E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019 No. 206 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was U.S. SENATE, House amendment to the Senate called to order by the Honorable THOM PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, amendment), to change the enactment TILLIS, a Senator from the State of Washington, DC, December 19, 2019. date. North Carolina. To the Senate: McConnell Amendment No. 1259 (to Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Amendment No. 1258), of a perfecting f of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable THOM TILLIS, a Sen- nature. McConnell motion to refer the mes- PRAYER ator from the State of North Carolina, to perform the duties of the Chair. sage of the House on the bill to the The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- CHUCK GRASSLEY, Committee on Appropriations, with in- fered the following prayer: President pro tempore. structions, McConnell Amendment No. Let us pray. Mr. TILLIS thereupon assumed the 1260, to change the enactment date. Eternal God, You are our light and Chair as Acting President pro tempore. McConnell Amendment No. 1261 (the salvation, and we are not afraid. You instructions (Amendment No. 1260) of f protect us from danger so we do not the motion to refer), of a perfecting na- tremble. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME ture. Mighty God, You are not intimidated The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- McConnell Amendment No. 1262 (to by the challenges that confront our Na- pore. Under the previous order, the Amendment No. 1261), of a perfecting tion and world. leadership time is reserved. nature. Lord, inspire our lawmakers with the RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER f knowledge of Your holiness that will The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- give them reverential awe. Remind CONCLUSION OF MORNING pore. The majority leader is recog- them of the many prayers they have BUSINESS nized. prayed that You have already an- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- IMPEACHMENT swered. pore. Morning business is closed. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, last Lord, You have been our help in ages night the House Democrats finally did f past. You are our hope for the years to what they had decided to do a long come. We magnify Your Holy Name. LEGISLATIVE SESSION time ago. They voted to impeach Presi- Don’t stay far off. Show Yourself dent Trump. strong to this generation and fill us Over the last 12 weeks, House Demo- with Your peace. NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT crats have conducted the most rushed, We pray in Your powerful Name. MUSEUM COMMEMORATIVE COIN least thorough, and most unfair im- Amen. ACT peachment inquiry in modern history. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Now their slapdash process has con- the previous order, the Senate will re- cluded in the first purely partisan PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE sume consideration of the House mes- Presidential impeachment since the The Presiding Officer led the Pledge sage to H.R. 1865, which the clerk will wake of the Civil War. The opposition to impeachment was of Allegiance, as follows: report. The legislative clerk read as follows: bipartisan. Only one part of one faction I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the wanted this outcome. The House’s con- United States of America, and to the Repub- House Message to accompany H.R. 1865, an lic for which it stands, one nation under God, act to require the Secretary of the Treasury duct risks deeply damaging the institu- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. to mint a coin in commemoration of the tions of American government. This opening of the National Law Enforcement particular House of Representatives f Museum in the District of Columbia, and for has let its partisan rage at this par- other purposes. ticular President create a toxic new APPOINTMENT OF ACTING Pending: precedent that will echo well into the PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE McConnell motion to concur in the future. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment of the House to the amend- That is what I want to discuss right clerk will please read a communication ment of the Senate to the bill. now—the historic degree to which to the Senate from the President pro McConnell motion to concur in the House Democrats have failed to do tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). amendment of the House to the amend- their duty and what it will mean for The legislative clerk read the fol- ment of the Senate to the bill, with the Senate to do ours. So let’s start at lowing letter: McConnell Amendment No. 1258 (to the the beginning. Let’s start with the fact

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.000 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 that Washington Democrats made up sorts of procedural rights that Houses tory matters. History matters and their minds to impeach President of both parties had provided to past precedent matters. Trump since before he was even inau- Presidents of both parties. President There were important reasons why gurated. Trump’s counsel could not participate every previous House of Representa- Here is a reporter in April of 2016— in Chairman SCHIFF’s hearings, present tives in American history restrained April of 2016: evidence, or cross-examine witnesses. itself—restrained itself—from crossing Donald Trump isn’t even the Republican The House Judiciary Committee’s this Rubicon. The Framers of our Con- nominee yet . . . [but] ‘‘Impeachment’’ is al- crack at this was even more stitution very specifically discussed ready on the lips of pundits, newspaper edi- ahistorical. It was like the Speaker whether the House should be able to torials, constitutional scholars, and even a called up Chairman NADLER and or- impeach Presidents just for ‘‘mal- few Members of Congress. dered one impeachment, rush delivery, administration’’—just for maladmin- April 2016. please. istration—in other words, because the On Inauguration Day 2017, the head- The committee found no facts on its House simply thought the President line in the Washington Post: ‘‘The own and did nothing to verify the had bad judgment or he was doing a campaign to impeach President Trump Schiff report. Their only witnesses bad job. They talked about all of this has begun.’’ That was day one. were liberal law professors and con- when they wrote the Constitution. In April 2017, 3 months into the Presi- gressional staffers. The written records of our Founders’ dency, a senior House Democrat said: So there is a reason the impeachment debates show they specifically rejected ‘‘I am going to fight every day until he inquiry that led to President Nixon’s this. They realized it would create is impeached.’’ That was 3 months into resignation required about 14 months total dysfunction to set the bar for im- the administration. of hearings—14 months—in addition to peachment that low. In December 2017, 2 years ago, Con- a special prosecutor’s investigation. James Madison himself explained gressman JERRY NADLER was openly With President Clinton, the inde- that allowing impeachment on that campaigning to be the ranking member pendent counsel’s inquiry had been un- basis would mean the President serves on the House Judiciary Committee, derway literally for years before the at the pleasure of the Congress instead specifically—specifically—because he House Judiciary Committee actually of the pleasure of the American people. was an expert on impeachment. That dug in. There were mountains of evi- It would make the President a creature was NADLER’s campaign to be the top dence—mountains—mountains of testi- of Congress, not the head of a separate Democrat on Judiciary. mony from firsthand fact witnesses, and equal branch. There were powerful This week wasn’t even the first time and serious legal battles to get what reasons why Congress after Congress House Democrats have introduced arti- was necessary. for 230 years—230 years—required Pres- cles of impeachment. It was actually This time around? House Democrats idential impeachment to revolve the seventh time. They started less skipped all of that and spent just 12 around clear, recognizable crimes, even than 6 months after the President was weeks—12 weeks. There was more than though that was not a strict limita- sworn in. They tried to impeach Presi- a year of hearings for Nixon, multiple tion—powerful reasons why, for 230 dent Trump for being impolite to the years of investigation for Clinton, and years, no House opened the Pandora’s press, for being mean to professional they have impeached President Trump box of subjective, political impeach- athletes, for changing President in 12 weeks—12 weeks. ments. That 230-year tradition died Obama’s policy on transgender people So let’s talk about what the House last night. House Democrats have tried to say in the military. All of these things actually produced in those 12 weeks. they had to impeach President Trump were high crimes and misdemeanors House Democrats’ rushed and rigged on this historically thin and subjective according to Democrats. Now, this inquiry yielded two articles—two—of basis because the White House chal- wasn’t just a few people. impeachment. They are fundamentally lenged their requests for more wit- Scores—scores—of Democrats voted unlike any articles that any prior to move forward with impeachment on nesses. House of Representatives has ever That brings us to the second article three of those prior occasions. So let’s passed. of impeachment. The House titled this be clear. The House’s vote yesterday The first article concerns the core one ‘‘Obstruction of Congress.’’ What it was not some neutral judgement that events which House Democrats claim really does is impeach the President Democrats came to with great reluc- are impeachable—the timing of aid to for asserting Presidential privilege. tance. It was the predetermined end of Ukraine. But it does not even purport The concept of executive privilege is a partisan crusade that began before to allege any actual crime. Instead, another two-century-old constitutional President Trump was even nominated, they deployed a vague phrase ‘‘abuse of tradition. Presidents starting with let alone sworn in. power’’—‘‘abuse of power’’—to impugn George Washington have invoked it. For the very first time in modern the President’s action in a general, in- Federal courts have repeatedly af- history, we have seen a political fac- determinate way. firmed it is a legitimate constitutional tion in Congress promise from the mo- Speaker PELOSI’s House just gave power. ment—the moment—a Presidential into a temptation that every other House Democrats requested extraor- election ended that they would find House in history has managed to resist. dinary amounts of sensitive informa- some way to overturn it. Let me say that again. Speaker tion from President Trump’s White A few months ago, Democrats’ 3- PELOSI’s House just gave into a temp- House, exactly the kinds of things over year-long impeachment in search of ar- tation that every other House in our which Presidents of both parties have ticles found its way to the subject of history has managed to resist. They asserted privilege in the past. Ukraine. House Democrats embarked impeach a President whom they do not Predictably, and appropriately, on the most rushed, least thorough, even allege has committed an actual President Trump did not simply roll and most unfair impeachment inquiry crime known to our laws. They have over. He defended the constitutional in modern history. Chairman SCHIFF’s impeached simply because they dis- authority of his office. There is no sur- inquiry was poisoned by partisanship agree with a Presidential act and ques- prise there. It is not a constitutional from the outset. Its procedures and pa- tion the motive behind it. crisis for a House to want more infor- rameters were unfair in unprecedented So let’s look at history. Andrew mation than a President wants to give ways. Democrats tried to make Chair- Johnson’s impeachment revolved up. That is not a constitutional crisis. man SCHIFF into a de facto special around a clear violation of a criminal It is a routine occurrence. The separa- prosecutor, notwithstanding the fact statute, albeit an unconstitutional tion of powers is messy by design. that he is a partisan Member of Con- statute. Nixon had obstruction of jus- Here is what should have happened: gress who had already engaged in tice, a felony under our laws. Clinton Either the President and Congress ne- strange and biased behavior. had perjury, also a felony. gotiate a settlement or the third He scrapped precedent to cut the Re- Now, the Constitution does not say branch of government, the Judiciary, publican minority out of the process. the House can impeach only those addresses the dispute between the He denied President Trump the same Presidents who violate a law, but his- other two.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.001 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7169 The Nixon impeachment featured dis- vision to demand this body redo House order, that mess will be dumped over agreements over Presidential privilege, Democrats’ homework for them; that here on the Senate’s lap. so they went to the courts. The Clinton the Senate should supplement Chair- If the Senate blesses this slapdash impeachment featured disagreements man SCHIFF’s sloppy work so it is more impeachment—if we say that from now over Presidential privilege, so they persuasive than Chairman SCHIFF him- on this is enough—then we invite an went to the courts. This takes time. It self bothered to make it. Of course, endless parade of impeachable trials. is inconvenient. That is actually the every such demand simply confirms Future Houses of either party will feel point. Due process is not meant to that House Democrats have rushed for- free to toss a ‘‘jump ball’’ every time maximize the convenience of the pros- ward with a case that is much too they feel angry—free to swamp the ecutor. It is meant to protect the ac- weak. Senate with trial after trial no matter cused, but this time was different. In June, Speaker PELOSI promised how baseless the charges. Remember, 14 months of hearings for the House would ‘‘build an ironclad We would be giving future Houses of Richard Nixon, years of investigation case.’’ Never mind that she was basi- either party unbelievable new power to for Bill Clinton, but 12 weeks for Don- cally promising impeachment paralyze the Senate at their whim— ald Trump. Democrats didn’t have to months—months—before the Ukraine more thin arguments, more incomplete rush this, but they chose to stick to events, but that is a separate matter. evidence, more partisan impeachments. their political timetable at the expense She promised ‘‘an ironclad case.’’ In fact, this same House of Rep- of pursuing more evidence through In March, Speaker PELOSI said this: resentatives has already indicated they proper legal channels. Nobody made ‘‘Impeachment is so divisive to the themselves may not be finished im- Chairman SCHIFF do this. He chose to. country that unless there’s something peaching. The House Judiciary Com- The Tuesday before last, on live tele- so compelling and overwhelming and mittee told a Federal court this very vision, ADAM SCHIFF explained to the bipartisan, I don’t think we should go week that it will continue its impeach- entire country that if House Democrats down that path, because it divides the ment investigation even after voting had let the justice system follow its country.’’ on these articles, and multiple Demo- normal course, they might not have By the Speaker’s own standards, she cratic Members have already called gotten to impeach the President in has failed the country. This case is not publicly for more. time for the election. My goodness. compelling, not overwhelming, and as a If the Senate blesses this, if the Na- In Nixon, the courts were allowed to result not bipartisan. The failure was tion accepts this, Presidential im- do their work. In Clinton, the courts made clear to everyone earlier this peachments may cease being once-in-a- were allowed to do their work. Only week when Senator SCHUMER began generation events and become a con- these House Democrats decided due searching for ways the Senate could stant part—a constant part—of the po- process is too much work, and they step out of our proper role and try to litical background noise. This extraor- would rather impeach with no proof. fix the House Democrats’ failures for dinary tool of last resort may become They tried to cover for their own par- them. just another part of the arms race of tisan impatience by pretending the It was made even more clear last polarization. routine occurrence of a President ex- night when Speaker PELOSI suggested Real statesmen would have recog- erting constitutional privilege is that House Democrats may be too nized, no matter their view of this itself—itself—a second impeachable of- afraid—too afraid—to even transmit President, that trying to remove him fense. their shoddy work product to the Sen- on this thin and partisan basis could The following is something ADAM ate. unsettle the foundations of our Repub- SCHIFF literally said in early October. It looks like the prosecutors are get- lic. Here is what he said: ‘‘Any action . . . ting cold feet in front of the entire Real statesmen would have recog- that forces us to litigate, or have to country and second-guessing whether nized, no matter how much partisan consider litigation, will be considered they even want to go to trial. They animosity might be coursing through further evidence of obstruction of jus- said impeachment was so urgent that their veins, that cheapening the im- tice.’’ That is ADAM SCHIFF. it could not even wait for due process peachment process was not the answer. Here is what the chairman effectively but now they are content to sit on Historians will refer to this as the said and what one of his committee their hands. This is really comical. very irony of our era: that so many members restated just this week: If the Democrats’ own actions concede that who professed such concern for our President asserts his constitutional their allegations are unproven. The ar- norms and traditions themselves right, it is that much more evidence he ticles aren’t just unproven; they are all proved willing to trample our constitu- is guilty. constitutionally incoherent—incoher- tional order to get their way. If the President asserts his constitu- ent. Frankly, if either of these articles It is long past time for Washington tional rights, it is that much more evi- is blessed by the Senate, we could eas- to get a little perspective. President dence he is guilty. ily see the impeachment of every fu- Trump is not the first President with a That kind of bullying is antithetical ture President of either party. populist streak, not the first to make to American justice. Those are the Let me say that again. If the Senate entrenched elites uncomfortable. He is House Democrats’ two Articles of Im- blesses this historically low bar, we certainly not the first President to peachment. That is all their rushed and will invite the impeachment of every speak bluntly, to mistrust the adminis- rigged inquiry could generate: an act future President. The House Demo- trative state, or to rankle unelected that the House does not even allege is crats’ allegations, as presented, are in- bureaucrats. Heaven knows, he is not criminal and a nonsensical claim that compatible with our constitutional the first President to assert the con- exercising a legitimate Presidential order. They are unlike anything that stitutional privileges of his office rath- power is somehow an impeachable of- has ever been seen in 230 years of this er than roll over when Congress de- fense. Republic. mands unlimited sensitive informa- This is, by far, the thinnest basis for House Democrats want to create new tion. None of these things—none of any House-passed Presidential im- rules for this President because they them—is unprecedented. peachment in American history—the feel uniquely enraged—they feel I will tell you what would be unprec- thinnest and the weakest, and nothing uniquely enraged. Long after the par- edented. It will be an unprecedented else even comes close. tisan fever of this moment has broken, constitutional crisis if the Senate lit- Candidly, I don’t think I am the only the institutional damage will remain. erally hands the House of Representa- person around here who realizes this. I have described the threat to the tives a new, partisan ‘‘vote of no con- Even before the House voted yesterday, Presidency, but this also imperils the fidence’’ that the Founders inten- Democrats had already started to sig- Senate itself. The House has created an tionally withheld, destroying the inde- nal uneasiness—uneasiness—with its unfair, unfinished product that looks pendence of the Presidency. It will be end product. nothing—nothing—like any impeach- unprecedented if we agree that any fu- Before the articles even passed, the ment inquiry in American history. If ture House that disliked any future Senate Democratic leader went on tele- the Speaker ever gets her House in President can rush through an unfair

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.003 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 inquiry, skip the legal system, and The Senate’s duty is clear. The Sen- wisdom, gave the House the power to paralyze the Senate with a trial. The ate’s duty is clear. When the time accuse and the Senate the power to House can do that at will under this comes, we must fulfill it. judge. We are now asked to fulfill our President. It will be unprecedented if f constitutional role as a court of im- the Senate says secondhand and third- peachment. MEASURES PLACED ON THE hand testimony from unelected civil Now that the House of Representa- CALENDAR servants is enough to overturn the peo- tives has impeached President Trump, ple’s vote. It will be an unprecedented Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the Nation turns its eyes to the Senate. constitutional crisis if the Senate understand there are three bills at the What will the Nation see? Will the Na- agrees to set the bar this low—forever. desk due for a second reading en bloc. tion see what Alexander Hamilton It is clear what this moment re- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- saw—a body of government with ‘‘con- quires. It requires the Senate to fulfill pore. The clerk will read the titles of fidence enough . . . to preserve, our founding purpose. The Framers the bills for the second time en bloc. unawed and uninfluenced, the nec- built the Senate to provide stability, to The legislative clerk read as follows: essary impartiality,’’ or will the Na- take the long view of our Republic, to A bill (H.R. 397) to amend the Internal Rev- tion see the Senate dragged into the safeguard institutions from the mo- enue Code of 1986 to create a Pension Reha- depths of partisan fervor? mentary hysteria that sometimes con- bilitation Trust Fund, to establish a Pension The Nation just witnessed how the Rehabilitation Administration within the sumes our politics, and to keep par- Republican leader sees his role in this Department of the Treasury to make loans chapter of our history—demonstrating tisan passions from literally boiling to multiemployer defined benefit plans, and over. The Senate exists for moments for other purposes. both an unfortunate descent into par- like this. A bill (H.R. 1759) to amend title III of the tisanship and demonstrating the funda- That is why this body has the ulti- Social Security Act to extend reemployment mental weakness of the President’s de- mate say in impeachments. The Fram- services and eligibility assessments to all fense. ers knew the House would be too vul- claimants for unemployment benefits, and Leader MCCONNELL claimed that the for other purposes. nerable to transient passions and vio- impeachment of President Trump is il- A bill (H.R. 4018) to provide that the legitimate because the House voted lent factionalism. They needed a body amount of time that an elderly offender that could consider legal questions along party lines. Forgive me, but must serve before being eligible for place- House Democrats cannot be held re- about what has been proven and polit- ment in home detention is to be reduced by ical questions about what the common the amount of good time credits earned by sponsible for the cravenness of the good of our Nation requires. Hamilton the prisoner, and for other purposes. House Republican caucus and their blind fealty to the President. said explicitly in Federalist 65 that im- Mr. MCCONNELL. In order to place Leader MCCONNELL claimed that the peachment involves not just legal ques- the bills on the calendar under the pro- impeachment was motivated by par- tions but inherently political judg- visions of rule XIV, I would object to tisan rage—this from the man who said ments about what outcome best serves further proceedings en bloc. the Nation. The House can’t do both. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- proudly, ‘‘I am not impartial. I have no The courts can’t do both. pore. Objection having been heard, the intention to be impartial at all’’ in the trial of President Trump. What hypoc- This is as grave an assignment as the bills will be placed on the calendar en risy. Constitution gives to any branch of bloc. Leader MCCONNELL accused the Mr. MCCONNELL. I suggest the ab- government, and the Framers knew House Democrats of an obsession to get sence of a quorum. only the Senate could handle it. Well, rid of President Trump—this from the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the moment the Framers feared has ar- man who proudly declared his ‘‘number pore. The clerk will call the roll. rived. A political faction in the lower one goal’’ was to make President The senior assistant legislative clerk Chamber has succumbed to partisan Obama a one-term President. rage. A political faction in the House of proceeded to call the roll. Leader MCCONNELL claimed that Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask Representatives has succumbed to a Democrats impeached the President for unanimous consent that the order for partisan rage. They have fulfilled Ham- asserting Executive privilege. Presi- the quorum call be rescinded. ilton’s prophesy that impeachment will dent Trump never formally claimed The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ‘‘connect itself with the pre-existing Executive privilege; he claimed ‘‘abso- pore. Without objection, it is so or- factions . . . enlist all their animos- lute immunity,’’ and the White House dered. ities . . . [and] there will always be the Counsel wrote a letter stating simply greatest danger that the decision will RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER that the administration would not be regulated more by the comparative The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- comply with any subpoenas. strength of parties, than by the real pore. The Democratic leader is recog- Leader MCCONNELL claimed that the demonstrations of innocence or guilt.’’ nized. Democrats’ ‘‘obsession’’ with impeach- Alexander Hamilton. IMPEACHMENT ment has prevented the House from That is what happened in the House Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, last pursuing legislation to help the Amer- last night. The vote did not reflect night, the House of Representatives ican people. Leader MCCONNELL knows what had been proven; it only reflects voted to impeach President Donald very, very well that the House Demo- how they feel about the President. Trump. It is only the third time in our cratic majority has passed literally The Senate must put this right. We Nation’s history that the President of hundreds of bills that gather dust here must rise to the occasion. There is only the United States has been impeached. in the Senate, condemned to a legisla- one outcome that is suited to the pau- The articles of impeachment charge tive graveyard by none other than city of evidence, the failed inquiry, the that President Trump abused the pow- Leader MCCONNELL himself, who proud- slapdash case. There is only one out- ers of his office by soliciting the inter- ly called himself the Grim Reaper. come suited to the fact that the accu- ference of a foreign power in our elec- Members of the 116th Senate have sations themselves are constitutionally tions, not for the good of the country been denied the opportunity to legis- incoherent. There is only one outcome but to benefit himself personally. The late by Leader MCCONNELL. We aren’t that will preserve core precedents rath- articles also charge that the President even allowed to debate the issues that er than smash them into bits in a fit of obstructed Congress in the investiga- would impact the American people: partisan rage because one party still tion of those matters. Together, these healthcare, infrastructure, prescription cannot accept the American people’s articles suggest the President com- drugs. We could have spent the year de- choice in 2016. It could not be clearer mitted a grave injury to our grand de- bating these issues. We weren’t doing which outcome would serve the stabi- mocracy. impeachment. Leader MCCONNELL has lizing, institution-preserving, fever- The conduct they describe is very chosen not to focus on these issues and breaking role for which the U.S. Senate much what the Founders feared when to put none of these bills on the floor. was created and which outcome would they forged the impeachment powers of As he reminds us often, he alone de- betray it. the Congress. The Founders, in their cides what goes on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 19:55 Jan 03, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD19\DECEMBER\S19DE9.REC S19DE9 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7171 Leader MCCONNELL claimed that the Our goal in the Senate, above all, Do you want a fair trial or do you want House did not afford the President due should be to conduct a fair and speedy the President to do whatever he wants, process. The leader knows well that trial. I have proposed a very reasonable regardless of the rule of law, regardless President Trump refused to participate structure that would do just that: four of the consequences to this great Na- in the process, despite invitation, and witnesses, only those with direct tion? blocked witnesses and documents from knowledge of the charges made by the The Nation turns its eyes to the Sen- Congress in unprecedented fashion. House; only those who could provide ate. What will it see? Leader MCCONNELL claimed that the new, relevant and potentially illumina- The President of the United States House ran the ‘‘most rushed, least tion testimony; strict time limits on has spent the past several months tell- thorough, and most unfair impeach- each stage of the process to prevent the ing Congress that it has no right to ment inquiry in modern history.’’ I trial from dragging out too long. It is oversight and no right to investigate know that is the Republican talking eminently reasonable; it is eminently any of his activities; that he has abso- point, but here is the reality: Leader fair. A group with no partisan bias lute immunity; that article II of the MCCONNELL is plotting the most would come up with this type of pro- Constitution gives him the ‘‘right to do rushed, least thorough, and most un- posal. whatever he wants.’’ Those are the fair impeachment trial in modern his- I have yet to hear one good argument President’s words. Past Senates have tory. His plan to prevent House man- as to why less evidence is better than disagreed with such views and strong- agers from calling witnesses to prove more evidence, particularly in such a ly, proudly stood up for the notion that their case is a dramatic break from serious moment as impeachment of the the President is not omnipotent. precedent. President of the United States. In Democrats have done it; Republicans We heard a lot about precedent from Leader MCCONNELL’s 30-minute screed, have done it—and often Presidents of the leader. Never has there been a he did not make one argument as to their own party. Presidential impeachment trial in why witnesses and documents should The Senate has said in the past that which the majority prevented the not be a part of the trial. the President serves the people, not House managers from fairly presenting President Trump protests that he did himself; that he is not a King. Will it their case, to have witnesses explain not receive due process in the House do so again or will it shirk from that their knowledge of the alleged malfea- impeachment inquiry. Due process is responsibility? sance. Will Leader MCCONNELL, break- the ability to respond to charges made If the Republicans lead with the ma- ing precedent, strong-arm his caucus against you and present your side of jority leader’s scheme to sweep these into making this the first Senate im- the case. The President was invited to charges under the rug and permit the peachment trial of a President in his- provide witnesses and provide docu- President to ignore Congress, they will tory that heard no witnesses? ments at every stage of the process. He be creating a new precedent that will We ask: Is the President’s case so chose not to. long be remembered as one of the Sen- weak that none of the President’s men Still, Democrats are offering the ate’s darkest chapters. It will be re- can defend him under oath? Is the President due process again here in the membered as a time when a simple ma- President’s case so weak that none of Senate. The witnesses we suggest are jority in the Senate sought to grant the President’s men can defend him top Trump-appointed officials. They two new rights to the President: the under oath? If the House case is so aren’t Democrats. We don’t know if right to use the government for per- weak, why is Leader MCCONNELL so their testimony would exculpate the sonal purposes and the right to ignore afraid of witnesses and documents? We President or incriminate him, but their Congress at his pleasure. Here I agree believe the House case is strong, very testimony should be heard. If the with Senator MCCONNELL: ‘‘Moments strong, but if the Republican leader be- President’s counsel wants to call other like this are why the Senate exists.’’ If lieves it is so weak, why is he so afraid of relevant witnesses and documents, witnesses with direct knowledge of why the President commits high crimes and which will not prolong things very long the aid to Ukraine was delayed, we say misdemeanors and the Congress can do in our proposal—four hours for each that they should be able to do so. nothing about it, not even conduct a witness? President Trump claims he wants due fair tribunal where his conduct is It is true, as the leader has said, that process. I suspect he would rather hide judged by dispassionate representatives the Framers built the Senate to pro- or name-call because if he really want- of the people, then the President can vide stability and to keep partisan pas- ed due process, he could get it easily. commit those crimes with impunity. sions from boiling over. However, their One phone call to Leader MCCONNELL This President can; others can. vision of the Senate is a far cry from telling him to let his aides testify, one I have little doubt that if we tell the the partisan body Senator MCCONNELL phone call to his chief of staff telling President that he can escape scrutiny has created. him to release the documents to Con- in this instance, he will do it again and I hope America was watching the Re- gress—both of these actions would let again and again. Future Presidents will publican leader deliver his speech. I the truth come out. I ask again: Can take note and may do worse. The most really do, because most glaring of all none of the President’s men come de- powerful check on the Executive, the was the fact that Leader MCCONNELL’s fend him under oath? one designed to protect the people from 30-minute partisan stem-winder con- To my Republican colleagues, our tyranny, will be erased. tained hardly a single defense of the message is a simple one. Democrats This chapter in our history books President of the United States on the want a fair trial that examines the rel- could be a lesson about the erosion of merits. Almost none have defended evant facts. We want a fair trial. The checks and balances in our modern age President Trump because they can’t. message from Leader MCCONNELL at or it could be a proud reaffirmation of In the wake of an enormous amount the moment is that he has no intention those founding principles. This chapter of evidence uncovered by House inves- of conducting a fair trial, no intention in our history books could be about the tigators—much of it in the form of tes- of acting impartially, no intention of overpowering partisanship of our times timony by top Trump officials whom getting the facts. or it could be about the Senate’s capac- the administration tried to silence— Despite our disagreements, I will ity to overcome it. Again, moments the Republican leader could not rebut meet with Leader MCCONNELL soon to like this are why the U.S. Senate ex- the accusations against the President discuss the rules, but each Senator will ists. with facts. The Republican leader com- influence whether the Senate lives up I yield the floor. plained about the process. The Repub- to its constitutional duty to serve as The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- lican leader made very partisan and in- an impartial court of impeachment. In NEY). The Senator from Utah. flammatory accusations about Demo- the coming weeks, Republican senators APPROPRIATIONS crats, but he did not advance an argu- will face a choice. Each Republican Mr. LEE. Mr. President, it is Decem- ment in defense of the President’s con- Senator will face a choice. Do they ber, so America’s attention turns once duct on the merits. That, in and of want a fair trial or do they want to again to the great debate of our times: itself, is a damning reflection on the allow the President free rein? Each What is the best Christmas movie? Is it state of the President’s defense. Senator must ask himself or herself: ‘‘White Christmas,’’ maybe ‘‘Elf,’’ ‘‘A

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.007 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Christmas Story,’’ ‘‘Home Alone,’’ or So I really don’t care whether it is a a problem; that it was reckless and out ‘‘Die Hard’’? That is a good one. A lot dozen individual spending bills or a of control. President Obama admitted of people are partial to ‘‘It’s a Wonder- small handful of minibuses or whether it. Now we are borrowing just as much, ful Life’’ or ‘‘Braveheart.’’ Now, it is a single bill; what I want is consid- and we are doing so at the top of the ‘‘Braveheart,’’ of course, has nothing eration on the floor of the Senate in business cycle. With wages up and un- to do with Christmas, but it is about front of the American people so they employment at record lows, it is an freedom. Nothing says freedom quite can be aware of what is happening, so awful, corrupt cycle on repeat. Con- like Christmas. we can exercise the election certifi- gress breaks its own spending rules, We have to debate, you see, the best cates we fought so hard for. Each one creates new ones to spend more, and Christmas movie out there for the sim- of us is made more relevant when we then breaks the new ones and tries to ple reason that we also have to watch get that opportunity and less relevant hide the evidence, racking up ever every year the worst Christmas movie. when we are denied. more national debt all the while. The worst Christmas movie is the one Unfortunately, it is just never the What is worse, we are literally put- that runs every single year from this case anymore that we have those kinds ting the brunt of the cost of all of this Chamber right here in this city on C– of opportunities to debate, discuss, and on future generations, on those who SPAN just a week before our Lord’s consider amendments, and to receive are not yet here and not able to vote birthday. It is called omnibus. Critics the underlying legislation in enough for or against the politicians who are and fans have loved to hate it for time for any of us to make a difference. doing this to them. Gorging ourselves years. As is always the case in these These bills are written entirely behind on debt to the tune of another trillion money-grabbing sequels, the actors and closed doors by a small handful of lead- dollars a year means we are saddling the writers and the directors are just ers from two parties—thousands of our children and our children’s chil- mailing it in. They know they can do pages of spending trillions of dollars dren with the cost of this bill, and we this every year, and it works for them, and released to public scrutiny for the are setting ourselves up for a disaster so they mail it in. The only plot twist first time within only hours of what come the next inevitable recession. this time is that instead of a con- would otherwise become a government John F. Kennedy famously said ‘‘to tinuing resolution or a single omnibus, shutdown. govern is to choose,’’ but Congress’s de- leaders and appropriators have cleverly You see, this is a feature, not a bug. fining dysfunction is that it doesn’t put the negotiated spending agreement For those in charge of this process, this choose. It chooses not to choose rather into two bills so that we can all pre- is a good thing because this is what al- deliberately. We don’t budget. We don’t tend it is better than just one. lows them to write it on their own. The reform. We don’t prioritize. We just Even though they were negotiated at law firm, as I sometimes describe it— spend, and we hope we are retired or— the same time, released to the public the law firm of MCCONNELL, SCHUMER, let’s face it—dead when the bill for our at the same time, and will be voted on PELOSI, MCCARTHY, and a small handful negligence and recklessness finally within only minutes of each other, we of staffers and a few other Members comes due. have had different formulations of this around them write this bill, and then it Not only does this package feature over the years. Sometimes it is a con- is presented to us as a single, binary, reckless spending, but it includes many tinuing resolution. Sometimes it is an take-it-or-leave-it package. You fund bills it should not, with Congress fund- omnibus. Sometimes it is a couple of this and everything in it or you fund ing broken, inefficient, and, in many minibuses capped off with another con- nothing. You vote for this package or cases, downright harmful programs. tinuing resolution. Sometimes we call you are blamed for a government shut- For instance, this bill reauthorizes it a CRomnibus. This time I think we down. It is not right. the National Flood Insurance Pro- can call it a double-decker minibus, This, we somehow manage to call gram—a program that might sound but whatever you want to call it, it is rather euphemistically, is bipartisan- nice, but it subsidizes beachfront prop- the same movie. It is a rerun, and it is ship. Like too much of what Wash- erties right in the middle of dangerous not very good. In fact, it is really, real- ington calls bipartisanship these days, flood plains, which is already in more ly bad. The secretive, undemocratric, these spending bills are a fiscal dump- than $20 billion of debt to American irresponsive, and ultimately irrespon- ster fire. You see, they are taxpayers, for a full year, without a sible process that produced this bill is masquerading under the banner of bi- single reform. By the way, after every nothing short of a sham, but then, partisan compromise, when, in fact, single time it has been reauthorized, again, so is the substance of the bill. It they are collusion—collusion just by a for years running, I and others have has been like this for years now. In- small handful of Members of Congress been promised that the next time stead of actively setting and passing who don’t have to have their provisions around, we will have an opportunity to budgets within which we intend to debated and discussed and subject to offer amendments, and we will have an stay, as we expect from any other orga- amendment. opportunity to reform the Flood Insur- nization, we make it up as we go along On the merits, and not just on the ance Program. It can be reformed, and in as abusive and dysfunctional a fash- procedure, this bill is a dumpster fire. it must be reformed. We have been ion as the American people will pos- Discretionary spending will be set at promised reforms for years, but this sibly let us get away with because that record-high levels in nearly every cat- bill just reauthorizes it for a full year, seems to be our aim—do whatever they egory of government spending. without a single reform—not one. let us get away with. This omnibus—or double-decker This bill also maintains the broken In fact, the last time Congress passed minibus, as I sometimes call it—will status quo for overseas contingency op- all of its respective appropriations bills add $2.1 trillion to the national debt erations. For those Americans who in each of the dozen or so categories in over the next 20 years. By that time, aren’t familiar with this term—or OCO, which we spend money—and we pass we will be spending more on interest on as it is sometimes described—this is each of those bills unbundled and on the debt than we do on national de- the Pentagon’s increasingly unac- time—was back in 1997. For this fiscal fense. countable and widely abused slush year, we have already passed two con- This is embarrassing. It is embar- fund, insulated from scrutiny by un- tinuing resolutions. rassing to the American people, and it checked budget caps. The deal appro- An omnibus bill in and of itself ought to be especially embarrassing to priates another $71.5 billion for OCO, a doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, those of us elected to represent our re- $4 billion increase just from last year one could make it a relatively good spective States in the U.S. Senate. alone. This, only days after America thing. You see, in theory, an omnibus What has historically called itself the learned that civilian and military lead- could be a decent legislative vehicle world’s greatest deliberative body has ers have been lying to the American if—and only if, that is—Members of the become something substantially less people for years across multiple Presi- House and the Senate were given time glorious than that. dential administrations about our fail- to read it, to debate it, and to offer, When we had a trillion-dollar deficit ures in Afghanistan. consider, and vote upon amendments to after the 2008 financial crisis, everyone Instead of reform or oversight, these offer improvements to that legislation. admitted it. Everyone admitted it was bills would put another $4.1 billion into

