November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5963 [Rollcall Vote No. 273 Ex.] The clerk will call the roll. Care and Development Block Grant Act of YEAS—54 The assistant legislative clerk called 1990, and for other purposes. Harry Reid, Tom Harkin, Barbara A. Mi- Baldwin Hagan Murray the roll. kulski, Mazie K. Hirono, Richard J. Begich Harkin Nelson Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Durbin, Angus S. King, Jr., Jon Tester, Bennet Heinrich Pryor Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Blumenthal Heitkamp Reed Richard Blumenthal, Bill Nelson, Rob- Booker Hirono Reid ROCKEFELLER) is necessarily absent. ert P. Casey, Jr., Elizabeth Warren, Boxer Johnson (SD) Sanders The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. WAR- Brian Schatz, Patrick J. Leahy, Al Brown Kaine Schatz REN). Are there any other Senators in Franken, Sheldon Whitehouse, Ben- Cantwell King Schumer jamin L. Cardin, Tim Kaine. Cardin Klobuchar Shaheen the Chamber desiring to vote? Carper Landrieu Stabenow The result was announced—yeas 99, The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Casey Leahy Tester nays 0, as follows: imous consent, the mandatory quorum Collins Levin Udall (CO) Coons Markey Udall (NM) [Rollcall Vote No. 274 Ex.] call has been waived. Donnelly McCaskill Walsh YEAS—99 The question is, Is it the sense of the Durbin Menendez Warner Alexander Franken Moran Senate that the debate on the motion Feinstein Merkley Warren Ayotte Gillibrand Murkowski to concur in the House amendment to Franken Mikulski Whitehouse Baldwin Graham Murphy Gillibrand Murphy Wyden S. 1086, an act to reauthorize and im- Barrasso Grassley Murray prove the Child Care and Development NAYS—45 Begich Hagan Nelson Bennet Harkin Paul Block Grant Act of 1990, and for other Alexander Fischer McConnell Blumenthal Hatch Portman purposes, shall be brought to a close? Ayotte Flake Moran Blunt Heinrich Pryor The yeas and nays are mandatory Barrasso Graham Murkowski Booker Heitkamp Reed Blunt Grassley Paul Boozman Heller Reid under the rule. Boozman Hatch Portman Boxer Hirono Risch The clerk will call the roll. Burr Heller Risch Brown Hoeven Roberts Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Chambliss Hoeven Roberts Burr Inhofe Rubio Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Coats Inhofe Rubio Cantwell Isakson Sanders Coburn Isakson Scott Cardin Johanns Schatz ROCKEFELLER) is necessarily absent. Cochran Johanns Sessions Carper Johnson (SD) Schumer Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators Corker Johnson (WI) Shelby Casey Johnson (WI) Scott are necessarily absent: the Senator Cornyn Kirk Thune Chambliss Kaine Sessions Crapo Lee Toomey Coats King Shaheen from Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS) and the Cruz Manchin Vitter Coburn Kirk Shelby Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. COBURN). Enzi McCain Wicker Cochran Klobuchar Stabenow Further, if present and voting, the NOT VOTING—1 Collins Landrieu Tester Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. COBURN) Coons Leahy Thune Rockefeller Corker Lee Toomey would have voted ‘‘no.’’ The nomination was confirmed. Cornyn Levin Udall (CO) The yeas and nays resulted —yeas 96, Crapo Manchin Udall (NM) nays 1, as follows: MAY NOMINATION Cruz Markey Vitter The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Donnelly McCain Walsh [Rollcall Vote No. 275 Leg.] Durbin McCaskill Warner YEAS—96 the previous order, there will be 2 min- Enzi McConnell Warren utes of debate equally divided before a Feinstein Menendez Whitehouse Alexander Gillibrand Murkowski vote on the May nomination. Fischer Merkley Wicker Ayotte Graham Murphy Flake Mikulski Wyden Baldwin Grassley Murray Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I yield Barrasso Hagan Nelson my time to the Senator from Georgia, NOT VOTING—1 Begich Harkin Paul Bennet Hatch Portman Mr. CHAMBLISS. Rockefeller Blumenthal Heinrich Pryor Mr. CHAMBLISS. I thank Senator The nomination was confirmed. Blunt Heitkamp Reed LEAHY for yielding time. Booker Heller Reid The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Boozman Hirono Risch It is important that we work through jority leader. the process so we can get several Geor- Boxer Hoeven Roberts Mr. REID. Madam President, very Brown Inhofe Rubio gia judges to the floor of the Senate for quickly, I ask unanimous consent that Burr Isakson Sanders Cantwell Johanns Schatz a vote. We have some emergency posi- the next vote be 10 minutes in dura- tions that need to be filled, and Sen- Cardin Johnson (SD) Schumer tion, and it will be the last vote prior Carper Johnson (WI) Scott ator LEAHY has been very cooperative to a 5:30 p.m. vote on Monday. Casey Kaine Sessions in helping us do that. On behalf of my Coats King Shaheen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cochran Kirk Shelby colleague Senator ISAKSON and myself, objection, it is so ordered. I encourage all of my colleagues to sup- Collins Klobuchar Stabenow Under the previous order, the mo- Coons Landrieu Tester port the nomination of Leigh May to tions to reconsider are considered made Corker Leahy Thune Cornyn Levin Toomey be a judge for the District Court for the and laid upon the table. The President Northern District of Georgia. Crapo Manchin Udall (CO) will be immediately notified of the Cruz Markey Udall (NM) Ms. May is a graduate of our two Senate’s action. Donnelly McCain Vitter flagship institutions—Georgia Tech Durbin McCaskill Walsh and the University of Georgia Law f Enzi McConnell Warner Feinstein Menendez Warren School. She practiced law with the LEGISLATIVE SESSION Fischer Merkley Whitehouse Butler Wooten firm for many years and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Flake Mikulski Wicker has been involved in many high-profile ate will resume legislative session. Franken Moran Wyden cases. She brings intellect and integ- f NAYS—1 rity to the bench. She will be a great Lee addition to the Northern District of CLOTURE MOTION NOT VOTING—3 Georgia, and I encourage my colleagues The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Chambliss Coburn Rockefeller to vote in support of this nominee. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the I thank the Presiding Officer and Senate the pending cloture motion, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. yield back. which the clerk will report. WALSH). On this vote the yeas are 96, I ask for the yeas and nays. The assistant legislative clerk read the nays are 1. Three-fifths of the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. as follows: ators duly chosen and sworn having HIRONO). Is there a sufficient second? CLOTURE MOTION voted in the affirmative, the motion is There is a sufficient second. agreed to. The question is, Will the Senate ad- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the f vise and consent to the nomination of Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move Leigh Martin May, of Georgia, to be CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT to bring to a close debate on the motion to BLOCK GRANT OF 2014—Resumed United States District Judge for the concur in the House amendment to S. 1086, Northern District of Georgia? an Act to reauthorize and improve the Child Pending:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:19 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13NO6.001 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5964 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 Reid motion to concur in the House came home and used the GI bill to earn tant employer in his district. Most of amendment to the bill. a college degree, graduating magna all—most of all—Lane Evans fought for Reid motion to concur in the House cum laude from Augustana College in veterans. This week of Veterans Day is amendment to the bill, with Reid Amend- ment No. 3923 (to the motion to concur in the Rock Island. Then he earned a law de- a good time to remember how much House amendment), to change the enactment gree from Georgetown. He came home Lane Evans of Illinois meant to Amer- date. again and started a successful law ica’s veterans and their families. He Reid Amendment No. 3924 (to Amendment practice in Rock Island serving chil- made veterans’s concerns the corner- No. 3923), of a perfecting nature. dren, the poor, and working families. stone of his congressional career. He Reid motion to refer the House Message on In 1982, Lane Evans decided to make was the first chairman of the Vietnam- the bill to the Committee on Health, Edu- a run for Congress. He may have been era Veterans Congressional Caucus and cation, Labor, and Pensions, with instruc- the only person in the beginning who tions, Reid Amendment No. 3925, to change the first Vietnam-era veteran to serve the enactment date. thought he had a prayer of winning. He as ranking member of the House Vet- Reid Amendment No. 3926 (to (the instruc- had never run for office before. He was eran’s Affairs Committee. tions) Amendment No. 3925), of a perfecting all of 31 years of age. He looked as He was also the ranking member of nature. though he was 21 on a good day. His- the House Armed Services Committee. Reid Amendment No. 3927 (to Amendment tory was against him. Voters in that During his time in Congress, there was No. 3926), of a perfecting nature. district had only elected a Democratic no Federal program for veterans that MOTION TO CONCUR Congressman once in the previous cen- did not bear Lane Evans’ mark. Vet- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tury. That had been only for 2 years. erans today enjoy increased education ator from Illinois. Lane Evans worked hard. He got benefits, improved health care, Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous con- lucky when the incumbent Congress- strengthened home loans, judicial re- sent to speak as in morning business man, a lifelong Republican and mod- view of their benefits, additional op- for up to 10 minutes; that following my erate, lost to a hard-right challenger. portunities for veteran-owned busi- remarks Senator WARREN be recognized On election night in 1982, Lane Evans nesses, and a host of other improved for 2 minutes; that Senator LANDRIEU and I were both elected to the U.S. benefits because of the leadership, de- then be recognized to speak for up to 10 House of Representatives for the first termination, and heart of Lane Evans. minutes. time. It was my third try to get elect- From his earliest days in Congress, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ed. It was Lane’s first. He never lost Lane Evans pushed for action on issues objection, it is so ordered. after that. He served 24 years in the helping Vietnam veterans. He was an TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN LANE House. His voting record was often to outspoken advocate to address the EVANS the left of many of his constituents, problems and embarrassment of the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in this but he was unapologetic. Voters re- homeless and substance abuse among week of Veterans Day, I would like to elected Lane over and over because Vietnam veterans. In his first term he take a few moments to speak about a they knew he was honest, forthright, led the effort to create a pilot tram es- very brave marine who was a great and he cared about them. He was tablishing community-based veterans friend of mine and a true champion of straightforward and sincere. People centers to help with job and marriage America’s veterans. Congressman Lane knew he was a man of principle who counseling and post-traumatic stress Evans of Illinois passed away last would always vote his conscience no syndrome long before it was a popular Wednesday. He was only 63 years old. matter what. term. Lane had been battling Parkinson’s When it came to constituent service, The program has since grown to in- disease for nearly 20 years. A few years Lane Evans set the standard. Lane and clude veterans centers all across Amer- ago, another illness, Lewy body dis- his staff were so good at cutting ica. Lane Evans led the fight to give ease, began attacking his memory. One through bureaucratic redtape that the compensation for Vietnam veterans ex- cruel disease ravaged his body as the chairman of the National Republican posed to Agent Orange and for their other assaulted his brain. But his spirit Congressional Committee once joked kids born with spina bifida as a result and his quiet courage remained unbro- that ‘‘two-thirds of the people in his of that exposure. It was not just his ken to the end. district think that he signs their So- war that concerned him. He was one of Lane Evans and I were both elected cial Security checks.’’ the first Members of Congress to push to the U.S. House of Representatives in Lane’s speeches were always packed for more information about the Gulf 1982, two surprised Democrats who and not because he was a great speak- War Syndrome. He supported increased were elected in traditionally Repub- er. People came to Lane’s speeches be- opportunities for women in the mili- lican, conservative, downstate congres- cause of what happened after. He never tary, an early supporter for full civil sional districts. We were both sons of left a speech until everyone in the au- rights for gays in the military. blue-collar families. We both learned dience who wanted to speak to him had Paul Rieckhoff, the CEO of Iraq and our values from our parents, our neigh- their chance. Lane’s dad was a fire- Afghanistan Veterans of America, here bors, the nuns and priests at school. We fighter, his mom a nurse. is what he said about Lane: both learned from politicians who were In the blue-collar neighborhood In the early days of the Iraq and Afghani- leaders in our State, such as Senator where he grew up, their steady incomes stan wars, Lane was one of the first members Paul Simon. made the Evans family better off than of Congress to take on issues like PTSD and Lane and I worked closely together most of their neighbors. As a young TBI. in Congress. Parkinson’s forced Lane lawyer and Member of Congress, Lane Traumatic brain injury. Evans to retire from Congress in 2007, Evans fought for people such as the He helped put our issues on the map. long before his time. We remained parents of his childhood friends who Lane Evans worked to include Par- friends. I used to visit him. When I did, worked shifts in factories and fire kinson’s research as part of funding for we would share our favorite stories houses. He was a champion of blue-col- the VA, to make sure veterans suf- about political adventures. Lane Evans lar workers and senior citizens. fering from this disease received the was a kind and good person. He was Lane fought for fair trade, a fair min- best possible care. He worked with Sen- funny, with a razor-sharp intellect, and imum wage, and the right to collec- ator LEAHY, then-Senator Hagel, and he was courageous. tively bargain. He worked for a cleaner the Vietnam Veterans of America to He joined the Marines 2 weeks after environment and protection of family push for a U.S. and international ban graduating from high school. It was farmers. He fought to give students on the production of antipersonnel 1969. Lane was 17 years old. Military from working-class families the same landmines. service was a tradition in the Evans chance he had to get a good college He was awarded the Vietnam Vet- family. Lane’s dad had served in the education. He was a giant on the House erans of America’s first annual Presi- Navy. One of Lane’s brothers was al- Armed Services Committee. He under- dent’s Award for Outstanding Achieve- ready serving in Vietnam so Lane was stood the Rock Island Arsenal was ment in 1990. In 1994, the AMVETs gave stationed stateside and then in Oki- more than just an arsenal for our Na- him the Silver Helmet Award, known nawa. After 2 years in the Marines, he tion’s defense, it was a major, impor- as the ‘‘Oscar’’ of veterans’ honors.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.014 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5965 This is how Lane explained his com- of us who loved him and were touched I say that with sincerity because I ac- mitment to veterans. He said: by his gentle life. tually support both very strongly. Our veterans—those returning from Iraq, I yield the floor. I have several amendments to Sen- those who scaled the cliffs above the beaches The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator LAMAR ALEXANDER’s bill which of Normandy, those who walked point in the ator from Massachusetts. have not been adopted and which I un- jungles of Vietnam, those who survived the REMEMBERING TOM MENINO derstand, unfortunately, will not be al- brutality of Korea and other battlefields, all Ms. WARREN. I rise today to honor a lowed for debate. So I don’t know if I who honorably served or who are now serv- will be able to vote for cloture on his ing, have earned the assurance that VA— departed friend and committed public their system—will be there when they need servant, Tom Menino. He was a devoted bill, although I strongly support it. My it. ‘‘Just as we practice on the battlefield husband to Angela, loving father to record is as strong as anyone’s in this that we leave no one behind, we should not Susan and Tom Junior, and adoring Chamber. So I will be interested to see slam the door on any veteran who needs the grandfather to six grandchildren. if amendments to the Lamar Alexander VA system.’’ For 20 years Tom served as mayor of bill will be allowed on the floor. I am The best way we can honor Lane Boston and led the resurgence of our hoping they will. If I can get at least a Evans’ memory is by more than just a city. He believed in economic growth vote on the amendments I have pend- speech on the floor of the Senate, it is and building communities, fighting for ing to that bill, I will absolutely— to continue his work on behalf of hospitals, scientific research, and inno- whether my amendments pass or fail— America’s veterans, continue to work vation, while simultaneously strength- vote for it because it is the will of the to make the VA responsive to the mas- ening our neighborhoods, expanding body and we must do something. We sive number of disability claims that our parks, and knitting diversity into a must invest more money. We must have been filed since Iraq and Afghani- community of equals. have more quality programs for early stan, and make sure every veteran re- Mayor Menino succeeded because he childhood education. It is an absolute ceives respect, health care, job train- knew all along that our fortunes de- cornerstone of strengthening and build- ing, and the opportunities they have pend on our working together as one ing the middle class. earned. people, one community, one Boston, In my State, that is what we are fo- There is another way we can honor and he did everything he could to cre- cused on, and I can’t go anywhere with- this champion of veterans; that is, by ate that united Boston. out people telling me: Senator, thank naming the year-old VA medical center Reports are that Mayor Menino had you for your fight for education. Sen- in Galesburg, IL, the Lane A. Evans VA personally met more than half the resi- ator, thank you for your fight for early Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. dents of Boston, and we believe it. In childhood education. Senator, thank This center is in the heart of what was our happy moments—Red Sox cham- you for fighting to take student loans Congressman Lane Evans’ congres- pionships—and in our darkest mo- down from 11 percent—the rate on stu- sional district for so many years. ments—when smoke arose at Copley dent loans—to 3 percent. Nearly 4,000 veterans a year seek Square—we knew we could always On almost every day of this last elec- services there. I am honored it is a bi- count on Tom Menino to be there. tion cycle, that is what I was talking partisan effort to name this center Mayor Menino’s Boston lived up to about at home, and I know Members after Congressman Evans, led in the the vision of its founders: a city that who were in elections or even not in House by Congresswoman CHERI all eyes can see is a model for the coun- elections heard clearly from the Amer- BUSTOS. Lane used to say he loved the try and for the world. ican people, during the time we were Marines because the Marines salute On behalf of a grateful people, I urge home working, how much what we do their lowest members. I hope my col- my colleagues to come together to pass in Congress can matter, can make a leagues will join me in honoring one of a resolution that was introduced only difference in their lives. They don’t the Marines’ finest members by sup- yesterday by Senator MARKEY and me want government intrusion, but they porting this proposal to name the VA celebrating the life of Mayor Tom do want government to function so outpatient clinic in Galesburg, IL, in Menino. they can get a good college education, honor of Congressman Lane Evans. I yield the floor. so they can get good job training, so Lane Evans was laid to rest at the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- they can start businesses that can grow Rock Island Arsenal on the date of the ator from Louisiana. profits for themselves and their com- 239th anniversary of the Marine Corps. KEYSTONE PIPELINE munities. I remember so many years ago—18 Ms. LANDRIEU. I thank my col- I look forward to that debate, and I years ago—when Lane and I were in a leagues for allowing a 10-minute dis- am very happy the Republican leader- Labor Day parade in Galesburg, IL. I cussion today by unanimous consent ship rushed to the floor to put down a did not think much of it at the time. It on an important issue the Congress is bill on early childhood education be- was just another parade in another taking up today. cause I think they heard from the campaign. Lane told me later that he On the House side, debate on the American people that just talking noticed something was wrong on that Keystone Pipeline is starting, and I un- about tax cuts for the wealthy, tax date. As he was waving his left hand, derstand there could potentially be a cuts for people making over $1 million he realized it was numb and he had no vote as early as tomorrow. I am so a year, and tax policy—yes, it is impor- feeling. pleased to have been one of the spark tant, but what is very important is He continued to work even after he plugs that helped to get us moving not fighting for the middle class. had been diagnosed with early Parkin- in the next Congress but in this lame- I say congratulations to Senator son’s. It made it difficult for him to duck session of this Congress. LAMAR ALEXANDER of Tennessee. That stand without pain or to even smile The American people spoke loudly is the first bill the Republicans have easily. He never, ever complained. and clearly not only in my State of put down in this lameduck, and I look When his legs locked up when he was in Louisiana but around the country, forward to working with him. terrible pain, he would tell his closest wanting us to work together to get the But the first bill that we put down friends: I am so lucky. I couldn’t carry job done. and I put down as chair of the energy mail, I couldn’t be a meat cutter, but I I was very pleased that the Repub- committee—unusual for Democrats be- can still do my job as a Congressman. lican leadership brought to the floor cause we don’t have our whole caucus As we say in Illinois, thank heavens the early childhood education bill that supporting it, but we have a good for Lane Evans, and I thank the good Senator LAMAR ALEXANDER has been strong part of our caucus supporting Lord he devoted so much of his life in leading. It is a very important bill. I, it—is a bill that is going to actually Congress to the people he loved in his frankly, don’t think it is more impor- create immediate high-impact jobs for district and to the veterans of Amer- tant than the Keystone Pipeline, how- this country today, soon, as it is being ica. ever. So I was pleased yesterday to built. As soon as this bill passes and as I offer my condolences to Lane’s fam- come to the floor and offer, as chair of soon as the President signs it into law, ily, especially his three brothers, to his the energy committee, my own priority there will be an immediate, dramatic brothers and sisters in arms, and to all list of what I think is most important. push from the oil and gas industry and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.016 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 from the energy industry broadly—al- have moved lots of things, which I am side and all of us on the Democratic ternative energies, wind, solar, coal, pleased about, and I think the Senator side, take a moment and listen to what and clean coal technologies—because from West Virginia may wish to com- was just told to us. What was told to us the vote on Keystone and the Presi- ment. But it seemed to have shaken up is to do our job—that is what Senator dent’s signature on Keystone is a sig- a few things and moved a few things, LANDRIEU was trying to do—move this nal, a strong signal, it is a green light and that is good because Senators who important piece of legislation forward that America is ready to go, that we are energetic and motivated and can and do the job we are supposed to. are following the science, that we are build coalitions—like Senator MANCHIN The best politics is good government. following our process, that we are re- and I do every day when we are here— If we do something good as a Repub- specting private property rights. And, can actually get things done. lican and as a Democrat, we all get yes, we are respecting States in their Mr. MANCHIN. Will the Senator credit for it. We do something bad, and views of where these pipelines should yield? then we try to blame each other—who be sited. No State—not Nebraska, not Ms. LANDRIEU. I yield to the Sen- did it worse than the other. We all get West Virginia, and not Louisiana— ator from West Virginia for a question. blamed for it. This is the best thing we wants to be told by the Federal Gov- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- have had for the last 4 or 5 years. We ernment where pipelines are coming ator from West Virginia. have had a hard time getting to this through on private property. No State. Mr. MANCHIN. Let me say to all of point, to almost get a vote for it, and So Nebraska does have an issue that our colleagues and all of my friends on now they want to say: Well, one- has to be resolved. They have an issue the Republican side and my friends on upmanship—we will see if it can come that has to be resolved about where the Democratic side that this is the over from the House side with a person that pipeline should be laid, and the greatest opportunity we have had in who is involved in a race against Sen- Republican Party should most cer- the 4 years since I have been in the ator LANDRIEU. Forget about those peo- tainly respect States rights on where Senate to have truly a jobs bill, a qual- ple. that pipeline should be laid. ity jobs bill that pays high wages. Al- Forget about all of us who cosigned The bill Senator HOEVEN and I have most every State in the Nation bene- and cosponsored this bill, apparently. acknowledges that process. It also ac- fits by the Keystone Pipeline. Just pass it. Give us a vote and pass knowledges private property rights, If you want to take politics out of it. That is all we are asking for. I think and it says it is time to build the Key- this, take all of our names off. Senator if we do that, the people will say: I stone Pipeline. LANDRIEU says take her name off. Take think they heard us, and I think they This was not a last-week election my name off. Take everybody’s name are starting to do something. That is wake-up call; I have been working on off, and let’s find out who really rises why I am on the floor with Senator passing the Keystone Pipeline before I to help Americans. LANDRIEU and the people willing to was the chairman, all during my chair- This is one bill that we have been fight for the jobs that Americans manship, years ago, as a senior mem- trying to bring to the forefront. Sen- need—not just in Louisiana but in West ber of the committee, and now as chair. ator LANDRIEU has brought it how Virginia, too, and also in Montana. I have not stopped and came very close many times? She was the first person— Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, how to getting a vote on this floor before I said yesterday—who, 4 years ago much time do I have remaining? the election. Frankly—and the report- when I came to the Senate, explained The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ers should know this—it was really to me how important it was and how it ator has consumed 10 minutes held up by the politics of both sides. interconnected all of us. I am very ap- Ms. LANDRIEU. I ask unanimous That is not what is said, but that is the preciative of that. consent for 1 minute to close. actual truth—the politics of both sides. Now MARY is in the political fight of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I see Senator MANCHIN on the floor, her life. I pray to the good Lord that objection, it is so ordered. who is a strong supporter, and he the good people of Louisiana under- Ms. LANDRIEU. I think the Senator might talk a little bit about that. Both stand the fighter she is and what she pointed out some key points—not only sides have some blame as to why we produces for America every day. how important this pipeline is for the couldn’t get to a vote, but I will let the With all that being said, she is will- middle of America but for the economy record speak for itself. ing to take her name off if this piece of of the whole country. This is the pipeline. This is what has legislation will move forward so that The pipeline and the supplies that to be built. As you can see, it doesn’t the Presiding Officer in Montana and I are coming and the workers to build come into Louisiana, but it most cer- in West Virginia can get some high- this pipeline come from all over the tainly impacts my State. It impacts quality jobs. We all benefit from this. country. The businesses that supply the entire country. Next, it makes our Nation secure. If the gadgets, the widgets, the steel, the These are already pipelines that we you want to protect your people, have trucks, the forklifts, the equipment, have in America. This is just another a secure nation and don’t go chasing the cranes that come to build this pipe- important pipeline because it connects energy all over the world. It takes us line come from all over the country. Canada—our greatest ally and our places we don’t want to be and But more important than the pipe- great economic partner—with the re- shouldn’t be. This does all of that as line itself, which is going to move hun- fining strength of America, which is far as securing our energy and making dreds of thousands of barrels of crude not only in Louisiana and Texas but us energy independent. oil from Canada—which we would much primarily in Louisiana and Texas. It But I just saw after the election—and prefer to deal with and trade with, begins to move a great product, pro- we accept that. I am on the Democratic than, let’s say, Venezuela or some duced with the highest environmental side. I heard loud and clear the people other countries that don’t share our standards in the world, approved by of West Virginia and the changes they values. More importantly than that, it this administration’s environmental want. What they really told us is: We is going to transport it in the safest department saying it meets the envi- want you all to do something. If you way. ronmental standards of transportation, have a chance to help us with a good Without this pipeline, this oil will be et cetera, and it meets the standards of job, do it. Don’t argue over your poli- produced. We cannot stop Canada from this administration’s State Depart- tics. It seems as if you are more con- producing it. They are going to produce ment when it comes to, is it in Amer- cerned about your own status of being it, and it is going to be moved east and ica’s interests. They said yes, it is in a politician or being an elected official west by rail or moved south by truck. America’s interests. That standard has than you are about mine, which is basi- We cannot put any more trucks on our been met. So let’s build the pipeline. cally paying my bills, taking care of highways, and we can’t crowd our rails. I came to the floor yesterday. The my family, and being able to be a good I know there are people, like my good Republicans brought their early child- American. friend from Massachusetts, Senator hood education bill to the floor. I am What we are saying, we thought we MARKEY, who is going to surely speak so proud they did. I brought Keystone heard that loud and clear. So I will say against this pipeline and why, from his Pipeline. Because I did, it seemed to to all of my friends on the Republican perspective, it is not the right thing to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.018 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5967 do. And I respect those views. I strong- great mayor, Tom Menino. We mourn like to make a unanimous consent re- ly disagree with him, but I respect him. along with his wife Angela, his family, quest. I strongly disagree with his argu- and everyone who ever was touched by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ments—and we will have this debate in Mayor Menino. But we will fill that objection, it is so ordered. the coming days—and I respect him. void with the love and respect that we Mr. GRAHAM. I ask unanimous con- But the point is this. Whether you have for the life and the legacy of this sent that at a time to be determined by support the Senator from Massachu- extraordinary man. the two leaders, but no later than No- setts’ or you support the Senator from Boston loves Tom Menino because vember 24, 2014, the Committee on For- Louisiana’s views, the point is we need Tom Menino loved Boston with all of eign Relations be discharged from fur- to vote. That is the process. I believe his heart. Tom Menino wasn’t satisfied ther consideration of S. 2650, that the we have the 60 votes on this floor to with leading the best city in America. Senate proceed to its immediate con- pass this bill. I believe we have always He wanted Boston to be the best city in sideration, the bill be read a third had the votes to pass this bill, if we can the world. He was an urban architect time, and the Senate proceed to a vote just get it to a vote. without equal, attuned to every detail on passage of the bill with no inter- Now, as is the process, the Senate has in every neighborhood. He forged a vening action or debate. Further, if to pass the bill, it has to go to the more inclusive Boston, where diversity passed, the motion to reconsider be House, and then it has to go to the is embraced. Tom Menino was every- considered made and laid upon the President. He can sign it or he can veto one’s mayor. table. it. I do not have at this date any indi- In a poll a few years back, half of all The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there cation that he will veto this bill. He Bostonians in the poll said they had objection to the request? The Senator from Connecticut. could issue a veto warning on it in an personally met Tom Menino. That real- Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, reserv- hour, he could do it tomorrow, he could ly captures how Tom Menino ap- ing the right to object, just to make a proached his job, but we all know how do it next week. That is not the point. few brief comments prior to my col- The point is the Senate must begin he viewed those poll results—that his leagues speaking on their request on to be the Senate again. Let the Presi- job was only half done. the underlying bill, it is my under- dent worry about being the President. Yet Mayor Menino’s vision for Bos- standing that the request is to bring a ton was global, and he pushed the city Let the House worry about being the bill to the floor that would create an into a new era of innovation. He helped House. Let the Senate be the Senate. extraconstitutional process by which I ask unanimous consent for 30 more our shining city on a hill illuminate its the House and the Senate would con- seconds. light of innovation across the world, vene on a possible statement or resolu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there building a beacon of entrepreneurship tion of disapproval on an agreement objection? and ingenuity. He laid the foundation that has heretofore not been nego- Without objection, it is so ordered for Boston’s economic leadership in the tiated between the United States and Ms. LANDRIEU. Let the Senate be 21st century, including spearheading our allies and Iran with respect to that the Senate. That is what my voters Boston’s Innovation District and devel- country’s nuclear program and nuclear said. I think that is what voters in oping the seaport area. ambitions. Tennessee said. I think that is what The Innovation District is supporting I think we are all of one mind in that voters in North Carolina said, and I the companies and industries that are we are hopeful that these negotiations think that is what the voters in Massa- creating jobs today, and Mayor Menino are concluded successfully, that we are chusetts said. Let the Senate be the has ensured that Boston will continue able to stand together and say that we Senate. to be a national leader in bio- have used diplomacy rather than mili- We are the greatest deliberative body technology, clean energy, and health tary might in order to dislodge from in the world. Let’s debate. Let’s vote. care for generations to come. He did all Iran any prospect of obtaining a nu- Let’s get the work done. Let the chips of this while keeping Boston’s historic clear weapon. But we are at an abso- fall where they may. The public can ac- character alive. Tom knew what pot- lutely critical moment in these nego- cept that. They cannot accept—and holes needed filling, but he also knew tiations, and I believe the underlying they should not have to accept—grid- when to leave the cobblestones alone. bill which is being asked to be brought lock, game playing, and raw politics on So today, if you take a drive around to the floor today would undermine the great floor of this Senate. Boston—or, as Tom would want you to those negotiations by sending a mes- I yield the floor. do, take a bike ride—you would see sage that Congress does not stand with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- there is no place in Boston that hasn’t the President as he and his team nego- ator from Massachusetts. felt the caring imprint of Tom’s hand: tiate these final agreements. