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

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017 No. 208 Senate The Senate met at 11 a.m. and was something really remarkable. After Of course, a great deal of credit goes called to order by the President pro years of work, dozens of hearings, and to President Trump, Vice President tempore (Mr. HATCH). an open process, we passed a historic PENCE, and their dedicated White f overhaul of the Nation’s Tax Code. It House team. Their efforts were abso- will deliver real relief to families and lutely essential to this process, and we PRAYER small businesses all across our coun- are proud to have worked together to The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- try. We passed tax reform to spur the deliver on a key part of the President’s fered the following prayer: American economy, to encourage job agenda. Let us pray. creation and grow economic oppor- It goes without saying that tax re- Eternal God, in this season of glad- tunity, to bring jobs and investment form would have been impossible with- ness and cheer when many celebrate home, and to put more money into the out Speaker RYAN, Chairman BRADY, Your breakthrough at Bethlehem, we pockets of hard-working men and and the Members of the House who pause to thank You for Your mercy and women whom we represent. We voted share our commitment to make taxes grace. While we were sinners, You ini- to repeal ObamaCare’s individual man- lower, simpler, and fairer. I am proud tiated the process of our redemption date tax so that low- and middle-in- to call them my colleagues. and restoration. Great is Your faithful- come families are not forced to pur- When the final version of this his- ness. chase something they either don’t toric law passes the House later today, Lord, make our lawmakers ambas- want or can’t afford. We voted to re- it will await the President’s signature. sadors of reconciliation for Your King- sponsibly develop more of Alaska’s oil Then, families and small businesses— dom, using them to demonstrate Your and gas potential, strengthening our like so many in my home State of Ken- precepts and represent Your purposes. economy and our national security in tucky—can begin to enjoy the benefits. As they strive to bring the illumina- the process. Our constituents called out for relief tion of Your wisdom to a dark world, I would like to commend my col- from the Obama economy, and Con- may people see their labors and glorify leagues in the Senate for their work to gress delivered. Your Holy Name. Because of our Sen- pass these historic reforms and bring f ators’ faithful service, may our Nation our Tax Code into the 21st century. experience the unity of Your healing I want to extend special thanks to FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT presence. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on Lord, let there be peace on Earth, ORRIN HATCH, a skilled legislator whose a different matter, the Senate’s work and let it begin with us. expertise was essential to shepherding this week is not finished. Before Fri- We pray in Your merciful Name. this legislation through a challenging day, Congress must agree on funding to Amen. process while faced with complete and sustain the necessary operations of the f total obstruction. Federal Government. I know that all PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE I thank Chairman MIKE ENZI for his our colleagues on both sides of the assistance and Chairman LISA MUR- aisle want to keep the government The President pro tempore led the KOWSKI and Senator DAN SULLIVAN, funded and attend to a number of other Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: who worked tirelessly to bring the peo- urgent priorities. I am confident we I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the ple of Alaska a victory on energy ex- can work together to do just that. United States of America, and to the Repub- Americans are counting on us, after lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ploration for which they have been indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. waiting for almost 40 years. all. I am grateful to the other Senate To begin with, our men and women in f conferees—Senators CORNYN, THUNE, uniform are counting on us to provide RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY PORTMAN, SCOTT, and TOOMEY—who the resources they require to fulfill LEADER worked day and night to get this legis- their missions and keep the country The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- lation across the finish line. safe. The burden of the Budget Control LIVAN). The majority leader is recog- And of course, in addition to Senator Act has fallen disproportionately on nized. HATCH, his colleagues on the Senate Fi- our All-Volunteer military. Under that f nance Committee deserve our gratitude law, defense cuts have outpaced non- as well: Senators BURR, CASSIDY, defense cuts by $85 billion since fiscal TAX REFORM BILL CRAPO, GRASSLEY, HELLER, ISAKSON, 2013. At the same time, the previous Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, last and ROBERTS. This could not have hap- administration insisted that new de- night, the United States accomplished pened without all of them. fense spending be matched equally by

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

S8153

.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.000 S20DEPT1 S8154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 new nondefense spending, notwith- made and laid upon the table with no (The resolution, with its preamble, is standing the actual needs of our mili- intervening action or debate. printed in the RECORD of November 30, tary. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 2017, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) This week, let’s dispense with the ar- objection, it is so ordered. f bitrary standard—as we did earlier this The resolution (S. Res. 150) was RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF year—and provide our warfighters with agreed to. THE ‘‘LOS ANGELES’’-CLASS AT- the funding they need to accomplish The preamble was agreed to. TACK SUBMARINE THE USS the tasks put before them. (The resolution, with its preamble, is ‘‘JACKSONVILLE’’ AND THE Americans whose premiums are soar- printed in the RECORD of May 3, 2017, ing or whose coverage is in jeopardy under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) CREW OF THE USS ‘‘JACKSON- VILLE’’ because of the failures of ObamaCare f are counting on us to take bipartisan Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I steps toward stabilizing health insur- RECOGNIZING THE CREW OF THE ask unanimous consent that the Sen- ance markets. ‘‘SAN ANTONIO ROSE’’, B–17F, ate proceed to the consideration of S. The parents of 9 million children en- WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES Res. 362, submitted earlier today. rolled in the Children’s Health Insur- DURING WORLD WAR II The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ance Program are counting on us to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I clerk will report the resolution by renew the program’s funding. ask unanimous consent that the Com- title. Our country’s law enforcement pro- mittee on Armed Services be dis- The legislative clerk read as follows: fessionals are counting on us to renew charged from further consideration of A resolution (S. Res. 362) recognizing the an important foreign intelligence pro- S. Res. 326 and the Senate proceed to service of the Los Angeles-class attack sub- gram that helps them defend the home- its immediate consideration. marine the USS Jacksonville and the crew of land from those who wish us harm. the USS Jacksonville, who served the United The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without States with valor and bravery. Veterans are counting on us to renew objection, it is so ordered. There being no objection, the Senate the popular Veterans Choice Program The clerk will report the resolution proceeded to consider the resolution. and preserve their flexibility to access by title. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous care outside of the VA system. The legislative clerk read as follows: Just as we have done in the past, we consent that the resolution be agreed A resolution (S. Res. 326) recognizing the to, the preamble be agreed to, and the need to pass a routine pay-go waiver to crew of the San Antonio Rose, B–17F, who avoid a draconian sequester that none sacrificed their lives during World War II, motions to reconsider be considered of my colleagues want to see take ef- and honoring their memory during the week made and laid upon the table with no fect. Americans are counting on us not of the 75th anniversary of that tragic event. intervening action or debate. to inflict harmful cuts on Medicare and There being no objection, the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without other essential operations. proceeded to consider the resolution. objection, it is so ordered. I look forward to working together in Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask The resolution (S. Res. 362) was the coming days to fund our govern- unanimous consent that the resolution agreed to. ment in a manner that does right by be agreed to, the preamble be agreed The preamble was agreed to. the American people. to, and the motions to reconsider be (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- f considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or de- mitted Resolutions.’’) RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME bate. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without suggest the absence of a quorum. the previous order, the leadership time objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The is reserved. The resolution (S. Res. 326) was clerk will call the roll. f agreed to. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. MORNING BUSINESS The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under printed in the RECORD of November 9, unanimous consent that the order for the previous order, the Senate will be 2017, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) the quorum call be rescinded. in a period of morning business, with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senators permitted to speak therein f objection, it is so ordered. for up to 10 minutes each. NATIONAL ERNIE PYLE DAY f The majority leader. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY f ask unanimous consent that the Judi- LEADER RECOGNIZING THREATS TO FREE- ciary Committee be discharged from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The DOM OF THE PRESS AND EX- further consideration of and the Senate Democratic leader is recognized. PRESSION AROUND THE WORLD now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 345. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without REPUBLICAN TAX BILL ask unanimous consent that the Sen- objection, it is so ordered. ate proceed to the immediate consider- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, last The clerk will report the resolution ation of Calendar No. 277, S. Res. 150. night the Senate passed an awful, par- by title. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tisan rewrite of the Tax Code. I said a The legislative clerk read as follows: clerk will report the resolution by good deal about the bill over the course title. A resolution (S. Res. 345) designating Au- of the debate and added my concluding The legislative clerk read as follows: gust 3, 2018, as ‘‘National Ernie Pyle Day.’’ thoughts into the RECORD before the A resolution (S. Res. 150) recognizing There being no objection, the Senate final vote, but let me just reiterate one threats to freedom of the press and expres- proceeded to consider the resolution. point. The Republican tax bill will ce- sion around the world and reaffirming free- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous ment the Republican Party as the dom of the press as a priority in efforts of consent that the resolution be agreed party of the wealthy and the party of the United States Government to promote to, the preamble be agreed to, and the the big corporations against the middle democracy and good governance. motions to reconsider be considered class and the working people of this There being no objection, the Senate made and laid upon the table. country. proceeded to consider the resolution. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Corporations get permanent tax Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. breaks. The individual tax breaks ex- consent that the resolution be agreed The resolution (S. Res. 345) was pire. By 2027, according to the Joint to, the preamble be agreed to, and the agreed to. Committee on Taxation, 83 percent of motions to reconsider be considered The preamble was agreed to. the middle class—that is almost 145

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.002 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8155 million American families—will either hundreds of dollars in their pockets, nally willing to reach an agreement, get a tax increase or a tax cut of less they will change their mind. but because of the particular impor- than $100. The economy is not going to take off. tance of all of these issues, especially Meanwhile, according to the Tax Pol- The wealthy will do better. There will Dreamers, we cannot do a short-term icy Center, the top 1 percent of earners be a lot of dividends. There will be a lot funding bill that picks and chooses in our country will reap 83 percent of of stock buybacks, not too much job what problems to solve and what not to the benefits of the tax plan. creation. AT&T is a big American com- solve. That will not be fair and will not Let’s go over that again. The middle pany and a fine American company. pass. We have to do them all together class, 83 percent, either get a tax in- Their tax rate over the last 10 years instead of in a piecemeal fashion. crease or a tax break of less than $100. was a mere 8 percent, and they cut Whether that global deal comes be- The top 1 percent, the wealthiest, get 80,000 jobs. That one statistic belies all fore the week is out or a later date in 83 percent of the benefits. Middle-class this trickle-down bunk that our Repub- January, it has to be a truly global America is asking something: Why lican colleagues still cling to even deal. We can’t leave any of the issues does the top get far more than I do? though it is outdated and disproved, behind. Our Republican colleagues on Why do I get a tax increase when so and the American people will have tax and healthcare decided not to work many of them get a huge decrease? To their chance in 2018 to reject this phi- with us. In this case they have to work boot, millions of middle-class Ameri- losophy and move our country in a dra- with us, and working with us means cans will now go without health insur- matically different direction—back to- that we sit down around the table and ance and millions more will see their ward government that works to lift up decide there are some things you want, premiums rise. At the same time, mul- the middle class rather than one that some things we want, and let’s com- tinational corporations and wealthy gives more to those who already have promise and get it done—not just pick- hedge fund managers enjoy a massive so much. From now until then, we ing and choosing what you want to get tax break. To repeat, the legacy of this Democrats will focus like a laser on done and telling us to deal with it. bill will be to cement the Republican making things better for working That will not work this time. Party as the party of the rich and pow- Americans and the middle class. The I can assure my friend the majority erful against the middle class. contrast, particularly this tax bill, leader that my caucus will be working We Democrats have been saying this which so benefits the wealthy and pow- in good faith with his caucus as long as for years, but our Republican col- erful, could not be more clear. they choose to work with us, and we will work with our colleagues in the leagues with this tax bill have done us f a major favor. Even their Republican House as well to reach a deal as soon as supporters are realizing where the Sen- FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT possible. ate Republicans and House Republicans Mr. SCHUMER. Now to the end of the I yield the floor. are—on the side of the most wealthy, year, Mr. President, as a result of the I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The on the side of the big powerful corpora- Republican efforts to jam the tax bill clerk will call the roll. tions, not on the side of the middle through before the end of the year, we The legislative clerk proceeded to class. now have precious little time left to call the roll. Whenever we have had a Republican keep the government open and to solve Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I President and Republican Congress, we a legion of problems. ask unanimous consent that the order get the same thing—a program of tax We still haven’t reached a budget for the quorum call be rescinded. cuts for the rich, higher deficit and deal to lift the spending caps equally The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without debt, and then threats to Social Secu- for both defense and urgent domestic objection, it is so ordered. rity and Medicare. That is what hap- priorities such as combatting the f pened under President Bush, and we opioid crisis, improving veterans’ are seeing the exact same playbook healthcare, and building infrastruc- REPUBLICAN TAX BILL today. There is nothing about this bill ture. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, that is suited to the needs of the Amer- We have not reached a deal to reau- early this morning, the Senate voted ican worker or the American economy. thorize the Children’s Health Insurance on the tax bill. I voted against the My Republican friends would propose it Program, community health centers, measure, and as I have said many in a booming economy or recession, or to extend the 702 FISA Court pro- times, I don’t think this is a bill that whether we have surpluses or deficits. gram. is going to work for my State or for No matter what, it seems to our Re- Two major sticking points remain in America. The House now has one more publican friends that tax cuts for the the form of the disaster supplemental, opportunity. I don’t think many people rich and big corporations are the an- which still does not treat Puerto Rico, think they are going to change their swer to our problems. The benefits will California, and the U.S. Virgin Islands vote, but I just hope, instead of cele- trickle down like magic to the rest of as well as Florida, Texas, and Lou- brating what happens today, they are us. isiana. going to step back and look at what Trickle down is the entire philosophy Of course we have the Dreamers and this really means. of this tax bill—trickle down. When a moral imperative to protect them. I am in a group of people who have they say they are helping the middle These are kids who were brought here long called for tax reform. In fact, 2 class, when they say they are creating very young through no fault of their weeks before this bill passed, we stood jobs, it is because the wealthy get own. Many of them know no other before the public and said we would money and, in their belief, will create country but ours. They learn in our like to work with the Republicans on a jobs. It hasn’t happened. It hasn’t hap- schools, work in our companies, serve bill to bring the business rate down and pened. Corporate America has more in our military, and want to be Ameri- to bring the money in from overseas money than ever before. The stock cans more than anything in the world. but a bill that didn’t add this kind of market is higher than ever before, and They are Americans in every single im- weight to the debt and a bill that actu- job creation isn’t. portant way but one; they lack the pa- ally was good for all Americans, not That is where this bill is at. There is perwork. We have to solve that prob- just some Americans. nothing about this bill that suits the lem. We also could have done so much needs of the American worker, as I We have been negotiating with our more. We are adding $1.5 trillion to the said. Trickle down has been widely dis- Republican counterparts for weeks in debt. Yet we are doing nothing for in- credited as an economic theory. It has search of a deal to pair DACA protec- frastructure. We didn’t change the car- been discredited by recent history, and tions with reasonable border security. ried interest loophole. We did nothing it will be discredited again. Democrats have always believed in bor- to fix so many things that even the Our Republican colleagues are der security, as the comprehensive im- President had identified as things that clinging. They are saying: This bill is migration bill in the Senate showed. I needed to be fixed in the Tax Code. so unpopular, but don’t worry, once the hope now that the tax bill is behind I have been concerned by this latest economy takes off, once people see them, my Republican colleagues are fi- effort, which has not been bipartisan at