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.008 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7173 the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund Americans to compete against China at community newspapers—not all news- and limit our ability to negotiate the same time it is sending that very papers and not all media enterprises; peace and bring the war in Afghanistan government billions of dollars. just a select group of handpicked com- finally to an end. In an era of rampant Then there is the extension of the munity newspapers—to follow the same fake news, even the media is outper- Brand USA Act—a 7-year reauthoriza- practice, allowing them, once again, to forming Congress on this issue. tion of a government-chartered non- underfund their workers’ pensions These bills include $495 million for profit Brand USA—to use tens of mil- while again promising them a full re- the Land and Water Conservation lions of Federal dollars to advertise for turn on benefits. Fund, a 13-percent increase from the tourism. With this bill, we are rubberstamping last fiscal year, and the highest appro- To top things off, a last-minute tax the expectation that employers are free priation it has had in 17 years—all for extender’s deal was added to the pack- to raid their workers’ promised retire- a program that has been of particular age late Monday night, diverting bil- ment benefits for their own short-term detriment to my State of Utah. The lions of dollars on central economic gain and setting the precedent that the LWCF has been used as a tool for the planning and picking winners and los- government will reward this bad prac- Federal Government to gradually ac- ers in the marketplace. Over the next tice by bailing them out when that in- quire more and more land, even as it is 10 years, this package provides about evitably becomes a problem. failing to care for the lands that it al- $2.7 billion in tax benefits through pro- This bill, however, does include some ready owns, with a current mainte- grams that use the Tax Code to good measures that I support, like re- nance backlog of $19.4 billion. incentivize businesses to invest in gov- pealing the medical device tax, fixing a Worse, in addition to funding broken ernment-selected neighborhoods, seek- tax provision that would unfairly sub- programs, it funds blatant, abusive cro- ing to control the flow of investment ject churches to more taxes, and mak- nyism. The bill reauthorizes the Ex- instead of relying on the free market ing retirement account reforms that port-Import Bank—Washington’s favor- to make those decisions, and it in- allow Americans to access these funds ite among favored banks—which doles cludes naked handouts to cronyist spe- in times of a particular need. out taxpayer-backed loans to help cial interests. Sadly, I, like many of our colleagues, American exporters, and it does so for For example, it spends over $2.1 bil- will be forced to vote against these a full 7 years, without even so much of lion for subsidies in the energy sector— measures because they have been a word of debate. This, notwith- not energy generally but to specific lumped into this massive, stinking standing the fact that the Export-Im- winners within the energy industry package where the only choice we have port Bank has been the subject of very that this small handful of purported is a binary one. We have no option to intense debate in this body for many leaders in Congress have decided would vote for the things we like. This is wrong. There is no finite cap on our years, and with good reason. benefit from the hard-working tax- ability to debate these things other Why? Well, among other things, the payer dollars that would be doled out. biggest recipient of Export-Import The bill, among other things, engages than the artificial ones we have cre- Bank funds is Pemex—Mexico’s infa- in awarding $113 million for coal pro- ated rather deliberately within this body, and that is wrong. mous, corrupt, state-owned oil com- duction on Indian land, $331 million for The thing about these omnibuses is pany. It is so corrupt, in fact, that its facilities to refuel alternative fuel ve- they put us in a take-it-or-leave-it po- own employees collaborate with Mexi- hicles, and $1.5 billion for biodiesel and sition. We were given no choice but to co’s drug cartels to facilitate the theft renewable diesel tax credits, for in- support or oppose the whole thing, of their best oil and their refined petro- stance. As if the Federal Government good and bad measures alike. Unfortu- leum products. weren’t already mired sufficiently in nately, just like every other episode in In fact, that theft has become so this area, this bill devotes even more. this squalid saga—I call this one omni- rampant in Mexico that there is a term Beyond these, it hands out $187 mil- bus 2—this one, too, will come to a pre- coined to refer to that kind of theft. lion in writeoffs for owners of motor dictable, sad, sorry ending. Congress Those who engage in it are called sport entertainment complexes, $18 will pass the mess, indulging in a proc- ‘‘huachicoleros’’—‘‘huachicoleros.’’ We million in tax breaks for the produc- ess, substance, and long-term result are funding, and we are insulating from tion of movies and TV shows, and $3 that are all an affront to the viewers, the ramifications of that theft, Pemex, million in tax credits for the pur- because at the end of the day, the audi- a corrupt institution. It doesn’t oper- chasers of two-wheeled, plug-in electric ence members are real live victims. We ate well, in part, because it is the vic- vehicles, just to name a few examples. can do better. We can, we must, and we tim of theft and in part because it is Not only that, but it features new will. being backed up by the U.S. Govern- levels of absurdity too. This deal actu- I yield the floor. ment. ally includes a special interest bailout The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Ranked right after Pemex is the Peo- to make up for the failures of a faulty ator from Vermont. ple’s Republic of China, whose state- pension plan, while, at the same time, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am owned enterprises are granted generous authorizing another pension plan to pleased to be here with my good friend taxpayer-backed financing for pur- follow in its same footsteps. the chairman of the Appropriations chases they could fund through their Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Committee, Senator SHELBY from Ala- own Communist government. sent to speak for an additional 3 min- bama. We worked hard on this bill, he Say what you want about China, utes. as chairman and I as vice chairman. We about U.S.-China relations on trade, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there reached a bipartisan, bicameral agree- about military issues related to China, objection? ment that will fund the Federal Gov- whatever national security issues we Without objection, it is so ordered. ernment in fiscal year 2020. might be concerned about with China, Mr. LEE. Congress authorized a The agreement rejects some dev- but I don’t know many people—in fact, group of coal miners’ multiemployer astating and shortsighted cuts pro- I don’t know anyone outside of this pension plans under problematic rules, posed by the President. It makes his- town—who think the U.S. Government allowing them to underfund the plans toric investments in the American peo- should be propping up China, should be by over 70 percent, but all the while, ple and working families. It fully im- giving up money for the Export-Import those pensions still promised their plements the bipartisan budget agree- Bank, or otherwise, to China. That is workers full benefits, setting up unrea- ment and allows us to invest an addi- not our job. That is not the role of the sonable expectations for their return tional $27 billion in nondefense pro- U.S. taxpayer, who works hard every on investment. Inevitably, they have grams to benefit our Nation’s children, day to earn money which then might not made up the shortfall, and now the improve our educational institutions, be sent to a Communist government in taxpayers are being asked to bail them protect our environment, combat the China. out. opioid crisis, promote and grow our The reauthorization even includes In the very same bill in which we are economy, invest in our infrastructure, provisions instructing the Export-Im- bailing out the coal miners’ pensions, and protect our elections. There is a port Bank to pretend it is helping we are authorizing a select group of lot in here.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.010 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 There are 12 appropriations bills put ing our own, Jim Condos of Vermont, this is clear: It is wrong. No one should into 2 minibuses. The first, we refer to of the need for these election security interpret silence in this bill or the do- as the domestic minibus bill. That is a grants. It is a matter of national secu- mestic minibus on this issue as strong bipartisan bill that makes real rity to preserve our democracy, and we condoning the President’s actions or as and historic investments in the Amer- have to maintain full faith in our elec- an agreement that what he has done is ican people and our communities. tions. lawful. It simply reflects a sad political It rejects anti-science and know- We also fund the constitutionally reality that the Republican Party re- nothingism proposals by making mandated 2020 Decennial Census. That fuses to stand up to this President and record-level investments in science and is in the U.S. Constitution. It not only protect the Congress’s exclusive power research programs. We all know that determines congressional apportion- of the purse and clarify the law. you have to invest in science and re- ment, but it also is relied on to dis- One court has already correctly con- search, and you cannot turn this on tribute $900 billion in Federal funds. cluded that the President’s raid on and off year by year. We have to think We have to have a fair and accurate military construction money was un- long term. count, and the money provided in this lawful. That conclusion is based on a We also have to invest in our chil- bill will help us achieve that. long-standing provision of appropria- dren’s education. We have increases in We have significant investments to tions law, section 739 of the financial programs with proven success, such as fight crime and terrorism, implement services bill, that prevents the admin- Head Start, the child care and develop- criminal justice reforms, combat vio- istration from increasing funds for a ment block grant, child nutrition pro- lence against women, and keep commu- program or activity requested in the grams, 21st-century learning grants, nities safe. budget above and beyond what was pro- Pell grants, and others. We also have funding for the Depart- vided in an appropriations act. This For the third year in a row, it con- ment of Homeland Security. provision is included again in the un- tinues the historic level of funding to I would note that we have one area derlying bill, and we believe it was cor- combat opioids that we began in fiscal that has been a lightning rod in both rectly interpreted. year 2018. This funding is critical for Chambers. We tried to get a bill that We denied the President’s request to State and local governments because would receive the required number of increase the number of ICE detention they are at the frontlines of this bat- votes to pass. The reason it has been beds to 54,000. This request was cruel tle. difficult is because of the President’s and unjustified. Instead, we provided The agreement provides over $5 bil- insistence that we waste taxpayer funding to support the same level of lion more than the President’s budget money on an ineffective and foolish beds as fiscal year 2019. There is no to protect national parks and public wall on the southern border. We all need for a higher number. lands and fund critical environmental want secure borders. A wall that can be President Trump is misusing ICE de- protection and conservation programs. easily cut with a $100 power saw you tention facilities for the mass incarcer- These national parks are an important can buy at a local hardware store is ation of asylum seekers and immi- part of our heritage. The Presiding Of- not security, and we worry about the grants who have no criminal history ficer has some of the most beautiful cruel and ineffective immigration poli- and pose no threat to our communities. ones in the country in his State, but cies of the Trump Administration. There are more effective, less expen- all of our national parks are beautiful. Last year, the President plunged us sive, and more humane ways to enforce I think about the brilliance of people into a 35-day government shutdown our immigration laws while immi- like President Theodore Roosevelt who when Congress refused to fund his anti- grants go through judicial proceedings. said: Let’s preserve them. immigration agenda. That cost the tax- That is why I fought for and secured a Even though the administration de- payers of this country billions of dol- significant increase in alternatives to nies that climate change exists, the lars that could have been spent on bet- detention, like the Family Case Man- agreement includes significant re- ter things. But we reached a resolu- agement Program. sources to combat this threat in the tion. Again, I compliment Senator I also fought to include restrictions new fiscal year. SHELBY and Congresswomen LOWEY and on the President’s ability to increase It rejects the President’s proposal to GRANGER because we met for hours in the bed number by transferring money totally eliminate key Federal afford- my office and worked our way through from other accounts. But again, Repub- able housing and economic develop- that. licans stood with the President and re- ment programs. In this bill, the President will receive fused to negotiate on this issue, and For the first time in decades, Con- $1.375 billion for barriers on the south- those critical reforms were not in- gress has come together to fund $25 ern border, which is what he would cluded. million for gun violence research by have received if we had a continuing Not every part of the DHS bill is con- the Centers for Disease Control and the resolution and far less than the $8.6 bil- troversial, however. The bill provides NIH. That is a significant step to com- lion he requested, $5 billion of which critical funding for the Coast Guard to bat the gun violence epidemic and rash would have come from the Department support their missions to keep our of school shootings facing our Nation. of Homeland Security. country safe. It provides an increase It is a good bill. It is certainly going I would have preferred no funding for for the Transportation Security Ad- to improve the lives of Vermonters. It the wall. President Trump’s wall will ministration, which ensures our safety improves the lives of millions of Amer- negatively impact communities in and security at our Nation’s busy air- icans in all the States. It provides sup- which it is built, rob people of their ports, and it provides increased funding port for working families and supports property—in some cases, ranches and for FEMA whose mission is critical for and promotes our economy. In a few farmland that have been in families for communities struggling to recover in moments, we are going to vote on the generations—and destroy critical habi- the wake of natural disasters. motion to invoke cloture on this bill, tat on the border. But the Republicans While I do not agree with everything and I will urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote. were clear: They would not support a included in this bill, on balance, the se- The second package of bills, we refer bill that contained zero for the wall. curity minibus provides funding impor- to as the national security minibus They stood with the President on the tant to keep our Nation safe, to sup- bill. It is critical funding to support wall, as they seem to do time after port our troops, to improve election se- our troops, invest in our military, and time. curity, and ensure an accurate count protect our Nation from ongoing I am disappointed that we did not for the Census. Later today, we will threats, both foreign and domestic. further restrict the President’s ability turn to this bill, and I urge an aye Importantly, it includes $425 million to steal money from our troops to pay vote. for election security grants. While the for the wall. If the President decides to I do thank Chairman SHELBY for his administration has not requested any- once again steal money from our hard work in negotiating the bills. The thing, I heard from secretaries of troops and their families for the wall, hours were long. We didn’t always state—Republicans and Democrats he will have to answer in court and to agree. We had a lot of weekends and alike—throughout the country, includ- the American people. Our position on evenings that we worked quietly out of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.012 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7175 sight of the press and everything else, Mr. LEAHY. I have often said that we SION Act. These are victories for but knowing that we can take each Senators are merely constitutional im- America and for the American people. other’s word, we worked in good faith pediments to the staff who do such Turning to Homeland Security, to reach a resolution on difficult mat- great work, and I applaud them all on which is very important, as well, $1.375 ters. He made compromises necessary both sides of the aisle. billion is provided for the border wall to get us a deal, as did I. And I thank I yield the floor to my distinguished system, and the President will have my friend Senator SHELBY for his lead- chairman. some greater flexibility on where he ership on the Appropriations Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. can build along the southern border. mittee. SCOTT of Florida). The Senator from Not only that, but the President re- I say this as Dean of the Senate and Alabama. tains critical transfer authorities that as somebody who has served with al- Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I ask will allow him to devote additional re- most 20 percent of all the Senators in unanimous consent that I be allowed to sources to border security and immi- this country’s history—I thank him for finish my remarks prior to the vote. gration enforcement. Again, the objec- his friendship. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tive here and, I believe, the outcome is I thank the Appropriations Com- objection, it is so ordered. to make America strong. mittee staff on both sides of the aisle. Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, just a The last thing that I will mention be- I might go home at 9 or 10 o’clock at few weeks ago right here, Congress fore wrapping up is that these bills will night; they are still there until 1 or 2 passed a continuing resolution to fund maintain all legacy policy riders to o’clock in the morning. They are hard- the government through December 20. protect life and the Second Amend- working, and there were sleepless At that time, few if any of us predicted ment. These provisions have long been nights. We could not have done this that we would pass all 12 appropria- foundational to the strength of Amer- without them. tions bills in such a small window of ica and I am proud to assure my col- Obviously, I thank my full com- time. Yet today we are poised to do leagues that we can carry them for- mittee staff—Charles Kieffer, Chanda just that in a few minutes. ward. Betourney, Jessica Berry, Jay Tilton, Bipartisan cooperation has made this All in all, these bills accommodate and Hannah Chauvin—for their work, possible. Chairwoman LOWEY and countless Members’ priorities on both as well as Shannon Hines, Jonathan Ranking Member GRANGER on the sides of the aisle. I want to thank all of Graffeo, and David Adkins on Senator House side and my friend Vice Chair- my colleagues, again, for the input SHELBY’s staff. I thank all the sub- man LEAHY and I on the Senate side they provided at the outset of this committee. It is a long list, and I ask worked together to change things. I be- process. unanimous consent the entire list be lieve that the four of us have shown I also want to take a moment to printed in the RECORD. once again that, if given the oppor- thank my chief of staff and the staff di- There being no objection, the mate- tunity, we will find a bipartisan path rector of the Appropriations Com- rial was ordered to be printed in the forward to get the job done. It is very mittee, Shannon Hines, and her staff RECORD, as follows: important that we do this. for all the work they have done, as well VICE CHAIRMAN LEAHY LIST FOR SENATE I would be remiss right now if I did as Senator LEAHY’s staff, working to- AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1158 (CONSOLIDATED not recognize all members of the Ap- gether. As we approach the finish line, APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020) AND H.R. 1865 propriations Committees, Democrats I ask for their support. As the clock (FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS and Republicans, committees on both ACT, 2020) STAFF FOR THE RECORD winds down, let’s come together and do sides of the aisle and the Capitol, our what seemed so unlikely just a month Charles E. Kieffer, Chanda Betourney, Jay subcommittee chairs, our ranking Tilton, Jessica Berry, Hannah Chauvin, ago—to fund the entire Federal Gov- Shannon Hines, Jonathan Graffeo, David members in particulars, and, of course, ernment before the Christmas break. Adkins, Margaret Pritchard, Dianne Nellor, our staff. We would not be here without Before I yield the floor, I want to Adrienne Wojciechowski, Teri Curtin, Bob their diligence and willingness to work quickly thank, again, all of the staff Ross, Morgan Ulmer, Patrick Carroll, Eliza- night and day with very little sleep. for their hard work and dedication to beth Dent, Anna Lanier Fischer, Jean Toal I thank the leaders on both sides, make this happen today. Without Eisen, Jennifer Eskra, Blaise Sheridan, Senator MCCONNELL and Senator SCHU- Elisabeth Coats, Hamilton Bloom, Amber them, it wouldn’t happen and we know MER. this. They have worked tirelessly on Beck, Allen Cutler, Matt Womble, Sydney I especially want to take a moment Crawford, Erik Raven, Brigid Kolish, Rob our behalf and on behalf of the Amer- here to acknowledge the role played by Leonard, John Lucio, Andy Vanlandingham, ican people, and we should all be grate- the Secretary of the Treasury, Sec- Mike Clementi, Colleen Gaydos, Katy Hagan, ful for their efforts. retary Mnuchin, in these negotiations Chris Hall, Hanz Heinrichs, Kate Kaufer, Ra- I yield the floor. chel Littleton, Jacqui Russell, Jeremiah Van on behalf of the administration. To- Auken, Doug Clapp, Chris Hanson, Kathleen gether, everybody negotiated the budg- CLOTURE MOTION Williams, Tyler Owens, Jen Armstrong, et agreement that paved the way for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Adam DeMella, Meyer Seligman, Molly these bills, and they helped guide them to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Marsh, Ellen Murray, Diana Gourlay Ham- down the stretch. Secretary Mnuchin Senate the pending cloture motion, ilton, Reeves Hart, Andrew Newton, Brian which the clerk will state. Daner, Sophie Sando, Scott Nance, Chip Wal- in particular has been a voice of reason and a driving force in our ability to get The senior assistant legislative clerk gren, Drenan Dudley, Peter Babb, Chris read as follows: Cook, Justin Harper, Thompson Moore, to yes, and we should be grateful for Kamela White, Christian Lee, Rachael Tay- that. CLOTURE MOTION lor, Ryan Hunt, Melissa Zimmerman, Faisal I believe these bills are good bills We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Amin, Emy Lesofski, Lucas Agnew, Nona that my colleagues can be proud to ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the McCoy, Alex Keenan, Mark Laisch, Kelly support. I do not have time here today Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Brown, Kathryn Toomajian, Meghan Mott, to go into all the particulars of such a move to bring to a close debate on the mo- Laura Friedel, Michael Gentile, Ashley complex piece of legislation, but I want tion to concur in the House amendment to Palmer, Jeff Reczek, Sarah Boliek, Alley the Senate amendment to H.R. 1865, a bill to Adcock, Michelle Dominguez, Jason McMa- to hit a few high points as I see them. require the Secretary of the Treasury to hon, Patrick Magnuson, Jennifer Bastin, Jo- First—always first to me—is America’s mint a coin in commemoration of the open- anne Hoff, Tim Rieser, Alex Carnes, Kali military, our national security, the se- ing of the National Law Enforcement Mu- Farahmand, Paul Grove, Katherine Jackson, curity of our Nation. Defense spending seum in the District of Columbia, and for Sarita Vanka, Adam Yezerski, Dabney Hegg, here has increased by $22 billion over other purposes. Jessi Axe, Christina Monroe, Virginia Flores, the previous year. Our men and women Mitch McConnell, Susan M. Collins, Clare Doherty, Gus Maples, Rajat Mathur, in uniform will receive the largest pay Richard Burr, David Perdue, Pat Rob- LaShawnda Smith, Jason Woolwine, Court- increase in 10 years at 3.1 percent, erts, John Cornyn, Shelley Moore Cap- ney Young, Valerie Hutton, Elmer Myles, ito, John Thune, John Boozman, Rob Penny Myles, Karin Thames, Robert Put- which they deserve. Our veterans can Portman, Richard C. Shelby, Roy nam, Clint Trocchio, Christy Greene, Blair rest assured that they will get the Blunt, Jerry Moran, John Hoeven, Taylor, Jenny Winkler, Hong Nguyen, healthcare they earned and deserve Roger F. Wicker, Thom Tillis, Lisa Christy Greene, George Castro. through the funding of the VA MIS- Murkowski

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.013 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- extraordinarily hard on these appro- On top of this, the Federal Commu- imous consent, the mandatory quorum priations bills, and it shows what can nications Commission’s enforcement call has been waived. be done when we work together. I efforts are hampered by a tight time The question is, Is it the sense of the think the vote here is an indication of window for pursuing violators. That is Senate that debate on the motion to that. why, earlier this year, I introduced the concur in the House amendment to the If nobody is seeking recognition, I legislation before us today, the Tele- Senate amendment to H.R. 1865, a bill suggest the absence of a quorum. phone Robocall Abuse Criminal En- to require the Secretary of the Treas- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The forcement and Deterrence Act, or the ury to mint a coin in commemoration clerk will call the roll. TRACED Act, with my fellow Com- of the opening of the National Law En- The legislative clerk proceeded to merce Committee member, Senator forcement Museum in the District of call the roll. MARKEY. The TRACED Act provides Columbia, and for other purposes, shall Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask tools to discourage illegal robocalls, unanimous consent that the order for be brought to a close? protect consumers, and crack down on the quorum call be rescinded. The yeas and nays are mandatory offenders. It expands the window in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without under the rule. objection, it is so ordered. which the FCC can pursue intentional The clerk will call the roll. scammers and levy fines from 1 year to The legislative clerk called the roll. f 4 years. Mr. THUNE. The following Senators PALLONE-THUNE TELEPHONE The legislation also requires tele- are necessarily absent: the Senator ROBOCALL ABUSE CRIMINAL EN- phone service providers to adopt call from Arkansas (Mr. COTTON) and the FORCEMENT AND DETERRENCE verification technologies that would Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). ACT help prevent illegal robocalls from Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today the reaching consumers in the first place. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Senate is taking the final step to send The TRACED Act also recognizes the the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- much-needed legislation to protect importance of legitimate calls and en- RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. consumers from robocalls to the Presi- sures important calls like emergency KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from dent’s desk. I think we had hoped that public safety calls are not wrongly Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator this would be able to be passed with a blocked. from New Mexico (Mr. UDALL), and the couple of other bills coming out of the Importantly, it convenes a working Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- Commerce, Science, and Transpor- group with representatives from the REN) are necessarily absent. tation Committee. I think the chair- Department of Justice, the FCC, the The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 71, man of the committee, Senator Federal Trade Commission, the Depart- nays 21, as follows: WICKER, will address those later: the ment of Commerce, the Consumer Fi- [Rollcall Vote No. 413 Leg.] data mapping bill and the secure com- nancial Protection Bureau, State at- YEAS—71 munications bill that deals with ensur- torneys general, and others to identify ways to criminally prosecute the ille- Alexander Grassley Reed ing that we protect our technology Baldwin Hassan Roberts from harmful elements—Huawei and gal robocalling. TRACED also address- Bennet Heinrich Romney those sorts of things. I would hope that es the issue of so-called one-ring Blumenthal Hirono Rosen scams, where international scammers Blunt we could get those cleared at some Hoeven Rounds try to get individuals to return their Boozman Hyde-Smith Rubio point, too. Brown Jones Schatz Today, we want to proceed with the calls so they can charge them exorbi- Burr Kaine Schumer robocall bill. tant fees. Cantwell Kennedy Shaheen I will just start by saying that illegal It directs the Federal Communica- Capito King Shelby Cardin Leahy robocalls have flooded Americans’ tions Commission to convene a work- Sinema Casey Manchin phones to the point where many folks ing group to address the problem of il- Smith Collins Markey Stabenow don’t want to answer their phones at legal robocalls being made to hospitals. Coons McConnell Mr. President, I am very pleased that Cornyn McSally Sullivan all. In fact, a recent report found that Cortez Masto Menendez Tester only 47 percent of calls Americans re- the TRACED Act received bipartisan Cramer Merkley Thune ceive are actually answered. This support in both houses of Congress. I Tillis Crapo Moran means consumers aren’t answering le- am especially grateful to Senator MAR- Duckworth Murkowski Van Hollen Durbin Murphy Warner gitimate calls that could be alerting KEY for partnering with me on this leg- Feinstein Murray Whitehouse you of fraud on your credit card, noti- islation, and I appreciate Chairman Fischer Perdue Wicker fying you that your flight has been WICKER and Ranking Member CANT- Gardner Peters Wyden canceled, or reminding you of an up- WELL for quickly advancing this legis- Graham Portman Young coming medical appointment—all calls lation through the Commerce Com- NAYS—21 that are important to consumers. mittee this year. Barrasso Enzi Lee It is clear that no one is immune to I also appreciate the work of our Blackburn Ernst Paul these annoying and potentially dan- House colleagues, Representatives PAL- Braun Gillibrand Risch Carper Hawley Sasse gerous calls. Scammers use these calls LONE, WALDEN, DOYLE, and LATTA, for Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) to successfully prey on vulnerable pop- their work on advancing the TRACED Cruz Johnson Scott (SC) ulations, especially elderly Americans, Act through the House. I am also very Daines Lankford Toomey and they target the kind of personal in- pleased this bill has attracted tremen- NOT VOTING—8 formation that can be used to steal dous support from State governments Booker Isakson Udall your money or your identity. When and industry and consumer groups. Cotton Klobuchar Warren scammers are successful, the con- While the TRACED Act won’t pre- Harris Sanders sequences for their victims can be dev- vent all illegal robocalling, it is a big The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this astating. step in the right direction. As The vote, the yeas are 71, the nays are 21. While there are laws and fines in Washington Post editorial board re- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- place right now to prevent scam artists cently stated, the TRACED ‘‘is what sen and sworn having voted in the af- for preying on Americans through the good, old-fashioned legislating looks firmative, the motion is agreed to. telephone, these measures have been like.’’ I could not agree more. No proc- The motion to refer falls. insufficient. When I served as chairman ess is perfect, but today, I am excited The Senator from Vermont. of the Commerce Committee, I subpoe- that the Senate will be sending the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to naed the mass robocaller Adrian TRACED Act to the President’s desk. thank everybody for joining Senator Abramovich to testify about his oper- Before I close, Mr. President, I would SHELBY and I on this vote. It is going ation. His testimony made it clear that like to quickly thank several staff to help us move forward, and, as I said robocall scammers simply build the members whose efforts helped get us in my earlier remarks, Republicans and current fines into the cost of doing here today. In my office, I appreciate Democrats came together and worked business. the work of Alex Sachtjen, Lauren