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I ask kids playing on new playgrounds in There is going to be a legitimate unanimous consent to speak for 3 min- safer neighborhoods; poor communities question as to what Congress’s role is, utes. with better access to life-saving health but we won’t know that until we see The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without care; entrepreneurs and investors col- the agreement. We won’t know whether objection, it is so ordered. laborating on the next big thing. it rises to the level of a treaty. We Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I re- Boston will move into the future a won’t know whether we need to pass spect the Senator from Louisiana, and stronger, brighter, safer, and healthier legislation to immediately repeal sanc- there is no more fierce advocate for city because of Tom Menino. So today tions versus having them temporarily this pipeline in our country. She has we honor his life and his legacy. Tom suspended. This bill has not gone been a relentless advocate for that Menino is a man and a mayor for the through the committee process. pipeline. I am not going to speak on ages. While it raises, I think, some legiti- this issue today, but I look forward to Rest in peace, Mayor Tom Menino. mate questions of what Congress’s role a much more extensive debate that we I yield the floor. is going to be, if there is ultimately an will have next week. But there is no The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- agreement worked out between the one more vulnerable than the Senator ator from South Carolina. P5+1 and Iran, it is premature at this from Louisiana in her advocacy. UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2650 point to set into law a process by REMEMBERING TOM MENINO Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I will which we would vote an agreement up I rise today to speak about Tom be asking a unanimous consent request or down until we understand what the Menino, our great mayor from the city to bring up S. 2650, the Corker-Graham- agreement is in the first place. of Boston who just passed in the last McCain-Ayotte-Rubio legislation. Sen- That is my primary reason for stand- month. He always looked out for the ator MURPHY, I think, is going to speak ing here and ultimately registering an little guy. He always stayed true to the here in a second, but if I may do two objection. I do worry as well that it people who elected him, and he stuck things: I wish to reserve 20 minutes of would send a fairly chilling message to by his principles. time to be divided between myself, our negotiators and to those who are in In every neighborhood across the Senator CORKER, and Senator RUBIO to the room if the signal is that the Con- city, Boston mourns the loss of our speak about the topic. But I would now gress is not giving the full authority to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.020 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 this President under the Constitution their program. They have blood on thinking her children are safe and the in order to negotiate an agreement their hands when it comes to killing future of that country is secure if the which is ultimately going to be, we Americans in Iraq. They are one of the Iranians have a nuclear capability. hope, to the benefit of the United largest state sponsors of terrorism in When the ayatollahs say openly they States and global security. the world. wish to destroy the State of Israel, to I know my colleagues have time con- The idea that we would give them an annihilate the State of Israel, I believe straints and want to speak on this un- enrichment capability just astounds they mean it. When the Jewish people derlying bill. So, with that, I object to me. We are telling our allies—South say never again, they speak based on the unanimous consent request Korea, and the UAE: If you want a nu- past experience. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- clear program, fine—don’t enrich the Of all the scenarios in the world that KEY). Objection is heard. uranium. could throw this world into a chaotic Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ap- There are 15 nations in the world situation beyond what you see today, preciate my colleague very much for that have nuclear programs without an it would be to allow the ayatollahs a speaking in a way so we can all have enrichment capability. To concede one nuclear weapon. The Sunni Arabs will time on the issue. to the Iranians is the ultimate act of have one of their own. Israel will never No. 1, about the chilling messages, throwing the Mideast into further know a minute’s peace, and I fear that this is a chilling message from the Su- chaos, because the Sunni Arabs, the it would come our way. preme Leader of Iran about 3 days ago: mortal enemy of the Shia Persians, I would like to now yield to Senator Nine questions about the elimination will want a capability of their own of CORKER who can explain the details of of Israel. In this tweet—and I will read like kind or greater. The worst possible the legislation, why we are asking this some of it later—the Ayatollah, the outcome is to give a regime this dan- to be taken up before the end of nego- Supreme Leader in Iran, talks about gerous the capability or the potential tiations. how to annihilate the State of Israel to one day make a bomb. One cen- A week from Monday the deadline during the negotiations. trifuge in the hands of people with this comes to an end. I want everybody at Also, recently an IAEA inspector was mentality is one too many. the negotiating table to know this deal talking about elements of the Iranian To the Iranian people, my beef is not is so important to the United States nuclear program that have been hidden with you. My beef is with your leaders and the world that the Congress needs that would make it larger than we all who have taken the world down a dark to have a say. Barack Obama should suspect. path. not be able to make any deal with the What are we trying to do? I would This legislation is pretty simple. Iranians that is binding unless the Con- like to bring the Iranian nuclear pro- Bring the deal to the Senate. We will gress approves, and the Iranians should gram to an end through peaceful have a right to file a motion of dis- never be allowed to have a nuclear ca- means, and by an end, I mean the fol- approval. We will have a vote, we will pability, period, that could be turned lowing: I would welcome a deal that have a debate, and if it is a good deal, into a weapon. would allow the Iranians to produce it will be approved. If it is a bad deal, With that, I yield to Senator CORKER. peaceful nuclear power but without the we will stop it. Mr. CORKER. I thank the Senator. I capability of turning that program into I cannot imagine the Senate and the want to thank the Senator from South a weapons program. House sitting on the sidelines and ig- Carolina for his distinguished leader- I fear that we are on the road to a noring something this important. ship on so many national security North Korean outcome, where the To Senator CORKER, who will soon be issues. I understand his frustration international community gave a rogue the Chairman of the Foreign Relations with our inability to actually take a regime a small nuclear program to be Committee, this was his original idea. vote on something that is such a com- monitored by the United Nations—and We have tried to perfect it, but what I monsense measure. I also respect the the rest is history regarding North really believe is what he tried to do committee process, as you could imag- Korea. months ago to make sure the Congress ine, with the role I play and wished I have asked several times to the ad- would have a check and balance over that our committee would actually ministration: Tell me the safeguards any deal with the Iranians was smart. take up this piece of legislation. that exist in these negotiations with It would enhance the administration’s I actually tried to offer something Iran that did not exist in North Korea, hand when it comes to negotiating be- very similar to this in committee, and and I have yet to get an answer. cause they would have to tell the Ira- I actually did offer it, and the bill that It is pretty openly known that the nians, it is not just us you have to was being offered, too, was taken down administration and the P5+1 have con- please, you have to go before the rep- and no votes taken, because, again, of ceded a right to enrich uranium as part resentatives of the American people. not wanting to deal with this issue. of any deal with Iran. To that I say: Of That would lead to a better outcome. If So I thank the gentleman from South all the nations on Earth, given their it truly is a North Korea in the mak- Carolina for desiring to make some- behavior, name one country that you ing, we will have a chance to stop it. thing happen on this. As he mentioned, would put in the category ahead of Iran President Obama wants a deal too all of us want to ensure a successful ne- when it comes to denying them the badly, in my view; but at the end of the gotiation. I cannot imagine there is a ability to have a centrifuge that one day, let’s wait and see what happens. I person in this body who doesn’t want day could be used to make a weapon. just want to let the Iranians and the the negotiations between the P5+1 to The idea of giving an enrichment capa- administration know beforehand, we end up with a good long-term conclu- bility to the Iranians, given 30 years of will not sit on the sidelines and watch sion. I agree based on the signals that lying, deceit, American blood on their you go it alone. This is one decision are being sent. There are a lot of bipar- hands, and recent tweets about annihi- the President will make that the Con- tisan concerns that have been ex- lating Israel to me is insane. gress has to be read in on and have a pressed on this floor by people of both So all we are asking is that any deal say about. This is not the time to let sides of the aisle, because people under- negotiated between the P5+1 come to President Obama go it alone. The stand that this body, along with work- this body for a discussion and a vote. stakes are too high for Israel, for the ing with the House, put in place the Senator CORKER is the primary author United States, for the world at large. sanctions that have actually gotten us of this legislation. What do I fear the most? I fear that to the place where we are in the nego- Here is what I can tell the world: No- over time we will give the Iranian aya- tiations. The initial agreement that body wants any more war. But we do tollahs the capability to develop a nu- was put in place was so much weaker not want to allow the Iranians, given clear weapon. Name one technology than even the U.N. security resolutions their behavior, the capability one day they developed that they haven’t that passed over and over and over rel- to develop a nuclear weapon, and that shared with terrorists. And it will sure- ative to Iran. is exactly what they have been trying ly come our way. So I agree that by having us making to do. They have lied about their pro- To our friends in Israel: No Israeli the final say on this negotiation that it gram. They have been deceptive about mother can ever go to sleep at night gives the administration some added

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.021 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5969 strength that they were unable to show almost impossible for those to be put afternoon. I will only take 5 minutes in the beginning. Obviously Iran is try- back in place. So the damage is already and will stay as the discussion on the ing to tilt toward those within their done. And that is why it is so impor- Keystone Pipeline goes forward. own body, their own citizens, who cer- tant from my perspective, with Con- Yesterday at 2 o’clock I came to the tainly are concerned about negotia- gress having played the role that Con- floor of the Senate when the Senate tions and continue to bring that out gress has played to help put us into opened to say how important I thought throughout the negotiations. It seems this position, very important for Con- it was that we listen and hear what the to me that Congress would be an out- gress to have the opportunity to have voters said not only in my State but in standing countervailing force. And ob- the congressional review this bill lays Kentucky, Texas, South Dakota, North viously something of this magnitude— out. Dakota, and all over the country. Re- especially when Congress brought us to Look, I think it is pretty evident gardless of whether the people were the table—this is the kind of thing that with the denying, if you will, of this Democrats, Republicans, left or right should be weighed upon. bill coming to the floor, which was ex- or center, they want us to get our job What the bill would do is obviously pected, I think it is very evident that done. give us the opportunity within a de- Congress is not going to have the op- I think one of the most important fined amount of time to vote up or portunity between now and the 24th to jobs we have as Senators is to vote, and down on whether we agree that this weigh in. It is my hope that somehow if I have been frustrated, along with should be put in place. It also puts in these negotiations unfortunately end many Members on both sides of the place some enforcement mechanisms. up putting us in a very bad place—I aisle, about why we have not been able Then it also puts a clock on the nego- hope that doesn’t happen. I hope the to vote on some very important pieces tiations, so, again, we cannot have outcome is much better than what is of legislation. these continual extensions. anticipated. But if it ends up unfortu- This is one of the most important I recently read the newest book nately being something that is not pieces of legislation, and that is why I Henry Kissinger wrote. It was a great good for our country, I hope what will came down at 2 o’clock to claim time book to read, but it put in place one of happen is the next time we ask to bring at my seat. I have been here for 18 years. This is Louisiana’s seat. One of the chapters that focused on these Iran this bill up—because of time being of the things we have to talk about right negotiations and lays out the fact—and the essence, the next time it would be now—not next year or not next week— I know the distinguished Presiding Of- brought up, hopefully Members of this ficer today knows this well because he is the Keystone Pipeline. body would agree that Congress would I know the Presiding Officer and focuses so much on nuclear issues and, weigh in in a rightful manner. Congress other Members of this body, mostly on like me, is very concerned about pro- would weigh in to make sure we don’t the Democratic side, are not strong liferation around the world. I have en- enter into a deal as a nation that puts supporters and have expressed that joyed working with him on the Foreign us in a very bad place in the longer view. I understand it, I respect it, but Relations Committee. Interestingly, term relative to what Iran is doing. I don’t agree with it. It is time for us one of the chapters lays out the pro- I thank the Presiding Officer for al- to have a vote. gression that occurs. And Iran, just by lowing me to speak. I do not see Sen- Because of the advocacy yesterday stalling each time these negotiations ator RUBIO here in the body. when the Senator from West Virginia take place, ends up in a better place. I yield the floor. It is my sense that and the Senator from North Dakota, Senator RUBIO may come down and Again, I think all of us were very Senator HEITKAMP—she has been a very shocked with the interim agreement want to speak to this. strong and effective advocate. I wish to that was put in place first. I think this But I do want to say in closing, all of give a shout-out to both of my col- is a very commonsense piece of legisla- us here hope the administration puts leagues from West Virginia and North tion. our Nation and the world in a place to Dakota. They have been tireless in Let me point out something my know that Iran will not have the capa- their effort to try and build a 60-vote friend from South Carolina did not bility of developing nuclear weapons. margin. point out. Without this, this is what is That is what this piece of legislation is In the old days we could pass bills going to possibly happen—I hope it about. Without it, I hope the adminis- with just 51 votes, and some people doesn’t, but possibly happen. The ad- tration still does that, obviously, and want to go back to that. I have mixed ministration can enter into a deal. The that we wake up on November 25 sur- feelings about it, but it would be great way we have crafted the sanctions, no prised—but happily surprised—that we if we could pass things by a simple ma- permanent—no permanent—arrange- ended up in a place that will stand the jority. But the rules of the Senate ment can be made to undo the sanc- test of time. which we operate under—and have not tions. Only Congress can do that. But I yield the floor and it has been a requested to change, and I don’t believe the way the sanctions regime has been while, but I suggest the absence of a will change any time in the near fu- put in place, the President in many quorum. ture—requires us to have 60 votes. cases does have the ability on a tem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We worked and worked and worked porary basis to do away with the sanc- clerk will call the roll. to try to get 60 votes. Since May, if we tions. It is evident that the administra- The assistant legislative clerk pro- could just get this vote to the floor, I tion very much wants something to ceeded to call the roll. believe we have the 60 votes to pass it. happen. I want to see something hap- Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I ask It looks like that is going to happen, pen, but the way this has gone, it ap- unanimous consent that the order for and I could not be happier. I could not pears they want something to happen the quorum call be rescinded and that be more grateful to the House of Rep- that possibly will not stand the test of I be allowed to speak for up to 5 min- resentatives for taking up not their bill time. utes. but Senator HOEVEN’s bill and my bill. Let’s say they enter into an arrange- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without They are debating it right now, and I ment by November 24. They undo the objection, it is so ordered. believe we will pass it. sanctions temporarily. If that happens, KEYSTONE PIPELINE I don’t know how many Democrats basically the work that has been done Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, as will vote for that bill, but I think there around here for years is over. It is done you know—and many know—I have will be some Members who will vote for because it will be impossible from a come to the floor now on several occa- that bill. I don’t know how many, but practical standpoint to ever get those sions since we arrived back here at 2 I believe there are 60 votes in this Sen- sanctions back in place, especially p.m. yesterday to talk about an impor- ate to pass the Keystone Pipeline bill sanctions with the many other coun- tant piece of legislation I have cospon- and send it to the President’s desk. tries that are involved. sored with Senator HOEVEN. I under- What President Obama does with it, I So if the President enters into an stand Senator HOEVEN is going to be don’t know. I am urging him to sign it. agreement and temporarily does away speaking about the Keystone Pipeline Seventy-five percent of the people in with sanctions, I think everybody in in a few moments, and the Republicans our country want this Keystone Pipe- this body understands it is going to be have reserved some time to speak this line built. There are jobs at stake. It is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.024 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 a signal that America is ready to be en- I wish to thank Senator HOEVEN for bill here, S. 2280. We will have 45 Re- ergy independent. all of his great work on this matter. publicans, and we hope to have 15 When I say ‘‘energy independent’’—to We hope we can soon celebrate a well- Democrats. And if we do, we will pass my good friend, the Presiding Officer deserved victory for the American peo- the bill and send it to the President for from Massachusetts—I, of course, mean ple. signature. more oil and gas. I am from an oil-and- I understand we have colleagues on If we don’t get to the 60 votes, I be- gas State. We have coal States, but we the floor as well, and I will be happy to lieve we will still be able to bring the also have States that have solar and yield at this time for any thoughts or bill back in the new Congress and have wind and drop-in fuels and new tech- questions they may have. the 60 votes. So I believe we will now nologies. Ms. LANDRIEU. I have a question, if be able to advance this bill to the This pipeline is a symbol that Amer- I could ask the Republican leader. President. The question is, What will ica is ready to do what it takes to be- Mr. MCCONNELL. Does the Senator the President do? The indication was come energy independent and to use from North Dakota have a question? I from one of his spokespersons traveling our resources so we can create jobs for believe I have