if grew spiritually, physically, and fis- It is really the end of an era in my you have to go through Yakutat and cally, and would include a church home State. On October 18, just a few school, a television ministry, and a jail days from now, Alaska Airlines will fly Cordova and stop at each one. That is outreach ministry. the final run of the uniquely Alaskan just the way it is. You bounce down On Shiloh’s 29th anniversary, the combi plane before retiring them and from Cordova, Yakutat, Juneau, Ketch- mortgage note for the original struc- updating the fleet. ikan. Finally, you hit Seattle. You run ture was burned under the theme, OK. She is going to make a floor into your sports teams, families are ‘‘Burning to Build,’’ and speech about an airplane. Yes, I am coming and going. These are the work- groundbreaking for a new educational going to make a floor speech about an horses that are not only moving the wing commenced. There was more airplane because this combi plane is a passengers, they are moving the gro- building to come. The Martin Luther special Boeing 737–400, designed to ceries, they are moving the mail, they King Jr. Family Life Center was dedi- carry up to 14,000 pounds of cargo and are moving the medicine. They are cated on May 23, 1993. In 2001, Reverend 72 passengers. It is called a combi be- moving it all. Patterson spun off a new nonprofit or- cause it is a dual-use plane, a combina- When I say it moves everything, we ganization, Shiloh Community Devel- tion of passengers and cargo. Alaska have built up a little bit of history opment, Inc., to serve youth, minori- Airlines is the only major airline in the about how things move around. We ties, and the disadvantaged. Today Shi- country to have these combi planes, have moved cows. We have moved cars. loh Community Development is well and they were specifically designed for The picture I like best is moving the known for its youth mentoring pro- the special challenges of a very large herd of Santa’s reindeer. I think Santa gram called Young Lions of Alaska. State. Over their lifespan, they have was actually posed in this, but the He is a founder of Bridge Builders of delivered every imaginable thing via reindeer were not. They needed to be Alaska, which celebrates the diversity airplane in Alaska. able to move the reindeer so they of our communities and a powerful You have all heard me talk about the hauled them in the front, situated voice in Alaska’s annual celebration of size of our State. The sheer size of this them, and closed it off, and you have Dr. Martin Luther King Day. In 2015, State presents logistical hurdles unlike the passengers in the back. Whether Reverend Patterson was the keynote anyplace else. I keep saying we are you are moving reindeer, whether you speaker at the King Day ceremonies on one-fifth the size of the country, and 80 are transporting an injured eagle to JBER. At that ceremony, he warned percent of our communities are not the Raptor Center in Sitka or letting his audience that Dr. King’s dream is connected by road. When we think the sled dogs hitch a ride back to An- at risk of dying. He said: about how we move around in our chorage after they have made the thou- This dream is at risk if nothing is done, State, a postage stamp placed in the sand-mile trip to Nome, this is what we and nothing is holding us back but ourselves. middle of an average sheet of paper do. Stop waiting for miracles; believe in yourself represents the area a person can reach The invention of the combi plane to make society better. Each of us can do in Alaska by coastline, river, road, or really highlights the unique needs and our part, by loving and respecting others. railroad. The rest is only reachable by the parameters of daily life in the This is just one example of his power- plane. You just have to fly everywhere. State. We are a long way from the ful voice. Reverend Patterson’s ser- This being the case, it only makes lower 48. You can barely drive to any of mons were always inspiring, many leg- sense to try to efficiently deliver peo- the communities. If you are going to endary, and it explains why he is re- ple and goods to hub communities in move goods, if you are going to move garded as a pastor’s pastor, growing Alaska. Alaska Airlines is looking to passengers, you are on an airplane. not only his congregants but the gen- serve. This is not a promotion for Whether it is Essential Air Services, erations of ministers who will follow in them; it is a recognition that they bypass mail, air freight, these are the his footsteps. As one who has joined in needed to figure out how to move peo- backbones of commerce in Alaska. This the congregation there at Shiloh on ple and freight, and they reconfigured is our interstate. It is the interstate in numerous occasions, I can attest that the aircraft to do this. the air.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.043 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6343 Whether we are shipping our wild Medicare, and they are going to use even lower tax revenues. They had to caught, sustainably managed salmon this tax bill. They are going to cut $473 cut government programs, like edu- that people around the world love to billion from Medicare at a time when cation, and now people do not want to eat, we ship that out. We ship in the our population is getting older and send their kids to Kansas public toothpaste, the loaves of bread, and the many seniors are already struggling. schools anymore because they do not basics that we need. Thanks to the They are also going to cut $1 trillion have the resources to educate their combi, we have been able to do this from Medicaid. This is the program children. with regular, reliable scheduled service that pays for one out of every two This is not a path that America in areas where the weather would usu- births in this country. It helps millions should follow. Everyone needs to pay ally chase off more. These are smaller of families who have loved ones in their fair share, and that includes big aircraft. They can handle it all. The nursing home care. corporations and the people who are size of the combi allows them to land Last week, they tried to pass a benefiting from the system and making and take off in much more turbulent healthcare bill that cut taxes. Now millions of dollars every year, but in conditions than smaller propeller they are trying to pass a tax bill that this proposal, they are the ones getting planes. will cut healthcare. Their proposal all of the tax breaks. So it is a kind of bittersweet time for will, actually, increase the deficit by $4 Companies already have huge tax some of us who have grown up around trillion. That is 12 zeros. breaks. Some corporations end up pay- these aircraft. As we think about the Here is what we could do with $4 tril- ing zero in Federal income tax every ‘‘only in Alaska’’ type of things, it is lion. We could completely rebuild half April 15 even though they are making encouraging to know that this develop- of the airports in the United States. We healthy profits. They have teams of ment of retiring the combi planes—the could put 20 million people through 4 lawyers and accountants who help proposal is to replace them with sepa- years of college. We could pay off the them dodge paying even a penny to the rate, full-sized passenger and cargo debt for every student loan. Federal Government. That is why cor- planes. As a result of the increased de- Instead, the United States is going to porate income taxes make up less than mand for goods and passengers, we be in the red by $4 trillion, but after 10 percent of all of the revenue to the need more space on planes to deliver they cut $1 trillion from Medicaid and Federal Treasury. Meanwhile, at least both. If updating the fleet means that one-half trillion dollars from Medicare, 30 percent of the middle class will actu- we need and get more business in Alas- the party that has railed against the ally pay more if the Republicans suc- ka, I suppose that is a good thing for Federal debt and deficit will still add ceed with their tax reform package. all. $2.5 trillion to the deficit. Think about this. There are many of us who are going This is all so that they can give tax Thirty percent of the middle class is to be bidding a fond farewell come Oc- cuts to the richest people in the United going to see tax increases in their tax tober 18, which is the last scheduled States. I promise you, I understand bills. Why? It is because they have to flight for the combi. It is also Alaska that both parties are sometimes guilty find some money to subsidize the tax Day in our State. I thank Alaska Air- of exaggerating and that sometimes cuts for the richest people. Some of the lines and those who fly these great both parties are guilty of relying on money will be found by borrowing; planes and do so safely. They provide a talking points and relying on carica- some of the money will be found by level of service and have for so long. I tures of the other side, but you making cuts to Medicare and Medicaid; thank them for what they have done couldn’t caricature this bill if you and some of the money will be found by over the course of so many years. tried. This bill is already a caricature increasing taxes on the middle class. I suggest the absence of a quorum. of what people say Republicans are all One out of every two households with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The about, which is to shred the social safe- children will see its taxes go up under clerk will call the roll. ty net and provide tax cuts to the this plan. Increasing taxes for these The legislative clerk proceeded to wealthiest Americans. people while decreasing them for big call the roll. They are going to cut the corporate corporations is not a plan for economic Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I ask tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, and they growth. We have heard over and over unanimous consent that the order for are going to cut tax rates across the that Republicans do not want to add to the quorum call be rescinded. board, but the people who will actually the deficit—I don’t either—but this is, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without benefit will be the people at the top. literally, what they are voting to do objection, it is so ordered. The Tax Policy Center, which is a non- tonight. TAX REFORM partisan, highly respected group, has Again, this is not a talking point. Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, here is crunched the numbers, and they found This is not a sort of rhetorical flourish. what is happening with so-called ‘‘tax that within 10 years, 80 percent of the The bill, itself, provides for $1.5 trillion reform.’’ Tonight, the Budget Com- benefits of this $4 trillion tax bill will worth of deficit spending. Yet it is not mittee is voting on a budget resolution go to 1 percent of Americans. deficit spending on the military; it is that does two things. Remember what is happening. We are not deficit spending on disaster re- First, it sets the spending limits for borrowing a huge chunk of this, and sponse; and it is not deficit spending on everything in the government—envi- whatever is not borrowed comes out of Medicare or Medicaid or Social Secu- ronment, energy, defense, healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid. So the pro- rity or any of the social safety net pro- education, transportation, and so on. grams that pay for women to give birth grams that they claim is the problem Second, it includes something called in a hospital or for elderly people to with the Federal budget. It is deficit reconciliation instructions that basi- get healthcare will be decimated, and spending for the purpose of a tax cut, cally direct all of the committees to the wealthiest Americans will pay less 80 percent of which is going to 1 per- report back with legislation that either in taxes. This is bad policy, not just for cent of the country. This is not con- increases or decreases the Federal def- the people who work hard but for the servative—certainly not fiscally con- icit by a certain amount. This time whole economy. servative—and it will not help us to around, here is what they are doing— I want to give you a specific example. grow the economy. asking the Senate Finance Committee Again, both parties rely on talking It is no surprise that this policy is to draft legislation to increase the def- points, and both parties accuse each bad, because, again, the process has icit by $1.5 trillion. Again, this is going other of having the wrong set of ideas, been so bad. With healthcare, they ig- to pass on a party-line vote, with Re- but we have an example of what hap- nored regular order. They obliterated publicans prevailing, to increase the pens when you do this. This bill is ac- the committee process. They ignored deficit by $1.5 trillion. This is what will tually modeled after what they did in Democrats. They ignored the way the start the tax reform process. the State of Kansas. The State govern- U.S. Senate is supposed to work, and That is not all. Republicans still ment eliminated one of its business they failed. One Republican Senator haven’t given up on decimating our taxes, telling people that it would help says that he will not vote for anything healthcare system. They are still try- the State’s economy. Instead, the econ- that adds one penny to the deficit. An- ing to cut Medicaid and, this time, omy slowed down, which left them with other Republican Senator said that he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.045 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 will not do anything that does not cut One of the stalwarts of our faith com- She also talked about the groups he taxes for everybody. It already does munity for the past 47 years has been chaired, founded, and led beyond his not meet that test. Members of Con- Pastor Alonzo Patterson of the Shiloh congregation, including Bridge Build- gress on both sides of the aisle—Repub- Missionary Baptist Church, and he is ers of Anchorage, the March of Dimes licans too—have promised not to cut our Alaskan of the week. Every Sunday Foundation, the Martin Luther King Medicaid or Medicare. It violates all of he fills his church with spirit, joy, and Jr. Foundation of Alaska, and the those promises. gospel music punctuated by ‘‘amens’’ Interdenominational Ministerial Alli- If you did not like the ACA repeal be- that float through the church, down ance of Anchorage. cause it cut Medicaid, guess what. This the street, and work their way into our You know, with leaders like this, the cuts Medicaid more. If you made a community and into our hearts. That list goes on and on. In addition to Co- promise to your voters not to cut Medi- is what he has been doing for 47 years. rinthian Baptist Church in Fairbanks care, you should be aware that this bill For decades, those sermons have in- and Shiloh in Anchorage, Pastor Pat- provides for one-half trillion dollars in spired countless Alaskans to help feed terson also planted Eagle River Mis- cuts to Medicare. If you are railing the hungry, provide homes for those sionary Baptist Church and Shiloh Mis- against debt and deficits, this is the without, and strive to create a more sionary Baptist Church of Palmer. biggest budget buster that I have ever just country, State, and society, and a I have been uplifted to the core when seen in my short, 5-year career in the more just community. my wife Julie and I have gone to Shi- U.S. Senate. Let me tell you a little bit about loh and listened to Pastor Patterson During the campaign, the President Pastor Patterson. He was born in Wil- preach and listened to the beautiful— of the United States promised not to son, LA, and raised in New Orleans. and I mean beautiful—Shiloh choir cut Medicare, and the senior Senator Like a lot of Alaskans, thousands of sing. It is a spiritual and energizing ex- from Arizona has called for regular Alaskans, he joined the military and perience like no other. I love attending order. This violates every procedural made his way up to Fairbanks, AK, in services at Shiloh. and policy principle that has been ar- the 1960s, where he founded the Corin- On November 5, 2017, Pastor Patter- ticulated on this Senate floor since I thian Baptist Church, and he min- son’s 80th birthday, he will be giving have been here. I do not see a way for- istered to the congregation there. his last sermon as pastor of Shiloh, and ward on this legislation when it has Then, in 1970, he was called to Shiloh, I certainly plan on being there. He is been conceived in a purely partisan one of the few African-American stepping down for Pastor Undra way. It will only take us deeper into churches in Anchorage. He designed Parker, who will be the new and dy- dysfunction. For the sake of the Sen- and rebuilt Shiloh at its current loca- namic leader of Shiloh—another great ate, let’s stop going down this path. tion, and under his leadership, Shiloh’s Alaskan, another veteran—and I know Let’s restore regular order and work membership, its facilities, and its en- he is going to do a great job. But of together on a bipartisan tax reform ergy took off. course it is a bittersweet time for process. He has conducted thousands of mar- Shiloh’s parishioners because of the I yield the floor. riages and baptisms. He has given foundation Pastor Patterson built. I suggest the absence of a quorum. thousands of eulogies, celebrated grad- The church, the singing, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The uations and anniversaries, counseled amens will continue on Earth and the clerk will call the roll. countless couples, people who are church in Anchorage, AK, as it is in The bill clerk proceeded to call the grieving, people who are rejoicing, peo- Heaven. God bless Pastor Patterson, roll. ple who are suffering, and he has his wife of 61 years, First Lady Shirley Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask helped turn that into action—not just Patterson, and the congregation of Shi- unanimous consent that the order for for the African-American community loh Missionary Baptist Church for all the quorum call be rescinded. but for all people and all races in our they have done and continue to do for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without community and in our State. our community. objection, it is so ordered. Pastor Patterson told a reporter: Congratulations to Pastor Patterson TRIBUTE TO PASTOR ALONZO PATTERSON The church was and always has been a for being our Alaskan of the Week. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, near- sanctuary in the Black community. It is the Mr. President, I would like to say a ly every week I have been coming down meeting place, the community center, the few words about my Members on the to the Senate floor to recognize some- focus for support and help, the place you other side of the aisle who are doing one in my State who has made a dif- come to be important, the psychologist for something that is just not helping the ference for Alaska and really has made your particular problem, the time to shout United States of America right now; a difference for all Americans. It is my out your frustrations and the only place to that is, obstructing progress with re- be significant. favorite part of the week to actually gard to the new administration. come down and talk about Alaska to He continued: I understand that right now my party my colleagues in the Senate, to the You could be a Deacon or something in the is in the majority, and to be honest, I folks in the Gallery, to the press, and church where in the rest of the community have been someone who thinks we to the American people watching. It is you were just another Black person. The church was for us a panacea for many of the should spend a lot more time here in what I refer to as our time to talk social ills that existed then and still have the Senate, working in the Senate and about the Alaskan of the Week. relevance. getting things done. We have a lot of Many watching and on the floor and That is what he talked about. That is work to do. But I see that people back those who have visited our great State his heart and soul, how he saw his home can get frustrated with some of know that Alaskans think it is the church and congregation. Thanks to the lack of progress, and some of that most beautiful place in the world. Pastor Patterson and Shiloh, the city we can address by spending more time There are natural wonders everywhere. is a more inclusive place for all. He has in this body. We had a beautiful summer. We have helped heal those social ills for thou- Some of the questions that are com- resilient, warm-hearted, fiercely inde- sands of our fellow Alaskans. ing out are about why things aren’t pendent but accepting people. We have One of his friends, Celeste Hodge getting done. It is a good question. An- challenges in Alaska just like the rest Growden, a member of the church, said: swers can be complicated, but what it of the country, but at the heart of our He and the church have led the way for a mostly boils down to is that a lot of State are kind, generous people full of lot of things that have been accomplished issues in this body—a lot—rely on con- different cultures and backgrounds here [in Anchorage]. Pastor Patterson al- sensus. The rules were carefully con- that we celebrate. ways says, ‘‘leaders lead.’’ That is the way he structed so that the minority has a say Most people don’t know this about has lived his life. He is not in the back- in the legislative process. For the most Anchorage, AK: My hometown is prob- ground. part, I believe that is a good thing. As ably the most culturally and ethnically During election time, Pastor Patter- a former President once pointed out, diverse city in the country. We have son organizes a huge ‘‘get out the vote’’ we are not a red or blue America; we places of worship all over the city and campaign. He was instrumental in get- are the United States of America. the State that reflect that great diver- ting a Martin Luther King memorial in With that said, the people did elect sity of Alaska and America. Anchorage—a 10-year-long endeavor. us to come here and start getting

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.047 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6345 things done. Implicit in their votes for There was an election, and now we partment of Health officials, Environ- a new President and a new administra- need to fill the government with people mental Protection Agency officials. We tion was to be able to put people in the who can run agencies. With all due re- have to get the country moving again, Federal Government to work, to focus spect to my friends on the other side of and the obstruction, which is unprece- on growing the economy, and to focus the aisle, they are not doing it. They dented, by the minority leader and un- on rebuilding the military after a 25- are not allowing it. fortunately many of my colleagues on percent cut over the last 8 years, to We had a vote on an Eighth Circuit the other side is only harming the focus on better jobs and higher wages. judge last week. It had to go through American people. It is only harming Throughout history, whether it has cloture. We essentially spent the whole the progress that the vast majority of been Republicans or Democrats, the week on this—2 days and 30 hours. The Americans want, whether you are a minority party has understood this. judge passed the Senate by a 95-to-1 Democrat or a Republican. I am hope- When a new administration gets elect- vote. It was a 95-to-1 vote. He wasn’t ful they are finally going to change and ed, they start to put nominees in place, controversial at all so what was the start moving forward nominations and and the Senate takes action. We hold point? The point was simply to delay. letting us vote on them so we have an hearings and we have votes to put Sen- Again, here is the difference. Nomi- opportunity to actually get this coun- ate-confirmed officials in the Federal nations sent to the Senate are about try moving again. Government to work. If you don’t like the same. President Obama had more 8 I yield the floor. the person, you can ask them tough years ago but not too many more. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- questions in hearings and you can vote There were 520 versus 443 for President ator from Minnesota. against them on the floor of the Senate Trump confirmed. At this time during LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING or in committees. But what we are see- the Obama administration, there were Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ing right now is pure obstruction. On 342. Trump has 163. So that is 66 per- would like to begin by talking about every single nominee, the maximum cent for the Obama nominees 8 years the recent tragedy in Las Vegas, the amount of time is required before there ago and 37 percent for the Trump nomi- largest mass shooting in U.S. history, is even a vote. This is something new. nees. with at least 59 dead and more than 500 This is something different. In fact, the The press will not write about it, but injured, including one Minnesotan who current minority leader said the fol- this is a disservice to Americans, was injured and another who lost his lowing words in 2013: whether you are a Democrat or Repub- life. So I join my colleagues in mourn- Who in America doesn’t think a President, lican. I will just mention a few. We ing for the victims and their families. Democrat or Republican, deserves his or her have had nominees, such as the Assist- They are and should be our focus at picks for who should run the Federal Govern- ant Secretary for Health in Health and this time, as well as making sure those ment agencies? Nobody. Human Services. It came out of com- who were hurt get the best medical That was the minority leader in 2013. mittee several weeks ago. It is sitting care this country can give. They were wise words then, but appar- on the floor. The Assistant Secretary As we look ahead, these events un- ently he and his Members have forgot- of Health, it is not a controversial posi- derscore the urgency to continue fight- ten those words. tion for the company, but it is an im- ing for funding to better treat mental I have some facts here on the board. portant position. I bet that person is illness but also for sensible gun safety At this point in time, 10 months into going to finally get passage from the legislation, and I joined with some of President Obama’s Presidency in 2009, Senate at some point by a big super- my colleagues the day after the trag- the Senate had allowed more than 318 majority, but we are delaying it. We edy in Las Vegas to call for those nominees to be cast by a simple vote. are delaying it. changes. No one policy will prevent The Senate only asked for a procedure I really would love it if the minority every tragedy, but we need to come to- known as cloture five times. Essen- leader would come down, look at the gether on commonsense legislation to tially, President Obama got elected, American people, and just say: Here is save lives. and the Senate Democrats and Repub- why we are delaying. Here is why we One place we discussed this week licans worked to get his team put in are delaying. Explain it. They love to where we could come together—be- place. Yes, the Republicans did that. do this kind of stuff, procedural ‘‘dark cause we have in the past—is on back- Certainly, I wasn’t here then. They arts,’’ thinking people aren’t watching. ground checks. My colleagues Senator voted against some of these nominees, People understand this. MANCHIN and Senator TOOMEY, who are and that is fine. But what they did was The head of a leading Democratic two A-rated NRA Senators, have al- they let them come to the floor for a think tank told the press they intend ready demonstrated that we can find vote. to hold up and tie up floor time on bipartisan agreement on something as In contrast to what I mentioned every single Trump administration straightforward as background checks. about President Obama’s first year in nominee. Now, if that happens, if they I was very pleased they came together office, only 100 of President Trump’s take the time for every nominee—there on this legislation, but the fact re- nominees have been confirmed through are over 1,000 who need Senate con- mains, the Senate’s failure to pass that voice vote. That is less than one-third firmation—and they take the entire bipartisan compromise was disheart- of the courtesy given to President amount of time they are allowed with ening—one of my more disheartening Obama 8 years ago. Cloture votes for cloture and other votes, if they don’t days in the Senate because I began my Trump’s nominees have been required extend the courtesy that was extended day that day with the families of the for 100 nominees. Remember, I just said to President Obama when he was try- Sandy Hook tragedy, with the parents there were five for Obama’s nominees 8 ing to put his team in place, the Trump who had lost their little kids, with the years ago. There have been 100 for administration will never have a team parents who had come to this building Trump’s nominees, and only 63 have in place. It will literally be 4 years. to advocate for a bill, the background been allowed by simple voice vote. I hope today the press starts writing check bill, that they knew wouldn’t What does that mean? It means that about this because the difference here have saved their child’s life, but they each vote requires a 2-day waiting pe- in 8 years is quite remarkable and yet knew it would have saved others. What riod and then another 30 hours of de- nobody is talking about it; that being we have seen with expanded back- bate. That is what it means. that the minority leader and my col- ground checks is they reduce suicides The press won’t write about it. My leagues on the other side of the aisle and they reduce domestic homicides by friends in the press sitting up here in stop obstructing what every other ad- a fairly large number. the Gallery won’t write about this. The ministration has had in terms of a Our constituents agree that we contrast between the Trump treatment courtesy, which is, if you win the elec- should be able to find some agreement by the Senate and the Obama treat- tion, whether you liked it or not, you here, as the numbers have consistently ment by the Senate is incredible, and work with the other side in the U.S. shown that Americans across the polit- we don’t hear a word out of the press Senate to get your people in place—De- ical spectrum, including gun owners, on this. And this isn’t partisan; this is partment of Defense officials, Depart- support proposals to require back- just hurting the American people. ment of Transportation officials, De- ground checks by wide margins. I have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.050 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 a State, like the Presiding Officer’s, coverage for some of our more vulner- competition to bring the price down. where there are a lot of hunters. It is a able constituents. When the prices of four of the top best proud tradition in Minnesota so I look CHIP is one part of our healthcare selling drugs in America have gone up at all these proposals and I say to my- system that is working. We should be over 100 percent, I don’t think we can self: Does this hurt my Uncle Dick and doing everything in our power to pro- just sit here and do nothing anymore. his deer stand? For many of the ones I tect it. So let’s come together and pass I bring up these efforts because, for have looked at, the answer is clearly this long-term reauthorization of the most part, they are bipartisan—the no, including the background check CHIP. work of Senator ALEXANDER and Sen- bill. Mr. President, CHIP is not the only ator MURRAY, the bills that have been When I talk to law enforcement in area where we should be able to come introduced to do something on pre- my State, they stress the need to have together on healthcare. The American scription drugs. Let’s get moving on effective background checks to stop people want us to work together on bi- that and let’s reauthorize CHIP. The felons, people with severe mental ill- partisan fixes to the Affordable Care last time it passed the Senate with 92 nesses, and others prohibited under Act. As I said the day it passed, it was votes. current law from accessing guns. These a beginning and not an end. Any major Thank you. efforts do not have to infringe in any piece of legislation like that needs im- I yield the floor. way on Americans’ lawful right to own provements and changes. Let’s work The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- guns. together on the bipartisan bills and ator from Alaska. Another sensible measure is Senator ideas that have been put forward. Just UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—EXECUTIVE CALENDAR FEINSTEIN’s legislation to close a loop- like my friend Senator MCCAIN said, we hole that allows bump stop devices to could do better working together—Re- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I convert semiautomatic firearms into publicans and Democrats. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- weapons that work like fully auto- Senator ALEXANDER and Senator ate proceed to the en bloc consider- matic guns. Law enforcement officers MURRAY have been holding hearings ation of the following nominations: Ex- have now recovered 12 of these devices and discussions on commonsense solu- ecutive Calendar Nos. 323, 324, 325; that from the Las Vegas shooter’s room. I tions to bring down insurance costs the Senate vote on the nominations en am a cosponsor of that bill, and I am over the past month. We had Governors bloc, with no intervening action or de- encouraged that some of my Repub- here, and there were actually more Re- bate; that if confirmed, the motions to lican colleagues have agreed to look at publican Governors in the room than reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- this. Democratic Governors, as they em- dent be immediately notified of the I hope we can find a path forward in braced these suggested changes which Senate’s action; that no further mo- the weeks ahead, not only with regard include reinsurance. I note Senator tions be in order; and that any state- to this particular focus, the bump COLLINS and Senator NELSON, a Repub- ments relating to the nominations be stock device legislation, but also on lican and a Democrat, have a bill to- some of the other bills like the back- printed in the RECORD. gether that would do something on The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ground check bill. that front. objection? HEALTHCARE I look at what has been done in Alas- Mr. INHOFE. I object. Mr. President, I am here for another ka—I see my colleague, Senator MUR- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- purpose today; that is, that we must KOWSKI here—and what has been done tion is heard. get to work on other important busi- in Minnesota when it comes to reinsur- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, it ness in the Senate. We need to reau- ance, and we have seen some of the is my hope that we will be able to come thorize the Children’s Health Insurance rates go down, not to where we need to agreement with regard to the nomi- Program and come together on bipar- them to go, but there has been a de- nees whom I have just asked for consid- tisan fixes to the Affordable Care Act. crease in the amount of rates. We eration. These are individuals who No parent should ever have to worry would like to see that on a national have been moved out of the Energy and whether their child will have basis, and that is why I am such a Natural Resources Committee to be healthcare, but funding for the Chil- strong supporter of Senator ALEX- named to the Federal Energy Regu- dren’s Health Insurance Program, or ANDER and Senator MURRAY’s work. latory Commission. This is a Commis- CHIP, expired over this weekend. CHIP Mr. President, finally, we need to be sion that has been without a func- is one of the great bipartisan success doing something on the skyrocketing tioning quorum for months on end. stories. Both parties have come to- cost of prescription drugs. People such They have just recently been able to gether to support a program that pro- as Kim from Plymouth, MN, is strug- achieve that quorum, but they are not vides healthcare to millions of chil- gling to afford her insulin because it yet to a full complement. dren. has gone up three times. She keeps the We worked hard to reach an agree- In Minnesota, these funds support injector with a few drops of insulin ment with colleagues so these names coverage for 125,000 children. I heard from day-to-day so she can get by. could advance so the FERC could get from the children’s hospitals and clin- That is why I think we should have to work in an expeditious manner. ics of Minnesota just last week about Medicare Part D negotiations. I have a There is much to be considered. The many of the families who count on this bill that now has 33 cosponsors that work that has piled up, that has cost program. While States like mine are lifts the ban that makes it illegal for 41 our economy, that has cost our country finding ways to make Federal funding million seniors to negotiate the prices over these many months, as we have last a bit longer, since ours has already of drugs. Seniors can be a pretty stub- seen these delays when you don’t have expired, every single day Congress born and very vocal group. Why don’t a functioning FERC, has been con- doesn’t act puts coverage of millions of we let them unleash their power and siderable. We want to try to reach children at risk. allow Medicaid to negotiate prices? agreement, but I am disappointed that There is already bipartisan work un- Senator GRASSLEY and I have a bill we are not going to be able to advance derway to keep this program going. to stop pay for delay, where major them this afternoon. Senator HATCH and Senator WYDEN pharmaceutical companies are paying With that, I yield the floor. have introduced a bipartisan bill to ex- off generics to keep their products off The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tend CHIP for 5 years. In 2015, the last the market. I have a bill with Senator ator from Oregon. time we renewed this program, it GRASSLEY, Senator LEAHY, and Senator WILDFIRE FUNDING passed the Senate with 92 votes—92 out LEE—the four of us lead the bill—the Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, 4 of 100 votes. We should demonstrate CREATES Act, which makes it easier weeks ago, I stood here on the floor of that same bipartisan spirit again. The to get more generic competition in the the Senate and called for increased children in America are counting on market. We also—MCCAIN and I, and funding to fight the wildfires. This is us. We must act before it is too late or Senator LEE and I—have bills that just one of the dramatic pictures of Or- States like mine may be forced to allow for safe drugs to come in from egon ablaze. It is thousands and thou- make difficult choices about insurance other countries to again create more sands of acres.