E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 No. 168 Senate The Senate met at 3 p.m. and was another horrific terrorist act, this time we are all committed to stopping ISIS. called to order by the President pro against America’s oldest ally, France. We are united in supporting France in tempore (Mr. HATCH). Across our great Nation, Americans every possible way, as the people of f have displayed the French flag across France move forward after these at- buildings, monuments, and Facebook tacks. PRAYER pages in solidarity with France, a I repeat, as the Pope said yesterday: The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- country with which we have long The road of violence and hate does not re- fered the following prayer: shared democratic values. solve the problems of humanity. Using God’s Let us pray. We, too, have felt the searing shock name to justify this path is blasphemy. Eternal God, our shelter in the time and pain of terrorism on our own soil, Will the Chair announce today’s busi- of storm, in an anxious, troubled, and and just as France stood with us after ness. violent world, we turn to You seeking the 9/11 attacks, we stand with France f light and life for our day, faith and today. I personally express my condo- freedom for our world, and triumph and lences for those in France who lost a RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME truth for this generation. loved one. To the mothers, fathers, The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under Abide with our lawmakers. Make grandparents, children, friends, and the previous order, the leadership time them mindful of Your presence, eager relatives, we mourn with you. To all is reserved. to do Your will, and committed to those in the midst of caring for loved f serve this land we love. Lord, use them ones, those injured in these evil at- to work for the triumph of truth. tacks—as hundreds were—our hearts MORNING BUSINESS Strengthen them with Your Spirit so and our thoughts are with you. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under that they will meet today’s challenges There are no words to adequately de- the previous order, the Senate will be with daring faith and transcendent wis- scribe the barbarism of ISIS, the orga- in a period of morning business until 5 dom. nization that carried out this attack p.m., with Senators permitted to speak Hasten the day when justice shall and mowed down innocent civilians en- therein for up to 10 minutes each. reign in the relationships of people, joying the freedom and beauty of a Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest and peace shall regulate the affairs of Paris night, but as we know, the at- the absence of a quorum. nations. tacks in Paris do not stand alone. ISIS The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Lord, bless the people of France. has viciously attacked innocent people TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. We pray in Your sovereign Name. in Beirut, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and other The legislative clerk proceeded to Amen. places. They have beheaded Americans, call the roll. f beheaded others, instituted a policy of Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask rape and violence against women, and unanimous consent that the order for PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE are attempting to take civilization the quorum call be rescinded. The President pro tempore led the back to the Dark Ages. ISIS does not The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: worship Islam. ISIS worships death. objection, it is so ordered. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the ISIS doesn’t practice compassion and f United States of America, and to the Repub- mercy. ISIS practices killing, torture, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, and violence. Instead of guiding its fol- THE HONOR OF SERVING MY indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. lowers on the straight and narrow STATE AND COUNTRY f path, ISIS guides them to hate. Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today As Pope Francis said yesterday: I received an announcement of a life- RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY The road of violence and hate does not re- time. At 4 p.m. today, the President of LEADER solve the problems of humanity. Using God’s the United States informed me that I The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The name to justify this path is blasphemy. will receive the Presidential Medal of Democratic leader is recognized. The Pope is right. Freedom. I want to thank him for this f Law-abiding Muslims—many of honor and to say that I am deeply, whom have also been innocent victims deeply touched to join this group on TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST of terror—must not allow these radi- November 14 of 17 Americans to receive FRANCE cals to be the face of their religion. We this award. Mr. REID. Mr. President, as the Sen- cannot allow it. They cannot allow it. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is ate convenes today, the world faces yet I know I speak for the Senate in saying the Nation’s highest civilian honor. It

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO6.000 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 is presented to individuals who have es- ed to put a highway through the neigh- ceed to executive session to consider pecially made contributions to the se- borhood in which I grew up and some the following nomination, which the curity and national interests of the other neighborhoods in the city. I orga- clerk will report. United States, to people who have nized the ‘‘Hell no, we won’t go’’ com- The senior assistant legislative clerk worked for world peace, who have mittee and took on city hall. read the nomination of LaShann found cures for incredible diseases, and Do you know what is so great about Moutique DeArcy Hall, of New York, to who have done cultural and other sig- this country? In others, they put you be United States District Judge for the nificant things of public or private en- in jail and beat you. In this country, Eastern District of New York. deavors. To join that group I am, in- they sent me to the city council, and I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under deed, so honored. For the President to beat the political bosses. the previous order, there will be 30 do this has been something that I could This is an amazing country. Our Con- minutes of debate prior to a vote on never have anticipated. stitution, the freedoms guaranteed in the Hall nomination. I have been very deeply honored to it—the freedom of assembly, the free- The Senator from Iowa. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask serve the people of Maryland and of dom to speak, and most of all, the free- unanimous consent to speak as in this Nation. To the people of Maryland, dom to serve and to be all that you can morning business for about 6 or 7 min- I thank you. I could never have had the be—has been a marvelous gift. opportunity to serve in the public utes. In a few days, I will be honored by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sphere in such a way had they not hon- the President of the United States, but objection, it is so ordered. ored me with their confidence and the real honor has always been to be TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST FRANCE AND trust by voting for me. I am so thank- here. I never dreamed such an honor SYRIAN REFUGEES ful for the opportunity that they have would come my way, nor did I seek it. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I given me to actually serve my State I am so deeply honored to be touched want to express my deepest sympathies and my country. by this, and I am honored to be among to the people of Paris and all those af- Yes, I am the longest serving woman the people who will get this award. fected by the terrorist attacks of Is- in the Senate. But for me, it is not how Among those who will be honored is lamic extremists. As we all know, hun- long I have served but how well I have the dearly beloved Shirley Chisholm, dreds of people were killed or injured tried to serve. To me, service is about whom I served with in the House. She in the attacks, including at least one being connected to my constituents, was always unbought and unbossed. American citizen. No one should be staying close to them, making sure Willie Mays will be honored. He always faced with horrific violence when at- they don’t fall between the cracks, and brought it home and knew where home tending a soccer game or concert or looking out for their day-to-day plate was. Barbra Streisand, who al- simply carrying out their daily lives. needs—whether a Social Security ways hit the high notes, and, of course, On behalf of Iowans, I stand with the check, helping a veteran or working on even Yogi Berra, who shared my love of people of France. I offer our support in issues such as college affordability. language, are going to be honored. recovering from and responding to For me, service has been rooted in Young, distinguished Americans like those attacks. the values I learned in my home and in Katherine Johnson, who was one of the Unfortunately, there is fear that my community. I think today of my fa- first African Americans in space, and similar attacks could soon take place ther and mother, who worked so hard Lee Hamilton, who worked both in on U.S. soil. There is even a video that so that my sisters and I would get an Congress and in the private sector to ISIS released earlier today threatening education. They owned a small neigh- bring about world peace, will be hon- to attack America. Moreover, if we fol- borhood grocery store. Every day at 6 ored. What a distinguished group of low the administration’s announced in the morning, my father would walk Americans, and I will be glad to stand plans to bring in thousands of new Syr- across the street from our row house with them. ian refugees, we could very well be let- home and open up the door of his gro- I wish to thank President Obama for ting in similar extremists who want to cery store and say: Good morning. Can this tremendous honor. I thank the harm Americans. That is because it ap- I help you? people of Maryland for this tremendous pears that at least one of the ISIS ter- That is the way I was raised, and opportunity to serve, and I thank the rorists in Paris had recently registered that is what I have carried with me United States of America for enabling as a Syrian refugee in the country of every single day; that is: Good morn- someone like me to follow her dream. I Greece. Until last Friday, he appeared ing. Can I help you? But they also saw hope, in getting this award, that I will to all the world to be no different from that my sisters and I had a fantastic continue to make my pledge to be of any of the other thousands of people education. I had the opportunity to go service. fleeing the chaos in Syria. This could to Catholic schools, and there the sis- I thank the Presiding Officer and happen here too. ters taught us about leadership and yield the floor. The No. 1 responsibility under the service. But actually they focused on I suggest the absence of a quorum. Constitution of our Federal Govern- the values of our faith: Love your The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ment is to protect the homeland and to neighbor, care for the sick, worry clerk will call the roll. secure the country against all threats. about the poor, always insist that The senior assistant legislative clerk We must do all we can to prevent a ter- neighbors should help neighbors, and it proceeded to call the roll. rorist style attack from happening is better to light one little candle than Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask here, but under the administration’s to curse the darkness. unanimous consent that the order for proposed plan, we may not be able to We were also raised to believe in the the quorum call be rescinded. stop such an attack. We cannot tell American dream. My great-grand- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without who among the thousands of Syrian mother came to this country from Po- objection, it is so ordered. refugees the administration wishes to land. She had little money in her pock- resettle here are terrorists. One par- f et. Women didn’t even have the right ticularly alarming statement to this to vote when she arrived. She had a big CONCLUSION OF MORNING effect came from the Director of the dream in her heart. If you worked hard BUSINESS FBI, James Comey. He was in a hearing and played by the rules, life would be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning before the Senate Committee on Home- better for you. She never thought, business is closed. land