the floor, and I believe with him yesterday that he may well the middle class. Senator HOEVEN is going to ask a ques- veto the legislation. If that happens, I I see the Republican leader, and I ap- tion. still think, again, based on the fact preciate that signal. So I will just con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that the American people overwhelm- clude with my statement, but I do wish ator from North Dakota is recognized. ingly support this legislation, that we to be a part of this colloquy today, if Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I wish will be able to come back, work with allowed, so I may continue to talk to thank the minority leader, but I ask our colleagues on a bipartisan basis about the importance of this issue. him to repeat his question. and perhaps make this legislation part I am happy the House has taken up Mr. MCCONNELL. As the Senator of a broader energy bill, or attach it to the Hoeven-Landrieu bill—the exact from North Dakota was engaged in an appropriations measure. But I think language of the bill. We can call it conversation, I was talking about his we will be able to find other legislation whatever they want. They can put any leadership role in this endeavor the that we can attach approval of the name they want on the bill as long as last 6 years and the difficulty of get- Keystone XL Pipeline—this bill—to. it gets passed because that is what we ting action here in the Senate. It al- That makes it very likely that we need to do for the American people. most seems to me as if it took an elec- could either override a veto or maybe I yield the floor. tion by the American people to choose the President wouldn’t veto it. Because The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- a new majority for next year to begin at the end of the day, what this is all publican leader. to get the attention of the current ma- about is more energy for this country, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, for produced here and working with our 6 long years the Obama administration jority to go forward on the issue that Senator HOEVEN has been talking to us closest friend and ally, Canada. has been dragging its feet on the Key- This is about jobs. By the State De- stone Pipeline. For as long as anyone about on a virtually daily basis here for 6 years. partment’s own environmental impact can remember one Senator has worked statement, 42,000 jobs. So it is about harder than any other to ensure that Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I wish to respond to the minority leader. That energy. It is about jobs. It is about the those feet are always held to the fire; infrastructure we need to build the that is, our friend the senior Senator has been the case, that we have worked for some time to get a vote on this im- right kind of energy plan for our coun- from North Dakota. try. Whether one comes from North Senator HOEVEN has been a tireless portant issue. We actually had passed a measure back in 2012 attached to a pay- Dakota or Kentucky or Texas or Lou- advocate for the shovel-ready jobs isiana or wherever, we have to have in- project. The people of North Dakota roll tax holiday. At that time the President turned down the Keystone frastructure as part of our energy plan. are lucky to have him in their corner. It is also about national security. XL Pipeline project on the basis of the Similar to the experts, Senator HOEVEN Americans do not want to have to de- route in Nebraska. So that work has knows the Keystone Pipeline will cre- pend on getting oil from the Middle been done. It has been rerouted. ate literally thousands of jobs, and East. They want to produce it here at Some time ago, we put together a bi- similar to the experts, Senator HOEVEN home, and they want to work with our partisan bill. It is a bill I drafted and knows the Keystone Pipeline would closest ally, Canada, and we want the wrote. Senator LANDRIEU from Lou- have almost zero net effect on our cli- jobs and the economic activity that isiana agreed to cosponsor it. We have mate, and similar to the people we rep- come with it. resent, he understands that the Key- all 45 Republicans on the bill, and we So that is where we are. That is the stone Pipeline is just common sense. have 11 Democrats. We have 56 cospon- game plan, to get this important legis- He has done just about everything pos- sors on the legislation, but we have not lation passed, and that is what this is sible to make the administration come been able to bring the bill to the floor. all about. This is about moving forward to grips with that obvious point. So I really had anticipated that we on approving the Keystone XL Pipe- Senator HOEVEN, along with leaders would have to wait until the new Con- line. When asked, the American people in the House, such as Congressman gress in order to get a vote on the bill, in the polling showed anywhere from 65 CASSIDY, succeeded in assembling and because as the minority leader said, up to about 75 percent overwhelmingly leading an impressive Keystone coali- the American voters spoke. And par- support it. So that is what this issue is tion that literally crossed party lines. ticularly with the new Members we all about. That is why the opponents of Keystone have coming, we will have more than 60 Now is our chance to show that we have been so afraid to allow the Senate Senators who support the legislation. can move forward, and in a bipartisan to take a free and open vote on it, be- So I had anticipated that we would way, and get this done for the people of cause they feared Senator HOEVEN and have to go into the new Congress to get this great Nation. We are hopeful that Congressman CASSIDY were right; that a vote on the bill. we can get it in the lameduck. That is there is overwhelming bipartisan sup- However, the cosponsor on the bill, great. We have cleared the way to get port for ending the President’s block- Senator LANDRIEU, yesterday requested a vote, and if we can’t, then we will be ade of these very good jobs. that we call the bill up, and she worked right back to work on it in the new After so many years of obstruction, on her side and we have worked on our Congress. we finally get the vote. After 6 years, side to get unanimous consent to get a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if I we finally get the vote. We can credit vote on the bill. So we are certainly could, it strikes me that there was the people’s choice of a new Senate ma- happy to vote on this important issue some intervening event here between jority for finally getting these gears for the American people. We will have the difficulty of getting a vote over the turning. But we never would have got- a vote in the House on the very same past few years and the apparent ease of ten to this point without the tireless bill. They now have taken up the very getting a vote now. It strikes me—and leadership of Senator HOEVEN in the same bill. I believe it will pass easily I would be interested in the observa- Senate and Congressman CASSIDY over tomorrow in the House. And then on tions of my colleague from North Da- in the House. Tuesday, we will have a vote on our kota—it strikes me this intervening

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.025 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5971 event was the election and it could be whether the President has been chas- going to cost the government one that the voices of the American people tened or has learned anything from the penny—not one penny. By the State have already altered the agenda in the election, or if he is going to be influ- Department’s own admission, it will Senate even before the Senate offi- enced at all in his decision. create 42,000 jobs. It will generate hun- cially changes hands in January. I know the Senator from North Da- dreds of millions in tax revenue to help Maybe the voices of the American peo- kota has been a bulldog on this issue. the States and help with our deficit ple have finally been heard on this im- He is not going to let this one get away and debt, and it is to move oil not only portant issue that the Senator from from him, nor should he, for all the from Canada, but from my State of North Dakota has been speaking about reasons mentioned earlier, including North Dakota and Montana to refin- week after week after week for a very the 42,000 jobs. Also, a lot of this oil, if eries in Texas and Louisiana and other long time. it doesn’t come in this pipeline across places that need the crude, and right I would say to the Senator from from Canada to the United States, now that crude is coming from places North Dakota, when there is a new ma- most of it is going to be refined in such as Venezuela or the Middle East. jority here, if we come up short be- southeast Texas and turned into gaso- It is a job creator, and there are all tween now and the end of the year, we line and jet fuel, which is going to help of these other benefits. Again, it is an will be back and back and back, look- bring down prices, because we will see excellent example of the kind of infra- ing for ways to make sure that the a glut of additional supply. But if we structure we need to build the energy voices of the American people are don’t use it in the United States, this plan this country needs. heard, and all of these new jobs are cre- is going to be shipped to China or other I ask the minority leader if I have ated. places that are rapidly buying natural answered his question adequately. So I hope—the Senator from North resources. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if I So I would be interested if the Repub- Dakota has indicated we will come to a may, it strikes me what the adminis- lican leader has a view of how we get favorable conclusion sooner, but I as- tration is best at is either destroying over those final hurdles of getting sure the Senator from North Dakota jobs or preventing new jobs from being Democratic votes next Tuesday to get that we will come to a favorable con- created. In my State, as a direct result to that 60-vote threshold. Then, how do clusion later, if not sooner. of the Environmental Protection Agen- we get the President to sign this, for a I see the Senator from Texas. cy, we have lost 7,000 coal-mining jobs President—at least so far—who has re- Mr. CORNYN. Will the Senator yield during the Obama years. For every fused to listen to the American people? for a question? coal-mining job, we lose three more Mr. MCCONNELL. I would say to my Mr. MCCONNELL. I will, yes. friend, we were both in an election this jobs. We have a literal depression in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- year and there is no question that this eastern Kentucky, largely caused by publican whip. jobless recovery is the biggest issue in the Obama Environmental Protection Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I agree Agency. So you begin to get the pic- with the Republican leader that our the country. Here we have had a project which has cleared all of the en- ture. leader on this issue for years now in vironmental hurdles, it has been sit- Whether it is preventing 42,000 people the Senate has been the Senator from ting around for literally 6 years, and— from going to work or taking the em- North Dakota, and North Dakota is a I don’t know what the latest estimate ployment away from up to 21,000 Ken- big energy-producing State—second, I of job creation is. I would ask my tuckians, what this administration must point out, to my State of Texas, friend from North Dakota, what is the seems to be best at is either destroying but they are making some rapid devel- latest estimate on that? How many existing jobs or preventing new jobs opments in that area, and a lot of Tex- new people would be put to work con- from being created. I am happy there ans have gone temporarily to North structing this pipeline—ready to go to was an energy bill in Texas and an en- Dakota to help them with the tech- work? ergy bill in North Dakota. I am pretty nology, and they are doing a great job. Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, there darn unhappy we don’t have an energy Believe me, it is creating a lot of jobs. have been a whole range of numbers of- bill in Kentucky. We have a depression These aren’t minimum wage jobs, these fered. But I think to cut through to a again as a result of this administration are high-paying jobs. As a matter of number that people should be able to and its Environmental Protection fact, there are labor shortages, and accept and to agree on is to take the Agency. what we need to do is train more peo- number the State Department has put The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. ple to qualify for these good, high-pay- forward in the environmental impact HEITKAMP). The Senator from Texas. ing jobs. statement. As a matter of fact, I think Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, But I wonder whether the Republican there have been either four or five en- would the Senator yield for another leader—or really I would be interested vironmental impact statements done question? in anybody’s point of view—beyond the on this project over a 6-year period, Mr. MCCONNELL. Yes, I would be election, I think there are going to going all the way back to starting in happy to yield. have to be some changes of heart on September 2008 when TransCanada ini- Mr. CORNYN. I ask the Senator from the other side of the aisle, because as tially applied for approval of the Key- Kentucky—I think you described how the distinguished Senator from North stone XL Pipeline, which is the sister the administration appears to not just Dakota pointed out, we have gotten pipeline to the Keystone Pipeline, have a war on coal but a war on hydro- close, but never quite achieved that 60- which was already built—permitted in carbons, a war on anything other than vote goal. So if we are going to vote on 2 years and built in 2 years—and that wind turbines and solar panels. this now as a result of the intervening happened when I was Governor. I actu- The President said he is for all of the election, there are going to have to be ally started working with this project above. We are a big ‘‘all of the above’’ some folks on the other side of the when I was Governor and it continued State. We have a lot of sunshine and aisle who are going to have to have a when I came to the Senate. But Trans- wind. We actually produce more elec- change of heart and vote for the bill, Canada originally applied for their per- tricity from wind energy than any which I hope they do. mit back in September of 2008. So for 6 other State in the country, but it is But this has been the main impedi- years this has been going on, and in the hard to understand this ideological ment—no opportunity for a vote—be- final environmental impact statement, battle against coal and oil and gas cause the majority leader, Senator which stated the project will have no from anywhere other than just an ideo- REID, has refused to grant a vote up significant environmental impact—it logical perspective. until this point. He has changed his stated that very clearly—they also said I think the Senators have pointed mind. That represents progress. But I it will create about 42,000 jobs. And out well—both the Senator from North think we have two impediments. One is these are good-paying jobs, construc- Dakota and the Senator from Ken- the need for additional Democratic tion jobs and other types of jobs that tucky—that these are good, high-pay- votes to actually meet that threshold; are good-paying jobs. ing jobs. One of the biggest problems and then, as the Senator from North So here is a project, when we include we have had in the country for the last Dakota points out, we don’t know Canada, about $7.9 billion. It is not 30 years has been stagnant wages.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.028 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 The middle-class wage earners are years old. The school district there is I would be curious to know if the not seeing their wages go up. One of very concerned about staying open. Senator from Kentucky shares the the surefire ways to make them go up They know that when this pipeline is same concern about the jobs and econ- is to develop more domestic energy, built, the easement they will have to omy and cost of energy and everything whether it is coal or whether it is oil or get will generate property tax revenue else that I do and that we do in the gas, because these are good, high-pay- that very well could keep the school northern part of the country. ing jobs. district going. So many of the local Mr. MCCONNELL. I thank my friend I can tell you not just in North Da- governments out in my area in the from South Dakota. I think the energy kota, where I am sure it is hard for res- State are very supportive of this im- revolution is wonderful and we ought taurants to find people to work there portant project. to embrace it. As I was saying earlier, because there is so much demand in the I guess as I have looked at this—we what has happened in my State as a re- oil and gas business, but the Permian have now had plenty of time to look at sult of the war on coal, 90 percent of Basin, in the Midland Odessa area, it since it has been kicking around our electricity in Kentucky comes where I know the Senator from Ken- here for about 6 years and five now en- from coal-fired generation. We have tucky visited many times, there is a vironmental impact statements, all of been among the top five of the lowest shortage of labor, and wages sky- which came back and said they have utility rates in the country in any rocketed because of the demand as a minimal impact on the environment. given year for as long as anyone can re- result of taking advantage of this nat- If we are serious about job creation, member. ural resource. and we have all talked on our side The war on coal is not only a war on I would just ask—obviously the Mem- about the jobs this would create, the coal miners. It is a war on all of Ken- bers of the Senate who have been vi- economic activities it would create, tucky because our utility rates are be- tally interested in this issue under the and the lessening of the dependence we ginning to go up, which is going to leadership of our friend, the Senator have on foreign sources of energy—I make the energy less affordable for from North Dakota—it has been ac- have to say one other thing about my people on fixed incomes in my State knowledged, but I think it is only fair, State; that is, we have a rail crisis. We and make us less able to compete for wouldn’t the Senator say, to acknowl- have been battling now for a long time other industries. edge the leadership in the House of with the limited capacity in rail and I repeat. I am thrilled at what is going on in North Dakota and what is Representatives of Congressman BILL much of the oil moving out is going on going on in Texas. We would like to CASSIDY. As a matter of fact, the bill rail. that the House will pass tomorrow and That makes it harder for us to get have some of that job growth ourselves send over here is chiefly the work prod- our agricultural commodities to the and calling off this Environmental Pro- tection Agency which seems to be just uct of Congressman BILL CASSIDY. marketplace, and so what is happening hell-bent to take coal out of the equa- Mr. MCCONNELL. It certainly is. We is that we are consistently stressed. commend him for his good work and The one thing the pipeline would do in tion. It is a heavy price to pay for this ide- that bill will be headed over this way. addition to moving Canadian oil down ological crusade which the President I would also make the observation with is it would allow for about 100,000 bar- seeks to lead on a worldwide basis and regard to the President’s approach to rels a day of that—what do you call says to the Chinese they don’t have to energy, the announcement in China it—sweet light crude—to be put on the do anything for 16 years while we take yesterday which, as I read it, gives the pipeline and therefore not on the rail away our own