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.003 S20DEPT1 S8156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 all. It has resulted in a bill that will, as The bill creates a new and com- would make sure the wealthiest Ameri- I said, add to the debt, create huge, plicated system of taxing the income of cans pay the same tax as their employ- new loopholes, and will encourage com- companies, especially with regard to ees is nowhere to be found. I have al- panies to move money around and their international income. The prac- ready mentioned the new opportunities move jobs overseas to avoid taxes. It tical effect of this systemic change is for tax avoidance created by the new will have huge, unintended con- entirely untested. While the bill seeks system of international taxation. That sequences on the economy. Why? We to impose a minimum tax on overseas is just one of them. didn’t even have a hearing over this earnings, it allows companies to blend This bill contains vast new loopholes bill, a bill that will affect every single the tax rate for income overseas. This for hedge fund managers, real estate American. seemingly minor detail opens a big investment companies, and anyone who Over the next 10 years—and this is loophole that can give companies in- can take a few minutes to reorganize not disputed—this bill will add $1.5 tril- centives to move jobs to foreign coun- as a passthrough business to take ad- lion to our national debt, and even the tries and may create a whole new tax vantage of a lower rate, if they have most generous estimate says it may avoidance scheme. While I heard cele- the money to pay for a lawyer or pay add $500 billion in economic gain. If bration in this Chamber last night, I for an accountant to do it. By taxing that is true, this bill would still be add- can tell you who are really cele- wage and salary income at a higher ing $1 trillion to the debt. By the way, brating—the tax accountants, the law- rate than so-called passthrough in- it is not the wealthiest Americans who yers, as people are going to pay them come, this bill creates opportunities are going to have to worry about that millions and millions of dollars to look for tax avoidance that are virtually un- debt; it is the kids of middle-class for new loopholes in a scheme that, precedented. Americans, of people who go to work again, didn’t even get a hearing. I sup- Given the speed with which this bill every single day. What do they go to port bringing down the rate on foreign was rushed through, enterprising attor- work to do now? To have a big chunk earnings held overseas and to make neys and accountants are going to find of their money that is going to pay for sure the money, though, is invested dozens of new loopholes in the coming the interest on this debt. Almost all here and invested in infrastructure. years. If done right, we could have economists agree that a deficit-fi- Bob Pozen, the former chairman of closed loopholes. We could have nanced tax cut at this point in the the oldest mutual fund company in the brought back money U.S. companies business cycle makes no sense at all. If United States, has said the new system are holding overseas to fund infrastruc- anything, at this time of low unem- in this bill, which includes a new min- ture projects here at home. ployment and strong market perform- imum U.S. ‘‘tax is like Swiss cheese. It We could have given local businesses ance, it gives us a rare opportunity to has so many holes that it would rarely the ability to compete against out-of- try to, one, do something about our be paid by U.S. firms.’’ He goes on to State internet retailers, support our debt and, two, while we are doing say that, in fact, this proposal would rural communities, and provide incen- something about our debt, figure out encourage U.S. companies to ‘‘relocate tives to keep jobs in America. what our priorities are for investment. to foreign countries more of their U.S. I have always wanted to bring the I would say one of those top priorities factories and U.S. intellectual property corporate tax rate down—I have so is infrastructure, including broadband, such as patents and trademarks. A many successful businesses in my including rural broadband. That wasn’t minimum tax would be effective only if State—but not like this, not with add- in this bill. We accumulated $1.5 tril- it applied to the foreign taxes paid by ing $1.5 trillion in debt that is going to lion in debt. U.S. multinationals on a country by be put on the people whom I represent Adding to the debt will, of course, country basis, rather than on an aggre- in my State, who just go to work every put pressure on programs that every- gate basis across all foreign countries.’’ day. They don’t have holdings over- day Americans rely on. This means So- Again, we haven’t had one hearing to seas. They don’t have a hedge fund cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. understand the impact of this bill. manager. They don’t have people who One of the most troubling develop- This bill would allow a one-time op- are investing money in all kinds of ments in this bill was the inclusion of portunity to bring back some of the ventures all over the world. They just a provision to repeal a key part of the trillions of dollars of earnings overseas. go to work and get an hourly wage or Affordable Care Act that would kick 13 Again, I have long supported this, but I maybe they get a salary, and they just million people off their insurance by would also like to see at least part of get enough money so that they hope 2027 and increase premiums by 10 per- this money be used on infrastructure. they can have a house and send their cent in the individual market, and that That was our original plan. Our origi- kids to college. This bill doesn’t make means less money in the pockets of nal plan was that we were going to cre- it easier on them. American middle-class families. The ate incentives to bring the money in It does not simplify the Tax Code. If American people want us to move for- from overseas—a bipartisan plan—and anything, it makes it more com- ward together to make fixes to the Af- then put a chunk of it, if the money plicated. It does not close loopholes. It fordable Care Act like the Murray- was voluntarily brought back, into in- is a huge missed opportunity. Alexander bill, but instead this bill frastructure. A few weeks ago, I joined 17 of my moves us backward with a partisan ap- Why? Well, the American Society of Democratic colleagues in calling on proach that kicks people off their Civil Engineers’ 2017 report card gave our Republican colleagues to join us in healthcare. our Nation’s infrastructure an overall a bipartisan approach to tax reform. This bill, in the end, is really a bait D-plus grade. There is an economic im- Unfortunately, the bill that we voted and switch. Millions of middle-class perative to fixing our infrastructure. on early this morning—and the bill Americans will end up paying more in The future of our markets is exporting that the House still has an opportunity taxes in the long run since many of the to the 90 percent of those who live out- to look at once more—involved nego- tax cuts they receive, if they receive a side of our shores. Yet this bill, with tiations only on one side of the aisle. tax cut at all, would only be tem- the accumulation of $1.5 trillion in When that happens, bad things happen. porary. In 10 years, most Americans debt, doesn’t put the money into the We can do better. I will continue to earning $75,000 or less will pay more in infrastructure that will allow us to work across the aisle on bipartisan so- taxes while people earning more than have that kind of an export economy. lutions. We have to make changes to $100,000 a year will continue to pay True comprehensive tax reform re- this bill going forward. We know that, less. According to the analysis by the quires closing loopholes, yet this bill and the American people will depend Institute on Taxation and Economic does almost nothing to close the worst on it. Policy, 644,000 people in my State with loopholes in our current Tax Code. The I yield the floor. incomes below $153,800 would see a tax carried interest loophole, which Presi- I suggest the absence of a quorum. hike in 2027. Meanwhile, a huge major- dent Trump promised over and over The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. ity of the tax cuts in 2027 and after will again that he would close, is still ERNST). The clerk will call the roll. benefit only the top 1 percent of Ameri- there. The loopholes that benefit big The bill clerk proceeded to call the cans. oil are still there. The Buffet rule that roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.004 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8157 Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask That almost never happens, even on re- renew funding for the Children’s Health unanimous consent that the order for authorization. There was a voice vote Insurance Program so the parents of the quorum call be rescinded. on October 4. It seems like a long time the nine million children who are cov- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ago now. It is ready to go. If it came ered by CHIP can know their children’s objection, it is so ordered. onto the Senate floor, we can pass it healthcare is secure.’’ f here. I have to ask: Why isn’t that hap- The good news about that tweet is, it pening? was a Member of Congress. The even CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE Maybe the better person to ask that better news is, it was a Senator. Better PROGRAM question would be a family who is ben- news even than that, the Senator hap- Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise efiting and who could be harmed if it is pened to be the Senate majority leader, this afternoon to talk about the Chil- not reauthorized. I am thinking about Senator MCCONNELL. dren’s Health Insurance Program and, Connie, a woman I met here in Wash- I ask Senator MCCONNELL, please particularly, the reauthorization of ington just last week. Then, I saw her allow floor time and please obtain the that program. By reauthorization I again on Monday in Pittsburgh at Chil- consensus you need in your own party mean taking action to continue a pro- dren’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. That is to get this on to the floor and get it gram that is not just worthy but bat- one of those great institutions for chil- passed. tle-tested now for almost a quarter of a dren across our country. She was there As I said, the KIDS Act, the Finance century nationally, at least 20 years. In with two of her children. Carmen and Committee bill, is ready to go. I ask for States like Pennsylvania, it is more Diego are both on the CHIP program. the majority leader’s help because I than 20 years, more like 25. CHIP provides good health insurance so know he cares about this program as The unfortunate reality, though, is that they can get the healthcare they well. We have to get this done. this isn’t done. This program should need. Just a final note before I yield the have been reauthorized at the end of I had a picture with Connie’s daugh- floor. I wanted to note several other September, and it is not done yet. It ter Carmen here in Washington. She healthcare priorities that Congress has gone from unacceptable to inexcus- dutifully handed me a copy of the pic- must address. able. We should not leave this week ture when I saw her just a few days Community health centers are facing without either having it reauthorized later in Pittsburgh at Children’s Hos- a funding cliff that will hurt millions or having a game plan that would guar- pital. of people around the country, and over antee it will be reauthorized in the Both Carmen and Diego might lose 800,000 in Pennsylvania whom they very early days of 2018, literally, the their health insurance because there is serve, and other priority community early days of January. a lot of activity here and focus and a health centers. Medicare extenders— In just the last 2 weeks, I met with result when it comes to a big tax bill. meaning tax provisions that are ex- families across Pennsylvania and even In this case, it is a tax bill that gives tended from one year to the next or families that came from beyond Penn- permanent corporate tax cuts to multi- from one year into the future—includ- sylvania here to Washington to talk national, profitable corporations. At ing support for rural hospitals and lift- about what the Children’s Health In- the same time, there is almost no ac- ing the so-called therapy cap to ensure surance Program means to them. tion or any sense of momentum right seniors and people with disabilities CHIP provides health insurance to now to get the Children’s Health Insur- have access to physical and occupa- some 9 million American children each ance Program in place again, or reau- tional therapy services have also ex- year, including over 342,000 children in thorized, as we call it. pired, just like the CHIP program, or Pennsylvania, if you look at it over the We had an event here in Washington will expire at the end of this calendar course of the year. As you might recall, yesterday where not only were there year. Failing to address these exten- when the CHIP program expired on child advocates but so many others sions is also unacceptable and will September 30, there were a lot of indi- coming together to talk about this pro- harm our children, our seniors, and our cations or promises made that it would gram. Maybe the most important thing communities. be reauthorized rather soon, but that we did yesterday, in addition to the So we have a lot of work to do in a was 81 days ago. Whether you want to mechanics, was to talk about the chil- short amount of time on all of these express it in days or months—81 days dren in the room. Here are the children healthcare issues. I think we should or 21⁄2 months or more now—that is in- and the States they came from. I will start with voting on and reauthorizing excusable. We have to get this done for just read through them quickly: Jason the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- these families. and Kelsey from Utah; Deanna came gram for 9 million American children. I just saw a report this morning on from New York; Malachi came from Thank you. ‘‘NBC News’’ that profiled a family. Colorado; Addie and Cailin from Ken- I yield the floor. They were talking in this case to the I suggest the absence of a quorum. tucky; Patience, Serenity, Tyler, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mom and talking to her children, and Harmonie, all from the State of Texas; clerk will call the roll. it was a very moving story about the Jeridan, Kendra, and Makayla from the The bill clerk proceeded to call the importance of the Children’s Health In- State of Wisconsin; and, finally, an- roll. surance Program and what would hap- other Michaela—spelled a different Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, pen to that family if the program were way—and Grace came from the State of I ask unanimous consent that the order not reauthorized. West Virginia. They and their par- for the quorum call be rescinded. This is a bipartisan program. It was ents—these children and their par- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without bipartisan in its inception in the mid- ents—spoke about what CHIP means to objection, it is so ordered. 1990s, and it has remained bipartisan. their families. Several of the parents f Now there is only one party that runs said CHIP means their children can get the House, the Senate, and the admin- the prescription eyeglasses they need. TAX REFORM BILL istration, and I hope that this one I have to ask: How is a child supposed Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, party—in this case, the Republican to learn and succeed in school without last night—I guess, actually, early this Party—can get the votes. You don’t eyeglasses? CHIP provides that. morning—was a pretty historic time even have to talk about votes. It is So while these kids don’t know if for us. Our final vote to approve the really talking about floor time and they are going to be able to get the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a historic really making sure there is an agree- glasses they need to be able to read and moment for America, and it was clear- ment on a pay-for. to learn, the Senate is busy passing a ly a historic moment for my State of The most recent action by the Fi- tax bill. It is OK to pass a tax bill, even Alaska. nance Committee on CHIP was in the if I didn’t agree with it, but we should For the first time in 31 years, since Keep Kids’ Insurance Dependable and find the time in the remaining hours of President Reagan was in office, we Secure Act, known by the acronym this year to get CHIP done. passed tax reform that will make our KIDS. The KIDS Act came through the I saw a tweet just 2 days ago that Tax Code work better for American Finance Committee by a voice vote. said the following: ‘‘Congress must families and businesses.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.006 S20DEPT1 S8158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 After 37 long years—yesterday, I said For some, ANWR has been an issue State of Alaska. If there is anyone who it was 38. I stand corrected. It was 37 which they have had an opportunity to has a collective history and wisdom years. That is a long time that we have weigh in and vote on for many years about the background of ANWR and been working to advance the oppor- and thus was not a new matter in the battles we have endured, it is tunity to open a small portion of the which education was needed. For oth- Chuck Kleeschulte. I know that, as he non-wilderness 1002 area in northeast ers, it was important to be able to up- is approaching retirement, he is look- Alaska, up in our North Slope, to re- date them, to let them know that ing forward to knowing that we have sponsible energy development. many of the issues they may have successfully moved this opportunity Many in our State believed this heard over the years were outdated, forward for Alaskans and for the Na- would happen in the early 1980s after that the arguments were stale and tion. Congress specifically set aside the 1002 needed to be refreshed, thus allowing I also thank those in my personal of- area for exploration—and it is some- them to understand what we are doing fice who helped not only with ANWR thing we have been fighting for ever with new technology. Today, tech- but with the tax provisions as well. My since. It is a long time to be working nology is helping us to facilitate devel- chief of staff, Mike Pawlowski, has on an issue. It has been decades and, in opment in a way that allows us to ac- done an extraordinary job for me. My many instances, generations. cess more resources with less of a foot- assistant, Kristen Daimler-Nothdurft, Through this bill, we voted to let print, with less land, and with less in- has done amazing things. Karina Peter- Americans keep more of their hard- trusion on the surface, working to en- sen, Garrett Boyle, Madeline Lefton, earned dollars. We voted to make our sure that we are not only protecting and Parker Haymans, among many businesses more competitive on a glob- the wildlife that is there, whether it be others—you really recognize a team al scale. We voted to strengthen our caribou or polar bears, but also ensur- when you reflect on how so many have Nation’s energy security. And we voted ing that the people who live there in given in so many different ways. to create new jobs, new wealth, and the 1002 region—the people of It is not just within my own office or new prosperity for a generation to Kaktovik, the children who are going the Energy Committee; it is those who come. to school there, those who have called run the operations here. Specifically, I One thing we know for sure is that this place home for decades, if not cen- want to thank Leader MCCONNELL’s legislation like this doesn’t happen by turies—will have an opportunity there staff—Sharon Soderstrom, Hazen Mar- accident. It doesn’t happen quickly or not only for the potential for jobs, but shall, and Terry Van Doren—and espe- with the sleight of hand. It happens for what the resources will bring to cially the outstanding floor staff here, with a considerable amount of work. them. led by Laura Dove. I know many of So I wish to take a few moments this I thank my colleagues for being open them—certainly Laura and Sharon— afternoon to simply say thank you— to the new reality of what we have have been around for their fair share of thank you to those who have worked so been developing in Alaska’s North the ANWR debates and fights, and this hard and for so long to help us reach Slope, as we have been seeking to pro- is no new issue for them. I appreciate this point. vide resources the country needs, jobs their help and their support a great I want to start by personally ac- my State and the country need, and deal. knowledging our majority leader, Sen- truly to help us from an energy secu- From Budget, I thank Betsy McDon- ator MCCONNELL. He was the first one I rity and a national security perspec- nell, Eric Ueland, Paul Vinovich, and went to back in early January to ask tive. So I thank the Members of the Alison McGuire. about how we might be able to proceed Senate. From Finance, I thank and congratu- to include the opening of the 1002 area. I thank the members of the Finance late Jay Khosla, who has done a ter- We discussed avenues and opportuni- Committee, led by Chairman HATCH, rific job, and Mark Prater. I had the ties. He told me he thought we could for their excellent work and for letting added benefit of going to law school make it work, and he committed to me us ride shotgun when it came to tax re- with Mark Prater, a brilliant guy then that we would work to do just that. He form. We knew we had to make it to and even more brilliant now. I greatly did, and I thank him for his considered the finish line together, and that is ex- appreciate all they did on the tax re- effort and his belief in the cause. actly where we are right now. form bill. I also need to thank and recognize I thank the President and Secretary I also want to give a shout-out to our Budget Committee chairman, Sen- Zinke, among others in this adminis- Tara Shaw, who is now with Senator ator ENZI. He was the second person I tration, who have been working with ENZI and who has been a good friend went to early this year. He agreed to us, fighting for Alaska, as we have and a help to me. provide an instruction in the reconcili- moved forward. Lastly and certainly not least, I ation bill and allow us to run with this Of course, this wasn’t just a Mem- thank all of the Alaskans who have opportunity. He, too, recognized the bers-led effort. We could not have done contributed to this effort over the significance of this as a policy initia- it without the men and the women who years. We had a group of about two tive and how it dovetailed with what work for us and whom we work for in dozen Alaskans who traveled all the he was seeking to achieve through the many ways but who were at the very way from Alaska’s North Slope—some Budget Committee. core of the effort. 5,000 miles—to be here last night for The work of many within the Energy As usual, within the Energy Com- this vote. These are men and women and Natural Resources Committee is mittee, certainly it is always a team who, for decades now, have fought to significant, and I thank them for their effort. Everyone contributed in a rock- open up the 1002 area for the opportuni- efforts. An excellent group of Senators solid way. My team was very ably led ties it presents to them and to their in that committee worked with me to by Brian Hughes, supported by Kellie families. For them, to see this advance craft our energy title and to report it Donnelly, Lucy Murfitt, Chuck is as significant and as historic as most out of the committee. We reported it Kleeschulte, Patrick McCormick, anything they have seen in a consider- on a bipartisan basis—not as strong as Annie Hoefler, Brianne Miller, Nicole able period of time. I would have liked, but we did receive Daigle, Michelle Lane, Lane Dickson, Oliver Leavitt is an elder. He is cer- support from our colleague Senator Isaac Edwards, Chester Carson, Ben tainly a legend in my time. To have MANCHIN, from West Virginia. Again, it Reinke, Suzanne Cunningham, Melissa Oliver here last night was extraor- was a solid effort by the committee, Enriquez, Sean Solie, John Starkey, dinarily significant. Matthew Rexford and it was a good and important part Tonya Parish, Robert Ivanauskas, Bar- and Fenton Rexford, who live in of the process. bara Repeta, and Diana Nielsen. There Kaktovik—there were four or five dif- Along similar lines, I would like to were so many on the committee who ferent individuals from the village of thank all of the Members of this Cham- came together in a host of different Kaktovik—again, those who actually ber who supported our work here on ways, some of them working the issue reside in the 1002 area. Crawford the Senate floor—first, to protect the new; others, like Chuck Kleeschulte— Patkotak and his wife, Laura, were instruction and then to protect our 27 years working here in the U.S. Sen- also with us and also Richard Glenn of good work to meet it. ate and, prior to that, working for the Utqiagvik. They were here not only to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.008 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8159 be a part of the culmination of this ef- year—today and tomorrow. In Alaska, sential to providing our economy with fort, but they are men and women who it is the darkest day of the year. I men- a skilled workforce that is ready to in- have been part of this battle for dec- tioned yesterday the effort we have novate and lead us into the future. ades, truly decades. The number of seen from the Senate, which, hopefully, Ever since I have been here, employ- trips they have made to Washington, we will finalize shortly, is one that will ers in Minnesota have stressed to me DC, over the years, the doors they have bring a brightness and an energy to the that they need employees with critical knocked on, and the efforts they have people of Alaska. For that, I thank my thinking and problem solving skills, contributed to are considerable. colleagues. I thank the many Alaskans with team work and creativity—tools When I start to name names, I think who have supported us in this epic bat- that we need our children to be devel- of Tara Sweeney and the folks who tle, and I thank all those who have oping long before they enter the work- have been there year in and year out, helped to make it possible. force. I am pretty sure that my col- those who have been supportive by I yield the floor. leagues hear this from employers in traveling here and those who call and I suggest the absence of a quorum. their States too. those who write. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Of course, education isn’t just about It is gratifying, it is heartwarming, STRANGE). The clerk will call the roll. our economy. It is about the most and it is a reality that one can never The senior assistant legislative clerk basic responsibility we have as human say thank you enough for the efforts proceeded to call the roll. beings. Many of us who have served in that you have made over the years. To Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask the Senate have children and grand- know that you spoke as Alaskans, your unanimous consent that the order for children, and we would do anything to voices have been heard, and that Con- the quorum call be rescinded. be able to promise to them that when gress has finally listened is, indeed, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without they grow up, they will be able to fol- gratifying. objection, it is so ordered. low their dreams and take a risk on themselves to achieve more than we Of course, we would not have reached f this point without two particular Alas- ever could. Many of us remember just kans—the ones I am proud to serve EDUCATION how hard our own parents worked to with here in our delegation. DON Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, unlike keep that promise to us. All of us, YOUNG, the dean of the House and Con- most of my colleagues, the time I spent Democrat and Republican alike, want gressman for all Alaska, has single- here in the Senate represents the sum to be able to make that promise not handedly kept this issue alive in the total of my experience in elected office. just to our own children but to every House for a generation. He reminds me For most of my life I approached poli- child in America, no matter where they that it has been 13 times now that he tics and public policy from a very dif- grow up or what their family life is has passed it out of the House. To be ferent perspective. I tried to be an edu- like or what obstacles they may en- able to recognize his extraordinary cated citizen who understood how the counter along the way. We all want a country where every work is, indeed, a pleasure and an issues being debated here in Wash- child has the opportunity to fulfill his honor. And, of course, my friend, my ington affected me, my family, my or her God-given potential. We all un- very able partner in the Senate, Sen- neighbors, and those in my State and derstand that whether we can provide ator DAN SULLIVAN, was an incredible my country. I tried to be an advocate every child with a great education is partner in this effort, and I thank him for the values I believed in—honesty in the most basic measure of whether we greatly for his work. public discourse, for sure, but also fair- are keeping that promise. Fortunately, I also recognize that it is not just the ness, justice, and the idea that in the HELP Committee, which I had the delegation present who needs to be America we are all in this together. I honor of serving on since I first arrived thanked. As I have said, this has been tried to be an activist, putting my in the Senate, has been led by public a decades-long battle. This has been a voice and my energy behind candidates servants who share those values and a generational battle. We are standing in and causes that I cared for and about. common commitment to delivering on the footsteps of those who have pre- When I leave the Senate in a few that promise. Under Chairman Harkin ceded us, including my father, Frank weeks, I will continue trying to be an and now under Chairman ALEXANDER Murkowski, who was chairman of the educated citizen, an advocate, and an and Ranking Member MURRAY, the activist. Over the last 81⁄2 years, as I Energy Committee and at a point in HELP Committee has often been able have had the privilege of serving the time had advanced this, only to see it to be an example of how Democrats and people of Minnesota, I also gained a fail at the very end. And, of course, my Republicans can work together to new perspective on the issues we face dear friend, my mentor, one who helped make progress. give me such great guidance over the and the way we here in Washington When I first got here, the debate was years was our former Senator, Ted Ste- make decisions. focused on No Child Left Behind, which vens. Before I go, I want to spend some Congress had passed and President Yesterday, you may have noticed I time sharing some of what I have Bush had signed into law in 2002. was wearing some unusual earrings. learned in a series of speeches focusing Democrats and Republicans worked to- When my friend Ted, the former Sen- on the challenges I came to Wash- gether on that bill back then because ator Stevens, had a serious matter in ington to address—challenges that my they all believed that it was important front of him, he wanted the rest of his colleagues will continue to wrestle that our schools be held accountable colleagues to know that, by gosh, he with, challenges that will determine for the results they achieved on behalf was serious that day, and this was an not just the political landscape we of all students. But by 2009, it had be- issue to be taken seriously, and he leave for the next generation of Sen- come clear that No Child Left Behind would don a Hulk tie. It was somewhat ators but what kind of country we simply wasn’t getting the job done. legendary around here. I am not one to leave for the next generation of Ameri- A couple of weeks after I got to the wear ties, but after finding a nice pair cans. Senate, I held a roundtable with prin- of Hulk earrings, it seemed to me only Today I want to start by talking cipals at a school that had been turned appropriate to wear them on a day that about education. Even at a time when around in a poor neighborhood by a would acknowledge the work of ex- our politics is more polarized and more great principal in St. Paul. One of the traordinary Alaskans who went before poisonous than it has ever been, you other principals told me that he re- me. I think, today, Uncle Ted is smil- would think that education is one ferred to the NCLB tests as autopsies. ing and happy, and he is probably wear- place where Democrats and Repub- I knew exactly what he meant. The ing his Hulk tie. licans could come together to make kids were taking the tests in late This is a big moment for Alaska. progress. After all, while we do have April. The results didn’t come back There is a spirit and an optimism that significant differences on the details of until late June or later—too late to let I am taking home right now that I education policy, nobody disagrees the results inform teachers’ instruc- think we haven’t seen in years. I think about the importance of getting it tion of each child. it is worth noting that today is winter right. We all agree that education from In Minnesota, therefore, most school solstice. This is the shortest day of the pre-K through college and beyond is es- districts added computer adaptive tests