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.051 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6347 I had the experience of driving rough- called the Wildfire Disaster Funding already passed through environmental ly 350 miles in my State and never es- Act of 2017. It says that when we reach approval for work to reduce the haz- caping the smoke from the fires that a certain level of funding for fighting ardous fuels that are on the floor of the were in every single corner and in fires, the balance will go to a FEMA- forest, and we need to thin these for- every quadrant of the State of Oregon. style fund. That is exactly the way it ests. We have seen the challenge of Mother should be done. You can imagine that when you have Nature at work this year with Hurri- It has been estimated in the past clearcuts and those clearcuts are re- canes Harvey, Irma, and Maria hitting that if just the top 1 percent or 2 per- planted, the trees grow back very close in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. But cent of the worst fires were funded in together. In a short amount of time, let’s not forget the incredible damage FEMA-style fund, we would never have those forests are very good for fires and being done in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, had fire borrowing in the past. But the very good for disease, but they are nei- and Washington by these extraordinary most relevant kind of crisp and clean ther good for ecosystems nor for tim- fires. way to do that would be to adopt this ber stands. So they have to be thinned, Over the last decade, we have seen an bill Senator WYDEN and Senator CRAPO and that thinning can be done, in Or- average of 50,000 fires in America each have put so much work into and which egon alone, on nearly 2 million acres year. They destroy and burn up more I am certainly pleased to cosponsor. already approved through the environ- than 5 million acres, but this year the That would be very useful, and we mental process. The challenge is to get count is well over 8 million acres and should do that now. more funds into that effort. counting. In Oregon, we normally have We should respond while the memory That, too, should be part of this be- fires that burn, on average, about is fresh and, actually, while fires are cause, whether you talk to an environ- 500,000 acres, but this year we are well still burning in State after State—cer- mentalist or talk to somebody who over 600,000 acres and counting. tainly burning in my home State of Or- wants sawlogs for the mills, they both As a result of these raging fires, we egon. Then we should recognize, too, know that if you thin these forests, have many communities that have that this terrible fire year has done so you make them more resistant to fire. been so powerfully impacted and so much damage to so many communities. With better timber stands, you have many forests destructively impacted. We have communities where the roads better ecosystems, and you supply a We should stop and ask: What can we have been cut off. We have commu- steady supply of sawlogs to the mill. do better in terms of our forests and nities where the tourists disappeared Let’s not reopen the timber wars of our communities? That is why I am because of the smoke, or other eco- the past. Let’s work together with a taking to the floor right now. nomic enterprises had to shut down for win-win. The first thing we need to do is to an extended period. I want to show this chart because it end fire borrowing. This is where the So as we assist those communities indicates the dramatic change of what U.S. Forest Service, in order to pay for hit by Harvey and hit by Irma and hit has happened to the Forest Service fighting these fires, proceeds to borrow by Maria, let’s also help those commu- budget. We can go back to 1995 and from every other account. This has be- nities that were hit by this year’s ex- compare it to the year 2015. I want to come all too common. What are those traordinary fires. That would mean focus particularly on the orange. The other accounts? They are the haz- strengthening the Small Business Dis- orange is the amount of money that ardous fuels funds, forest management aster Loan Program. That would mean was spent fighting forest fires, and 20 funds, forest restoration funds, forest taking the additional funding for the years ago, it was 16 percent of the For- conservation funds, road maintenance USDA Emergency Community Water est Service budget. But in 2015—2 years funds, and funds that are designed to Assistance Program, and, certainly, it ago—it broke 50 percent. It was 52 per- prepare for future timber sales. would mean making additional com- cent of their budget. This year, it has All of that does a lot of damage to munity development block grants certainly gone up much higher than the preparation. So the fires are more available to the communities impacted that. So as the amount of funds spent resilient and aren’t susceptible to this by these fires. Let’s not forget those on fighting fires has increased, it has type of firefighting. We have seen, on communities as we provide assistance dramatically reduced the amount of average in the last decade, a cost of in funding to the communities affected funds that support our maintenance fighting fires across the country of by the hurricanes. and improvement of the forest. That is about $1.6 billion. But this year, we are Then we also need to address the fact what is getting squeezed out. over $3 billion—almost double. So even that many assets in our forests were Let me put it differently. The more though the Appropriations Committee scorched by these fires. There are trails you spend fighting fires out of a single had wisely put in a buffer of several that have to be repaired, roads that pot of money, the less money you have hundred million dollars to prevent fire have to be repaired, watershed repairs to prevent the fires. Everywhere I go borrowing, those funds were long ago to avoid landslides, facilities that were they say: Can’t we do more on the front wiped out. scorched and burned, and wildlife and end so these forests are more resilient? So there we were 4 weeks ago. I was fish management restoration, includ- If you think about how fire works, it working to say that now that we are ing critical sage grouse areas. really gets going if the trees are close over the allotted funds for the year, I was up visiting the incredible wa- together because one tree lights the let’s immediately get more funds that terfall, the Multnomah Falls. They next tree on fire. If you thin them, you can be used to backfill this shortage in were explaining that several of the slow that down. The fire goes from the September. I thank all of my col- trails have bridges—there are so many ground, where there is brush, to the leagues for the fact that those funds bridges on the trails in Oregon—and canopy, where there are branches, very were included in the continuing resolu- that the fire had burned some of the easily if the branches are close to the tion. We successfully provided a bridge understructure. So from above it ground. So you trim off those branches, so that firefighting could continue and looked like the bridges were safe, but separate the trees, thin them out, so that the fire borrowing was quickly they weren’t safe. They can’t reopen shave off the branches, cut off the repaid. those trails until they get support to branches, and suddenly you have a for- But that is not a permanent solu- do all these repairs. The Forest Service est that is much more resilient. tion—to try to legislate or to backfill has estimated that it will take $150 There are those folks who have said: on a rapid basis. Indeed, when we have million to restore the damage done to Let’s just get rid of the environmental these kinds of fire seasons, it is like the Forest Service’s infrastructure. rules. Let’s just clearcut everything. other natural disasters. It is like tor- So we should make that happen as Let’s do 10,000 acres at a time. That is, nadoes and hurricanes and floods. So part of this bill. Then, we should turn by the way, 15 square miles. Let’s set we need to have a FEMA-style backup to forest fire resilience. We have 2 mil- those 15 square miles next to each for those worst ever fire seasons. That lion acres in need of fire prevention ef- other. Let’s just shave the Earth and is what my colleagues Senator WYDEN forts in Oregon. Actually, we have far wipe out the forests. That way, there and Senator CRAPO—bipartisan team- more of that in need of fire prevention, will not be forest fires. Those are the work—have been putting forth. It is but we have nearly 2 million that have timber wars of the past.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.053 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 What we have seen is that we can more out of the National Treasury to The legislative clerk read the nomi- bridge the divide between a good eco- fight them, but we will have less nations of Stephen B. King, of Wis- system and a good timber stand by healthy timber stands to fuel our econ- consin, to be Ambassador Extraor- thinning the forest, by making them omy. dinary and Plenipotentiary of the more like a natural forest, which is Let’s end the fire burn. Let’s provide United States of America to the Czech much more fire resilient. In the process the funding to restore the fire service Republic; BARBARA LEE, of California, of thinning, which has to be done peri- assets that were burned, the scourged to be Representative of the United odically over time, we are also pro- assets. Let’s provide assistance States of America to the Seventy-sec- viding a steady foundation for sawlogs through community development block ond Session of the General Assembly of for our mills. grants and small business loans to as- the United Nations; CHRISTOPHER There is a mill in John Day, OR. I sist the communities that were SMITH, of New Jersey, to be Represent- met with the folks there who were very scourged by these fires. Let’s pass Sen- ative of the United States of America worried. The workers there were very ator WYDEN and Senator CRAPO’s bill, to the Seventy-second Session of the worried about that mill getting shut which proceeds to create a FEMA-like General Assembly of the United Na- down. I was determined to do every- structure to back up the worst fire sea- tions; and J. Steven Dowd, of Florida, thing I could to save that mill. What sons, and certainly, certainly, abso- to be United States Director of the Af- ended up happening is that we found we lutely, let’s invest in prevention on the rican Development Bank for a term of couldn’t save that mill with a timber front end by thinning these forests and five years. sale because a timber sale can’t com- getting the flammable buildup of forest Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to mit to a load of logs over a 10-year pe- branches off the floor of the forests. consider the nominations en bloc. riod. The owner of the mill couldn’t Those are positive things we can do. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I commit to the cost of new machinery if At this moment in Houston, in ask unanimous consent that the Sen- he didn’t know he would get logs for an Miami, in Puerto Rico, people are ate vote on the nominations en bloc extended period of time. So we discov- thinking, what can we do to better pre- with no intervening action or debate; ered that we could, though, through a pare for the next storm surge? What that if confirmed, the motions to re- forest health contract—through a stew- can we do to be better prepared for the consider be considered made and laid ardship contract—enable a steady sup- next hurricane? Well, we know for sure upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- ply of thinned logs to make it to that that we are going to have fires across dent be immediately notified of the mill and make sure that mill stayed the Northwest in Montana, in Idaho, in Senate’s action; that no further mo- open. Not only did it keep it open, but Oregon, in Washington every summer, tions be in order; and that any state- it added workers to that mill. That is and they are simply getting worse. We ments relating to the nominations be the type of win-win solution that we must ask ourselves the same question: printed in the RECORD. need. How do we change this rhythm? How do The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without There is another way of looking at we operate this differently and better? objection, it is so ordered. the cost of fighting fires. Here we see, That is our responsibility in this Is there any further debate on the in 1995, 16 percent of the budget going Chamber, and that is the set of things nominations en bloc? to fight fires; in 2017, 56 percent. Let’s we can do to have a far better outcome If not, the question is, will the Sen- look into the future. An original esti- in the future. ate advise and consent to the King, mate was that we would reach 67 per- I urge all of my colleagues to support Lee, Smith, and Dowd nominations en cent by 2025; now the new estimate, these five efforts as we support funding block? The nominations were confirmed en based on the changing dynamics in the for Texas and Florida and Puerto Rico. Thank you. bloc. forest, is that we will get to over two- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. thirds of the budget fighting fires by f BLUNT). The majority leader is recog- the year 2021—four fire seasons from nized. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR today. That is how big the issue is. UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT—EXECUTIVE Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I That is why we need funds from the CALENDAR ask unanimous consent that the Sen- front end to be able to thin these for- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ate proceed to the en bloc consider- ests. This is simply common sense. ask unanimous consent that following ation of the following nominations: Ex- If you are the private owner of a pri- leader remarks on Tuesday, October 17, ecutive Calendar Nos. 365, 366, and 367. vate forest, you wouldn’t dare let this the Senate proceed to the consider- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without forest retain this high propensity for ation of Calendar No. 191, the nomina- objection, it is so ordered. fires and disease. You would thin the tion of David Trachtenberg to be Prin- The clerk will report the nomina- forest. You would make it a better tim- cipal Deputy Under Secretary of De- tions en bloc. ber stand; you would make it a better fense. I further ask that there be 10 The legislative clerk read the nomi- ecosystem. And that is what we need to minutes of debate on the nomination nations of Timothy Gallaudet, of Cali- do. equally divided in the usual form; that fornia, to be Assistant Secretary of We have also seen that another way following the use or yielding back of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; of looking at the changes is how the time, the Senate vote on confirmation Howard R. Elliott, of Indiana, to be Ad- staffing levels have changed over the with no intervening action or debate; ministrator of the Pipeline and Haz- last two decades. If we look at just two that if confirmed, the motion to recon- ardous Materials Safety Administra- decades ago, we can see that in 1998 sider be considered made and laid upon tion. Department of Transportation there were about 18,000 individuals the table, and the President be imme- and Walter G. Copan, of Colorado, to be dedicated to managing the forest lands diately notified of the Senate’s action. Under Secretary of Commerce for and just 5,700 dedicated to going out The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Standards and Technology. and fighting blazes. Now we have come objection, it is so ordered. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to into the future, and we see now that consider the nominations en bloc. f the number of people fighting fires is Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I larger than the number working on all EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ask unanimous consent that the Sen- of the other forest programs. We have Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ate vote on the nominations en bloc to commit to doing far more on the ask unanimous consent that the Sen- with no intervening action or debate; prevention end. If we let this summer’s ate proceed to the en bloc consider- that if confirmed, the motions to re- crisis go without securing funding to ation of the following nominations: Ex- consider be considered made and laid thin those forests that have already ecutive Calendar Nos. 327, 332, 333, and upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- gone through the environmental proc- 337. dent be immediately notified of the ess, we are making a huge mistake, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senate’s action; that no further mo- it is going to cost us more because objection, it is so ordered. tions be in order; and that any state- there are going to be even more fires in The clerk will report the nomina- ments relating to the nominations be the future. So not only do we spend tions en bloc. printed in the RECORD.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.054 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6349 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This week, I met with a delegation The U.S. citizens who live in Puerto objection, it is so ordered. from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Is- Rico and the Virgin Islands are at risk The question is, Will the Senate ad- lands to discuss relief efforts and what of running out of food, water, and fuel. vise and consent to the Gallaudet, El- we can do at the Federal level to help It would be unconscionable for us to liott, and Copan nominations en bloc? them rebuild. The stories they shared abandon them in their time of need. The nominations were confirmed en about friends and family in Puerto Our thoughts are with the many peo- bloc. Rico were heartbreaking. These people, ple who have lost their loved ones, f our fellow American citizens, are fac- their homes, and other property. I ing a life and death situation. Sadly, want to recognize the hard work of the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR the lives of at least 16 people have been volunteers, local officials, and Federal Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I claimed. employees that have come forward in ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The situation in Puerto Rico is dire, this time of need and pitched in at ate proceed to the consideration of the and aid cannot wait. The 3.5 million every level. following nomination: Executive Cal- people who live on the island of Puerto We can and should do more to help endar No. 360. Rico are our fellow U.S. citizens, and it the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without is our duty to provide aid to them in Virgin Islands rebuild and recover. I objection, it is so ordered. their time of need. have no doubt that the people of Puer- The clerk will report the nomination. Yesterday, Congress received a sup- to Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will The legislative clerk read the nomi- plemental aid request from the admin- be able to clean up and rebuild, and nation of Bruce J. Walker, of New istration to provide much needed dis- they will be stronger for it. The entire York, to be an Assistant Secretary of aster relief to our fellow Americans. Nation must come together as an Energy (Electricity Delivery and En- Now, Congress must come together to American family to give them the aid ergy Reliability). help these Americans rebuild homes and support they need at every step Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to and businesses, restore critical infra- along the way. structure, and access life-sustaining consider the nomination. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I supplies. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Providing emergency disaster assist- FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES AND ate vote on the nomination with no in- ance to people in need is not a local UNIVERSITIES issue. It is an American issue. tervening action or debate; that if con- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there firmed, the motion to reconsider be Just as I expect my colleagues to come to the aid of the State of Illinois are a lot of issues roiling our Nation considered made and laid upon the these days. I want to talk about an table; that the President be imme- when we are faced with a natural dis- aster and just as Congress came to the issue that may not get all the head- diately notified of the Senate’s action; lines, but that has seen dramatic and that no further motions be in order; aid of Hurricane Harvey victims a few short weeks ago, the people of Puerto troubling changes this year: our Na- and that any statements relating to tion’s higher education policy. the nomination be printed in the Rico and the Virgin Islands expect us to rally behind them as they work to Over the last several weeks, Sec- RECORD. retary of Education Betsy DeVos has The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without respond to Hurricane Maria. I urge my colleagues to quickly pass continued her assault on students and objection, it is so ordered. a clean aid package that will help all their families. The question is, Will the Senate ad- Americans whose lives have been im- Previously we had seen her rescind vise and consent to the Walker nomi- pacted by these natural disasters. Any reforms that would improve customer nation? supplemental appropriations bill that service for students and hold student The nomination was confirmed. includes aid for States impacted by loan servicers accountable for their f Hurricanes Harvey and Irma must also treatment of borrowers; rescind a pol- icy prohibiting debt collectors from LEGISLATIVE SESSION include aid for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and western States that have charging borrowers 16 percent fees to been devastated by wildfires. bring their loans out of default; halt MORNING BUSINESS I was heartened to hear that the Illi- the processing of borrower defense loan nois National Guard has deployed discharge applications from students Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I teams to provide telecommunication defrauded by for-profit colleges and ask unanimous consent that the Sen- assistance, food, water, tents, and cots throwing out rules intended to help ate proceed to legislative session and to Puerto Rico. I was also glad to see students get the discharges to which be in a period of morning business, that individual assistance is now avail- they are entitled to under law; rewrite with Senators permitted to speak able for all 78 of the municipalities on the gainful employment rule, which is therein for up to 10 minutes each. the island, ensuring all individuals in meant to protect students from pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Puerto Rico can receive assistance grams for-profit colleges that saddle objection, it is so ordered. from the Federal Government. students with too much debt compared f The Federal response to this disaster to their income; propose eliminating has taken far too long, and we must do public service loan forgiveness, which PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN more to help our fellow American citi- helps students afford to serve their ISLANDS RECOVERY EFFORT zens during this humanitarian crisis. communities, States, and country Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, over 2 In Congress, our top priority should while repaying their student loans; weeks ago, Puerto Rico and the U.S. be making sure the people of Puerto propose dumping $38 billion in addi- Virgin Islands were devastated by Hur- Rico and the Virgin Islands have the tional student loan interest on needy ricane Maria. This was less than a funding they need to rebuild and re- students by eliminating subsidized un- month after the islands felt the im- cover. We cannot delay providing this dergraduate loans; and propose freezing pacts of another powerful storm, Hurri- much needed funding any longer. the maximum Pell grant award so that cane Irma. Hurricane Maria has left a It has been tragic to see thousands of their award covers even less of what it wake of destruction across the islands. shipping containers held at ports, costs a student to attend college. In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Is- which have been full of critical, life- That is just the beginning. lands, too many Americans remain sustaining supplies that are not reach- Several weeks ago, I joined Senators without power, clean drinking water, ing those most in need. There continue BROWN, MURRAY, and WARREN in call- or a method of communicating with to be reports of families in Puerto Rico ing on Secretary DeVos to appoint a their relatives and first responders. who are stranded and isolated. We credible, well-qualified, independent Last week, I met with leaders in the must prioritize quickly distributing chief enforcement officer to lead the Puerto Rican community in Chicago to supplies to reach every individual in Department of Education’s enforce- discuss local efforts to provide aid. the days, weeks, and months to come. ment unit.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.057 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 The unit was created after the col- oversight role . . .’’ into areas that the will only aid and abet this reckless lapse of Corinthian to improve over- Department viewed as within its juris- game the administration is playing sight of higher education institutions diction. with Americans’ healthcare. and enforcement of Federal laws. The CFPB has been a leader in pro- I hope that Mr. Hargan will surpass Robert Kaye, a respected investi- tecting student borrowers harmed by my expectations and serve this country gator and consumer expert from the Federal loan servicers like Navient and well as Deputy Secretary at HHS. The Federal Trade Commission, was se- predatory lending practices by institu- role of HHS Deputy Secretary in imple- lected to be the first chief. Kaye left tions like Corinthian and ITT Tech. menting and administering the efforts the post in March. This political stunt makes clear that of strengthening our healthcare system Secretary DeVos allowed this critical Secretary DeVos would rather initiate is too important for any other result. I position to remain vacant for more a turf war than work with other Fed- believe strongly that Americans de- than 4 months until earlier last month, eral agencies to fulfill the Federal Gov- serve affordable and accessible when she finally announced the ap- ernment’s collective oversight respon- healthcare coverage, and I hope Mr. pointment of Dr. Julian Schmoke, Jr. sibilities. Hargan’s actions as Deputy Director At first glance, Dr. Schmoke meets In announcing Dr. Schmoke as the show that he agrees. However, I could none of the requirements for the job new chief enforcement officer, Sec- not in good conscience vote to confirm that my colleagues and I set out in our retary DeVos said, ‘‘Protecting stu- someone about whom I have so many letter. dents has always been my top pri- concerns. Thank you.∑ As chief enforcement officer, Dr. ority.’’ f Schmoke will be charged with ensuring Well, Madam Secretary, your actions that institutions of higher education just don’t back up that statement. ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION are following Federal laws and regula- Nearly every time you have had the Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, section tions. opportunity to stand up for students, 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act This will mean paying special atten- their families, and taxpayers, you have requires that Congress receive prior no- tion to an area that poses the most turned your back on them. tification of certain proposed arms risk to students and has demonstrated Commonsense protections for stu- sales as defined by that statute. Upon systemic abuse: for-profit colleges. dents and taxpayers shouldn’t be a par- such notification, the Congress has 30 These are the colleges that enroll 9 tisan issue. calendar days during which the sale percent of all postsecondary students Secretary DeVos, I urge you to aban- may be reviewed. The provision stipu- in America, but take in 17 percent of don this assault on students and in- lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- all Federal student aid and account for stead work with us to strengthen tion of proposed sales shall be sent to 33 percent of all Federal student loan America’s system of higher education, the chairman of the Senate Foreign defaults. to deal honestly with wrongdoing by Relations Committee. Beyond the infamous Corinthian and for-profit colleges, and to increase op- In keeping with the committee’s in- ITT Tech examples, there are countless portunities for all Americans. tention to see that relevant informa- examples of for-profit colleges defraud- f tion is available to the full Senate, I ing students, whether it be Ashford, ask unanimous consent to have printed VOTE EXPLANATION Westwood, or DeVry. in the RECORD the notifications which Last year, DeVry agreed to pay the ∑ Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I was have been received. If the cover letter Federal Trade Commission $100 million necessarily absent for today’s vote on references a classified annex, then such for defrauding students and agreed to a the motion to invoke cloture on Execu- annex is available to all Senators in separate settlement with the Depart- tive Calendar No. 226, Callista L. Ging- the office of the Foreign Relations ment of Education. rich to be U.S. Ambassador to the Holy Committee, room SD–423. Guess who Dr. Schmoke previously See. I would have voted yea.∑ There being no objection, the mate- worked for? You guessed it, DeVry Uni- (At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the rial was ordered to be printed in the versity. following statement was ordered to be RECORD, as follows: In fact, there are reports that DeVry printed in the RECORD.) DEFENSE SECURITY is still under investigation by the very f COOPERATION AGENCY, unit Dr. Schmoke has been appointed Arlington, VA. CONFIRMATION OF ERIC HARGAN to lead. How is that for the fox guard- Hon. BOB CORKER, ing the henhouse? ∑ Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, If that wasn’t enough, there is no I had expected to be able to vote on the U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. discernable evidence on Dr. Schmoke’s confirmation of Mr. Eric Hargan, to be DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- Deputy Secretary for Health and porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of resume of any experience conducting or the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, overseeing investigations. Human Service, HHS. Instead, I am in we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. Shortly after his appointment, I Las Vegas to grieve with and assist my 17–42, concerning the Air Force’s proposed joined Senators BROWN, WARREN, fellow Nevadans in the aftermath of Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Gov- BLUMENTHAL, and WHITEHOUSE in writ- the worst mass shooting in modern ernment of Japan for defense articles and ing to Dr. Schmoke raising these con- American history. services estimated to cost $113 million. After cerns and asking him to meet with us. On the question of Mr. Hargan’s nom- this letter is delivered to your office, we plan We are still waiting. ination, I want to make my opposition to issue a news release to notify the public of to his confirmation clear. I do not be- this proposed sale. As Betsy DeVos orchestrates a cor- Sincerely, porate takeover of the Department of lieve Mr. Hargan to be qualified to be a CHARLES W. HOOPER, Education by for-profit interests, State leading member of HHS. This decision Lieutenant General, USA, attorneys general and other Federal is based on his prior experience, his Director. agencies are even more important in work and statements opposing the Af- Enclosures. providing aggressive oversight to pro- fordable Care Act, as well as his state- TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–42 tect students and taxpayers. ments regarding the extension of the Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Betsy DeVos is doing what she can to State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the disrupt that, too. gram. Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan Arms Export Control Act, as amended On September 1, the Department of would be the highest ranking appointee (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Education provided notice to the Con- at HHS, making him responsible for Japan. sumer Financial Protection Bureau implementing and enforcing the Af- (ii) Total Estimated Value: that it was terminating its existing fordable Care Act, ACA, going forward. Major Defense Equipment * $108 million. Other $5 million. data-sharing agreement with the Considering the fact that the adminis- Total $113 million. CFPB. tration has repeatedly and consistently (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- The Department took exception ‘‘to sought to undermine the ACA, I fear tities of Articles or Services under Consider- the CFPB unilaterally expanding its that someone with Mr. Hargan’s views ation for Purchase:

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If a technologically advanced adversary Anyone who has seen YouTube video Fifty-six (56) AIM–120C–7 Advanced Me- were to obtain knowledge of the specific clips of semiautomatic rifles outfitted dium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). hardware and software elements, the infor- with these devices knows just how dev- Non-MDE includes: Containers, weapon mation could be used to develop counter- astating they are. support and support equipment, spare and re- measures or an equivalent system which pair parts, U.S. Government and contractor might reduce system effectiveness or be used The number of bullets that can be engineering, technical and logistical support in the development of a system with similar sprayed into a crowd within minutes is services, and other related elements of or advanced capabilities. staggering. logistical and program support. 3. A determination has been made that Because they are so dangerous, auto- (iv) Military Department: Air Force (X7–D– Japan can provide substantially the same de- matic machine-gun-like weapons have YAK). gree of protection for the sensitive tech- been categorically banned in America (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: JA–D–YAI, nology being released as the U.S. Govern- since 1986 under the National Firearms JA–D–YAH. ment. This sale is necessary in furtherance Act. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- of the U.S. foreign policy and national secu- This law was a direct response to the fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. rity objectives outlined in the Policy Jus- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained tification. Prohibition Era’s mobster crimes dur- in the Defense Article or Defense Services 4. All defense articles and services listed in ing which machine guns were used to Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. this transmittal have been authorized for re- kill their victims at a deadly rate. (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: lease and export to Japan. One seminal event during this period October 4, 2017. f was the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms of 1929. Export Control Act. AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE That tragic day was marked by the POLICY JUSTIFICATION PREVENTION ACT murder of seven men in a garage on the Japan—AIM–120C–7 Advanced Medium-Range Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, yes- North Side of Chicago. The massacre Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) terday I introduced the Automatic was the culmination of a feud between The Government of Japan has requested a Gunfire Prevention Act of 2017. an Irish American gang and another possible sale of fifty-six (56) AIM 120C–7 Ad- First, I would like to thank Senators gang led by Al Capone. Organized crime vanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles BLUMENTHAL, MURPHY, SCHUMER, DUR- was rampant during that era, and fully (AMRAAMs). Also included are containers, BIN, LEAHY, CORTEZ MASTO, VAN HOL- weapon support and support equipment, automatic weapons were the weapons spare and repair parts, U.S. Government and LEN, GILLIBRAND, KLOBUCHAR, MARKEY, of choice for gangsters. Indeed, the contractor engineering, technical and CASEY, REED, HASSAN, MERKLEY, CAR- men who committed the St. Valen- logistical support services, and other related PER, CARDIN, COONS, FRANKEN, HARRIS, tine’s Day Massacre used Thompson elements of logistical and program support. BOOKER, WHITEHOUSE, HIRONO, SAND- submachine guns, known as ‘‘Tommy The total estimated program cost is $113 mil- ERS, WARREN, CANTWELL, MCCASKILL, guns,’’ to mow down their victims. lion. NELSON, MURRAY, UDALL, KAINE, WAR- The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, This sale will support the foreign policy NER, BENNET, SCHATZ, WYDEN, BROWN, which remains in infamy, clearly dem- and national security of the United States by meeting the security and defense needs of DUCKWORTH, MENENDEZ, and BALDWIN onstrated that elected leaders must do a major ally and partner nation. Japan con- for cosponsoring this legislation. Their something about this violence and get tinues to be an important force for peace, po- support for this bill is deeply appre- these fully automatic guns out of the litical stability, and economic progress in ciated. hands of killers. the Asia-Pacific region. Just days ago, in Las Vegas, NV, we As a result, the National Firearms The proposed sale will provide Japan a experienced the worst mass shooting— Act was enacted in 1934. When origi- critical air defense capability to assist in de- in terms of the number of victims—in nally passed, it heavily regulated ma- fending the Japanese homeland and U.S. per- our Nation’s history. chine guns, imposing a tax on the mak- sonnel stationed there. Japan will have no There are now at least 58 dead and difficulty absorbing these additional muni- ing and transferring of machine guns tions into the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. nearly 500 wounded as a result of that and other lethal weapons. It also im- The proposed sale of this equipment and attack. The grief and pain of so many posed a special occupational tax on support will not alter the basic military bal- victims and their loved ones is over- those engaged in the business of im- ance in the region. whelming and all too familiar to gun porting, manufacturing, and dealing in The principal contractor will be Raytheon violence victims and survivors all firearms regulated under the National Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona. There are across America. Firearms Act. no offset arrangements proposed in connec- What makes this mass shooting par- It also required the registration of all tion with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will ticularly devastating is that the shoot- machine guns and other guns regulated not require the assignment of U.S. Govern- ing was done by a single gunman. With- under the National Firearms Act with ment or contractor representatives to Japan. in minutes, the gunman exacted dev- the Treasury Secretary. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- astating firepower on hundreds of peo- Later, in 1986, the National Firearms fense readiness as a result of this proposed ple, terrorizing concertgoers and an en- Act was amended to ban all future sale. tire community. automatic weapons from private pos- TRANSMITTAL NO. 17–42 How was this possible? session, except for those legally owned Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of While facts are still being uncovered, and registered as of May 19, 1986. Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the we know that this particular gunman Therefore, today, automatic weapons Arms Export Control Act had amassed a vast arsenal. He had at are generally banned for civilian use— Annex Item No. vii least 23 firearms and hundreds of and rightfully so. They are absolutely (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: rounds of ammunition in his hotel lethal weapons of war and have no 1. The proposed sale will involve the re- room among which were 12 semiauto- business being in our homes, our lease of sensitive technology to the Govern- matic rifles enhanced with ‘‘bump- schools, our businesses, and our ment of Japan related to the AIM–120C Ad- stock’’ devices. streets. vanced Medium Range Air-to-Air These bump-stock devices are typi- Notwithstanding this outright ban, (AMRAAM). The AIM–120C AMRAAM is a radar guided missile featuring digital tech- cally used to turn semiautomatic rifles there is a loophole in the law that al- nology and micro-miniature solid-state elec- into functional machine guns, capable lows bump-stock devices to configure tronics. AMRAAM capabilities include look- of shooting hundreds of bullets per legal semiautomatic weapons so that down/shoot-down, multiple launches against minute. they can function like a fully auto- multiple targets, resistance to electronic A semiautomatic rifle’s rate of fire is matic weapon. This loophole must be countermeasures, and interception of high usually 45 to 60 rounds per minute. closed. flying, low flying, and maneuvering targets. With a bump-stock device attached, If automatic weapons are banned, The AMRAAM All Up Round is classified these semiautomatic weapons can fire these devices should be banned. There CONFIDENTIAL, major components and subsystems range from UNCLASSIFIED to up to 700 rounds per minute. Bump- is no functional difference between CONFIDENTIAL, and technology data and stock devices are readily accessible. automatic weapons and a bump-stock other documentation are classified up to SE- They can be purchased online or at a enhanced semiautomatic weapon. Such CRET. store by anyone for merely $100. devices are simply not needed to hunt