Security and Governmental Af- coming as she did, that her own great- fairs just on October 8 of this year. Di- f granddaughter would one day be a U.S. rector Comey said ‘‘there are certain Senator. But then that is only in EXECUTIVE SESSION gaps . . . in the data available to us’’ in America, where my story has been pos- screening Syrian refugees. This data, sible. which includes fingerprints, back- Only in America do we have this in- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ground and biographic information, is credible right to speak our mind. I got The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under crucial for an adequate screening of po- into politics as a protester. They want- the previous order, the Senate will pro- tential refugees entering the United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.008 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7961 States. Director Comey continued in ice in both the public sector and the Booker Grassley Nelson Boozman Hatch Paul that hearing saying, ‘‘There is risk as- private sector, Ms. Hall’s breadth of Boxer Heinrich Peters sociated with bringing anybody in from knowledge and depth of experience will Brown Heitkamp Portman the outside, but especially from a con- guide her for any case that happens to Burr Heller Reed flict zone like that.’’ come before her. In her current role at Cantwell Hirono Reid Capito Hoeven Risch Director Comey has also previously a major international law firm, Ms. Cardin Inhofe Roberts acknowledged that despite a large pool Hall specializes in high-stakes, com- Carper Isakson Rounds of data on Iraqi refugees, our past pro- plex commercial litigation. During her Casey Johnson Rubio gram for admitting refugees from Iraq Cassidy Kaine Sasse years of public service, including her Coats King Schatz inadvertently allowed into our country time serving as a commissioner with Cochran Kirk Schumer ‘‘a number of people who were of seri- the New York State Joint Commission Collins Klobuchar Scott ous concern, including two that were on Public Ethics, Ms. Hall has worked Coons Lankford Sessions charged when we found their finger- Corker Leahy Shaheen tirelessly to help make her community Cornyn Lee Shelby prints on improvised explosive devices a more fair and just place. Crapo Manchin Stabenow from Iraq.’’ Ms. Hall’s credentials are absolutely Daines Markey Sullivan Our ability to screen individuals worthy of this position on the Federal Donnelly McCain Tester from war-torn Syria is extremely lim- Durbin McCaskill Thune bench, and we will be a stronger nation Enzi McConnell Tillis ited by comparison. Several States’ with more women like Ms. Hall serving Ernst Menendez Toomey Governors have recognized this dif- as judges in our Federal court system. Feinstein Merkley Udall Fischer Mikulski Warner ficulty and have accordingly moved to Ms. Hall is a graduate of Howard Uni- suspend cooperation with the adminis- Flake Moran Warren versity School of Law and she served in Franken Murkowski Whitehouse tration in settling Syrian refugees in the U.S. Air Force. She is a highly ac- Gardner Murphy Wicker their States until those security con- Gillibrand Murray Wyden complished lawyer, and she has devoted cerns are addressed. I share such con- her entire career to various forms of NAYS—1 cerns for protecting our country public service. She is dedicated to her Perdue against terrorists who have clearly in- community, and she cares deeply about filtrated the Syrian refugee population. NOT VOTING—6 this country. LaShann DeArcy Hall I recently wrote a letter to the leaders Blunt Graham would make an excellent Federal judge of the Senate Appropriations Com- Cotton Sanders and would add much needed diversity Cruz Vitter mittee. In that letter I asked that tax- to the Federal bench. payers’ funds be used effectively to The nomination was confirmed. properly and securely screen refugees Mr. President, I urge all my col- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. entering the United States. I also re- leagues to vote to confirm her. LANKFORD). Under the previous order, quested in the letter that as part of the I yield the floor. the motion to reconsider is considered appropriations legislation before the I suggest the absence of a quorum. made and laid upon the table and the committee, it require a comprehensive The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. President will be immediately notified plan on how security will be achieved. COATS). The clerk will call the roll. of the Senate’s action. I requested this be a condition for any The legislative clerk proceeded to f call the roll. funding for refugee resettlement for LEGISLATIVE SESSION Syrian refugees. I said then and I em- Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask phasize now that not one dollar should unanimous consent that the order for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under be expended until stringent parameters the quorum call be rescinded. the previous order, the Senate will re- for vetting these refugees are estab- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sume legislative session. lished. objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Oklahoma. I would also suggest to President Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask f Obama that he reconsider his plan to unanimous consent that all time re- MORNING BUSINESS admit Syrian refugees until the dust maining on this nomination be yielded Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask settles and we get to the bottom of the back. unanimous consent that the Senate be Paris attacks. We need to analyze what The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in a period of morning business, with happened. We need to figure out how objection, it is so ordered. Senators permitted to speak therein we can better screen these refugees and The question is, Will the Senate ad- for up to 10 minutes each. ensure that terrorists among them are vise and consent to the Hall nomina- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without not evading proper screenings. We need tion? objection, it is so ordered. a timeout before we press forward. Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask for I stress that the United States re- the yeas and nays. f mains an extremely generous country The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES when it comes to refugees. This year sufficient second? MASTER SERGEANT JOSHUA L. WHEELER alone we will allow 75,000 refugees flee- There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, the Pre- ing persecution around the world to ond. enter our country, but we have to set siding Officer, Senator LANKFORD, and I The clerk will call the roll. want to recognize and pay tribute to our own citizens’ security as a top pri- The legislative clerk called the roll. ority. I call on Congress to act to en- Army MSG Joshua Wheeler. Joshua Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators was born in Roland, OK. He was de- sure that this administration certifies are necessarily absent: the Senator that the most stringent security stand- ployed to Kirkuk Province, Iraq, in from Missouri (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator ards are in place before allowing any support of Operation Inherent Resolve. from Arkansas (Mr. COTTON), the Sen- more of the Syrian refugees into our I didn’t remember him at the time, but ator from Texas (Mr. CRUZ), the Sen- country. It is our responsibility to do I was there during that time. He was ator from South Carolina (Mr. GRA- everything we can to prevent Friday’s deployed to Kirkuk to support Oper- HAM), and the Senator from Louisiana attacks from happening here. ation Inherent Resolve. That was his (Mr. VITTER). I yield the floor. 14th deployment in combat operations The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the in Iraq and Afghanistan. Joshua’s unit, ator from New York. Senator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS) along with Iraqi and Kurdish forces, Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I is necessarily absent. raided a compound near the city of rise to urge my colleagues to vote to The result was announced—yeas 93, Kirkuk, freeing 70 prisoners from cap- confirm this qualified judge, LaShann nays 1, as follows: tivity. Josh died of injuries sustained DeArcy Hall, to the U.S. District Court [Rollcall Vote No. 305 Ex.] in that firefight. He would have turned for the Eastern District of New York. YEAS—93 40 this month. Ms. Hall is an outstanding choice to Alexander Baldwin Bennet Josh attended and graduated from fill this position. After decades of serv- Ayotte Barrasso Blumenthal Muldrow High School in 1994, and a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.010 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 classmate of his, Ms. Tra Moreland, and we know where he is today. He will engaged the enemy. The full force of said this about Josh and his character: be remembered for his commitment to the attack came directly at him, and If you would have asked me 20 years ago, and belief in the greatness of our Na- he saved the day and six dozen men. would he be the man—the kind of man to do tion, and his memory and legacy will You need to know that Master Ser- this, to give his life for everyone else? I’d say continue forever in the love of his wife geant Wheeler was the best of the best, most definitely! I wish everybody could have Ashley and his four sons, Zachariah, the most highly trained warrior in the known him! Matthew, Joshua Junior, and the entire Department of Defense. Josh de- Josh enlisted in the Army straight youngest, David, just 3 months old. ployed three times as a Ranger in sup- out of high school. During his military The fight that took Josh’s life is port of combat operations in Afghani- career, he served in the 24th Infantry tragic. But make no mistake; his sac- stan and Iraq, then Master Sergeant Regiment, 75th Ranger Regiment, and rifice made a difference and will con- Wheeler was assigned to the U.S. Army from 2004 until the events that bring us tinue to make a difference, not just in Special Operations Command in 2004 here today, he was assigned to the U.S. Iraq but in the security of our great and was deployed 11 additional times in Army Special Operations Command, Nation. We are safe in our country, and support of combat operations in Iraq where he served with the Delta Force. it is secure because of Josh and our and Afghanistan. I think we all understand what the service men and women. We must con- Master Sergeant Wheeler was highly Delta Force is all about. It is a unit of tinue our unwavering support of them. decorated. We can see this from his the elite, the very best of the best. I extend our deepest gratitude and uniform. Let me tell you a little bit That was Josh—the best of the best. condolences to Josh’s family. Senator about his awards. They included four Bronze Star Medals with Valor Device; Josh was the epitome of a selfless and LANKFORD and I are honored to pay patriotic soldier. tribute to this true American hero who seven Bronze Star Medals; the Defense Mr. Lance Hunter, Sergeant Wheel- volunteered to go into the fight and to Meritorious Service Medal; the Meri- er’s friend of 30 years, said that Josh make the ultimate sacrifice of his life torious Service Medal; the Air Medal; was the kind of person who would stop for our freedom. It is my sincere hope the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor Device; the Joint and help a stranger change a tire on that his family takes solace in know- Service Commendation Medal; seven the side of the road and always dedi- ing that their husband, father, brother, Army Commendation Medals; the Joint cated himself to challenges. grandson, and friend is a true Amer- Service Achievement Medal; eight When he enlisted, I knew he would go as ican hero and will not be forgotten. We Army Achievement Medals; the Good far as he could go. He was made to be a sol- say God bless you, Josh. We will see Conduct Medal, sixth award; the Na- dier. you again. tional Defense Service Medal with A soldier he was. During his career, I yield the floor. Bronze Service Star; the Afghanistan Master Sergeant Wheeler had earned 11 I suggest the absence of a quorum. Campaign Medal with three Bronze Bronze Stars, including 4 with Valor The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Service Stars; the Iraq Campaign Device, and countless other medals. He clerk will call the roll. Medal with six Bronze Service Stars; was posthumously awarded the Purple The senior assistant legislative clerk the Global War on Terrorism Expedi- Heart for his actions during the raid on proceeded to call the roll. tionary Medal; the Global War on Ter- the ISIS prison. He is a true American Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask rorism Service Medal; the Noncommis- hero. unanimous consent that the order for sioned Officer Professional Develop- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ex- the quorum call be rescinded. ment Ribbon, third award; the Army pressed how selfless Sergeant Wheeler’s The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Service Ribbon; the Presidential Unit INHOFE). Without objection, it is so or- actions were, stating that ‘‘they Citation; the Valorous Unit Award, weren’t part of the original rescue mis- dered. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I second award; the Ranger Tab; the sion plan, but were critical to the mis- Combat Infantryman Badge; the Expert sion’s success.’’ In other words, he did come to the floor of the Senate today to talk about the sacrifice of one of Infantryman Badge; the Master Para- something he didn’t have to do. Still, chutist Badge; three Overseas Service the Secretary is one of thousands who Oklahoma’s own, MSG Joshua Wheeler of Roland, OK, Sequoyah County, Bars; and finally, posthumously, the know what a hero Josh really is. Purple Heart. America. The current Presiding Officer I was honored to hear that his home- He did everything his country asked today is Senator INHOFE, and the two of town honored him by engraving his him to do and more. Master Sergeant name in a stone monument and releas- us together recognize and celebrate the Wheeler was the first American serv- ing hundreds of balloons in his mem- life of someone who laid down his life iceman killed in combat in Iraq since ory. On top of being a highly decorated for the Nation. 2011. Americans, Kurds, and Iraqis soldier, he was a consummate family Roland and Muldrow are proud towns alike owe Master Sergeant Wheeler and man and father of four. Joshua’s grand- in eastern Oklahoma. It is Cherokee his family our deepest gratitude and father, Mr. Jack Shamblin of Roland, country, where families take care of respect for a life of selfless service. OK, said his grandson loved fishing and other families and small-town Amer- John 15:13 tells us that no greater love hunting and was a family man and was ican patriotism still thrives. It is the is this, than one who lays down his life always taking care of everyone else, in- land of tall trees and very strong for his friends. Josh did exactly that. cluding his four half sisters. churches. Master Sergeant Wheeler’s sacrifice ex- His brother Zack said: Josh was killed in action on October emplifies the highest virtue in defense He was a soldier, but I didn’t realize he had 22 while liberating captives held by of his family, friends, and Nation. all of these accomplishments, all these ISIL in northern Iraq. Josh was part of Speaking of his friends, they called achievements—it just blows my mind. He’s a team assisting Kurdish commandos him a cutup. He was someone who an American hero, he just wanted to take to rescue 70 hostages who were about made everyone laugh. He was a friend care of people. to be executed by Islamic State mili- to everyone. Ms. April Isa, a classmate of Josh’s tants. There was aerial reconnaissance I spoke to his wife Ashley last week, and an English teacher now at the old that had shown a newly dug mass grave and she recounted his faith, toughness, high school said: at the prison where these 70 prisoners and passion for his boys—all four of He was always funny, even mischievous, were being held. them. He was able to come home a few but always the guy who seemed like he had When the Kurdish attack on the pris- months ago for the birth of his fourth your back. Most of our class was cliques, but on where the hostages were being held son. It was a peaceful and joyous res- he wasn’t with just one group. He was friends stalled, Master Sergeant Wheeler re- pite from the brutal realities of war with everyone. sponded. He could not watch the Kurd- that Josh faced for years. Josh lived a life for his family and ish forces face the attack without help. Josh spent his life defending the friends. I had occasion to talk to Ash- He would not allow those men inside weak and standing up for those who ley, and I found out that he was a real the facility to face execution when he needed help. He spent much of his Jesus guy. He loved everyone, and he could help them escape. Master Ser- childhood caring for his siblings. He knew what was going to happen to him, geant Wheeler breached the wall. He valued life, freedom, and duty.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.012 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7963 In contrast to Master Sergeant Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I In a dark hour we were reminded of Wheeler’s heroism and selflessness, let ask unanimous consent that the order the things that bound us together. I me remind you whom he was fighting for the quorum call be rescinded. hope you will feel something similar against. In the days following the Paris The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. take hold in your terrible hour as well. attack, we understand that the barbar- DAINES). Without objection, it is so or- We have already seen rays of light ians of ISIL had no problem randomly dered. begin to shine through the darkness. killing people at a restaurant, soccer f We saw it even last Friday. Then, as stadium, or concert. They kill for in- Paris reeled, a soft hum emanated from TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND timidation and pleasure. They do not a tunnel. ‘‘March,’’ came the echo in URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RE- even value their own lives, much less French. ‘‘March on.’’ Enemies in his- LATED AGENCIES APPROPRIA- the lives of the people around them. tory and rivals on the soccer pitch had TIONS ACT, 2016—MOTION TO The Islamic State has committed some united around a common humanity. PROCEED of the most horrific acts of death the Dazed, disoriented but alive, French modern world has ever seen. Their Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and German fans marched through the fight is against all modern society, and move to proceed to Calendar No. 138, tunnels together. Some put defiance to their goal is to return the world to a H.R. 2577. verse. ‘‘Against us,’’ they sang, ‘‘tyr- medieval state ruled by fear. They have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The anny has unfurled its bloody banner.’’ abducted girls and women, called them clerk will report the motion. And indeed, that night it had. A song subhuman for practicing the wrong re- The senior assistant legislative clerk sung so many times before came alive ligion according to them, and sold read as follows: with new meaning that horrible night. them as sex slaves. In the world of Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 138, Many knew it as the French national ISIL, women can’t get an education, H.R. 2577, a bill making appropriations for anthem, but that night it became an the Departments of Transportation, and drive a car, or even have their own Housing and Urban Development, and related aria for their sorrow and an ode to rights. They kill and torture anyone agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- their fraternity. We heard it here, from who doesn’t agree with them. Their tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes. an ocean away. reach extends to our own citizens. No CLOTURE MOTION We add our voices to the harmony one can forget the horrific deaths of now. We know that the attacks were Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture James Foley, Stephen Sotloff, and not just directed at the victims we motion to the desk. Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old woman The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- mourn today but also at modernity and who wanted to do good for the people of ture motion having been presented the free world. President Obama has called ISIL the Syria but met pure evil when she got under rule XXII, the Chair directs the face of evil. It clearly presents a chal- there. clerk to read the motion. Recently, FBI Director James Comey The senior assistant legislative clerk lenge to NATO, to our moderate Sunni spoke about ISIL’s attempts to inspire read as follows: allies, and to the United States. It has Americans to turn on each other with also shown that it can attack innocent CLOTURE MOTION blind brutality. Go out and kill, they victims in the West, too—right where say. It doesn’t matter who, just act. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the they live. These terrorists have de- Good men stand up to such evil. They Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby clared their intention to do so again don’t allow it to grow and multiply. move to bring to a close debate on the mo- and again. We honor Master Sergeant Wheeler’s tion to proceed to Calendar No. 138, H.R. We know that trying to contain sacrifice and tenacious commitment to 2577, an act making appropriations for the ISIL’s conventional advance as an confront evil. We humbly thank his Departments of Transportation, and Housing operational concept has proven insuffi- family for the sacrifice they made so and Urban Development, and related agen- cient in the face of determined ter- that we may all live in a more peaceful cies for the fiscal year ending September 30, rorist attacks, but we also know some- world. Our Nation cannot say thank 2016, and for other purposes. Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Mike thing else. With resolve and determina- you loud enough or long enough to his Crapo, Richard C. Shelby, Richard tion, ISIL can be defeated. It won’t be family. Burr, Daniel Coats, Ben Sasse, Thom easy. It won’t come quickly or without When I spoke to Ashley, Josh’s wife, Tillis, John Hoeven, Roger F. Wicker, cost, but we also have no other option. she recounted when the doorbell rang Chuck Grassley, Susan M. Collins, I look forward to engaging with early that morning. It didn’t even cross Thad Cochran, James Lankford, Lamar President Obama to determine his her mind that it was about Josh. He Alexander, Roy Blunt, Steve Daines. strategy and the tools that will be nec- was so tough and so dedicated. Who Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I essary to achieve it. We are looking would have ever thought he would be ask unanimous consent that the man- forward to hearing the President’s pro- gone? The painful and long process of datory quorum call under rule XXII be posed strategy when Senators are grieving over a lost hero has just waived with respect to the cloture briefed by the White House later this begun. Master Sergeant Wheeler was vote. week. Whatever he does, though, I killed in action defending our freedom The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without would encourage him to work coopera- on October 22. His final service will be objection, it is so ordered. tively with both parties on the way for- this week—just a few days before his f ward. This is a challenge that is going birthday. The long days of Thanks- TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST to require all of our efforts to confront, giving and Christmas are still ahead. FRANCE and it is a discussion that will be ongo- Please join me in praying for the ing. family of Master Sergeant Wheeler as Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I But today is a time to remember and our Nation grieves the loss of a hus- want to express what I know each of to reflect. We have the people of band, father, grandson, and friend to my colleagues feels today. We, the 100 France in our thoughts today. That is those who knew him. He is a hero to men and women of the U.S. Senate, true here in the Senate, and it is cer- the Nation and the many lives he saved send our sincere condolences to the tainly true out across our country. people of France. From across the At- a month ago this week. May God bless f Josh’s family. May his boys grow up to lantic, Americans send condolences to be men who remember their dad’s love the victims, to the families, and to the MORNING BUSINESS for them and our Nation. first responders. With that, I yield back. We understand the pain and the loss JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS I suggest the absence of a quorum. that accompany a terrorist attack. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Some feel it in the most personal way. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today we clerk will call the roll. Some never come home. But everyone will vote on the nomination of The senior assistant legislative clerk shares in the loss. In our case, many LaShann Hall to be a Federal district proceeded to call the roll. shared in the response and the recovery judge in the Eastern District of New (Mr. LANKFORD assumed the Chair.) as well. York. She was nominated over a year