jobs and opportunity. Chinese 16 years to do anything to re- car. That saves about a unit train a Mr. CORNYN. I wonder if the Senator duce their carbon emissions while we day, which is significant. would yield for one last question. I see are going full speed ahead here, visibly I guess I would say to my colleague the Senator from Alaska, and I hope destroying American jobs or trying to from Kentucky—and I appreciate the she will join us in this discussion. prevent the creation of new jobs in arguments he has made not just with To follow up on a very important North Dakota. respect to this specific issue but also point made by the Senator from North My goodness, as I said earlier, it with what the administration’s policies Dakota that hadn’t been explored a lot, seems to me what this administration are doing to energy production in this he talked about the implications of is best at is either destroying existing country and the cost of energy and more North American energy self-suffi- jobs or preventing new jobs from being what that means for middle-income ciency and what that might mean in created because of this obsession, as families, what that means for busi- terms of geopolitics. the Senator from Texas pointed out, nesses, and what that means for jobs. It We know, for example, that Vladimir with hydrocarbons of any kind. is like an all-out assault. Putin used his energy as a weapon in I see the Senator from South Dakota The Keystone Pipeline is one exam- Ukraine and Europe to try to intimi- here as well and wonder if he may have ple of many of policies where this ad- date people and to keep them from re- a question. ministration is in a position to do sisting his invasion of independent re- Mr. THUNE. Yes. I would say to my something good for the economy, some- publics such as Ukraine. colleague from Kentucky—and I appre- thing good for jobs, and something I think it is significant because for so ciate the leadership of our colleague good for energy development in this long we have been dependent on im- from North Dakota in constantly, per- country, lessening the dangerous de- ported energy from the Middle East, sistently trying to get this in the Sen- pendence we have on foreign oil sources which we know has been a real chal- ate for a vote. My State of South Da- of energy. lenge because of the instability there, kota, similar to so many others, stands I would say to my friend from Ken- millennia old conflicts and sectarian to benefit enormously from this. We tucky and I would ask him in terms strife. wish we had the direct energy produc- of—the Senator doesn’t have the direct I would be interested if the Senator tion that the Senator of North Dakota and indirect benefit we have in North from Kentucky or perhaps other Sen- has. We have a lot of indirect benefit and South Dakota, but I know he has ators have observations about what from that. In fact, the State Depart- an awful lot of energy development in this means in terms of the safety and ment, the President’s own State De- his State—what these policies are the security of the United States as we partment—not the oil companies—the doing to jobs in a State such as Ken- become increasingly North American State Department has said that in my tucky. energy self-sufficient. We haven’t even State of South Dakota it would create I know the Senator hears every day talked about New Mexico. They are 3,000 to 4,000 jobs, add $100 million to from his constituents about this ad- just now beginning to open their do- the economy, and generate $20 million ministration’s assault on the indus- mestic energy production to the kinds in property tax revenue. tries that are so basic and so important of things we are already seeing in I happen to come from a county to our economy, so important to jobs, North Dakota, Texas and Alaska and through which the pipeline would pass, and providing a better, stronger, if you elsewhere. a small rural county in South Dakota. will, future for middle-income families It promises not only jobs but a great My father still lives there. He is 94 in this country. opportunity for us to become a safer

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I won- the dozens of natural gas, electric out that having a cross-border pipeline der if she had a question. transmission lines. These are oil pipe- is not exactly something new. As our Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, lines that are crossing the border with chairman, Senator HOEVEN, has pointed and to our leader on the floor and to Canada into Montana and into North out repeatedly, it has cleared every en- the colleagues who have come together Dakota, into Michigan, into New York, vironmental test. We cannot figure out to talk about this important issue for into Washington, into Vermont. why this has happened other than some us as a nation from an energy perspec- One would think this Keystone XL misplaced ideological crusade the tive—and we mentioned the jobs and was the first pipeline to ever cross the President wants to lead, not approved the benefits that flow to our Nation’s border from the north to the south. It by Congress. economy. When we talk about the issue is some new precedent setting. There We all remember what it was like of energy independence, there was a were 19 cross-border oil pipelines. here in 2009 and 2010. Our friends on the time when people would scoff at the no- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Back in 2009 this other side had 60 votes. They could do tion that as a nation we would ever administration, this Obama adminis- whatever they wanted to. They could have a level of independence. I guess I tration, came to a decision about the not pass cap-and-trade when they look at it and say energy independence Alberta Clipper project. This was yet owned the place. They passed to me is a place where we are no longer another pipeline from Canada to the ObamaCare. They passed the stimulus. vulnerable for our energy sources from United States. There were arguments They passed Dodd-Frank. They those who would wish us ill. What has for and against. But ultimately Clipper couldn’t pass cap-and-trade. The President obviously feels so happened to this Nation in the past was approved just as Keystone XL strongly about this, he is willing to half dozen years has been trans- should be approved. So when we are give the Chinese a 16-year pass, ignore formational. talking about plowing new ground Congress and go full speed ahead. Part We talk about the shale revolution. here, I think it is important for people of that ideological rigidity is reflected We talk about a renaissance. What this to recognize there is no new ground in the challenge our friend from North means to us is that we are truly ap- that we are plowing here. This is just a Dakota has had here for a number of proaching that point where we are reticence and a reluctance from an ad- years in getting a decision made, which more energy secure and from a na- ministration to do what I think people by any objective standard ought to be tional security perspective. The vulner- across the country believe is the right a no-brainer. My goodness, this is ability we once had is greatly lessened and the reasonable thing, not only about as close to a no-brainer as you because of our own ability to produce from a jobs perspective, from an eco- will ever run into. our own resources for our people. nomic perspective, but from an energy I came out here for the specific pur- It is not just within the continental security perspective as well as a rela- pose of praising the great work of the United States. It is Alaska as we point tionship with our closest friend and Senator from North Dakota. Without out, but it is North America. We are ally. him we would not be where we are talking about North American energy I know my colleague from Kentucky today on this issue. independence and what that entails had an opportunity to serve with our I wonder if the Senator has any fur- and what that means. When we think former colleague here, Senator Ted ther question or observation to make? about where we have come and the fact Kennedy. I am not going to ask the Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I that next year we will be producing Senator whether he recalls the quote, would like to thank the minority lead- more oil than Saudi Arabia, who would but I think it is important to kind of er. I would like to thank all the Mem- have thought that the United States put this in context. We have not as a bers of our caucus for joining on this would be in this perspective. Who nation always been opposed to import- bipartisan legislation. You know, we would have thought we would have a ing this crude from Canada. As I men- are continuing to work across the aisle conversation about energy abundance tioned, 19 cross-border agreements are to get 60 votes. At the end of the day, rather than energy scarcity. in place today. But back in 1970 the you have got to go back to what this is It hasn’t happened because this oil Nixon administration announced they all about. This is about building an has just suddenly migrated to North were going to place a quota on Cana- ‘‘all of the above’’ energy plan for this America. It has always been there. It dian oil exports. This was when things Nation. You cannot build an ‘‘all of the has been our technology. It has been around the country were getting dicey. above’’ energy plan for the Nation if our ingenuity that allows us to access It was Senator Ted Kennedy who led you do not have the infrastructure to it. Think what we can do when we part- the fight against this. He said—and move that energy around the country. ner with our friends and neighbors this is a quote from a Senate hearing We are seeing what is happening. Be- whether it is Canada to the north or back in March of 1970. Senator Ken- cause we have been blocked on building Mexico to the south. So when we talk nedy said: these pipelines, now we are not able to about energy independence and energy The reason why Canadian oil has never move our grain to market, because security, the Keystone XL Pipeline is been restricted in the past is obvious. Cana- there are so many rail cars now trying kind of that corridor that helps con- dian oil is as militarily and politically se- to move crude oil—700,000 barrels a day nect us as two nations. The benefits cure as our own and thus there can be no na- out of our State alone, and it is grow- that derive to both of us are quite con- tional security justification for limiting its ing. siderable. importation. Keystone alone will replace 1,400 rail We are talking about jobs for Amer- So not only is this an issue that has cars a day that are now carrying oil. ica and we should be. I think we also been going on for a long time, both That is 10-unit trains. So, you see, this need to recognize that when we are sides of the aisle recognize that there is about so many aspects of our econ- talking about the Keystone XL Pipe- is an imperative when you come to- omy, strengthening our economy and line, it is about a trade relationship gether with your allies for a resource creating good-paying jobs that people with our closest neighbor and truly our that we recognize is a benefit to all, want. That is why the American peo- closest ally and the benefits that come creates jobs for all. ple—and that is who we work for, that to both of us because of this relation- So I ask my colleague from Ken- is who we represent. That is what this ship. tucky, because he has not only served is about. That is what we heard loud There is a phrase that is used. We say in this body for considerable years, but and clear in the election, is that the the United States and Canada are he has been through these debates over American people want us to work to- joined at the well—literally joined at the decades. The question is: Why is gether. They want us to get jobs going,

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This has been 6 years. support the Senator in her last elec- HOEVEN from North Dakota, and RON We need to get this economy going. tion. So the Senator had to sign in on JOHNSON. That starts with common sense. This is an Independent ticket. I was one of the But you know a signature that is not common sense. This is common sense first people to call her and say: Go, on this letter is MITCH MCCONNELL’s. because it is about energy, it is about girl. Let’s get it done. She did. So I Maybe MITCH MCCONNELL was too busy jobs, it is about growing the economy, have the utmost respect for Senator to sign this letter. But his name is not it is about national security, it is MURKOWSKI. I have the utmost respect on here. Now am I saying MITCH about not having to get oil from the for the Senator’s father. I have the ut- MCCONNELL has not been a supporter of Middle East, and it is about doing what most respect for Ted Stevens. I stood the Keystone Pipeline? Absolutely not. the American people overwhelmingly with Ted Stevens until the end, even Senator MCCONNELL has supported this time and again have told us they want though my party went against him. I project. But what I am saying is that us to do. would fight for him to this day if he Senator MCCONNELL has not been Again, I want to thank the minority were here, because some of us actually truthful with the American people leader. I will turn to him and again believe in bipartisanship. Lots of peo- about actually how this has always say: You know, I believe we can find a ple around here talk about it, but that evolved. To support that claim, which way, either in this lameduck or in the is really it. is a strong one, on May 7, 2014, Senator next Congress—and I would ask the The evidence I am going to give—I REID offered a vote on the XL Pipeline. leader—in the next Congress, and I be- am sorry the Senator from Kentucky is Senator MCCONNELL objected. On May lieve it to be true, as the majority not here to defend himself. I want the 12, 2014, Senator REID offered a vote on the Keystone Pipeline. Senator MCCON- leader, he will make this a priority as quote he wrote down. He might come NELL objected. On May 12, I offered a part of an energy plan for this country. back to the floor when he hears what I vote on the Keystone Pipeline. Senator Mr. MCCONNELL. Let me wrap it up am going to say. I am going to speak by thanking again the Senator from for 1 hour. FLAKE objected for Senator MCCON- North Dakota for his extraordinary The Senator from Kentucky, who NELL. On June 24, Senator SHAHEEN of- fered a vote on the XL Pipeline. That, leadership on this issue and assure the will be the majority leader, has not left of course, I believe, was connected with American people that we will be back. his partisanship in Kentucky because the energy efficiency bill with Senator Hopefully it will be approved and you just saw it on display here. He can- PORTMAN. Senator INHOFE objected. signed by the President sooner. If not, not help himself. He cannot speak for 3 Senator MCCONNELL did nothing to he will have another opportunity later. minutes without mentioning the Presi- help. Then on June 25, Senator REID of- I yield the floor. dent. He had his back turned the whole The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- time, would not even acknowledge any- fered a vote on the XL Pipeline. Sen- ator from Louisiana. one over here. So he does a lot of talk- ator MCCONNELL objected. I want to underscore this. I am not Ms. LANDRIEU. Madam President, I ing about bipartisanship. But his state- saying Senator REID is a supporter of most certainly have enjoyed this col- ment just yesterday was, ‘‘I am con- the pipeline. He has never been. He is loquy and have been down on the floor fident Dr. CASSIDY will use his position not a supporter of the pipeline, but he most of the day. I am extremely dis- to succeed where Senator LANDRIEU has asked for a vote on Keystone a appointed I could not get any Member failed.’’ number of times and Senator MCCON- of the other side to recognize me for I do not necessarily think this is fail- NELL has objected. questions. I see the minority leader ure to get a vote on the Keystone Pipe- Senator MCCONNELL will come to the line. I think this is a great victory. I leaving the floor now, although he floor and show a list such as this when want to share this victory with Sen- knows I have many questions for him he has asked for votes on the Keystone ator HOEVEN who is a leader. I also that he does not want to answer. But Pipeline and Senator REID has ob- want to have printed in the RECORD— that is his prerogative. You know, I jected. That is the truth of the Con- the Senator from Kentucky had a lot thought we came here to work to- gress. The saddest thing about this is I gether. I am standing here. I have to say about everybody else not doing have believed for over 1 year that if we worked with Senator HOEVEN on this their job. I want to say that on at least could actually get a vote, we have the bill. Before Senator HOEVEN leaves the one occasion, he did not do his either. 60 votes to pass it. floor or Senator BARRASSO or Senator On March 16, there were 15 Senators— I have said that on any number of oc- MURKOWSKI, if they would stay, I would March 16 of 2011, not 2012. I mean not casions. I believe we have the 60 votes like to thank Senator HOEVEN for his 2014, not 2013, not 2012, but 2011. I think to pass Keystone. I believe the coali- extraordinary leadership on this bill. that was before the Presiding Officer tion of oil and gas and energy and man- Although the other side does not ac- was here. On March 16, 2011, when Sec- ufacturing companies that are very knowledge any of the leaders over here, retary Clinton was still the Secretary strong, with the coalition of the such as the Presiding Officer or Sen- of State, there were 16 Members of the strongest labor unions and organiza- ator MANCHIN or Senator Baucus, who Senate who signed a letter to her ask- tions that represent working people, is no longer here but was a strong voice ing her to approve the Keystone Pipe- and with the vote in this last election, for Keystone many years ago, or some line. I am going to read those names and with the people of the United of the other Democratic Senators, I because I think it is important. My States—mostly because of the people of want to personally thank Senator name is first, amazingly. I am very the United States asking us to do our HOEVEN for his leadership and thank proud of that, didn’t even remember it. jobs, I, on faith, and with strong evi- Senator MURKOWSKI for her extraor- MARY LANDRIEU. ORRIN HATCH cir- dence that I have—but on faith in what dinary leadership on this issue. culated a letter with me. Max Baucus. is right, what is true, and what is The Senator has been a real partner Kay Bailey Hutchison, my dear friend best—we have the 60 votes on this to me in the truest sense of the word from Texas. PAT ROBERTS from Kansas, floor. That is why I came to the floor and in the greatest spirit of bipartisan- another dear friend. MIKE ENZI from yesterday—on that faith. ship. Of course, she had an experience Wyoming. LISA MURKOWSKI—of course I said that I believed that it was time that not many Senators have. She was her name would be on here—from Alas- to vote on the Keystone Pipeline now. defeated by her own party in her own ka. Senator JOHN CORNYN from Texas. The most important reason is to show State. They chose someone else and JOHN BARRASSO from Wyoming. MARK the American people that we are will- ran against the Senator, which is un- BEGICH from Alaska who just unfortu- ing to put partisanship aside. I called usual, and did not support her in her nately lost his race because of several Senator HOEVEN—the first thing I did.