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.043 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 or to use in a private home for self-de- IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT that he will refuse to certify Iran’s fense. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, compliance with the deal by October Like we saw in Las Vegas, these the United States is facing an urgent 15, the next deadline. This will effec- bump-stock devices allow those with a nuclear crisis with North Korea. Presi- tively kick the deal’s fate to Congress, motive to kill to use fully legal fire- dent Trump should not trigger another which will then have 60 days to decide arms to wreak havoc and kill large nuclear crisis with Iran. whether to reimpose the nuclear-re- numbers of people within minutes. North Korea’s nuclear program pre- lated sanctions on Iran waived under The bill I have introduced is straight- sents a clear and direct threat to the the deal. forward. It closes the loophole that al- United States. Our top military offi- Make no mistake: Trump’s reasons lows civilians to purchase and use de- cial, General Dunford, testified last for not certifying Iran’s compliance are vices that convert semiautomatic month that North Korea has the capa- based on politics, not national secu- weapons into machine guns. Specifi- bility to strike the U.S. mainland with rity. He wants to tear up an agreement cally, it bans the sale, transfer, impor- an intercontinental ballistic missile. that has prevented Iran from getting a tation, manufacturing, or possession of North Korea has ramped up the pace of nuclear weapon, simply because it was bump fire devices, trigger cranks, or its ballistic missile tests, firing two negotiated by a democratic adminis- anything that accelerates a semiauto- ICBMs over Japan in recent months. tration. Trump has threatened to do matic rifle’s rate of fire. Just last month, North Korea con- this without offering any alternative The bill further provides an excep- ducted its sixth test of a nuclear weap- plan to block Iran from getting a nu- tion to this ban, by allowing for the on, the largest yet. clear bomb. lawful possession of these devices by Meanwhile, President Trump and In the absence of any evidence of an law enforcement and the government. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are Iranian violation, Trump and his team Those who violate the ban would be engaged in nuclear brinkmanship. are manufacturing reasons not to cer- subject to the same penalty available Trump has threatened to ‘‘totally de- tify the deal, citing issues not ad- to those who illegally possess a ma- stroy’’ North Korea, has tweeted that dressed in the nuclear agreement, such chine gun under current law. North Korea ‘‘might not be around as Iran’s sponsorship of regional ter- Closing this loophole should not be a much longer,’’ and has rebuked his own rorism, its ballistic missile tests, and partisan issue. Anyone who has seen Secretary of State for attempting to its human rights violations. footage from the shooting in Las Vegas find a diplomatic solution. With each Iran is subject to sanctions for those should recognize that weapons that are reckless pronouncement, Trump’s malign activities. Since the Iran deal altered to emulate automatic gunfire threats could bring the United States has been implemented, the United should not be permitted in our commu- closer to a war that would put at risk States had designated over 100 individ- nities. millions of lives, including tens of uals and entities for sanctions. Con- In my view, this bill is a modest pro- thousands of American soldiers. gress passed a new law this July, that posal. It was one that was included in Confronted with the North Korean I cosponsored, sanctioning Iran for the Assault Weapons Ban legislation nuclear threat, President Trump is these aggressions. It is worth under- that I proposed 4 years ago, which we seeking to provoke another nuclear cri- scoring this point: Donald Trump has failed to pass in 2013. sis, this time in the turbulent Middle yet to issue instructions to his admin- Tragically, had that legislation been East. He has repeatedly threatened to istration on how to implement that enacted in 2013, it could have perhaps withdraw from the agreement that the sanctions law. saved lives in Las Vegas. In short, the Iran deal has not pre- Indeed, when the police dispatcher United States and the international vented the United States from taking was first contacted in Las Vegas at community forged to prohibit Iran measures to hold Iran accountable for 10:09 PM local time, it took 11 minutes from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He its destabilizing actions elsewhere. It until the last shots were fired and the has called the Iran deal an ‘‘embarrass- has, however, prevented Iran from con- suspect was neutralized. ment,’’ ‘‘the worst deal ever,’’ and has Think of that for a moment. If auto- vowed to ‘‘rip up’’ the agreement. In ducting those same actions with a nu- matic gunfire had been impossible for making those threats, Trump is put- clear weapon. That is where our focus the gunman, less shots would have ting our security and credibility at should continue to be. A nuclear-armed sprayed through Las Vegas that night, risk. Iran would be a far greater menace in and less people may have died. That is The Iran deal is working. It has the region than a nonnuclear Iran. extraordinarily sobering. verifiably shut off Iran’s pathways to a The truth is, if the United States had I recall standing here on this floor nuclear bomb, imposed tough con- tried to expand the nuclear agreement nearly 4 years ago, urging my col- straints on Iran’s nuclear program, and to also address Iran’s ballistic missile leagues to adopt the assault weapons subjected Iran to the most comprehen- tests and its regional terrorism, there ban, pleading that it could possibly sive inspection and monitoring regime would simply be no deal. Russia and save lives. ever negotiated. How do we know? We China would not have agreed to its That was on the heels of one of the know from Donald Trump himself. terms. Preventing Iran from obtaining darkest days in American history, Just 2 weeks ago, President Trump a nuclear weapon was the only point on when 20 beautiful children and 6 edu- found Iran in compliance and waived which all parties were united. Critics of cators had their lives taken at Sandy nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. In the deal who argue otherwise are not Hook Elementary School. It is an abso- fact, the Trump administration has being straight with the American peo- lute travesty that Congress refused to twice certified Iran’s compliance with ple. act back then. the deal, acknowledging that adher- In a world of alternative facts, that It is my strongest belief that when ence to the agreement is in the vital point is worth reiterating. No deal, in- our Nation is faced with dire situa- national security interests of the cluding this one, contains everything tions—like sickness, or job stagnation, United States. Our State Department, we want. That is the nature of a nego- or human trafficking—it is our job, our our Defense Department, and our intel- tiation. Unilaterally withdrawing from solemn oath as lawmakers, to try to ligence community have all assessed the agreement will not produce a bet- solve these problems. that Iran is in compliance with the nu- ter deal today. In fact, we have much We utterly forsake that solemn oath clear agreement. Most importantly, less negotiating leverage today. The when we simply do nothing; when we President Trump has presented no evi- United States does not have the back- yield to cynicism or to a single lob- dence to Congress, as he is required to ing of our allies and partners around bying faction. do by law, of any potential Iranian the world for withdrawal. Our partners If we do not act today, we are failing breach of the deal. In fact, the adminis- have been crystal clear. They will not the American people. We are failing tration has yet to brief the Senate on renegotiate the deal while it is work- our communities. We are failing re- its strategy for Iran, despite weekly re- ing. Without that international back- sponsible gun owners. quests from my colleagues. ing, we have no leverage with Iran. I urge all of my colleagues to support Despite overwhelming evidence to This brings to bear another, equally this bill. We must act. Now is the time. the contrary, Trump has suggested important, point. This administration

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.031 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6353 is already putting American credibility While we use this month to reflect on What makes us Americans is our moral at risk; if we manufacture a specious their dignity and importance to this fiber and our shared love for the United excuse for abandoning the Iran agree- country, this year, in particular, the States. Any other litmus test is a dis- ment, our word will mean little. That Hispanic American community is best criminatory one; yet every day, and will make it nearly impossible to nego- served through actions not just words. sometimes at the hands of our own tiate a diplomatic solution to the nu- Congress must pass the Dream Act. government, Hispanic Americans are clear crisis in North Korea, already an President Trump’s order to rescind the tested and questioned, profiled, and extremely challenging prospect. Put Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, met with suspicion, out of sheer igno- simply, our allies, partners, and adver- DACA, Program has shaken the His- rance and baseless prejudice. Still, saries would have no reason to trust panic American community and most they march on. They meet the chal- the United States. American to their core. Dreamers were lenges of systemic discrimination with That is why Secretary of Defense brought to this country as children, grace, grit, and courage. Indeed, the Mattis, when asked whether it was in with no decision in the matter. More Hispanic American community often the national security interest of the importantly, they are quintessentially reflects the best of America, even when United States to stay in the Iran deal, American in every way, except for America offers less than its best in re- said, ‘‘Yes, Senator, I do.’’ their immigration status. They have turn. I want to end by outlining the choice lived, played, worshipped, and gone to Now more than ever, Hispanic Herit- we face right now. The choice we face school alongside our children most of age Month must be about standing up right now is between a deal or no deal. their lives. They are our children’s and declaring support for Hispanic It is between cutting off Iran’s path- classmates and neighborhood friends Americans. Now more than ever, Con- ways to a bomb or allowing Iran to and teammates. They are the college gress must use its collective voice to push forward with its nuclear weapons students studying at the library. They magnify their voices, to affirm His- program. It is between maintaining are the young serviceworkers at our fa- panic Americans’ rightful place in this U.S. leadership in the world or empow- vorite restaurants, studiously saving Nation and to proclaim a commitment ering our adversaries. It is a choice be- up for next semester’s tuition. They to representing their interests right tween diplomacy or heading down a are young men and women in uniform, here in this Chamber. path toward war. serving in harm’s way, defending our We must begin fulfilling that com- For these reasons, I urge President freedoms. mitment by immediately passing the Trump to certify Iran’s compliance Dreamers were raised here, and most Dream Act. But our commitment must with the nuclear agreement by October know no other home except the United extend further. We must support more 15. If he fails to do so, I urge my col- States of America. If Congress does not equal representation of Hispanic Amer- leagues in the Senate to preserve the act to protect them, the President’s ac- icans in our society, including in Con- deal. tions will force many of them out of gress. We must address the healthcare f work, into hiding and into poverty. disparities that disproportionally af- HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH This will not make America stronger. fect the Hispanic community, an issue Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to What makes America stronger are the that begs Congress to work together join my colleagues and all Americans Dreamers themselves. Their spirit, toward more universal, affordable cov- in celebrating Hispanic Heritage character, and will to overcome rep- erage. We must acknowledge the dif- Month and the innumerable contribu- resent what is best about our country. ficulties Hispanic American students tions of the Hispanic American com- We should be proud to call them our face in affording college. Finally, we munity. There is much to celebrate. own. We shouldn’t be sending them un- must stand firm against the tidal wave Although Hispanic Americans comprise derground or into exile. of bigoted rhetoric that has flooded the 18 percent of the U.S. population, There is another urgent matter de- national dialogue in recent months. Latino-owned businesses, by some esti- manding our full attention: hurricane Whenever and wherever Hispanic mates, are responsible for approxi- relief for Puerto Rico. The pictures Americans are degraded, belittled, or mately 86 percent of this country’s coming from Puerto Rico are heart- oppressed, basic morality demands that small business growth. What is more, breaking. The devastation that has hit we speak up and speak out. Tolerance their economic influence is unrivaled the island as a result of Hurricane and respect, like a muscle, require ef- by any other demographic since the Maria deserves the same commitment fort and exercise. We must not allow baby boomers, representing a $1.5 tril- and support that would go to any other these values to atrophy on our watch. lion segment of the consumer market, location in the United States. Puerto Diversity and inclusion are American according to a recent Stanford Univer- Rico’s 3.4 million residents are Amer- virtues and proud features of Hispanic sity state of Latino entrepreneurship, ican citizens, and they should be treat- heritage alike; we must now, and al- and perhaps, most notably, Hispanic ed just the same as residents of Flor- ways, be their steward. Americans play an increasingly impor- ida, Texas, and Louisiana. The Senate f tant role in our democracy, with a should quickly take up the emergency TRIBUTE TO MARY GAUTREAUX record 27 million Latinos eligible to supplemental appropriations request as vote in last year’s election. soon as possible after the Columbus Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I It has never been clearer that His- Day recess. wish to indulge in a bit of bragging. I panic Americans represent an impres- Voting rights, access to quality, af- know every one of us in this Chamber sive cultural and economic force. Ulti- fordable healthcare, higher education, has that one or two staffers who are mately, however, their value to this tax reform, these are also issues criti- the Jacks or Janes of all trades of their country is not in their statistics. It is cally important to Hispanic Americans operations. in their character. A love for family, a because they are the issues important My longtime loyal friend and staffer, commitment to community, and an un- to the country. There is no breathing who has served the great State of Or- paralleled penchant for hard work are room between the two. Our national in- egon for over 20 years in my office as a the tenets of Hispanic heritage. They terests are their personal interests, so fellow, a field representative, and now are also the building blocks of Amer- their interests must also be ours. deputy State director, Mary Gautreaux ica. This is no coincidence: Hispanic Americans are a diverse group; we do celebrates her 70th birthday on October Americans helped build and sustain our not all look the same or worship in the 17. I want to recognize her enormous Nation. They are an irreplaceable same way. We are, each and every one and long-lasting contributions over the thread in the fabric of American soci- of us, united by far more profound past two decades in my office to mak- ety. With their knack for innovation, things: a love for the freedoms this ing Oregon a better place to live and with their fearless pursuit of better country affords us; respect for the enjoy. lives, and sometimes with their bare power and peace we derive from our di- Mary brings a lifetime of expertise to hands, they have shaped this country verse communities; and an unshakable the natural resources issues that play from the ground up, and we are all the belief in every person’s right to life, such an essential part in Oregon’s better for it. liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. economy and quality of life. Not only

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.028 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 does she know these issues but she has The bottom line is I have been very family man. Like Rita, he is a native of lived these issues and passed on her fortunate to work with her, to call her Casper, WY, and attended both St. An- love of them to her children, Ryder, friend, to have her as an integral mem- thony’s Parochial School and Natrona Myria, Callie, and Lucas, as well as her ber of Team Wyden, and I look forward County High School. After high school, five grandchildren. to many more years of her public serv- Don joined the U.S. Army’s 100th Infan- Before joining my office in the 1990s, ice to the people of Oregon and her try Division in France. He proudly Mary served in the U.S. Forest Service. friendship to me and my family. fought for our country on the front In those days, Mary planted trees and f lines during World War II. Don was se- fought fires to support her young fam- riously wounded while fighting in ily. While the work was seasonal, to ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS France. For his brave service to our start, she quickly made an impression Nation, Don was awarded the Silver Star, the Nation’s third-highest award on the U.S. Forest Service and became TRIBUTE TO DONALD AND RITA for valor. He also received a Bronze a full-time employee. GALLES Then I was lucky enough to get her Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infan- ∑ as a fellow in 1994 in my DC office when Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, try Badge. After the war, Don attended I was still a member of the House of today I wish to celebrate the St. An- and graduated from Creighton Univer- Representatives for the proud 3rd Dis- thony Tri-Parish Catholic School sity in Nebraska. It is there that he trict of Oregon and still had rugged Foundation’s 2017 honorees, Donald met Ann Christensen, who later be- good looks and a full head of hair. Galles and Rita (Murphy) Galles. came his wife for 55 years. They re- She worked in my DC office for a The foundation supports the wonder- turned to Casper and raised six chil- year and had just moved back to Or- ful work of the St. Anthony Tri-Parish dren: Tom, David, Dona, Laura, Karla, egon when I realized my office was bet- Catholic School. The school is dedi- and Jeff. Many of their children at- ter for her presence, so I hired Mary to cated to achieving academic excellence tended St. Anthony’s. In Casper, Don work as field rep in Oregon. I may not in a faith-filled community and living had a successful career as a partner know much about a lot of things, but I a life committed to Christian service. with a local oil and gas firm. He is also can recognize an excellent teammate, Since 1927, the school and staff have active in the community as a member and Mary was a natural fit on ‘‘Team provided a high standard of academic of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Wyden.’’ achievement and Christian values. The Disabled American Veterans, the When I was elected to the U.S. Sen- school provides strong religious and Knights of Columbus, and a lifelong ate for the first time in 1996, I made a educational leadership to the Casper member of St. Anthony’s Catholic promise to do a townhall meeting in community. Church. every county in Oregon every year I On October 12, 2017, the foundation The Galles and Murphy families were was privileged enough to represent the will be hosting the sixth annual Joy joined together in 2005. In the presence good people of Oregon in Washington, Breakfast and celebrating the school’s of their children, grandchildren, and DC. In the last 21 years, she has been 90th anniversary, nearly a century of great-grandchildren, Don and Rita with me at almost every one of the 800- educating students. Every year at this were married at St. Anthony’s Catholic plus townhalls I have held each year in event, the foundation honors individ- Church on December 29, 2005. As the each of Oregon’s 36 counties. uals who have made outstanding con- place where they first met as children, At almost every one of those town- tributions to the school and exemplify the church holds great memories and a halls, I have at some junction pointed the values of the Catholic community. deep personal connection for them to Mary and said, ‘‘Folks, give Mary a Don Galles and Rita (Murphy) Galles both. Over the years, Don and Rita have call about this issue. She works nights are perfect for this honor. Both the generously contributed their time and and weekends—never hesitate to call.’’ Galles family and the Murphy family resources to both the church and It does not matter the issue; Mary al- have a long history of supporting school. They have also given back to ways answers the phone. She has been Catholic education and serving as role our community in numerous other going the extra mile with and for Or- models to our community. John and Mari Ann Martin, Susie and the late ways. For example, Don and Rita made egonians in every nook and cranny of an essential donation to purchase land our State, both literally and figu- Mick McMurry, and Joe Scott will also be recognized at the breakfast for their and a building to expand the Casper ratively. Seton House, which assists homeless Literally, Mary has traveled with me invaluable contribution and dedication to the St. Anthony’s Tri-Parish Catho- mothers and children. Their kindness, and solo to countless meetings in devotion, and generosity are true re- grange halls, diners, and farmhouses lic School Foundation. Rita is a caring nurse and dedicated flections of their character and the val- all across Oregon, and there has never ues they have passed along to their been an issue too big or too small for mother. As a native to Casper, WY, she attended St. Anthony’s Parochial family. her to take on. It is with great honor that I recog- School and graduated from Natrona One way to explain the praise Mary nize these outstanding members of our County High School in 1947. Rita then has earned is to say that Oregonians Wyoming community. My wife, Bobbi, attended the St. Joseph’s School of know Mary as a public servant always joins me in extending our congratula- willing to listen and find solutions that Nursing in Denver, CO, and started her tions to Donald and Rita Galles for re- benefit all of Oregon and Oregonians, nursing career. As a nurse, she touched ceiving this special award.∑ not just the ones that vote for me. She so many lives by caring for the sick f lives by my promise to be the ‘‘Senator and injured. While in Denver, she mar- for all of Oregon,’’ and Oregonians ried Dr. Joseph Murphy at the Blessed TRIBUTE TO JOHN GABRIEL know it and appreciate her for it. Sacrament Church on November 24, ‘‘GABE’’ SMITH My appreciation and Oregon’s appre- 1953. They were married for 51 years ∑ Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to ciation for Mary goes deeper than that and had 12 children: Patrick, Mary pay tribute to a Marylander, John Ga- accurate and well-deserved summation. Ann, Donald, Kevin, Mark, Sheila, briel Smith, whose courage not only The deeper truth is that anybody who Michelle, Rita, Kathleen, Maureen, broke barriers for himself but also ad- knows Mary knows she is an original Robert, and Anne. Rita enrolled all 12 vanced the cause of the betterment of and unforgettable force of nature— of her children in St. Anthony’s in humanity. We celebrate and honor Mr. fierce on behalf of Oregonians, bold in order to ensure they received an excel- Smith, known as Gabe, because he was her problem-solving, always willing to lent academic and religious founda- the very first African American to help, and just as ready with a smile to tion. With this strong background, her graduate from Gonzaga College Pre- lighten any situation. children have collectively spent more paratory High School, located just a She has a gigantic heart matched than 75 years in post-high school edu- few blocks from the Capitol Building, only by her passion for public service cation. with the class of 1954. and protecting the natural treasures Donald is a decorated veteran, ac- Gabe was born in the turbulent times we Oregonians all hold dear. complished businessman, and loving of the early 1940s in St. Mary’s County,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.048 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6355 MD, where he and his two sisters were gether like a family to overcome hate er, Gabe decided to serve as an altar introduced to the ugly world of racism. and ignorance. boy; little did he know, it would His hard-working parents committed In June of 1954, the year of the Brown change his life and place him in the an- their children to a Catholic education decision to end segregation in public nals of American history. and religious fellowship at St. Peter schools across the Nation, Gabe com- He listened to Father McKenna de- Claver, a predominantly African-Amer- pleted his education at Gonzaga Col- scribe the ways that people had trav- ican church in rural Ridge, MD. As an lege High School as the first African- eled to find God and become a priest. eighth grader, Gabe decided to serve as American graduate. Poised with a thor- Interested in pursuing this vocation, he an altar boy; little did he know that it ough education, including a command asked Father McKenna how he, too, would change his life and place him in of Latin, he entered Howard Univer- could achieve it and was surprised the annals of American history. sity, where he choose to pursue a dif- when Father McKenna told him that he The head pastor of St. Peter Claver ferent vocation and graduated with a would, at a minimum, need to know was a humble man by the name of Fa- degree in pharmacy. He became a phar- Latin. ther Horace B. McKenna, S.J., a White macist and worked for over 40 years, Unfortunately, there were no schools Jesuit priest who had been serving the retiring just this past spring with in St. Mary’s or the surrounding areas segregated and neglected African- Shopper’s Food Warehouse in Fort that taught Latin, let alone the tools American community in Southern Washington, MD, where he spent most necessary to launch his vocation, so Maryland for two decades. Father of his career. Father McKenna told him about a McKenna would later found So Others Gabe has been married to Mrs. Jea- school in Washington, DC, where he Might Eat, SOME, a ministry which nette Graves Smith for 50 years and could learn Latin and all the other req- continues to feed the hungry here in has five children; his eldest, Pamela, uisites. That school was Gonzaga Col- Washington, DC. One day, Gabe lis- passed away several years ago. Gabe is lege High. tened intently as Father McKenna de- a proud Marylander and a proud resi- Several years before the Brown v. scribed the spiritual journey many men dent of Prince George’s County. He has Board of Education decision in 1954 to had taken on the way to priesthood. long led his neighborhood association end segregation, Archbishop O’Boyle Gabe, who was interested in pursuing as president and served as an active ordered the integration of all Catholic this vocation, asked Father McKenna member in good standing of the Mt. schools and churches in the Arch- how he could become a priest too. Fa- Ennon Baptist Church Men’s Ministry. diocese of Washington. Thus, in 1951, he ther McKenna told Gabe that he would, Even though more than 60 years have entered the halls of Gonzaga. at a minimum, need to learn Latin. Un- passed since Gabe attended Gonzaga, Fortunately, during his time at Gon- fortunately, there were no schools in he still comments, ‘‘I had angels who zaga, his classmates stood with him in St. Mary’s County or the surrounding helped me through and they continue the face of adversity and strife when areas that Gabe could attend which to be with me today.’’ To this day, they walked outside the school walls. taught Latin, let alone provide the Gabe sees his life as an example of the As a member of the Gonzaga Purple other instruction necessary to launch power of love in the pursuit of the Eagle football team, he encountered his vocation, so Father McKenna told greater good. Gabe’s life shows us that, additional support from Coach Joe him about a school in Washington, DC. despite dark times and dark moments, Kozik who stood by him, along with his where he could learn Latin and all the where there is light through our good teammates. Whenever the Eagles would other requisites. That school was Gon- deeds and good intentions, there is play an opponent that vehemently re- zaga College High School. hope. jected the idea of teams with African- Racial segregation was the barrier John Gabriel Smith was the first of American players, Coach Kozik and his that would have prevented Gabe from over 1,100 African-American students teammates always stuck together like attending Gonzaga, but that was about to graduate from Gonzaga College High a family to overcome hate and igno- to change. Gabe often speaks about the School so far. He will leave an out- rance. angels who have been in his life, in- standing legacy for the State of Mary- In 1954, he completed his education at cluding Father McKenna, football land, the halls of Gonzaga, and for the Gonzaga College High School as the coach Joe Kozik, and Archbishop Pat- United States as an example of what first African-American graduate. rick A. O’Boyle, a man who quietly but happens when we seek inclusion and Poised with his education and com- diligently worked to break the racial love for humanity. He shows us that mand of Latin, he entered Howard Uni- divide here in the Nation’s Capital. living by faith and love, everyone can versity and graduated with a degree in Several years before the Brown v. succeed. I commend Gabe Smith for his pharmacy, where he commanded his Board of Education decision in 1954 to leadership and life of service.∑ field for over 40 years, just retiring this end segregation, Archbishop O’Boyle ∑ Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I past spring of 2017. He is now spending ordered the integration of all Catholic wish to pay tribute to a Marylander, time with his wife and children. schools and churches in the Arch- John Gabriel ‘‘Gabe’’ Smith, whose Gabe says that ‘‘he had angels who diocese of Washington. Thus, in 1951, courage not only broke barriers for helped him through and they continue John Gabriel Smith was one of the first himself but whose courage advanced to be with him today.’’ He will forever African Americans to enter Gonzaga, the cause of the betterment of human- leave an outstanding legacy for the one of the Nation’s elite prep schools. ity. State of Maryland and the halls of Gabe moved in with his sister, who On October 14, he will be recognized Gonzaga College High School. He was lived around the corner from the at the Gonzaga High School home- the first African American at Gonzaga, school. He had observed and experi- coming by the Gonzaga Onyx, a group paving the way for over 1,100 esteemed enced abusive conditions under seg- of African-American alumni of Gon- African-American alumni to follow in regation in St. Mary’s County; thus, he zaga, due to his achievement of being his footsteps.∑ was on guard among his peers at the very first African-American to f school. Fortunately, during his time at graduate from Washington, DC’s Gon- Gonzaga, his classmates welcomed him zaga College Preparatory High School REMEMBERING LIEUTENANT in the classroom and stood with him in with the class of 1954. COLONEL FREDERICK HOL- the face of adversity and strife when He was born in the turbulent times of LISTER CAMPBELL AND AMY S. they walked outside the school’s walls. the early 40s in St. Mary’s County, MD, CAMPBELL As a member of the Gonzaga Purple where he and his two sisters grew up. ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to Eagle football team, he encountered His parents relied on hard work and honor the lives of Lt. Col. Frederick yet another angel in his life, a football diligence to pursue excellence and com- Hollister Campbell and Amy S. Camp- coach named Joe Kozik, who stood by mitted their children to a Catholic bell. Gabe, along with his teammates. When- education and religious fellowship at Lt. Col Frederick Hollister Campbell ever the Eagles played an opponent op- St. Peter Claver, a church with a pre- served in the U.S. Marine Corps for posed to integrated teams, Coach Kozik dominantly African-American parish more than 25 years, serving in World and his teammates always stuck to- in rural Ridge, MD. As an eighth grad- War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He earned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:34 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.039 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 a Navy Commendation Medal for sav- well for raising such a high-quality RECOGNIZING FIGARETTI’S ing the lives of 250 fellow marines at young man.∑ RESTAURANT the Battle of Iwo Jima. After his mili- ∑ Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, today tary career, Fred opened his own pri- f I wish to honor Figaretti’s Restaurant vate law practice and taught college- in the scenic northern panhandle of my level classes at Colorado College and 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 164TH home State of West Virginia. the University of Colorado. REGIMENT LANDING ON GUA- Figaretti’s was recently named the During a time when women rarely at- DALCANAL best Italian restaurant in West Vir- tended college, Amy received her B.A. ∑ ginia. In my home State, this honor in elementary education from National Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, 75 years ago, on October 13, 1942, the men of the means so much more than just good University and went on to receive her food. It is a testament to our State’s M.A. in reading education from North- 164th Infantry Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, landed on Gua- value of family, heritage, and tradi- western University. Prior to her mar- tions. riage to Fred, Amy taught first and dalcanal to make history as the first U.S. Army unit to offensively engage Some people may think our love of second grade. A two-time military history means we cling to the past. It widow, Amy lost her first husband, Bob the enemy in either theatre during World War II. is the exact opposite. In an age where Noran, as a result of injuries sustained the future seems so uncertain, where during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. The soldiers, supplies, and the rifles they carried were welcomed by the be- we have access to more information Amy and Fred were married on April and more choices than we know how to 14, 1951. A proud supporter of her hus- leaguered First Marine Division that had been fighting on the island since process, West Virginians know their band’s career, Amy put aside her teach- priorities. What has stayed constant ing career to be a full-time officer’s August. The prize was the strategic airfield captured by the marines and throughout history is our commitment wife and mother to their daughter. to our loved ones, keeping our tradi- Amy and Fred went on to live an in- coveted by both Allies and the enemy tions alive, and passing our knowledge credible life together, traveling, rais- as a key location to champion air and of our diverse heritage on to the next ing their daughter, Susan, and volun- naval superiority in that area of the generation. The future of West Virginia teering with many organizations. Fred South Pacific. and the entire country is at the fore- passed away on December 27, 2011, and On Guadalcanal for only 12 days, the front of our minds. These are the val- Amy went on to live near Susan in Mis- trained but untested soldiers were ues that have made West Virginia soula, MT, before passing away on No- thrust into the second battle for Hen- stand out in our Nation, and these val- vember 29, 2016. I send my condolences derson Field on the night of October 24. ues are also present in the legacy of ex- to the friends and family of Fred and The 3rd Battalion trudged up muddy cellence at Figaretti’s. Amy, as they are both greatly missed. slopes to fight shoulder to shoulder In 1944, Sicilian immigrant, Anna They will be laid to rest together in with Lt. Col. Chesty Puller’s marines Figaretti, started making spaghetti Arlington National Cemetery.