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.017 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7177 Greenwood, Jessica McBride, and Nick answered. Innocent Americans are de- sumer Reports, Consumer Federation Rossi. I would also like to extend my frauded. Our seniors in particular are of America, Consumer Action, the Na- thanks to Dan Ball, Olivia Trusty, targeted. tional Association of Attorneys Gen- John Keast, and Crystal Tully on Years ago, scammers needed expen- eral, USTelecom, CTIA, NTCA, and so Chairman WICKER’s team, who worked sive, sophisticated equipment to many more groups. These groups join tirelessly to help develop and advance robocall and robotext consumers en the chorus of countless Americans who this legislation. masse. Today, they just need a raised their voices and called on Con- As I mentioned before, I appreciate smartphone to target thousands of gress to pass this bipartisan common- the great work of Senator MARKEY, his phones an hour at relatively little ex- sense legislation, and we thank you. partnership on this bill, and I want to pense, and readily available software What I would like to do, as well as thank the work of Daniel Greene, Joey permits them to spoof their numbers, Senator THUNE, is to thank my staff, Wender, and Bennett Butler on his which means their true caller ID is, in Joey Wender, who is sitting out here staff. This truly was, Mr. President, a fact, concealed from the person picking on the floor with me right now; and team effort, so I thank you. up the phone. These new technologies Bennett Butler, right over my shoul- I look forward to the President’s sig- allow illegal robocalls to conduct fraud der; and Daniel Greene, who worked on nature on the TRACED Act in the near anonymously, both depriving Federal it; for Alex Sachtjen, Daniel Ball, future, and I hope that, as this bill gets regulators and consumers the ability Olivia Trusty, Nick Rossi, Crystal implemented, it will once again be safe to identify and to punish the culprit. Tully, from the majority staff, all to answer your phone in this country. Today, the U.S. Senate is putting partnered to make today possible. I I yield the floor. robocall relief in sight. I have been just want to say, again, we can’t thank The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- proud again to partner with Senator Alex Sachtjen enough for all the work ator from Massachusetts. THUNE on the Telephone Robocall that was done. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, thank Abuse Criminal Enforcement and De- I thank Senator THUNE, and I thank you. This is a big day for consumers in terrence Act, or TRACED Act for the entire Senate for their support for the United States, and I want to begin short. We introduced it earlier this this legislation. first by thanking my friend, Senator year; today is the culmination of that I yield the floor. THUNE, for his tremendous partnership work in partnership with the House of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- on this legislation and the issue that Representatives. Stopping robocalls re- ator from South Dakota. we are discussing today, robocalls. quires a simple formula, which we have Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I appre- That is because there are no blue included in the TRACED Act: 1, au- ciate that. I thank the Senator from robocalls. There are no red robocalls. thentication; 2, blocking; 3, enforce- Massachusetts. He and his staff were There are only despised robocalls. That ment. tremendous in working on this. As I is what is bringing this Chamber to- First, this bill requires carriers to said before, it is nice when we have an gether today. So I thank Senator adopt call authentication technologies opportunity to work in a bipartisan THUNE for his great leadership. so they can verify that incoming calls way on something that is this mean- I thank Senator WICKER and Senator are legitimate before they reach con- ingful in people’s lives. This has a tre- CANTWELL for helping us to navigate sumers phones. This will be mandatory mendous impact on the daily life of this political pathway. Today is a big for phone carriers. Second, the Federal Americans who are bombarded, in day. The daily deluge of robocalls that Communications Commission will re- many cases, not just with annoying Americans experience is more than a quire phone companies to block nuisance calls, but also with calls that nuisance in 2019. It is a consumer pro- unverified calls at no charge to con- are very predatory and particularly tection crisis. Today, the U.S. Senate sumers. Third, we will increase from 1 when it comes to some of our vulner- is sending Americans a holiday gift on year to 4 years the time for the Federal able populations. everyone’s list: stopping the plague of Communications Commission to pur- Mr. President, notwithstanding rule robocalls. Americans across the coun- sue penalties for robocallers that in- XII, I ask unanimous consent that the try face an epidemic of illegal and tentionally violate the rules. This is a Chair lay before the Senate the mes- fraudulent robocalls bombarding their recipe for success. That is what our sage to accompany S. 151. phones. TRACED Act does. The Presiding Officer laid before the While their telephones were once a At the same time, this bill also en- Senate the following message from the reliable means of communications, sures that emergency public safety House of Representatives: they have been turned against us. They calls still go through. The bill we will Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. are now mechanisms for scammers and vote on today has enormous support 151) entitled ‘‘An Act to deter criminal fraudsters who wish to cheat and to de- robocall violations and improve enforcement across the country: 54 State and Terri- of section 227(b) of the Communications Act fraud. The numbers are staggering. In tory attorneys general, all commis- of 1934, and for other purposes’’, do pass with 2019, consumers have received an esti- sioners at the Federal Communications an amendment. mated 54 billion robocalls. That is 6 bil- Commission, and the Federal Trade MOTION TO CONCUR lion more than 2018, and we still have 2 Commission. Major industry associa- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I move to more weeks to go. The year isn’t even tions and meeting consumer groups en- concur in the House amendment, and I over. In November alone, an estimated dorse the legislation and agree that the know of no further debate on the mo- 5 billion robocalls were made to Ameri- TRACED Act is an essential weapon in tion. cans. That is 167 million robocalls per combating the rise of illegal, fraudu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there day. That is 7 million robocalls an lent robocalls. further debate on the motion to con- hour. That is 2,000 every second in our This robocall legislation is a political cur? country. In the time it takes me to Halley’s Comet. It is something we can If not, the question is on agreeing to make these remarks, 10,000 robocalls all gather around and learn from. The the motion. will have been placed across this coun- robocalls we receive every day are nei- The motion was agreed to. try. ther Democrat, nor Republican. They Mr. THUNE. I ask unanimous con- In 2019, already almost 600 million are a universal menace. They impact sent that the motion to reconsider be robocalls have been placed to my con- the elderly, the young, the small busi- considered made and laid upon the stituents in Massachusetts. Enough is ness owner, and the student. Our table. enough. The reality is that we no grandparents and neighbors, our teach- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without longer have confidence in our phones. ers and our coworkers today, no one is objection, it is so ordered. Our phones have become tools for spared from this consumer protection ORDER OF PROCEDURE fraud, for scams, for harassment mech- pandemic. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I would anisms by which those with bad intent Senator THUNE and my efforts would ask unanimous consent that this be can access our homes, our purses, or not have been possible without the separate from the discussion that we even our pockets at any time. Caller ID great work of groups like the National are now having, but I would ask unani- is not trusted. Important calls go un- Consumer Law Center, AARP, Con- mous consent that at 12 p.m. today,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.019 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 postcloture time on the motion to con- package, H.R. 4998, to authorize this in (8) FORM 477.—The term ‘‘Form 477’’ means cur in the House amendment to the the United States. Form 477 of the Commission relating to local Senate amendment to H.R. 1865 expire; Earlier this year, the President telephone competition and broadband reporting. the other pending motions and amend- signed an Executive order declaring a (9) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ ments be withdrawn; and Senator ENZI national emergency—and I agree with in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination or his designee be recognized to raise a the President—because of the dan- and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). budget point of order, followed by Sen- gerous effects of keeping Chinese (10) MOBILITY FUND PHASE II.—The term ‘‘Mo- ator SHELBY or his designee to make a equipment in our Nation’s critical in- bility Fund Phase II’’ means the second phase motion to waive the budget point of frastructure. Given these threats, we of the proceeding to provide universal service order; finally, if the motion to waive is have an opportunity today to remove support from the Mobility Fund (WC Docket No. agreed to, the Senate vote on the mo- this Huawei and ZTE equipment from 10–90; WT Docket No. 10–208). tion to concur in the House amend- American telecommunication net- (11) PROPAGATION MODEL.—The term ‘‘propa- gation model’’ means a mathematical formula- ment to the Senate amendment to H.R. works so we can protect Americans. tion for the characterization of radio wave prop- 1865 with no intervening action or de- We are going to have some trouble agation as a function of frequency, distance, bate. with that on the unanimous consent re- and other conditions. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there quest. I think with the broadband (12) PROVIDER.—The term ‘‘provider’’ means a objection? DATA Act we will not. provider of fixed or mobile broadband internet I recognize the Senator from Wyo- (Mrs. FISCHER assumed the Chair.) access service. (13) SHAPEFILE.—The term ‘‘shapefile’’ means ming. f Mr. ENZI. Reserving the right to ob- a digital storage format containing geospatial or ject. BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACCU- location-based data and attribute information— RACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL (A) regarding the availability of broadband Does that mean I won’t get to give internet access service; and the comments before we vote? There AVAILABILITY ACT (B) that can be viewed, edited, and mapped in has to be some comments about the Mr. WICKER. Madam President, not- geographic information system software. point of order. Looking at the clock, withstanding rule XXII, I ask unani- (14) STANDARD BROADBAND INSTALLATION.— the number of people waiting, it looks mous consent that the Senate proceed The term ‘‘standard broadband installation’’— like I am being cut of that time. to the immediate consideration of Cal- (A) means the initiation by a provider of new Would that be a correct interpreta- fixed broadband internet access service with no endar No. 328, S. 1822. charges or delays attributable to the extension tion? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. THUNE. I would say my view of the network of the provider; and clerk will report the bill by title. (B) includes the initiation of fixed broadband here is that the gentleman from Wyo- The legislative clerk read as follows: internet access service through routine installa- ming wants to explain his point of A bill (S. 1822) to require the Federal Com- tion that can be completed not later than 10 order. There is no objection to allowing munications Commission to issue rules re- business days after the date on which the serv- him to do that. lating to the collection of data with respect ice request is submitted. Mr. ENZI. Then I have no objection. to the availability of broadband services, and SEC. 3. BROADBAND MAPS. Mr. THUNE. Thank you. for other purposes. (a) RULES.— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after an objection? objection to proceeding to the meas- the date of enactment of this Act, the Commis- Without objection, it is so ordered. sion shall issue final rules that shall— ure? (A) allow for the collection by the Commission The PRESIDING OFFICER. I recog- There being no objection, the Senate nize the Senator from Mississippi. of accurate and granular data, not less fre- proceeded to consider the bill, which quently than biannually— Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, the time had been reported from the Committee (i) relating to the availability of terrestrial is fleeting. on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- fixed, fixed wireless, satellite, and mobile The distinguished Republican whip is tation, with an amendment to strike broadband internet access service; and correct. We had hoped that the robocall all after the enacting clause and insert (ii) that the Commission shall use to compile bill could be included with unanimous in lieu thereof the following: the maps created under subsection (c)(1) (re- consent with two other very important ferred to in this section as ‘‘coverage maps’’), SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. which the Commission shall make publicly pieces of legislation—one being the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Broadband De- Broadband DATA Act, S. 1822, which is available; and ployment Accuracy and Technological Avail- (B) establish— designed to tell the FCC: Go back. Get ability Act’’ or the ‘‘Broadband DATA Act’’. (i) processes through which the Commission the maps right. Show us where we have SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. can verify the accuracy of data submitted under coverage and where we do not have In this Act: subsection (b)(2); coverage. We are making great (1) BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE.— (ii) processes and procedures through which progress with that. I do believe we will The term ‘‘broadband internet access service’’ the Commission, and, as necessary, other enti- get that bill passed in just a moment. has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) ties or persons submitting information under The other issue is the Huawei data of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any this Act, can protect the security, privacy, and security act. I understand we are going successor regulation. confidentiality of— (2) BROADBAND MAP.—The term ‘‘Broadband (I) information contained in the Fabric; to have some trouble with that. Let me Map’’ means the map created by the Commission (II) the dataset created under subsection (b)(1) talk briefly before I make my unani- under section 3(c)(1)(A). supporting the Fabric; and mous consent request. (3) CELL EDGE PROBABILITY.—The term ‘‘cell (III) the data submitted under subsection China is up to no good with their edge probability’’ means the likelihood that the (b)(2); government-controlled companies, minimum threshold download and upload (iii) the challenge process described in sub- Huawei and ZTE. They are required by speeds with respect to broadband internet access section (b)(5); and Chinese law to do the bidding of the service will be met or exceeded at a distance (iv) the process described in section 5(b). Chinese Communist dictatorship, and from a base station that is intended to indicate (2) OTHER DATA.—In issuing the rules under the ultimate edge of the coverage area of a cell. paragraph (1), the Commission shall develop a that means using their equipment to (4) CELL LOADING.—The term ‘‘cell loading’’ process through which the Commission can col- spy on Americans. means the percentage of the available air inter- lect verified data for use in the coverage maps This is an undisputed fact, and it is face resources of a base station that are used by from— recognized not only by Americans but consumers with respect to broadband internet (A) State, local, and Tribal governmental enti- also by other countries, our allies, access service. ties that are primarily responsible for mapping which are taking steps to protect (5) CLUTTER.