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.009 S20DEPT1 S8160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 in addition to the required NCLB address some of the excessive testing afterschool program was zeroed out in tests—computers so the teachers could that was burdening educators and stu- its proposed budget. What is more, this get the results right away and adaptive dents alike. Under the new law, schools administration seems to be outright so that if a kid was getting all the would still have to test every year be- hostile to the idea that we have respon- questions right, the questions would tween third and eighth grade and once sibilities to provide children with a get harder and if the kid was getting in high school, but each State would quality public education. all of the questions wrong, the ques- control the consequences of the test re- I am proud of the work we have done tions would get easier. That way, in- sults and that would almost certainly to support and improve our public stead of measuring whether or not a mean fewer high stakes tests, less drill- schools, but the Department of Edu- student was appropriately proficient at ing, more time to teach and learn. cation is now led by a Secretary with a grade level in reading and math, edu- Meanwhile, the law included impor- long history of actively undermining cators could find out exactly what tant priorities like strengthening public education. Secretary DeVos and grade level each student was at in STEM education, expanding student her family have spent millions and mil- those subjects—adaptive. NCLB, on the mental health services, increasing ac- lions of dollars advocating for an ide- other hand, didn’t allow a State to test cess to courses that help high school ology that would steal funds from pub- outside of grade level. Schools and students earn college credit, and pre- lic schools in order to fund private and teachers were judged on whether a suf- paring and recruiting more and better religious education. Now, let’s take a moment to talk ficient percentage of kids met this ar- principals to lead better schools. These about what that means. Secretary bitrary standard. This became known are all things that I fought to include DeVos ran a political action committee as measuring for proficiency, and it in that final law. called All Children Matter, which spent created what teachers in Minnesota de- It also included a long overdue in- millions in campaign contributions to scribed to me as ‘‘a race to the mid- vestment in early childhood education, promote the use of taxpayer dollars for dle.’’ It made them focus on kids just but not enough—not enough. We know from study after study that a quality school vouchers. The argument was below or just above proficiency. So the that these vouchers would allow low- ones just below would get above and early childhood education returns be- tween $7 and $16 for every dollar in- income students to leave the public the ones just above would stay above school system and attend private vested. That is because children who proficiency, and they would ignore the schools of their family’s choice. Sec- get a quality early childhood education kid at the top because those kids at the retary DeVos has been pushing to ex- are less likely to be referred to special top, no matter what you did, wouldn’t pand vouchers for years, even though ed and less likely to be held back a go below proficiency. They would ig- research clearly shows that voucher grade. They have better health out- nore the kids at the bottom because no programs don’t work. In fact, the aca- comes. Girls are less likely to get preg- matter what you did that year you demic outcomes for students who use nant in adolescence. They are more couldn’t get those kids to proficiency. vouchers to attend private schools is likely to graduate high school, go to So there was this race to the middle. abysmal. Think about how perverse that is. college, and get a good job and pay A New York Times article from Feb- Think about a fifth grade teacher taxes. And they are less likely to go to ruary of this year reported on three who takes a kid from a second grade prison. different studies of large State voucher level of reading to a fourth grade level If we really want to address future programs in Indiana, Louisiana, and of reading. Well, that kid didn’t get to deficits, we would be pouring money Ohio. Each study found that vouchers proficiency. So under No Child Left Be- into training early childhood edu- negatively impact results in both read- hind, that teacher was a goat. But a cators. Instead, in his budget in the ing and math. In fact, in Louisiana’s teacher who helps a child grow by two Congress, the Trump administration voucher program, public elementary grade levels in a single year is a hero. proposed major cuts to early childhood school students who started at the 50th Teachers, principals, superintendents, education. We could easily put more percentile in math and then used a school board members and parents all money into these programs if we voucher to transfer to a private school argued that it was time to stop meas- weren’t giving enormous tax cuts to dropped to the 26th percentile in a sin- uring just for proficiency and to meas- the wealthy and to powerful corpora- gle year. Harvard education professor ure for growth or measure just growth, tions. Martin West said this negative effect instead. This became quickly a central We also need to make sure that as was ‘‘as large as any I’ve seen in the focus of the debate over how to reform our kids get older, they can rely on literature,’’ and he was talking about No Child Left Behind, and it remains a quality afterschool programs. Last all literature, the entire history of pivotal debate when it comes to the fu- spring, I visited Roosevelt High School American education research. ture of our education system, which is in Minneapolis. During my tour of the Secretary DeVos is a serious threat why it was so shocking when President school’s afterschool program, I saw to our public school system and a Trump picked a Secretary of Edu- students rehearsing for a production of threat to the quality of education in cation, Betsy DeVos, who turned out to the ‘‘Addams Family.’’ I saw students this country overall. I have pushed as have no idea what the growth versus getting critical academic support like hard as I can to protect our students proficiency debate was even about. tutoring and college prep. In fact, Roo- from what this administration has It would be as if our children’s future sevelt’s successful afterschool pro- been trying to do. I have sent the Sec- relied on the outcome of a football grams contributed to their graduation retary over a dozen letters this year on game and the President nominated a rate going from less than 50 percent to protecting students from harassment, head coach who didn’t know how many over 70 percent in just 3 years. That is helping defrauded students, and hold- yards it took to get a first down. It was pretty incredible. That is why I fought ing for-profit schools accountable. It is a deeply upsetting moment, not just to renew the 21st Century Community my hope that my colleagues will con- because of what it revealed about Mrs. Learning Centers Program in the re- tinue to be vigilant in overseeing the DeVos or the President who had picked form of No Child Left Behind. It is a Department of Education and making her to be in charge of our Nation’s edu- program that keeps schools open after sure our public education system is not cation system but because these are school. dismantled. the kinds of problems that we should If we all agree that education should Our public education system was de- be able to solve. There is nothing ideo- be a priority, we should be willing to signed to give all kids a real chance in logical about the debate. It is simply a put our money where our mouths are life, but teachers and administrators matter of coming together and working and fund these programs. I am proud often lack the resources they need to in good faith to make things work bet- that during the course of my time here, give the kids the opportunities they de- ter. A functioning democracy should be we have had a bipartisan commitment serve. Every year, I push appropriators able to get stuff like this right, and in doing just that. We made progress— to increase funding for a number of sometimes we have. not enough, but we made progress. critical education programs like early For example, in the bipartisan Every Again, however, that progress was put childhood, STEM, and professional de- Student Succeeds Act we were able to at risk under this administration. That velopment for teachers, and I hope my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.011 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8161 colleagues will continue that fight to but you can literally see it in the nation Act that would merely provide increase resources for these programs. school buildings some Native kids are LGBT students the same legal rem- Improving our education system isn’t forced to learn in. Indian school build- edies available to other kids under our just about funding and accountability. ings are often unsafe, harmful to the Federal civil rights laws. It says, If we want to keep the promise of op- health of children and teachers, and ul- schools would have to listen when a portunity to every child, we have to timately a barrier to the education of parent says ‘‘my child isn’t safe,’’ and recognize that some kids face obstacles the students. the school has to do something about others do not, and we have to do more So going back to early 2009, I had it. It would ensure that LGBT kids to make sure they are not left behind. been fighting for funding to fix the have the same protections as every For example, particularly kids who Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School on other child. I worked very hard to get grow up poor are far more likely to suf- Leech Lake Reservation in northern this provision into the final law, and I fer what are called adverse childhood Minnesota. When I first visited the was greatly disappointed it wasn’t in- experiences, not just the stress of liv- school, I saw exposed wiring, mold, roof cluded, even though it got 52 votes on ing in poverty itself but exposure to leaks, rodents, uneven floors, poor the Senate floor. domestic violence, abuse or neglect, lighting, and sewer problems. I learned It is our responsibility, not just as drug and alcohol abuse, the incarcer- the students had faced these horren- Senators but as adults, to protect chil- ation of a parent, the death of a sib- dous conditions in their classrooms for dren and help them flourish, and I sin- ling. All of those adverse childhood ex- years. It was deplorable and was a ter- cerely hope every one of my colleagues periences affect brain chemistry and rible place to learn, so I worked for the will take up this fight and work to get the ability to learn. If we want to im- better part of a decade to rebuild that this across the finish line. prove education, we need to do a better school. I sent my colleagues a series of The last thing I want to mention on job of helping these children overcome powerful editorials about conditions at the subject of education is this. For a these traumas and a better job of ad- the school as written by the Min- long time, we thought about learning dressing economic inequality so fewer neapolis StarTribune. I raised this as something that started when you have to deal with the trauma in the issue at what seems like countless In- went to kindergarten and continued first place. This is another reason we dian Affairs hearings. After a lot of until you got your high school diploma need more high-quality, early child- work from the community, the Tribe, and either went off to college or went hood programs and more training for and the Obama administration, we off to work. We now know education is childcare providers so they can better were able to secure the funding to re- a lifelong pursuit, but we also know we support kids who have experienced build the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig school. need to do more to make it possible for trauma. I am thrilled so many bright, young it to continue long after 12th grade. Here is another example, foster kids. students in Leech Lake will be able to College used to be an affordable and It is not uncommon for foster children feel safe and comfortable in a accessible step into the middle class to have 10, 11, 12 sets of foster parents brandnew school, which will be opening for so many Americans. I always think during their childhood. This wreaks this coming March, but this is one of my wife Franni and her family. You havoc on their education. Sometimes school, one reservation, and there are see, when Franni was 17 months old, foster kids fall through the cracks of hundreds of schools like the Bug-O- her dad, a decorated World War II vet- our education system. If a child’s new Nay-Ge-Shig High School that are not eran, died in a car accident, leaving her foster parents live in a different school suitable for learning, and we need to do mom widowed with five kids. Neil, her district, the foster child is yanked out so much more for our Native kids. brother, went into the Coast Guard and of school and sent to one in the new In Indian Country, we know that his- became an electrical engineer, but all school district. Kayla VanDyke, who at torical trauma has a huge impact on four girls went to college, and they the time was an incredibly impressive our children. We have seen the ripple went on combinations of Pell grants high school senior from Minnesota, tes- effects of intergenerational trauma, and scholarships. You see, back then, a tified before the HELP Committee that and we know it can lead to other types Pell grant covered about 80 percent of she had been in seven foster homes, and of trauma experienced in childhood. the cost of a public college education. she did fall through the cracks. She That is why, when we look at these Today, it is less than 35 percent. missed fourth grade entirely. For fos- adverse childhood experiences, particu- So today kids have to work while ter kids, school is often the one con- larly within the Native community, we they go to college. That is not new, but stant in their life—maybe they have a can’t dismiss their effects on kids’ abil- when I have done roundtables at col- teacher they really like or an extra- ity to learn. Kids in Indian Country are leges across Minnesota, many of them curricular activity that means every- woefully underserved when it comes to tell me they are working full time, in thing to them or maybe they have housing and economic opportunity. A addition to going to school full time, these things called friends. That is why report by Wilder Research states that which seems like it might make it I wrote a provision in the Every Stu- this can ‘‘threaten their educational harder to focus on your studies or to dent Succeeds Act to require school success, health and mental health, and stay awake. That is why I have been districts to work with child welfare personal development.’’ I am pleased working to bring down the cost of col- agencies to make sure foster children Senator HEITKAMP of North Dakota has lege, increase financial aid to students, who are changing homes are not forced been focused on addressing this issue. and make textbooks cheaper. We need to change schools. I would like to One more example: LGBT students to help millions of Americans refinance think that somewhere there is a foster deserve to learn in an environment free their student loan debt at lower inter- child running cross-country or devel- from discrimination, and they deserve est rates, and we need to help low- and oping a passion for history because of a to be treated with dignity and respect. middle-income students go to college great teacher or doing homework with Far too often, LGBT kids endure har- debt-free. This is something we could a good friend because of legislation I assment and discrimination. More than easily be doing if we weren’t giving worked on, legislation that passed with 30 percent of LGBT kids report missing giant tax cuts to the superwealthy and a strong bipartisan majority. a day of school in the previous month to powerful corporations. Here is yet another example—kids in because they felt unsafe. You can’t It is important to remember, too, Indian Country. When I first came to learn when you dread going to school, that young people don’t necessarily the Senate, I asked for a seat on the In- and when that happens, those students need to start at a 4-year college to be- dian Affairs Committee. Serving on are deprived of an equal education. come successful in life or to build a se- that committee, you are confronted In America, we have passed laws that cure middle-class lifestyle. In many ca- with the tragic disparities from which guard against harassment in our reer and technical programs, students Native people in our country suffer. schools on the basis of race, national complete their education after they One of them is the huge disparity in origin, sex, and disability, but LGBT have been employed in good jobs be- educational resources for Native kids students continue to face bullying and cause they had the credentials to get compared to their peers. That inequity intimidation without recourse. I have a those jobs—good jobs with benefits in education plays out in many ways, bill called the Student Non-Discrimi- that promise a secure career. Some of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.013 S20DEPT1 S8162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 those benefits are often that company still have people on both sides of the sands of people fleeing Africa and the paying for the rest of your education— aisle in the Senate who care passion- Middle East make their way through finishing, maybe, your associate’s de- ately about education and are willing Libya, hoping to cross the Mediterra- gree or your bachelor’s degree or grad- to do the hard work of bipartisan legis- nean. Unfortunately, many of them uate school. lating in order to improve our schools face horrifying human rights abuses We need to overcome the assumption and keep that promise of opportunity and danger along the way. that career and technical schools are a for the next generation. Because of Libya’s limited capacity ceiling to future success. They are a If the last 81⁄2 years have taught me to govern, its restrictive policies ladder to careers with good wages and that progress on education is possible, against migrants, and its inability or benefits that can support a comfortable even in a divided Washington, this past refusal to accommodate the migrants, lifestyle. year has taught me that further conditions are ripe for exploitation and There is a high demand for these progress isn’t inevitable and that the abuse in their detention centers. Par- workers now. That is because we have progress we have already made may ticularly horrifying have been reports what is called a skills gap in this coun- not be safe. from survivors about the exploitation try. Every Senator has it in their It will be up to my colleagues not to at the hands of smugglers who are State. It is one of the things I hear address just the policy challenges openly engaging in human slavery, about frequently when I travel around posed by an education system that preying on the most vulnerable, who Minnesota, especially when I talk to faces a big transition and a budget that have surrendered everything for a shot businesses. I hear about job positions forces hard choices but also the polit- at the future. Migrants have been sub- employers can’t fill because they can’t ical challenges of the moment. It is my jected to horrible human rights abuses find qualified workers or workers with hope and prayer that they will be up to in Libya over the past few years, in- the right skills. At the same time, I the task. Our children’s future depends cluding forced labor, torture, and sex- hear from students who are anxious to on it. ual violence. start a career but lack specific tech- Thank you. The administration must put this nical skills. I suggest the absence of a quorum. issue front and center when we engage To remain competitive in today’s The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. with Libyan officials and demand ac- countability and progress. Sadly, it ap- global economy, we need a better SASSE). The clerk will call the roll. trained workforce. That is why I intro- The bill clerk proceeded to call the pears the administration missed such duced the Community College to Ca- roll. an opportunity to address this issue reer Fund Act. The grants would help Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I during Prime Minister Fayiz al-Saraj’s create public-private partnerships that ask unanimous consent that the order visit to Washington earlier this month. The United Nations-backed Govern- support Learn and Earn on-the-job for the quorum call be rescinded. ment of National Accord in Tripoli, training programs. Employers would The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without however, has taken an important step objection, it is so ordered. develop a workforce with the specific in acknowledging these abuses and is skills they need to grow their busi- f requesting international support. The nesses, and everybody wins. LIBYAN SLAVE TRADE European Union and African Union Here is how it works. You go to get a evacuation plan to repatriate the de- credential. That credential gets you a Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to this body’s atten- tained migrants that was agreed upon job. Then the employer will pay for you in the Ivory Coast is a move in the to continue your education as you con- tion and to the attention of all Ameri- cans what can best be characterized as right direction. tinue to work and make a living. I have In 2016, the United States provided a modern-day slave trade. It is an out- seen this time and again, and it works. emergency funding for the Inter- rage that is hard to fathom but that We also need to reauthorize the Per- national Organization for Migration— still exists today. kins Career and Technical Education the IOM—to help shut down migrant I was recently speaking to a group of law, which includes support for public- detentions centers in Libya. While the pastors from my home State of Illinois private partnership training programs EU rightly picked up the majority of who do wonderful work advocating on in K–12. funding to repatriate migrants, the I think some of the things we need to behalf of human rights and human dig- United States should once again con- do to make college more affordable and nity. One of them, Rev. Walter Johnson sider another emergency infusion to accessible and valuable for students are of the Greater Institutional Church in the IOM to help accelerate the closure pretty clear. But let’s be honest. The Chicago, shared his frustration that of these facilities in addition to the $31 Trump administration—after nearly a abuses and atrocities being inflicted million in foreign operations funding year in office—has been going in a very upon migrants and refugees in Libya for Libya that the administration re- different direction and has been work- have received not nearly enough atten- quested this year. ing against the best interests of college tion or outrage in the American public, Additionally, we have a former students. One of the most unfortunate government, or in the press. I couldn’t American Ambassador, William Lacy aspects of this is that predatory for- agree more. That is why I have come to Swing, who is the Director General of profit colleges have been able to get the Senate floor today to speak on this the International Organization for Mi- even more of a foothold in our higher alarming human rights crisis. gration. He is on the frontlines of this education system since Secretary Every American should be appalled fight and stands ready to work with DeVos took over. by chilling images of modern-day slave Libyan authorities, the European The good news when it comes to edu- auctions. Earlier this month in an in- Union, and African Union countries so cation is that America still has teach- vestigative piece, CNN released video that he can help address this crisis. ers and principals and school board of an auction taking place. It was not The United States can play an impor- members and superintendents who an auction for a piece of art or another tant role in supporting Director Gen- work hard every day to take responsi- item one might bid on but an auction eral Swing and other international ef- bility for every student under their for human beings—human beings sold forts to protect these migrants from care and deliver on the promise of a for the equivalent of $400. exploitation and abuse. great education. We still have parents The reports were a wake-up call for Human rights are essential to the and neighbors and coaches who look the world about the gravity of this sit- functioning and well-being of our glob- out for our children’s well-being and uation in North Africa as migrants al community, and that community is who work to equip them with the skills fleeing danger and economic hardship threatened when migrants fleeing per- they need to succeed in school and be- face new horrors on their journey to secution are forced into inhumane, ex- yond. seek a better future. The wars in the ploitative conditions and slavery. As anyone who has spent any time in Middle East and instability in North Given this country’s own dark history a school lately can tell you, our kids Africa have upended huge swaths of the with slavery, we cannot afford to re- themselves still have some pretty im- region, displacing thousands of vulner- main silent in the face of such suf- pressive potential. What is more, we able men, women, and children. Thou- fering. We must stand together with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.015 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8163 the help of the United Nations and and by working, they would be forced Legally, they are wrong. They are other international partners to eradi- to pay taxes, which they were glad to undocumented. Many have no country cate slavery and the conditions that do. Again, 780,000 came forward. at all to which they can turn. precipitate it. Then came the last election—the Who are they? Who are these 780,000 Thank you. election of a President of the United young people? I can tell you who 900 of I yield back. States who had made immigration the them are. Nine hundred of these un- f centerpiece of his election message and documented young people stood up and who had really sewn doubt, and even took an oath to a country that will not DACA fear, about allowing immigrants into legally recognize them to serve in our Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise our Nation of immigrants. It is not a military and risk their lives for each today to speak to an issue that I have new message in America. It is hardly a and every one of us. What greater proof spoken to many times on the floor of new message around the world. Being can we ask about their commitment to the Senate. It is the issue of the suspicious and fearful, even hateful, of this country? Nine hundred of them did DREAM Act, a measure which I intro- immigrants has been a part of human this. If we fail to provide DACA or duced in the Senate 16 years ago. experience from the beginning of time. Dream Act protection to them, these Sixteen years ago I tried to find a So what would happen to these 900 will be forced to leave the military way to give young people brought into DACA-protected 780,000 young people? of the United States of America. They the United States, who grew up here in President Trump announced, through will be turned away, despite the fact this country but did not have legal sta- his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, on that they have volunteered their lives tus, a chance—just a chance—to earn September 5 of this year, that DACA for this country. their way to legal status, to earn their protection was ending. As of March 5 of Twenty thousand of them teach in way to citizenship. We set a number of next year, 2018, no one could sign up for our classrooms around America. I have hurdles in their path. We made it clear DACA protection, and as the protec- met many of them. They are teaching that they had to complete their edu- tion expired for each of them, there in inner city schools through a pro- cation. We made it clear that they had was no renewal for 780,000 young peo- gram called Teach For America, which to pass a serious criminal background ple. sends them to some of the poorest check. We gave a timetable when they The President then challenged Con- school districts in America. They are gress and said: Do something. If I be- would be able to reach legal status and spending their lives, as undocumented lieve, he said, that DACA is wrong, not fear deportation. in America, trying to help the least of That was 16 years ago, and it still is pass a law; take care of the problem. those of the population, those in des- He said that on September 5. Here we not the law of the land. Unfortunately, perate need of their assistance. are in December, just days away from there are hundreds of thousands of Among them are thousands who are the end of the year, and we have done young people who fit the description going to school now and college. Let nothing—nothing. And what has hap- that I have just given. me tell you that their challenge in col- pened? When President Obama was in the lege is a heck of a lot harder than the Across America, these young people, White House, I wrote him a letter and challenge for most young people. They their families, and the people who be- don’t qualify for any Federal assist- said: Mr. President, can you do some- lieve in them have begged us to step up thing to help them? And he did. He cre- ance to go to college—no Pell grants, and do something. They have said: In no Federal loans. They have to go to ated something called DACA, or De- the name of justice, in the name of ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It work. They have to work and earn the fairness, in the name of morality, do money to pay for tuition. That is what was an Executive order that said to something. And we have done noth- these young people: If you fit that defi- their lives are all about. ing—nothing. So for those who would dismiss these nition of the DREAM Act and if you Many of them have decided in des- will come forward and pay a filing fee as lazy people who really can’t offer peration to bring their message here to much to the future of America, take a of $500 or more, if you will submit the Capitol. Right now, as I stand and yourself to a criminal background minute to get to know them. speak on the floor of the Senate, there Yesterday, one of my Republican col- check and give us all of your back- are thousands outside on the Mall, leagues looked me in the eye and said: ground information about you and roaming through the corridors, trying We are talking about amnesty; these your family, then, we will give you to stop people who they believe might are people who violated the law. You temporary, renewable status to stay in be Congressmen or Senators, to beg for are talking about forgiving them for America, not be deported, and be al- the passage of the Dream Act, to beg violating the law. lowed to work. for the reinstatement of the DACA pro- Some of them, by his definition, vio- It was a big leap for many of these tection. Some of them have made great lated the law when they were carried in young people to do it because they had sacrifices. I have gone out to talk to a their mothers’ arms to the United grown up in families where, in whis- lot of them. They have never been to States at the age of 2. Does that sound pered conversations in the evening, Washington before. They have never right? Does that sound just? Does it their parents told them: Be careful. If been inside this Capitol Building. They sound fair to say that these are people you get arrested and they come to see don’t know what it means to lobby. who have broken the law in America? I this family, many of us will be forced They can’t afford a lawyer or a lob- don’t think so. to leave this country. Be careful. byist. They are coming here to beg for Let me say a word about their par- These young people decided to trust their lives and to beg for their families. ents. There are some people who say: the President of the United States, to Some people are shunning them, refus- OK, I don’t hate the Dreamers, but I trust the Government of the United ing to talk to them. Others are gra- get to hate their parents, right? They States, and to run the risk of dis- cious and warm and welcoming. They did break the law. closing everything—giving the most get on people’s nerves because there Technically, they probably did. I will sensitive, personal information about are a lot of them and they want to talk not argue the point, but I will tell you themselves and about their families. to people about solving the problem. something. As a father, I would risk They trusted us, and they trusted this Some of them have sat in our offices— breaking the law for the life, future, country to treat them fairly and just- even my office—and I understand it. As and safety of my children. I would, and ly. awkward as it may be, as uncomfort- most people would, and they did. It So 780,000 have come forward. They able as it may be, I welcome them. I wasn’t for any selfish motive. It was so submitted their filing fees. They paid want them to know what America is that their kids had a chance. That is for the expenses of the government. about—a place where people in this what it was all about, and that is why They did it knowing that even with country have the right to speak, to as- they came to this country. They knew this new status—this DACA status semble, to petition their government. that at any minute it could fall apart under President Obama’s Executive They believe this is their government. and they would be asked to leave, or order—they didn’t qualify for one They look at that flag and they say: worse. They risked it for their chil- penny of Federal Government benefits, That is my flag too. dren. So I am not going to stand in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.016 S20DEPT1 S8164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 moral judgment of these parents of the Senate and the House of Represent- I spoke yesterday on the floor about Dreamers. As to legal judgment, the atives refused to act, refused to legis- two young people from Michigan. We case is clear. But as to a moral judg- late, refused to provide protection to have 10,000 young people in Michigan— ment, no, I just will not do it. her? some serving in the military, some in What I have done 101 or 102 times is As for Karen, her DACA expires in jobs, some in school—who don’t know to come to this floor and just tell a August of next year. This will be her any other country. They love our coun- story—a story about a Dreamer—so last school year. If Congress doesn’t try, and they just want our country to that people know who they are. Today step up and meet its responsibility and keep its promise to them. That is what I would like to tell you the story of pass the Dream Act, her time teaching I view it as, keeping our promises. So I this young lady whose name is Karen these deaf and hard of hearing children thank the Senator. Reyes. Karen Reyes is the 104th Dream- will come to an end. f er whom I have introduced on the floor In a few days we are going to go of the Senate, brought to the United home and celebrate Christmas with our VETERANS DESERVE BETTER ACT States from Mexico. She grew up in families. It is a big, important time of Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I San Antonio. She had a childhood like year. My wife and I are looking forward want to speak about keeping promises other American kids—Girl Scouts, to it. We get to see all of the grandkids to a very important group of Ameri- summer camps, church groups, in one place. It is going to be pure bed- cans as well; that is, our men and volleyball. Karen didn’t even know she lam, but we are going to love every sec- women who are serving us as veterans was undocumented until she was in ond of it. Christmas means that much and serving us in the military. junior high school. to our families. Being together means Representing Michigan in the U.S. She was a good student. She grad- so much to our families. Senate is a great honor. I know it is for uated with honors from high school. Think for a moment about those who all of us. One of the best parts of the She was a member of the marching are protected with DACA. This may be job is being able to work on behalf of band. Here is what she said about grow- their last Christmas in the United Michigan’s veterans. ing up in America: States. They don’t know where they From the Civil War to the World will be next Christmas because the I might be an undocumented American, Wars, to the Korean war, to Vietnam, but I am an American. I came to this coun- President abolished the protection pro- the Cold War, the Gulf war, and our try when I was 2 years old. The only recollec- gram and because Congress refuses to fight against terrorism, Michigan’s tion that I have of Mexico is when I visited act. They don’t know where they will veterans have given us their all. Our as a young child. I have not gone back in 20 be and they don’t know whether they veterans have always been the first in years. I grew up here. I formed a life here. I will be with family or not. That is the line to defend our democracy. That is made friends here. I received my education reality. why they should never be at the back here. What a reflection on our Nation that of any line—for a job, healthcare, hous- After high school, Karen went to San we have reached this point to punish ing, or a world-class education. Antonio College and then transferred someone like Karen, a giving, caring, Unfortunately, there are times when to the University of Texas San Anto- educated professional person who is our veterans aren’t getting the benefits nio. She made the President’s Honors spending time helping little boys and they deserve, have earned, and have girls who desperately need her help. List and the Dean’s List. been promised. When that happens, it She found time to volunteer at the Some in this Chamber—and I have is our duty to fight for those who University Health System and at the seen them face to face—are ready to fought for us. That is why, in 2014, Con- San Antonio Youth Literacy project. tell her to leave: We don’t need you gress passed something called the Vet- She tutored second grade students in anymore, Karen. Go back to wherever erans Access, Choice, and Account- reading, and she worked with commu- you came from. Just get out of here. ability Act, called the Veterans Choice nities and schools where she mentored That is their attitude. It is not mine nor the majority of Americans. Program. and tutored elementary students. This legislation aimed to reduce wait In 2012, Karen graduated with a bach- Over three out of four Americans be- times and provide medical services to elor of arts in interdisciplinary studies. lieve Karen deserves a chance. Over veterans in their communities after we She went on to the Deaf Education and three out of four Americans believe she heard of very serious issues and hor- Hearing Science Program at the Uni- should be allowed to stay and earn her rible situations that had occurred for versity of Texas Health Science Center way to legal status and citizenship. In- cidentally, 60 percent of those who veterans in some parts of our country. in San Antonio. The Veterans Choice Act was created In 2014, Karen graduated with a mas- voted for Donald Trump happen to be- to meet a real need—getting our vet- ter’s degree in deaf education and hear- lieve that same thing. erans prompt healthcare in locations ing science. But there are voices of division and that are convenient for them. This pro- Today, she is working as a special fear and hatred in this administration. gram is especially critical for veterans education teacher in Austin, TX. Here I have seen them. I have heard them. I in rural communities throughout is a picture of her with the kids. She know what they have to say. The ques- Michigan as well as throughout the teaches 3- and 4-year-old kids who are tion is, will they prevail? Will they de- country—people in rural areas who deaf or hard of hearing. She teaches fine this President in terms of his were previously required to travel long kids with disabilities. Here is what she treatment of people who are just ask- distances, hours and hours, for serv- said about DACA, the program that ing for a chance to be part of America’s ices. was abolished by President Trump, future? The answer to that question is However, since it was enacted, pro- which allows her to live in the United really not in the President’s hands. It viders across my State and in many States and to work as a teacher: is in our hands. We owe it to these young people to do the right thing. parts of the country have not been get- DACA made me visible. DACA made it pos- ting paid, rural hospitals have pulled sible for me to teach children who are deaf I yield the floor. and hard of hearing. I am helping these stu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- out, and this program in Michigan has dents and families on their journey to being ator from Michigan. not been working. able to communicate and achieve their Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I Worst of all, too many Michigan vet- dreams. Before I didn’t think I had a voice, first thank our distinguished leader erans and veterans across the country but now I do. . . . I get to change lives every from Illinois, not only for his elo- are struggling to get the appointments single day. quence and passion but his unfettered and the healthcare they need. That is Twenty thousand other DACA stu- commitment to the young people who why, last week, I introduced a bill I am dents and recipients like Karen are were brought here as children, who calling the Veterans Deserve Better teachers in our schools. Because DACA maybe had never set foot in the coun- Act. was repealed, Texas stands to lose 2,000 try their parents came from and may This bill will help our veterans in teachers. I ask the State of Texas: Are not know the language. They are here, three ways to be able to correct what is you ready to lose Karen? Are you ready and a promise was made to them in our occurring right now in Michigan with a to lose 2,000 more just like her because country. private contractor—a private provider

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.018 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8165 who has not been doing the job. I have treat them deserve nothing less than this legislation and make sure they get talked to the Secretary of Veterans Af- getting this system right. Appoint- it. fairs who understands the problem and ments should be made quickly, pay- I would like to end with the words of agrees this has to be fixed. ments should be made for service, and a man who knew something about serv- My bill will improve the scheduling there has to be continual account- ice and sacrifice on behalf of our coun- process for veterans seeking ability. Unfortunately, we know they try. healthcare. They shouldn’t have to aren’t always getting what they need. Before he was President, before he wait weeks or months to be able to get One of those veterans is Jerry, a was a member of this very Chamber, an appointment with a doctor. former National Guardsman who was John F. Kennedy was a veteran who Our military operates under the sim- stationed in Greenville, MI, on the served in the U.S. Navy during World ple creed, ‘‘Leave no person behind,’’ west side of the State. He now lives in War II. On August 2, 1943, the PT boat but far too many of our veterans in Sumner Township in Gratiot County. he commanded was struck by a Japa- need of healthcare are languishing in a Last January, Jerry received a scary nese destroyer in the South Pacific. system that simply isn’t accountable diagnosis. He had a lesion on his brain. The entire crew ended up in the water, to them. Through this private con- He needed to see a specialist right and two of his men died. Although tracting process, that certainly has away. Veterans Choice was supposed to Lieutenant Kennedy badly injured his been the case. make an appointment for Jerry to see back in the collision, he helped his men My bill would require the VA, and an endocrinologist, but when he find safety on an island several miles any outside contractors who are set- showed up for the appointment, unbe- away, where they were rescued a week ting up healthcare appointments lievably, he discovered he was mistak- later. Kennedy later was awarded the through the Veterans Choice Program, enly sent to a urologist. After that, Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his to provide veterans with more and bet- Veterans Choice sent Jerry to a family leadership. He once said: ‘‘As we ex- ter information, and if veterans are practitioner who had no record that he press our gratitude, we must never for- still struggling to get appointments, even had an appointment. It was 2 days get that the highest appreciation is not they will be told exactly how to file a off of work and travel to visit doctors to utter words, but to live by them.’’ complaint so it can get fixed. that Jerry should have never been sent I believe that is our responsibility. It Second, my legislation will hold to in the first place. is not enough to praise our veterans on third-party contractors accountable. By this time, Jerry was understand- special days, although they have cer- We have excellent service through our ably very upset. He reached out to my tainly earned every word of praise. In- VA medical facilities, but this new sys- office, and I am glad he did, so we could stead, we must work together to up- tem—which is supposed to make it bet- help. We were able to contact Veterans hold each and every promise we have ter, quicker, and faster—has not been Choice on his behalf and get him the made to them. working, and third-party contractors, appointment he needed with the right Veterans like Jerry and so many oth- at least in Michigan, have not been specialist. Now, this is after his spend- ers have always been first in line to de- held accountable. ing 5 months—5 months—trying to get fend us. It is time to make sure they The VA will track all appointments to the right doctor. There is no excuse are not at the back of the line when it made through outside contractors who for this. comes to getting the healthcare they must schedule appointments within 5 However, Jerry’s issues weren’t over. need. days. Any appointments not scheduled When he saw the same specialist a sec- f within 5 days will be sent to the VA for ond time, Jerry learned the doctor had followup. never been reimbursed for his previous CHIP AND COMMUNITY HEALTH Within 30 days of this legislation visit. As Jerry said, ‘‘It shouldn’t take CENTERS being signed, third-party contractors five months to see a specialist, espe- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, on a will be required to submit a list of the cially with something this scary and different subject, talking about keep- veterans who have been waiting for serious. And I shouldn’t have to worry ing promises; that is, other people who more than 15 days for their appoint- about whether or not Veterans Choice are counting on us to be able to act in ments. I know of many waiting much will pay for my care that I have order to get their healthcare. longer. We don’t leave soldiers on the earned.’’ We have had 81 days since the fund- battlefield. We shouldn’t leave vet- Yes, Jerry, you have earned and been ing ended for the Children’s Health In- erans to fight alone to get their promised that care. surance Program and community healthcare needs met. Jerry is exactly right. Unfortunately, health centers. Each State is a little Third, this legislation ensures that he is not alone in Michigan—I know different because of the various com- Veterans Choice Program providers re- this from talking to colleagues in other binations of funding and so on, which ceive prompt payment or denial of pay- areas—particularly with this same pro- meant not everyone lost care imme- ment. If payment is denied, the vider. I have heard from many other diately right after. There are three healthcare provider will need to be told Michigan veterans who can’t get ap- States this month, others in the first why and what information they need to pointments, are getting the wrong ap- of the year, and so on. submit in order to get the claim proc- pointments, are having to travel long I literally received just a few mo- essed. distances to appointments—which, this ments ago a notice from our State say- The VA will also be required to sub- was supposed to stop veterans from ing it is very likely that if we don’t mit a report to Congress on the number having to drive long distances for ap- act, in January, families in Michigan of unpaid claims to Veterans Choice pointments—or whose healthcare pro- are going to get a notice that what we Program providers and to take action viders aren’t being paid for their serv- call MIChild, which provides on those claims within 45 days. ices and then deciding they don’t want healthcare for 100,000 children in Michi- What do I mean by providers? I am to participate in the Veterans Choice gan of working families who don’t talking about our hospitals in northern Program. qualify for help through Medicaid or Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula, in My colleagues on the Veterans’ Af- other assistance—they are working and the northwest side of the State, and fairs Committee are working on com- maybe at work they are getting the northeast side of the State signed prehensive reforms to the Veterans healthcare, but it doesn’t cover their up under this program to be able to Choice Program, and we are staring children, or maybe they are not getting provide the care for someone who is down another funding deadline. It is healthcare, and they want to at least more than 40 miles away from a VA important this gets done, and we need be able to cover their children, that is medical center; then, they find they to do it right away. We need to fix the what MIChild is all about. are not getting paid for their services problems veterans are having to deal It has been 81 days since the deadline to the tune of millions and millions of with on a daily basis. I am looking for- of September 30, which stopped the dollars. ward to working with colleagues to fix Federal funding from going forward. Veterans who have served their coun- this as quickly as possible. Our vet- This affects 9 million children nation- try and the medical providers who erans deserve better. It is time we pass wide and 100,000 children in Michigan.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:44 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.020 S20DEPT1 S8166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 In addition to that, community health ers—tens of thousands of young people The senior assistant legislative clerk centers across the country serve 25 mil- who have never known any other coun- proceeded to call the roll. lion patients every year; 300,000 of try as home but this one. Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask them are veterans, and 7.5 million of When President Trump announced unanimous consent that the order for them are children. that he wanted to end the DACA Pro- the quorum call be rescinded. I had the opportunity last Friday to gram, it was one of the most inhumane The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without visit two wonderful facilities—one in actions of his entire Presidency. Let objection, it is so ordered. Flint, which is in Genesee County, and me be clear about what ending DACA f one in western Wayne County—and see will do. Ending DACA will force thou- TAX REFORM BILL the great work they do and talk to sands of Dreamers to lose their jobs. It some of the people who were there to will force them to go into hiding. It Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, it is a get care. People are counting on com- will force them to have to make the historic day for our country, for the munity health centers and they are unimaginable choice between staying Senate, and for the Congress. As we speak, the President of the counting on the Children’s Health In- here undocumented or being forced out United States is about to sign the bill surance Program in order to make sure of the United States. that we passed on the floor of the Sen- I ask my colleagues, are you really they have the care they need for them- ate last night, which was the agree- OK with letting that happen when you selves and their families. ment on the conference report—the It is important that we act. We could personally have the power to prevent it largest tax reform in the history of our from happening right now? Attacking act right now. This is bipartisan. We country or, certainly, the largest since Dreamers like this goes against our passed a bipartisan bill out of the Fi- 1986. It is historic in many other ways nance Committee in September, before most basic values as Americans, our because we are fighting wars overseas, the deadline. I want to thank the most basic sense of right versus wrong. we are dealing with terrorism, and we I know this Chamber is divided about chairman, Senator HATCH, and the are looking at the economic climate how to fix our broken immigration sys- ranking member, Senator WYDEN. I was for the future and trying to inspire our pleased to join with them. We passed it tem, but just for a second, forget about country to be better and be everything out of committee with only one ‘‘no’’ ideology and think about what it actu- that it can be. We are talking about all vote. We have bipartisan support to get ally means for these young people who of those types of things, and we are this done. Senator BLUNT and I offered have spent their entire lives here. They getting ready for Christmas. a bill that is bipartisan and has had the are waiting and wondering if Congress support of 70 Members of this body in actually has the guts to stand up to f signing a letter saying to continue President Trump and do what is right. TRIBUTE TO JIM MCCOOL funding for community health centers. If the President will not lead, then Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, we are Our plan all along was to pass the Congress must lead, and we need to busy about lots of things, but there is children’s health insurance bill out of lead now. We have to protect our one thing that you should never be too committee in September and add Dreamers, and we need to pass the busy to do, and that is to pause and health centers and then pass it before Dream Act. stop and say thank you—thank you to the deadline so that it would take Most of all, we should never allow someone or some entity or some insti- away the anxiety, worry, and fear that our Dreamers to be used as political tution that has made a difference in families now have about what is going pawns. We should simply do what both your life or in the life of your country. to happen. parties have said is the right thing to I don’t often come down here on Every day that goes by, people are do, which is to pass the Dream Act. points of personal privilege. I do it, but worried about what is going to happen. This is a matter of basic human rights I don’t often do it. When I do do it, it Are they going to be able to take their and human dignity. It is about people’s is special for me, and I hope it is spe- child to the doctor, be able to get their lives, and I am not going to com- cial for the people I am talking about. asthma treatments, handle their juve- promise on that. A good friend of mine is retiring from nile diabetes, cancer treatments, or the Mr. President, are you willing to the Southern Company in the next few normal things that happen to kids compromise on that? months. His name is Jim McCool. every day? We need to fix this problem, and we Now, most of you probably don’t I am not sure if there will be any don’t have a lot of time to do it. Every know Jim McCool. Jim is one of those votes today. We could, today, pass the week that Congress refuses to take ac- people who some people refer to as a Children’s Health Insurance Program tion, more Dreamers lose their DACA lobbyist and others refer to as a profes- and community health centers and let status. Very soon, we are going to have sional advocate. I refer to him as my families across America know they are to pass a long-term spending bill just good friend. I met him in the 1980s. He going to be able to have the medical to keep the government running, but had started his own formal wear busi- care they need for themselves and their the Republican leadership has not yet ness. He then sold that business and children coming into the new year. committed to including a provision in went to work for Mississippi Power. It I yield the floor. the bill to protect our Dreamers. was later one of the Southern Com- I suggest the absence of a quorum. I want to say this very clearly: If my pany’s companies. He then worked as a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican colleagues refuse to do the liaison to Washington for the Southern clerk will call the roll. right thing and protect our Dreamers Company, for Georgia Power, for Mis- The senior assistant legislative clerk in the upcoming long-term spending sissippi Power, and for Alabama Power. proceeded to call the roll. bill, I will vote no. I will ask my col- I got to know Jim in lots of ways. Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I leagues to join me in this fight. I will First of all, it was when I was in the ask unanimous consent that the order ask all of them to see that this issue is Georgia State Senate and the Georgia for the quorum call be rescinded. not a political question. It is a basic State House. On the industry com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without question of whether or not we are a mittee, we worked on issues that dealt objection, it is so ordered. country that protects children. with electric utilities. I didn’t know f I am never going to compromise anything about those, as I was a real when it comes to our Dreamers, not estate broker. My knowledge of elec- DACA when their lives are literally hanging tricity was that when I threw that Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I in the balance. Time is desperately switch, I wanted it to come on. Once it rise to speak about an urgent crisis running out. I urge my colleagues to do got beyond that, I didn’t have knowl- that Congress must solve now for near- what is right. We must protect the edge of it. ly 800,000 Dreamers in this country. I Dreamers. Jim was one of those people who am proud to represent New York State I yield the floor. didn’t just come and say: This is my in the U.S. Senate. One of the things I I suggest the absence of a quorum. company’s position. We want you to do am most proud of is that my State is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The it. He asked: What is it about my com- home to tens of thousands of Dream- clerk will call the roll. pany’s position that I can help explain