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:11 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.013 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7964 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 ago, and her nomination was voted out since Mr. McDonough was nominated, Since Republicans took over in January, of the Judiciary Committee by unani- but it appears there is no relief in sight the Senate has confirmed only nine of Presi- mous voice vote more than 5 months as his nomination continues to be held dent Obama’s nominees, the slowest pace in ago. Ms. Hall is an outstanding Afri- up by Senate Republicans, despite the more than half a century. Meanwhile, the seat Judge Restrepo would fill is one of 30 can-American attorney who will fill a strong support he has from his home long-vacant federal judgeships the court sys- judicial emergency vacancy. There is State Senators, Senator ALEXANDER tem deems ‘‘judicial emergencies,’’ meaning no reason Senate Republicans should and Senator CORKER. I see no reason they have a backlog of hundreds of cases. have delayed her confirmation for this why he and the rest of the nominees Republicans say that Mr. Obama has seen long. pending should not be confirmed before more of his judicial nominees confirmed The Senate this week should also we recess at the end of the year. As the than President George W. Bush had by this vote on the next nominee on the cal- New York Times put it in an editorial time in his tenure in 2007. But that is mainly endar, who was nominated on the same last Friday urging confirmation votes because Senate Democrats in 2013 stopped day over a year ago as Ms. Hall. Judge on all pending judicial nominees, Republicans from repeatedly using the fili- buster to block qualified nominees. After Luis Felipe Restrepo will be the first ‘‘With each day that passes without a that, the Democratic-led Senate confirmed ever Hispanic judge from Pennsylvania vote on Judge Restrepo and other 96 of Mr. Obama’s picks. The more relevant on the third circuit. Judge Restrepo nominees, Republicans undermine the fact is there are 67 judicial vacancies today, has strong bipartisan support from his justice system, and the biggest victims far more than the number of vacancies Mr. home State Senators, Senator TOOMEY are ordinary Americans who cannot Bush faced in 2007. and Senator CASEY, and there is an ur- count on fully functioning courts.’’ I The larger problem here, of course, is that gent need to fill the emergency va- ask unanimous consent that this edi- Republicans are blocking votes on highly qualified and noncontroversial nominees to cancy on the third circuit to which he torial be printed in the RECORD at the vent their anger with the president, who in- has been nominated. I have heard no conclusion of my remarks. furiated them with his now-stalled immigra- objection to his nomination, and Sen- Shortly we will begin voting on tion action, among other things. ator TOOMEY has said he not only LaShann Hall to fill a judicial emer- Judges are not the only casualties of this strongly supports Judge Restrepo’s gency vacancy in the Federal District interbranch crossfire. Attorney General Lo- confirmation, but he also rec- Court for the Eastern District of New retta Lynch, another unquestionably quali- ommended him to the President. I hope York. She is currently a partner at the fied candidate, waited almost six months be- the majority leader will finally sched- law firm of Morrison & Foerster, LLP, fore finally getting a vote. ule his vote this week. in New York, where she has practiced Senate Democrats should make these inex- In the 11 months that the Senate has since 2010. She was previously in pri- cusable delays a national issue. Mr. Obama, meanwhile, could start selecting judges him- been under Republican control this vate practice at Gibson, Dunn & self in states like Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin year, the Senate has only voted to con- Crutcher LLP and at Cravath, Swaine and Indiana, where senators refuse to give firm nine judges. This obstruction has & Moore LLP. She has the support of him any names at all. resulted in needless delays for hard- her two home State Senators, Senator With each day that passes without a vote working Americans who seek justice in SCHUMER and Senator GILLIBRAND. She on Judge Restrepo and other nominees, Re- our Federal courts. Currently pending was voted out of the Judiciary Com- publicans undermine the justice system, and on the Senate floor are nominees who mittee by unanimous voice vote on the biggest victims are ordinary Americans would fill judicial emergency vacancies June 4, 2015. I urge my fellow Senators who cannot count on fully functioning courts. in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Min- to support her confirmation. nesota, New Jersey, Iowa, New York, There being no objection, the mate- f and California. Senate Republicans rial was ordered to be printed in the RECOGNIZING NATIONAL REVIEW have refused to alleviate the urgent RECORD, as follows: needs in those States. It does not have [From the New York Times, Nov. 13, 2015] Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I wish to be this way. When Senate Demo- CONFIRM PRESIDENT OBAMA’S JUDGES to honor and congratulate National Re- crats were in the majority during the (By the Editorial Board) view for 60 years of valuable contribu- last 2 years of the Bush Presidency, we On Nov. 12, 2014, President Obama nomi- tions to American political discourse. had already confirmed 36 judges by this nated Luis Felipe Restrepo to a judgeship on When a 29-year-old William F. Buck- same time. We made sure that we ful- the federal Court of Appeals for the Third ley, Jr., published National Review’s filled our constitutional duty to pro- Circuit. Judge Restrepo, who already sits on first edition on November 19, 1955, it vide advice and consent to ensure that the United States District Court in Philadel- marked not just the birth of a maga- phia, seemed to secure the support of both zine, but also the birth of the modern the American people had a fully func- Pennsylvania senators—Bob Casey, a Demo- tioning Federal judiciary. crat, and Pat Toomey, a Republican. conservative movement. Under 45 years Senate Republicans’ obstruction has But that does not mean that Judge of Mr. Buckley’s leadership, National caused judicial vacancies to pile up Restrepo, whom Mr. Toomey called ‘‘a very Review served as the standard bearer of across the country. Since Senate Re- well-qualified candidate’’ who would ‘‘make conservative thought in America, publicans took over the majority at a superb addition’’ to the appeals court, will where readers could expect to find the beginning of the year, judicial va- actually get through the confirmation road- leading thinkers such as Ronald cancies have increased by more than 50 block led by Senate Republicans. Mr. Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Mil- Toomey, despite his professed support, is re- ton Freidman to name a few. It influ- percent. The number of ‘‘judicial emer- sponsible for a big part of it, refusing for six gency’’ vacancies since Senate Repub- months to sign off on the nomination by ex- enced generations of conservatives, in- licans took the majority has risen by a ploiting a pointless tradition that allows cluding this conservative, with its fre- stunning 158 percent. The American home-state senators to block a nomination quently humorous and always intel- people deserve better. with no explanation needed. He claimed that ligent writing, and it consistently pub- We should follow well-established he was waiting for a background check, even lished valuable commentaries on public Senate precedent by confirming all though Judge Restrepo passed a check two events and figures, foreign and domes- consensus nominees before the end of years ago for his current job. The Senate Ju- tic affairs, culture, politics, and the the year. Each of the judicial nominees diciary Committee approved Judge Restrepo economy. for the appeals court seat in July. There has pending on the Executive Calendar was been no explanation for the holdup since During Mr. Buckley’s tenure, Na- reported out of the Judiciary Com- then. tional Review did more than just ob- mittee by unanimous voice vote. And As a Hispanic and a former public defender, serve and comment on the course of each has the backing of their home Judge Restrepo would bring a needed meas- human events; it helped shape them. It State Senators, including Republican ure of ethnic and professional diversity to played a central role in the ‘‘Reagan Senators. In fact, the next nominee the court. But he is just one of many judicial Revolution.’’ Its steadfast defense of after Ms. Hall and Judge Restrepo is nominees awaiting action. Thirteen have not liberty, free markets, and personal re- received a hearing by the Judiciary Com- Travis McDonough who has been nomi- mittee, and 16 others, including Judge sponsibility provided much of the in- nated to fill a judicial vacancy on the Restrepo, have been approved by the com- tellectual underpinnings of America’s Eastern District of Tennessee. Next mittee, all unanimously, but are still wait- triumph over communist tyranny in week will mark the 1-year anniversary ing for a full vote on the Senate floor. Europe and around the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.007 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7965 Mr. Buckley’s successors have ably James Lankford, John Thune, Heidi Mr. Woodford has demonstrated pro- carried on this proud tradition at Na- Heitkamp, Joe Manchin, James Inhofe, fessionalism, commitment to excel- tional Review. It remains tremen- Tim Scott, Dan Sullivan, Mike Rounds, lence, and dedication to the highest dously influential. With over 150,000 Mitch McConnell, Jeff Flake, Orrin standards of the United States Navy. Hatch, Mike Lee, Thom Tillis, John subscribers, it is the most read opinion Cornyn, Lamar Alexander, Jeff Ses- His work throughout Nevada is invalu- magazine in America. Millions more sions, Roy Blunt, Pat Toomey, Steve able. I am both humbled and honored visit National Review Online every Daines, Jerry Moran, Richard Shelby, by his service and am proud to call him month. John Hoeven, Johnny Isakson. a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my col- More importantly, Mr. Buckley’s suc- f leagues to join me in congratulating cessors have carried on as champions of Mr. Woodford for all of his accomplish- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS the conservative movement. Every 2 ments, as well as his participation in weeks National Review arrives on my the city of Reno’s Veterans Day Pa- desk and serves as a reminder that con- TRIBUTE TO IVAN BELL rade.∑ servative thought is alive and well in WOODFORD America. ∑ f Over the past 60 years, National Re- Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I view has lived up to its founding state- wish to congratulate Ivan Bell Woodford on being selected to serve as TRIBUTE TO BRIAN BURTON ment so eloquently expressed by Mr. ∑ Buckley. To paraphrase, National Re- grand marshal for the city of Reno’s Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I view continues to stand athwart his- Veterans Day Parade. As Nevada’s old- wish to recognize Brian Burton, presi- tory, yelling ‘‘stop,’’ when no other is est living World War II veteran, there dent and chief executive officer of inclined to do so, or to have much pa- is no doubt Mr. Woodford deserves this Three Square, for his tireless efforts in tience with those who so urge it. honor. It gives me great pleasure to enhancing the lives of many across Congratulations to all those who recognize his years of service to both southern Nevada. Mr. Burton brings have made National Review a success the United States of America and our more than 20 years of nonprofit experi- over these last 60 years. Your contribu- great State. ence to Three Square, helping feed tions to American political discourse Mr. Woodford grew up at Lake thousands of southern Nevadans who will serve as an inspiration and as a Elsinore, working on the family ranch. would otherwise go hungry. Mr. Burton challenge to future generations of con- He later enlisted in the United States has contributed greatly to his commu- servative thinkers. Navy in 1942 as a Seabee. Throughout nity by working to make Three Square World War II, he served at Pearl Har- the best it can be. f bor and Midway Island, operating Largely due to Mr. Burton’s many DISCHARGE PETITION—S.J. RES. 23 heavy equipment and cranes to clear years of hard work, Three Square is debris from the destruction of the war. able to offer a variety of programs to We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- His unit was later stationed in the help those who would normally go ance with chapter 