—The term ‘‘clutter’’ means a or tracking broadband internet access service themselves. Japan, Australia, New Zea- natural or man-made surface feature that af- coverage for a State, unit of local government, land have already begun the process of fects the propagation of a signal from a base or Indian Tribe, as applicable; removing this dangerous ZTE and station. (B) third parties, if the Commission determines (6) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ that it is in the public interest to use such data Huawei equipment from their net- means the Federal Communications Commission. in— works. (7) FABRIC.—The term ‘‘Fabric’’ means the (i) the development of the coverage maps; or We have legislation we thought was Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric estab- (ii) the verification of data submitted under going to be included in this three-bill lished under section 3(b)(1)(B). subsection (b); and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.021 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7179 (C) other Federal agencies. (AA) satisfy standards that are similar to information contained in the submission and (3) UPDATES.—The Commission shall revise those applicable to providers of mobile that, to the best of the officer’s actual knowl- the rules issued under paragraph (1) to— broadband internet access service under sub- edge, information, and belief, all statements of (A) reflect changes in technology; paragraph (B) with respect to propagation maps fact contained in the submission are true and (B) ensure the accuracy of propagation mod- and propagation model details, taking into ac- correct; and els, as further provided in subsection (b)(3); and count material differences between fixed wire- (B) the Commission shall verify the accuracy (C) improve the usefulness of the coverage less and mobile broadband internet access serv- and reliability of the information in accordance maps. ice; and with measures established by the Commission. (b) CONTENT OF RULES.— (BB) reflect the speeds and latency of the (5) CHALLENGE PROCESS.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT OF A SERVICEABLE LOCA- service provided by the provider; or (A) IN GENERAL.—In the rules issued under TION FABRIC REGARDING FIXED BROADBAND.— (bb) a list of addresses or locations that con- subsection (a), and subject to subparagraph (B), (A) DATASET.— stitute the service area of the provider, except the Commission shall establish a user-friendly (i) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall create that the Commission— challenge process through which consumers, a common dataset of all locations in the United (AA) may only permit, and not require, a pro- State, local, and Tribal governmental entities, States where fixed broadband internet access vider to report the data using that means of re- and other entities may submit coverage data to service can be installed, as determined by the porting; and the Commission to challenge the accuracy of— Commission. (BB) in the rules issued under subsection (i) the coverage maps; (ii) CONTRACTING.— (a)(1), shall provide a method for using that (ii) any information submitted by a provider (I) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subclauses (II) means of reporting with respect to Tribal areas; regarding the availability of broadband internet and (III), the Commission may contract with an and access service; or entity with expertise with respect to geographic (II) with respect to providers of terrestrial (iii) the information included in the Fabric. information systems (referred to in this sub- fixed and satellite broadband internet access (B) CONSIDERATIONS; VERIFICATION; RESPONSE section as ‘‘GIS’’) to create and maintain the service— TO CHALLENGES.—In establishing the challenge dataset under clause (i). (aa) polygon shapefiles; or process required under subparagraph (A), the (II) APPLICATION OF THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION (bb) a list of addresses or locations that con- Commission shall— REGULATION.—A contract into which the Com- stitute the service area of the provider, except (i) consider— mission enters under subclause (I) shall in all that the Commission— (I) the types of information that an entity respects comply with applicable provisions of (AA) may only permit, and not require, a pro- submitting a challenge should provide to the the Federal Acquisition Regulation. vider to report the data using that means of re- Commission in support of the challenge; (III) LIMITATIONS.—With respect to a contract porting; and (II) the appropriate level of granularity for into which the Commission enters under sub- (BB) in the rules issued under subsection the information described in subclause (I); clause (I)— (a)(1), shall provide a method for using that (III) the need to mitigate the time and expense (aa) the entity with which the Commission means of reporting with respect to Tribal areas; incurred by, and the administrative burdens contracts shall be selected through a competitive and placed on, entities in— bid process that is transparent and open; and (v) the Commission determines is appropriate (aa) challenging the accuracy of a coverage (bb) the contract shall be for a term of not with respect to certain technologies in order to map; and longer than 5 years, after which the Commission ensure that the Broadband Map is granular and (bb) responding to challenges described in item may enter into a new contract— accurate; and (aa); and (AA) with an entity, and for the purposes, de- (B) from each provider of mobile broadband (IV) the costs to consumers and providers re- scribed in subclause (I); and internet access service, which shall include sulting from a misallocation of funds because of (BB) that complies with the requirements propagation maps, and the propagation models a reliance on outdated or otherwise inaccurate under subclause (II) and this subclause. on which those maps are based, that indicate information in the coverage maps; (B) FABRIC.—The rules issued by the Commis- the current (as of the date on which the infor- (ii) include a process for verifying the data sion under subsection (a)(1) shall establish the mation is collected) fourth generation Long- submitted through the challenge process in Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, which Term Evolution (commonly referred to as ‘‘4G order to ensure the reliability of that data; shall— LTE’’) mobile broadband internet access service (iii) allow providers to respond to challenges (i) contain geocoded information for each lo- coverage of the provider, which shall— submitted through the challenge process; and cation identified under subparagraph (A)(i); (i) take into consideration the effect of clutter; (iv) develop an online mechanism, which— (ii) serve as the foundation upon which all and (I) shall be integrated into the coverage maps; data relating to the availability of fixed (ii) satisfy— and broadband internet access service collected (I) the requirements of having— (II) allows for an entity described in subpara- under paragraph (2)(A) shall be reported and (aa) a download speed of 5 megabits per sec- graph (A) to submit a challenge under the chal- overlaid; ond and an upload speed of 1 megabit per sec- lenge process. (iii) be compatible with commonly used GIS ond with a cell edge probability of not less than (C) USE OF CHALLENGES.—The rules issued to software; and 90 percent; and establish the challenge process under subpara- (iv) at a minimum, be updated annually by (bb) cell loading of 50 percent; and graph (A) shall include— the Commission. (II) any other parameter that the Commission (i) a process for the speedy resolution of chal- (C) IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY.—The Commis- determines to be necessary to create a map lenges; and sion shall prioritize implementing the Fabric for under subsection (c)(1)(C) that is more precise (ii) a process for the regular and expeditious rural and insular areas of the United States. than the map produced as a result of the sub- updating of the coverage maps as challenges are (2) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION.—The rules missions under the Mobility Fund Phase II in- resolved. issued by the Commission under subsection formation collection. (6) REFORM OF FORM 477 PROCESS.— (a)(1) shall include uniform standards for the (3) UPDATE OF REPORTING STANDARDS FOR MO- (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days reporting of broadband internet access service BILE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE.— after the date on which the rules issued under data that the Commission shall collect— For the purposes of paragraph (2)(B), if the subsection (a) take effect, the Commission (A) from each provider of terrestrial fixed, Commission determines that the reporting stand- shall— fixed wireless, or satellite broadband internet ards under that paragraph are insufficient to (i) reform the Form 477 broadband deployment access service, which shall include data that— collect accurate propagation maps and propaga- service availability collection process of the (i) documents the areas where the provider— tion model details with respect to future genera- Commission to make the process consistent with (I) has actually built out the broadband net- tions of mobile broadband internet access service this Act and the rules issued under this Act; and work infrastructure of the provider such that technologies, the Commission shall immediately (ii) remove duplicative reporting requirements the provider is able to provide that service; and commence a rule making to adopt new reporting and procedures regarding the deployment of (II) could provide that service, as determined standards with respect to those technologies broadband internet access service that, as of by identifying where the provider is capable of that— that date, are in effect. performing a standard broadband installation, (A) shall be the functional equivalent of the (B) CONTINUED COLLECTION AND REPORTING.— if applicable; standards required under paragraph (2)(B); and On and after the date on which the Commission (ii) includes information regarding download (B) allow for the collection of propagation carries out subparagraph (A), the Commission and upload speeds, at various thresholds estab- maps and propagation model details that are as shall continue to collect and publicly report sub- lished by the Commission, and, if applicable, la- accurate and granular as, or more accurate and scription data that the Commission collected tency with respect to broadband internet access granular than, the maps and model details col- through the Form 477 broadband deployment service that the provider makes available; lected by the Commission under paragraph service availability process, as in effect on July (iii) can be georeferenced to the GIS data in (2)(B). 1, 2019. the Fabric; (4) CERTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION.—With (c) MAPS.—The Commission shall— (iv) the provider shall report as— respect to a provider that submits information to (1) create— (I) with respect to providers of fixed wireless the Commission under paragraph (2)— (A) the Broadband Map, which shall depict— broadband internet access service— (A) the provider shall include in each submis- (i) the extent of the availability of broadband (aa) propagation maps and propagation model sion a certification from a corporate officer of internet access service in the United States, details that— the provider that the officer has examined the without regard to whether that service is fixed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.003 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 broadband internet access service or mobile with the collection and submission of data (The amendment is printed in today’s broadband internet access service, which shall under section 3(a)(2). RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) be based on data collected by the Commission (2) ANNUAL REVIEW.—Each year, the Commis- The bill (S. 1822), as amended, was or- from all providers; and sion, in consultation with Indian Tribes, shall dered to be engrossed for a third read- (ii) the areas of the United States that remain review the need for continued workshops re- ing, was read the third time, and unserved by providers; quired under paragraph (1). (B) a map that depicts the availability of fixed (d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SERVICE passed. broadband internet access service, which shall PROVIDERS.—The Commission shall establish a UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 4998 be based on data collected by the Commission process through which a provider that has fewer Mr. WICKER. Madam President, with from providers under subsection (b)(2)(A); and than 100,000 active broadband internet access regard to the so-called ‘‘Rip and Re- (C) a map that depicts the availability of mo- service connections may request and receive as- place Act’’ that would facilitate the bile broadband internet access service, which sistance from the Commission with respect to ge- United States joining our allies and shall be based on data collected by the Commis- ographic information system data processing to protecting us, notwithstanding rule sion from providers under subsection (b)(2)(B); ensure that the provider is able to comply with XXII, I ask unanimous consent that (2) use the maps created under paragraph the requirements under section 3(b) in a timely (1)— and accurate manner. the Senate proceed to the immediate (A) to determine the areas in which terrestrial SEC. 6. COST. consideration of H.R. 4998, which was fixed, fixed wireless, mobile, and satellite (a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning with the first full received from the House; that the bill broadband internet access service is and is not fiscal year after the date of enactment of this be considered read a third time and available; and Act, the Commission shall include in the budget passed; and that the motion to recon- (B) when making any new award of funding submission of the Commission to the President sider be considered made and laid upon with respect to the deployment of broadband under sections 1105(a) and 1108 of title 31, the table. internet access service; United States Code, amounts sufficient to en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (3) update the maps created under paragraph sure the proper and continued functioning of objection? (1) not less frequently than biannually using the responsibilities of the Commission under this Mr. LEE. Madam President. the most recent data collected from providers Act. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- under subsection (b)(2); (b) COST OF FABRIC.— ator from Utah. (4) establish a process requiring the Depart- (1) USF.—The Commission may not use funds ment of Agriculture and the National Tele- from the universal service programs of the Com- Mr. LEE. Madam President, reserv- communications and Information Administra- mission established under section 254 of the ing the right to object, this is clearly tion to consult the maps created under para- Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254), and an effort to push through last-minute graph (1) when, as of the date on which the the regulations issued under that section, to pay changes on a single bill. process is established or on any future date, dis- for any costs associated with this Act. In my view, these changes are reck- tributing funds relating to the deployment of (2) OTHER FUNDS.—The Commission may re- less, unnecessary, and unwise, and in broadband internet access service under any cover costs associated with this Act under sec- any event they were made without de- program administered by the Rural Utilities tion 9 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 bate by Members of this body and spe- Service or the Administration, respectively; and U.S.C. 159) to the extent provided for in an ap- cifically contrary to the manner in (5) establish a process to make the data col- propriation Act, as required under subsection which this very same legislation was lected under subsection (b)(2) available to the (a) of that section. reported out of the Senate Commerce National Telecommunications and Information SEC. 7. OTHER PROVISIONS. Administration. (a) OMB.