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.022 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8167 for you to make a decision? He never, to a great lady. Jim McCool has gone knew it wasn’t anything unheard of. It ever asked me to do anything for him the long way down the long road, and certainly isn’t new to those Coloradans or anyone. He always offered to give he has done it with style, with class, who live outside of the Front Range me the information that I needed to and he has delivered every single time. and who they haven’t seen their wages make the decision myself. That is not Washington doesn’t have a better ad- grow. It is a reality they have been a rarity in that profession, but it is vocate working in this town than Jim dealing with for far too long. certainly something that the average McCool. We are going to miss him, but Over the years, wages have become person doesn’t think of when you hear I am going to get to play a lot more detached from corporate profits, and of a lobbyist or a professional advo- golf with him in the years ahead be- this chart is a good example of what cate. cause he is going to have more free has occurred. Prior to 1990, a 1 percent Jim McCool is, has been, and, for me, time than he has right now. So I wish increase in corporate profits led to a always will be very special. He takes Jim and his family the best. I thank greater than 1 percent increase in his job seriously, his company seri- him for all he has done for us as Geor- worker wages. But from 2008 to 2016, a ously, and his country seriously. Jim gians. 1 percent increase in corporate profits and his wife, Kathy, raised three great I yield the floor. led to only a 0.3 percent increase in sons. They are proud of their dad, and I suggest the absence of a quorum. wages. he is proud of them. I have seen him in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The What you can see right here is the enough situations with his family to clerk will call the roll. corporate rate over time. You can see know that his family comes first for The senior assistant legislative clerk that in 1990, 1986, the U.S. rate re- Jim McCool. Golf, unlike what most proceeded to call the roll. mained at 35 percent, what is today, for people think, is not first. It is only sec- Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask at least a little bit longer, the highest ond. The Southern Company is third. I unanimous consent that the order for statutory tax rate in the world when it have played a lot of golf with Jim the quorum call be rescinded. comes to business rates. You can see McCool, and that is why I put that in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without OECD nations have dramatically dropped theirs beginning in 1990 and there. objection, it is so ordered. going down through today. That is Over the years, I have worked with f Jim on many, many projects. Right what has happened. Over that same pe- TAX REFORM BILL now, we are working on a nuclear pro- riod, our once-competitive corporate duction tax credit, in addition to the Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I rise tax system has gotten more and more tax extenders bill, which, hopefully, today to note this Congress’s historic out of date. Our corporate rate today, will pass the Congress within the next achievement in reforming the Nation’s as I said, is about the same as it was 30 2 weeks, after January 1, to continue tax system for the first time in 30 years ago—35 percent. Meanwhile, for- eign countries, such as Germany, the construction and the completion of years. I congratulate the hard-working France, Italy, and even Socialist units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle in Geor- teams, the staffers, and others from Greece, have lowered their tax rates. gia. For me, ironically, this was such a the Budget, Finance, and Energy Com- Now America has the highest corporate special moment because I had worked mittees and their colleagues in the tax rate in the industrialized world, on Vogtle units 1 and 2 when they were House for the work they have done. and Europe has an average statutory built in the early 1980s and when Jim It is not easy to modernize a Tax rate of around 18.5 percent. So Amer- was an advocate, at that time, for Mis- Code that has languished for over 30 ican businesses have shifted their work sissippi Power. He later joined the years. Many groups have worked for a overseas. New factories were built in Southern Company team. long time to solidify their special bene- Poland, not Pueblo. New offices opened Jim and I have watched Plant Vogtle fits, and they don’t want to see those in Dublin, not Delta. With fewer oppor- go from a dream and an aspiration for perks or special benefits go away. tunities, American wages stagnated. the Southern Company to a reality in Many others just don’t know how to work things under the status quo and The empirical data on this is clear. terms of units 1 and 2. If we get our We have another chart to talk about think that must be the only way to do work done here soon, units 3 and 4 will this. High-tax countries see anemic things, is to find a new status quo that be online. For a long time after Jim wage growth—well under 1 percent a represents the old status quo. McCool is gone and I am gone and all of year—but low-tax countries see much Reforming the Tax Code is not easy, you are gone, Georgia will have reli- stronger growth—between 1 and 4 per- but it is important. It is important to able, safe energy from a renewable cent. source called nuclear, and we will con- America’s economy. It is important to You can see right here on the red tinue to be a pioneer and a leader in America’s working families. It is im- line—this line represents the highest the southern United States. portant to Colorado. It is important for statutory corporate rates in the world, When I heard that Jim was retiring, a lot of reasons. For instance, right the 10 countries with the highest statu- obviously, I knew it was a special mo- now, we waste 6 billion hours and $263 tory corporate rates. They have less ment for him and his family. I wish billion just to file our taxes every year. than 1 percent wage growth. You can him all the best, and I know that he is After this reform, 92 percent of tax- see the lowest statutory corporate going to do great. I started thinking payers will take the standard deduc- rates—the countries that represent the back over all of those times that we tion. That simplifies the code, cuts bottom 10 statutory rates in the world had worked on all of those issues that those hours, and eliminates wasted dol- have wage growth at 4 percent a year. had such an impact on his job and his lars. That is clear data—growth between 1 employer and, for me, on my State and Perhaps most importantly, it will and 4 percent in low-tax countries. his State. Jim never wavered in his shake our economy out of its slow- Make no mistake, America is on the commitment to doing the best job he walking recovery. While there are red line because we have an out-of-date could possibly do in always rep- booming areas in our country—and un- corporate Tax Code—an out-of-date resenting the best interests of his com- doubtedly Colorado’s Front Range rep- Tax Code that we have begun to ad- pany while never losing the best inter- resents some of the best examples of dress. ests of those who were served by his booming areas in our Nation—there are Lowering the corporate tax rate has company—the customers. many areas of the country that haven’t historically had support on both sides On this day today, when the Presi- seen the growth and have, quite frank- of the aisle, including something Presi- dent of the United States signs major, ly, been left behind. They haven’t seen dent Obama said back in 2011 in his sweeping tax reform and as we ap- their wages go up for a long time. In State of the Union Address at a joint proach Christmas—a special holiday fact, yesterday the Denver Post pub- session of Congress. But suddenly, over for all families—I rise on the floor of lished two stories about wages. Those the last couple of months, that is not the Senate to take note of Jim McCool stories point out that median wages in the case anymore, and sadly I suspect from the State of Mississippi, employee Colorado in 2016 were still below the that opposition to tax cuts has more to of the Southern Company, professional levels of 2007 and even 2000. While I ap- do with partisan politics than the mer- advocate, father of three, and husband preciate these reports, the fact is, we its of the proposal.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.023 S20DEPT1 S8168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 Whatever the reason, instead of ments. Both of these companies made The bill clerk proceeded to call the reaching out and working together, we it very clear that these investments— roll. have heard a parade of horrors: It will over $1 billion of investment and $1,000 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I run up deficits. It only benefits the to 200,000 employees in the United ask unanimous consent that the order wealthy. Instead of investing in work- States—are because of the tax bill that for the quorum call be rescinded. ers to make more profits, businesses the House passed today and that we The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without will just hoard their money. We have passed early this morning. objection, it is so ordered. even heard that provision after provi- There is more on the way, but the f business side isn’t the only way it sion will literally kill people. CLIMATE CHANGE As we heard objections get more and brings relief to American families and more outlandish, including the Biblical it is certainly not the most important. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I end of time, we heard the critiques get The reforms we have made on the per- am here now for the 190th ‘‘Time to even more petty. We even heard the sonal side will deliver relief to Ameri- Wake Up’’ speech to talk about an other side use procedural rules to com- cans across the Nation. issue that falls at the intersection of plain about the title of the bill. What A family of four earning the median climate change and jobs and consumer we haven’t heard is how those opposed American income of $73,000 will see power and protection. You would think to this bill would solve the wage prob- their tax bill go down by $2,000, and that a policy that simultaneously re- lem. They don’t have a theory about that is nearly 60 percent next year duces the carbon emissions responsible why wages have stagnated or a vision from what it was this year. A single for climate change and boosts Amer- for how to get them moving again, but parent with two children and an in- ican industrial competitiveness and we do. We passed it last night, and this come of $52,000 will see a tax cut of puts thousands of dollars back into the reform will start to move wages again. nearly $1,900. In a nation where too pockets of American consumers would This reform makes our corporate tax many people can’t pull together $100 in be pretty universally popular. Unfortu- rates competitive again. It removes the 24 hours, these tax reductions alone are nately, you would be wrong. incentive to invest abroad rather than an enormous benefit. These are real The corporate average fuel economy right here at home. benefits to the American people. standards, known as the CAFE stand- It is no surprise that the Business Although there may be some ards, set a minimum threshold for the Roundtable, the Chamber of Com- naysayers in Washington who appar- average fuel economy of cars and light merce, the National Federation of ently have plenty of money, to people trucks that are sold in the United Independent Business—the organiza- in Colorado, people in the West, people States. In 2011, the major automakers tion that represents small businesses across this country, that is a big deal. here in America—Ford, GM, and the across this country—the National Re- These are benefits to real people, and I others—enthusiastically endorsed vol- tail Federation, the National Associa- am glad to be a part and honored to be untary new fuel efficiency standards tion of Home Builders, and the Amer- a part of delivering this real relief. which would gradually increase the ican Farm Bureau Federation support I am also proud to have done this in fuel economy for their cars and light this bill. a way that creates many provisions trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon on aver- In fact, you can see this small por- that are especially important to Colo- age by 2025. tion of a stack of letters I received rado. We have made it easier to take Think about that for a second. In from hundreds of farmers from across advantage of the medical expense de- 2011, average fuel economy for these ve- the State of Colorado who wrote to my duction. We have expanded the child hicles was stuck below 30 miles per gal- office and said: I would like to join Col- tax credit and the 529 programs. We lon. The CAFE standards hadn’t orado Farm Bureau to support tax re- have protected other education provi- budged in years, and as a result, our form that works for Colorado’s farmers sions, such as the student loan interest automakers had stopped innovating to and ranchers. There are hundreds of deduction and tax breaks for America’s make cars more fuel efficient. They people saying: Please help reform our teachers. We have made sure our farm- didn’t have to make them more fuel ef- Tax Code; cut our taxes. These letters ing co-ops are treated fairly, and we ficient. And when gas prices soared in came from real Coloradans, people have made sure our growing brewing the mid-2000s, it was consumers who from all four corners of the State who and distilling industry is treated fairly were on the hook. know how important real reform is to as well. We have made a dent in the un- Today, thanks to the voluntary them. These groups know that this re- fair death tax, and that is a big deal for agreement that was reached by the form—these individuals know that this the hundreds of farmers and ranchers automakers, the CAFE standard is reform translates into more growth for who have contacted my office. We have presently over 40 miles per gallon for the American economy, higher wages ended the ObamaCare individual man- cars and over 30 miles per gallon for for American workers. date, so no longer will the people in light trucks. Consumers have already The Tax Foundation has estimated Colorado who earn less than $50,000 be saved $42 billion at the pump because that this reform will bring 339,000 new, subjected to a tax fine, a penalty by of those increased fuel economy stand- full-time equivalent jobs, increase the IRS, simply because they can’t af- ards. Consumers who purchase a new GDP, and raise workers’ wages. I have ford an unaffordable ObamaCare pol- car in 2025, on average, will save about heard a lot of doubt about that part. I icy. We have helped ensure America’s $8,000 on gas over the lifetime of that have heard a lot of people say that no energy security by opening up new re- car because of those new fuel economy wage growth is going to occur, that no source opportunities in a responsible standards. money will come from these greedy manner, making sure that we simulta- Of course, it is not just the con- corporations. But look at the news neously ensure that Colorado’s renew- sumers who win under the new CAFE today, because today companies across able energy industry continues to standards; the environment also wins. America have already started to re- flourish by making sure that today’s Already the American auto fleet’s in- spond to this pro-growth tax reform. credits for wind, solar, and refined coal creased average fuel economy has re- Just hours ago, AT&T announced are still available. That is what we did sulted in 195 million fewer metric tons that it will invest an additional $1 bil- in this legislation. of carbon emissions, and, of course, lion in the United States in 2018 and Mr. President, this is historic reform. with the carbon emissions come all the that it will give more than 200,000 of its I am proud to be a part of it. I am rest of the pollution out of a car’s tail- U.S. employees a bonus of $1,000—all proud to have voted for it. We can al- pipe, so it is a big environmental ben- because of the tax relief bill that we ready see today that as a result of the efit. Over the life of the CAFE stand- have been working on that we passed work we have done, Americans are see- ards program, total carbon emissions today. Similarly, today Boeing an- ing the benefit. reductions should total 6 billion metric nounced that it will make a $300 mil- Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I tons. This is huge because transpor- lion investment in charitable giving, suggest the absence of a quorum. tation is now the largest source of car- worker training and education, and in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bon emissions in the United States, frastructure and facility enhance- clerk will call the roll. and carbon emissions from cars and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 20, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.025 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8169 light trucks account for almost one- We sell these cars in an international doorstep, doesn’t leave America be- sixth of the Nation’s total. market, so let’s look at what that hind, doesn’t leave American If we are to be successful in keeping international market is moving to. innovators behind, doesn’t leave Amer- the average global temperature in- Countries around the world have real- ican workers behind, and doesn’t leave crease under 2 degrees Celsius—the ized that the future of the automobile American automakers behind. upper bound, beyond which scientists lies not with the gasoline-powered in- A midterm review of these CAFE tell us the consequences of climate ternal combustion engine but with al- standards found that the automakers change will likely be irreversible—then ternative sources of power—electricity already have the technology to meet we have to significantly reduce our or hydrogen fuel cells, for instance. the new standard and that the new auto emissions. That is the target of By the way, I just got a Chevrolet standard will save money for their cus- the Paris climate agreement, which is Bolt, the all-electric car. Not only is tomers. It is to the benefit of their cus- represented here in this graph, from that good for the environment, it is a tomers to keep going with the CAFE business as usual here, to all of the car- wonderful car to drive. It is a fun car standards they agreed to. bon emissions savings and efficiencies to drive. It is great vehicle. An independent analysis by the non- necessary to reach our Paris goal right China, the world’s largest car mar- profit organization CERES found that here. Of all of this—power sector, in- ket, recently announced that by 2025, the CAFE standards provide auto- dustrial sector, efficiencies, home sec- 20 percent of new cars sold there must makers and their suppliers the cer- tor—all of it—this gold wedge right run on alternative fuels, and it is on its tainty they need to increase invest- here represents the piece of it that we way to an eventual total ban of the ment in the cleaner technologies that achieve by meeting these CAFE stand- sale of gasoline and diesel-powered are necessary for the long-term health ards. So it is pretty important to meet cars. That is where the biggest car of the industry, and with that cer- those standards if we are going to hit market in the world is headed. tainty that leads to increased invest- the Paris climate goals, and it is pretty The European Union is the world’s ment, the increased investment leads important to hit the Paris climate third largest car market. The Nether- to jobs. goals if we don’t want to condemn our lands has announced that starting in This ought to be a no-brainer. A pol- children and grandchildren to a very 2030, all cars sold must be emissions- icy that protects consumers and the hazardous future. free. Belgium is considering a similar environment while promoting innova- Here is what is strange. The exact measure. France and the United King- tion and making American companies same set of industry players who vol- dom will ban sales of new gasoline and more competitive for the global mar- untarily signed onto and supported the diesel-powered cars starting in 2040. ket should be something we can all stronger fuel efficiency standards just 4 Norway, while not a member of the EU, agree on. But there is also a simpler, years ago through their trade associa- is very much part of that European more old-fashioned principle at stake tion are now working hand in hand economy. They are even more ambi- here: Keep your word. with EPA Administrator Scott Pru- tious. By 2025—just over 7 years from Ford, GM, and the others told the itt—when something bad is happening American public that they would com- now—all new cars sold in Norway must for the environment, you can almost pete for car buyers’ business by deliv- be emissions-free. always find him around—to weaken Moving on to Japan, the world’s ering quality, energy-efficient vehicles. them, to undo what they voluntarily fourth largest car market—Japan now That is what they told the American agreed to and promised the American has more electric charging stations public, and they said it voluntarily. people. than it has gas stations. India is the This wasn’t forced down their throats Following the election of Donald through a regulatory proceeding; this fifth largest car market. It has an- Trump, the Auto Alliance—the trade was a voluntary agreement that they nounced that by 2030, all new cars sold group that represents automakers like signed up for and were enthusiastic there must be electric or hybrid vehi- Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and about at the time. Volvo—claimed that the very same cles. So with the entire world moving They should keep their word. Why is standards the automakers had volun- toward cleaner, newer technology and that asking too much of American cor- tarily supported just a few years before innovative vehicles, why does this porate leadership? Keep your word. now reflect what they call an ‘‘extraor- automotive lobby group—the Auto Al- How basic a principle is that? They dinary and premature rush to judg- liance—suddenly want to renege on the should stop their trade association lob- ment.’’ Shortly after Pruitt came into promise its members made to the bying to water down the CAFE stand- office, the Auto Alliance asked him to American people to raise and abide by ards promises that they made. revisit the standard. those CAFE standards? It is a recurring problem around By the way, just before I gave this We should hope that our business here, as many of us have noticed, that speech, I googled ‘‘Auto Alliance.’’ I leaders would be honorable enough to the trade association is usually on the went to their website, and I hit the keep their word. That is a fairly basic trailing edge of the industry; it is like search engine on it. I typed in ‘‘climate proposition. But if the future of the in- the worst voice of the industry. That is change’’ and hit ‘‘search.’’ Those words dustry lies with ever more fuel-effi- surely the case here, where the trade ‘‘climate change’’ do not appear on the cient cars—hybrids, electric cars, fuel association for our American auto- Auto Alliance’s website, to give you an cell cars—why would the auto industry makers is trying to get them to set it idea how seriously they take this prob- in America be furiously lobbying the up so they will break their word to the lem, at least at the trade association Trump administration to go backward? American people about a promise that level. Breaking your word to go backward they made—a very simple one, which So the Auto Alliance, when Pruitt doesn’t seem to make sense, even from the technology is already there to came in, asked him to revisit this a business point of view. achieve. CAFE standard that their member Electric vehicles and alternative fuel Even if you don’t care one whit about companies had all agreed to. Pruitt, vehicles represent the future of the climate change, even if you laugh that who, as Oklahoma’s attorney general, auto industry. China and other coun- off, even if you go down the Trump had been notoriously compliant to in- tries get this. The Chinese are trying road that it is a Chinese hoax, we still dustry, gladly complied. to poach our electrical engineers to de- ought to be honoring those CAFE The Auto Alliance has a long history velop their automotive industry so standards for American jobs, for Amer- as the trailing edge of the automotive that it can one day beat ours. Mean- ican ingenuity, and for American inno- industry, opposing seat belts, opposing while, executives at our automakers vation. air bags, and opposing catalytic con- are scheming with Pruitt to head back Thank you. verters. Now, in the polluter-friendly to the past, to get out of the promise I yield the floor. Trump administration, it sees a tempt- that they made to build more innova- I suggest the absence of a quorum. ing chance to sell more gas-guzzlers. tive, fuel-efficient cars. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. But is that smart? Over the long term, Investing in the technologies of the GARDNER). The clerk will call the roll. does this risk actually consign Amer- future will help ensure that the elec- The bill clerk proceeded to call the ican automakers to global irrelevance? tric vehicle revolution, which is on our roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.027 S20DEPT1 S8170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask Alexei Sheshenia also reportedly VENEZUELA HUMANITARIAN unanimous consent that the order for played key roles in both the 2006 theft CRISIS the quorum call be rescinded. of the $107 million in taxes paid by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RenGaz and in the 2007 theft of the $230 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, a second objection, it is so ordered. million of taxes paid by Hermitage. I subject that I wish to talk about today on human rights deals with the col- f understand that in both tax thefts, shell companies beneficially owned by lapse in Venezuela. I come to the floor 2017 SERGEI MAGNITSKY to speak about Venezuela’s growing hu- SANCTIONS LIST Alexei Sheshenia used forged backdated contracts to obtain judg- manitarian tragedy and accelerating Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to ments against companies that paid a economic collapse. take this time to talk about two mat- significant amount of taxes. Late last June, here on the Senate ters of human rights, which I know the floor, I described Venezuela as a nearly Ramzan Kadyrov is a renowned Presiding Officer has been very much failed State, where authoritarian lead- human rights abuser who has brutally engaged with as an active member of ers profit from links to corruption and run the Republic of Chechnya for more the Senate Foreign Relations Com- drug trafficking, while the Venezuelan than 10 years. Under his rule, human mittee. I want to share this informa- people are subject to precarious hu- rights offenders have been murdered, tion with our colleagues. manitarian conditions and human and gay men have disappeared. He has This month marks the fifth anniver- rights abuses. Disturbingly, the situa- sary of the 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Rule destroyed any semblance of the rule of tion has only deteriorated since the of Law and Accountability Act. Today, law in the Republic. Over the course of time I was last on the floor talking with the publication of five new sanc- his time in power, there have been about the circumstances. tions designations, the citizens of the credible allegations of his directing as- Russian Federation—many of whom sassinations deployed across Russia With Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis strive for a future governed by the rule and Europe. Human rights groups have growing daily, conditions facing Ven- of law—can claim a small victory over documented many cases of torture and ezuelan children are particularly dire. oppression. I hope that today’s news extrajudicial killings by forces under This week, the New York Times pub- provides a semblance of justice for the his control. lished a heartbreaking investigation of family of Sergei Magnitsky and those how Venezuelan children dying of hun- Ayub Kataev is a prison warden and who continue to fight against corrup- ger. It states: head of the branch of the Chechen in- tion and human rights abuses across ternal affairs ministry. Earlier this Parents go days without eating, shriveling the country. to the weight of children themselves. Women The Magnitsky list now includes 49 year, Chechen authorities reportedly set up concentration camps for gay line up at sterilization clinics to avoid hav- names—an important testament to the ing children they cannot feed. Boys leave central importance that accountability men under his control. He certainly be- home to join street gangs that scavenge for and human rights should play in U.S. longs on this list. scraps. . . . Crowds of adults storm foreign policy. Since 2012, Senator MCCAIN and I dumpsters after restaurants close. Babies die I think the Members of this body are have conducted rigorous oversight to because it is hard to find or afford infant for- familiar with the circumstances sur- ensure robust implementation of the mula, even in emergency rooms. rounding Sergei Magnitsky’s death. He Magnitsky law. In 2016, we wrote to the That is in our hemisphere in Ven- was a young lawyer in Russia rep- State Department with certain sugges- ezuela. resenting a company. He discovered tions for inclusions on the list relevant corruption, and he did what any lawyer The Catholic relief organization to the death of Sergei Magnitsky. We Caritas has determined that over 50 should do. He reported it to the au- also expressed concerns that the alle- thorities. As a result, he was arrested. percent of the children are suffering gations of torture in Chechnya against from nutritional deficiencies. They He was tortured, denied medical care, gay men and other human rights viola- and died in prison. project that 280,000 Venezuelan chil- tions in the North Caucasus should be dren could eventually die of hunger As a result of that, legislation was investigated. I am pleased they took introduced. I was proud to sponsor it without an urgently needed humani- action that was responsive to both of tarian response. with my good friend Senator MCCAIN. our inquiries. It was enacted into law, as I said, 5 As the Venezuelans increasingly suf- years ago. It holds those who per- I want my colleagues to know that I fer the ravages of hunger, the country’s petrate these violations of human do believe this administration has con- hospital system is collapsing. Essential rights accountable by denying them ducted the review on the Magnitsky medicines are in short supply, and the right to visit our country—visa ap- list the way it should have been—keep- more than half of the Nation’s oper- plications—or to use our banking sys- ing in close contact with Members of ating facilities no longer function or tems. the Senate. I think the result speaks to have sufficient supplies. Disturbingly, The five additions to this list include the quality of work that was done in international relief organizations have Andrei Pavlov, Yulia Mayorova, and this year’s list. found that over 60 percent of the Ven- Alexei Sheshenya for their roles in the America’s values are our interests. ezuelan hospitals don’t even have pota- Magnitsky case and Ramzan Kadyrov As a country, we must remain stead- ble water. and Ayub Kataev for gross violations of fastly committed to the principles em- Amid these crisis conditions, Ven- human rights. I appreciate the work of bedded in the Magnitsky law—account- ezuelan President Maduro repeatedly career officials at the Treasury and ability, the rule of law, and respect for denies the existence of this country’s State Departments for their work in human rights. The American people ex- investigating and designating these humanitarian crisis. He has even taken pect U.S. policymakers to advance to the unprecedented step of setting up important cases. these principles in all aspects of our Andrei Pavlov is a Russian lawyer a party-controlled food distribution diplomatic relations. I welcome today’s who played a central role orchestrating system referred to as CLAPS, and his announcement and also expect the first the false claims used in the $230 mil- government now uses food as a tool of publication of the ‘‘Global Magnitsky’’ lion tax fraud that Sergei Magnitsky political patronage. sanctions designations this week. uncovered. His addition to the The result is that the United States Magnitsky list is long overdue, as he As the Presiding Officer is well and our partners in the hemisphere played an essential role in the plot. aware, we have recently passed the now confront the situation where the Yulia Mayorova is the former wife of ‘‘Global Magnitsky’’ law that applies Maduro regime would rather see its Pavlov and a Russian lawyer. She also similar standards for human rights vio- people go hungry than accept the for- reportedly played a role in helping to lations globally. That list should be eign assistance the Venezuelans des- facilitate the fraud uncovered by made available, we hope, sometime perately need. This man-made tragedy Sergei Magnitsky. this week. is absolutely unacceptable.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.028 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8171 Today I have written to Ambassador applied greater pressure by imposing the special counsel’s critical investiga- Nikki Haley, our Ambassador to the targeted sanctions against a number of tion of Russian interference in the 2016 United Nations, to urge her to call an individuals, including President election. emergency special session of the U.N. Maduro. With this designation, Presi- Over the last several weeks, a grow- Security Council to evaluate which dent Maduro has joined the list of no- ing chorus of irresponsible and reckless United Nations mechanisms, including torious heads of state on U.S. sanction voices have called for President Trump U.N. Security Council resolutions, list, including the likes of North Ko- to shut down Special Counsel Mueller’s should be pursued to alleviate the hu- rea’s Kim Jong Un, Syrian President investigation. At first, these calls came manitarian suffering inside Venezuela. Bashar al-Assad, Zimbabwe’s former from the fringes of our political dis- As humanitarian concerns mount, President Robert Mugabe, and Pan- course—those who refuse to put our human rights abuses of Venezuela are ama’s former President Manuel country and our security before base rampant. Last month, the U.N. High Noriega. political instincts. Commissioner for Human Rights told President Trump has also imposed fi- Earlier this year, many of my col- the U.N. Security Council that this nancial sanctions blocking the leagues on both sides of the aisle were year Venezuelan security forces ‘‘sys- issuance of new bonds to fund the right to push back on these mis- tematically resorted to the arbitrary Maduro regime’s ongoing repressive directed calls and urge that the special detention of more than 5,000 and economic mismanagement. The counsel be allowed to do his job with- protestors.’’ bond market has been one of the last out interference. However, in recent A more recent report by Human lifelines for the Maduro government. weeks, those voices seem to be growing Rights Watch and Foro Penal, a Ven- Investors are right to lose trust in Ven- in stridency and in volume. Just this ezuelan nongovernmental organization, ezuela’s ability to pay its debt. weekend, one major news organization documents how Venezuelan security We must recognize, however, that suggested that Special Counsel Mueller forces have subjected political oppo- sanctions alone will not resolve the could be involved in a coup against the nents to ‘‘torture involving electric challenges the people of Venezuela are President. One senior adviser at the shock and asphyxiation.’’ facing. We need a comprehensive strat- White House has now outrageously al- In response, Luis Almagro, the Sec- egy that utilizes all elements of U.S. leged that ‘‘the fix was in against Don- retary General of the OAS, has con- diplomacy. We must provide critical ald Trump from the beginning.’’ Those vened a series of hearings to receive foreign assistance to help mitigate the statements are reckless. They are inap- testimony to ascertain whether mem- humanitarian crisis and bolster essen- propriate, and they are extremely wor- bers of the Venezuelan Government tial support for human rights and rying. They are also at odds with the have committed crimes against hu- democratic civil society. President’s own lawyers who have manity that should be referred to the In May I introduced S. 1018, a bipar- pledged to cooperate with the special International Criminal Court for pros- tisan bill that lays out a comprehen- counsel. Beyond being irresponsible, the seem- ecution. These efforts deserve our at- sive strategy for U.S. policy. My bill ingly coordinated nature of these tention and our support. includes humanitarian assistance and Against this alarming backdrop, we funding to protect and promote human claims should alarm us all—particu- larly since, in recent days, these base- require no explanation for why the rights and democracy. It also includes less accusations have been repeated by United States has received more asy- a more aggressive approach to tackling several Members of the House of Rep- lum requests from Venezuela than from the endemic corruption. resentatives. any other nationality for 2 years Earlier this month, the House of Rep- resentatives approved its version of I believe it is up to every Member of straight. this institution, Republican or Demo- These challenges will only grow as this bill. It is time for the Senate to act. While I see an opportunity for bi- cratic, to make a clear and unambig- Venezuela’s economy continues to col- uous statement that any attempt by lapse. The country is in a selective de- partisanship in the Senate on U.S. pol- icy toward Venezuela, I must say that this President to remove Special Coun- fault on its bonds. Hyperinflation and sel Mueller from his position or to par- rapid currency devaluation are rav- I was alarmed by President Trump’s statement in August about a potential don key witnesses in any effort to aging family incomes. This week, the shield them from accountability or country’s parallel exchange rate military option. Such cavalier com- ments are not helpful and, once again, shut down the investigation would be a reached 12,000 times the official rate, gross abuse of power and a flagrant vio- meaning that the average Venezuelan call into question whether he has the temperament and judgment for dealing lation of executive branch responsibil- now earns less than $10 a month. ities and authorities. These truly are The reasons for this collapse are sim- with serious national security chal- lenges. red lines, and we simply cannot allow ple. Venezuela’s economy is plagued by them to be crossed. endemic corruption and gross mis- We must rise to the challenge of Ven- ezuela as a great nation, bringing our Let’s take a moment to remember management. As this calamity grows, why Special Counsel Mueller was ap- Senators need to be aware that Ven- full diplomatic resources and skills to bear and avoiding stooping to mere pointed in the first place and why it re- ezuela will eventually need a major mains so critical that he be permitted IMF program that may well surpass saber rattling. I urge our colleagues to take on this to finish his job without obstruction. the $17 billion intervention that challenge, to help the people of Ven- Recall, last spring, when we were all Ukraine required in 2014. The inter- ezuela, who are suffering from this hu- reeling from a series of confounding ac- national community will have to re- manitarian crisis, and to allow Amer- tions by this President, beginning with spond, which will also include, of ica’s entire toolkit to be used to help the firing of FBI Director Jim Comey course, the United States. on May 9. Mr. Comey was fired just 2 We also need to recognize that Russia resolve this problem in our hemisphere. I suggest the absence of a quorum. months after publicly revealing the and China are now major stakeholders The PRESIDING OFFICER. The FBI’s ongoing investigation of the in Venezuela, in our hemisphere, and clerk will call the roll. Trump campaign and—as we would find will be at the table as the international The bill clerk proceeded to call the out later—after several attempts by community copes with the pending col- roll. this President to improperly influence lapse. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask Director Comey. Russia, in particular, is playing geo- unanimous consent that the order for Try to put yourself back into those politics with the situation—refinancing the quorum call be rescinded. dangerous days. Director Comey’s dis- Venezuela’s debt, offering loans in re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without missal was met with confusion and turn for financial stakes in U.S.-based objection, it is so ordered. widespread condemnation. We needed a CITGO, securing stakes in Venezuela’s f stabilizing action from our Nation’s oil industry, and expanding its influ- law enforcement leadership. We needed ence in our hemisphere. RUSSIA INVESTIGATION some certainty that the facts would be In response to these growing chal- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise found and brought to light, regardless lenges, the Trump administration has today concerned about the threats to of what they were.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.030 S20DEPT1 S8172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 Eight days after Mr. Comey’s firing, We have a lot of work to do. Our officials and as citizens, speak out Trump appointee and Deputy Attorney committee has gone out of its way to against these threats now before it is General Rod Rosenstein appointed Rob- ensure continued bipartisan backing too late. ert Mueller to oversee the investiga- for this effort, and I am committed to Thank you. tion into ‘‘any links and/or coordina- seeing the effort through. However, it I yield the floor. tion between the Russian government should be very clear that our com- I suggest the absence of a quorum. and individuals associated with the mittee cannot and will not stand as a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The campaign of President Donald Trump’’ substitute for Mr. Mueller’s investiga- clerk will call the roll. and ‘‘any matters that arose or may tion. The bill clerk proceeded to call the arise directly from the investigation.’’ As Chairman BURR and I have noted roll. His appointment reassured Ameri- on numerous occasions, the FBI is re- Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask cans that there will be a full and thor- sponsible for determining any criminal unanimous consent that the order for ough law enforcement investigation. activities related to this inquiry. As the quorum call be rescinded. The announcement was met with sup- such, Mueller has already moved to in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without port on both sides of the aisle and re- dict two individuals and has negotiated objection, it is so ordered. ceived nearly universal praise. In fact, two additional guilty pleas. This was f many of the same people who are at- an investigative path reserved solely TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TECH- tacking him today praised Mr. for law enforcement, and it is essential NOLOGY COMPANIES AND CON- Mueller’s appointment just months that it be permitted to go on SUMER PROTECTION ago. unimpeded. Indeed, there is much to praise. The The country no doubt remains se- Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I rise fact is, Robert Mueller has impeccable verely divided on the question of the to deliver the second in a series of floor credentials as a man of the law. He has last election. However, the national se- speeches that I offer as I close out my assembled a team that includes some of curity threat facing us today should time in the Senate. the Nation’s best investigators, and he demand that we rise above partisan dif- This afternoon, I want to talk about is leading the investigation with the ferences. No matter the political di- Americans’ relationship with tele- professionalism it deserves. vide, surely each of us—and all Ameri- communications and technology com- Mr. Mueller is a dedicated Vietnam cans—should want to know the truth of panies and what that means for their war veteran and a lifelong Republican, what happened during last year’s elec- access to essential services and for appointed to his current role by Dep- tion, and, no doubt, we want to know their privacy. uty Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, that as quickly as possible. When I entered the Senate in July of also a Republican. In fact, all of the The President has long called the in- 2009, then-Majority Leader Harry Reid major players to date in this investiga- vestigation into Russian meddling into asked me to serve on the Judiciary tion—former Director Comey, current the 2016 election a witch hunt, and he Committee. I pointed out that there FBI Director Rosenstein, and even At- has done much to discredit the intel- are a lot of lawyers in the Senate and torney General Sessions, who has had ligence community’s unanimous as- that I wasn’t one of them, but he said to recuse himself—are all Republicans. sessment of Russian interference in our he needed Members with my perspec- The charges that some have made that election. The failure of this White tive on the committee. I wondered how somehow Democratic political bias has House to lead a whole-of-government my background could possibly serve me crept into this investigation are base- approach to prevent this type of elec- on Judiciary, but it did—almost imme- less, given the makeup of the leader- tion interference in the future—either diately—when in December of that ship team. by the Russians or some other adver- year, Comcast announced its intention In recent weeks, much has been made sary—defies understanding. The Presi- to acquire NBCUniversal. of some political opinions expressed by dent’s refusal to accept the intel- I happened to know a lot about the an FBI agent during the election last ligence community’s assessment and effects of media consolidation because year. This specious line of argument his blatant disregard for ensuring that I used to work in media. When powerful conveniently ignores the fact that as Russia never again infiltrates our elec- corporations are permitted to acquire soon as Mr. Mueller learned about tion process has been unnerving and other powerful corporations, it is the those comments, he immediately re- cause for significant concern. American consumers who are left fac- moved that agent in question from the In recent days, the President has said ing higher prices, fewer choices, and investigation. If anything, this inci- he is not considering removing Special even worse service from their tele- dent only adds to Mr. Mueller’s credi- Counsel Mueller, but the President’s communications providers. I ques- bility as a fair and independent investi- track record on this front is a source of tioned why an already powerful com- gator. concern. I am certain most of my col- pany should be allowed to get even big- I stand here as the vice chairman of leagues believed he wouldn’t fire Jim ger and thus extract more leverage the Senate Intelligence Committee. We Comey either. over consumers and the businesses reli- are in the midst of our own investiga- Firing Mr. Mueller, or any other of ant on its platform. tion into Russian incursion, and I am the top brass involved in this inves- It was through my work on Comcast proud of the way Chairman BURR and tigation, would not only call into ques- and NBCUniversal that I learned about our committee has taken on this very tion this administration’s commitment the rising costs of internet, phone, and difficult task. to the truth but also to our most basic TV services, as well as the importance We have made tremendous progress concept, the rule of law. It also has the of preserving net neutrality. I also be- uncovering the facts of Russian inter- potential to provoke a constitutional came interested in how giant tele- ference in our elections. Our commit- crisis. communications companies, as well as tee’s work helped expose the dark un- In the United States of America, no ever-evolving tech companies, were derbelly of disinformation on many of one—no one—is above the law, not even treating the massive troves of user our social media platforms. We have the President. Congress must make data they were collecting on a per- successfully pressed for the full ac- clear to the President that firing the petual basis. counting of Russian cyber efforts to special counsel or interfering with his I believe consumers have a funda- target our State electoral systems, investigation by issuing pardons of es- mental right to know what informa- and, despite the initial denials of any sential witnesses is unacceptable and tion is being collected about them. I Russian contacts during the election, would have immediate and significant believe they have a right to decide this committee’s efforts have helped consequences. whether they want to share that infor- uncover numerous and troubling high- I hope my concerns are unfounded— mation and with whom they want to level engagements between the Trump in many ways, I had hoped I would share it and when. I believe consumers campaign and Russian affiliates, many never have to make this kind of have a right to expect that companies of which have only been revealed in re- speech—but there are troubling signs. that store their personal information cent months. It is critical that all of us, as elected will store it securely.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.031 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8173 I also believe all Americans deserve that a combined Comcast- Just look at the fight for net neu- affordable access to high-quality tele- NBCUniversal would have strong incen- trality. For many of the same reasons communications services—services tives to favor its own programming that I opposed Comcast’s acquisition of they depend on to communicate with over that of others and restrict com- NBCUniversal, I have long supported the world, get an education, and find a peting distributors from accessing that strong net neutrality rules to ensure job. I believe the internet should re- programming. I knew these incentives that the internet remains a level play- main the open platform for innovation, would hurt competing content cre- ing field where everyone can partici- economic growth, and freedom of ex- ators, inhibit the free flow of informa- pate on equal footing, free from dis- pression it has always been. tion, and ultimately harm consumers. crimination by large internet service Perhaps it was the complex nature of Unfortunately, I was not wrong. In providers like Comcast, Verizon, and these issues or even the financial in- the years after its acquisition of AT&T. centive to turn a blind eye, but when I NBCUniversal, Comcast repeatedly vio- Net neutrality preserves the internet came to the Senate, very few Members lated the terms of its agreements with as the engine for innovation that it has of Congress were talking about cor- the FCC and the Department of Jus- always been and allows businesses of porate consolidation, commercial pri- tice, favoring its own news program- all sizes to thrive—even when they are vacy, or net neutrality—issues that ming over its competitors in Comcast’s up against the largest, most profitable have gained much deserved attention channel lineup and failing to live up to corporations. Here is just one example in more recent years. Whatever the its promises regarding offering afford- I found useful in explaining net neu- reason for other Members’ hesitance, I able standalone broadband, racial di- trality: felt it was incumbent upon me to get versity in programming—they did not In 2005, three guys set up shop over a into the weeds on these issues so I live up to their promises there—and pizzeria in a strip mall in San Mateo, could be a leader in the Senate and ul- online video distribution. Because CA, where they launched the now-ubiq- timately address the concerns of ordi- merger conditions are extremely dif- uitous YouTube. Video-sharing nary Minnesotans. ficult and costly to enforce, competi- websites were in their infancy, but That is why, when the interests of tion and consumers were harmed in the these guys already faced competition the American consumers have clashed process. from something that preceded it called with the desires of powerful tele- Comcast’s behavior in the wake of Google Video, but Google Video wasn’t communications and technology com- acquiring NBCUniversal was one of the very good. Because of net neutrality, panies, I have always tried to put the major reasons I then opposed its pro- YouTube was able to compete with public first and to fight on their behalf posal to turn around and buy Time Google Video on a level playing field. by shedding light on corporate abuses Warner Cable a couple years later. It The giant internet service providers and using all the tools at my disposal was also one of the major reasons I be- treated YouTube’s videos the same as to curb them. lieve that later deal was ultimately they did Google’s, and Google couldn’t Again, it is through my work on the dropped after objections from the FCC pay them to gain an unfair advantage, Judiciary Committee—and, more spe- and the Department of Justice. like a fast lane into consumer homes. They were treated the same, neu- cifically, my work on media and tech- For a long time in the Senate, it was trally. The content was neutral—net nology policy—that I believe my per- a lonely battle. For over a year, I was neutrality. People really liked spective from my previous career has the only Senator to oppose Comcast’s YouTube. They preferred YouTube to been of most value. proposals to buy Time Warner Cable— Google Video, and YouTube thrived. In Comcast’s proposal to acquire NBCU a deal that would have given the com- fact, in 2006, Google bought it for stock immediately made me uncomfortable bined company 57 percent of the valued at $1.65 billion. That is a nice because I had seen their motives for broadband market—but advocates and chunk for three guys over a pizzeria in this deal before. In 1993, during my 13th ordinary citizens raised their voices, season at ‘‘Saturday Night Live,’’ the San Mateo. and together we were able to stop the It is not just tech companies and Big Three networks—NBC, CBS, and deal. small businesses that rely on open ABC—pressured Congress to change the Most recently, I have led my col- internet. In a submission to the FCC in rules that had previously prevented leagues in scrutinizing AT&T’s pro- 2014, a coalition that includes Visa, them from owning any of the shows posed acquisition of Time Warner, and Bank of America, UPS, and Ford ex- they aired in prime time. The purpose I have once again called on regulators plained that ‘‘every retailer with an of the rules had been to prevent the to move to block the deal for the inevi- online catalogue, every manufacturer networks from prioritizing their own table harm it will cause to competition with online product specifications, shows over others or otherwise harm- and consumers. every insurance company with online ing competing programming. I have been proud to lead these ef- claims processing, every bank offering Unsurprisingly, after the rules were forts, and I leave here in a much dif- online account management, every repealed, the networks—contrary to ferent environment than when I ar- company with a website—every busi- their guarantees and assurances they rived. I know there are strong voices in ness in America interacting with its had given Congress—began giving the the Senate that will carry on the fight customers online is dependent upon an shows they owned preferential treat- when I am gone. open Internet.’’ I have repeated this ment. At the time, ‘‘Seinfeld,’’ which These efforts to slow down and halt quote on the floor and at rallies time aired on NBC, was not owned by NBC media consolidation are part of a very and time again over the years because and had been produced before the rules important, larger development we have I think it perfectly exemplifies the im- had changed—was the No. 1 show on seen in our country. In recent years, portance of this issue. television, which made the Thursday there has been a resurgence in the Preserving net neutrality is only night timeslot following ‘‘Seinfeld’’ the American public’s—and, in turn, controversial for the few deep-pocketed most valuable real estate on television. Congress’s—interest in combating cor- entities that stand to financially gain I watched as shows that eventually porate consolidation. without it. wound up in that premium location When I first entered the Senate, I If FCC Chairman Pai ultimately has were all owned, at least in part, by wasn’t sure most Americans under- his way, we will be entering a digital NBC. stood what was at stake when these world where the powerful outrank the So when I became a Senator, one of powerful companies wanted to com- majority, a world where a handful of the first major deals I opposed was bine. Vertical integration and anti- multibillion-dollar companies have the Comcast’s acquisition of trust laws sounded like obscure, almost power to control how users get their NBCUniversal. As in the case of boring, topics, but more and more information, and a world where the AT&T’s current bid to buy Time War- Americans are getting educated about deepest pockets can pay for a fast lane ner, this deal was about giving one these issues, and more and more Mem- while their competitors stall in the company the ability to control both bers of Congress are working to get slow lane. the programming and the pipes that Washington focused on how they affect For nearly 9 years, I have been call- carry it. I knew from my time in media the lives of real people. ing net neutrality the free speech issue