8 of title 5, United States Philippines. without a wholesome meal. The organi- Code, hereby direct that the Senate Com- mittee on Environment and Public Works be In 1946, Mr. Woodford established his zation works to source food, raise discharged from further consideration of S.J. residency in Reno, working for local money, and grow its volunteer base to Res. 23, a joint resolution providing for con- excavating companies as a heavy ma- provide food to outside partners that gressional disapproval under chapter 8 of chinery operator. He worked for more distribute meals directly to those in title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- than 30 years in this industry, helping need. Three Square services Clark, mitted by the Environmental Protection complete various projects throughout Nye, Lincoln, and Esmeralda Counties, Agency relating to ‘‘Standards of Perform- Reno and Lake Tahoe. He aided in lay- feeding over 300,000 Nevadans. Our ance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from ing the foundation of housing pads State is fortunate to have someone New, Modified, and Reconstructed Sta- tionary Sources: Electric Utility Generating across Reno, leveling the ground for such as Mr. Burton running this orga- Units,’’ and further, that the resolution be construction projects near Lake Tahoe, nization, which is critical to many placed upon the Legislative Calendar under drudging what is now Virginia Lake, across southern Nevada. General Orders. and cleaning irrigation ditches to de- Previously, Mr. Burton served as ex- Jim Inhofe, Roy Blunt, Ron Johnson, velop Spanish Springs Valley. He also ecutive director for Wilkinson Center Lamar Alexander, Michael B. Enzi, worked heavy machinery during the in Dallas, TX, a nonprofit organization Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Lee, Orrin development of Interstate 80 and many serving low-income families with food Hatch, Deb Fischer, Joe Manchin, John other roads throughout Washoe Valley, assistance, education, and case man- Cornyn, Chuck Grassley, Pat Roberts, Dan Coats, John Barrasso, Richard leaving his mark in northern Nevada agement. In his current position, Mr. Burr, John Thune, Lisa Murkowski, for generations to come. No doubt, he Burton works to further develop and Tom Cotton, Dan Sullivan, Steve witnessed and contributed to some of grow the organization, increase pro- Daines, Rob Portman, David Perdue, the largest growth and expansion gram sustainability and community Pat Toomey, Jeff Sessions, Jerry throughout the area. engagement, diversify and increase Moran, John Boozman, James E. Risch, His many contributions to making fundraising, and offer public policy Richard Shelby, John Hoeven. our State the best it can be, as well as work. His contributions to this incred- f his service to this country, dem- ible organization are immense, and his onstrates his generous character. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. DISCHARGE PETITION—S.J. RES. 24 actions represent only the greatest of I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Nevada’s values and place him among Burton for his noble contributions to ance with chapter 8 of title 5, United States the outstanding men and women who communities across southern Nevada Code, hereby direct that the Senate Com- have valiantly defended our nation. and to the many individuals who have mittee on Environment and Public Works be Our State is fortunate to have someone benefited from his work. He is a shin- discharged from further consideration of S.J. Res. 24, a joint resolution providing for con- like Mr. Woodford to serve as a role ing example of someone who strives for gressional disapproval under chapter 8 of model. the betterment of his community and title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- As a member of the Senate Veterans’ displays true selflessness in his work. I mitted by the Environmental Protection Affairs Committee, I recognize that am thankful to have Mr. Burton serv- Agency relating to ‘‘Carbon Pollution Emis- Congress has a responsibility not only ing as an ally to Nevadans in need. sion Guidelines for Existing Stationary to honor the brave individuals who Today I ask my colleagues and all Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units,’’ serve our Nation, but also to ensure Nevadans to join me in recognizing Mr. and further, that the resolution be placed they are cared for when they return Burton and his work for Three Square, upon the Legislative Calendar under General Orders. home. I remain committed to uphold- a program whose mission is both hon- Shelley Moore Capito, Joni K. Ernst, ing this promise for veterans, like Mr. orable and necessary. I wish Mr. Bur- Roger Wicker, John Barrasso, David Woodford, in Nevada and throughout ton the best of luck in all of his future Perdue, Mike Crapo, Deb Fischer, the Nation. endeavors.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.005 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 TRIBUTE TO BETTY VANDIVER the skills necessary to be compas- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND ∑ Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, it is an sionate, tolerant, and dynamic leaders. JOINT RESOLUTIONS honor for me to pay tribute today to In fact, to date, 151 of Troop 283’s The following bills and joint resolu- Betty Russell Vandiver, the former Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle tions were introduced, read the first first lady of the State of Georgia from Scout, the highest rank attainable and second times by unanimous con- 1959 to 1963. within the Boy Scouts. Each aspiring sent, and referred as indicated: Eagle Scout must complete a demand- Sybil Elizabeth ‘‘Betty’’ Russell By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. REED, Vandiver is the wonderful wife of the ing Eagle project that showcases their Mr. BURR, and Mr. FRANKEN): late Georgia Governor, Earnest ability and willingness to serve their S. 2282. A bill to amend the Public Health Vandiver. She also is the niece of Rich- community. These Eagle projects, Service Act to reauthorize the C.W. Bill ard B. Russell, Jr., the former Georgia along with a myriad of other service Young Cell Transplantation Program and Senator and Governor after whom one projects completed by the Scouts of the National Cord Blood Inventory, and for Troop 283, have demonstrated their other purposes; to the Committee on Health, of our U.S. Senate office buildings was Education, Labor, and Pensions. named and where my office in Wash- positive impact to Wayzata and the surrounding community. I am con- By Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. ington, DC, is located. But Betty RISCH): Vandiver is more than that. fident that Troop 283 will continue to S. 2283. A bill to ensure that small business At the time, Mrs. Vandiver became be a positive influence well into the fu- providers of broadband Internet access serv- first lady in 1959, Central State Hos- ture. ice can devote resources to broadband de- pital in Milledgeville, GA, served as I recognize Troop 283 for its 100 years ployment rather than compliance with cum- the State’s only State hospital for the of service to Wayzata and the great bersome regulatory requirements; to the State of Minnesota. To the Scouts of Committee on Commerce, Science, and mentally ill and developmentally dis- Transportation. abled. In the late 1950s, Central State Troop 283 and the family and friends Hospital was home to more than 12,000 that support them, thank you and con- f patients, many of whom had been aban- gratulations on your 100th anniver- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND ∑ doned by their families at an early age. sary. SENATE RESOLUTIONS After visiting the hospital, Mrs. f The following concurrent resolutions Vandiver became concerned about MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT and Senate resolutions were read, and these patients, and she determined referred (or acted upon), as indicated: Messages from the President of the that she would devote much of her By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, Mr. time and energy as first lady to raising United States were communicated to the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his REID, Mr. CORKER, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. public awareness of the needs of Geor- ALEXANDER, Ms. AYOTTE, Ms. BALD- gia’s mentally ill and developmentally secretaries. WIN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. BENNET, Mr. disabled. f BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. BOOK- ER, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. One of Mrs. Vandiver’s initiatives in- EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED cluded working with the Georgia Mu- BROWN, Mr. BURR, Ms. CANTWELL, nicipal Association to create a state- In executive session the Presiding Of- Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. CARPER, Mr. CASEY, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. COATS, Mr. COCH- wide Christmas gift collection drive ficer laid before the Senate messages from the President of the United RAN, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. COONS, Mr. known as the Mayors’ Motorcade. This CORNYN, Mr. COTTON, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. States submitting sundry nominations special event was established in 1959 CRUZ, Mr. DAINES, Mr. DONNELLY, Mr. and expanded years later to support which were referred to the appropriate DURBIN, Mr. ENZI, Mrs. ERNST, Mrs. the inhabitants of the State’s regional committees. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. FLAKE, hospitals. Since then, caring Georgians (The messages received today are Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. GARDNER, Mrs. support the Mayors’ Motorcade each printed at the end of the Senate pro- GILLIBRAND, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. GRASS- year by donating gifts to cities partici- ceedings.) LEY, Mr. HATCH, Mr. HEINRICH, Ms. HEITKAMP, Mr. HELLER, Ms. HIRONO, f pating in the program. Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. ISAK- Through Mrs. Vandiver’s efforts, MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE SON, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. KAINE, Mr. thousands and thousands of patients KING, Mr. KIRK, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. residing at Georgia’s State hospitals At 6:53 p.m., a message from the LANKFORD, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. LEE, Mr. have received Christmas gifts and vis- House of Representatives, delivered by MANCHIN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MCCAIN, its from city officials at special motor- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. cade events. announced that the House has agreed MERKLEY, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. MORAN, On December 1, 2015, we will cele- to the amendment of the Senate to the Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. MURPHY, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. NELSON, Mr. PAUL, Mr. brate Betty Vandiver Day in Georgia. resolution (H. Con. Res. 90) directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a PERDUE, Mr. PETERS, Mr. PORTMAN, Today it is my pleasure to honor Mrs. Mr. REED, Mr. RISCH, Mr. ROBERTS, technical correction in the enrollment Vandiver for having the vision to cre- Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. SANDERS, ate the Mayors’ Motorcade program as of S. 1356. Mr. SASSE, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. SCHUMER, a way of providing not only gifts, but f Mr. SCOTT, Mr. SESSIONS, Mrs. SHA- HEEN, Mr. SHELBY, Ms. STABENOW, also critical public awareness about MEASURES DISCHARGED the needs of Georgia’s mentally ill and Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. TESTER, Mr. developmentally disabled.