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.033 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5975 The Senator has left the floor because my State that have supported it—poor we are not doing a very good job—but I am not really sure anyone wants to people, rich people, black people, white I will give him that. debate me on this. But that is OK. I am people—Democrats who support the The second I would put—and let’s used to it. I don’t have anybody to de- Keystone Pipeline. I am certain that is show the people that we mean business bate at home in my election because true in the State of the Presiding Offi- by passing a bipartisan bill, the Key- my opponent won’t show up. So I am cer, North Dakota. I am sure that it is stone Pipeline, and moving it to the very used to debating all by myself. So not even a party issue in the State of President’s desk. But he said: they have all left the floor. North Dakota. This is just a common- . . . preventing retroactive tax increases. But when I arrived in Washington, sense issue to get the Keystone Pipe- We must address the expiring authority the first thing I did was to call Senator line bill. passed earlier this session for the Depart- HOEVEN. I spoke to him because I have At approximately 2:15 yesterday I sat ment of Defense to train and equip a mod- done that on any number of occasions. on the floor, ready to go. I had called erate, vetted Syrian opposition [I agree that is very important] and we must continue to I said to him: JOHN, I think this is a my leader and JOHN HOEVEN. His name support the efforts to address the Ebola cri- very good time, and there are several is first on this bill. I could have asked sis [equally important]. reasons why. I think the politics are for my name to be first on the bill be- But then something interesting hap- cleared up. I think the people spoke— cause I actually chair the committee, pened. They brought to the floor a cleared up, not meaning me. It is not but I was trying to be bipartisan, gra- childhood bill—the majority and mi- about my politics, but it is about the cious, and a team member. It hasn’t nority together. The leadership politics of some people who lost and gotten me very far, but I just used it as brought a bill that has bipartisan sup- won. an example. port—but so does Keystone. But the Some people who were opposing the I said: JOHN, this means the world to vote have lost. Some people who sup- you, although it means the world to majority leader and the minority lead- ported having the vote are here. I have me, put your name first. So it is called er didn’t think Keystone could get said it looks to me as if this is a per- the Hoeven-Landrieu bill. I called him votes or couldn’t pass or maybe they fect opportunity to do two things—to since it is his bill and asked him what didn’t want to pass it. get done something that you and I he thought. He said he thought we But as long as I am a Senator—I hope have wanted to do now for over 1 year. could do it in the next Congress. I said, to be for many years to come—I am This letter most certainly suggests I actually think we can do it now. He going to continue to fight for what is that there were a number of us—not said he didn’t think so. So I just came right and do it in as gracious a manner many. There were only 15 of us who to the floor. as possible to give credit where credit signed the letter to Secretary Clinton I waited for MITCH MCCONNELL to say is due, to honor the Members on the asking her to push forward on the pipe- something. This is what he said: other side and on my side who work line. Other people were either too busy Mr. President, last week the American peo- very hard and just don’t talk about bi- to sign it or didn’t think—whatever— ple sent a strong message to Washington. partisanship but actually work at it but it is a bipartisan letter and it was They voted for a new direction. They called every day. very good. for a change in the way we do things in the I am sorry that it doesn’t seem pos- So I called the Senator, and he said Senate, and they sent a new team to Wash- sible for the minority leader—soon to ington to carry their wishes forward, and we be majority leader—to do that. When that he didn’t think that it would hap- plan to do just that. pen until the next Congress. he finished speaking, I just sat here be- But several items remain for the outgoing cause I can’t get leader time because I So I said: Well, let’s try. Maybe we Congress to consider and that is our imme- could get it done. He said that he diate focus. am not the leader of the caucus. Then I thought well, maybe Senator CORNYN would talk to his leadership, and that So I am sitting in my chair thinking will say something. was the last conversation I have had OK, here we go. I am ready. I have been Senator CORNYN spoke at approxi- with him. ready since we started, but definitely mately 2:30, the record says. He spoke I came down to the floor yesterday my staff can’t find anything before longer than the majority leader. He just thinking: Well, maybe I will just that which I can show for any evidence, also talked about dysfunction, but he kick it up a little bit, and sure enough, other than this letter. So I can just say never called for a Keystone vote either. I did. It got kicked up pretty high. I I think I was for it since I heard about So I thought that was strange. was actually here around 2 o’clock be- it. But since I can’t prove it, let’s go He said: ‘‘We will pass a budget next cause I have been around here enough back to March 16, 2011, because my sig- year—something our friends across the to know that if you show up early you nature is the lead on this letter. So aisle have failed to do . . . ’’ actually might get something done. that is some indication that I have He said: ‘‘I know Republicans and Don’t show up late; don’t be late. My been leading at least since then. Democrats will continue to have policy dad taught me to be on time, so I was I get a tremendous amount of credit, disagreements.’’ here at 2 o’clock. of course, from my own caucus because He also said: I was very interested to see what Ma- they understand that even though most jority Leader REID would say and Mi- of my caucus doesn’t agree with me So last week’s election will not change nority Leader MCCONNELL would say, and thinks I have been—and I have some of the fundamental policy differences we have between political parties on and the Senator from Texas, who is really pushed them on this issue and usually always with the Senator from ObamaCare, on what we need to do to pre- will continue to, because that is what serve and protect Social Security and Medi- Kentucky, what they would say about good Senators do. We don’t represent care and the like . . . but it will give us a what we should do. our caucuses. We represent our States, chance to make some steady incremental I sat here fully expecting the minor- and we fight hard for what we believe progress on issues where we do agree. ity leader from Kentucky—soon to be is right. I have, for the longest time, He talked about Ted Kennedy, the the majority leader—to say OK, the felt this was the right thing to do. So lion of the Senate. He talked about people have spoken; let’s get on with a that was that letter. MIKE ENZI and how MIKE ENZI, who is a bill that is very important. Everyone I was sitting and thinking: Here we wonderful Senator—someone I have in the country—not everyone, but go. But this is what the minority lead- worked with very closely—said: Let’s many people—many people in this er went on to say: work on the 80–20 rule. country, in all regions, support the In the weeks that remain in this Congress, He said: What is that? He said: Let’s Keystone Pipeline—not everyone. we should work to accomplish the essential work on the 80 percent that we can There are strong feelings against it, task [not of building the Keystone Pipeline] agree on and the 20 percent we cannot. but every poll I have seen shows people of funding the Congress and preventing ret- Then he went on to say: from many different areas of the coun- roactive tax increases. That strikes me as eminently practical and try, many different political persua- I thought he could say the essential a way for us to begin to get back to work sions. This is not as if only Democrats task of funding Congress—which I will again. are against it and only Republicans are put first, although a lot of people don’t When I talk about the easy stuff we can do, for it. There are many Democrats in think we should fund ourselves because I am referring to the bipartisan majority

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.035 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 that supports things such as the Keystone So neither one of them said any- SON were gracious to step up, and they XL Pipeline authorization . . . thing. And we can read it for ourselves. led the effort, and I just kind of orga- I want to repeat that: It is very clear. The Senator from nized behind the scenes—it is clear When I talk about the easy stuff we can do, Texas said we should do easy stuff like that happened—and we passed it. I am I am referring to the bipartisan majority the Keystone Pipeline. We will do that. grateful to this day that I didn’t put that supports things such as the Keystone Next time we will work on workforce my name as the lead because they XL Pipeline authorization . . . training. He said: No. 4, we can work on never would have passed it in an elec- So I thought he would call for us to infrastructure; No. 5, he said we should tion year, and we would have had 5 mil- see what we could do in this lame duck. discourage abusive, costly litigation; lion people in this country literally We are going to vote on an early child- No. 6, we are going to repeal turning their homes back to the banks hood education bill. Most certainly we ObamaCare, particularly restore the 40- or telling their children: The home would have the time to vote on a jobs hour workweek; repeal the medical de- that I built and that we built together bill. vice tax; and No. 8, we are going to that has $300,000 or $400,000 of equity— Now I believe early childhood edu- abolish the Independent Payment Advi- I am just telling you we are bankrupt. cation in the long term is the best jobs sory Board under Medicare. Each of I am so glad that didn’t happen. I am bill we can do. I have said that over these things I have mentioned has bi- thrilled. and over, and my life has been com- partisan support. If we can pass these So we did that bill. We did the RE- mitted to early childhood education, measures, we will send them to the STORE Act. I passed early in my ca- good schools, excellence in education, President for his signature. So starting reer a revenue-sharing bill that is and accountability. I am not saying with the easy stuff we have already going to serve the State of Louisiana this to diminish the bill the Senate is identified that has bipartisan support. and the gulf coast beautifully for years poised to pass, which is for early child- Well, I lead the bipartisan effort on to come. hood education. But if we started today the Democratic side, and I am proud to Harry Truman offered us a portion of with 2 year olds, it will literally take say that I lead it with the Senator offshore oil and gas revenues even be- us 20 years until they are 22, and the from North Dakota who is presiding, fore I was born. When I got through American people want jobs yesterday. who has been an equally ferocious and college and read about it, I thought: They want jobs now. They don’t want sometimes more effective, I will admit, Geez, that was a good idea. I liked jobs in 22 years. Harry Truman’s idea, and so I filed a So I was hoping the majority would champion than I have been, and the bill and passed it as a junior member of see that there is a clear path for the Senator from West Virginia, who has the committee—I remind people, over Keystone Pipeline to pass—a clear also been an absolute bulldog on the the objection of my own chairman, who path. You can see it. You don’t need a issue. was a Democrat at the time, the Sen- magnifying glass. You just need a brain There are other Senators. Max Bau- ator from New Mexico, JEFF BINGAMAN, in your head, an understanding of what cus was a strong supporter of Keystone. who was adamantly opposed, ada- happened in the election, and the votes Senator TESTER. Is it impossible for mantly fought every day, not just that are here. It is—yes, what hap- Republicans to utter the words? Sen- pened in the election, not only that the ator TESTER. Senator HEITKAMP. They voted against me but lobbied against American people spoke, but that some don’t have to say my name. I am clear me, fought against me, spoke against Members who were opposed to it and about why they are not doing that, but it—not me personally but the bill. He who didn’t want to vote have lost their they could at least be gracious enough just didn’t believe in it—not me per- elections. to recognize the leadership of the other sonally but the bill. I passed it over his The votes are here to pass this bill. It Senators here who have worked hard. objection, which is a very hard thing, was clear to me; I thought it should be When we start this next Congress— for a junior member of the committee clear to the majority leader. So people and I am going to do everything I can to pass it over the objection of their are going to have to go ask the major- to be a part of it—I really hope the re- own chairman. But the reason I did it ity leader. He left the floor, and he will porters in this Chamber and people who is because I figured out the votes, and not answer this question, but I am are following this will start reporting we drafted it in a way that could se- going to continue to ask it until I get what really happens here instead of cure the votes and passed it. That is an answer from him because I think what happens at press conferences, in- the truth. the people of the United States deserve stead of what people say in press re- So I am happy tonight. I am not sad. it. Why didn’t he? He has been talking leases, instead of what people say when I am happy tonight that the House of about it incessantly every day, not they buy staged television ads. If the Representatives is again—because this only beating up on Democrats, even reporters would actually just report is like the third time this has happened though about 15 of us—maybe more— what happened, I think that would be a in my career. It is a great honor for a will vote for it, but he has been beating good start. House that I haven’t spent 2 minutes up on the President incessantly, every Sometimes they are going to say: on the floor of—I mean, I know my del- day. And when he had the microphone, This is what Senator LANDRIEU did, and egation, but I haven’t spent any time when he had the chance, when he was I disagree with her. This is what MITCH in the House. I wasn’t even a Member elected overwhelmingly in his State, MCCONNELL did, and I disagree with of the House. This is the third time in he walked to the floor and didn’t say a him. But at least they would report my career that the House of Represent- word about the Keystone Pipeline. Not what actually happens. atives has actually taken a Hoeven- a word. He didn’t even refer to it. So when they finished speaking, I Landrieu, Landrieu-Hoeven bill, Then the Senator from Texas, who I stood up and said I think the votes are stripped their bill—and I didn’t even thought, well—because they do their there. I have reason to believe they ask them to do it—and put my bill over scripts together, they coordinate them are. I worked for a couple of days last there and passed it, and then they are very well. I thought maybe the Senator week just calling around because I am going to move it over here. I could not from Texas was going to give the sig- the chair of the committee, and my job be happier because we need to get the nal. The Senator from Texas didn’t is to pass legislation. I passed some sig- Keystone Pipeline done. They did sort give the signal, either. nificant pieces of legislation even be- of the same thing with revenue shar- So as all Senators here who are elect- fore I was the chair of the energy com- ing, the RESTORE Act—well, four ed have the right to stand up at their mittee, although you would not believe times—and the Biggert-Waters bill. desk and ask for recognition—it is that listening to some people. We So I could not be happier that I was about as simple as that. I didn’t even passed the RESTORE Act. I led the here at 2:00, that I listened to my fa- have a script. I was just sort of think- pushback against Biggert-Waters, al- ther, who is listening now—he should ing that they were going to do it. That though I didn’t put my name on it be- be happy to say: Show up on time. You is why I was here, because I thought at cause I knew if I did, it would never might not ever figure out what could least I would like to say I agree with pass because they wouldn’t have al- happen if you aren’t there on time. it, and I am prepared to do what I have lowed it under any circumstance. So So I was, thinking absolutely they done to rally our side to get the votes. Senator MENENDEZ and Senator ISAK- wouldn’t put the early childhood vote

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.036 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5977 on the floor, they would put Keystone I am glad the House is debating and The Senator from North Dakota. on the floor because they talked about voting. I look forward to being back Ms. HEITKAMP. Thank you, Mr. it every single day—every single day in here on next Tuesday, where our vote President. I want to thank my very my State, in Alaska, in North Caro- will occur, and I am very hopeful we good friend MARY LANDRIEU for every- lina, in Georgia, and in Kentucky. will have and I believe we will have not thing she has done for our country, for Every single day. 60 but probably 61 votes for the Key- her State, for her tenacity, and for her What was wrong with yesterday? stone Pipeline. What the President willingness to shepherd this through at What was wrong with yesterday? It was does is a different matter, and I would a very critical time. a good day. I am going to let that ques- like to challenge the Senators on Tues- We talked yesterday on the floor tion sit because there are a lot of peo- day to just focus on the Senate. about how important it is to send the ple around here who know the answer; Let the Senate’s will work. Let us right messages to the American public. I don’t have to tell it to them. What pass this bill. We will then send it to A lot of people will say, well, they pick was wrong with Tuesday? So when they the President, and under the Constitu- this agenda or this agenda. They just didn’t mention it, I thought that I tion—which is read to us on a frequent want us to start working together. And would because, as is the truth, I have basis—the President has the right to they want us to turn on the television been leading it since 2011. I am not sign it or to veto it. If he vetoes it, it and watch C–SPAN and say, there they going to stop until we get a vote on the is going to take 67 votes to override his are in the sandbox again, fighting Senate floor, for as long as I am here as veto. Mine will be one of them if he ve- about things that don’t matter to the chair, as ranking member—which I will toes this bill. If I am here, my vote will American public. You know, picking be, and not as happy as being chair but be there to override his veto. I don’t fights with each other, bad-mouthing thrilled to be able to work with the believe there are 67 other votes in the each other, as opposed to working to- Senator from Alaska. If I had to pick Senate to do that. There might be. I gether. It is a little tough right now, because one person in this body on that side of don’t know what mindset people will I think that if we are going to set the the aisle to work with, it would be LISA have, but let’s cross that bridge when tone today, yesterday, today and in the MURKOWSKI without a doubt, not only we get there. days that follow during this lameduck, because she is a woman but because she Stop talking about the White House the tone that will establish the rela- is an independent woman. She is and talk about the Senate. If the Sen- tionships and the courtesies we are strong. And since I was raised by one, ate can function, then maybe the going to have going forward in the next I