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.036 S20DEPT1 S8174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 of our time because it embraces our evolve in the coming centuries. They platforms to reach consumers. As has most basic constitutional freedoms. had no way of anticipating the tele- become alarmingly clear in recent And ironically, the kind of civic par- phone, for example, and so the Su- months, companies like Google, ticipation that has aspired so many of preme Court ruled over 40 years ago Facebook, and Amazon have unprece- us in recent months—and has effected that a wiretap constitutes a search dented power to guide Americans’ ac- real change, like in the fight for net under the Fourth Amendment. The cess to information and potentially neutrality and the successful efforts to Founders had no idea that one day the shape the future of journalism. It save the Affordable Care Act—has de- police would be able to remotely track should go without saying that such pended in no small part on a free and your movements through a GPS device, power comes with great responsibility. open internet. and so the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 Everyone is currently and rightfully In 2015, the FCC’s vote to reclassify that this was also a search that re- focused on Russian manipulation of so- broadband providers as common car- quired court approval. All of this is a cial media, but as lawmakers, it is in- riers under title II of the Communica- good thing. Our laws need to reflect the cumbent upon us to ask the broader tions Act didn’t just mean good things evolution of technology and changing questions: How did big tech come to for net neutrality; it also had impor- expectations of American society. This control so many aspects of our lives? tant implications for consumer pri- is why the Constitution is often called How is it using our personal informa- vacy. It gave the agency the authority a living document. But we have a long tion to strengthen its reach and its and the responsibility to implement way to go to get to the point where our bottom line? Are these companies en- rules to protect Americans’ privacy by modern laws are in line with modern gaging in anticompetitive behavior giving consumers greater control of technology. that restricts the free flow of informa- My goal for the subcommittee was to their personal data that is collected tion in commerce? Are they failing to help members understand both the ben- and used by their broadband providers. take simple precautions to respect our efits and privacy implications of That was a big win. Republicans didn’t privacy and to protect our democracy? emerging technologies; to educate the see it that way. One of the first things And finally, what role should these public and raise awareness about how they did this Congress was to repeal companies play in our lives, and how their data is being collected, used, and those rules, which was a huge blow to do we ensure transparency and ac- shared; and, if necessary, to legislate Americans’ right to privacy. countability from them going forward? For my part, I have long believed to fill gaps in the law. When politics that Americans have a fundamental prevented legislation, I repeatedly Modern technology has fundamen- right to privacy. I believe they deserve pressed companies—many of them tally altered the way we live our lives, both transparency and accountability more than once—to be more trans- and it has given us extraordinary bene- from the companies that have the ca- parent about how they were treating fits. As these companies continue to pacity to trade on the details of their their customers’ private information, grow and evolve, challenges like those lives. And should they choose to leave including users’ location data, web- we have recently confronted in the Ju- personal information in the hands of browsing histories, and even their fin- diciary Committee will only grow and those companies, they certainly de- ger and face prints. evolve with them. So we must now serve to know that their information is As consumer awareness has evolved, muster the will to meaningfully ad- being safeguarded to the greatest de- these companies have taken important dress the tough questions related to gree possible. This transparency and steps to improve transparency of their competition, privacy, and ultimately accountability should come from all use of Americans’ personal informa- the integrity of our democracy. the companies that have access to tion. But unfortunately, accumulating I will not be here to ask those ques- Americans’ sensitive information. This massive troves of information isn’t just tions. I will do what I can to find the includes internet service providers like a side project they can choose to halt answers from the outside, but it is my Comcast and AT&T but also edge pro- at any given time; for many of them, it colleagues in the Senate who must viders like Google, Facebook, and is their whole business model. We are prioritize them going forward. There is Amazon. not their customers; we are their prod- simply too much at stake. I know that In 2011, I served as chair for the inau- uct. they will do so with the help of a tire- gural hearing of the Judiciary Sub- Recently, we have seen just how less advocacy community and the bril- committee on Privacy, Technology and scary this business model can be. In liant minds who have long con- the Law—a subcommittee that I found- October of this year, the Judiciary templated these incredibly complex ed after it became abundantly clear Committee examined Russia’s manipu- issues and ensured that lawmakers pay that our Nation’s privacy laws had lation of social media during the 2016 attention. And more importantly, they failed to keep pace with rapidly evolv- campaign, and both the public and will do so with the support and encour- ing technologies. Members of Congress were shocked to agement of the American people. When people talked about protecting learn the outsized role that the major I have witnessed significant highs their privacy when I was growing up, tech companies play in so many as- and significant lows in the fight to pro- they were talking about protecting it pects of our lives, based primarily on tect consumers’ rights, but the most from the government. They talked the mass collection of personal infor- important lesson I have learned along about unreasonable searches and sei- mation and complex algorithms that the way is that ordinary Americans zures, about keeping the government are shrouded in secrecy. Not only do can wield extraordinary power when out of their bedrooms. They talked these companies guide what we see, they raise their voices. For this reason about whether the government was read, and buy on a regular basis, but and despite significant setbacks in re- trying to keep tabs on the books they their dominance—specifically in the cent months, I know that it is the read or the rallies they attended. Over market of information—now requires public’s interests that can ultimately the last 40 or 50 years, we have seen a that we consider their role in the in- prevail. fundamental shift in who has our infor- tegrity of our democracy. Unfortu- mation and what they are doing with nately, this fall’s hearings dem- Mr. President, I suggest the absence it. That is not to say that we still onstrated that they may not be up to of a quorum. shouldn’t be worried about protecting the challenge that they have created The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). ourselves from government abuses, but for themselves. The clerk will call the roll. now we also have relationships with The size of these companies is not— The senior assistant legislative clerk large corporations that are obtaining, in isolation—the problem, but I am ex- proceeded to call the roll. storing, sharing and in many cases sell- tremely concerned about these plat- ing enormous amounts of our personal forms’ use of Americans’ personal in- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask information. formation to further solidify their mar- unanimous consent that the order for When the Constitution was written, ket power and consequently extract the quorum call be rescinded. the Founders had no way of antici- unfair conditions from the content cre- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pating the new technologies that would ators and innovators who rely on their objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.038 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8175 REPUBLICAN TAX BILL AND AD- Doesn’t it say a lot about Republican Program, the DACA Program, nearly DRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE priorities when they make permanent 800,000 lives were thrown into chaos MIDDLE CLASS the tax breaks for corporations; yet and uncertainty. Without the legal pro- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I un- they make temporary the tax breaks tections afforded by the DACA Pro- derstand that my Republican col- for working families, which will expire gram, hundreds of thousands of young leagues and President Trump are busy in 8 years? people today are living in terrible fear celebrating the passage of the tax bill Furthermore, I would hope that and anxiety about losing the legal sta- that was voted on at 1:30 in the morn- every American is listening closely to tus they currently have in the only ing. They are very excited, and they what Speaker of the House PAUL RYAN country they have ever known. These are very happy about it. I understand is talking about. I have to give RYAN are young people who grew up in the that. I guess, if one is a billionaire like credit for being pretty honest about United States, went to school in the President Trump or is a wealthy cam- the intentions of the Republican Party. United States, are working in the paign contributor, you do have a whole Just this morning, he was on ABC, say- United States, and are in our military. lot to celebrate. Maybe, if you are 1 of ing what he has said for quite a while, This is their home. It would be un- the 6,000 lobbyists here in Washington, and that is that the Republican plan is speakable to take away their legal sta- DC, who helped to write the bill, you a two-step approach. Step No. 1 is pass- tus and subject them to deportation. are celebrating a lot today. Yet, if you ing the legislation that passed last Since the President’s announcement are one of the vast majority of the night here and today in the House. in September, more than 11,000 people American people who is in the middle Step No. 2 is, having run up a deficit of have already lost their protections class, you should not be celebrating $1.5 trillion, they are now going to under DACA, with approximately 22,000 today. In fact, you should be pretty come back and offset that deficit by set to lose their legal protections by nervous. making massive cuts to Social Secu- the March 5, 2018, deadline. These are The passage of this legislation marks rity, Medicare, and Medicaid. hundreds of thousands of wonderful a great victory for the Koch brothers According to RYAN, they have a two- young people. We cannot turn our and other wealthy campaign contribu- step program. Step No. 1 is to give backs on them. We must deal with tors who will see, at a time of massive massive tax breaks to the rich and DACA before we leave for the holiday income and wealth inequality, huge tax large corporations and to run up the break. Any end-of-the-year spending breaks for themselves. In other words, deficit by $1.5 trillion. Step No. 2 is to agreement must address the fear and the wealthiest people will become offset that deficit by cutting Social Se- uncertainty caused by the administra- much wealthier. Meanwhile, the def- curity, Medicare, and Medicaid. tion’s reckless actions, and a clean icit—what is owed by our kids and our How unspeakable and outrageous is Dream Act must be signed into law. grandchildren—will increase by $1.5 this plan? How much does it go against This is not just what BERNIE SANDERS trillion as a result of this bill. The what the American people want? This wants; this is what the American peo- largest and most profitable corpora- gives huge tax breaks to billionaires— ple in overwhelming numbers want. A tions—companies like Apple, Micro- to the Trump family, to the Koch Quinnipiac poll came out just the other soft, Pfizer, and General Electric—de- brothers—and then pays for those tax day in which 77 percent of the Amer- spite record breaking profits, are going breaks by cutting Social Security, ican people supported maintaining to see very, very large tax breaks to Medicare, and Medicaid. legal status for these young people and the tune of many billions of dollars. There are millions of senior citizens allowing them to move forward toward Now, at a time when the very and people with disabilities in Vermont citizenship—77 percent—and that is wealthy are becoming much richer, and all across this country who, today, consistent with other polls that have tens of millions of American families are struggling to buy food, to heat been taken. A vast majority of Demo- are struggling to keep their heads their homes, and to buy the prescrip- crats, Republicans, and Independents above water economically. There are 40 tion drugs that they need because they understand that it would be incredibly million Americans who are living in are trying to survive on $12,000, $13,000, cruel and harmful to our country in so poverty. The nonpartisan Tax Policy $14,000 a year in Social Security. There many ways to deny legal status to the Center tells us that in terms of this are people who have worked their en- Dreamers. We cannot turn our backs legislation, 83 percent of the tax bene- tire lives and have exhausted them- on the Dreamers. We must address fits will go to the top 1 percent by the selves as they approach retirement. Do their crisis right now. end of the decade, who are already not tell those people who live on It has been almost 3 months since doing phenomenally well, and that 60 $12,000, $13,000 a year in Social Security funding for community health centers percent of the benefits will go to the that you are going to cut their benefits has lapsed. Our Nation’s 1,400 commu- top one-tenth of 1 percent. Meanwhile, through a Chained CPI or by some nity health centers serve more than 27 at the end of 10 years, some 92 million other mechanism in order to give tax million people in roughly 10,000 com- middle-class households will be paying breaks to billionaires. How outrageous munities throughout the country. In more in taxes. that would be. my home State of Vermont, one out of On top of all of that, as the only Na- Don’t tell older workers—many of four Vermonters gets their primary tion—major country—on Earth not to them with health problems after their healthcare, dental care, low-cost pre- guarantee healthcare to all people, this having worked 20, 30, 40 years—that scription drugs, and mental health bill will result in 13 million Americans you are going to give billions of dollars counseling at a community health cen- losing their health insurance. I under- in tax breaks to Microsoft, Pfizer, or ter. stand the President was really excited General Electric, but then you are How does it happen that the Repub- about this. Hey, what a great day. going to ask them to work more years lican leadership can spend months on a There are 13 million more Americans in order to be eligible for Medicare. bill to give tax breaks to billionaires who are losing their health insurance I understand that every Member of but not address the lack of funding, the when we are the only major country on the Congress would like to go home for reauthorization of the Community Earth not to guarantee healthcare to the holiday season, and so would I. Health Centers Program or the Chil- all people. This is the time of year during which dren’s Health Insurance Program, In the ending of the individual man- Vermont is very, very beautiful. The which provides healthcare to 9 million date, what all of the experts tell us is truth is that it would really be uncon- children? that our healthcare premiums will go scionable for us to leave Washington In this country, there are 1.5 million up. If you are an average person out after giving tax breaks to billionaires workers and retirees in multi-employer there, your healthcare premiums will and large corporations while we ignore pension plans who could see the pen- very likely go up as a result of this leg- the enormous problems that are facing sions that they worked for over their islation. Meanwhile, starting next the middle class and working families entire lives cut by up to 60 percent. year—I am not talking about 10 years of our country. People were promised these pensions a from now—some 8 million middle-class When Donald Trump ended the De- few years ago, and in a disastrous act, families will pay more in taxes. ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Congress took away that promise, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.040 S20DEPT1 S8176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 working people could lose the pensions addressed. We can’t simply walk out of Mr. Miller himself also testified, an- they were promised by up to 60 percent here and leave people all across the swered calls, and otherwise provided cuts in those pensions. Congress needs country without the resources they invaluable advice on complicated Medi- to act before the end of the year to need to treat people who are addicted care payment issues to both majority make sure that no one in America in a and to prevent our young people from and minority leaders, Finance Com- multi-employer pension plan will see becoming addicts. We need to invest in mittee chairmen and ranking mem- their pension cut. treatment and prevention for the bers, as well as other committee mem- Those are real issues impacting real opioid epidemic. bers, and other Member offices regard- people, but there are more. There was As we speak, there are over 30,000 va- ing all things healthcare. Throughout an article recently in the Washington cancies in the Veterans’ Administra- his years of service, Mr. Miller has Post, and it said that because of major tion. That means that we have to make proven himself a trusted source of ob- cuts to the Social Security Adminis- sure every veteran in this country who jective information. tration, people with disabilities are not goes to the VA gets the quality and Mr. Miller gave years of his life, in- getting their claims processed in a timely healthcare he or she needs. We cluding countless long nights, week- timely manner. The result was that in can’t turn our backs on the veterans. ends, and early mornings to make sure 1 year, if you can believe it, 10,000 peo- We have to invest in the VA. Congress has the best and most reliable ple with disabilities died before they The bottom line is that, as much as information it can get. In turn, that got their claims processed. all of us would like to get out of Wash- analysis has guided many ideas and What the Republicans have been very ington and go home, we simply cannot recommendations into legislation that active on is making sure that the So- turn our backs on tens of millions of made its way to a President’s desk for cial Security Administration does not working people and people in the mid- signature. Mr. Miller’s professionalism, get the funding it needs, which means dle class. It is not good enough to pass expertise, energy, patience, humor, and that it is harder for people who have tax breaks for billionaires and then dedication make him an example to all retired and people who have disabil- leave town. So I hope the Republican of us as we work the process of design- ities to get the information they need leadership will immediately bring to ing and ultimately enacting legisla- or the claims that they have processed this floor the legislation that we need tion. Mark has been there from the be- in a timely manner. We must make to address the many crises facing the ginning, watching an idea being born, sure that every senior and person with middle class of this country. helping to develop policy to achieve a disability gets treated with dignity. With that Mr. President, I yield the that idea, and providing valuable pol- We have to restore adequate funding to floor. icy counsel as it works its way through the Social Security Administration. I suggest the absence of a quorum. the legislative process to ultimately One of the great outrages that cur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The becoming law. rently is taking place in this country clerk will call the roll. Thanks to his sense of purpose, dedi- and really is quite beyond belief is that The legislative clerk proceeded to cation, and love for this country, Mr. at a time when we live in a competitive call the roll. Miller should be seen as just as much global economy and when we need the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I an influence on our current Medicare best educated workforce in the world ask unanimous consent that the order policy as most Members in this body. to be able to do the new jobs that are for the quorum call be rescinded. Mark is a consummate professional, being created, which require more edu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and he will be missed. I wish him all cation, we have over 40 million people objection, it is so ordered. the very best as he takes the next steps in his successful career. in our country who have left college or f graduate school in debt and sometimes May we ever remember Mark’s serv- deeply in debt. I am talking about peo- TRIBUTE TO MARK E. MILLER ice, and may MedPAC ever be guided by the same sense of duty and purpose ple I have met who have gone to med- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I Mr. Miller instilled in his 15 years lead- ical school or dental school and are wish to honor Mark E. Miller, for his ing that organization. $300,000 or $400,000 in debt. People grad- distinguished public service and profes- uate college $100,000 or $150,000 in debt. sional assistance to the Senate Finance f This is a crisis that is impacting mil- Committee, as well as to the rest of TRIBUTE TO STEVE JOHNSON lions of people. It is impacting our en- Congress. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Cesar tire economy. It is an issue that must Mr. Miller served as the executive di- Chavez, the great champion of justice be addressed. Maybe, just maybe, be- rector of the Medicare Payment Advi- and human dignity, once offered this fore we give tax breaks to billionaires, sory Commission, or MedPAC, for the advice about friendship: He said; ‘‘If we might want to significantly lower last 15 years. During that time, he you really want to make a friend, go to the debt burden so many people in this dedicated himself to our country, en- someone’s house and eat with him. . . . country have in their student debt. suring Congress received impartial, The people who give you their food give This is the year 2017, soon to be 2018. data-driven, and sound policy advice to you their heart.’’ This is the wealthiest country in the transform the Medicare Program while The Senate Dining Room isn’t Steve history of the world. Yet there are protecting our Nation’s seniors and the Johnson’s house, but for the 22 years communities in Vermont, Utah, and disabled. that he has worked there, Steve has communities all over this country that MedPAC was established by Congress poured his heart into his job, and he do not have adequate broadband serv- in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget has become a friend—or at least a ice. How does a business start up in a Act. It is a nonpartisan agency that friendly face—to Senators, our fami- community if that community does not provides analysis and policy rec- lies, staff members, and visitors. have rapid broadband or good cell ommendations regarding the Medicare As general manager of the Senate phone service? The answer is, it Program, including payment, bene- Dining Rooms and two other eateries doesn’t. It can’t. That is one of the rea- ficiary access to care, and quality of in the Capitol, Steve works hard to cre- sons why rural America is hurting so care for traditional fee-for-service ate places where people who might not badly. We must invest in rural infra- Medicare and Medicare Advantage. As normally talk to each other can sit structure to make sure every commu- all of us know, the analysis we get down at adjoining tables, eat a meal, nity in this country has quality, af- from MedPAC is critical in how we, as and maybe swap stories or jokes. fordable broadband. Members of Congress, debate, address In the Senate Dining Room, with its There is an opioid epidemic sweeping changes, and ultimately make im- white linen table cloths and crystal this country, impacting Vermont, my provements to the Medicare Program. chandeliers, you might see Republican neighboring State of New Hampshire, Throughout his service, Mr. Miller and Democratic Senators and staff West Virginia, Kentucky, and all parts ensured that MedPAC consistently ful- members asking after each other’s of this country are seeing people dying filled its mission of providing objec- families. In the refectory on the first from overdoses from opioids and her- tive, empirically driven policy analysis floor, reporters and visitors to the Cap- oin. This is an epidemic that must be and advice to Congress. itol stand in line together to grab a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.041 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8177 quick bite. Downstairs, in the carry- thons, including seven Boston Mara- reliance on the military and police out, you can find the whole Capitol thons. have had the strong backing of the family, as Steve calls them; ‘‘the white He is a modest man in a sea of big White House and the State Depart- collars, the blue collars, the green col- egos, a scrupulously nonpartisan man ment, it is doubtful that it would be lars, and the Capitol Police,’’ all eating in era of sharp partisan lines. He and accepted as free and fair. Instead, the together. his dedicated staff are important mem- White House, which has been willing to It is a little like stepping back into a bers of the Senate family. excuse the Hernandez government’s better, less partisan time. There is a line in a Bruce Springsteen corruption scandals and crackdown on On Friday, December 22, Steve John- song where Bruce says, ‘‘I’m ready to the press and civil society, would like- son is leaving the Senate. He is retir- grow young again.’’ ly be calling for a recount or, if the in- ing. Before he does, I want to take a Sadly, none of us can actually do tegrity of the ballots could not be as- moment to thank Steve for his many that. sured, a new election. years of good and loyal service to the But Steve has decided that he is Second, the OAS deserves the thanks Senate. ready to be a rookie again and try of people throughout this hemisphere Until 1995, when Steve began working something completely new and dif- for the role it has played as an impar- as a maitre d’ in the Senate Dining ferent. In this next chapter of his life, tial observer and for standing up for a Room, he had never seen the inside of he will work as a volunteer literacy free and fair election in Honduras at a the U.S. Capitol, but he had seen the tutor for adults who speak English as a time when democratic processes, free- outside of this magnificent building Second Language. dom of expression and association, and many times. It is another way, I think, of making independent judiciaries are threatened You see, Steve grew up in Freehold, people feel at home and cared for, not only in Honduras but in many NJ, home of ‘‘The Boss,’’ Bruce something that Steve Johnson is so parts of Latin America. Next year, Springsteen. He was one of six kids. His good at. Presidential and Parliamentary elec- mom trained as a nurse, and his dad In closing, I want to thank Steve tions are scheduled in many countries was a director of a YMCA. again for his many years of service to in Central and South America, and the In 1963, Steve’s Dad, Herbert, at- the Senate, and I want to wish Steve OAS, which has been a strong defender tended the March on Washington, and Joanne the very best of luck as of democracy and human rights in Ven- where Martin Luther King gave his ‘‘I they start this new chapter in their ezuela, has a vital role to play in seek- Have a Dream’’ speech. The experience lives. ing to ensure that those elections meet made a profound impression. f international standards of fairness and During Steve’s childhood and teen HONDURAS transparency. It is therefore particu- years, whenever there was a big march larly important and reassuring that Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on Mon- or rally in Washington, the whole the OAS Secretariat has insisted on day, the head of the Honduras Supreme Johnson family—mom, dad, and six such standards in Honduras by calling Electoral Tribunal declared Juan Or- kids—would pile into the family sta- for a new election, and it is just as im- lando Hernandez the next President of tion wagon, drive to Washington, DC, portant that the United States stands Honduras. Shortly thereafter, the Sec- for the day, and drive back to Freehold with the OAS at this time. that night. retariat of the Organization of Amer- Third, it is ultimately for the people During those childhood trips, Steve ican States, one of the principal inter- of Honduras to decide what kind of a developed a reverence for this building. national observers, announced that it government they want and whether to After 22 years of working here, he still could not certify the election as free accept the result declared by the Su- has it. He is still awed when he sees the and fair and called for a new election. preme Electoral Tribunal, which has Capitol dome gleaming in the sun as he Yesterday, after his top advisers re- little credibility outside of President arrives at work, or sees the Capitol buked the OAS for infringing on Hernandez’s National Party. It is clear Christmas tree lit up at night. Honduras’s sovereignty, President Her- It is a feeling that many of us share. nandez, stating that ‘‘the Honduran that the country is sharply divided po- Steve started his career in food serv- people have spoken,’’ declared himself litically, socially, and economically. ice nearly 40 years ago, shortly after he President-elect. Absent an electoral process that is graduated from Glassboro State Col- On December 5, I spoke at length widely accepted as free and fair, that lege in New Jersey with a bachelor’s about the Honduran election, and I divisiveness will imperil the progress degree in business administration. He have made several statements since that is urgently needed in combating went to work at a restaurant in his then. I will not repeat what I and many poverty, violence, organized crime, cor- hometown. others have already said about the ruption, and impunity that pose im- A few years later, he and a business troubling process orchestrated by mense challenges for the future. partner took over running a more than President Hernandez and his associates But the international community 200-year-old inn, the Liberty Tavern, in over the past several years to lay the and particularly the people of this New Jersey’s capitol city of Trenton. groundwork for his reelection for an hemisphere also have a stake in this They gave it their best try, with clever unprecedented second Presidential election and in Honduras’s future. In marketing and a hard-working staff, term, nor about the many irregular- the past decade alone, the United but couldn’t make good of it. ities that have caused masses of people States has provided many hundreds of Fortunately for us, Steve’s wife, Jo- to take to the streets in protest since millions of dollars in aid to Honduras, anne, took a job with the Federal Gov- the vote on November 26. As of today, much of which I supported, but that ernment in Washington, and Steve at least 12 protesters, and perhaps as aid has not achieved the results that made the move with her. many as 20, have been killed and many the Honduran people and we wanted, Before the Senate, he worked at the more injured, mostly from military po- and the reason for that, I believe, is Mayflower Hotel, another Washington lice firing live ammunition. I was dis- primarily because successive Honduran legend. As I mentioned, he started in appointed that, in his speech yester- Governments were not serious about the Senate Dining Room as maitre d’ day, President Hernandez made no addressing many of the key problems I and worked his way up to assistant mention of those tragic deaths. have mentioned, yet the aid kept flow- general manager and finally general As we await the Trump administra- ing. Unfortunately, I am not convinced manager. tion’s decision on whether to support that the current government is suffi- He works incredibly hard, from early the OAS’s call for a new election or ac- ciently serious about this, either. in the morning until evening or later. cept President Hernandez’ claim to a Honduras today desperately needs a With his calm demeanor, he makes a second term, I want to make three freely and fairly elected leader who can tough job look almost easy. points. unite the country. Unfortunately, this That calm may have something to do First, if this flawed election had been election lacked the conditions of fair- with the fact that Steve is a dedicated held in a country not led by a Presi- ness and transparency necessary to marathon runner. He has run 18 mara- dent whose consolidation of power and produce that result. If a new election is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.013 S20DEPT1 S8178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 held under such conditions, it is en- As the administration’s just-released Na- habitat for so many flora and fauna. It tirely possible that President Her- tional Security Strategy says, ‘‘Stable, remains a sacred place for local tribes, nandez may win—or he may not. But friendly, and prosperous states in the West- and one of America’s most spectacular for him, or any candidate, to obtain ern Hemisphere enhance our security and wild places. The case for preservation benefit our economy.’’ The best way to en- the mandate required to unite the sure that Honduras becomes one is to sup- has not changed. country and make a credible case that port free, transparent and fair elections. By contrast, the case for drilling has his government is a deserving partner never been weaker. Compared to 2008, of the United States, it will need to be f domestic oil production has nearly by rejecting the serious flaws of this NOMINATION OBJECTION doubled. Oil imports are down 22 per- election and demonstrating to all the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I in- cent. The price of oil has fallen 50 per- people of Honduras and this hemi- tend to object to any unanimous con- cent. Terminals we built to import oil sphere what real democracy looks like. sent requests at the present time relat- and gas are now being used to export I ask unanimous consent that today’s ing to the nominations of David J. oil and gas. For all these reasons, unlike 2008, oil Bloomberg View editorial calling for a Ryder, of New Jersey, to be Director of companies are not clamoring for more new democratic election in Honduras the Mint, and of Isabel Marie Keenan opportunities to drill. Just last week, be printed in the RECORD. Patelunas, of Pennsylvania, to be As- oil companies had the chance to bid on There being no objection, the mate- sistant Secretary for Intelligence and 10.3 million acres open for drilling in rial was ordered to be printed in the Analysis, Department of the Treasury. Alaska. In the end, less than 1 percent RECORD, as follows: I will object because the Department of the land was leased. THE U.S. SHOULD BACK NEW ELECTIONS IN of the Treasury has failed to respond to Think about that. We are not even HONDURAS a letter I sent on September 29, 2017, to using all of the land now available for (By James Gibney and Michael Newman) a bureau within the Department seek- drilling in Alaska. It defies reason that LATIN AMERICA NEEDS TO START ITS BIG ing documents relevant to an ongoing we would open up even more, especially ELECTION YEAR ON THE RIGHT FOOT investigation by the Senate Committee in a place as treasured as the Arctic There is only one way out of Honduras’s on the Judiciary. Despite several phone Refuge. deepening political crisis, and that is a new calls between committee staff and All of this is to say that, if it made presidential election. It’s a solution the U.S., Treasury personnel to prioritize par- with its long history in Latin America, little sense to drill in 2008, it makes no ticular requests within that letter, the should help bring about—although it would sense to drill now. Treasury Department has to date failed help if it had an ambassador there. So it should surprise no one that the to provide any documents. The certification this week of incumbent other side doesn’t want a real debate. President Juan Orlando Hernandez’s con- My objection is not intended to ques- That is why they tucked this into their tested victory in last month’s election has tion the credentials of Mr. Ryder or massive tax bill, hoping to sneak it in brought Hondurans into the streets, con- Ms. Patelunas in any way. However, tinuing a wave of violent demonstrations under the hood. the Department must recognize that it Their justification? We need revenue that have claimed at least 24 lives. It comes has an ongoing obligation to respond to after a deeply flawed ballot-counting process from the oil to pay down the deficit that included long delays, after which Her- congressional inquiries in a timely and that we are creating with this tax bill. nandez’s early deficit mysteriously dis- reasonable manner. There are two problems with that. appeared. (The final tally put him ahead by f First, the Congressional Budget Office about 1.5 percent.) The vote was denounced found that, because of low demand, rev- by numerous observers—including the Orga- ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE enue from drilling would be far less nization of American States, which has REFUGE called for new elections. than projected, potentially hundreds of Yet the U.S., which has no ambassador in Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, in 2008, millions less. Tegucigalpa or an assistant secretary of the Senate took up the question of Second, the only reason we are hav- State for the hemisphere, has been only whether to drill in the Arctic National ing this conversation is because the mildly critical. When Hernandez’s victory Wildlife Refuge. I wasn’t here at the other side wants to spend $1.4 trillion was certified, it urged opposing political par- time, but I remember the issue prompt- on tax cuts for corporations and the ties to ‘‘raise any concerns they may have.’’ ed a rigorous debate. wealthiest Americans. And just after the disputed election, the The Senate spent months on the Consider this: Their plan spends $37 State Department renewed aid to Honduras— topic. Experts weighed in, and the a move widely interpreted as tacit support billion to give an average tax cut of for Hernandez. American people had a chance to share $64,000 to those lucky enough to make Hernandez has won friends in Washington their views in a fairly open process. over $1 million a year. with his willingness to crack down on crime It is worth pausing to recall the con- To help pay for that, we are about to and illegal migration to the U.S., and his in- text for that discussion. In 2008, Amer- drill in one of the most stunning places vestor-friendly policies. At the same time, ica produced nearly 7 million barrels of in America. his administration has been responsible for oil a day and imported another 12 mil- I am not opposed to oil and gas pro- ugly human rights abuses and been impli- lion. The price of oil was roughly $150 duction. We need transition fuels as we cated in several high-profile corruption scan- a barrel. There was talk about the dals. Moreover, he has extended his tenure move toward low-carbon, renewable en- only by packing Honduras’s Supreme Court world hitting ‘‘peak oil.’’ ergy. I also recognize that, for many to lift the country’s one-term limit for presi- In that context, one side claimed small towns across America, the oil dents. The head of the court responsible for that drilling in the Arctic Refuge was and gas sector is a rare source of certifying election results is one of Hernan- needed to boost domestic production, steady, high-paying jobs. dez’s close allies. reduce foreign imports, and lower In Colorado, we have managed to in- Even before last month’s flawed vote, Hon- prices at the pump. The other side crease energy production to meet our duras was notable for the lack of popular countered that any economic benefit growing demand. But we have done so confidence in its electoral mechanisms. And from drilling was far outweighed by the if it’s stability that Washington seeks, these in a way that protects our public lands disputed results don’t promise to achieve it. need to preserve the Arctic Refuge, a and creates jobs, for those in oil and Protracted unrest will only make fighting jewel of our public lands, a vital habi- gas and our thriving outdoor economy. drugs and illegal migration harder. tat for wildlife, and a sacred place for We have found a way for all sides to The contrast between the OAS and the U.S. the Gwich’in people—a place so sacred win. could also hurt U.S. influence and credi- they are reluctant to even enter it. If my colleagues from Alaska want to bility. The U.S. has rightly supported the In the end, after weighing the facts increase energy production, create OAS in its efforts to hold Venezuela account- and considering the costs, 56 Senators, jobs, and spur growth, I stand ready to able for its electoral crimes. If it fails to do included 6 Republicans, voted to pro- help, but let’s not pretend that drilling the same in Honduras, it risks setting a dan- gerous double standard. This would be espe- tect the Arctic Refuge from drilling. in the Arctic Refuge is the only way to cially damaging in a year when nearly two That was 2008. Now fast forward to do that. out of three Latin Americans are scheduled 2017. The Arctic Refuge remains a jewel There are places in America where to go to the polls. of our public lands. It remains a vital you can set up an oil rig, lay down