∑ The following joint resolutions were THUNE, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. TOOMEY, Mr. discharged by petition, pursuant to 5 UDALL, Mr. VITTER, Mr. WARNER, Ms. f U.S.C. 802(c), and placed on the cal- WARREN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. WICKER, and Mr. WYDEN): 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOY endar: S. Res. 313. A resolution condemning the SCOUT TROOP 283 S.J. Res. 23. Joint resolution providing for terrorist attacks in Paris and offering ∑ Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of thoughts and prayers for the victims, condo- title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- today I celebrate the 100th anniversary lences to their families, resolve to support mitted by the Environmental Protection the people of France, and the pledge to de- of Boy Scout Troop 283 of Wayzata, Agency relating to ‘‘Standards of Perform- fend democracy and stand in solidarity with MN, which occurred on November 15, ance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the country of France and all our allies in 2015. Troop 283 is the oldest continually New, Modified, and Reconstructed Sta- the face of this horrific attack on freedom chartered troop in the State and has tionary Sources: Electric Utility Generating and liberty; considered and agreed to. Units’’. counted thousands of Scouts as its f members since its inception. S.J. Res. 24. Joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS The development of character, phys- title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- S. 108 ical fitness, and civic engagement have mitted by the Environmental Protection always been central tenants of the Boy Agency relating to ‘‘Carbon Pollution Emis- At the request of Mr. ALEXANDER, the Scouts. The Scouts of Troop 283 epito- sion Guidelines for Existing Stationary name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. mize these values and continue to learn Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units’’. WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:11 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16NO6.001 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7967 108, a bill to amend the Higher Edu- MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2045 cation Act of 1965 to improve access for S. 1555, a bill to award a Congressional At the request of Mr. HELLER, the students to Federal grants and loans to Gold Medal, collectively, to the Fili- names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. help pay for postsecondary, graduate, pino veterans of World War II, in rec- KIRK) and the Senator from Arkansas and professional educational opportu- ognition of the dedicated service of the (Mr. COTTON) were added as cosponsors nities, and for other purposes. veterans during World War II. of S. 2045, a bill to amend the Internal S. 553 S. 1567 Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the ex- At the request of Mr. CORKER, the At the request of Mr. PETERS, the cise tax on high cost employer-spon- name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. names of the Senator from Connecticut sored health coverage. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. MURPHY) and the Senator from S. 2152 553, a bill to marshal resources to un- Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) were added At the request of Mr. CORKER, the dertake a concerted, transformative ef- as cosponsors of S. 1567, a bill to amend names of the Senator from Washington fort that seeks to bring an end to mod- title 10, United States Code, to provide (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator from ern slavery, and for other purposes. for a review of the characterization or South Dakota (Mr. THUNE) were added S. 627 terms of discharge from the Armed as cosponsors of S. 2152, a bill to estab- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the Forces of individuals with mental lish a comprehensive United States name of the Senator from Wyoming health disorders alleged to affect terms Government policy to encourage the ef- (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of of discharge. forts of countries in sub-Saharan Afri- S. 627, a bill to require the Secretary of S. 1789 ca to develop an appropriate mix of Veterans Affairs to revoke bonuses At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, power solutions, including renewable paid to employees involved in elec- his name was added as a cosponsor of energy, for more broadly distributed tronic wait list manipulations, and for S. 1789, a bill to improve defense co- electricity access in order to support other purposes. operation between the United States poverty reduction, promote develop- S. 637 and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. ment outcomes, and drive economic At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the S. 1856 growth, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from California At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 2163 (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- the name of the Senator from New At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the sponsor of S. 637, a bill to amend the York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a name of the Senator from New York Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend cosponsor of S. 1856, a bill to amend (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- and modify the railroad track mainte- title 38, United States Code, to provide sponsor of S. 2163, a bill to amend title nance credit. for suspension and removal of employ- 23, United States Code, to direct the S. 743 ees of the Department of Veterans Af- Secretary of Transportation to require At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the fairs for performance or misconduct that broadband conduits be installed as name of the Senator from South Caro- that is a threat to public health or a part of certain highway construction lina (Mr. GRAHAM) was added as a co- safety and to improve accountability of projects, and for other purposes. sponsor of S. 743, a bill to amend title employees of the Department, and for S. 2232 38, United States Code, to recognize the other purposes. At the request of Mr. PAUL, the service in the reserve components of S. 1874 names of the Senator from Georgia the Armed Forces of certain persons by (Mr. PERDUE) and the Senator from honoring them with status as veterans At the request of Mr. HATCH, the Oklahoma (Mr. LANKFORD) were added under law, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor as cosponsors of S. 2232, a bill to re- S. 746 of S. 1874, a bill to provide protections quire a full audit of the Board of Gov- At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, for workers with respect to their right ernors of the Federal Reserve System the name of the Senator from Hawaii to select or refrain from selecting rep- and the Federal reserve banks by the (Ms. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor resentation by a labor organization. Comptroller General of the United of S. 746, a bill to provide for the estab- States, and for other purposes. lishment of a Commission to Accel- S. 1982 S. 2235 erate the End of Breast Cancer. At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the S. 849 name of the Senator from South Caro- name of the Senator from Michigan At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Massachu- sor of S. 1982, a bill to authorize a Wall sor of S. 2235, a bill to repeal debt col- setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- of Remembrance as part of the Korean lection amendments made by the Bi- sponsor of S. 849, a bill to amend the War Veterans Memorial and to allow partisan Budget Act of 2015. Public Health Service Act to provide certain private contributions to fund for systematic data collection and the Wall of Remembrance. S. 2248 analysis and epidemiological research S. 1996 At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the regarding Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Par- At the request of Mr. WARNER, the name of the Senator from Alabama kinson’s disease, and other neuro- name of the Senator from Delaware (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- logical diseases. (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor sor of S. 2248, a bill to amend the Pub- S. 901 of S. 1996, a bill to streamline the em- lic Health Service Act to coordinate At the request of Mr. MORAN, the ployer reporting process and strength- Federal congenital heart disease re- names of the Senator from Minnesota en the eligibility verification process search efforts and to improve public (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) and the Senator from for the premium assistance tax credit education and awareness of congenital Iowa (Mr. GRASSLEY) were added as co- and cost-sharing subsidy. heart disease, and for other purposes. sponsors of S. 901, a bill to establish in S. 2042 S. 2251 the Department of Veterans Affairs a At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the At the request of Ms. WARREN, the national center for research on the di- names of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. name of the Senator from New Jersey agnosis and treatment of health condi- HIRONO) and the Senator from New Jer- (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor tions of the descendants of veterans ex- sey (Mr. BOOKER) were added as cospon- of S. 2251, a bill to provide for a supple- posed to toxic substances during serv- sors of S. 2042, a bill to amend the Na- mentary payment to Social Security ice in the Armed Forces that are re- tional Labor Relations Act to strength- beneficiaries, supplemental security in- lated to that exposure, to establish an en protections for employees wishing come beneficiaries, and recipients of advisory board on such health condi- to advocate for improved wages, hours, veterans benefits, and for other pur- tions, and for other purposes. or other terms or conditions of employ- poses. S. 1555 ment and to provide for stronger rem- S. 2252 At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the edies for interference with these rights, At the request of Mr. BROWN, the name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO6.005 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 MERKLEY) and the Senator from Cali- saving treatments for serious condi- Over the following years, these amaz- fornia (Mrs. BOXER) were added as co- tions and disease. ing research doctors discovered more sponsors of S. 2252, a bill to amend the Bone marrow contains blood-forming about the use of cord blood transplan- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to per- stem cells that develop into the three tation in patients who cannot find a mit the Secretary of the Treasury to blood cell types that keep the body fully matched donor. issue prospective guidance clarifying healthy. The body uses those red blood Dr. Kurtzberg is also the president of the employment status of individuals cells, white blood cells, and platelets as the Cord Blood Association, CBA. I am for purposes of employment taxes and building blocks for blood, tissue, and thankful for Dr. Kurtzberg and the to prevent retroactive assessments organs. These blood cells die naturally, CBA’s support in helping us develop with respect to such clarifications. and the body must continuously make meaningful legislation that will help cord blood banks do their jobs. I also S. 2266 new ones. Serious health problems can owe gratitude for the input and guid- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the develop in people whose bone marrow cannot make enough new blood cells to ance on this reauthorization bill that name of the Senator from Alabama my staff and I received from Mike Boo (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- replace the cells that die. Cord blood is a newborn baby’s blood and Dr. Jeffrey Chell with the National sor of S. 2266, a bill to amend the Immi- Marrow Donor Program, NMDP. gration and Nationality Act to reform that remains in the placenta or after- birth. This blood can be collected after I am proud to have a long history of and reduce fraud and abuse in certain working on this issue. In early 2003, I visa programs for aliens working tem- delivery at no risk to the mother and baby. Like bone marrow, cord blood is met with Joanne Kurtzberg, Pablo porarily in the United States, and for Rubenstein, and Phil Coelho of other purposes. also rich with stem cells, and doctors can use it as an alternative to bone Thermogenesis Corporation to discuss S. RES. 282 marrow transplant. In fact, research in umbilical cord blood therapies as a At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the the mid–1980s highlighted the promise promising alternative to bone marrow name of the Senator from New Jersey of cord blood, demonstrating that it is transplantation and how the Federal (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- more highly enriched with blood-form- Government could help to increase col- sor of S. Res. 282, a resolution sup- ing stem cells than bone marrow. lection efforts. porting the goals and ideals of Amer- Cord blood transplantation has been That night, I called Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy ican Diabetes Month. used successfully to treat leukemia, Thompson to talk to him about this f lymphoma, immunodeficiency diseases, new science, and he agreed to meet sickle cell anemia, and certain meta- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED with Joanne, Pablo, and Phil the very bolic diseases. In addition to treating BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS next day. Staff from the Health Re- cancer and other blood