cotton to them. House will do a little bit better, maybe Congress, we need to make sure we are So I am a happy camper. It does not the White House will do a little bit bet- communicating when the tone goes a bother me because, as I have said, I ter. My mother taught me if you want little wrong. have now worked here long enough to to criticize others, start with yourself To me, I have fought this issue. I have worked in the majority and in the first. Get yourself straight before you have been in favor of the Keystone minority. I have worked with Repub- start criticizing everybody else. All I Pipeline ever since I looked, and I licans. I have worked with Democrats. hear around here is what this one somewhat famously likened it to car- I have worked with three Presidents of didn’t do and what that one didn’t do ing about a reality TV show that has different parties and six Governors. and what the President didn’t do. Let nothing to do with people’s lives, and Why would I be sad? This is kind of us work as a Senate. Let us show the wondering why we care so much about like somebody said to me: This is the American people how the Senate Keystone, because it doesn’t have a gig you signed up for. Yes, it is. It is works. whole lot to do with carbon. It doesn’t. strange to many people, and I don’t The House is going to do their job on Keystone Pipeline is about transpor- blame our constituents for getting ag- Keystone. We are going to do our job tation of oil. That oil is going to get gravated, but it is a gig I signed up for on Keystone, and that will break the transported, it is going to get pro- because my dad signed up for it, my gridlock, which we desperately need on duced, and it is going to move. It is brother signed up for it, and my sister a significant—not an easy bill, not an going to move on rail or it is going to signed up for it because it is what we easy bill—but easier, such as early move on pipe someplace. When you do, and we do it well. And every single childhood education. Who could be op- look at all the studies that have been member of my family—and my husband posed to that? But let’s break the grid- done, the environmental studies, you signed up for it, and his mother signed lock on a tough bill that is hard on our turn it around 100 different ways, you up for it. I think it is worth signing up Members to vote on. There are Mem- come to the same conclusion, that the for, is why I am here. bers here who think it is the worst Keystone Pipeline makes an incredible Other people can have their opinions thing in the world. I understand that. I amount of sense. about the people who are here. I think think there are things that have passed It is a job-ready project, shovel-ready they are some of the best people in the here that I thought were the worst project, with good trade union jobs. world. Maybe the institution is dys- things in the world and I didn’t like That is something you don’t see every functional—it is. It is dysfunctional at them, but voting is important. Senator day in America. New things coming—it this moment, but the people are not. DURBIN has said this and others have will help us transport 100,000 barrels of The individual people who are here on said this over and over again; Senator oil. That is less than 10 percent of what both sides are not dysfunctional indi- LEAHY, who has been here a long time. we produce every day but it will take, viduals; they are some of the most ex- Let us vote and let us stop criticizing as my senior Senator said, a lot of unit traordinary people on this planet. I everyone else, and do our job, and I am trains off the rails so we can move know I am going to get criticized for proud that I helped to get us moving in grain, and it will be state of the art in that statement because people will say: that direction. terms of the quality of the pipeline. I There she goes, just talking about poli- I am going to ask—Senator CARPER is have seen the pipeline. I have seen the ticians. But I have served long enough seeking to speak on another matter. I oil sands. I have been there. We are to know there are really some extraor- understand my hour of postcloture is headed for North American energy dinary human beings who serve in this about to expire. I don’t need any addi- independence if we don’t get in our own Senate—smart, capable, caring—on tional time. I note that Senator CAR- way. both sides of the aisle, and I am proud PER is here, but before that, Senator Keystone has taken a role larger to be a part of it. HEITKAMP, I would respectfully say to than life, and it has been this hot but- I was not proud of the minority lead- the Chair, I think may have some com- ton issue that doesn’t belong in this de- er from Kentucky on Tuesday. I was ments she would like to make, and I bate. It should have been approved, in not proud of him today. I was not yield the floor, but if Senator my opinion, years ago, absolutely proud of the Senator from Texas today. HEITKAMP could go now. years ago. It has taken us longer to I was very disappointed in the Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. analyze Keystone than what it has from North Dakota. But they are my FRANKEN). For the information of the taken us to beat Hitler—by far, almost friends. We will get through it, and we Senate, cloture having been invoked, 50 percent more time spent analyzing will work forward together. the motion to refer falls. the Keystone Pipeline.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.038 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 The people of the United States are a time when the American public have been considered and approved by tired of this issue. They are tired of our wants to see us all come together, let’s the Homeland Security and Govern- gridlock, and they are tired of the par- not stand here and worry about who mental Affairs Committee that both tisan bickering back and forth. So I gets credit. Let’s not stand here and Senator LANDRIEU and Senator would ask as a way to move forward on call out people for what you consider HEITKAMP and I serve on. Senator a lot of very difficult energy issues past wrongs. Let’s move forward on be- COBURN, our colleague from Oklahoma, that we are going to have here, wheth- half of the American people. is the ranking Republican on that com- er it is what I believe, we need to begin I wanted to personally say thank mittee, and we have worked tirelessly to lower the barriers and eliminate the you, Senator LANDRIEU, for your lead- ourselves for the better part of the last barriers for exportation of crude oil. It ership, for your tenacity. And if I could 2 years to try to make sure there is a has been something I have talked add one point, and I will say this be- full complement of leadership in the about a lot. I believe we need to export cause I was with you every step of the Department of Homeland Security to and to facilitate the exportation of way on flood insurance. Flood insur- provide the leadership for one of the natural gas. I believe we need to do ev- ance would not have happened without most important agencies in our govern- erything we can to continue to develop MARY LANDRIEU. We had great support ment. I have spoken with people on our renewables. I believe we should on the other side, great bipartisan ef- this floor and wherever else I could find have a renewable fuel standard that en- fort, but she sounded the alarm before a venue about the large and very trou- courages—encourages—the develop- anyone knew we were going to have bling backlog of nominations in this ment of renewable fuels. I believe a lot this problem and had already built that Senate. I call it executive branch Swiss of things on energy, and we frequently groundwork. cheese. Executive branch Swiss cheese. hear in this body we are all of the You know, I am sure there are a lot There are a couple of ways you can above and people start talking and you of things her opponents and her detrac- cripple an administration. No. 1, you know they are not. They are not all of tors can say about the positions she can refuse to provide appropriations the above. They are polarizing this has taken over the years. Be honest and funding. Another way to cripple an administration is to not approve the issue. about it. She has been a leader on Key- At the heart of it, as I said yesterday, stone. She has been a leader on oil and nominations of people who fill key one of the reasons why the United gas. She has been a leader on flood in- leadership positions. The most impor- States of America has not experienced surance. She has been a tenacious voice tant ingredient I found in any organi- an economic downturn or the slowdown for all of those issues. And she has in zation—I don’t care if it is a legislative that you see globally is because of this her heart the best interests not just of body such as this, a State such as Min- energy renaissance. This is what the the people in this country, but particu- nesota or Delaware or Louisiana or American public has sent us to do, to larly the great people of the great North Dakota—I don’t care if it is a college or a business, a church. The set public policy, but more impor- State of Louisiana. So, thank you, most critical factor in all of those is tantly, to get out of the way of private MARY, for everything you do. I yield the floor. leadership. invention and entrepreneurship. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- When we deny a President or a Gov- So I would respectfully, very respect- ator from Delaware. ernor or a mayor, for that matter, the fully, ask that when our colleagues ability to put his or her leadership from the other side come to the floor, NOMINATIONS team together—even when they are think about how we can use language Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I did nominating well-qualified, competent that brings us together, that doesn’t not come to the floor to praise Senator LANDRIEU, but while I am at it, I would people, people of integrity—we do not tell the American public, there they go like to say a few words. do just a disservice to that person who again. You know, here we are again in I have the privilege of chairing the has been nominated and has gone the sandbox trying to figure out who committee on governmental affairs. through the process, but to the State gets credit. You know what, when this Senator LANDRIEU chairs the appro- or the county or the country in which place works, we will all get credit. And priations subcommittee that deals with they have been nominated to serve. more importantly, when this place Homeland Security. She is also a mem- I think it is every Senator’s constitu- works, the American public will have ber of the authorizing committee. So tional role to provide advice and con- their faith in their government re- she works both vineyards. She is as te- sent on the President’s nominations in stored. nacious and tireless in her defense of a thorough and timely manner as part So let’s be very careful with lan- our country against cyber attacks, of the Senate confirmation process. I guage. Let’s recognize everyone for the against terrorist attacks, against all have exercised that constitutional role commitment they have made, and for kinds of ills that would otherwise be and our right and our obligation. I the leadership they provided. And I visited on our country. She still finds think we do our country no service and have said many times in my home time as chairman of the energy com- do ourselves no honor when we leave State, Senator HOEVEN has led this ef- mittee to focus not only on issues that critical agencies—and Homeland Secu- fort. He talks about it. He has been a are important to her State—and this is rity is certainly one of those—without champion for the Keystone Pipeline. I one of them—but also issues that are proper leadership and leave honorable hope I have been a champion. But I cer- incredibly important to our country. men and women who are willing to tainly have not done the time that he I said to my wife the other night—we serve in the government twisting in has done on this issue. Senator HOEVEN were talking about Senator LANDRIEU the wind. deserves an incredible amount of cred- and her tenacity. That word has been I am a big believer in the Golden it; but equally, MARY LANDRIEU de- used tonight a couple times about her, Rule, as our Presiding Officer knows: serves an incredible amount of credit as an unrelenting advocate for her treat other people the way we want to for moving this issue right at this State and the causes she believes in. be treated. How would we like it if we point of time and moving this issue for- Others have mentioned that she is a were nominated, and we have a job— ward. We who are working on this side tireless advocate not only for Lou- maybe it is an important job, maybe it to gather the number of votes that we isiana but for the causes that she sees is a job that pays a lot more than what know we are going to need to pass that are just. they have been nominated to do in this—that is not easy work. Trust me, There is no quit in this one, as I said service to our country. All too often that is not easy work, but we are mak- to my wife this week. She said, ‘‘How is people are asked to put their lives and ing tremendous progress. We are mak- Mary?’’ I would never want to run their family on hold. They don’t know ing tremendous progress. against this woman, and fortunately I if they are going to be uprooted from Now what happens next week? We would never have to. And for those who wherever they are in the country to hope we pass it. And we will cross the have to, good luck and God bless. But I come here and live or for their spouse bridge of a Presidential veto when we am proud to be here with MARY, and or father or mother to work. It is not come to it and if we come to it. But with Senator HEIDI HEITKAMP as well. fair. let’s not presuppose what people are The reason I come here tonight is to In some cases, it is just to put people going to do and let’s not stand here at discuss a number of nominations that before committees and berate them

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.040 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5979 publicly for sins of omission or com- dent. Two of the nominees are Repub- These people deserve a vote. We mission that may be fabricated. No licans, and Mickey is one of those, and ought to vote them up or down. They wonder it is hard to get good people to three of them are Democrats. have been unanimously approved and serve. If we don’t confirm Mr. Barnett and confirmed by our committee, and I In this case, I have several people his colleagues by December 8—a little think they need a vote. When they get that I will talk about tonight. These more than 4 weeks from now—Mr. a vote, I am sure they will be con- people deserve not just our consider- Barnett, who is currently the Board’s firmed. ation but our strong support. chair, will be forced to leave the Board. Also pending before the Senate are During my 2 years as chairman of the If that happens, the Postal Board of two nominations to the District of Co- Homeland Security and Governmental Governors will no longer have enough lumbia Superior Court, Judge William Affairs Committee, I have made it one members to achieve a quorum and will Nooter and Judge Steven Wellner. of my top priorities to work closely not be able to conduct business. They are both well-qualified nominees with our ranking Republican, Dr. TOM At a time when the Postal Service is who, like the Homeland Security and COBURN, who is a physician and also a struggling to address a number of fi- Postal nominees I have discussed, won Senator, and to vet the President’s nancial challenges and adapt to the bipartisan support in the committee nominees that we have jurisdiction digital age and the Internet world we and are needed to fill vacancies on the over and move them in a timely man- live in, being unable to conduct busi- District of Columbia’s very busy trial ner when they meet muster, scrub ness would not be good for the Postal court. them good, make sure we have drilled Service. In fact, it would be very bad. Judge Nooter and Judge Wellner were down on what they believe in, their We need to avoid that from happening. reported out of our committee with credentials and competency for serv- I think if it does happen, we will be in- unanimous bipartisan support months ing, and when they do pass muster, try viting a disaster. ago. In Judge Nooter’s case, it was to move them along and bring them Today, because of our inability in more than a year ago. through our committee—almost every Congress to come to a consensus on As I have discussed, these men are postal reform legislation—and they are time—with a bipartisan vote and then not alone in waiting so long for con- actually creeping closer—the good bring the nomination to the floor. firmation, but the problem is particu- work by Dr. COBURN and a number of TOM COBURN and I try to do that reli- larly unfair when it comes to the Dis- other people to actually develop a bi- giously with respect to our nominees. trict of Columbia’s court system. Ear- partisan consensus around the legisla- We try to do the same kind of bipar- lier this fall during the Homeland Se- tion that was reported out of our com- tisan approach with our legislation. We curity and Governmental Affairs Com- mittee—I believe in a 9-to-1 vote ear- have had a lot of success and we are mittee Hearing on DC statehood, the lier this year—the Postal Service will grateful to our colleagues for sup- current vacancies on the DC Superior continue to twist in the wind, able to porting what we have done in our com- Court were included as just one of only do so much to address the finan- mittee. We are grateful to Majority many injustices the District faces sim- cial challenges they face and to trans- ply because it serves our Nation’s cap- Leader REID and Senator MCCONNELL fer themselves in a digital age. They and their staffs. They have been valu- ital. need to figure out how to make them- The District of Columbia already suf- able partners in this effort. Gary selves relevant—a 200-some-year-old es- fers from not having control over its Myrick, who works on the floor for the tablishment—in delivering that work laws or even its own local dollars. The Democratic side, and Laura Dove, who that goes to every business and every citizens of this city should not have to works on the Republican side for Sen- residence in this country, for the most face a compromised legal system as ator MCCONNELL, have been terrific to part, 6 days a week. well. While we in Congress may not be work with, and we thank them for How do we enable the Postal Service able to fix everything, I do think this their stewardship. to make money? They are figuring it is one of the few issues we can and Just yesterday our committee re- out, and we can help them with our must address now. ported out three more outstanding legislation. The DC Circuit Court is a local court. nominees, one of them, Sarah Saldana, Meanwhile, the customers of the It hears primarily local matters. Most to be head of Immigration and Customs Postal Service are left with uncer- nominees are entirely uncontroversial Enforcement at the Department of tainty about what the future holds for and used to go through the Senate Homeland Security. It is a big job, it is the Postal Service. Are they going to without a recorded floor vote. But be- an important job, and it is a tough job. be around? Are they going to be able to cause these local judges go through Russell Deyo has been nominated to be do the job? Are they ever going to mod- Senate confirmation, they have been the top management official at the De- ernize their fleet? Are they ever going caught up in a broader political stale- partment of Homeland Security. Mick- to modernize their processing centers mate of the Senate floor. I hope that is ey Barnett has been nominated by the and the post offices themselves? We going to come to an end. President to serve another term on the can answer that question and enable Meanwhile, no other local or State Postal Services Board of Governors. them to be financially viable once jurisdiction must have its non-Federal I believe Ms. Saldana and Mr. Deyo again. We would make that uncer- judges approved by the Congress. If we will almost certainly be confirmed in tainty that surrounds the Postal Serv- are talking about Federal District short order. I urge my colleagues to re- ice even worse if December 8 comes and judges or Circuit Court of Appeal view their qualifications and work with goes and our five Postal Board nomi- judges or Supreme Court Justices, of Dr. COBURN and me to fill these two va- nees are still waiting for us to act. course they should come through and cancies at the Department of Home- The same goes for our nominees to be debated and approved here. These land Security in the coming days. fill vacancies, not on the Postal Board are local judges, and it is only by a I wish to spend a few minutes of my of Governors, but on something called quirk in the law that they have to time tonight discussing the nomina- the Postal Regulatory Commission. It come here for a confirmation at all. tion of Mickey Barnett, who is already is a five-member commission. It is the They are local judges in the District of serving on the Postal Board of Gov- regulator, if you will, for the Postal Columbia. ernors. He is a Republican and nomi- Service. The two people who have been How would we like it if we had been nated again by the President. I will nominated by this President are Nanci nominated and held up for over a then talk about a couple of lower pro- Langley and Tony Hammond. They year—particularly in courts where file nominees that I think we urgently have been waiting since the spring of there are huge backlogs. We are talk- need to confirm as quickly as we can— 2013 to be confirmed. As a result, the ing about caseloads of tens of thou- certainly this year during this lame- commission has been working with sands of people, and they don’t have a duck session. only three commissioners out of five. full complement of judges because of Mickey Barnett is among a group of We need to do something about that as us. How fair is that? Well, it is not. five partisan nominees to the Postal well, and waiting for another year— No other local or State jurisdiction Board of Governors. His nomination waiting for another month is fool- must have its non-Federal judges ap- was submitted by a Democratic Presi- hardy. proved by Congress, and no other State