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.017 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8179 roads, and run pipelines in responsible war on our troops. He was much more My staff and I wish her the best in way. The Arctic Refuge is not one of than a regional representative. He was the future. We will always appreciate those places. It is a treasure we should an integral part of my Senate life. Kris her and her willingness to help us be- leave for our children, not a place to became a friend and trusted advisor come better public servants. drill for no good reason. and was a genuine pleasure to know. f Sadly, the Senate voted to allow My visits to the Panhandle were al- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS drilling in the Arctic Refuge when it ways great because of good, cheerful took up the broader tax bill. company and a car full of snacks! Cap- For every American who opposed this tain, enjoy a well-earned retirement TRIBUTE TO FREDERIKA S. move, know that this isn’t over. and thank you for your many years of JENNER Senator MARKEY and I have authored dedicated service to our country.’’ ∑ a bill, which now has 41 cosponsors, For many people, this could be con- Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, it is that would shield the Arctic Refuge sidered a full career. For Kris Tande, with great pleasure that, on behalf of from drilling. this was his second act. Captain Tande Delaware’s congressional delegation, I So I urge everyone to keep fighting, was designated a Naval aviator in 1970 wish to honor the exemplary service of to keep speaking out for America’s and subsequently flew 4,000 hours in educator and Delaware State Edu- public lands, which are the envy of the helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and cation Association leader Frederika S. world, to keep standing up for the deployed on several aircraft carriers. Jenner. She has served Delaware as a beautiful places in America we must He is a plankowner of the amphibious teacher and education advocate since pass on to the next generation, as our ship USS Wasp LHD–1. Tande held sev- 1972, and during that time, she worked parents and grandparents did for us. eral commands, most notably as com- to effectively improve our education system and shape thousands of young f manding officer Naval Air Station Whiting Field, 1993–1995, in Milton, FL, children’s lives. Frederika has now re- TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN LUDVIG K. tired after more than four decades of TANDE and commander Training Wing Five (1995). His flight helmet sits in the re- serving in Delaware’s schools and advo- Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President: I wish to constructed NAS Cubi Point Officers’ cating on behalf of its students and pay tribute to a member of my staff, Club, originally in the Republic of the teachers. She is a selfless education ad- Kris Tande, who is retiring from the Philippines, now at the National Naval vocate and adviser, as well as a devoted Senate at the end of this year. This is Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. wife and mother. Delaware’s education not the first time he has retired from As he leaves the service of his coun- system and countless Delawareans will public service as retired Navy Capt try and heads into retirement with his benefit from her life’s work for decades Ludvig K. Kris Tande spent a career as wife of 47 years, J.J., his four children, to come. a naval aviator prior to working for and six beloved grandsons, I wanted to Frederika is a graduate of A.I. Du- several legislators from the State of thank Captain Tande for his service to Pont High School in Wilmington, DE. Florida. his country and particularly to north- She earned her bachelor’s degree in Captain Tande currently serves as west Florida. The business, military education from Goucher College in Bal- my senior State military director, and personnel, veteran and their families timore and then returned to Delaware I am the fourth Florida Senator to who make up so much of the Florida where she taught elementary school for have had Captain Tande help me rep- Panhandle will miss this good public 39 years. She had such a dedication to resent northwest Florida. Starting in servant’s steady hand. education that she furthered her own 1998, Captain Tande served as regional Best wishes to Kris and J.J. as they while she was teaching and ultimately director for Senator Connie Mack, embark on a well-earned retirement. received her master’s in instruction later serving in the same position for from the University of Delaware. Al- f Senators Mel Martinez and George though she started as an English and LeMieux. Former Congressman Jeff TRIBUTE TO KATIE MURRAY reading specialist, Frederika took a Miller tapped Captain Tande as his dis- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I leap to become a science teacher along trict director from 2001–2005. Captain recognize Katie Murray for all of her the way, teaching herself and earning Tande has served the constituents of hard work on behalf of myself, my her certification all in the first year in Northwest Florida for the past 19 staff, and the citizens of South Dakota her new position. From then on, years, a term that notably included the while working in my Rapid City and science remained an intense passion of 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Sioux Falls, offices. hers, as well as a focus of much of her Commission, which saw Florida gain Katie is a joy to work with, and she work both in and out of the classroom. vital military missions such as the re- has been an excellent public servant. Throughout her career, Frederika also location of 7th Special Forces Group We wish her the best in all of her fu- encouraged a love of reading among her from North Carolina and the standup of ture endeavors. students and took great pride in her multiservice F–35 Joint Strike Fighter The citizens of South Dakota, my voluminous classroom library, with training at Eglin Air Force Base. Dur- staff, and I are grateful to Katie for her over 2,000 books on its shelves. ing my time, when our country lost service. We are a better State because Throughout her many years in the one of its brave troops, Captain Tande of her hard work. classroom, Frederika became a trusted helped connect me with the families to f voice among her fellow educators. whom we owed a great debt. When dis- From day one, she was involved as a aster struck, Captain Tande was in- TRIBUTE TO MICHELE MUSTAIN building representative for the Dela- strumental in assisting Floridians ad- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I ware State Education Association, and versely affected by the 2010 Deepwater recognize Michele Mustain for all of her activism grew from there. Later, Horizon oil spill that resulted in sub- her hard work on behalf of myself, my she would serve as president of the stantial economic damage in northwest staff, and the people of South Dakota 1,200-member Red Clay Education Asso- Florida. while working in my Sioux Falls, SD ciation and then went on to serve as an Former Senator Mel Martinez has office. executive board member of the Dela- this to say about Kris: ‘‘Captain Tande We are grateful for the excellent ware State Education Association for 3 was one of the most valued members of work she has done for other elected years. In 2011, Frederika was elected my Senate staff. My service in the Sen- leaders and for all of the help she has president of the Delaware State Edu- ate came at the beginning of the ‘War given to the citizens of the United cation Association. In that role, she on Terror’. Kris provided me valuable States. emerged as a strong and fair leader, insight into the military issues we Because she has helped so many sol- working to shape education policy de- were confronting. He particularly diers and their families, it is fitting cisionmaking. For many years, she helped me to understand the plight of that she will now be working for the served as the bridge between DSEA military families impacted by long de- Employer Support for the Guard and members and public officials as the ployments, and the physical cost of Reserve. State worked to create and implement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.032 S20DEPT1 S8180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 new educational standards that we use last 36 years has helped the energy pro- Allen Ford, with six congregants in today and to chart a course to reach vider’s membership to more than dou- 1867. The church began to rapidly grow them. ble, growing from 29,000 members to ap- and became the social and religious Frederika also took on the task of proximately 66,000. Charles has a rep- foundation and place of refuge for Afri- improving science education in Dela- utation as a humble, accessible leader. can Americans in the community. As ware. She worked for 5 years as a Coa- In fact, he has been known to give out Bethel A.M.E. rose in prominence, it lition science specialist and helped his home phone number to Blue Ridge attracted the attention of notable fig- school districts all over Delaware inte- members in an effort to provide con- ures, including abolitionist and wom- grate new State science standards and stant service and maintain relation- en’s rights activist Sojourner Truth in innovative teaching practices, includ- ships in the communities in which he 1871. ing the Smithsonian Kits Programs. serves. Over the past 150 years, more than a She regularly traveled the State, train- In addition to contributing to the dozen pastors have led Bethel A.M.E. ing teachers and delivering necessary Upstate’s growing economy during his and have left lasting contributions to supplies—everything from magnets and tenure at Blue Ridge, Charles has also the church’s fundamental mission and batteries to live crayfish, all in the in- served in multiple capacities on non- community outreach. Reverend J.A. terest of ensuring that students receiv- profit boards, including the Greenville Dean’s passion for ministering to ing hands-on science training. In 2010, chapter of the American Red Cross, youth laid the foundation for youth Delaware Governor Jack Markell rec- Peace Center, and Cannon Memorial programs such as the Daily Vacation ognized her immense capabilities and Hospital. He was selected to serve as a Bible School and the Carver Center of appointed Frederika to the State Em- commissioner for the South Carolina National Youth Organization in Sagi- ployee Advisory Committee. Department of Transportation and co- naw. Each pastor had a hand in the ex- There is a reason why, as Governor of founded the Upstate South Carolina Al- pansion of the church. Reverend Isaiah Delaware, I was laser-focused on edu- liance, an organization committed to Snelling spearheaded the development cation and strengthening families. I be- establishing the Upstate as a promi- of a new church complex. After 12 lieve these are two areas where we can nent economic region competing in the years, the construction was completed make a lasting difference in the trajec- global economy. After his retirement, under Rev. Harold C. Huggins’ tenure tory of a young person’s life. Frederika Charles and his wife, Libby, are look- in 1967. Bethel A.M.E. celebrated the shares this belief and dedicated her ca- ing forward to remaining engaged and church’s centennial and dedication of reer to the young people of Delaware. active in the Upstate. the new development within the same HRIS Charles has received statewide rec- On behalf of both U.S. Senator C year. COONS and U.S. Representative LISA ognition for his contributions to busi- BLUNT ROCHESTER, I want to thank ness, regional collaboration, and com- Bethel A.M.E. has had many suc- Frederika S. Jenner for her service to munity service in South Carolina. In cesses over the years and has also en- the people of Delaware. Her love of 1998, he was selected by Governor dured great tragedy. Kenneth Bowman children, along with her leadership and Beasley to serve as South Carolina’s stepped into the role of substitute pas- dedication to the notion that all chil- ‘‘Ambassador for Economic Develop- tor when Rev. R.C. Boyd, who served dren can learn, have improved the ment.’’ As a proud graduate of Clemson from 1949 to 1954, became ill. Pastor quality of education for countless Dela- University, Charles was recognized Bowman accomplished many goals wareans who were fortunate enough to with the 2014 Distinguished Service within his 1-year tenure, until he was be in her classroom and many who Award by the Clemson Alumni Associa- killed in an automobile accident on were not. However, all Delawareans tion for serving as an exceptional role March 13, 1954. Soon after, Pastor Boyd have benefitted from the educational model for present and future students. passed away on March 18, 1954, suc- system she has worked so hard to help Last year, Charles was awarded the cumbing to his illness. improve. Spirit of the Upstate Award for con- Through the tragedies, Bethel A.M.E. We are delighted to offer today our sistently exhibiting exceptional leader- held true to its motto: ‘‘Love Conquers heartfelt congratulations to Frederika ship and dedicating his personal and All,’’ by providing for the physical and Jenner on a job well done, and we want professional life to strengthening the spiritual needs of the Saginaw commu- to convey our thanks as well to her Upstate region in South Carolina. nity with steadfast and compassionate husband, Charles, and their sons An- These accolades serve as a testament stewardship by organizing missions, drew and Nick for sharing with the to the profound role Charles has played youth programs, and prison ministries. children of Delaware a remarkable in improving the lives of South Caro- Bethel A.M.E. also feeds the hungry, woman and educator.∑ linians in the Upstate, and I am con- assists residents experiencing home- f fident that he will continue to do so in lessness, and operates both a credit this next chapter of life. union and daycare center. TRIBUTE TO CHARLES DALTON It is a distinct honor to recognize Today Bethel A.M.E. Church, led by ∑ Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I am Charles Dalton on this important mile- Pastor Dennis Laffoon, is the oldest Af- genuinely honored to recognize before stone. I ask that my colleagues join me rican-American church in the Great the U.S. Senate and the Nation Charles in thanking Charles for the many con- Lakes Bay Region. Their membership Dalton of Greenville, SC, on the occa- tributions he has made over the course has grown from its six founding mem- sion of his retirement as chief execu- of his career, and I wish him all the bers into a proud and active body of tive officer and president of Blue Ridge best.∑ more than 1,000 strong. In its 150 years, Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge f Security Solutions. Bethel A.M.E. has been a community Born and raised on a farm in Pickens, 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL institution, spiritual refuge, and civic SC, Charles from an early age devel- AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL leader in Saginaw. oped a love for antique cars, Clemson CHURCH I am pleased to rise today to ask my football, and serving the Upstate of ∑ Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, today I colleagues to join me in recognizing South Carolina. Charles cofounded and wish to recognize the 150th anniversary the historic milestone of the 150th an- operated a furniture company in Pick- of Bethel African Methodist Epis- niversary of Bethel African Methodist ens with his brother, Allison Dalton, copal—A.M.E.—Church in Saginaw, MI. Episcopal Church. From modest begin- before starting his career with Blue This occasion commemorates the hum- nings in that little home on Fourth Ridge Electric Cooperative. ble beginnings of Bethel A.M.E. from a Street to expanding its square footage Charles was elected chief executive church of 6 to now more than 1,000 and its mission to pass on the blessings in 1982 and has committed his time to congregants, celebrating 150 years of they have received onto the commu- serving the State of South Carolina by faith, fellowship, and family. nity, Bethel A.M.E. has much to cele- bringing power to remote, moun- Bethel A.M.E. Church, the first Afri- brate. I wish the leadership and con- tainous communities in five counties can-American church in Saginaw, gregation continued success and pros- in the Upstate. His leadership over the began in the home of Mr. and Mrs. perity in the years ahead.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20DE6.033 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8181 MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban S. 2259. A bill to establish certain duties Affairs. for pharmacies to ensure provision of Food Messages from the President of the H.R. 4254. An act to amend the National and Drug Administration-approved contra- United States were communicated to Science Foundation Authorization Act of ception, medication related to contracep- the Senate by Ms. Ridgway, one of his 2002 to strengthen the aerospace workforce tion, and for other purposes; to the Com- secretaries. pipeline by the promotion of Robert Noyce mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Teacher Scholarship Program and National Pensions. f Aeronautics and Space Administration in- f EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED ternship and fellowship opportunities to women, and for other purposes; to the Com- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND As in executive session the Presiding mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- SENATE RESOLUTIONS Officer laid before the Senate messages tation. The following concurrent resolutions from the President of the United H.R. 4323. An act to promote veteran in- States submitting nominations which volvement in STEM education, computer and Senate resolutions were read, and were referred to the Committee on the science, and scientific research, and for other referred (or acted upon), as indicated: Judiciary. purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. Science, and Transportation. NELSON): (The message received today is print- H.R. 4375. An act to provide for a report on S. Res. 362. A resolution recognizing the ed at the end of the Senate pro- broadening participation in certain National service of the Los Angeles-class attack sub- ceedings.) Science Foundation research and education marine the USS Jacksonville and the crew of f programs, to collect data on Federal re- the USS Jacksonville, who served the United search grants to science agencies, and for States with valor and bravery; considered MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE other purposes; to the Committee on Com- and agreed to. At 11:02 a.m., a message from the merce, Science, and Transportation. By Mr. NELSON (for himself and Mr. f RUBIO): House of Representatives, delivered by S. Res. 363. A resolution expressing pro- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES found concern about the growing political, announced that the House has passed The following reports of committees humanitarian, and economic crisis in Ven- the following bill, without amendment: were submitted: ezuela and the widespread human rights abuses perpetrated by the Government of S. 1536. An act to designate a human traf- By Mr. HATCH, from the Committee on Fi- ficking prevention coordinator and to expand Venezuela; to the Committee on Foreign Re- nance, with an amendment in the nature of lations. the scope of activities authorized under the a substitute: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administra- S. 1827. A bill to extend funding for the f tion’s outreach and education program to in- Children’s Health Insurance Program, and ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS clude human trafficking prevention activi- for other purposes (Rept. No. 115–197). ties, and for other purposes. By Mr. HOEVEN, from the Committee on S. 515 The message also announced that the Indian Affairs, with an amendment in the At the request of Mr. CASEY, the House has passed the following bills, in nature of a substitute: name of the Senator from North Da- which it requests the concurrence of S. 1333. A bill to provide for rental assist- kota (Ms. HEITKAMP) was added as a co- the Senate: ance for homeless or at-risk Indian veterans sponsor of S. 515, a bill to require the (Rept. No. 115–198). H.R. 3312. An act to amend the Dodd-Frank Secretary of Labor to maintain a pub- Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protec- f licly available list of all employers tion Act to specify when bank holding com- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND that relocate a call center overseas, to panies may be subject to certain enhanced JOINT RESOLUTIONS make such companies ineligible for supervision, and for other purposes. Federal grants or guaranteed loans, H.R. 4254. An act to amend the National The following bills and joint resolu- tions were introduced, read the first and to require disclosure of the phys- Science Foundation Authorization Act of ical location of business agents engag- 2002 to strengthen the aerospace workforce and second times by unanimous con- pipeline by the promotion of Robert Noyce sent, and referred as indicated: ing in customer service communica- tions, and for other purposes. Teacher Scholarship Program and National By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Ms. S. 1580 Aeronautics and Space Administration in- BALDWIN): ternship and fellowship opportunities to S. 2255. A bill to reauthorize title VI of the At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the women, and for other purposes. Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to im- names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. H.R. 4323. An act to promote veteran in- prove and encourage innovation in inter- MERKLEY) and the Senator from Mary- volvement in STEM education, computer national education, and for other purposes; land (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) were added as science, and scientific research, and for other to the Committee on Health, Education, purposes. cosponsors of S. 1580, a bill to enhance Labor, and Pensions. the transparency, improve the coordi- H.R. 4375. An act to provide for a report on By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. nation, and intensify the impact of as- broadening participation in certain National GRASSLEY, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. ROBERTS, Science Foundation research and education Mr. THUNE, and Mr. ISAKSON): sistance to support access to primary programs, to collect data on Federal re- S. 2256. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- and secondary education for displaced search grants to science agencies, and for enue Code of 1986 to extend expiring provi- children and persons, including women other purposes. sions, and for other purposes; to the Com- and girls, and for other purposes. mittee on Finance. S. 1615 At 1:48 p.m., a message from the By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. At the request of Mr. NELSON, his House of Representatives, delivered by GRAHAM): Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- S. 2257. A bill to establish the IMPACT for name was added as a cosponsor of S. nounced that the House agreed to the Energy Foundation; to the Committee on 1615, a bill to authorize the cancella- amendment of the Senate to the bill Energy and Natural Resources. tion of removal and adjustment of sta- (H.R. 1) to provide for reconciliation By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. tus of certain individuals who are long- COONS, and Mr. KING): term United States residents and who pursuant to titles II and V of the con- S. 2258. A bill to provide for the discharge current resolution on the budget for entered the United States as children, of parent borrower liability if a student on and for other purposes. fiscal year 2018. whose behalf a parent has received certain S. 1693 f student loans becomes disabled; to the Com- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the MEASURES REFERRED Pensions. names of the Senator from Wyoming The following bills were read the first By Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mrs. (Mr. ENZI) and the Senator from New MURRAY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. WHITE- Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ) were added as and the second times by unanimous HOUSE, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. FRANKEN, consent, and referred as indicated: cosponsors of S. 1693, a bill to amend Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. KAINE, Mrs. the Communications Act of 1934 to H.R. 3312. An act to amend the Dodd-Frank SHAHEEN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protec- SANDERS, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. MARKEY, clarify that section 230 of that Act does tion Act to specify when bank holding com- Mr. MURPHY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. not prohibit the enforcement against panies may be subject to certain enhanced DUCKWORTH, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. providers and users of interactive com- supervision, and for other purposes; to the MERKLEY, and Mr. WYDEN): puter services of Federal and State