diseases, re- sources and Services Administration, By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. searchers are currently testing stem the Food and Drug Administration, and REED, Mr. BURR, and Mr. cells for a host of disorders, including the National Institutes of Health FRANKEN): autoimmune and genetic disorders. joined us for that discussion. Secretary S. 2282. A bill to amend the Public Cord blood research is also showing Thompson stressed that cord blood Health Service Act to reauthorize the potential for use in the innovative banks would need to be managed C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation fields of cellular therapy and regenera- through HRSA and promised to support Program and the National Cord Blood tive medicine. Vaccines derived from Inventory, and for other purposes; to my legislation. cord blood to use against viruses and In October 2003, I introduced a bill to the Committee on Health, Education, certain types of cancers are currently Labor, and Pensions. amend the Public Health Service Act in early trials. Research has also indi- to establish a National Cord Blood Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise cated that cord blood could be used to Stem Cell Bank Network to prepare, today to introduce the Stem Cell treat conditions for which few treat- store, and distribute human umbilical Therapeutic and Research Reauthoriza- ments are available, such as stroke, cord blood stems cells for the treat- tion Act of 2015. I am glad to have Sen- cerebral palsy, hearing loss, autism, ment of patients and to support peer- ators REED, BURR, and FRANKEN joining and traumatic brain injury. reviewed research using those cells. me as sponsors of this bipartisan bill Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg of the Caro- That bill, the Cord Blood Stem Cell Act that will reauthorize critical, innova- linas Blood Bank is one of the world’s of 2003, S. 1717, gained strong bipartisan tive, and life-saving programs. leading stem cell researchers at Duke support over the last few months of the We have been working on this legisla- University in Durham, North Carolina. 108th Congress. tion throughout the year and have met At the time of that groundbreaking Although it did not pass the Senate, with stakeholders in blood cell trans- scientific research in the 1980s, Dr. my 2003 bill helped to generate more plantation to receive their input. We Kurtzberg was caring for a 5 year old interest in and support for blood stem also included members of the Senate boy named Matthew who had a rare, in- cell transplantation. I kept working on Health, Education, Labor and Pension herited blood disorder called Fanconi legislation to help increase access to Committee who are deeply committed anemia—a disease that leads to bone these life-saving transplants in the fol- to passing this legislation. marrow failure. In light of the new sci- lowing Congress. In April 2005, the In- In drafting this legislation, we also entific findings, doctors planned a cord stitute of Medicine, IOM, issued rec- collaborated with our counterparts in blood transplant for Matthew at a hos- ommendations to create a national the House of Representatives. I am pital in Paris, France, using fully cord blood network. Those of us in Con- grateful for the leadership of Congress- matched cord blood that had been col- gress who had been working on cord man CHRIS SMITH and Congresswoman lected during the birth of his newly blood and bone marrow realized that DORIS MATSUI, who did so much to get born baby sister. Matthew’s transplant combining our bipartisan, bicameral this legislation through the House. I in 1988 was a success, laying the efforts would benefit patients by in- commend my colleagues and their groundwork for cord blood transplan- creasing treatment options and encour- staffs for their hard work. tation. aging future research. We reviewed the I appreciate the opportunity to pro- Matthew is now in his 30s. He is mar- IOM report and incorporated those im- vide some history and background that ried, working, and living a healthy and portant recommendations into one will explain why this reauthorization productive life. He is living proof that comprehensive bill. bill is so important. This legislation cord blood contains stem cells that can That legislation, the Stem Cell will reauthorize for another five years replenish the bone marrow and immune Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, both the C.W. Bill Young Cell Trans- system throughout a patient’s life. P.L. 109–129, that was signed into law plantation Program and the National In 1993, with the assistance of Dr. on December 20, 2005, created the Na- Cord Blood Inventory, which are ad- Pablo Rubenstein of the New York tional Cord Blood Inventory and estab- ministered by the Health Resources Blood Center, Dr. Kurtzberg performed lished an inventory goal of at least and Services Administration. These the world’s first unrelated donor cord 150,000 new and diverse cord blood stem vital programs provide access to life- blood transplant at Duke University. cell units.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO6.006 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7969 The 2005 law also combined the NCBI out continued support from HRSA, this often do not have enough of an incen- with the bone marrow donor program life-saving science would be financially tive to serve rural America so States that had been created in 1986 by the unsustainable. We must reauthorize like Montana really depend on small late Congressman Bill Young to create this important program. businesses to fill in the gaps and con- a single point of access for blood stem Today, I am introducing the Stem nect our communities. Without small cell transplants and research. This sin- Cell Therapeutic and Research Reau- broadband providers, many Montanans gle point of access allows physicians thorization Act of 2015 to further ad- would remain unserved. This is why it the ability to search for any potential vance the important work of the bone is so important to support our small adult volunteer bone marrow donor or marrow and cord blood programs. businesses and allow them to continue umbilical cord blood unit anywhere Passage of this legislation will pre- to provide jobs and economic growth in across the globe. serve the commitment that the Con- their communities. Finally, our 2005 law also named the gress made three decades ago to help Burdensome regulations like the program the C.W. Bill Young Cell patients with blood cancers and other FCC’s net neutrality rules are stran- Transplantation Program, in honor of life-threatening diseases by helping to gling our small businesses and pre- Bill’s tireless efforts to promote bone increase access to life-saving trans- venting growth and investment. The marrow donation and transplantation. plants. It will also open the doors to enhanced transparency requirements in Five years later, I was the lead spon- new discoveries within the fields of cel- particular require small businesses to sor of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and lular therapy and regenerative medi- disclose an excess amount of informa- Research Reauthorization Act of 2010, cine. I am proud to introduce the Stem tion including network packet loss, P.L. 111–264, which was signed into law Cell Therapeutic and Research Reau- network performance by geographic on October 8, 2010, and reauthorized the thorization Act of 2015, and I urge my area, network performance during peak Program and the NCBI for another 5 colleagues to support it. usage, network practices concerning a years. The 2010 law also placed new em- Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am particular group of users, triggers that phasis on exploring innovations in cord pleased to introduce the Stem Cell blood collection and increasing the activate network practices, and the list Therapeutic and Research Reauthoriza- goes on. Small companies like Grizzly number of collection sites across the tion Act of 2015 with Senators HATCH, nation. Internet in West Yellowstone, MO, op- FRANKEN, and BURR. This bill offers Great progress has been made toward erate with only three employees and do promise to the tens of thousands of in- achieving the NCBI’s goal of at least not have a team of attorneys dedicated dividuals diagnosed with leukemia and 150,000 diverse cord blood units; how- to regulatory compliance. Small busi- lymphomas, sickle cell anemia, and ever, data suggest that the number of nesses simply do not have the band- rare genetic blood disorders. available cord blood units in the width to take on additional regulatory It will reauthorize the C.W. Bill United States is still insufficient to burdens. Young National Marrow Donor Pro- meet the estimated need for unrelated That is why I am proud to introduce gram, which has been helping to con- transplant, which has increased by 25 the Small Business Broadband Deploy- nect individuals in need of a bone mar- percent since 2005. The number of ment Act of 2015 with my colleague row transplant with donors since 1986, transplants for patients in minority Senator RISCH. The bill makes perma- and the National Cord Blood Inventory, populations has increased from 253 in nent the FCC’s temporary small busi- 2000 to 990 in 2014. Much of this increase which has been helping to connect indi- ness exception to the net neutrality en- can be attributed to the increased po- viduals in need of an umbilical cord hanced transparency requirements. tential for bone marrow or cord blood blood transplant with donors since There is broad support in the record for transplant. This is exciting, promising 1999. a small business exception, including science. The public registries, made up of do- support from the American Cable Asso- There are still challenges to the suc- nors from all over the country, have ciation, Rural Wireless Association, cess of bone marrow and cord blood been a true lifeline for the Americans Competitive Carriers Association, transplantation. Not all cord blood who have found an unrelated match. Wireless Internet Service Providers As- units contain enough cells to trans- By strengthening and enhancing the sociation, CTIA—The Wireless Associa- plant into all patients. In many cases, important programs operating these tion, Rural Broadband Provider Coali- more than one unit is preferred or nec- registries, many more Americans will tion, WTA—Advocates for Rural essary for larger children or adults. be afforded the opportunity to find a Broadband. Additionally, the Small New science indicates the possibility match if they are ever in need. Business Administration’s Office of Ad- that using larger, higher quality cord I look forward to swift consideration vocacy filed comments with the FCC blood units will reduce the incidence of of this legislation in the Health, Edu- stating, ‘‘Advocacy has concerns that graft-versus-host disease, GVHD, a se- cation, Labor, and Pensions Committee compliance with the enhanced trans- rious complication of blood cell trans- and working toward passage in the full parency requirements under the 2015 plantation in which the donor cells at- Senate. Open Internet Order is not feasible for tack the recipient. GVHD is the biggest By Mr. DAINES (for himself and small broadband providers, particu- barrier to successful transplantation. larly small rural providers, and may I am glad to know that the Advisory Mr. RISCH): S. 2283. A bill to ensure that small ultimately degrade the quality of serv- Council and HRSA have been working ice that consumers receive from small with public cord blood banks to discuss business providers of broadband Inter- net access service can devote resources providers.’’ Providing relief from over ways to increase CBU quality and di- 300 pages of net neutrality rules will versity. As the inventory continues to to broadband deployment rather than compliance with cumbersome regu- allow small businesses to focus on de- grow, the diverse units within the ploying infrastructure and serving NCBI will serve an increasing number latory requirements; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- their customers rather than spending of patients that have difficulty obtain- time on regulatory compliance. I ask ing cells from well-matched adult do- tation. Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, small my colleagues to join me in cospon- nors. soring this much needed legislation. Cell dose and degree of match be- businesses are the backbone of Amer- tween patient and CBU are both ica. They generate more than half of Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- strongly associated with transplant the country’s private GDP and support sent that the text of the bill be printed outcomes. A larger inventory of pub- millions of families. In Montana, in the RECORD. licly available CBUs also will con- thanks to technology, geography is no There being no objection, the text of tribute to improved patient survival longer a constraint and entrepreneurs the bill was ordered to be printed in after transplant because a growing in- have been able to build world-class the RECORD, as follows: ventory of high cell count CBUs will companies without leaving the state. S. 2283 allow better tissue matches. Access to the global marketplace is Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Cord blood banks have told us that largely dependent on access to the resentatives of the United States of America in they cannot do this on their own. With- Internet. Large incumbent carriers Congress assembled,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO6.014 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE S7970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 16, 2015 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. SASSE, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. (2) expresses its heartfelt condolences and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Small Busi- SCOTT, Mr. SESSIONS, Mrs. SHAHEEN, deepest sympathies for the victims and fam- ness Broadband Deployment Act of 2015’’. Mr. SHELBY, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. SUL- ily members of those attacked; SEC. 2. EXCEPTION TO ENHANCEMENT TO (3) renews the solidarity of the people and LIVAN, Mr. TESTER, Mr. THUNE, Mr. TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS Government of the United States with the FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. TILLIS, Mr. TOOMEY, Mr. UDALL, Mr. people and Government of the Republic of (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act— VITTER, Mr. WARNER, Ms. WARREN, Mr. France; and (1) the term ‘‘broadband Internet access WHITEHOUSE, Mr. WICKER, and Mr. (4) pledges support for the Government of service’’— WYDEN) submitted the following reso- France to pursue justice against those in- (A) means a mass-market retail service by lution; which was considered and volved in these heinous attacks and to pre- wire or radio that provides the capability to agreed to: vent future attacks. transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, includ- S. RES. 313 f ing any capability that is incidental to and Whereas, on November 13, 2015, at least AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO enables the operation of the communications eight armed gunmen and suicide bombers MEET service; and conducted six separate attacks across the (B) does not include dial-up Internet access city of Paris, France, killing at least 129 ci- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS service; and vilians and wounding over 350 innocent men, Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask (2) the term ‘‘small business’’ means any women, and children; unanimous consent that the Com- provider of broadband Internet access service Whereas these horrific attacks mark the mittee on Foreign Relations be author- that has not more than— deadliest violence to strike the Republic of ized to meet during the session of the (A) 1,500 employees; or France since World War II, the worst act of Senate on November 16, 2015, at 5 p.m., (B) 500,000 subscribers. terrorism to strike Europe since the 2004 at- (b) EXCEPTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.— tacks in Madrid, Spain, that killed 191 and to conduct a classified briefing entitled The enhancements to the transparency rule wounded approximately 1,800 others, and one ‘‘U.S. Policy Tools to Combat North of the Federal Communications Commission of the worst terrorist acts carried out on Korea’s Nuclear and Ballistic Missile under section 8.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Western soil since the catastrophic attacks Capabilities.’’ Regulations, as described in paragraphs 162 of September 11, 2001; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without through 184 of the Report and Order on Re- Whereas Paris is still grieving from the objection, it is so ordered. mand, Declaratory Ruling, and Order of the January 7, 2015, terrorist attack on the of- Federal Communications Commission with fices of the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo f regard to protecting and promoting the open that brutally murdered 12 people and injured CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST Internet (adopted February 26, 2015) (FCC 15– at least 11 others; ATTACKS IN PARIS 24), shall not apply to any small business. Whereas President of the Republic of f France Francois Hollande has declared a na- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tional state of emergency and deployed ap- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS proximately 1,500 military members across ate proceed to the consideration of S. the city of Paris; Res. 313, submitted earlier today. Whereas President Hollande condemned SENATE RESOLUTION 313—CON- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The these events as ‘‘an act of war that was com- clerk will report the resolution by DEMNING THE TERRORIST AT- mitted by a terrorist army, a jihadist army, TACKS IN PARIS AND OFFERING Daesh’’; title. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR Whereas President Hollande further de- The senior assistant legislative clerk THE VICTIMS, CONDOLENCES TO clared that ‘‘when terrorists are capable of read as follows: THEIR FAMILIES, RESOLVE TO committing such atrocities they must be A resolution (S. Res. 313) condemning the SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF certain that they are facing a determined terrorist attacks in Paris and offering France, a united France, a France that is to- thoughts and prayers for the victims, condo- FRANCE, AND THE PLEDGE TO gether and does not let itself be moved, even DEFEND DEMOCRACY AND lences to their families, resolve to support if today we express infinite sorrow’’; the people of France, and the pledge to de- STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH Whereas President Barack Obama called fend democracy and stand in solidarity with THE COUNTRY OF FRANCE AND these heinous actions not just an attack on the country of France and all our allies in ALL OUR ALLIES IN THE FACE Paris and the people of France, but an at- the face of this horrific attack on freedom OF THIS HORRIFIC ATTACK ON tack on all of humanity and the universal and liberty. FREEDOM AND LIBERTY values that we share; There being no objection, the Senate Whereas the Republic of France is Amer- Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, Mr. ica’s oldest ally, dating back to Marquis de proceeded to consider the resolution. REID, Mr. CORKER, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. Lafayette, and the people of the United Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous ALEXANDER, Ms. AYOTTE, Ms. BALDWIN, States and France mutually share a debt of consent that the resolution be agreed Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. BENNET, Mr. gratitude that dates from the formation of to, the preamble be agreed to, and the BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. BOOKER, our republics through two world wars; motions to reconsider be made and laid Mr. BOOZMAN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BROWN, Whereas the people of the Republic of upon the table with no intervening ac- France have expressed solidarity with the Mr. BURR, Ms. CANTWELL, Mrs. CAPITO, tion or debate. people of the United States, including fol- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. CARPER, Mr. CASEY, Mr. CASSIDY, lowing the terrorist attack of September 11, Mr. COATS, Mr. COCHRAN, Ms. COLLINS, 2001, which claimed the lives of thousands of objection, it is so ordered. Mr. COONS, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. COTTON, innocent civilians in the United States; The resolution (S. Res. 313) was Mr. CRAPO, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. DAINES, Mr. Whereas the French people have made agreed to. DONNELLY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. ENZI, Mrs. manifest their commitment to the United The preamble was agreed to. ERNST, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. FISCHER, States by partnering with United States (The resolution, with its preamble, is Mr. FLAKE, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. GARD- forces in Afghanistan and Iraq and as an im- printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- portant partner in the fight against extrem- NER, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. GRAHAM, mitted Resolutions.’’) ist terrorism in Mali and around the world; Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. HATCH, Mr. HEIN- Whereas at least one United States citizen f RICH, Ms. HEITKAMP, Mr. HELLER, Ms. was murdered in these heinous attacks and ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, HIRONO, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. at least four others were injured; and ISAKSON, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. KAINE, Mr. Whereas these attacks represent both an NOVEMBER 17, 2015 KING, Mr. KIRK, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. assault on freedom and democracy and an Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I LANKFORD, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. LEE, Mr. unmitigated evil that the United States and ask unanimous consent that when the MANCHIN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MCCAIN, United States allies must stand united to de- Senate completes its business today, it feat: Now, therefore, be it Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, Novem- MERKLEY, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. MORAN, Resolved, That the Senate— ber 17; that following the prayer and (1) condemns the brutal attacks on the Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. MURPHY, Mrs. pledge, the morning hour be deemed people of Paris that resulted in the death of MURRAY, Mr. NELSON, Mr. PAUL, Mr. at least 129 people, including one United expired, the Journal of proceedings be PERDUE, Mr. PETERS, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. States citizen, through shootings, hostage- approved to date, and the time for the REED, Mr. RISCH, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. taking, and suicide bombings of innocent, ci- two leaders be reserved for their use ROUNDS, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. vilian targets; later in the day, and that the Senate

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16NO6.009 S16NOPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with SENATE November 16, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7971 then observe a moment of silence for NOMINATIONS To be brigadier general the victims of the Paris attacks; fur- Executive nominations received by COLONEL JENNIFER G. BUCKNER ther, that following leader remarks, COLONEL SEAN A. GAINEY the Senate: COLONEL DAVID T. ISAACSON the Senate be in a period of morning COLONEL PATRICK B. ROBERSON SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION business, with Senators permitted to IN THE COAST GUARD speak therein for up to 10 minutes HESTER MARIA PEIRCE, OF OHIO, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR A THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT each, until 11 a.m. TERM EXPIRING JUNE 5, 2021. (REAPPOINTMENT) TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without IN THE ARMY AS DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND TO THE GRADE INDI- objection, it is so ordered. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT CATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 50: AS THE SURGEON GENERAL, UNITED STATES ARMY, AND To be vice admiral f FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION REAR ADM. FRED M. MIDGETTE OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. U.S.C., SECTIONS 601 AND 3036: TOMORROW To be lieutenant general f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if MAJ. GEN. NADJA Y. WEST THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE CONFIRMATION there is no further business to come be- UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: Executive nomination confirmed by sent that it stand adjourned under the the Senate November 16, 2015: previous order. To be brigadier general THE JUDICIARY There being no objection, the Senate, COL. EDWARD E. HILDRETH III at 7:07 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT LASHANN MOUTIQUE DEARCY HALL, OF NEW YORK, TO TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN November 17, 2015, at 10 a.m. UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: DISTRICT OF NEW YORK.

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