∑ as waves of Japanese threatened the thin line protecting the airfield. The sauce for her neighbors while her hus- f next day, having proved its mettle, the band, Giuseppe, worked in the local TRIBUTE TO BRADEN MATZINGER 164th Infantry remained in charge of mine in Clarksburg. Soon, with support ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this that line as the marines moved to an and encouragement from her commu- week I have the distinct honor of rec- adjacent location. The Japanese at- nity and help from her five sons, ognizing a young Montanan named tacked the 164th sector on the night of Anna’s spaghetti sauce became avail- Braden Matzinger for his compas- October 26, incorrectly believing the able in local grocery stores and eventu- sionate heart and entrepreneurial spir- new Army troops could not hold the ally in her own restaurant. it in helping our State recover from a line. The 164th held firm at the loca- Today the restaurant is owned by the devastating wildfire season. tion that became known as the Battle third generation of the family. It is my The 2017 wildfire season has impacted of Coffin Corner, earning the respect of honor to congratulate Dino Figaretti, many communities in Montana. The the marines in the form of a Navy his wife, Michelle, and his son, Enzio, fires consumed nearly 1.3 million acres Presidential Unit Citation. for this special recognition. Gayle and of land. Over the summer, two fire- The lineage of the 164th Infantry I have enjoyed the company of the fighters lost their lives while pro- Regiment carries significant history as Figaretti family at the beloved Wheel- tecting the people of the Treasure North Dakota National Guard infan- ing location and have shared many State. The bravery and commitment trymen were called to serve in the great meals and conversations with demonstrated by all the folks involved Spanish American War, the Philippine Tony, Sr., and Tony, Jr. I value their with the firefighting effort has gen- Insurrection, Mexican Border Incident, friendship so very much. erated a sense of unity and support World War I, World War II, and the Ko- Owning a business is one of the most from Troy to Alzada. That sense of rean war. The regiment ceased to exist challenging and rewarding experiences, unity can be found in the actions of 9- in 1955, its companies reorganized to and doing it as a family makes it all year-old Braden Matzinger of Bozeman. engineer units, but the esprit de corps the more special. Braden has raised donations for the of the combat soldiers has remained in- It is my honor to recognize and cele- Montana Wildfire Relief Fund at the tact. brate the Figaretti family and the last two Montana State University On the 75th anniversary, to the day, Wheeling community for this well-de- home football games. He sweetened his of the regiment’s landing at Guadal- served honor.∑ approach to charitable fundraising canal, the 164th Infantry Association f with a cup of free lemonade for all will hold its last annual reunion, end- those making a donation. At the two ing a tradition that began in 1945. On REMEMBERING ERMALEE HICKEL football games, he raised over $600 in Saturday, October 14, the 164th Asso- ∑ Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, donations. ciation will host a public event to rec- today I wish to pay tribute to Ermalee Sometimes life throws us lemons. ognize the service and heritage of the Hickel, the wife of our late Governor, How we respond is a reflection of our unit that was so important to the his- Wally Hickel, who passed away on Sep- character. The Montana values of char- tory of the North Dakota Army Na- tember 14 at the age of 92. Ermalee was ity, compassion, and entrepreneurship tional Guard, the State of North Da- married to Wally Hickel for 65 years are alive and well in the character of kota, and the United States of Amer- until his death in 2010. She is buried our next generation of youngsters, and ica. Eight veterans of Guadalcanal will next to her husband in Anchorage Me- Braden is a prime example. Thank you, attend this event, ages 94 to 98, and morial Park, standing up, facing Wash- Braden, for seeing an opportunity to they will represent all members of the ington, just as Governor Hickel was. help, making a plan, and following regiment, living or remembered, as This is the way the power couple of through with your plan. To Braden’s this important chapter of North Da- post-Statehood Alaska desired to be re- parents, Jeff and Katie, thank you as kota military history ends.∑ membered. Standing up for Alaskans to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:34 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.038 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6357 Washington, DC. A powerful symbol it out. Anchorage was growing and con- native Montanan, graduate of Montana not only to Alaskans, but Washington, struction was its future. Turns out, he State University, and retiring chair- that the battle for Alaska’s sov- was right. The family found stability man of D.A. Davidson, has dedicated ereignty is far from over and that the and a modicum of wealth. That gave his life to improving Montana. Hickels, in spirit, stand with Alaskans Wally the freedom to pursue his inter- His work at D.A. Davidson has helped as we wage this battle to conclusion, est in politics. Over time, Wally’s in- countless Montanans financially pre- however long that may take. vestments in Anchorage’s growth pro- pare for the future. Whether it is help- Wally and Ermalee’s son, Jack vided a strong financial foundation for ing Montana families plan for retire- Hickel, remembers these words ex- the family. ment, small business owners strategize plaining why his father wanted to be Throughout it all, Ermalee was a about the future, or municipalities buried standing up. ‘‘He said, if they steadfast partner—managing the meet their financial needs, Bill has don’t do it right he’s going to crawl out house, putting chains on the tires of been there for them, but Bill’s good of his grave and straighten them out. the car to take the kids skiing, even work expanded beyond the private sec- He thought they were going to screw ironing the pants of her hero, Charles tor. While running a thriving company everything up. He wanted to keep his Lindbergh, when he came to Juneau to that employs more than 1,300 employ- eye on them.’’ Now there will be two address the Alaska Legislature. Lind- ees, hundreds of them Montanans, Bill pair of eyes gazing east. bergh asked Ermalee if she would get has always invested his time and re- Ermalee, I should warn you, has two ‘‘the help’’ to press his pants. Turns sources in Montana. He serves as a pretty tough eyes. She was widely out Ermalee was ‘‘the help.’’ member of the board of regents to the known as ‘‘more beautiful than a but- ‘‘Ermalee was calm, empathetic and Montana University system and has terfly, but tougher than a boot.’’ insightful. Wally turned to her and fol- spent years improving schools across The history books will mention that lowed her counsel. She guided and pro- Montana. Ermalee was twice the first lady of tected him, out of sight,’’ wrote An- Bill has also served on the Inter- Alaska, as well as the wife of a Sec- chorage author and historian Charles national Heart Institute in Missoula retary of the Interior. They might Wohlforth. She read to schoolchildren and as the chairman of the Great Falls mention that she was a strong woman, and visited with elders in the Pioneer’s Public Schools Foundation, helping to but that really doesn’t tell you much Homes. She visited the soup kitchens raise funds for our public schools. His about the person, and there is really and the juvenile detention facilities. dedication to his company, his family, much more to the story. She fought for benefits for the disabled, and his community makes Bill a model Ermalee was born to Lewis and Aline raised awareness of fetal alcohol syn- Montanan. Strutz. The Strutzes moved from Mon- drome, and sought to protect seniors Helping move Montana forward is a tana to Anchorage in 1924. They bought from scammers. She did it all without common theme in Bill’s family, his fa- a house downtown and raised six kids ever seeking credit. Ermalee was al- ther, William A. Johnstone, served the in that house: four girls and two boys. ways gracious and lovely to me. education community for nearly 30 Anchorage was a pretty small town in Wohlforth headlined his column re- years and retired as acting president of the day, but it had plenty of life. As a membering Ermalee Hickel’s legacy Montana State University. It is clear high school student, Ermalee did it all. with the words ‘‘Ermalee Hickel led Bill has instilled hard work and public She was a softball player, editor of the Alaska, too.’’ She did with dignity and service in his children as well. His son school paper, and quite popular. She grace from the beginning to the very Anthony is an associate professor of never missed a dance. She ushered at end. It is an honor and a pleasure to law at the University of Montana and the movie theatre and, unique to An- share this story of an Alaskan life well former solicitor general of the State of chorage, worked at a cannery. Upon lived with the Senate today.∑ Montana and his son Jesse is the graduation, she went to work on the f founder and president of a digital mar- local base as the secretary to a mili- keting agency in New York. tary officer, a very important job for RECOGNIZING THE CAROLINA As Bill retires, his legacy at D.A. Da- an outstanding individual. The Strutz YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S vidson will live on and his lasting im- girls were like that—popular, success- NEW PARTNERSHIP pact on Montana as a whole will con- ful, from a really good family. ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would tinue to grow. Thanks for the 17 years Wally Hickel, on the other hand, ar- like to recognize and congratulate the at D.A. Davidson, Bill, and for your rived in Anchorage from Kansas in 1940 Carolina Youth Development Center, service to Montana. I wish you, your with all of 37 cents in his pocket. His Cummins, Inc., and the Hootie and the wife, Andrea, and your kids Anthony family was in insurance, but he left Blowfish Foundation on its new part- and Jesse nothing but the best in re- Kansas to pursue his passion in boxing. nership to provide youth aging out of tirement.∑ That led him to California, and when it foster care an independent living tran- f didn’t work out, Wally booked a ticket sitional house. The Carolina Youth De- in steerage on a vessel headed to Alas- velopment Center has been a blessing TRIBUTE TO ANNE MAXWELL ka. He replenished his bank account by to our State for over 200 years with LIVINGSTON winning a $125 purse at a boxing tour- their bold mission. They work tire- ∑ Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, nament conducted during Fur Rondy, lessly to empower and equip South today I wish to honor the service of my the Anchorage winter carnival. Wally Carolina’s most vulnerable children by friend Anne Maxwell Livingston. Mrs. married a local girl, Jannice Cannon, providing a safe environment, edu- Livingston has served since 2011 as who went to school with Ermalee. cational support, and career readiness. chairwoman of the Rhode Island Coast- Wally and Jannice had a son, Ted. Carolina Youth Development Center al Resources Management Council, Jannice tragically died in 1943 at the has an impressive 227-year history of CRMC, which protects Rhode Island’s Mayo Clinic. Wally returned to An- serving the community’s most vulner- coastal resources through research, chorage, a single dad, and took a job able children and families, dating back regulation, and restoration. inspecting aircraft on the ramp of to its founding as the Charleston Or- During her 6-year tenure, CRMC has Alaska airbases. phan House in 1790. The agency re- been a nationally recognized leader in In 1945, Ermalee and Wally were mar- mains steadfast in its commitment to ocean and coastal management. One of ried in a small Catholic Church and youth in foster care and continues to the shining jewels of CRMC’s work has went on to build a family. It was a lead the way, changing lives and trans- been its innovative Special Area Man- tough time for the both of them. Wally forming communities.∑ agement Plans, or SAMPs. These plans still had to pay off Jannice’s medical f are ecosystem-based management bills and worked a second job as a bar- strategies developed in collaboration tender and a bouncer to make ends TRIBUTE TO BILL JOHNSTONE with government agencies, municipali- meet. ∑ Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I ties, and other stakeholders to best Wally subsequently quit his job on wish to honor a man who has done so manage coastal systems. During Mrs. base and told Ermalee that he figured much for Montana. Bill Johnstone, a Livingston’s tenure, the council saw its

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.035 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 groundbreaking ocean SAMP, the first Subia BigFoot of Norman, Oklahoma, By Mr. GRASSLEY for the Committee on formally adopted ocean spatial plan in to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter the Judiciary. the country, pay real-life dividends. In Soboleff Commission on Native Chil- Amy Coney Barrett, of Indiana, to be developing this plan, CRMC engaged a dren. United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit. diverse group of stakeholders and laid ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Joan Louise Larsen, of Michigan, to be the groundwork for cooperation among At 12:36 p.m., a message from the United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth a multitude of regulatory agencies. House of Representatives, delivered by Circuit. This effort and CRMC’s continued en- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, William L. Campbell, Jr., of Tennessee, to gagement in the process paved the way announced that the Speaker has signed be United States District Judge for the Mid- for the successful development of the the following enrolled bills: dle District of Tennessee. Nation’s first offshore wind farm off S. 178. An act to prevent elder abuse and Thomas Lee Robinson Parker, of Ten- exploitation and improve the justice sys- nessee, to be United States District Judge the coast of Rhode Island. for the Western District of Tennessee. The CRMC has also helped Rhode Is- tem’s response to victims in elder abuse and exploitation cases. Eric S. Dreiband, of Maryland, to be an As- land towns and residents understand S. 652. An act to amend the Public Health sistant Attorney General. the increasing effects of sea level rise Service Act to reauthorize a program for Robert M. Duncan, Jr., of Kentucky, to be and storm surge. Using the latest cli- early detection, diagnosis, and treatment re- United States Attorney for the Eastern Dis- mate change predictions and state-of- garding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, trict of Kentucky for the term of four years. the-art modeling, CRMC, in coopera- infants, and young children. Charles E. Peeler, of Georgia, to be United The enrolled bills were subsequently States Attorney for the Middle District of tion with the University of Rhode Is- Georgia for the term of four years. land and others, developed an online signed by the President pro tempore Bryan D. Schroder, of Alaska, to be United tool, STORMTOOLS, that gives anyone (Mr. HATCH). States Attorney for the District of Alaska with an internet connection free access ENROLLED BILL SIGNED for the term of four years. to information that can be used to help At 1:26 p.m., a message from the (Nominations without an asterisk decide everything from what neighbor- House of Representatives, delivered by were reported with the recommenda- hood to buy a home in to where to site Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- tion that they be confirmed.) nounced that the Speaker has signed a new stormwater treatment plant. f CRMC is now developing a coastal en- the following enrolled bill: vironmental risk index that can show H.R. 1117. An act to require the Adminis- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Rhode Island homeowners individual- trator of the Federal Emergency Manage- JOINT RESOLUTIONS ized flood risks in 3–D. ment Agency to submit a report regarding The following bills and joint resolu- certain plans regarding assistance to appli- In addition to her service on the cants and grantees during the response to an tions were introduced, read the first CRMC, Mrs. Livingston has served emergency or disaster. and second times by unanimous con- Rhode Islanders as a board member of The enrolled bill was subsequently sent, and referred as indicated: the Jamestown Tax Assessment Board signed by the President pro tempore By Mr. ROUNDS: of Review and on the board of the Girl (Mr. HATCH). S. 1921. A bill to amend the Consolidated Scouts of Rhode Island and the James- Farm and Rural Development Act to in- f town Education Foundation. She also crease limitations and authorizations for continues to serve as treasurer for the REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Farm Service Agency guaranteed loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ag- Opera House Theater & Performing The following reports of committees riculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Arts Center in Newport and on the ad- were submitted: By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. visory boards of the Dorcas Inter- By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on LANKFORD, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. HATCH, national Institute of Rhode Island and Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. DAINES, Mr. SCOTT, the Providence Children’s Museum. fairs, without amendment: Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. CRUZ, Mrs. Livingston is a passionate and S. 34. A bill to amend chapter 8 of title 5, Mr. LEE, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. MORAN, United States Code, to provide for the en committed leader, and I am grateful Mr. SASSE, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. bloc consideration in resolutions of dis- PERDUE, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. for her many years of service to our approval for ‘‘midnight rules’’, and for other COCHRAN, Mrs. ERNST, Mr. MCCON- State’s CRMC.∑ purposes (Rept. No. 115–164). NELL, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on COTTON, Mr. WICKER, Mr. RISCH, Mr. f Homeland Security and Governmental Af- PAUL, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. BURR, Mr. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT fairs, with an amendment: S. 906. A bill to amend the Homeland Secu- STRANGE, Mr. BARRASSO, Mrs. FISCH- Messages from the President of the rity Act of 2002 to provide for congressional ER, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. THUNE, Mr. United States were communicated to notification regarding major acquisition pro- JOHNSON, Mr. SHELBY, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- gram breaches, and for other purposes (Rept. ENZI, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. CORKER, Mr. retaries. No. 115–165). By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on CRAPO, Mr. HOEVEN, and Mr. f Homeland Security and Governmental Af- TOOMEY): fairs, without amendment: S. 1922. A bill to amend title 18, United EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED S. 938. A bill to require notice of cost-free States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn As in executive session the Presiding Federal procurement technical assistance in children, and for other purposes; to the Com- Officer laid before the Senate messages connection with registration of small busi- mittee on the Judiciary. ness concerns in procurement systems (Rept. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, from the President of the United No. 115–166). Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. MURPHY, Ms. States submitting sundry nominations H.R. 1293. A bill to amend title 5, United WARREN, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. GILLI- which were referred to the appropriate States Code, to require that the Office of BRAND, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, committees. Personnel Management submit an annual re- Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. REED, Mr. KAINE, (The messages received today are port to Congress relating to the use of offi- Mr. CARDIN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. MAR- printed at the end of the Senate pro- cial time by Federal employees (Rept. No. KEY, Mr. COONS, Mr. CASEY, Mr. VAN 115–167). HOLLEN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. WYDEN, ceedings.) By Mr. BARRASSO, from the Committee Ms. HARRIS, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. HAS- on Environment and Public Works, with an f SAN, and Mrs. MURRAY): amendment in the nature of a substitute: S. 1923. A bill to prohibit firearms dealers S. 1514. A bill to amend certain Acts to re- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE from selling a firearm prior to the comple- authorize those Acts and to increase protec- tion of a background check; to the Com- At 12:18 p.m., a message from the tions for wildlife, and for other purposes mittee on the Judiciary. House of Representatives, delivered by (Rept. No. 115–168). Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- By Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. f nounced that pursuant to section 3 of GARDNER): S. 1924. A bill to authorize 2 additional dis- the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF COMMITTEE trict judgeships for the district of Colorado; Soboleff Commission on Native Chil- to the Committee on the Judiciary. dren Act (Public Law 114–244), the Mi- The following executive reports of By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and nority Leader appoints Dr. Dolores nominations were submitted: Mr. CARDIN):

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S. 1925. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. COTTON (for himself and Mr. Ms. HASSAN, Mr. SANDERS, Mrs. MUR- enue Code of 1986 to permanently modify the TILLIS): RAY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and Ms. HAR- limitations on the deduction of interest by S. 1936. A bill to amend title 38, United RIS): financial institutions which hold tax-exempt States Code, to provide for the designation of S. 1945. A bill to regulate large capacity bonds, and for other purposes; to the Com- State approving agencies for multi-State ap- ammunition feeding devices; to the Com- mittee on Finance. prenticeship programs for purposes of the mittee on the Judiciary. By Ms. HARRIS (for herself and Mrs. educational assistance programs of the De- By Mr. MENENDEZ: FEINSTEIN): partment of Veterans Affairs, and for other S. 1946. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 1926. A bill to provide for the establish- purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- enue Code of 1986 to allow unpopulated cen- ment of a national memorial and national fairs. sus tracts that are contiguous to low-income monument to commemorate those killed by By Mr. FLAKE: communities to be treated as low-income the collapse of the Saint Francis Dam on S. 1937. A bill to authorize appropriations communities under the new markets tax March 12, 1928, and for other purposes; to the for border infrastructure construction, to credit; to the Committee on Finance. Committee on Energy and Natural Re- provide conditional resident status to cer- By Mr. BROWN: sources. tain aliens, and to amend the Immigration S. 1947. A bill to improve food safety, to en- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. and Nationality Act to include grounds of in- courage greater production of agricultural FRANKEN): admissibility and deportability for alien commodities for use in the locality of pro- S. 1927. A bill to amend section 455(m) of members of criminal gangs and cartels, and duction, to reauthorize and expand Depart- the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to for other purposes; to the Committee on the ment of Agriculture support of those efforts, allow adjunct faculty members to qualify for Judiciary. and for other purposes; to the Committee on public service loan forgiveness; to the Com- By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself and Mr. Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and BOOKER): By Mrs. MCCASKILL: Pensions. S. 1938. A bill to establish a policy frame- S. 1948. A bill to abrogate the sovereign im- By Mr. CORKER (for himself, Mr. work that offers and rewards work, strength- munity of Indian tribes as a defense in inter COONS, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. KAINE, Mr. ens the incentive to work, greatly reduces partes review of patents; to the Committee RUBIO, Mr. BENNET, Mr. ISAKSON, and poverty, and creates new jobs in the United on Indian Affairs. Mr. CASEY): States, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mrs. MURRAY: S. 1928. A bill to establish a review of mittee on Finance. S. 1949. A bill to authorize demonstration United States multilateral aid; to the Com- By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, projects to improve educational and housing mittee on Foreign Relations. Mr. MURPHY, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. outcomes for children; to the Committee on By Mr. UDALL: MENENDEZ, Mr. SANDERS, Mrs. GILLI- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. S. 1929. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- BRAND, Mr. REED, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and enue Code of 1986 to reform the system of VAN HOLLEN, Mr. CARPER, Mr. DUR- Mr. BOOKER): public financing for Presidential elections, S. 1950. A bill to require the Federal Com- and for other purposes; to the Committee on BIN, Mr. WYDEN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Ms. munications Commission to submit to Con- Rules and Administration. WARREN, Mr. KAINE, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. gress a report on promoting broadband Inter- By Mr. BENNET (for himself, Mrs. CARDIN, and Mr. BOOKER): S. 1939. A bill to repeal the Protection of net access service for veterans; to the Com- FEINSTEIN, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. WYDEN, Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; to the Com- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. mittee on the Judiciary. tation. CARDIN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mrs. MURRAY, By Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. By Mr. COONS: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. BARRASSO): S. 1951. A bill to direct the Secretary of HEINRICH, Ms. HIRONO, and Mr. S. 1940. A bill to amend the Fish and Wild- Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program UDALL): life Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer to award grants to nonprofit veterans service S. 1930. A bill to establish a cost of green- services, community partnership, and refuge organizations to upgrade the community fa- house gases for carbon dioxide, methane, and education programs of the National Wildlife cilities of such organizations; to the Com- nitrous oxide to be used by Federal agencies, Refuge System, and for other purposes; to mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. the Committee on Environment and Public By Mr. TESTER (for himself, Mr. CCAIN, Mr. MANCHIN, and Mr. By Mr. UDALL: Works. M S. 1931. A bill to reform public financing By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Ms. KAINE): for Presidential elections and provide for MURKOWSKI): S. 1952. A bill to improve oversight and ac- public financing for Congressional elections; S. 1941. A bill to amend the Migratory Bird countability of the financial processes of the to the Committee on Rules and Administra- Treaty Act to clarify the treatment of au- Department of Veterans Affairs, and for tion. thentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- By Mr. BENNET (for himself, Mr. containing nonedible migratory bird parts, erans’ Affairs. and for other purposes; to the Committee on CRAPO, Mr. TESTER, Mr. RISCH, and By Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mr. Environment and Public Works. Mr. WYDEN): MCCAIN, and Mr. BARRASSO): S. 1932. A bill to amend the Robert T. Staf- By Ms. HEITKAMP (for herself, Mr. S. 1953. A bill to amend the Tribal Law and ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- TESTER, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. HEINRICH, Order Act of 2010 and the Indian Law En- ance Act to provide for certain wildfire miti- Mr. MERKLEY, and Ms. WARREN): forcement Reform Act to provide for ad- gation assistance; to the Committee on S. 1942. A bill to direct the Attorney Gen- vancements in public safety services to In- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- eral to review, revise, and develop law en- dian communities, and for other purposes; to fairs. forcement and justice protocols appropriate the Committee on Indian Affairs. By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. DURBIN, to address missing and murdered Indians, By Mr. PERDUE (for himself, Mr. Mr. FLAKE, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BOOKER, and for other purposes; to the Committee on BOOZMAN, and Mr. LEAHY): Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. Indian Affairs. S. 1954. A bill to authorize the Board of Re- BLUMENTHAL, Mr. UDALL, Mr. WYDEN, By Mr. NELSON (for himself and Mr. gents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. KING, Mr. PETERS, RUBIO): design, and construct a central parking facil- Mr. MARKEY, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. S. 1943. A bill to amend the Caribbean ity on National Zoological Park property in SANDERS, Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. COONS, Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend the Washington, D.C.; to the Committee on Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. KAINE, and Ms. transition period for preferential treatment Rules and Administration. BALDWIN): of certain textile and apparel articles; to the By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. S. 1933. A bill to focus limited Federal re- Committee on Finance. PETERS): sources on the most serious offenders; to the By Mr. NELSON: S. 1955. A bill to award a Congressional Committee on the Judiciary. S. 1944. A bill to amend title XVI of the So- Gold Medal to Liu Xiaobo, and collectively By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Ms. cial Security Act to allow the Commissioner to all advocates of democracy and human MURKOWSKI): of Social Security to waive the 30-day resi- rights in China, in recognition of their ex- S. 1934. A bill to prevent catastrophic fail- dency requirement for receipt of supple- traordinary advocacy for liberty and human ure or shutdown of remote diesel power en- mental security income benefits for individ- rights despite repression and their impact on gines due to emission control devices, and uals who evacuate from certain territories of world peace and global understanding of for other purposes; to the Committee on En- the United States as a result of an emer- China, and for other purposes; to the Com- vironment and Public Works. gency or natural disaster; to the Committee mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- By Mr. MORAN: on Finance. fairs. S. 1935. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. By Ms. MURKOWSKI: enue Code of 1986 to treat Indian tribal gov- WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. KAINE, S. 1956. A bill to authorize the Mayor of the ernments in the same manner as State gov- Mr. DURBIN, Mr. FRANKEN, Mrs. District of Columbia and the Director of the ernments for certain Federal tax purposes, GILLIBRAND, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. National Park Service to enter into coopera- and for other purposes; to the Committee on MARKEY, Mr. CARPER, Ms. WARREN, tive management agreements for the oper- Finance. Ms. HIRONO, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. BOOKER, ation, maintenance, and management of

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A bill to amend the Energy Policy of the presumption of service-connec- counts above the current annual max- and Conservation Act to require the Sec- tion of certain disabilities by the Sec- imum contribution if they work and retary of Energy to establish a gasoline sup- retary of Veterans Affairs, and for earn income. ply reserve in the State of Florida, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. BURR, the name other purposes; to the Committee on Energy S. 293 of the Senator from Massachusetts and Natural Resources. At the request of Mr. SCOTT, the (Ms. WARREN) was added as a cosponsor f name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. of S. 818, supra. S. 825 SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the SENATE RESOLUTIONS S. 293, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. The following concurrent resolutions deferral of inclusion in gross income SULLIVAN) was added as a cosponsor of and Senate resolutions were read, and for capital gains reinvested in oppor- S. 825, a bill to provide for the convey- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: tunity zones. ance of certain property to the South- By Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. S. 322 east Alaska Regional Health Consor- BURR, Mr. CASSIDY, and Mr. TILLIS): tium located in Sitka, Alaska, and for At the request of Mr. PETERS, the S. Res. 285. A resolution honoring the life other purposes. and achievements of Dr. Samuel DuBois names of the Senator from Connecticut S. 896 Cook; to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) and the Senator By Mr. BOOKER (for himself and Mr. from New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were At the request of Mr. BURR, the name RUBIO): added as cosponsors of S. 322, a bill to of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. ERNST) S. Res. 286. A resolution supporting the protect victims of domestic violence, was added as a cosponsor of S. 896, a role of the United States in ensuring chil- sexual assault, stalking, and dating vi- bill to permanently reauthorize the dren in the poorest countries have access to olence from emotional and psycho- Land and Water Conservation Fund. a quality education through the Global Part- S. 980 nership for Education; to the Committee on logical trauma caused by acts of vio- At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the Foreign Relations. lence or threats of violence against By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. their pets. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. BLUMENTHAL, and Mr. COONS): S. 339 980, a bill to amend title XVIII of the S. Res. 287. A resolution designating Octo- At the request of Mr. PETERS, his Social Security Act to provide for pay- ber 8, 2017, as ‘‘National Hydrogen and Fuel name was added as a cosponsor of S. Cell Day’’; considered and agreed to. ments for certain rural health clinic 339, a bill to amend title 10, United By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. and Federally qualified health center States Code, to repeal the requirement CORNYN, Ms. HASSAN, and Mr. HATCH): services furnished to hospice patients for reduction of survivor annuities S. Res. 288. A resolution designating the under the Medicare program. week of October 1 through 7, 2017, as ‘‘Na- under the Survivor Benefit Plan by tional Community Policing Week’’; consid- veterans’ dependency and indemnity S. 1050 ered and agreed to. compensation, and for other purposes. At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. the name of the Senator from New S. 479 KENNEDY): York (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a co- S. Res. 289. A resolution designating the At the request of Mr. BROWN, the sponsor of S. 1050, a bill to award a week beginning October 8, 2017, as ‘‘National name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, Wildfire Refuge Week’’; considered and HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. to the Chinese-American Veterans of agreed to. 479, a bill to amend title XVIII of the World War II, in recognition of their By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. Social Security Act to waive coinsur- dedicated service during World War II. PORTMAN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. COONS, ance under Medicare for colorectal can- S. 1064 Mr. HATCH, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. cer screening tests, regardless of HEINRICH, Ms. HASSAN, Ms. MUR- At the request of Mr. UDALL, the whether therapeutic intervention is re- KOWSKI, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. FRANKEN, name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. quired during the screening. Mr. REED, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. MARKEY, WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Mr. WARNER, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. S. 503 1064, a bill to amend the Richard B. MANCHIN, Mr. BROWN, Ms. COLLINS, At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the Russell National School Lunch Act to Mr. GARDNER, and Mr. WYDEN): name of the Senator from New York S. Res. 290. A resolution designating Octo- prohibit the stigmatization of children (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- ber 5, 2017, as ‘‘Energy Efficiency Day’’ in who are unable to pay for meals. celebration of the economic and environ- sponsor of S. 503, a bill to require the S. 1084 mental benefits that have been driven by pri- Secretary of Agriculture to make pub- At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the vate sector innovation and Federal energy licly available certain regulatory name of the Senator from Oklahoma efficiency policies put in place over the past records relating to the administration (Mr. INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor 4 decades; considered and agreed to. of the Animal Welfare Act and the of S. 1084, a bill to amend title 18, f Horse Protection Act, to amend the In- United States Code, to require that the ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Director of the Bureau of Prisons en- for the use of an alternative deprecia- sure that each chief executive officer of S. 91 tion system for taxpayers violating a Federal penal or correctional institu- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the rules under the Animal Welfare Act tion provides a secure storage area lo- name of the Senator from Wisconsin and the Horse Protection Act, and for cated outside of the secure perimeter (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- other purposes. of the Federal penal or correctional in- sor of S. 91, a bill to amend the Indian S. 654 stitution for firearms carried by cer- Employment, Training and Related At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the tain employees of the Bureau of Pris- Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to names of the Senator from Michigan ons, and for other purposes. facilitate the ability of Indian tribes to (Mr. PETERS) and the Senator from S. 1085 integrate the employment, training, New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the and related services from diverse Fed- added as cosponsors of S. 654, a bill to name of the Senator from Oklahoma eral sources, and for other purposes. revise section 48 of title 18, United (Mr. INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor S. 283 States Code, and for other purposes. of S. 1085, a bill to amend title 18, At the request of Mr. FRANKEN, the S. 818 United States Code, to provide en- name of the Senator from Vermont At the request of Mr. CASEY, the hanced penalties for convicted mur- (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Massachu- derers who kill or target America’s sor of S. 283, a bill to amend title 38, setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- public safety officers.