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.003 S20DEPT1 S8182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017 criminal and civil law relating to sex Rights for covered discrimination and people suffer from shortages of essential trafficking. covered harassment complaints, and medicines, food, and basic supplies; Whereas because of the crisis in Venezuela, S. 1774 for other purposes. approximately 1,300,000 people are under- At the request of Mr. HATCH, the f nourished and roughly 75 percent of the pop- name of the Senator from Kentucky SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS ulation has lost an average of 19 pounds (Mr. PAUL) was added as a cosponsor of since the start of the economic crisis; S. 1774, a bill to provide protections for Whereas the largest impact of the crisis in workers with respect to their right to SENATE RESOLUTION 362—RECOG- Venezuela is felt by children, as 54 percent select or refrain from selecting rep- NIZING THE SERVICE OF THE suffer from nutritional deficiencies, accord- resentation by a labor organization. LOS ANGELES-CLASS ATTACK ing to the nongovernmental organization SUBMARINE THE USS JACKSON- Caritas; S. 1914 Whereas public health organizations in At the request of Mr. WARNER, the VILLE AND THE CREW OF THE Venezuela report that only 38 percent of es- name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. USS JACKSONVILLE, WHO sential drugs are present in the country and YOUNG) was added as a cosponsor of S. SERVED THE UNITED STATES more than 60 of the hospitals in Venezuela 1914, a bill to amend title XVIII of the WITH VALOR AND BRAVERY no longer have potable water, leading to a Social Security Act in order to Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. NEL- rise in chronic diseases, as well as in commu- nicable diseases such as malaria and diph- strengthen rules in case of competition SON) submitted the following resolu- for diabetic testing strips, and for tion; which was considered and agreed theria; Whereas the crisis forces thousands of Ven- other purposes. to: ezuelans to leave the country in vulnerable S. 2070 S. RES. 362 conditions and the number of Venezuelans At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the Whereas the USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) is seeking asylum in 2017 was almost double name of the Senator from Wisconsin named after Jacksonville, the largest and that in 2016, according to the United Nations (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- most populous city in Florida, and is the High Commissioner for Refugees; sor of S. 2070, a bill to amend the Vio- first ship to bear that name; Whereas President of Venezuela Nicolas Whereas the slogan of the city of Jackson- Maduro has repeatedly denied the existence lent Crime Control and Law Enforce- ville, Florida, is ‘‘The Bold New City of the of Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis and re- ment Act of 1994, to reauthorize the South’’ and inspired the nickname of the jected offers of international humanitarian Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient USS Jacksonville, which is ‘‘The Bold One’’; assistance; Alert Program, and to promote initia- Whereas, on August 10, 2017, the USS Jack- Whereas, instead of responding to the tives that will reduce the risk of injury sonville returned to the home port of the needs and demands of its people, the Govern- and death relating to the wandering USS Jacksonville at Joint Base Pearl Har- ment of Venezuela has prioritized the con- characteristics of some children with bor-Hickam in the Western Pacific after 209 solidation of power, undermined Venezuela’s autism. days out to sea, thus completing the 15th and democracy, and engaged in a campaign of re- final deployment of the USS Jacksonville; pression and human rights abuses; S. 2105 Whereas, on the last deployment of the Whereas the Government of Venezuela cur- At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the USS Jacksonville, the USS Jacksonville tails freedom of expression, harasses journal- name of the Senator from Massachu- steamed more than 48,000 nautical miles ists, and limits the ability of the Venezuelan setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- while conducting— people and the world to learn about the cri- sponsor of S. 2105, a bill to modify the (1) maritime security operations in the sis and its effects; presumption of service connection for areas of operation of the Fifth Fleet and Sev- Whereas, starting in April 2017, Venezuelan enth Fleet of the United States; and citizens staged massive, nationwide protests veterans who were exposed to herbicide (2) joint exercises with the Maritime Self- for more than four months in direct opposi- agents while serving in the Armed Defense Force of Japan and the navy of the tion to President Maduro’s efforts to consoli- Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam Republic of India; date power and undermine Venezuela’s de- era, and for other purposes. Whereas, since the commissioning of the mocracy; S. 2147 USS Jacksonville on May 16, 1981, the USS Whereas the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights re- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the Jacksonville has completed 2 around-the- ports that 124 deaths have been investigated name of the Senator from Pennsyl- world cruises, visited ports on nearly every continent, and completed countless critical by the Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- missions; and in connection with the 2017 protests, with at sponsor of S. 2147, a bill to amend the Whereas, on September 11, 2001, while the least 46 victims allegedly killed by security Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create USS Jacksonville was attached to the Enter- forces and 27 more by members of armed pro- a Pension Rehabilitation Trust Fund prise Battle Group, the USS Jacksonville— government civilian groups, bringing the to establish a Pension Rehabilitation (1) was in the Mediterranean Sea; and total number of extrajudicial deaths to 357 Administration within the Department (2) stayed on-station to provide critical in- between July 2015 and March 2017; of the Treasury to make loans to mul- telligence support as the United States pre- Whereas the United Nations Office of the pared to retaliate in response to the terrorist High Commissioner concluded that there has tiemployer defined benefit plans, and attacks carried out on that day: Now, there- been widespread and systematic use of exces- for other purposes. fore, be it sive force and arbitrary detentions against S. 2152 Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the demonstrators, as well as violent raids of At the request of Mr. HATCH, the service of the Los Angeles-class attack sub- homes, torture, and ill-treatment of those name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. marine the USS Jacksonville and the crew of detained in connection with the protests; the USS Jacksonville, who served the United Whereas human rights organizations in MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of States with valor and bravery. Venezuela have identified more than 5,000 ar- S. 2152, a bill to amend title 18, United f bitrary detentions between April 1, 2017, and States Code, to provide for assistance October 31, 2017, and at least 299 political for victims of child pornography, and SENATE RESOLUTION 363—EX- prisoners currently detained; for other purposes. PRESSING PROFOUND CONCERN Whereas Amnesty International docu- S. 2236 ABOUT THE GROWING POLIT- mented repeated use of various methods of arbitrary detention, including torture and At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, ICAL, HUMANITARIAN, AND ECO- NOMIC CRISIS IN VENEZUELA forced disappearances intended to silence the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- dissidents and limit freedom of expression; land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a AND THE WIDESPREAD HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES PERPETRATED Whereas nongovernmental organizations cosponsor of S. 2236, a bill to require Human Rights Watch and Foro Penal have covered discrimination and covered BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VEN- documented how Venezuelan security forces harassment awareness and prevention EZUELA have used tactics of torture, involving elec- training for Members, officers, employ- Mr. NELSON (for himself and Mr. tric shocks and asphyxiation, against indi- ees, interns, fellows, and detailees of RUBIO) submitted the following resolu- viduals who oppose the Government of Ven- Congress within 30 days of employment tion; which was referred to the Com- ezuela; Whereas the Government of Venezuela con- and annually thereafter, to require a mittee on Foreign Relations: tinues to use the Bolivarian National Guard biennial climate survey of Congress, to S. RES. 363 and National Police to repress and detain amend the enforcement process under Whereas the crisis in Venezuela continues protesters and subsequently try them in the Office of Congressional Workplace to ravage the country and the Venezuelan military courts with at least 198 documented