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.042 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S5980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 13, 2014 or locality is without a vote in the I will close by saying that what we something a bit untoward where people Senate to help push for action on nomi- are doing is not just bad judgment, it is of privilege—we are Senators; we have nations of concern to that community. not just bad form, I think it is shame- great titles, we are paid good salaries, The DC Superior Court is operated by ful, and we need to fix it. most of us dress well, most of us have the Federal Government and its judges With that, I am finished, and I am nice haircuts—we come to the floor are appointed by the President and looking around to see if there is any- with government-paid insurance, and confirmed by the Senate for 15-year body else seeking recognition. I don’t we say we are going to repeal the Af- terms. It is important to note that al- see anyone, so with that, I suggest the fordable Care Act and take insurance though this court is operated by the absence of a quorum. away from 500,000 Ohioans and tens of Federal Government, it is separate The PRESIDING OFFICER. The thousands of Minnesotans, and take from the Federal Government. Instead, clerk will call the roll. away young people’s and their parents’ the Superior Court is the local trial The legislative clerk proceeded to plan, and take away these benefits for court for the District of Columbia. It call the roll. seniors. handles matters such as local crime Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask I came to the floor to share a handful and domestic and civil disputes. unanimous consent that the order for of letters because I want to put a face Nevertheless, because this court is the quorum call be rescinded. on some of these, what this actually operated by the Federal Government, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without means, if we were to—if Congress, the President nominates candidates for objection, it is so ordered. thinking that is what the voters judicial vacancies from a slate pre- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask want—come to this floor and say we pared by a nonpartisan nomination unanimous consent to speak as in are going to repeal the Affordable Care commission and the Senate must con- morning business. Act. Let’s talk about what that means. firm the nominees. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Connie from Hamilton County, in Currently, there are four vacancies objection, it is so ordered. Cincinnati—the Presiding Officer has on the Superior Court. Due to planned AFFORDABLE CARE ACT been in that city a couple of times— retirement and medical leave, this Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, after the writes: As one of your constituents, I number will rise by the end of the year, election, I have heard a number of my want you to know the deleterious im- and it is going to get worse. These va- colleagues in the House of Representa- pacts of the DC Circuit Court’s ruling cancies hinder the Superior Court’s tives and in the Senate say they are on my well-being. Because of a change ability to administer justice for DC going to come to the floor of the Sen- in both my employment status and residents. The Superior Court judges ate and to the floor of the House and marital status, I have looked at the Af- already carry, as I said earlier, enor- again try to repeal the Affordable Care fordable Care Act as a godsend. I mous caseloads. The existing vacan- Act. worked full-time in a well-paying job cies—the majority of which are in the I said last night on the floor that it for more than 35 years when I was orga- family court division—threaten to un- strikes me that during an election I nized out of a position at the worst dermine the judge’s ability to give would think Members of Congress time during the recession. I have been proper attention to each case, includ- would hear from their constituents, able to maintain limited and tem- ing those cases in family courts that whether it is in Minnesota or Ohio—the porary part-time contract work since. affect the welfare of families, and par- Presiding Officer’s State or mine, or But the income I net is substantially ticularly the welfare of children. around the country—and once we start reduced from what it was. Recently the chief judge of the Supe- talking to real people—not campaign She said she worked for 35 years, so I rior Court and the Bar Association in rallies, not a country club dinner, not assume she is at least in her fifties. the District of Columbia sent to both a fundraiser, but real people—about As an older worker, I’m having a difficult time securing permanent employment. I be- Senate leaders and Dr. COBURN and my- their lives, we would understand what the Affordable Care Act has meant to a lieve strongly in the importance of health self a letter raising these concerns and care. I have recently qualified for a cata- ultimately seeking a Senate vote on whole lot of people. strophic health plan with tax credits on Judges Nooter and Wellner. They are In my State, there are a lot more healthcare.gov. Paying for it is a stretch, preaching to the choir. than 500,000 people who have health in- but I have willingly bit the bullet. Judge Nooter is currently the pre- surance today who did not have it 1 As you know, Ohio is one of those States siding magistrate judge on the Supe- year ago because of the Affordable Care that has opted out of establishing its own rior Court and has served as a mag- Act. In addition, there are 97,000 and state plans. That wasn’t a problem until re- istrate judge for the past 14 years. As counting young people—18—20—25- cently. Now, facing a plan that may be ineli- years-olds—who are on their parents’ gible for the Federal tax credit, I face a dire presiding magistrate judge, he manages financial situation. If I were the only one 23 fellow magistrate judges and serves health care plan who wouldn’t have in- caught in this Catch 22, I would not be writ- on the leadership team of the chief surance without it. There are a million ing. I understand there are approximately 5 judge of the Superior Court. seniors in my State, from Gallipolis to million Americans in similar straits. Meanwhile, Judge Wellner currently Troy to Toledo to Zanesville, who have Living in a State where the Governor serves as an administrative law judge gotten free—meaning no copay, no did not want to set up an exchange, and for the District of Columbia Office of deductibles—free cancer screenings, the Supreme Court—nine privileged Administrative Hearings. Since 2011, he preventive care, diabetes checks—all of men and women who are lawyers, who has led the unemployment insurance these kinds of preventive care, includ- get government health insurance—may division, and by all accounts skillfully ing when their doctor prescribes get- take these benefits away from these 5 coordinates a team of 10 administrative ting a physical for seniors that is free, million people. That was my editorial law judges and support staff to adju- all because of the Affordable Care Act. comment. dicate over 3,000 unemployment insur- There are thousands and thousands of She writes: ance cases per year. people in Ohio who have a child with Please, please, help find a way to amelio- Given the caliber of these nominees, diabetes or a son or a daughter with rate the impact of this circuit court ruling. the lack of controversy over their nom- asthma, and that family has been de- Many of us are dependent upon it so we don’t ination, and the unanimous bipartisan nied coverage year after year, but now, become burdens on the health care system. support they have received from the because of the Affordable Care Act, So the question: Why do people who committee of jurisdiction, I urge—and they have coverage. So we know what dress like this, who have titles such as I am sure I urge with the full support this has meant. ‘‘Congressman’’ and ‘‘Senator, who get of Dr. COBURN, our ranking Republican I heard Pope Francis say a few health insurance paid by taxpayers, member of the committee—this body months ago, speaking to his parish why do they want to take it away from to move their confirmations forward as priests—he exhorted them to go out so many other people? Why do they soon as possible. Justice delayed is still and listen to people and understand want to take these benefits away? Why justice denied. It has been that way for their lives, as should others, before do they want to cancel these consumer centuries and these delays are insuffer- they come to the floor and try to re- protections? So when they cast these able. peal the Affordable Care Act. There is votes on repeal of the Affordable Care

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Nov 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G13NO6.043 S13NOPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 13, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5981 Act, they should be thinking about the This woman, Rose’s niece, is in this ORDER OF PROCEDURE Connies of the world. situation. She is right out of school. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Sharon from Franklin County in the She wants to teach. She does not have imous consent that at 5:30 p.m., Mon- middle of State, Columbus, is a lupus a job yet. She is on her parents’ health day, November 17, all postcloture time patient. She writes: insurance plan. Then when she gets a be considered expired with respect to I urge you to maintain the health care re- job, if it were not for the Affordable the House message to accompany S. form that helps us afford coverage. Before Care Act, she probably would be denied 1086; that the motion to concur with Congress starts gutting the health care re- coverage because she has a preexisting amendment No. 3923 be withdrawn; and form, please visit a support group for any condition. So she is a perfect example the Senate proceed to vote on the mo- chronic illness, and listen to the stories of of two things about this law that my tion to concur in the House amend- people struggling to pay their medical bills, about people being denied insurance due to colleagues for whatever reason want to ment to S. 1086; that upon the disposi- preexisting conditions, cutting their meds in take away. tion of the House message, the Senate half to try to stretch them to the end of the I will close with this. Chris from proceed to executive session and vote month. Fairfield County—kind of southeast of on cloture on Executive Calendar Nos. My wife was in a drugstore not too Columbus—writes: 856, Abrams; 857, Cohen; and 858, Ross; long ago. Right in front of her, some- Senator, I just wanted to thank you for further, that if cloture is invoked on body was trying to figure out: Can I standing by the health care law. I now have any of these nominations, that on insurance after 4 years without it. I am now Tuesday, November 18, following the skip, take half this number of pills so receiving treatment for my knee after 3 they last twice as long? That happens years of pain and swelling. Turns out I have Senate’s action with respect to S. 2280, all the time. If more of us would get arthritis and I go to an orthopedic surgeon as provided under a previous order, the out to a drugstore, if more of us would next week for further diagnosis and treat- Senate proceed to executive session, get out and talk to people, we would ment. Without the insurance I purchased that all postcloture time be considered learn that. through the exchange, the x-ray that discov- expired, and the Senate proceed to vote Sharon writes: ered the arthritis would have never been pos- on confirmation of the nominations in sible because I could not afford it. I have got a good education, a good job, the order upon which cloture was in- good insurance, but I know I could be wiped So, again, why would my col- voked; further, with respect to the out in a matter of months if my job were leagues—almost all of whom have nominations in this agreement, that if outsourced or discontinued. Since I work at health insurance—why would they any nomination is confirmed, the mo- home and telecommute due to my illness, want to take those benefits away? Why tions to reconsider be considered made my chances at a new job and new health in- would they say to this person in Fair- surance are grim. The health care reform bill and laid upon the table and the Presi- field County—why would they say to dent be immediately notified of the isn’t perfect, but when it was passed, a col- Chris: Well, sorry, you are not going to lective sigh of relief went up for millions of Senate’s action; that upon disposition Americans who are struggling to maintain get that x ray. of the Ross nomination, the Senate re- their jobs, their families, and their lives In the end, what would happen? Chris sume legislative session and the mo- while suffering with chronic illnesses like would not get the x ray, would not tion to proceed to S. 2685; that there be know about the arthritis until it gets lupus. Please don’t play politics with our 30 minutes of debate equally divided worse, and then it would cost the lives. Please don’t gut the health care bill. between the two leaders or their des- health insurance company more Again the question is, Why do my ignees on the motion to proceed; that colleagues—almost all of whom have money. Part of what the Affordable Care Act upon the use or yielding back of time, health insurance provided by tax- the Senate proceed to vote on the mo- payers—why do they want to take does—and the Presiding Officer played a role in writing many provisions of tion to invoke cloture on the motion to these benefits away from Sharon and proceed to S. 2685; further, that with Connie? this law—part of what it does is it en- courages and gives people incentives to any sequence of multiple votes there be A couple more. 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote Rose from Hamilton County writes: get preventive care. So if we repeal this law, if my col- and all rollcall votes after the first Senator Brown, please vote no to repeal vote in each sequence be 10 minutes in the health care law. My family and friends leagues—again, I know I said this over appreciate the added benefits we are getting and over, but almost all of whom have length; and, finally, that the time in from the current health care law. My son’s health insurance provided to them by opposition to S. 2280 be under the con- fiancee is currently finishing her graduate taxpayers—if they have their way, all trol of Senator BOXER or her designee. degree. of these people—Chris and Rose and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without She is 25. Sharon and Connie—where do they objection, it is so ordered. Thank God she is able to remain on her turn? Where do they turn? Their lives f parents’ insurance; otherwise she would not end up worse. They end up being sick- MORNING BUSINESS be able to afford the high cost of private in- er. They possibly die younger. They surance. end up costing the health care system Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- This a young woman about whom more money. They are less productive imous consent that the Senate proceed Rose is writing. This is a young woman as citizens. The niece and the son-in- to a period of morning business, with who wants to get more education, law and the fiancee one of these ladies Senators permitted to speak therein wants to do better in life, wants to fur- talked about would not be able to get for up to 10 minutes each. ther her career, but what will happen? an education, get ahead—all of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without If she cannot stay on her parents’ plan, things we say we value in this country. objection, it is so ordered. if my colleagues are successful in re- How can any anybody think in good f pealing the Affordable Care Act, what conscience that repealing the Afford- RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH will happen to her? Why should we able Care Act makes sense for our fam- AND TRAFFICKING PREVENTION even be asking that question? ilies, makes sense for our communities, ACT My niece graduated last year from college makes sense for the States of Min- and has not been able to find a full-time nesota and Ohio, makes sense for our Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as an- teaching job. country? other polar vortex bears down on She is doing what we need more of— I suggest the absence of a quorum. States across the country this week, good teachers in our country. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The we must consider how the dropping Fortunately, she too can now stay on her clerk will call the roll. temperatures across the Nation will parents’ insurance because of the health care The legislative clerk proceeded to impact those who do not have refuge law. In addition— call the roll. from the cold. The issue of homeless- She has an illness— Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent ness is especially urgent in places like the current health care law ensures that that the order for the quorum call be my home State of Vermont. For those when it’s time for her to get her own health rescinded. of us lucky enough to have warm insurance, she will not be discriminated The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without homes, winter brings a magical beauty. against. objection, it is so ordered. But for those without shelter, the cold

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