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S. 1182 S. 1706 S. 1883 At the request of Mr. YOUNG, the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. names of the Senator from Rhode Is- name of the Senator from Connecticut CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- land (Mr. REED), the Senator from Cali- (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- sor of S. 1182, a bill to require the Sec- fornia (Ms. HARRIS) and the Senator sponsor of S. 1883, a bill to require the retary of the Treasury to mint com- from New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were Secretary of Transportation to publish memorative coins in recognition of the added as cosponsors of S. 1706, a bill to a final rule to provide for the screen- 100th anniversary of The American Le- prevent human health threats posed by ing, testing, and treatment for sleep gion. the consumption of equines raised in disorders of individuals operating com- S. 1510 the United States. mercial vehicles. At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the S. 1719 S. 1916 name of the Senator from Wisconsin At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from California names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. sor of S. 1510, a bill to amend the Na- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- SCHATZ), the Senator from Oregon (Mr. tional Voter Registration Act of 1993 to sponsor of S. 1719, a bill to eliminate WYDEN), the Senator from Ohio (Mr. provide for online voter registration duties on imports of recreational per- BROWN), the Senator from Illinois (Ms. and other changes and to amend the formance outerwear, to establish the DUCKWORTH), the Senator from New Help America Vote Act of 2002 to im- Sustainable Textile and Apparel Re- Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ), the Senator prove voting, to require the Election search Fund, and for other purposes. from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ MASTO), the Assistance Commission to study and S. 1756 Senator from Virginia (Mr. WARNER), report on best practices for election cy- At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the the Senator from Colorado (Mr. BEN- bersecurity and election audits, and to names of the Senator from Kentucky NET) and the Senator from Wisconsin make grants to States to implement (Mr. MCCONNELL), the Senator from (Ms. BALDWIN) were added as cospon- those best practices recommended by Utah (Mr. HATCH), the Senator from sors of S. 1916, a bill to prohibit the the Commission. Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS), the Senator possession or transfer of certain fire- S. 1589 from Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE), the Sen- arm accessories, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the ator from Missouri (Mr. BLUNT) and the poses. name of the Senator from Delaware Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. S. RES. 245 (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor TOOMEY) were added as cosponsors of S. At the request of Mr. YOUNG, his of S. 1589, a bill to amend the Internal 1756, a bill to improve the processes by name was added as a cosponsor of S. Revenue Code of 1986 and the Small which environmental documents are Res. 245, a resolution calling on the Business Act to expand the availability prepared and permits and applications Government of Iran to release unjustly of employee stock ownership plans in S are processed and regulated by Federal detained United States citizens and corporations, and for other purposes. departments and agencies, and for legal permanent resident aliens, and S. 1595 other purposes. for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the S. 1823 At the request of Mr. CRUZ, the names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the names of the Senator from Colorado DURBIN), the Senator from Minnesota names of the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. GARDNER), the Senator from Ar- (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from (Mr. WICKER), the Senator from Ala- kansas (Mr. COTTON) and the Senator Pennsylvania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator bama (Mr. STRANGE) and the Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO) were added as from Delaware (Mr. COONS), the Sen- from South Dakota (Mr. THUNE) were cosponsors of S. Res. 245, supra. ator from Florida (Mr. NELSON), the added as cosponsors of S. 1823, a bill to Senator from West Virginia (Mr. amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster f MANCHIN), the Senator from Indiana Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Mr. DONNELLY) and the Senator from to clarify that houses of worship are el- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were igible for certain disaster relief and BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS added as cosponsors of S. 1595, a bill to emergency assistance on terms equal By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and amend the Hizballah International Fi- to other eligible private nonprofit fa- Mr. FRANKEN): nancing Prevention Act of 2015 to im- cilities, and for other purposes. S. 1927. A bill to amend section pose additional sanctions with respect S. 1827 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of to Hizballah, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the 1965 in order to allow adjunct faculty At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. members to qualify for public service name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- loan forgiveness; to the Committee on YOUNG) was added as a cosponsor of S. sor of S. 1827, a bill to extend funding Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- 1595, supra. for the Children’s Health Insurance sions. S. 1690 Program, and for other purposes. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today I At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, S. 1859 reintroduced the Adjunct Faculty Loan the name of the Senator from Wis- At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the Fairness Act, a bill that would enable consin (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a name of the Senator from West Vir- faculty working less than full-time to cosponsor of S. 1690, a bill to amend the ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- participate in the Public Service Stu- Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide sponsor of S. 1859, a bill to extend the dent Loan Forgiveness Program. greater support to students with de- moratorium on the annual fee on Contingent faculty members are like pendents, and for other purposes. health insurance providers. full-time instructors. They have ad- S. 1693 S. 1863 vanced degrees. They teach classes and At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the At the request of Mr. LEE, the name spend many hours outside the class- names of the Senator from South Caro- of the Senator from Alabama (Mr. room preparing for class. They hold of- lina (Mr. SCOTT) and the Senator from STRANGE) was added as a cosponsor of fice hours, grade papers, and give feed- Arkansas (Mr. COTTON) were added as S. 1863, a bill to clarify that non- back to students. They provide advice cosponsors of S. 1693, a bill to amend commercial species found entirely and write letters of recommendation. the Communications Act of 1934 to within the borders of a single State are Students rely on them. Since most ad- clarify that section 230 of that Act does not in interstate commerce or subject juncts have advanced degrees and, as not prohibit the enforcement against to regulation under the Endangered the 63 percent of graduate degree re- providers and users of interactive com- Species Act of 1973 or any other provi- cipients who borrow have an average of puter services of Federal and State sion of law enacted as an exercise of almost $59,000 in student loans, they criminal and civil law relating to sex the power of Congress to regulate are among the 44 million Americans trafficking. interstate commerce. with student debt.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.018 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 The Public Service Loan Forgiveness loan payments made while teaching, S. 1927 program is meant to encourage grad- regardless of the fact that she isn’t Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- uates to go into public service by offer- full-time faculty. resentatives of the United States of America in ing student loan forgiveness for eligi- Unfortunately, for all their contribu- Congress assembled, ble Federal loans after ten years of tions to their colleges and the students SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. full-time work in government or the they work with, adjunct faculty like This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Adjunct non-profit sector. Public service fields Brittany often don’t have the same em- Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2017’’. like nursing, military service, and pub- ployment benefits or job security as SEC. 2. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR ADJUNCT FAC- their colleagues. The number of classes ULTY. lic health qualify. And many education Section 455(m)(3)(B)(ii) of the Higher Edu- jobs qualify, including full-time work they teach every semester varies. To cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. at public universities and part-time make ends meet, these professors often 1087e(m)(3)(B)(ii)) is amended— work at community colleges in high- end up teaching classes at more than (1) by striking ‘‘teaching as’’ and inserting needs subject areas or areas of short- one school in the same semester, get- the following: ‘‘teaching— age. But other faculty members, those ting paid about $3,000 per class and ‘‘(I) as’’; who work part-time, are not eligible making an average annual income that (2) by striking ‘‘, foreign language faculty, for loan forgiveness because the law re- hovers around minimum wage. This and part-time faculty at community col- quires an annual average of 30 hours also means that, in some parts of the leges), as determined by the Secretary.’’ and country, they spend as much time com- inserting ‘‘and foreign language faculty), as per week to qualify for the program. determined by the Secretary; or’’; and For adjunct faculty working on a con- muting as they do teaching. (3) by adding at the end the following: tingent basis—many of whom may only Nationally, over half of all higher ‘‘(II) as a part-time faculty member or in- teach one or two classes while holding education faculty work on a contingent structor who— down other part-time jobs to make basis. In the past, these were a minor- ‘‘(aa) teaches not less than 1 course at an ends meet—this requirement can be ity of professors who were hired to institution of higher education (as defined in difficult or impossible to meet, even teach an occasional class because they section 101(a)), a postsecondary vocational when they are putting in more than 30 could bring experience to the class- institution (as defined in section 102(c)), or a room in a specific field or industry. Tribal College or University (as defined in hours of work each week. section 316(b)); and The number of faculty hours given Over time, as university budgets have tightened and it has gotten more ex- ‘‘(bb) is not employed on a full-time basis for each class is calculated differently by any other employer.’’. at different schools. Some schools give pensive to hire full-time, tenure track one hour per hour in the classroom professors, higher education institu- By Mr. FLAKE: while others actually take into consid- tions have increasingly relied on ad- S. 1937. A bill to authorize appropria- eration the time required outside the juncts. tions for border infrastructure con- classroom. So, even as these faculty From 1991 to 2015, the number of struction, to provide conditional resi- members are working hard to provide part-time faculty in the U.S. increased dent status to certain aliens, and to quality instruction for their students, two and a half times from 291,000 to amend the Immigration and Nation- often without the option of moving over 743,000. At the same time, the per- ality Act to include grounds of inad- into a tenured, full-time position, their centage of professors holding tenure missibility and deportability for alien public service is not recognized by the and tenure-track positions has been members of criminal gangs and cartels, current Public Service Loan Forgive- steadily decreasing from 45 percent of and for other purposes; to the Com- ness program. all instructors in 1975 to only 29 per- mittee on the Judiciary. The Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness cent in 2015. The number of full-time Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I rise Act of 2017 would solve this by amend- instructors, tenured and non-tenured, today in support of the Border Security ing the Higher Education Act to ex- now makes up less than half of all pro- and Deferred Action Recipient Relief pand the definition of a ‘‘public service fessors on U.S. campuses. Today, a ma- Act, which I am introducing. job’’ to include a part-time faculty jority of the 1.5 million faculty em- This bill offers solutions to the seri- member who teaches at least one ployees at public and non-profit col- ous problems facing us with regard to course at an eligible institution of leges and universities in the United border security, while at the same time higher education. They would still States work on a part-time, contingent addressing the needs for a legislative basis. have to meet all the other require- solution for those issues faced by the Illinois colleges rely heavily on ad- ments to qualify for the public service children who were brought here juncts. In 2015, 52 percent of all faculty through no fault of their own. loan forgiveness program, including at all Title IV degree-granting institu- With respect to the border, this bill making 120 on-time payments while tions in the state—more than 31,700 provides $1.6 billion in funding for bor- employed at a qualifying institution, faculty employees—worked on a part- der security measures that the Presi- and they could not be employed full- time basis. This is a 32.4 percent in- dent requested and the House has al- time elsewhere at the same time. I be- crease in part-time faculty in Illinois ready approved in a bipartisan vote. As lieve it corrects a major flaw in the compared to a 7 percent increase in current system and rewards individuals full-time faculty since 2002. an Arizonan, I am more than familiar for their contribution to public service This bill does not fix the growing re- with the steps we need to take to in- rather than penalize them for the num- liance by our higher education system crease border security. We have a bet- ber of hours they work. on part-time professors who are under- ter situation on the border than we This bill would benefit someone like paid and undervalued. But it would en- have had in a while, but there are still Brittany, an adjunct professor in sure that members of the contingent measures that need to be taken. southern Illinois. Brittany finished her faculty workforce are no longer un- In addition to the appropriate bar- graduate degree in 2013 and still has fairly excluded from the loan forgive- riers that will aid in preventing illegal over $70,000 in student loan debt today. ness program for public servants. I crossings, we need access roads that ac- This debt has prevented her from at- would like to thank my colleague, Sen- tually get to the border. If there is one tending law school, her longtime ator AL FRANKEN from Minnesota, for issue I hear from property owners, dream, and makes it challenging to put joining me in this effort. I hope my ranchers, Border Patrol agents, and money aside for her retirement. This other colleagues will join us to ensure others near the border, it is that they debt is also putting her children’s fu- this program benefits faculty members need better access. We have had an ture at risk—Brittany will still be pay- who provide our students with a qual- issue with regard to roads that are used ing off her own loans when it is time ity education. by the Border Control that are paid for for her now four-month old child to at- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- by the county. It is a situation that tend college. This bill would ensure sent that the text of the bill be printed needs to be resolved, and it will benefit that Brittany, and thousands like her, in the RECORD. all of us who travel near the border. could secure their family’s financial fu- There being no objection, the text of This bill addresses that. The road issue ture by earning credit towards the the bill was ordered to be printed in was also raised by the GAO. I requested Public Service Loan Forgiveness for the RECORD, as follows: a study on behalf of my constituents,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.024 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6363 along with my colleagues, to see what the Senate, until we actually get a bill ting the help that they desperately we could do with the roads and access passed. need. situation. GAO came back with rec- There is no official database or re- Unfortunately, there is no official ommendations, and this would imple- quirement for information collection database or mandated database collec- ment some of the recommendations. regarding the number of missing and tion on the total number of missing The bill also aids law enforcement by murdered Native women. In most and murdered Native women in our ensuring the swift deportation of indi- cases, the only records of them are country. This has added to not know- viduals determined to be members of records that have been provided to us ing what the actual magnitude of this violent gangs and drug cartels. by the families and friends of the vic- epidemic really is and has resulted in I would also like to thank Congress- tims. It is critical that Congress push several Tribal members sending me woman BARBARA COMSTOCK for her the U.S. Department of Justice and the stories and handwritten lists of the leadership on this issue by sponsoring FBI to work with Tribal communities names of missing and murdered women the Criminal Alien Gang Member Re- to come up with culturally appropriate that people have gathered just from moval Act, which passed the House. protocols for responding to cases of their collective memory. With respect to the children brought missing and murdered Native women. I would like to share some of the sto- here through no fault of their own, this I would like to take this time to ries that I have been so honored to re- bill takes a measure that has already honor Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, ceive from family members. Telling earned bipartisan support in the House whose story has been told on the news these stories—and giving me the abil- of Representatives, the Recognizing in North Dakota and nationally and ity to tell these stories—is not easy be- America’s Children Act, which provides who has been on the forefront of my cause every time you tell the story, a solution for the DACA kids. These mind since introducing this bill. you relive the story. These tragedies young immigrants were brought here On August 19, Savanna, a 22-year-old still hurt deeply. Even years after the as children and simply know no other member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, who murder, they still absolutely relive country. For all intents and purposes, was 8 months pregnant, went upstairs that experience. I know they have these young people consider themselves to her neighbor’s apartment in Fargo, given me these stories to tell for one Americans. If we can protect these ND, after being invited to try on a simple reason: because they pray and DACA recipients and provide solutions dress for alterations. While she was they hope and they dream that giving to better secure our borders at the there, what awaited her in that apart- me these stories may change the out- same time, that is a win-win. ment were truly horrific acts of vio- come for some other family. The President and Congress both lence. Although Savanna’s baby daugh- I am going to start by talking about want to improve border security. We ter survived and is now safe with her these wonderful women—these beau- tiful women. Up at the far right-hand both want to respond to the threat of father and grandparents, that was the corner with her beautiful baby is Stella dangerous gangs and drug cartels. We last time anyone who loved Savanna Marie Trottier-Graves. Stella Marie both want to arrive at a legislative so- saw her alive. was born and grew up in Belcourt, ND, lution for the rescission of the DACA After 8 days of searching for Savanna and was a member of the Turtle Moun- Program that benefits those who want by the family and the community, her tain Band of Chippewa. She spent many to contribute to their communities and body was finally found by chance by years traveling the world with her hus- to the American dream. This bill is the kayakers in a nearby river. Her body band, who served in the U.S. Air Force, best way to thread the needle and de- was wrapped in plastic and duct taped. and their three children. The family liver what the President has asked for, Her death was an incredible tragedy lived in Florida, Germany, Japan, and and, unfortunately, one that happens what the Congress wants, and what my Arizona. Everywhere they went, Stella way too often to Native women. constituents in Arizona deserve. These quickly made friends and proudly issues are far too important for us to While the news of Savanna’s death was heard around the world, thousands shared her Chippewa culture. She was delay. loved and adored by all who met her for of indigenous women are murdered and To be clear, I will work with anyone living an adventurous and fearless life. disappear each year, with many of to support any number of proposals In July 2009, Stella and her family that accomplish these goals, but I be- those cases being ignored or forgotten. moved back to Belcourt, ND, and she Over my decades in public service, I lieve that the straightforward ap- started to attend Turtle Mountain have worked with Tribal communities proach of the Border Security and De- Community College. On September 16, on issues that involve violence against ferred Action Recipient Relief Act, 2010, Stella and her cousin were at the Native women. In response to those which I am introducing today, is the local bar when she decided to stay be- best chance we have to put this bill on talks and to this latest tragedy, today hind with other people they knew. Ac- the President’s desk. I am introducing legislation that would cording to witnesses, Stella left with help tackle the barriers to bringing another couple to continue the evening By Ms. HEITKAMP (for herself, justice for missing and murdered Na- out. Mr. TESTER, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. tive women across the country. Stella’s body was later found in a HEINRICH, Mr. MERKLEY, and My bill, which is named after Sa- male Tribal member’s pickup in an Ms. WARREN): vanna, would work to improve Tribal open field on the reservation. It wasn’t S. 1942. A bill to direct the Attorney access to Federal databases for missing until 13 days later that the family was General to review, revise, and develop persons. It would promote interjuris- officially notified by law enforcement law enforcement and justice protocols dictional collaboration by establishing of Stella’s death. appropriate to address missing and protocols for responding to cases of Throughout the investigation, there murdered Indians, and for other pur- missing and murdered Native Ameri- were a lot of rumors and misinforma- poses; to the Committee on Indian Af- cans, and it would require the collec- tion, which made it difficult to find the fairs. tion of data related to missing and murderer or the murderers. People who Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I rise murdered Native women. were with Stella the night of her death today to discuss and bring awareness Native women are an inherently vul- said that they were never questioned, to the obligation that we have to never nerable population whose voices are and information provided was never forget what is happening to way too still not heard by most people in followed up on. No one has ever been many Native American women in this power. Across rural North Dakota, charged or convicted for this murder, country. women living on reservations face and the last hours of Stella’s life re- For too long, the disproportionate in- unique challenges when dealing with main unknown. cidents of violence against Native violence. Lack of access to emergency Stella was an incredible woman who American women have gone unnoticed, services, lack of access to law enforce- was loved by all who knew her. Her unreported, or underreported, and it is ment officers, lack of access to an family, her children, and her Tribe de- time to address this issue head-on. AMBER Alert system, and confidential serve justice. That is what I intend to do today and victim services that are not provided— Monica Wickre is pictured here with in the remaining days of my time in these all act as barriers to women get- those beautiful earrings and the red

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.024 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 shirt. Monica was a 42-year-old mother ness about the crimes of missing and and prosecuting crimes committed on of three who was born and raised in murdered indigenous people. Tribal lands. Standardized protocols Belcourt on the Turtle Mountain Band Lakota was a member of the must be established in order to give a of Chippewa reservation and lived near Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Bands of quicker response to Native women Aberdeen, SD. North and South Dakota, who, despite going missing. The complexity of juris- After a night out with friends on being shy and reserved, had a solid diction on Tribal lands can slow down April 7, 1993, Monica never returned group of friends who supported her and an investigation, but it is not an ex- home. Her relatives grew concerned even helped her excel in school. After cuse. It can waste crucial time at the when they had not heard from or seen graduation, Lakota spent time taking beginning of an investigation or a case, Monica for several days. Eventually, care of her family, especially her but it is not an excuse. If we do not act the family filed a missing persons re- nieces and nephews. rapidly, we know we lose precious time port and started to talk to friends and In 2005 Lakota met a man online and to prevent homicides and to bring a neighbors. The detective assigned to unexpectedly relocated to Missouri, woman safely home and help apprehend the case worked closely with the com- unbeknownst to her family. With most the perpetrators. munity and the family and assured details still unknown 12 years later, In one case study alone done by the them he was working diligently on this the family is left with more questions National Institute of Justice, 97 per- case. than answers. What they do know is cent of Native women experience vio- In June of that year, a canoeist found that she was forced into sex trafficking lence by a non-Native perpetrator. This Monica’s badly decomposed body in the and manipulated against her will. number emphasizes what I have long James River outside Aberdeen. In October of 2005, Lakota’s family said, that historical trauma is a major Throughout the next several years, was called and told that her body was factor of violence against Native new detectives were assigned to the found badly beaten, wrapped in carpet women, and perpetrators feel that case, each having to basically start padding and a blanket in an open grav- Tribal lands give them a free pass from over and work with limited notes, el pit in Missouri. Local investigators the law. This can no longer be toler- interviews, and evidence from the pre- brought in and subsequently let go doz- ated, and jurisdictional issues must be vious investigators. A couple of times, ens of suspects and, to this day, have addressed. It cannot be the excuse for the police told the family that they not brought her murderer to justice. inaction. had a suspect or were close to arresting Lakota was never given a chance to Although we don’t know the total someone for Monica’s murder, but become a mother or pursue that bright number of missing and murdered Na- there was never enough information to future that surely lay ahead of her. She tive women, it is clear, from all of the charge the suspect. This has resulted in was robbed of a life she had yet to ex- stories and from the statistics that we nearly 25 years of heartache for perience, a life that was certain to be do have, that the rates at which Native Monica’s family and her friends. filled with love from her family and American women experience violence Monica’s family wants justice for deep appreciation from her family. is intrinsically related to the likeli- their daughter, sister, and mother, and These are not isolated cases. This hood of their going missing, being mur- they all want closure. Although the goes on every day in America. dered, and forced into sex trafficking. case is no longer active, the family I want to make a point of how dis- Here are just some of the statistics collected by the National Institute of continues to bring awareness about couraging it, so many times, when you Justice, the Government Account- Monica’s case in the hope that someone see events unfolding where it may be ability Office, and the Centers for Dis- will come forward with information that a young girl goes missing in a Car- ease Control and Prevention regarding that will, in fact, help solve it. ibbean island and the world is turned Monica Lisa Two Eagle is the woman upside down looking for her or when we violence against Native women. In 2016, with the dark hair in the floral print hear a story of someone who comes 5,712 cases of missing Native women shirt. She was a member of the Rose- from maybe a more affluent and were reported to the National Crime Information Center, and 125 of those bud Sioux Tribe and one of 14 children. wealthy family who goes missing and cases were in my State of Dakota She was kind, caring, and athletic. In we turn over every stone to find them. alone. On some reservations, Native the winter of 1979, Phil Two Eagle saw Yet that is not the story for very many women are murdered at more than 10 his sister Mona Lisa, who was in her indigenous women. times the national average. I want to early twenties, leave the siblings’ When you look at the importance of repeat that. On some reservations, Na- house and get into a red-and-white what we do today, probably the most tive women are murdered at more than pickup with a couple of men. Mona important thing we can do is to tell 10 times the national average. Lisa never returned. these stories, and from telling these American Indians and Alaskan Na- In the following days, the family and stories we have an opportunity to real- tives are two