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.008 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8183 cases against civilians in military courts; EXECUTIVE SESSION with no intervening action or debate; and that if confirmed, the motions to re- Whereas, on July 25, 2017, the Organization consider be considered made and laid of American States Secretary General Luis EXECUTIVE CALENDAR upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- Almagro convened public hearings to review whether the Government of Venezuela has Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I dent be immediately notified of the committed crimes against humanity and ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Senate’s action; that no further mo- should be referred to the International ate proceed to executive session for the tions be in order; and that any state- Criminal Court: Now, therefore, be it en bloc consideration of the following ments relating to the nominations be Resolved, That the Senate— nominations: Executive Calendar Nos. printed in the RECORD. (1) expresses its profound concern about 489, 498, 509, 531, and 532; that the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the humanitarian impacts of the crisis suf- ate vote on the nominations en bloc objection, it is so ordered. fered by the people of Venezuela, including with no intervening action or debate; The question is, Will the Senate ad- widespread shortages of basic food commod- vise and consent to the Kees, ities and essential medicines; that if confirmed, the motions to re- consider be considered made and laid McAllister, Parsons, Patrick, and Stu- (2) urges President of Venezuela Nicolas art nominations en bloc? Maduro to permit the delivery of inter- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- The nominations were confirmed en national humanitarian assistance; dent be immediately notified of the (3) calls on the Government of Venezuela Senate’s action; that no further mo- bloc. to immediately release all political prisoners tions be in order; and that any state- f and to respect internationally recognized ments relating to the nominations be UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREE- human rights; printed in the RECORD. (4) calls on the Government of Venezuela MENT—EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there to ensure the neutrality and professionalism Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of all security forces and to respect the Ven- objection? ask unanimous consent that at a time ezuelan people’s rights to freedom of expres- Without objection, it is so ordered. to be determined by the majority lead- sion and assembly; Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to er, in consultation with the Demo- (5) supports the Secretary General of the consider the nominations en bloc. cratic leader, on January 3, 2018, the Organization of American States in his re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate proceed to executive session for view of whether the widespread human question is, Will the Senate advise and rights abuses in Venezuela warrant an inves- the consideration of the following nom- consent to the nominations of Bruce D. ination: Executive Calendar No. 508. I tigation by the International Criminal Jette, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Court; and ask consent that there be 30 minutes of (6) urges the President of the United States Secretary of the Army; James E. debate, equally divided in the usual to provide full support for OAS efforts in ex- McPherson, of Virginia, to be General form; that following the use or yielding amining the human rights situation in Ven- Counsel of the Department of the back of time, the Senate vote on the ezuela and to instruct appropriate Federal Army; Randall G. Schriver, of Virginia, nomination with no intervening action agencies to hold officials of the Government to be an Assistant Secretary of De- of Venezuela accountable for violations of or debate; that if confirmed, the mo- fense; Thomas Harker, of Virginia, to tion to reconsider be considered made United States law and abuses of internation- be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy; ally recognized human rights. and laid upon the table; that the Presi- and John P. Roth, of Virginia, to be an dent be immediately notified of the f Assistant Secretary of the Air Force en Senate’s action; that no further mo- bloc? tions be in order; and that any state- The nominations were confirmed en NOTICE OF INTENT TO OBJECT TO ments relating to the nomination be bloc. PROCEEDING printed in the RECORD. I further ask f I, Senator CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, in- that notwithstanding rule XXXI, the tend to object to proceeding to the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR nomination be held in status quo into the second session of the 115th Con- nomination of David J. Ryder, of New Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Jersey, to be Director of the Mint, and ask unanimous consent that the Sen- gress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Isabel Marie Keenan Patelunas, of ate proceed to the en bloc consider- objection, it is so ordered. Pennsylvania, to be Assistant Sec- ation of the following nominations: Ex- retary of Intelligence and Analysis, De- ecutive Calendar Nos. 571, 572, 573, 574, f partment of the Treasury, dated De- and 575. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR cember 20, 2017. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. f ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The clerk will report the nomina- ate proceed to the consideration of Ex- tions en bloc. AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO ecutive Calendar Nos. 560 through 569 The legislative clerk read the nomi- MEET and all nominations placed on the Sec- nations of Duane A. Kees, of Arkansas, retary’s desk; that the nominations be Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I have to be United States Attorney for the a request for one committee to meet confirmed; that the motions to recon- Western District of Arkansas for the sider be considered made and laid upon during today’s session of the Senate. It term of four years; Stephen R. has the approval of the Majority and the table with no intervening action or McAllister, of Kansas, to be United debate; that no further motions be in Minority leaders. States Attorney for the District of Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph order; that any statements related to Kansas for the term of four years; Ron- the nominations be printed in the 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- ald A. Parsons, Jr., of South Dakota, to ate, the following committee is author- RECORD; that the President be imme- be United States Attorney for the Dis- diately notified of the Senate’s action, ized to meet during today’s session of trict of South Dakota for the term of the Senate: and the Senate then resume legislative four years; Ryan K. Patrick, of Texas, session. SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND to be United States Attorney for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without INFRASTRUCTURE Southern District of Texas for the term objection, it is so ordered. The Subcommittee on Transpor- of four years; and Michael B. Stuart, of The nominations considered and con- tation and Infrastructure of the Com- West Virginia, to be United States At- firmed are as follows: mittee on Environment and Public torney for the Southern District of IN THE AIR FORCE Works is authorized to meet during the West Virginia for the term of four The following named officer for appoint- session of the Senate on Wednesday, years. ment in the United States Air Force to the December 20, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in room Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to grade indicated while assigned to a position SD–406 to conduct a hearing entitled consider the nominations en bloc. of importance and responsibility under title ‘‘Freight Movement: Assessing Where Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I 10, U.S.C., section 601: We Are Now and Where We Need to ask unanimous consent that the Sen- To be lieutenant general Go’’. ate vote on the nominations en bloc Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.010 S20DEPT1 S8184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017

The following named officer for appoint- IN THE AIR FORCE PN1275 ARMY nomination of Vernice K. ment in the United States Air Force to the The following named officer for appoint- Favor-Williams, which was received by the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section ment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the Senate and appeared in the Congressional 624: grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section Record of November 27, 2017. To be brigadier general 12203: PN1300 ARMY nomination of Heather M. Lee, which was received by the Senate and Col. Sharon A. Shaffer To be brigadier general appeared in the Congressional Record of De- The following named officer for appoint- Col. Mitchel Neurock cember 1, 2017. ment in the United States Air Force to the The following named officers for appoint- IN THE NAVY grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section ment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the 8069: grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section PN1245 NAVY nominations (50) beginning WILLIAM L. ARNEST, and ending KAREN To be brigadier general 12203: J. WOOD, which nominations were received Col. Robert J. Marks To be major general by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- The following named officers for appoint- Brig. Gen. Hubert C. Hegtvedt sional Record of November 14, 2017. ment in the United States Air Force to the Brig. Gen. Timothy P. Kelly PN1301 NAVY nomination of Sharif H. grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section Brig. Gen. Albert V. Lupenski Calfee, which was received by the Senate and 624: Brig. Gen. Samuel C. Mahaney appeared in the Congressional Record of De- To be brigadier general Brig. Gen. John B. Williams cember 1, 2017. NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE SECRETARY’S Col. Ronald G. Allen, Jr. f DESK Col. Mark R. August LEGISLATIVE SESSION Col. Charles E. Brown, Jr. IN THE AIR FORCE Col. Joel L. Carey PN1296 AIR FORCE nomination of Arianne The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Col. Brenda P. Cartier R. Morrison, which was received by the Sen- ate will now resume legislative session. Col. Darren R. Cole ate and appeared in the Congressional f Col. Heath A. Collins Record of December 1, 2017. Col. Douglas S. Coppinger PN1297 AIR FORCE nomination of Richard THE CALENDAR A. Hanrahan, which was received by the Sen- Col. Matthew W. Davidson Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Col. Todd A. Dozier ate and appeared in the Congressional Record of December 1, 2017. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Col. Peter M. Fesler ate proceed to the immediate consider- Col. Eric H. Froehlich PN1298 AIR FORCE nominations (2) begin- Col. Michael A. Greiner ning ALECK A. BROWN, and ending JOHN ation of the following bills en bloc: Cal- Col. Andrew P. Hansen D. RITTER, which nominations were re- endar No. 124, S. 117 and Calendar No. Col. Michelle L. Hayworth ceived by the Senate and appeared in the 56, S. 501. I further ask unanimous con- Col. Thomas K. Hensley Congressional Record of December 1, 2017. sent that, where applicable, the com- Col. Stephen F. Jost IN THE ARMY mittee-reported amendment be agreed Col. Jeffrey R. King PN1142 ARMY nomination of Jennifer A. to, the bills, as amended, if amended, Col. Leonard J. Kosinski Mahoney, which was received by the Senate be considered read a third time and Col. Thomas E. Kunkel and appeared in the Congressional Record of passed, and the motions to reconsider Col. Laura L. Lenderman October 16, 2017. Col. Rodney D. Lewis PN1143 ARMY nominations (2) beginning be considered made and laid upon the Col. Robert K. Lyman YON T. CHUNG, and ending MICHAEL B. table, all en bloc. Col. David B. Lyons PAYNE, which nominations were received by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Col. Michael E. Martin the Senate and appeared in the Congres- objection, it is so ordered. Col. Joseph D. McFall sional Record of October 16, 2017. f Col. David N. Miller, Jr. PN1265 ARMY nominations (2) beginning Col. Christopher J. Niemi NATHELE J. ANDERSON, and ending ALEX DIEKMANN PEAK Col. Clark J. Quinn BRIAN R. HORTON, which nominations were DESIGNATION ACT OF 2017 Col. George M. Reynolds received by the Senate and appeared in the The Senate proceeded to consider the Congressional Record of November 27, 2017. Col. Douglas A. Schiess bill (S. 117) to designate a mountain Col. David W. Snoddy PN1266 ARMY nominations (2) beginning Col. Adrian L. Spain THOMAS W. GREEN, and ending KENNETH peak in the State of Montana as ‘‘Alex Col. Ernest J. Teichert, III M. KOOP, which nominations were received Diekmann Peak,’’ which had been re- Col. Alice W. Trevino by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- ported from the Committee on Energy IN THE ARMY sional Record of November 27, 2017. and Natural Resources, with an amend- PN1267 ARMY nomination of Adam R. ment, as follows: The following named officer for appoint- Liberman, which was received by the Senate ment in the United States Army to the grade (The part of the bill intended to be and appeared in the Congressional Record of stricken is shown in boldface brackets indicated while assigned to a position of im- November 27, 2017. portance and responsibility under title 10, PN1268 ARMY nomination of Michael E. and the part of the bill intended to be U.S.C., section 601: Steelman, which was received by the Senate inserted is shown in italics.) To be lieutenant general and appeared in the Congressional Record of S. 117 Maj. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli November 27, 2017. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- PN1269 ARMY nomination of Gerald D. The following named officer for appoint- resentatives of the United States of America in Gangaram, which was received by the Senate ment in the United States Army to the grade Congress assembled, and appeared in the Congressional Record of indicated while assigned to a position of im- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. November 27, 2017. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Alex portance and responsibility under title 10, PN1270 ARMY nomination of Brian R. Diekmann Peak Designation Act of 2017’’. U.S.C., section 601: Johnson, which was received by the Senate To be general and appeared in the Congressional Record of øSEC. 2. FINDINGS. ø Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend November 27, 2017. Congress finds that Alex Diekmann— ø(1) was a loving father of two and an ador- IN THE NAVY PN1271—1 ARMY nominations (18) begin- ning SCOTT T. AYERS, and ending TYESHA ing husband who lived in Bozeman, Montana, The following named officer for appoint- L. SMITH, which nominations were received where he was a renowned conservationist ment in the United States Navy to the grade by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- who dedicated his career to protecting some indicated while assigned to a position of im- sional Record of November 27, 2017. of the most outstanding natural and scenic portance and responsibility under title 10, PN1272 ARMY nomination of Peter J. Arm- resource areas of the Northern Rockies; U.S.C., section 601: strong, which was received by the Senate ø(2) was responsible during his unique con- To be vice admiral and appeared in the Congressional Record of servation career for the protection of more Rear Adm. Nancy A. Norton November 27, 2017. than 50 distinct areas in the States of Mon- PN1273 ARMY nomination of Ali S. Zaza, tana, Wyoming, and Idaho, conserving for The following named officer for appoint- which was received by the Senate and ap- the public over 100,000 acres of iconic moun- ment in the United States Navy to the grade peared in the Congressional Record of No- tains and valleys, rivers and creeks, ranches indicated while assigned to a position of im- vember 27, 2017. and farms, and historic sites and open portance and responsibility under title 10, PN1274 ARMY nomination of Phillip T. spaces; U.S.C., section 601: Buckler, which was received by the Senate ø(3) played a central role in securing the To be vice admiral and appeared in the Congressional Record of future of an array of special landscapes, in- Rear Adm. Richard A. Brown November 27, 2017. cluding—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.022 S20DEPT1 December 20, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8185 ø(A) the spectacular Devil’s Canyon in the tain segments of East Rosebud Creek (2) OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES.—The fact that an Craig Thomas Special Management Area in in Carbon County, Montana, as compo- otherwise authorized activity or use can be the State of Wyoming; nents of the Wild and Scenic Rivers seen or heard within the boundary of the ø (B) crucial fish and wildlife habitat and System, was considered, was ordered to river segment designated by paragraph (213) recreation access land in the Sawtooth be engrossed for a third reading, was of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Mountains of Idaho, along the Salmon River, Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) (as added by sub- and near the Canadian border; and read the third time, and passed, as fol- section (a)) shall not preclude the activity or ø(C) diverse and vitally important land all lows: use outside the boundary of the river seg- across the Crown of the Continent in the S. 501 ment. State of Montana, from the world-famous Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- f Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to Glacier resentatives of the United States of America in National Park to the Cabinet-Yaak Eco- Congress assembled, ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, system, to the recreational trails, working SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. DECEMBER 21, 2017 forests and ranches, and critical drinking This Act may be cited as the ‘‘East Rose- water supply for Whitefish, and beyond; bud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act’’. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ø(4) made a particularly profound mark on SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. ask unanimous consent that when the the preservation of the natural wonders in (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— Senate completes its business today, it and near the Madison Valley and the Madi- (1) East Rosebud Creek is cherished by the adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, De- son Range, Montana, where more than 12 people of Montana and visitors from across cember 21; further, that following the miles of the Madison River and much of the the United States for its clean water, spec- prayer and pledge, the morning hour be world-class scenery, fish and wildlife, and tacular natural setting, and outstanding rec- deemed expired, the Journal of pro- recreation opportunities of the area have be- reational opportunities; ceedings be approved to date, and the come and shall remain conserved and avail- (2) recreational activities, including fish- able to the public because of his efforts; ing, hunting, camping, paddling, hiking, time for the two leaders be reserved for ø(5) inspired others with his skill, passion, rock climbing, and wildlife watching, on their use later in the day; finally, that and spirit of partnership that brought to- East Rosebud Creek and the surrounding following leader remarks, the Senate gether communities, landowners, sportsmen, land generate millions of dollars annually be in a period of morning business, and the public at large; for the local economy; with Senators permitted to speak ø(6) lost a heroic battle with cancer on (3) East Rosebud Creek— therein for up to 10 minutes each. February 1, 2016, at the age of 52; (A) is a national treasure; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ø (B) possesses outstandingly remarkable (7) is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their objection, it is so ordered. 2 sons, Logan and Liam; and values; and ø(8) leaves a lasting legacy across Montana (C) merits the high level of protection af- f and the Northern Rockies that will benefit forded by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) in order to maintain the all people of the United States in our time TOMORROW and in the generations to follow. benefits provided by the Creek, as described SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF ALEX DIEKMANN PEAK, in paragraphs (1) and (2), for future genera- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if MONTANA.¿ tions to enjoy; and there is no further business to come be- (4) designation of select public land seg- SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF ALEX DIEKMANN PEAK, fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- MONTANA. ments of East Rosebud Creek under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) sent that it stand adjourned under the (a) IN GENERAL.—The unnamed 9,765-foot previous order. peak located 2.2 miles west-northwest of Fin- would recognize the importance of maintain- ger Mountain on the western boundary of the ing the values of the Creek while preserving There being no objection, the Senate, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana (UTM co- public access, respecting private property at 6:04 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, ordinates Zone 12, 457966 E., 4982589 N.), shall rights, allowing appropriate maintenance of December 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. existing infrastructure, and allowing histor- be known and designated as ‘‘Alex Diekmann f Peak’’. ical uses of the Creek to continue. (b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act is to (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, NOMINATIONS designate East Rosebud Creek in the State of map, regulation, document, record, or other Executive nominations received by paper of the United States to the peak de- Montana as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve the Senate: scribed in subsection (a) shall be considered and protect for present and future genera- to be a reference to ‘‘Alex Diekmann Peak’’. THE JUDICIARY tions the outstandingly remarkable scenic, SUSAN PARADISE BAXTER, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE The committee-reported amendment recreational, and geologic values of the UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN was agreed to. Creek. DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, VICE SEAN J. SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILD AND SCENIC MCLAUGHLIN, RESIGNED. The bill (S. 117), as amended, was or- JOEL M. CARSON III, OF NEW MEXICO, TO BE UNITED dered to be engrossed for a third read- RIVER SEGMENTS. STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT, VICE ing, was read the third time, and (a) DESIGNATION.—Section 3(a) of the Wild PAUL J. KELLY, JR., RETIRED. and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is COLM F. CONNOLLY, OF DELAWARE, TO BE UNITED passed, as follows: STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELA- amended by adding at the end the following: WARE, VICE SUE L. ROBINSON, RETIRED. S. 117 ‘‘(213) EAST ROSEBUD CREEK, MONTANA.—The KARI A. DOOLEY, OF CONNECTICUT, TO BE UNITED Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- portions of East Rosebud Creek in the State STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF CON- NECTICUT, VICE ROBERT N. CHATIGNY, RETIRED. resentatives of the United States of America in of Montana, consisting of— GORDON P. GIAMPIETRO, OF WISCONSIN, TO BE UNITED Congress assembled, ‘‘(A) the 13-mile segment exclusively on STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. public land within the Custer National For- OF WISCONSIN, VICE RUDOLPH T. RANDA, RETIRED. MARILYN JEAN HORAN, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Alex est from the source in the Absaroka- UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN Diekmann Peak Designation Act of 2017’’. Beartooth Wilderness downstream to the DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, VICE GARY L. LANCASTER, point at which the Creek enters East Rose- DECEASED. SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF ALEX DIEKMANN PEAK, CHAD F. KENNEY, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE UNITED MONTANA. bud Lake, including the stream reach be- STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT (a) IN GENERAL.—The unnamed 9,765-foot tween Twin Outlets Lake and Fossil Lake, to OF PENNSYLVANIA, VICE LUIS FELIPE RESTREPO, ELE- VATED. peak located 2.2 miles west-northwest of Fin- be administered by the Secretary of Agri- culture as a wild river; and MARYELLEN NOREIKA, OF DELAWARE, TO BE UNITED ger Mountain on the western boundary of the STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELA- Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana (UTM co- ‘‘(B) the 7-mile segment exclusively on WARE, VICE GREGORY MONETA SLEET, RETIRED. public land within the Custer National For- ordinates Zone 12, 457966 E., 4982589 N.), shall f be known and designated as ‘‘Alex Diekmann est from immediately below, but not includ- Peak’’. ing, the outlet of East Rosebud Lake down- CONFIRMATIONS stream to the point at which the Creek en- (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, Executive nominations confirmed by ters private property for the first time, to be map, regulation, document, record, or other the Senate December 20, 2017: paper of the United States to the peak de- administered by the Secretary of Agriculture scribed in subsection (a) shall be considered as a recreational river.’’. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (b) ADJACENT MANAGEMENT.— to be a reference to ‘‘Alex Diekmann Peak’’. BRUCE D. JETTE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT (1) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in paragraph (213) SECRETARY OF THE ARMY. f of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers JAMES E. MCPHERSON, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. EAST ROSEBUD WILD AND SCENIC Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) (as added by sub- RANDALL G. SCHRIVER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN AS- RIVERS ACT section (a)) creates a protective perimeter or SISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. buffer zone outside the designated boundary THOMAS HARKER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT The bill (S. 501) to amend the Wild SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. of the river segment designated by that para- JOHN P. ROTH, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SEC- and Scenic Rivers Act to designate cer- graph. RETARY OF THE AIR FORCE.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.023 S20DEPT1 S8186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 2017

IN THE AIR FORCE IN THE ARMY RYAN K. PATRICK, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS FOR THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MICHAEL B. STUART, OF WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: WEST VIRGINIA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. 601: To be lieutenant general IN THE AIR FORCE To be lieutenant general MAJ. GEN. CHRISTOPHER G. CAVOLI AIR FORCE NOMINATION OF ARIANNE R. MORRISON, TO MAJ. GEN. ANTHONY J. COTTON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT BE MAJOR. AIR FORCE NOMINATION OF RICHARD A. HANRAHAN, TO THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED BE MAJOR. IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ALECK A. CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: BROWN AND ENDING WITH JOHN D. RITTER, WHICH NOMI- To be brigadier general To be general NATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON DECEMBER COL. SHARON A. SHAFFER LT. GEN. STEPHEN J. TOWNSEND 1, 2017. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE NAVY IN THE ARMY IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 8069: THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT ARMY NOMINATION OF JENNIFER A. MAHONEY, TO BE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MAJOR. To be brigadier general WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH YON T. CHUNG RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: AND ENDING WITH MICHAEL B. PAYNE, WHICH NOMINA- COL. ROBERT J. MARKS To be vice admiral TIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON OCTOBER 16, 2017. IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- REAR ADM. NANCY A. NORTON ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH NATHELE J. AN- CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT DERSON AND ENDING WITH BRIAN R. HORTON, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- To be brigadier general IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER COL. RONALD G. ALLEN, JR. RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: 27, 2017. COL. MARK R. AUGUST ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH THOMAS W. COL. CHARLES E. BROWN, JR. To be vice admiral GREEN AND ENDING WITH KENNETH M. KOOP, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- COL. JOEL L. CAREY REAR ADM. RICHARD A. BROWN COL. BRENDA P. CARTIER PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER COL. DARREN R. COLE IN THE AIR FORCE 27, 2017. COL. HEATH A. COLLINS ARMY NOMINATION OF ADAM R. LIBERMAN, TO BE COL. DOUGLAS S. COPPINGER THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT COLONEL. COL. MATTHEW W. DAVIDSON IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- ARMY NOMINATION OF MICHAEL E. STEELMAN, TO BE COL. TODD A. DOZIER CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: COLONEL. ARMY NOMINATION OF GERALD D. GANGARAM, TO BE COL. PETER M. FESLER To be brigadier general COL. ERIC H. FROEHLICH MAJOR. COL. MICHAEL A. GREINER COL. MITCHEL NEUROCK ARMY NOMINATION OF BRIAN R. JOHNSON, TO BE MAJOR. COL. ANDREW P. HANSEN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT COL. MICHELLE L. HAYWORTH ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH SCOTT T. AYERS IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- AND ENDING WITH TYESHA L. SMITH, WHICH NOMINA- COL. THOMAS K. HENSLEY CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: COL. STEPHEN F. JOST TIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED COL. JEFFREY R. KING To be major general IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017. COL. LEONARD J. KOSINSKI ARMY NOMINATION OF PETER J. ARMSTRONG, TO BE COL. THOMAS E. KUNKEL BRIG. GEN. HUBERT C. HEGTVEDT COLONEL. COL. LAURA L. LENDERMAN BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY P. KELLY ARMY NOMINATION OF ALI S. ZAZA, TO BE COLONEL. COL. RODNEY D. LEWIS BRIG. GEN. ALBERT V. LUPENSKI ARMY NOMINATION OF PHILLIP T. BUCKLER, TO BE COL. ROBERT K. LYMAN BRIG. GEN. SAMUEL C. MAHANEY MAJOR. COL. DAVID B. LYONS BRIG. GEN. JOHN B. WILLIAMS ARMY NOMINATION OF VERNICE K. FAVOR–WILLIAMS, TO BE LIEUTENANT COLONEL. COL. MICHAEL E. MARTIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COL. JOSEPH D. MCFALL ARMY NOMINATION OF HEATHER M. LEE, TO BE MAJOR. COL. DAVID N. MILLER, JR. DUANE A. KEES, OF ARKANSAS, TO BE UNITED STATES IN THE NAVY COL. CHRISTOPHER J. NIEMI ATTORNEY FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS COL. CLARK J. QUINN FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. NAVY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH WILLIAM L. COL. GEORGE M. REYNOLDS STEPHEN R. MCALLISTER, OF KANSAS, TO BE UNITED ARNEST AND ENDING WITH KAREN J. WOOD, WHICH COL. DOUGLAS A. SCHIESS STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF KANSAS FOR NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- COL. DAVID W. SNODDY THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER COL. ADRIAN L. SPAIN RONALD A. PARSONS, JR., OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE 14, 2017. COL. ERNEST J. TEICHERT III UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF NAVY NOMINATION OF SHARIF H. CALFEE, TO BE CAP- COL. ALICE W. TREVINO SOUTH DAKOTA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. TAIN.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:09 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A20DE6.002 S20DEPT1