times more likely to ex- local law enforcement searched for her ly change. We can’t ignore that fre- perience rape or sexual assault com- on horseback. Taking it upon them- quently for Native people, they are not pared to all other races. selves, they searched for her on horse- wrong to believe that they are the for- In 2010, we found that the U.S. attor- back. About 2 weeks after she went gotten people of this country. Way too neys declined to prosecute nearly 52 missing, Mona Lisa’s father and broth- often, the first Americans become the percent of violent crime that occurred er found her frozen in a pasture near last Americans. in Indian Country. Homicide is the their home. She had been beaten, pos- Under the Savanna’s Act, the Attor- third leading cause of death among sibly raped, and left alone in a blizzard. ney General, in cooperation with the American Indians and Alaskan Native Rumors ran wild that family and law Secretary of the Interior, must consult women between 10 and 24 years old. enforcement tried to solve the crime, with the Tribes on how to improve These high rates of violence, includ- but, even to this day, no one was ever Tribal access to Federal criminal infor- ing domestic violence, sex assault, and convicted or even charged. The two mation databases, such as the National human trafficking, must stop. We must men who were last seen with Mona Crime Information Center and the Na- work together to combat domestic vio- Lisa all those years ago are still run- tional Missing and Unidentified Per- lence and human trafficking in Indian ning free, while the family lives every sons System. We need to ensure that Country. day with the lack of justice. Tribal law enforcement has up-to-date Just last week, the Indian Affairs Lakota Rae Renville, the woman in information on missing Native women Committee held a hearing to discuss the black-and-white photo, is the last and better communication—in fact, es- the lack of services provided for Indian victim I want to talk about. I want to sential—with Federal, State, and local Country regarding the horrific acts of thank her family, who are here today law enforcement agencies and Tribal violence and human trafficking of Na- and who have honored me and trusted law enforcement agencies so cases like tive women. Just yesterday, while me with her memory. I want to help the ones you have heard of today don’t questioning one of the officials at the them understand how grateful I am, go unnoticed or uninvestigated. Department of the Interior about the but I also want them to know that Jurisdictional issues are a huge bar- need to do training in human traf- sharing her story will help raise aware- rier in Indian Country to responding to ficking at our casinos, he simply said:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.025 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6365 I thought you were going to ask me are four times the national average, designating May 5, 2017, through a reso- about Indian gaming. I quickly said: I that sounds bad. But what does that lution, as the National Day of Aware- am asking you about Indian gaming be- mean? When you put a face to it, when ness on Missing and Murdered Native cause all of this works together. you hear the tragedy repeated through Women and Girls. The resolution re- If we do not work together in every the stories, these are not just statistics cites that some Tribal communities institution of the Federal Government, that we are speaking of. These are real face murder rates that are 10 times the in every institution of the State gov- women. These are our sisters. These national average, as Senator HEITKAMP ernment, and in every institution of are our neighbors. These are our has noted. According to the Centers for Tribal government, we will never make friends, and these are human beings Disease Control and Prevention, homi- progress in providing the security that who deserve to be respected in their cide was the third leading cause of we have in this building, and the secu- lives but also respected in other tragic death among Native women between rity that we enjoy as White women will deaths. How we work to address these the ages of 10 and 24 years and the fifth never be realized for women living on difficult issues needs to be a focus and leading cause of death for Alaska Na- the reservation in Indian Country. We a priority for us. tive women between 25 and 34 years of cannot let this continue. So I appreciate what the Senator age. So we are trying to raise attention There are countless more stories like from North Dakota is doing in bringing and awareness. We are trying to shine Savanna’s, Stella’s, Mona Lisa’s, attention to our Nation’s lackluster— a spotlight on this issue. Monica’s, and Lakota’s that we will and that is kind of a polite term here— I certainly think it is high time that never know. It is time for Congress to response to the tragedy of missing and Federal law enforcement answer the recognize this epidemic and take ac- murdered Native women and girls. question, Why? Why is the murder rate tion to prevent these stories and find I am proud to lend my voice to the for Native women so high, and why are out just how many stories there really proposition that Congress, in the exer- we not addressing it in a comprehen- are. It is time to give voice to these cise of our trust responsibility to our sive fashion? The Senator from North voiceless women. It is time to bring Native peoples, has a responsibility to Dakota has pointed out that in many their perpetrators to justice and give a do more. You would think that that areas, jurisdictional issues are at play, voice to the families who are strug- trust responsibility demands us to be and I agree. That is not an excuse. We gling even today—sometimes decades paying even closer attention, and yet it acknowledge that we have challenges later—to understand how this can hap- seems that we just withdraw from that, with jurisdictions. Let’s figure this pen in America. They seem to be sec- that that responsibility is not out. Women are disappearing and ond-class citizens. acknowledged. dying. I think that is what we know. I am Now, it is not often here in the In Alaska, it is not so much jurisdic- working with very many of my col- United States that we benchmark our tional issues; it is the fact that in far leagues on the other side. This isn’t a treatment of indigenous peoples too many of our communities, we lack partisan issue. against Canada, but in this case, there any law enforcement presence. We I have been joined by my wonderful is actually a compelling difference be- might have a VPSO—a village safety colleague from the great State of Alas- tween Canada’s national response to police officer—but they are not armed. ka. I think the first time we ever met, the tragedy of missing and murdered They are very limited in terms of their this was the topic of conversation: Native women and our seeming indif- ability to provide for levels of enforce- What is the security for Indian chil- ference here in the United States. ment. More frustrating than so much dren, security for Indian women, and Down in southeastern Alaska, right of that is that women who have been Alaskan Native women? We knew be- across on the Canadian side, lies a victimized feel as though reporting cause both of us have traveled exten- town called Prince Rupert. It is in doesn’t get them anywhere because sively in our States and spent a lot of British Columbia. The Alaskan ferry there is no follow-through. There is no time in the indigenous populations. comes in from Washington State and prosecution. There has been no effort When family members ask us why stops in Prince Rupert and then moves that will allow them to have any level this is happening, we frequently don’t into Alaska. Prince Rupert is also the of recourse, much less justice, visited have an answer. terminus of Highway 16, and the locals upon them. I know that in my State jurisdic- refer to Highway 16 as the ‘‘Highway of As we talk about these issues of ju- tional issues provide some barriers to Tears.’’ They refer to it as the ‘‘High- risdiction and law enforcement and the actually getting this done, but that is way of Tears’’ because it is a road on rates that we see, I think we need to be an excuse. We need to do better. which Native women and girls have clear that the discussion today—the With that, I want to yield the floor vanished for decades now. The question call for justice—is not driven by statis- to my wonderful colleague from the is, How many? Who is disappearing? tics and rates. It is driven by their great State of Alaska, who once again Some would say as few as 12 and per- faces. It is driven by the loss of peo- is joining me and leading her side of haps as many as 43. CBS News devoted ple’s daughters, people’s siblings, peo- the aisle to bring attention to these a segment of its news magazine show ple’s friends, including Savannah and issues. ‘‘48 Hours’’ to the Highway of Tears. Stella and Nicole and Mona Lisa. These The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Canadian Prime Minister Justin are all real people, real women with ator from Alaska. Trudeau committed 54 million Cana- names, with faces, with families. Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I dian dollars to a national inquiry into In Alaska, the face we so often asso- want to acknowledge and thank the missing and murdered indigenous ciate with the lack of progress when it Senator from North Dakota. She has women and girls. I will admit that comes to addressing the issue of miss- been a champion for the Native people, there is some controversy over whether ing and murdered Native women is the the indigenous people around the coun- the national inquiry is actually ful- face of Sophie Sergie. This year marks try, including in my State of Alaska. filling its mission, but my point here is the 24th anniversary of the death of Whether it is working to address the that Canada stepped up. They have ac- Sophie Sergie from Pitkas Point. This issues related to childhood trauma, knowledged that this is an issue, that is a Yup’ik village in southwest Alas- which so many of our young Native this is a problem, and they have re- ka. children face, or the issues relating to sponded to the disproportionate vic- On August 26 of 1993, Sophie was domestic violence, sexual assault, and timization of Native women and girls, found dead in the women’s bathroom human trafficking—these are scourges and they have done so in a tangible dorm on the University of Alaska Fair- that we see directed, unfortunately, at way. Here in the United States, as my banks campus. She was raped. She was so many of our Native women in the friend and colleague has noted, we are shot dead. It is believed that her body State of Alaska, in the State of North more than a bit late in acknowledging remained in that bathroom for some 13 Dakota, and around the country. that the problem even exists. hours before it was found. The murder She has cited the statistics. I think Earlier this year, the Senators from weapon was never recovered. That case sometimes we just get numb by the Montana—both Senator DAINES and is still a cold case 24 years later. But statistics. When you are told that you Senator TESTER—were successful in we don’t forget Sophie Sergie, just as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.026 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 we don’t forget the women the Senator Native women but our Native children, transfer to or possession by a campus law en- from North Dakota has shared stories our indigenous peoples across this forcement officer for purposes of law enforce- about. We cannot forget these women. country. I appreciate all that is being ment (whether on or off-duty); Unlike the tragedies along the High- done, and I look forward to working ‘‘(B) the importation for, or sale or trans- way of Tears, we really don’t know how fer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic with her again as we try to shine a Energy Act of 1954 for purposes of estab- many Native women and girls have brighter light on a very tragic situa- lishing and maintaining an on-site physical gone missing and murdered. That is a tion. protection system and security organization big part of the problem. But I will tell required by Federal law, or possession by an my colleagues that if you ask advo- By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, employee or contractor of such licensee on- cates for Native women, the answer Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. site for such purposes or off-site for purposes comes back: It is no secret. We all KAINE, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. of licensee-authorized training or transpor- know somebody. We all know some- FRANKEN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. tation of nuclear materials; ‘‘(C) the possession, by an individual who is body who has gone missing, somebody VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. retired in good standing from service with a CARPER, Ms. WARREN, Ms. who has been murdered. law enforcement agency and is not otherwise That was the testimony of Tammy HIRONO, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. BOOK- prohibited from receiving ammunition, of a Jerue. She is the executive director for ER, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. SANDERS, large capacity ammunition feeding device— the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, ‘‘(i) sold or transferred to the individual by Center, and she testified before a con- and Ms. HARRIS): the agency upon such retirement; or gressional briefing last February. S. 1945. A bill to regulate large capac- ‘‘(ii) that the individual purchased, or oth- Tammy told the briefing that her orga- ity ammunition feeding devices; to the erwise obtained, for official use before such nization has documented as many as 50 Committee on the Judiciary. retirement; or Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘(D) the importation, sale, manufacture, names of women. When we think about transfer, or possession of any large capacity it, numbers on that order were signifi- unanimous consent that the text of the ammunition feeding device by a licensed cant enough for Prime Minister bill be printed in the RECORD. manufacturer or licensed importer for the Trudeau to commission a national in- There being no objection, the text of purposes of testing or experimentation au- quiry. So it causes us to ask the ques- the bill was ordered to be printed in thorized by the Attorney General. tion, What about us? What number do the RECORD, as follows: ‘‘(4) For purposes of paragraph (3)(A), the we have to get to before there is a call S. 1945 term ‘campus law enforcement officer’ to action, before we wake up and say: means an individual who is— Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(A) employed by a private institution of This is not acceptable. This is not ac- resentatives of the United States of America in higher education that is eligible for funding ceptable that our Native women are Congress assembled, under title IV of the Higher Education Act of disappearing, are being murdered. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); Native women are asking why Fed- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Keep Ameri- ‘‘(B) responsible for the prevention or in- eral law enforcement has no protocol cans Safe Act’’. vestigation of crime involving injury to per- for addressing the crisis in our Indian SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. sons or property, including apprehension or Country, why there is a lack of coordi- Section 921(a) of title 18, United States detention of persons for such crimes; nation among criminal justice agencies Code, is amended by inserting after para- ‘‘(C) authorized by Federal, State, or local in this country to set aside the juris- graph (29) the following: law to carry a firearm, execute search war- rants, and make arrests; and dictional challenges and investigate ‘‘(30) The term ‘large capacity ammunition feeding device’— ‘‘(D) recognized, commissioned, or certified these tragedies in an effective manner, ‘‘(A) means a magazine, belt, drum, feed by a government entity as a law enforcement and why there is a lack of victim serv- strip, helical feeding device, or similar de- officer.’’. ices. vice, including any such device joined or (b) IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR LARGE In the Indian Affairs Committee, we coupled with another in any manner, that CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES.— had a hearing on human trafficking, has an overall capacity of, or that can be Section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code, sex trafficking. It was pretty revealing readily restored, changed, or converted to is amended by adding at the end the fol- about the lack of victim services—spe- accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition; lowing: ‘‘A large capacity ammunition feed- cific—that could be there to help our and ing device manufactured after the date of en- actment of the Keep Americans Safe Act Native victims. Right now, the families ‘‘(B) does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of op- shall be identified by a serial number and the of missing and murdered Native women erating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammu- date on which the device was manufactured in Alaska have to cover the cost of a nition. or made, legibly and conspicuously engraved traditional burial. They have to cover ‘‘(31) The term ‘qualified law enforcement or cast on the device, and such other identi- the cost of immediate long-term coun- officer’ has the meaning given the term in fication as the Attorney General shall by seling, and so many other expenses section 926B.’’. regulations prescribe.’’. they can’t afford. We maintain a vic- SEC. 3. RESTRICTIONS ON LARGE CAPACITY AM- (c) SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF LARGE CA- tims of crime fund here in this country MUNITION FEEDING DEVICES. PACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES.—Sec- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 922 of title 18, tion 924(d) of title 18, United States Code, is to address these sorts of costs, but amended— there is no dedicated Tribal funding United States Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (u) the following: (1) in paragraph (1)— stream. We have had some pretty bi- ‘‘(v)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to (A) by inserting ‘‘or large capacity ammu- partisan efforts here in the Senate to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or pos- nition feeding device’’ after ‘‘firearm or am- establish one, but we haven’t even been sess, in or affecting interstate or foreign munition’’ each place the term appears; able to do that bare minimum to pro- commerce, a large capacity ammunition (B) by inserting ‘‘or large capacity ammu- vide for the victims. feeding device. nition feeding device’’ after ‘‘firearms or am- The issue we are discussing today is ‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the munition’’ each place the term appears; and possession of any large capacity ammunition (C) by striking ‘‘or (k)’’ and inserting ‘‘(k), tragic and frustrating. It is depressing. or (v)’’; But to remain silent is to truly further feeding device otherwise lawfully possessed on or before the date of enactment of the (2) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ‘‘or marginalize Native women and girls, Keep Americans Safe Act. large capacity ammunition feeding devices’’ and that is unacceptable. Perhaps we ‘‘(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to— after ‘‘firearms or quantities of ammuni- are not going to devote tens of millions ‘‘(A) the importation for, manufacture for, tion’’; and of dollars to a national inquiry; How- sale to, transfer to, or possession by the (3) in paragraph (3)(E), by inserting ever, it is high time that we acknowl- United States or a department or agency of ‘‘922(v),’’ after ‘‘922(n),’’. edge a problem that has failed to make the United States or a State or a depart- SEC. 4. PENALTIES. headlines in this country, because you ment, agency, or political subdivision of a Section 924(a)(1)(B) of title 18, United first have to acknowledge that a prob- State, or a sale or transfer to or possession States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘or (q)’’ by a qualified law enforcement officer em- and inserting ‘‘(q), or (v)’’. lem exists to make headway in address- ployed by the United States or a department SEC. 5. USE OF BYRNE GRANTS FOR BUY-BACK ing that problem. or agency of the United States or a State or PROGRAMS FOR LARGE CAPACITY So, again, I thank the Senator from a department, agency, or political subdivi- AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES. North Dakota for her strong and stead- sion of a State for purposes of law enforce- Section 501(a)(1) of title I of the Omnibus fast advocacy on behalf of not only our ment (whether on or off-duty), or a sale or Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05OC6.027 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6367 (34 U.S.C. 10152(a)(1)) is amended by adding Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook served as with HIV than their peers who are not in at the end the following: vice president of the American Political school; ‘‘(I) Compensation for surrendered large Science Association, president of the Asso- Whereas the Global Partnership for Edu- capacity ammunition feeding devices, as ciation for the Study of African American cation (GPE) is the only public-private glob- that term is defined in section 921 of title 18, Life and History, and chair of the Presidents al partnership exclusively dedicated to edu- United States Code, under buy-back pro- of the United Negro College Fund; cation in the world’s poorest countries; grams for large capacity ammunition feeding Whereas Duke University established the Whereas GPE eligible countries are home devices.’’. Samuel DuBois Cook Society, the Samuel to approximately 870,000,000 children and SEC. 6. SEVERABILITY. DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, the youth, which represent 78 percent of out-of- If any provision of this Act, an amendment Samuel DuBois Cook professorship, and the school children; made by this Act, or the application of such Samuel DuBois Cook Postdoctoral Fellow- Whereas GPE support resulted in 72,000,000 provision or amendment to any person or ship; more children in primary school in 2015 than circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, Whereas Ohio State University established in 2002 and a 10 percent increase in primary the remainder of this Act, the amendments the Samuel DuBois Cook Summer Academy school completion over that same period in made by this Act, and the application of and the Samuel DuBois Cook graduate fel- GPE partner countries; such provision or amendment to any person lowship, to honor the work and achieve- Whereas GPE support to partner countries or circumstance shall not be affected there- ments of Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook; has achieved a 71 percent primary comple- by. Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook died on tion rate for girls in 2014 compared with 56 f May 29, 2017; and percent in 2002; Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook is con- Whereas 60 percent of GPE’s spending is in SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS sidered to be a trailblazer who lived a life of countries affected by conflict or fragility integrity: Now, therefore, be it and helped these countries to increase their Resolved, That the Senate honors the life primary school completion rates from 56 per- SENATE RESOLUTION 285—HON- and achievements of Dr. Samuel DuBois cent in 2000 to 69 percent in 2015; ORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVE- Cook. Whereas GPE incentivizes developing MENTS OF DR. SAMUEL DUBOIS country governments to increase their own f COOK domestic financing for education, which has SENATE RESOLUTION 286—SUP- resulted in partner countries pledging Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. BURR, PORTING THE ROLE OF THE $26,000,000,000 for their own domestic financ- Mr. CASSIDY, and Mr. TILLIS) submitted ing during GPE’s 2014 replenishment con- the following resolution; which was re- UNITED STATES IN ENSURING ference; ferred to the Committee on the Judici- CHILDREN IN THE POOREST Whereas support for GPE complements the ary: COUNTRIES HAVE ACCESS TO A United States Government’s bilateral basic education programs by fostering coordina- S. RES. 285 QUALITY EDUCATION THROUGH THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR tion among all key partners, ensuring the Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook was born EDUCATION development of national education sector on November 21, 1928, in Griffin, Georgia; plans, and building on the commitment of Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook earned a Mr. BOOKER (for himself and Mr. developing country governments; Bachelor of Arts degree in history from RUBIO) submitted the following resolu- Whereas, on April 20, 2017, GPE called on Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; tion; which was referred to the Com- donors and developing country partners to Whereas, as a student, Dr. Samuel DuBois mittee on Foreign Relations: fund a $3,100,000,000, three-year plan to sup- Cook was a friend and classmate of Dr. Mar- port 89 developing countries in improving S. RES. 286 tin Luther King, Jr., and a leader at More- the quality of and access to education for house College, where he served as student Whereas access to quality education re- 870,000,000 children and youth and provide body president and founded the campus chap- duces poverty, advances economic pros- education plan implementation grants to 67 ter of the National Association for the ad- perity, improves peace and security, and developing countries, covering 64 percent of vancement of Colored People; strengthens public health; out-of-school children; Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook earned a Whereas the 2016 Global Education Moni- Whereas GPE is urging developing country Master of Arts in Political Science and a toring (GEM) Report, the globally recognized governments to allocate 20 percent of gov- Doctor of Philosophy from Ohio State Uni- annual accountability tool on the status of ernment expenditure to education and phil- versity; education internationally, found that an es- anthropic and private sector donors to in- Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook is a vet- timated 263,000,000 children and youth are crease their contributions; and eran who served in the United States Army out of school worldwide, with girls still more Whereas, with support from donors, GPE during the Korean War; likely to be out of school than their male will be able to ensure 19,000,000 more children Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook taught peers in most of the developing world; complete primary school, 6,600,000 more chil- at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Lou- Whereas a 2015 GEM Report found that dren complete lower secondary school, isiana, Atlanta University, the University of two-thirds of the world’s out-of-school chil- 1,700,000 more teachers are trained, 23,800 Illinois, and the University of California, Los dren live in countries affected by fragility classrooms are built, and 204,000,000 text- Angeles, before becoming a faculty member and conflict; books are distributed, bringing new hope to at Duke University in Durham, North Caro- Whereas a 2016 GEM Report found that sub- a generation of children and youth: Now, lina; Saharan Africa remains the region with the therefore, be it Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook spent his highest out-of-school rates for all age groups Resolved, That the Senate— life working for social justice and equality; and of the 61,000,000 out-of-school children of (1) affirms the leadership and commitment Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook distin- primary school age, 33,000,000, or more than of the United States Government to improv- guished himself as an educator, scholar, half, live in sub-Saharan Africa; ing access to quality education for the poor- thinker, activist, and public servant; Whereas the 2011 World Health Organiza- est and most marginalized children and Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook broke tion’s World Report on Disability has found youth worldwide, which is critical to global racial barriers as the first African American an estimated 90 percent of children with dis- stability, economic prosperity, and poverty to hold either a regular or tenured faculty abilities under age 18 in the developing world elimination; appointment at a predominantly white do not attend school; (2) supports the mission and goals of the southern college or university, when he re- Whereas a 2012 GEM Report found that Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to ceived an appointment at Duke University; 250,000,000 primary schoolchildren are failing mobilize global and national efforts to con- Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook also to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills, tribute to the achievement of equitable, broke racial barriers in his field by serving 130,000,000 of whom have attended at least quality education and learning, with a focus as the first African American president of four years of school; on effective and efficient education systems the Southern Political Science Association; Whereas a 2011 GEM Report found that and strong education financing; Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook endeav- educating all students in low-income coun- (3) recognizes that United States Govern- ored to advance interracial harmony; tries with basic reading skills could lead to ment investments in bilateral basic edu- Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook left an 171,000,000 people lifted out of poverty, a 12 cation are complemented by GPE’s edu- indelible imprint on Dillard University, a percent drop in global poverty; cation systems approach and convening au- historically black university in New Orleans, Whereas a 1999 World Bank study on con- thority; and Louisiana, as its president for more than 2 flict found every year of school decreases the (4) encourages increased commitment and decades; chance of male youth engaging in violent investment by the United States Govern- Whereas Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook was ap- conflict by 20 percent; ment, international donors, private founda- pointed to the National Council on the Hu- Whereas a 2011 GEM Report reported that tions, and private sector donors through the manities by President Jimmy Carter and ap- an educated mother is more likely to have GPE to the global effort to ensure children pointed to the United States Holocaust Me- her children vaccinated, and girls in school and youth are in school and learning morial Council by President Bill Clinton; are three times less likely to be infected throughout the world.

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RES. 288 each year, which generate more than NATING OCTOBER 8, 2017, AS ‘‘NA- Whereas police officers are indispensable $2,400,000,000 in sales and 35,000 jobs in local TIONAL HYDROGEN AND FUEL members of the community who put their economies; CELL DAY’’ lives on the line to protect others; Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge Sys- Whereas promoting strong relationships tem encompasses every kind of ecosystem in Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. founded in trust and mutual respect between the United States, including temperate, BLUMENTHAL, and Mr. COONS) sub- law enforcement officers and the commu- tropical and boreal forests, wetlands, mitted the following resolution; which nities they serve helps ensure the safe and deserts, grasslands, arctic tundras, and re- was considered and agreed to: effective execution of the law; mote islands, and spans 12 time zones from Whereas law enforcement officers and com- the Virgin Islands to Guam; S. RES. 287 munities that work together to address pub- Whereas national wildlife refuges are home Whereas hydrogen, which has an atomic lic safety concerns can create lasting solu- to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species mass of 1.008, is the most abundant chemical tions to difficult challenges; of mammals, 250 species of reptiles and am- substance in the universe; Whereas a long-term commitment to com- phibians, and more than 1,000 species of fish; Whereas the United States is a world lead- munity policing is necessary to eliminate Whereas national wildlife refuges are the er in the development and deployment of the underlying causes of crime; primary Federal lands on which the produc- tion, migration, and wintering habitat for fuel cell and hydrogen technologies; Whereas the advancement of community waterfowl are fostered; Whereas hydrogen fuel cells played an in- policing should be supported to ensure that Whereas, since 1934, the sale of the Federal strumental role in the United States space State and local law enforcement agencies Duck Stamp to outdoor enthusiasts has gen- program, helping the United States achieve have necessary resources; and erated more than $850,000,000 in funds, which the mission of landing a man on the moon; Whereas community policing has been rec- has enabled the purchase or lease of more Whereas private industry, Federal and ognized as an important tool for improving than 5,700,000 acres of habitat for waterfowl State governments, national laboratories, the relationship between law enforcement of- and numerous other species in the National and institutions of higher education con- ficers and the communities they serve: Now, Wildlife Refuge System; tinue to improve fuel cell and hydrogen tech- therefore, be it nologies to address the most pressing energy, Whereas refuges provide protection to Resolved, That the Senate— more than 380 threatened and endangered environmental, and economic issues of the (1) designates the week of October 1 United States; species; through 7, 2017, as ‘‘National Community Po- Whereas national wildlife refuges are cores Whereas fuel cells utilizing hydrogen and licing Week’’; and hydrogen-rich fuels to generate electricity of conservation for larger landscapes and re- (2) supports community policing and en- sources for other agencies of the Federal are clean, efficient, and resilient tech- courages the people of the United States, law nologies being sold for stationary and Government, State governments, private enforcement agencies, and elected officials landowners, and organizations in efforts to backup power, zero-emission light duty to identify ways in which communities may motor vehicles and buses, industrial vehi- secure the wildlife heritage of the United improve public safety, strengthen relation- States; cles, and portable power; ships, and build trust. Whereas stationary fuel cells are being Whereas more than 40,000 volunteers and placed in service for continuous and backup f approximately 200 national wildlife refuge power to provide business and energy con- ‘‘Friends’’ organizations contribute more sumers with reliable power in the event of SENATE RESOLUTION 289—DESIG- than 1,350,000 volunteer hours annually, the grid outages; NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING equivalent of nearly 650 full-time employees, and provide an important link to local com- Whereas stationary fuel cells can help re- OCTOBER 8, 2017, AS ‘‘NATIONAL munities; duce water use, as compared to traditional WILDFIRE REFUGE WEEK’’ Whereas national wildlife refuges provide power generation technologies; Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. KEN- an important opportunity for children to dis- Whereas fuel cell electric light duty motor cover and gain a greater appreciation for the vehicles and buses that utilize hydrogen can NEDY) submitted the following resolu- natural world; completely replicate the experience of inter- tion; which was considered and agreed Whereas there are national wildlife refuges nal combustion vehicles, including com- to: located in several urban and suburban areas parable range and refueling times; S. RES. 289 and there is a refuge located within a 1 hour Whereas hydrogen fuel cell industrial vehi- Whereas, in 1903, President Theodore Roo- drive of every metropolitan area in the cles are being deployed at logistical hubs and sevelt established the first national wildlife United States, which has enabled national warehouses across the United States and ex- refuge on Pelican Island in Florida; wildlife refuges to employ, educate, and en- ported to facilities in Europe and Asia; Whereas, in 2017, the National Wildlife Ref- gage young people from all backgrounds in Whereas hydrogen is a nontoxic gas that uge System, administered by the United exploring, connecting with, and preserving can be derived from a variety of domesti- States Fish and Wildlife Service, is the pre- the natural heritage of the United States; cally available traditional and renewable re- mier system of land and water to conserve Whereas, since 1995, refuges across the sources, including solar, wind, biogas, and wildlife in the world and has grown to ap- United States have held festivals, edu- the abundant supply of natural gas in the proximately 836,000,000 acres, 566 national cational programs, guided tours, and other United States; wildlife refuges, and 38 wetland management events to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Whereas hydrogen and fuel cells can store districts located in every State and territory Week during the second full week of October; energy to help enhance the grid and maxi- of the United States; Whereas the United States Fish and Wild- mize opportunities to deploy renewable en- Whereas national wildlife refuges are im- life Service has designated the week begin- ergy; portant recreational and tourism destina- ning on October 8, 2017, as ‘‘National Wildlife Whereas the United States produces and tions in communities across the United Refuge Week’’; and uses more than 11,000,000 metric tons of hy- States and this protected land offers a vari- Whereas the designation of National Wild- drogen per year; and ety of recreational opportunities, including 6 life Refuge Week by the Senate would recog- Whereas engineers and safety code and wildlife-dependent uses that the National nize more than a century of conservation in standard professionals have developed con- Wildlife Refuge System manages, specifi- the United States, raise awareness about the sensus-based protocols for safe delivery, han- cally hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, importance of wildlife and the National dling, and use of hydrogen: Now, therefore, photography, environmental education, and Wildlife Refuge System, and celebrate the be it interpretation; myriad recreational opportunities available Resolved, That the Senate designates Octo- Whereas, in 2017, 373 units of the National to enjoy this network of protected lands: ber 8, 2017, as ‘‘National Hydrogen and Fuel Wildlife Refuge System have hunting pro- Now, therefore, be it Cell Day’’. grams and 310 units of the National Wildlife Resolved, That the Senate— Refuge System have fishing programs, aver- (1) designates the week beginning on Octo- f aging more than 2,400,000 hunting visits and ber 8, 2017, as ‘‘National Wildlife Refuge nearly 6,900,000 fishing visits each year; Week’’; Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge Sys- (2) encourages the observance of National SENATE RESOLUTION 288—DESIG- tem experienced more than 31,400,000 wildlife Wildlife Refuge Week with appropriate NATING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER observation visits during fiscal year 2016; events and activities; 1 THROUGH 7, 2017, AS ‘‘NA- Whereas national wildlife refuges are im- (3) acknowledges the importance of na- TIONAL COMMUNITY POLICING portant to local businesses and gateway tional wildlife refuges for their recreational WEEK’’ communities; opportunities and contribution to local Whereas visitation to the National Wildlife economies across the United States; Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. COR- Refuge System increased by nearly 30 per- (4) finds that national wildlife refuges play NYN, Ms. HASSAN, and Mr. HATCH) sub- cent from 2006 to 2016; a vital role in securing the hunting and fish- mitted the following resolution; which Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge Sys- ing heritage of the United States for future was considered and agreed to: tem experiences more than 50,000,000 visits generations;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.028 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6369 (5) identifies the significance of national Whereas more than 2,200,000 individuals in TITLE I—PREVENTION OF ACCESS BY wildlife refuges in advancing the traditions the United States are currently employed HIZBALLAH TO INTERNATIONAL FI- of wildlife observation, photography, envi- across the energy efficiency sector, as the NANCIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS ronmental education, and interpretation; United States has doubled its energy produc- Sec. 101. Mandatory sanctions with respect (6) recognizes the importance of national tivity and business and industry have be- to fundraising and recruitment wildlife refuges to wildlife conservation, the come more innovative and competitive in activities for Hizballah. protection of imperiled species and eco- global markets; Sec. 102. Modification of report with respect systems, and compatible uses; Whereas the Office of Energy Efficiency to financial institutions that (7) acknowledges the role of national wild- and Renewable Energy of the Department of engage in certain transactions. life refuges in conserving waterfowl and wa- Energy is the principal Federal agency re- Sec. 103. Sanctions against agencies and in- terfowl habitat under the Migratory Bird sponsible for renewable energy technologies strumentalities of foreign Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.); and energy efficiency efforts; states that support Hizballah. (8) reaffirms the support of the Senate for Whereas cutting energy waste saves the TITLE II—NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND wildlife conservation and the National Wild- consumers of the United States billions of SIGNIFICANT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMI- life Refuge System; and dollars on utility bills annually; and NAL ACTIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH (9) expresses the intent of the Senate— Whereas energy efficiency policies, financ- Sec. 201. Blocking of property of Hizballah. (A) to continue working to conserve wild- ing innovations, and public-private partner- Sec. 202. Report on racketeering activities life; and ships have contributed to a reduction in en- engaged in by Hizballah. (B) to manage the National Wildlife Refuge ergy intensity in Federal facilities and vehi- Sec. 203. Modification of report on activities System for current and future generations. cle fleets by over 47 percent since the mid- of foreign governments to dis- f 1970s, which results in direct savings to rupt global logistics networks United States taxpayers: Now, therefore, be and fundraising, financing, and SENATE RESOLUTION 290—DESIG- it money laundering activities of NATING OCTOBER 5, 2017, AS ‘‘EN- Resolved, That the Senate— Hizballah. ERGY EFFICIENCY DAY’’ IN (1) designates October 5, 2017, as ‘‘Energy Sec. 204. Report on combating the illicit to- CELEBRATION OF THE ECONOMIC Efficiency Day’’; and bacco trafficking networks used AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS (2) calls on the people of the United States by Hizballah. THAT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN BY to observe Energy Efficiency Day with ap- TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS propriate programs, ceremonies, and activi- Sec. 301. Regulatory authority. PRIVATE SECTOR INNOVATION ties. AND FEDERAL ENERGY EFFI- Sec. 302. Exceptions. CIENCY POLICIES PUT IN PLACE f TITLE I—PREVENTION OF ACCESS BY OVER THE PAST 4 DECADES AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND HIZBALLAH TO INTERNATIONAL FINAN- CIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. PROPOSED SEC. 101. MANDATORY SANCTIONS WITH RE- PORTMAN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. COONS, Mr. SA 1110. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. RUBIO SPECT TO FUNDRAISING AND RE- HATCH, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. HEINRICH, (for himself, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. CRUITMENT ACTIVITIES FOR Ms. HASSAN, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Ms. CANT- KAINE, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. HIZBALLAH. WELL, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. REED, Ms. PERDUE, Ms. HEITKAMP, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 101 of the TESTER, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. Hizballah International Financing Preven- HIRONO, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. WARNER, Ms. MORAN, Mr. GARDNER, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mrs. tion Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. STABENOW, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. BROWN, ERNST, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. WICKER, Mr. 1701 note) is amended to read as follows: Ms. COLLINS, Mr. GARDNER, and Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. HELLER, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. CRUZ, ‘‘SEC. 101. MANDATORY SANCTIONS WITH RE- WYDEN) submitted the following reso- Mr. SASSE, Mr. ROBERTS, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. SPECT TO FUNDRAISING AND RE- lution; which was considered and COTTON, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Ms. CRUITMENT ACTIVITIES FOR agreed to: BALDWIN, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. HIZBALLAH. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall im- S. RES. 290 COONS, Mr. CASEY, Mr. NELSON, and Mr. MANCHIN)) proposed an amendment to the pose the sanctions described in subsection (b) Whereas October has been designated as bill S. 1595, to amend the Hizballah Inter- with respect to any foreign person that the ‘‘National Energy Awareness Month’’; national Financing Prevention Act of 2015 to President determines knowingly provides Whereas improvements in energy effi- impose additional sanctions with respect to significant financial, material, or techno- ciency technologies and practices along with Hizballah, and for other purposes. logical support for— policies of the United States enacted since ‘‘(1) Bayt al-Mal, Jihad al-Bina, the Is- the 1970s have resulted in energy savings of f lamic Resistance Support Association, or more than 60,000,000,000,000,000 British ther- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS any successor or affiliate thereof as des- mal units and energy cost avoidance of more ignated by the President; than $800,000,000,000 annually; SA 1110. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. ‘‘(2) al-Manar TV, al Nour Radio, or the Whereas energy efficiency has enjoyed bi- RUBIO (for himself, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. Lebanese Media Group, or any successor or partisan support in Congress and in adminis- CRAPO, Mr. KAINE, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. affiliate thereof as designated by the Presi- trations of both parties for more than 40 MENENDEZ, Mr. PERDUE, Ms. HEITKAMP, dent; years; Mr. BLUNT, Mr. TESTER, Mrs. CAPITO, ‘‘(3) a foreign person determined by the Whereas bipartisan legislation enacted President to be engaged in fundraising or re- Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. MORAN, Mr. since the 1970s to advance Federal energy ef- cruitment activities for Hizballah; or ficiency policies includes— GARDNER, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mrs. ERNST, ‘‘(4) a foreign person owned or controlled (1) the Energy Policy and Conservation Act Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. WICKER, Mr. ROUNDS, by a foreign person described in paragraph (42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.); Mr. HELLER, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. (1), (2), or (3). (2) the National Appliance Energy Con- SASSE, Mr. ROBERTS, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. ‘‘(b) SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.— servation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–12; 101 COTTON, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. CORTEZ ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The sanctions described Stat. 103); MASTO, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. in this subsection are the following: (3) the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. COONS, Mr. CASEY, Mr. ‘‘(A) ASSET BLOCKING.—The exercise of all 13201 et seq.); powers granted to the President by the NELSON, and Mr. MANCHIN)) proposed an (4) the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. International Emergency Economic Powers 15801 et seq.); amendment to the bill S. 1595, to Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (except that the (5) the Energy Independence and Security amend the Hizballah International Fi- requirements of section 202 of such Act (50 Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 et seq.); and nancing Prevention Act of 2015 to im- U.S.C. 1701) shall not apply) to the extent (6) the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act pose additional sanctions with respect necessary to block and prohibit all trans- of 2015 (Public Law 114–11; 129 Stat. 182); to Hizballah, and for other purposes; as actions in all property and interests in prop- Whereas energy efficiency has long been follows: erty of a foreign person determined by the supported by a diverse coalition of busi- President to be subject to subsection (a) if Strike all after the enacting clause and in- nesses (including manufacturers, utilities, such property and interests in property are sert the following: energy service companies, and technology in the United States, come within the United firms), public-interest organizations, envi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. States, or are or come within the possession ronmental and conservation groups, and (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as or control of a United States person. State and local governments; the ‘‘Hizballah International Financing Pre- ‘‘(B) ALIENS INELIGIBLE FOR VISAS, ADMIS- Whereas, since 1980, the United States has vention Amendments Act of 2017’’. SION, OR PAROLE.— more than doubled its energy productivity, (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ‘‘(i) VISAS, ADMISSION, OR PAROLE.—An realizing twice the economic output per unit tents for this Act is as follows: alien who the President determines is sub- of energy consumed; Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. ject to subsection (a) is—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.030 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 ‘‘(I) inadmissible to the United States; ‘‘(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the rorism’ means a country the government of ‘‘(II) ineligible to receive a visa or other Committee on Ways and Means, the Com- which the Secretary of State has determined documentation to enter the United States; mittee on the Judiciary, and the Committee is a government that has repeatedly provided and on Financial Services of the House of Rep- support for acts of international terrorism ‘‘(III) otherwise ineligible to be admitted resentatives; and for purposes of— or paroled into the United States or to re- ‘‘(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations, ‘‘(i) section 6(j) of the Export Administra- ceive any other benefit under the Immigra- the Committee on Finance, the Committee tion Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 4605(j)) (as contin- tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and ued in effect pursuant to the International seq.). the Committee on the Judiciary of the Sen- Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. ‘‘(ii) CURRENT VISAS REVOKED.— ate. 1701 et seq.)); ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—The issuing consular offi- ‘‘(3) ENTITY.—The term ‘entity’ means a ‘‘(ii) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance cer, the Secretary of State, or the Secretary partnership, association, corporation, or Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371); of Homeland Security shall revoke any visa other organization, group, or subgroup. ‘‘(iii) section 40 of the Arms Export Control or other entry documentation issued to an ‘‘(4) HIZBALLAH.—The term ‘Hizballah’ has Act (22 U.S.C. 2780); or alien who the President determines is sub- the meaning given such term in section ‘‘(iv) any other provision of law.’’. ject to subsection (a), regardless of when 102(f). SEC. 103. SANCTIONS AGAINST AGENCIES AND IN- issued. ‘‘(5) PERSON.—The term ‘person’ means an STRUMENTALITIES OF FOREIGN ‘‘(II) EFFECT OF REVOCATION.—A revocation individual or entity. STATES THAT SUPPORT HIZBALLAH. under subclause (I) shall take effect imme- ‘‘(6) UNITED STATES PERSON.—The term (a) IN GENERAL.—Title I of the Hizballah diately and shall automatically cancel any ‘United States person’ means a United International Financing Prevention Act of other valid visa or entry documentation that States citizen, permanent resident alien, en- 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is in the possession of the alien. tity organized under the laws of the United is amended by adding at the end the fol- ‘‘(2) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided States (including foreign branches), or a per- lowing: for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of son in the United States.’’. ‘‘SEC. 103. SANCTIONS AGAINST AGENCIES AND the International Emergency Economic Pow- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of INSTRUMENTALITIES OF FOREIGN ers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a per- contents for the Hizballah International Fi- STATES THAT SUPPORT HIZBALLAH. son that violates, attempts to violate, con- nancing Prevention Act of 2015 is amended ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days spires to violate, or causes a violation of reg- by striking the item relating to section 101 after the date of the enactment of this sec- ulations prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) to and inserting the following new item: tion, and as appropriate thereafter, the the same extent that such penalties apply to ‘‘Sec. 101. Mandatory sanctions with respect President shall block and prohibit all trans- a person that commits an unlawful act de- to fundraising and recruitment actions in all property and interests in prop- scribed in subsection (a) of such section 206. activities for Hizballah.’’. erty of any agency or instrumentality of a ‘‘(c) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may SEC. 102. MODIFICATION OF REPORT WITH RE- foreign state described in subsection (b) if exercise all authorities provided under sec- SPECT TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS such property and interests in property are tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- THAT ENGAGE IN CERTAIN TRANS- in the United States, come within the United gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 ACTIONS. States, or are or come within the possession and 1704) to carry out this section. Subsection (d) of section 102 of the or control of a United States person. ‘‘(d) PROCEDURES FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF Hizballah International Financing Preven- ‘‘(b) AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF A CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— tion Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. FOREIGN STATE DESCRIBED.—An agency or in- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If a finding under this 1701 note) is amended to read as follows: strumentality of a foreign state described in section, or a prohibition, condition, or pen- ‘‘(d) REPORT ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS this subsection is an agency or instrumen- alty imposed as a result of any such finding, ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF STATE SPON- tality of a foreign state that the President is based on classified information (as defined SORS OF TERRORISM.— determines knowingly provides significant in section 1(a) of the Classified Information ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days financial, material, or technological support Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)) and a court after the date of the enactment of the for, goods or services to or in support of, or reviews the finding or the imposition of the Hizballah International Financing Preven- arms or related material to— prohibition, condition, or penalty, the Presi- tion Amendments Act of 2017, and every 180 ‘‘(1) Hizballah; dent may submit such information to the days thereafter for the following 5 years, the ‘‘(2) an entity owned or controlled by court ex parte and in camera. President shall submit to the appropriate Hizballah; or congressional committees a report that— ‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in ‘‘(3) an entity that the President deter- this subsection shall be construed to confer ‘‘(A) identifies each foreign financial insti- mines has acted for or on behalf of Hizballah. or imply any right to judicial review of any tution described in paragraph (2) that the ‘‘(c) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided finding under this section or any prohibition, President determines engages in one or more for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of condition, or penalty imposed as a result of activities described in subsection (a)(2); the International Emergency Economic Pow- any such finding. ‘‘(B) provides a detailed description of each ers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a per- ‘‘(e) WAIVER.— such activity; and son that violates, attempts to violate, con- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President may, for ‘‘(C) contains a determination with respect spires to violate, or causes a violation of reg- periods not to exceed 180 days, waive the im- to each such foreign financial institution ulations prescribed under subsection (a) to position of sanctions under this section if that is identified under subparagraph (A) as the same extent that such penalties apply to the President certifies to the appropriate engaging in one or more activities described a person that commits an unlawful act de- congressional committees that such waiver in subsection (a)(2) as to whether such for- scribed in subsection (a) of such section 206. is in the national security interests of the eign financial institution is in violation of ‘‘(d) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may United States. Executive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; re- exercise all authorities provided under sec- ‘‘(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after lating to blocking property and prohibiting tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- the issuance of a waiver under paragraph (1) transactions with persons who commit, gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 with respect to a foreign person, and every threaten to commit, or support terrorism) by and 1704) to carry out this section. 180 days thereafter while the waiver remains reason of engaging in one or more such ac- ‘‘(e) PROCEDURES FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF in effect, the President shall brief the appro- tivities. CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— priate congressional committees on the sta- ‘‘(2) FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DE- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If a finding under this tus of the involvement of the foreign person SCRIBED.— section, or a prohibition, condition, or pen- in activities described in subsection (a). ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A foreign financial in- alty imposed as a result of any such finding, ‘‘(f) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after stitution described in this paragraph is a for- is based on classified information (as defined the date of the enactment of the Hizballah eign financial institution— in section 1(a) of the Classified Information International Financing Prevention Amend- ‘‘(i) that, wherever located, is— Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)) and a court ments Act of 2017, and every 180 days there- ‘‘(I) organized under the laws of a state reviews the finding or the imposition of the after for the following 5 years, the President sponsor of terrorism or any jurisdiction prohibition, condition, or penalty, the Presi- shall submit to the appropriate congres- within a state sponsor of terrorism; dent may submit such information to the sional committees a report that lists the for- ‘‘(II) owned or controlled by the govern- court ex parte and in camera. eign persons that the President determines ment of a state sponsor of terrorism; ‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in are described in subsection (a). ‘‘(III) located in the territory of a state this subsection shall be construed to confer ‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: sponsor of terrorism; or or imply any right to judicial review of any ‘‘(1) ADMITTED; ALIEN.—The terms ‘admit- ‘‘(IV) owned or controlled by a foreign fi- finding under this section or any prohibition, ted’ and ‘alien’ have meanings given those nancial institution described in subclause condition, or penalty imposed as a result of terms in section 101 of the Immigration and (I), (II), or (III); and any such finding. Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101). ‘‘(ii) the capitalization of which exceeds ‘‘(f) WAIVER.— ‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- $10,000,000. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President may, for TEES.—The term ‘appropriate congressional ‘‘(B) STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM.—In this periods not to exceed 180 days, waive the im- committees’ means— paragraph, the term ‘state sponsor of ter- position of sanctions under this section with

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respect to an agency or instrumentality of a property are in the United States, come ‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: foreign state if the President certifies to the within the United States, or are or come ‘‘(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- appropriate congressional committees that within the possession or control of a United TEES.—The term ‘appropriate congressional such waiver is in the national security inter- States person. committees’ means— ests of the United States. ‘‘(c) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided ‘‘(A) the Committee on the Judiciary, the ‘‘(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Com- the issuance of a waiver under paragraph (1) the International Emergency Economic Pow- mittee on Financial Services of the House of with respect to an agency or instrumentality ers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a per- Representatives; and of a foreign state, and every 180 days there- son that violates, attempts to violate, con- ‘‘(B) the Committee on the Judiciary, the after while the waiver remains in effect, the spires to violate, or causes a violation of reg- Committee on Foreign Relations, and the President shall brief the appropriate con- ulations prescribed under subsection (b) to Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban gressional committees on the status of the the same extent that such penalties apply to Affairs of the Senate. involvement of the agency or instrumen- a person that commits an unlawful act de- ‘‘(2) HIZBALLAH.—The term ‘Hizballah’ has tality in activities described in subsection scribed in subsection (a) of such section 206. the meaning given that term in section (b). ‘‘(d) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may 102(f). ‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: exercise all authorities provided under sec- ‘‘(3) RACKETEERING ACTIVITY.—The term ‘‘(1) AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF A FOR- tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- ‘racketeering activity’ has the meaning EIGN STATE; FOREIGN STATE.—The terms gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 given that term in section 1961(1) of title 18, ‘agency or instrumentality of a foreign and 1704) to carry out this section. United States Code.’’. ‘‘(e) PROCEDURES FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF state’ and ‘foreign state’ have the meanings (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— given those terms in section 1603 of title 28, contents for the Hizballah International Fi- United States Code. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If a finding under this section, or a prohibition, condition, or pen- nancing Prevention Act of 2015 is amended ‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- alty imposed as a result of any such finding, by striking the item relating to section 202 TEES.—The term ‘appropriate congressional and inserting the following: committees’ means— is based on classified information (as defined ‘‘Sec. 202. Report on racketeering activities ‘‘(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the in section 1(a) of the Classified Information engaged in by Hizballah.’’. Committee on Financial Services, the Com- Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)) and a court mittee on Ways and Means, and the Com- reviews the finding or the imposition of the SEC. 203. MODIFICATION OF REPORT ON ACTIVI- mittee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep- prohibition, condition, or penalty, the Presi- TIES OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS dent may submit such information to the TO DISRUPT GLOBAL LOGISTICS resentatives; and NETWORKS AND FUNDRAISING, FI- ‘‘(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations, court ex parte and in camera. ULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in NANCING, AND MONEY LAUNDERING the Committee on Banking, Housing, and ‘‘(2) R this subsection shall be construed to confer ACTIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH. Urban Affairs, and the Committee on the Ju- or imply any right to judicial review of any (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 204 of the diciary of the Senate. finding under this section or any prohibition, Hizballah International Financing Preven- ‘‘(3) ARMS OR RELATED MATERIAL.—The condition, or penalty imposed as a result of tion Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. term ‘arms or related material’ means— 1701 note) is amended— ‘‘(A) nuclear, biological, chemical, or radi- any such finding. ‘‘(f) WAIVER.—The President may, for peri- (1) in subsection (a)(1)— ological weapons or materials or components ods not to exceed 180 days, waive the imposi- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph of such weapons; tion of sanctions under this section if the (A), by striking ‘‘this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘(B) ballistic or cruise missile weapons or President certifies to the appropriate con- ‘‘the Hizballah International Financing Pre- materials or components of such weapons; gressional committees that such waiver is in vention Amendments Act of 2017, and annu- ‘‘(C) destabilizing numbers and types of ad- the national security interests of the United ally thereafter for the following 5 years’’; vanced conventional weapons; States. (B) in subparagraph (D)(ii)(II), by striking ‘‘(D) defense articles or defense services, as ‘‘(g) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘and’’ at the end; those terms are defined in paragraphs (3) and ‘Hizballah’ has the meaning given that term (C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘and (4), respectively, of section 47 of the Arms in section 102(f).’’. free-trade zones.’’ and inserting ‘‘free-trade Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794); (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—The table of zones, business partnerships and joint ven- ‘‘(E) defense information, as that term is contents for the Hizballah International Fi- tures, and other investments in small and defined in section 644 of the Foreign Assist- nancing Prevention Act of 2015 is amended— medium-sized enterprises;’’; and ance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2403); or (1) by striking the item relating to title II (D) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(F) items designated by the President for and inserting the following: ‘‘(F) a list of jurisdictions outside of Leb- purposes of the United States Munitions List ‘‘TITLE II—IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS anon that expressly consent to, or with under section 38(a)(1) of the Arms Export WITH RESPECT TO HIZBALLAH AND knowledge allow, the use of their territory Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778(a)(1)). REPORTS RELATING TO NARCOTICS by Hizballah to carry out terrorist activities, ‘‘(4) HIZBALLAH.—The term ‘Hizballah’ has TRAFFICKING AND SIGNIFICANT including training, financing, and recruit- the meaning given that term in section TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ACTIVI- ment; 102(f).’’. TIES OF HIZBALLAH.’’; AND ‘‘(G) a description of the total aggregate (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of revenues and remittances that Hizballah re- contents for the Hizballah International Fi- (2) by striking the item relating to section 201 and inserting the following: ceives from the global logistics networks of nancing Prevention Act of 2015 is amended Hizballah.’’; by inserting after the item relating to sec- ‘‘Sec. 201. Blocking of property of Hizballah.’’. (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) tion 102 the following new item: as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; SEC. 202. REPORT ON RACKETEERING ACTIVI- ‘‘Sec. 103. Sanctions against agencies and in- (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol- strumentalities of foreign TIES ENGAGED IN BY HIZBALLAH. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 202 of the lowing: states that support Hizballah.’’. Hizballah International Financing Preven- ‘‘(b) ENHANCED DUE DILIGENCE.— TITLE II—NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND tion Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall pre- SIGNIFICANT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMI- 1701 note) is amended to read as follows: scribe, as necessary, enhanced due diligence NAL ACTIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH ‘‘SEC. 202. REPORT ON RACKETEERING ACTIVI- policies, procedures, and controls for United SEC. 201. BLOCKING OF PROPERTY OF TIES ENGAGED IN BY HIZBALLAH. States financial institutions, and foreign fi- HIZBALLAH. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days nancial institutions maintaining cor- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 201 of the after the date of the enactment of the respondent accounts or payable-through ac- Hizballah International Financing Preven- Hizballah International Financing Preven- counts with United States financial institu- tion Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–102; 50 U.S.C. tion Amendments Act of 2017, and annually tions, that the President determines provide 1701 note) is amended to read as follows: thereafter for the following 5 years, the significant financial services for persons and ‘‘SEC. 201. BLOCKING OF PROPERTY OF President shall submit to the appropriate entities operating in a jurisdiction included HIZBALLAH. congressional committees a report on the in the list required under subsection (a)(1)(F) ‘‘(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that following: if the President determines and reports to Hizballah conducts narcotics trafficking and ‘‘(1) Activities that Hizballah, and agents the appropriate congressional committees significant transnational criminal activities. and affiliates of Hizballah, have engaged in that it is in the national security interest of ‘‘(b) BLOCKING OF PROPERTY.—Not later that are racketeering activities. the United States to do so. than 180 days after the date of the enactment ‘‘(2) The extent to which Hizballah, and ‘‘(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection, the of the Hizballah International Financing agents and affiliates of Hizballah, engage in terms ‘correspondent account’ and ‘payable- Prevention Amendments Act of 2017, and as a pattern of such racketeering activities. through account’ have the meanings given appropriate thereafter, the President shall ‘‘(b) FORM OF REPORT.—Each report re- those terms in section 5318A of title 31, block and prohibit all transactions in all quired under subsection (a) shall be sub- United States Code.’’; and property and interests in property of mitted in an unclassified form but may con- (4) in subsection (c), as redesignated by Hizballah if such property and interests in tain a classified annex. paragraph (2) by adding before the period at

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the end the following: ‘‘and on any require- (b) MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED.—The re- clude the authority or requirement to im- ments for enhanced due diligence prescribed port required by subsection (a) shall include pose sanctions on the importation of goods. under subsection (b)’’. the following: f (b) REPORT ON ESTIMATED NET WORTH OF (1) A description of the steps to be taken SENIOR HIZBALLAH MEMBERS.— by Federal agencies to combat the illicit to- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days bacco trafficking networks used by MEET after the date of the enactment of this Act, Hizballah. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I have 8 and not less frequently than annually there- (2) A description of the steps to be taken to after for the following 2 years, the President engage State and local law enforcement au- requests for committees to meet during shall submit to the appropriate congres- thorities in efforts to combat illicit tobacco today’s session of the Senate. They sional committees a report that contains— trafficking networks used by Hizballah oper- have the approval of the Majority and (A) the estimated total net worth of each ating within the United States. Minority leaders. individual described in paragraph (2); and (3) A description of the steps to be taken to Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph (B) a description of how funds of each indi- engage foreign government law enforcement 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- vidual described in paragraph (2) were ac- and intelligence authorities in efforts to ate, the following committees are au- quired, and how such funds have been used or combat illicit tobacco trafficking networks employed. thorized to meet during today’s session used by Hizballah operating outside the of the Senate: (2) INDIVIDUALS DESCRIBED.—The individ- United States. uals described in this paragraph are the fol- (4) Recommendations for legislative or ad- COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND lowing: ministrative action, as appropriate, to ad- FORESTRY (A) The Secretary General of Hizballah. dress the threat of illicit tobacco trafficking The Committee on Agriculture, Nu- (B) Any other individual that the Presi- networks. trition, and Forestry is authorized to dent determines is a senior foreign political (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- meet during the session of the Senate figure of Hizballah. TEES DEFINED.—In this section, the term on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 9:30 (3) FORM OF REPORT; PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.— ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ a.m., in room SR–328A to hold a hear- (A) FORM.—The report required under para- means— graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the ing on the following nominations: form but may contain a classified annex. Committee on Armed Services, the Com- Gregory Ibach, to be Under Secretary (B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The unclassified mittee on Homeland Security, the Com- of Agriculture for Marketing and Regu- portion of the report required under para- mittee on the Judiciary, the Committee on lator Programs; William Northey, to be graph (1) shall be made available to the pub- Financial Services, and the Committee on Under Secretary of Agriculture for lic in precompressed, easily downloadable Ways and Means of the House of Representa- Farm and Foreign Agriculture Serv- versions that are made available in all ap- tives; and ices. propriate formats. (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations, (4) SOURCES OF INFORMATION.—In preparing the Committee on Armed Services, the Com- COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC the report required under paragraph (1), the mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- WORKS President may use any credible publication, mental Affairs, the Committee on the Judi- The Committee on Environment and database, or web-based resource, and any ciary, the Committee on Banking, Housing, Public Works is authorized to meet credible information compiled by any gov- and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Fi- during the session of the Senate on ernment agency, nongovernmental organiza- nance of the Senate. Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., tion, or other entity provided to or made TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS in room SD–406 to hold a hearing on available to the President. SEC. 301. REGULATORY AUTHORITY. the nomination of Paul Trombino III, (5) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: (a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall, not (A) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- to be Administrator of the Federal later than 180 days after the date of the en- TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional Highway Administration. actment of this Act, prescribe regulations as committees’’ means— COMMITTEE ON FINANCE necessary for the implementation of this Act (i) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and and the amendments made by this Act. The Committee on Finance is author- the Committee on Financial Services of the (b) NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later ized to meet during the session of the House of Representatives; and than 10 days before the prescription of regu- Senate on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at (ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations lations under subsection (a), the President and the Committee on Banking, Housing, 10 a.m., in room SD–215 to hold a hear- shall notify the appropriate congressional and Urban Affairs of the Senate. ing on nominations. committees regarding the proposed regula- (B) FUNDS.—The term ‘‘funds’’ means— COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS tions and the provisions of this Act and the (i) cash; amendments made by this Act that the regu- The Committee on Foreign Relations (ii) equity; lations are implementing. is authorized to meet during the ses- (iii) any other intangible asset the value of (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- sion of the Senate on Thursday, Octo- which is derived from a contractual claim, TEES DEFINED.—In this section, the term including bank deposits, bonds, stocks, a se- ber 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., to hold a busi- ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ ness meeting. curity (as defined in section 2(a) of the Secu- means— COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS rities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77b(a))), or a secu- (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and rity or an equity security (as those terms are the Committee on Financial Services of the The Committee on Foreign Relations defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Ex- House of Representatives; and is authorized to meet during the ses- change Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))); and (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations sion of the Senate on Thursday, Octo- (iv) anything else of value that the Sec- and the Committee on Banking, Housing, ber 5, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., to hold a hear- retary of the Treasury determines to be ap- and Urban Affairs of the Senate. propriate. ing on nominations. SEC. 302. EXCEPTIONS. (C) SENIOR FOREIGN POLITICAL FIGURE.—The COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, (a) IN GENERAL.—This Act and the amend- term ‘‘senior foreign political figure’’ has AND PENSIONS ments made by this Act shall not apply to the meaning given that term in section The Committee on Health, Edu- the following: 1010.605 of title 31, Code of Federal Regula- (1) Any authorized intelligence, law en- cation, Labor, and Pensions is author- tions (or any successor regulation). forcement, or national security activities of ized to meet during the session of the SEC. 204. REPORT ON COMBATING THE ILLICIT the United States. Senate on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at TOBACCO TRAFFICKING NETWORKS USED BY HIZBALLAH. (2) Any transaction necessary to comply 10 a.m., in room SD–430 to hold a hear- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days with United States obligations under— ing entitled ‘‘The Federal Response to after the date of the enactment of this Act, (A) the Agreement between the United Na- the Opioid Crisis.’’ tions and the United States of America re- the President shall submit to the appro- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY priate congressional committees a report on garding the Headquarters of the United Na- combating the illicit tobacco trafficking net- tions, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, The Committee on the Judiciary is works used by Hizballah to finance their op- and entered into force November 21, 1947; authorized to meet during the session erations, as described in the report sub- (B) the Convention on Consular Relations, of the Senate on Thursday, October 5, mitted to Congress in December 2015 by the done at Vienna April 24, 1963, and entered 2017, at 10 a.m., in room SD–226 to hold Department of State, the Department of Jus- into force March 19, 1967; or an executive business meeting. tice, the Department of the Treasury, the (C) any other international treaty. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE Department of Homeland Security, and the (b) EXCEPTION RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF Department of Health and Human Services GOODS.—The authorities and requirements to The Select Committee on Intel- entitled, ‘‘The Global Illicit Trade in To- impose sanctions under this Act and the ligence is authorized to meet during bacco: A Threat to National Security.’’. amendments made by this Act shall not in- the session of the Senate on Thursday,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:30 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.033 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6373 October 5, 2017, at 2 p.m., in room SH– ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A permit for a municipal (A) general information relating to— 219 to hold a closed hearing. discharge by a municipality that incorporates (i) the technical assistance referred to in para- an integrated plan may include a schedule of f graph (2)(A); compliance, under which actions taken to meet (ii) the financial assistance referred to in WATER INFRASTRUCTURE any applicable water quality-based effluent lim- paragraph (3)(A); itation may be implemented over more than 1 FLEXIBILITY ACT (iii) the flexibility referred to in paragraph permit term if the compliance schedules are au- C 3(B); and Mr. M CONNELL. Mr. President, I thorized by State water quality standards. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—Actions subject to a compli- (iv) any resources related to integrated plans ate proceed to the immediate consider- ance schedule under subparagraph (A) may in- developed by the Administrator; and ation of Calendar No. 109, S. 692. clude green infrastructure if implemented as (B) a copy of each permit, order, or judicial The PRESIDING OFFICER. The part of a water quality-based effluent limita- consent decree that implements or incorporates clerk will report the bill by title. tion. an integrated plan. The senior assistant legislative clerk ‘‘(C) REVIEW.—A schedule of compliance may (c) MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT.—Section 309 of be reviewed each time the permit is renewed. the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 read as follows: ‘‘(4) EXISTING AUTHORITIES RETAINED.— A bill (S. 692) to provide for integrated plan ‘‘(A) APPLICABLE STANDARDS.—Nothing in this U.S.C. 1319) is amended by adding at the end permits, to establish an Office of the Munic- subsection modifies any obligation to comply the following: ipal Ombudsman, to promote green infra- with applicable technology and water quality- ‘‘(h) IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED PLANS structure, and to require the revision of fi- based effluent limitations under this Act. THROUGH ENFORCEMENT TOOLS.— nancial capability guidance. ‘‘(B) FLEXIBILITY.—Nothing in this subsection ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In conjunction with an en- There being no objection, the Senate reduces or eliminates any flexibility available forcement action under subsection (a) or (b) re- proceeded to consider the bill, which under this Act, including the authority of— lating to municipal discharges, the Adminis- ‘‘(i) a State to revise a water quality standard trator shall inform a municipality of the oppor- had been reported from the Committee after a use attainability analysis under section on Environment and Public Works, tunity to develop an integrated plan, as defined 131.10(g) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations in section 402(s). with an amendment to strike all after (or a successor regulation), subject to the ap- ‘‘(2) MODIFICATION.—Any municipality under the enacting clause and insert in lieu proval of the Administrator under section 303(c); an administrative order under subsection (a) or thereof the following: and ‘‘(ii) the Administrator or a State to authorize settlement agreement (including a judicial con- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. a schedule of compliance that extends beyond sent decree) under subsection (b) that has devel- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Water Infra- the date of expiration of a permit term if the oped an integrated plan consistent with section structure Flexibility Act’’. schedule of compliance meets the requirements 402(s) may request a modification of the admin- SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF ADMINISTRATOR. of section 122.47 of title 40, Code of Federal Reg- istrative order or settlement agreement based on In this Act, the term ‘‘Administrator’’ means ulations (as in effect on the date of enactment that integrated plan.’’. the Administrator of the Environmental Protec- of this subsection). (d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2 tion Agency. ‘‘(5) CLARIFICATION OF STATE AUTHORITY.— years after the date of enactment of this Act, SEC. 3. INTEGRATED PLANS. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in section the Administrator shall submit to the Committee (a) INTEGRATED PLANS.—Section 402 of the 301(b)(1)(C) precludes a State from authorizing on Environment and Public Works of the Senate Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. in the water quality standards of the State the and the Committee on Transportation and In- 1342) is amended by adding at the end the fol- issuance of a schedule of compliance to meet frastructure of the House of Representatives and lowing: water quality-based effluent limitations in per- make publicly available a report on each inte- ‘‘(s) INTEGRATED PLAN PERMITS.— mits that incorporate provisions of an integrated grated plan developed and implemented through ‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: plan. a permit, order, or judicial consent decree since ‘‘(A) GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE.—The term ‘‘(B) TRANSITION RULE.—In any case in which the date of publication of the ‘‘Integrated Mu- ‘green infrastructure’ means the range of meas- a discharge is subject to a judicial order or con- nicipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning ures that use plant or soil systems, permeable sent decree as of the date of enactment of the Approach Framework’’ issued by the Environ- pavement or other permeable surfaces or sub- Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act resolving mental Protection Agency and dated June 5, strates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or land- an enforcement action under this Act, any 2012, including a description of the control scaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate schedule of compliance issued pursuant to an measures, levels of control, estimated costs, and stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or authorization in a State water quality standard compliance schedules for the requirements im- to surface waters. shall not revise a schedule of compliance in that plemented through an integrated plan. ‘‘(B) INTEGRATED PLAN.—The term ‘integrated order or decree unless the order or decree is plan’ has the meaning given in Part III of the modified by agreement of the parties and the SEC. 4. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROMOTION. Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Waste- court.’’. Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control water Planning Approach Framework, issued by (b) MUNICIPAL OMBUDSMAN.— Act (33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) is amended— the Environmental Protection Agency and dated (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established (1) by redesignating section 519 (33 U.S.C. 1251 June 5, 2012. within the Office of the Administrator an Office note) as section 520; and ‘‘(C) MUNICIPAL DISCHARGE.— of the Municipal Ombudsman. (2) by inserting after section 518 (33 U.S.C. ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘municipal dis- (2) GENERAL DUTIES.—The duties of the mu- 1377) the following: charge’ means a discharge from a treatment nicipal ombudsman shall include the provision works (as defined in section 212) or a discharge of— ‘‘SEC. 519. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGEN- from a municipal storm sewer under subsection (A) technical assistance to municipalities CY GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PRO- (p). seeking to comply with the Federal Water Pollu- MOTION. ‘‘(ii) INCLUSION.—The term ‘municipal dis- tion Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and the ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall charge’ includes a discharge of wastewater or Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.); ensure that the Office of Water, the Office of storm water collected from multiple municipali- and Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, the ties if the discharge is covered by the same per- (B) information to the Administrator to help Office of Research and Development, and the mit issued under this section. the Administrator ensure that agency policies Office of Policy of the Environmental Protection ‘‘(2) INTEGRATED PLAN.— are implemented by all offices of the Environ- Agency promote the use of green infrastructure ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator (or a mental Protection Agency, including regional in and coordinate the integration of green infra- State, in the case of a permit program approved offices. structure into, permitting programs, planning under subsection (b)) shall inform a municipal (3) ACTIONS REQUIRED.—The municipal om- efforts, research, technical assistance, and permittee or multiple municipal permittees of the budsman shall work with appropriate offices at funding guidance. the headquarters and regional offices of the En- opportunity to develop an integrated plan. ‘‘(b) DUTIES.—The Administrator shall ensure ‘‘(B) SCOPE OF PERMIT INCORPORATING INTE- vironmental Protection Agency to ensure that that the Office of Water— GRATED PLAN.—A permit issued under this sub- the municipality seeking assistance is provided section that incorporates an integrated plan information— ‘‘(1) promotes the use of green infrastructure may integrate all requirements under this Act (A) about available Federal financial assist- in the programs of the Environmental Protection addressed in the integrated plan, including re- ance for which the municipality is eligible; Agency; and quirements relating to— (B) about flexibility available under the Fed- ‘‘(2) coordinates efforts to increase the use of ‘‘(i) a combined sewer overflow; eral Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 green infrastructure with— ‘‘(ii) a capacity, management, operation, and et seq.) and, if applicable, the Safe Drinking ‘‘(A) other Federal departments and agencies; maintenance program for sanitary sewer collec- Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.); and ‘‘(B) State, tribal, and local governments; and tion systems; (C) regarding the opportunity to develop an ‘‘(iii) a municipal stormwater discharge; integrated plan, as defined in section ‘‘(C) the private sector. ‘‘(iv) a municipal wastewater discharge; and 402(s)(1)(B) of the Federal Water Pollution Con- ‘‘(c) REGIONAL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PRO- ‘‘(v) a water quality-based effluent limitation trol Act (as added by subsection (a)). MOTION.—The Administrator shall direct each to implement an applicable wasteload allocation (4) INFORMATION SHARING.—The municipal regional office of the Environmental Protection in a total maximum daily load. ombudsman shall publish on the website of the Agency, as appropriate based on local factors, ‘‘(3) COMPLIANCE SCHEDULES.— Environmental Protection Agency— and consistent with the requirements of this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:30 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.034 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE S6374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 5, 2017 Act, to promote and integrate the use of green structure investments, the use of rate structures, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. infrastructure within the region that includes— and customer assistance programs to address the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Department ‘‘(1) outreach and training regarding green rates of low-income consumers; of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Au- infrastructure implementation for State, tribal, (F) an evaluation of an array of factors, the thorization Act of 2017’’. and local governments, tribal communities, and relative importance of which may vary across SEC. 2. ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND the private sector; and regions and localities; and SECURITY COORDINATION ‘‘(2) the incorporation of green infrastructure (G) the appropriate weight for economic, pub- THROUGH THE BLUE CAMPAIGN. into permitting and other regulatory programs, lic health, and environmental benefits. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle C of title IV of codes, and ordinance development, including (2) CONSULTATION.—Any revised guidance the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. the requirements under consent decrees and set- issued to replace the guidance shall be devel- 231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end tlement agreements in enforcement actions. oped in consultation with stakeholders. the following: ‘‘(d) GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION (e) PUBLICATION AND SUBMISSION.— ‘‘SEC. 434. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECU- SHARING.—The Administrator shall promote (1) IN GENERAL.—On completion of the revi- RITY BLUE CAMPAIGN. green infrastructure information sharing, in- sion of the guidance, the Administrator shall ‘‘(a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term cluding through an Internet website, to share publish in the Federal Register and submit to ‘human trafficking’ means an act or practice information with, and provide technical assist- the Committee on Environment and Public described in paragraph (9) or (10) of section ance to, State, tribal, and local governments, Works of the Senate and the Committee on 103 of the Trafficking Victims Protection tribal communities, the private sector, and the Transportation and Infrastructure of the House Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102). public regarding green infrastructure ap- of Representatives the revised guidance. ‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established proaches for— (2) EXPLANATION.—If the Administrator makes within the Department a program, which ‘‘(1) reducing water pollution; a determination not to follow one or more rec- shall be known as the ‘Blue Campaign’. The ‘‘(2) protecting water resources; ommendations of the study referred to in sub- Blue Campaign shall be headed by a Direc- ‘‘(3) complying with regulatory requirements; section (c)(1), the Administrator shall include in tor, who shall be appointed by the Secretary. and the publication and submission under para- ‘‘(c) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Blue ‘‘(4) achieving other environmental, public graph (1) an explanation of that decision. Campaign shall be to unify and coordinate health, and community goals.’’. (f) EFFECT.—Nothing in this section preempts Department efforts to address human traf- SEC. 5. FINANCIAL CAPABILITY GUIDANCE. or interferes with any obligation to comply with ficking. ‘‘(d) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Secretary, (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: any Federal law, including the Federal Water (1) AFFORDABILITY.—The term ‘‘affordability’’ Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). working through the Director, shall, in ac- cordance with subsection (e)— means, with respect to payment of a utility bill, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I a measure of whether an individual customer or ‘‘(1) issue Department-wide guidance to ap- ask unanimous consent that the com- propriate Department personnel; household can pay the bill without undue hard- mittee-reported substitute amendment ship or unreasonable sacrifice in the essential ‘‘(2) develop training programs for such lifestyle or spending patterns of the individual be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be personnel; and or household, as determined by the Adminis- considered read a third time and ‘‘(3) coordinate departmental efforts, in- trator. passed, and the motion to reconsider be cluding training for such personnel. (2) FINANCIAL CAPABILITY.—The term ‘‘finan- considered made and laid upon the ‘‘(e) GUIDANCE AND TRAINING.—The Blue cial capability’’ means the financial capability table. Campaign shall provide guidance and train- of a community to make investments necessary The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing to appropriate Department personnel and other Federal, State, tribal, and law enforce- to make water quality or drinking water im- objection, it is so ordered. provements. ment personnel, as appropriate regarding— The committee-reported amendment ‘‘(1) programs to help identify instances of (3) GUIDANCE.—The term ‘‘guidance’’ means in the nature of a substitute was the guidance published by the Administrator en- human trafficking; titled ‘‘Combined Sewer Overflows—Guidance agreed to. ‘‘(2) the types of information that should for Financial Capability Assessment and Sched- The bill (S. 692), as amended, was or- be collected and recorded in information ule Development’’ and dated February 1997, as dered to be engrossed for a third read- technology systems utilized by the Depart- applicable to the combined sewer overflows and ing, was read the third time, and ment to help identify individuals suspected sanitary sewer overflows guidance published by passed. or convicted of human trafficking; ‘‘(3) systematic and routine information the Administrator entitled ‘‘Financial Capa- f bility Assessment Framework’’ and dated No- sharing within the Department and among vember 24, 2014. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SE- Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforce- (b) USE OF MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME.—The CURITY BLUE CAMPAIGN AU- ment agencies regarding— Administrator shall not use median household THORIZATION ACT OF 2017 ‘‘(A) individuals suspected or convicted of income as the sole indicator of affordability for human trafficking; and a residential household. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ‘‘(B) patterns and practices of human traf- (c) REVISED GUIDANCE.— ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ficking; (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after ate proceed to the immediate consider- ‘‘(4) techniques to identify suspected vic- the date of completion of the National Academy ation of Calendar No. 221, S. 1103. tims of trafficking along the United States of Public Administration study to establish a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The border and at airport security checkpoints; definition and framework for community afford- ‘‘(5) methods to be used by the Transpor- clerk will report the bill by title. tation Security Administration and per- ability required by Senate Report 114–70, accom- The senior assistant legislative clerk panying S. 1645 (114th Congress), the Adminis- sonnel from other appropriate agencies— trator shall revise the guidance described in sub- read as follows: ‘‘(A) to train employees of the Transpor- section (a)(3). A bill (S. 1103) to amend the Homeland Se- tation Security Administration to identify (2) USE OF GUIDANCE.—Beginning on the date curity Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of suspected victims of trafficking; and on which the revised guidance referred to in Homeland Security to issue Department- ‘‘(B) to serve as a liaison and resource re- paragraph (1) is finalized, the Administrator wide guidance and to develop training pro- garding human trafficking prevention to ap- shall use the revised guidance in lieu of the grams as part of the Department of Home- propriate State, local, and private sector guidance described in subsection (a)(3). land Security Blue Campaign, and for other aviation workers and the traveling public; (d) CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION.— purposes. ‘‘(6) utilizing resources, such as indicator (1) CONSIDERATION.—In revising the guidance, There being no objection, the Senate cards, fact sheets, pamphlets, posters, bro- the Administrator shall consider— proceeded to consider the bill. chures, and radio and television campaigns— (A) the recommendations of the study referred ‘‘(A) to educate partners and stakeholders; Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I to in subsection (c) and any other relevant and study, as determined by the Administrator; ask unanimous consent that the bill be ‘‘(B) to increase public awareness of human (B) local economic conditions, including site- considered read a third time and passed trafficking; specific local conditions that should be taken and the motion to reconsider be consid- ‘‘(7) leveraging partnerships with State and into consideration in analyzing financial capa- ered made and laid upon the table. local governmental, nongovernmental, and bility; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without private sector organizations to raise public (C) other essential community investments; objection, it is so ordered. awareness of human trafficking; and (D) potential adverse impacts on distressed The bill (S. 1103) was ordered to be ‘‘(8) any other activities the Secretary de- populations, including the percentage of low-in- engrossed for a third reading, was read termines necessary to carry out the Blue come ratepayers within the service area of a the third time, and passed, as follows: Campaign.’’. utility and impacts in communities with dis- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of parate economic conditions throughout the en- S. 1103 contents of the Homeland Security Act of tire service area of a utility; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 2002 (Public Law 107–296) is amended by in- (E) the degree to which rates of low-income resentatives of the United States of America in serting after the item relating to section 433 consumers would be affected by water infra- Congress assembled, the following:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:30 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.046 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE October 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6375 ‘‘Sec. 434. Department of Homeland Security eration of the following Senate resolu- NOMINATIONS Blue Campaign.’’. tions, which were submitted earlier Executive nominations received by SEC. 3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS. today: S. Res. 287, S. Res. 288, S. Res. the Senate: Not later than 1 year after the date of the 289, and S. Res. 290. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE enactment of this Act, the Secretary of There being no objection, the Senate Homeland Security shall ensure, in accord- proceeded to consider the resolutions R. D. JAMES, OF MISSOURI, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SEC- ance with the Department of Homeland Se- RETARY OF THE ARMY, VICE JO–ELLEN DARCY. BRUCE D. JETTE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT curity-wide guidance required under section en bloc. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I SECRETARY OF THE ARMY, VICE HEIDI SHYU, RESIGNED. 434(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, SHON J. MANASCO, OF TEXAS, TO BE AN ASSISTANT as added by section 2, the integration of in- ask unanimous consent that the reso- SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, VICE GABRIEL CAMARILLO. formation technology systems utilized with- lutions be agreed to, the preambles be in the Department to record and track infor- agreed to, and the motions to recon- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY mation regarding individuals suspected or sider be considered made and laid upon DAVID J. RYDER, OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE DIRECTOR OF convicted of human trafficking. THE MINT FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS, VICE EDMUND C. the table en bloc. MOY, RESIGNED. SEC. 4. REPORT. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS Not later than 18 months after the date of objection, it is so ordered. the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of LEON A. WESTMORELAND, OF GEORGIA, TO BE A DIREC- The resolutions were agreed to. TOR OF THE AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A TERM Homeland Security shall submit a report to The preambles were agreed to. OF FIVE YEARS. (NEW POSITION) the Committee on Homeland Security and (The resolutions, with their pre- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD Committee on Homeland Security of the ANDREW WHEELER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY AD- under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) MINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION House of Representatives that— AGENCY, VICE ROBERT PERCIASEPE, RESIGNED. (1) describes the status and effectiveness of f DEPARTMENT OF STATE the Department of Homeland Security Blue REPORTING AUTHORITY Campaign; and LISA A. JOHNSON, OF WASHINGTON, A CAREER MEM- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUN- (2) provides a recommendation regarding SELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND the appropriate office within the Department ask unanimous consent that notwith- PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA of Homeland Security for the Blue Cam- standing the Senate’s adjournment, TO THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA. paign. committees be authorized to report DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. legislative and executive matters on KATE S. O’SCANNLAIN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE SOLIC- There is authorized to be appropriated ITOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, VICE M. PATRI- Friday, October 13, from 9 a.m. until 11 CIA SMITH, RESIGNED. $819,000 to carry out section 434 of the Home- a.m. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION land Security Act of 2002, as added by section The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 2. MITCHELL ZAIS, OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BE DEPUTY objection, it is so ordered. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, VICE JAMES H. SHELTON III, f f RESIGNED. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HIZBALLAH INTERNATIONAL FI- ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, NANCING PREVENTION AMEND- 2017, THROUGH MONDAY, OCTO- FRANK M. COFFMAN, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE UNITED MENTS ACT OF 2017 STATES MARSHAL FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF BER 16, 2017 OKLAHOMA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE PAT- RICK J . WILKERSON, TERM EXPIRED. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I THE JUDICIARY ask unanimous consent that the Com- ask unanimous consent that when the mittee on Banking, Housing, and KURT D. ENGELHARDT, OF LOUISIANA, TO BE UNITED Senate completes its business today, it STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT, VICE Urban Affairs be discharged from fur- adjourn to then convene for pro forma EDITH BROWN CLEMENT, RETIRED. ther consideration of S. 1595 and the sessions only, with no business being DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Senate proceed to its immediate con- conducted, on the following dates and THOMAS M. GRIFFIN, JR., OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BE sideration. times, and that following each pro UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without CAROLINA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE KELVIN forma session, the Senate adjourn until CORNEILIUS WASHINGTON, TERM EXPIRED. objection, it is so ordered. the next pro forma session: Friday, Oc- MARK S. JAMES, OF MISSOURI, TO BE UNITED STATES The clerk will report the bill by title. MARSHAL FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI tober 6, at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesday, October FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE ALFRED COOPER The senior assistant legislative clerk 10, at 9:15 a.m.; and Friday, October 13, LOMAX, TERM EXPIRED. read as follows: JOHNNY LEE KUHLMAN, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE UNITED at 8:30 a.m. STATES MARSHAL FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF A bill (S. 1595) to amend the Hizballah I further ask that when the Senate OKLAHOMA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE International Financing Prevention Act of CHARLES THOMAS WEEKS II, TERM EXPIRED. adjourns on Friday, October 13, it next DANIEL C. MOSTELLER, OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE 2015 to impose additional sanctions with re- convene at 4 p.m. on Monday, October UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH spect to Hizballah, and for other purposes. DAKOTA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE PAUL 16; that following the prayer and CHARLES THIELEN, TERM EXPIRED. There being no objection, the Senate pledge, the morning hour be deemed GARY G. SCHOFIELD, OF NEVADA, TO BE UNITED proceeded to consider the bill. STATES MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA FOR expired, the Journal of proceedings be THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE CHRISTOPHER TOBIAS Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I approved to date, the time for the two HOYE, TERM EXPIRED. ask unanimous consent that the Rubio leaders be reserved for their use later f substitute amendment be considered in the day, and morning business be CONFIRMATIONS and agreed to, the bill, as amended, be closed; finally, that following leader considered read a third time and remarks, the Senate proceed to execu- Executive nominations confirmed by passed, and the motion to reconsider be tive session and resume consideration the Senate October 5, 2017: considered made and laid upon the of the Gingrich nomination, with the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY table. time until 5:30 p.m. equally divided be- LEE FRANCIS CISSNA, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DIRECTOR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tween the two leaders or their des- OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION objection, it is so ordered. SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. ignees. FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM The amendment (No. 1110) in the na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RANDAL QUARLES, OF COLORADO, TO BE A MEMBER OF ture of a substitute was agreed to. objection, it is so ordered. THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE (The amendment is printed in today’s f SYSTEM FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF FOURTEEN RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) YEARS FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2004. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10:30 A.M. RANDAL QUARLES, OF COLORADO, TO BE VICE CHAIR- The bill (S. 1595), as amended, was or- MAN FOR SUPERVISION OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS TOMORROW OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM FOR A TERM OF dered to be engrossed for a third read- FOUR YEARS. ing, was read the third time, and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if DEPARTMENT OF STATE passed. there is no further business to come be- STEPHEN B. KING, OF WISCONSIN, TO BE AMBASSADOR f fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE sent that it stand adjourned under the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC. RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY BARBARA LEE, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE REPRESENTA- previous order. TIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE SEV- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I There being no objection, the Senate, ENTY–SECOND SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ask unanimous consent that the Sen- at 5:51 p.m., adjourned until Friday, THE UNITED NATIONS. CHRISTOPHER SMITH, OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE REP- ate now proceed to the en bloc consid- October 6, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. RESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO

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THE SEVENTY–SECOND SESSION OF THE GENERAL AS- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS. BRUCE J. WALKER, OF NEW YORK, TO BE AN ASSISTANT HOWARD R. ELLIOTT, OF INDIANA, TO BE ADMINIS- AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SECRETARY OF ENERGY (ELECTRICITY DELIVERY AND TRATOR OF THE PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENERGY RELIABILITY). SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR- J. STEVEN DOWD, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES TATION. DIRECTOR OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR A DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TERM OF FIVE YEARS. TIMOTHY GALLAUDET, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE ASSIST- WALTER G. COPAN, OF COLORADO, TO BE UNDER SEC- ANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR OCEANS AND AT- RETARY OF COMMERCE FOR STANDARDS AND TECH- MOSPHERE. NOLOGY.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 Oct 06, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A05OC6.009 S05OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with SENATE