—Notwithstanding any other provi- Committee. SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT. sion of law, the initial rule making required I am glad to see the passage of a cou- (a) IN GENERAL.—It shall be unlawful for a under section 3(a)(1) shall be exempt from re- ple of pieces of legislation just now, in- person or entity to willfully and knowingly, or view by the Office of Management and Budget. cluding the TRACED Act, which will recklessly, submit information or data under (b) PRA.—Chapter 35 of title 44, United States help us fight damaging robocalls. This this Act that is materially inaccurate or incom- Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Paperwork Re- is good legislation. I am also sup- plete with respect to the availability of duction Act’’), shall not apply to the initial rule portive of S. 1822, the Broadband DATA broadband internet access service. making required under section 3(a)(1). Act, which will require much needed (b) VIOLATIONS.—A violation of this Act shall (c) EXECUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.—Except updates to our broadband maps. These be treated as a violation of the Communications as provided in section 3(b)(1)(A)(ii), the Commis- Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), and the Com- sion— are good pieces of legislation. I am glad mission shall enforce this Act in the same man- (1) including the offices of the Commission, they are passed. ner, by the same means, and with the same ju- shall carry out the responsibilities assigned to I am also very supportive of the leg- risdiction, powers, and duties as though all ap- the Commission under this Act; and islation that is the subject of the im- plicable terms and provisions of that Act were (2) may not delegate any of the responsibilities mediate unanimous consent request; incorporated into and made a part of this Act. assigned to the Commission under this Act to that is, the Commerce Committee’s re- SEC. 5. IMPROVING DATA ACCURACY. any third party, including the Universal Service ported version of S. 1625, the United (a) AUDITS.—The Commission shall conduct Administrative Company. States 5G Leadership Act. regular audits of information submitted to the (d) REPORTING.—Each fiscal year, the Com- This is an important bill. It would Commission by providers under section 3(b)(2) to mission shall submit to the Committee on Com- help us identify Huawei equipment pos- merce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen- ensure that the providers are complying with ing an espionage risk in the United this Act. ate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that States. It will ban the use of Universal (b) CROWDSOURCING.— Service Fund dollars to purchase the (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall de- summarizes the implementation of this Act and velop a process through which persons in the associated enforcement activities conducted dur- equipment and help reimburse small United States may submit specific information ing the previous fiscal year. companies for the costs associated with about the deployment and availability of Mr. WICKER. Madam President, I ripping and replacing vulnerable equip- broadband internet access service in the United ask unanimous consent that the com- ment. States so that the information may be used to mittee-reported amendment be with- This is an important bill, and it re- verify and supplement information provided by drawn; that the Wicker substitute ceived careful consideration during the providers of broadband internet access service amendment at the desk be agreed to; Senate Commerce Committee’s mark- for inclusion in the maps created under section that the bill, as amended, be considered up on July 24, 2019. 3(c)(1). read a third time and passed; and that The version of this bill that passed (2) COLLABORATION.—As part of the efforts of the Commission to facilitate the ability of per- the motion to reconsider be considered the committee was supported unani- sons to submit information under paragraph (1), made and laid upon the table. mously by Democrats and Republicans the Commission shall issue guidance and other The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there on both sides of the aisle. That version information as appropriate to ensure that the objection? required $700 million to be set aside in information submitted is uniform and consistent Without objection, it is so ordered. a fund to help reimburse companies for with the data submitted by providers under sec- The committee-reported amendment Huawei equipment replacements. The tion 3(b)(2). was withdrawn. bill specified that the source of this (c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIAN The amendment (No. 1268), in the na- funding was to come from the proceeds TRIBES.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), the ture of a substitute, was agreed to as of spectrum auctions. This was a smart Commission shall hold workshops for Tribal gov- follows: and good and carefully tailored pay-for ernments in each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Af- (Purpose: In the nature of a sub- that did not add to our out-of-control fairs regions to provide technical assistance stitute.) Federal spending.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.003 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7181 As currently written, the bill con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- out in song, singing: ‘‘The farmer and tains a reference to a reimbursement tion is heard. the cowman should be friends.’’ Be- fund and assumes there will be reim- Mr. LEE. Madam President. cause this is a speech about Bill Murat, bursements, but the bill does not speci- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- this will not be the last time I mention fy how much funding is allocated, nor ator from Utah. show tunes. does it specify the source of these Mr. LEE. Madam President, where I After I was elected to the House of funds. I can only assume this means come from in Utah, $700 million is a lot Representatives, Bill came to work the House and Senate Appropriations of money. Seven hundred million dol- with me, first, as my district director Committees will default to authorizing lars is something we ought to worry and then, starting in 2001, as my chief new funds rather than using the smart about where we are going to get it. of staff. Bill’s steady hand of leadership pay-for that the Senate Commerce It is not unreasonable for us to re- has helped me weather the storms Committee unanimously and wisely quest that the House of Representa- Washington brings and stay focused on agreed to in July. tives agree to the language we unani- what matters most—the people we For these reasons, I object. mously, on a bipartisan basis, passed serve in Wisconsin. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ob- out of the Senate Commerce Com- I remember the days after September jection is heard. mittee. 11, 2001. It was chaotic, weighty, and, Mr. LEE. Madam President. In my mind, it is unfortunate that we frankly, a scary time in Washington The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- are allowing the House of Representa- and across our Nation. I had to get ator from Utah. tives’ unreasonable, unwarranted de- back to Wisconsin, but planes were UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1625 mand—a demand the chairman of the still grounded. So Bill walked into my Mr. LEE. Madam President, notwith- Commerce Committee himself ac- office and simply said: ‘‘Need a ride?’’ standing rule XXII, I ask unanimous knowledges is one they shouldn’t ob- So, together, we made that 14-hour trip consent that the Commerce Committee ject to—to rule the day and prevent home from Washington, DC, to Madi- be discharged from further consider- this legislation from becoming law. son, WI, noting the American flags ation of S. 1625 and the Senate proceed The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that were hung from nearly every high- to its immediate consideration. I ask ator from Wisconsin. way bridge we passed under and consid- unanimous consent that the amend- Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I ering the gravity of the new world we ments ordered reported by the Com- ask unanimous consent to speak for up were seeing emerge. merce Committee be agreed to; that to 6 minutes. Bill has been by my side for the highs The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there the bill, as amended, be considered and the lows of my time in Congress. I objection? read a third time and passed; and that am so proud of what we have done to- Without objection, it is so ordered. the motion to reconsider be considered gether, working to do right by the peo- made and laid upon the table. TRIBUTE TO BILL MURAT ple of Wisconsin and to pass on to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I next generation a country that is more objection? rise today with great pride to recognize equal, not less. His generosity of spirit Mr. WICKER. Reserving the right to and honor my chief of staff and dear extends to every constituent in Wis- object. friend Bill Murat, who will retire at consin, every colleague in Congress, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the end of this year after 21 years of and every staffer who has worked for ator from Mississippi. working in Congress. him. His door is always open, and he Mr. WICKER. Madam President, the It is a rare thing in Washington to has been a mentor to so many people Senator, my good friend from Utah, work side by side with the same person who have worked in the Baldwin offices has asked unanimous consent that we for more than 20 years. over the years. So on the eve of your retirement, pass the version of the bill I authored. In fact, I know there are several Bill, I want to share a few words about Ordinarily, I would very much appre- former staff members of mine who have how much you have meant to me and ciate that. The problem with his re- Bill to thank for their love of Broad- the countless others you have encoun- quest is that in this Congress, it pre- way, since he used to host ‘‘Better Liv- tered during your long and storied ca- vents us from acting today to get to ing through Show Tunes’’ as evening reer. this ZTE and Huawei problem. We have staff events. To be honest, I am still Bill Murat is a proud son of Stevens a solution, and we need to get started jealous that these show tune nights al- Point, WI. He graduated from high on it. ways happened after ‘‘wheels up’’ and I Let me also make the point that school and college there, earned his GD was headed home to Wisconsin. some things are worth paying for, and from UW Law School and his MBA On a more serious note, Bill is a protecting Americans, protecting our from Columbia University. fierce advocate and ardent supporter of electronic system, our broadband com- Civically engaged since his youth, he our Team Tammy family. He has led by munications from the Chinese-owned served as district attorney for Portage example, encouraging young people to Huawei and ZTE is worth paying for. County, WI, prior to his election to the What my unanimous consent request Wisconsin State Assembly in 1994. It pursue their passions, doling out career would have done, had the Senator not was there that Bill and I developed a advice to those who need it and listen- objected, is we would have passed the friendship as colleagues in the Wis- ing to the concerns of others, whether bill and leave the issue of how we fund consin State Assembly in the 1990s. I they are a Senate employee or a Wis- it to another day. Perhaps the appro- found him to be earnest, hard-working, consinite looking for some assistance. priators would have decided to appro- a brilliant strategist, and lovely story- Bill has spent over three decades priate money for it. Had they done so, teller. He also knew when to add good working on behalf of the great State of they would have operated within the humor or a note of levity. Wisconsin. He and I have accomplished budget caps, as the Appropriations I remember fondly one night, during much together. I would not be here Committee has done, and found room, a midnight session of the assembly, today without him, and I am grateful found some offsets, and paid for it that when Bill and I and a few of our Repub- for his friendship. I thank him from the way. lican colleagues were on the floor wait- bottom of my heart for the years of The proposal I made, that was ob- ing for a vote while many of our col- service, and I wish him the most fabu- jected to by my friend from Utah, leagues were still in their respective lous retirement. would also have left open the possi- caucuses trying to hash out an agree- APPROPRIATIONS bility of having a pay-for by the sale of ment on an issue. Being a big fan of Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, some spectrum. Broadway, Bill was reflecting on how very shortly, the Senate will vote on I regret that the Senator is objecting this moment felt like a particular song the motion to concur in the House based on how we will pay for this very from the musical ‘‘Oklahoma.’’ There, amendment to the Senate amendment needed expenditure down the road. So I on the floor of the Wisconsin State As- to accompany H.R. 1865, Further Con- am compelled to object to my good sembly, while in recess in the wee solidated Appropriations Act. As part friend’s unanimous consent request. hours, on a bipartisan basis, he broke of this appropriations package. a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.023 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 version of my bill, the Promoting Secu- In this regard, the exception in the is a key part of the U.S. arsenal in rity and Justice for Victims of Ter- language for ‘‘ancillary’’ activities is fighting terrorism and protecting rorism Act of 2019, is included in sec- intended to permit only essential sup- American citizens. tion 903. This bipartisan bill seeks to port or services that are absolutely The 1992 law removed the jurisdic- restore U.S. court jurisdiction over the necessary to facilitate the conduct of tional hurdles that had for so long frus- Palestinian Authority, PA/Palestine diplomatic activities expressly exempt- trated or outright prevented American Liberation Organization, PLO, while ed in the bill. victims’ ability to seek justice in U.S. promoting U.S. foreign policy interests By applying the bill to any case courts for attacks committed overseas. in the Middle East through the resump- pending on or after August 30, 2016, we Congress passed the ATA in the wake tion of U.S. security assistance to PA are making clear Congress’s intent of international terrorist attacks, in- security forces. It is a testament to the that courts have the power to restore cluding the Palestine Liberation hard work of my Democratic and Re- jurisdiction in cases previously dis- Front’s 1985 killing of Leon publican colleagues in this Chamber missed for lack of jurisdiction after Klinghoffer, a Jewish American aboard that we are about to take up this im- years of litigation. It is to be liberally the Achille Lauro cruise ship. portant legislation. construed to carry out the purposes of For 25 years the law worked as in- In 1992, Congress passed the Anti-Ter- Congress to provide relief for victims tended. The Palestine Liberation Orga- rorism Act, ATA. This law, as well as of terrorism, and it specifies Congress’s nization, PLO, and Palestinian Author- future amending legislation, sought to intent to enable victims to pursue jus- ity themselves were repeatedly held to deter and defeat international ter- tice without being subjected to repet- account in U.S. courts and paid a price rorism by giving American citizens itive, unnecessary, or protracted litiga- for terrorist attacks that harmed or who are victims of terrorism overseas tion, which would just reopen the pain killed Americans. But starting in 2015, the power to sue perpetrators in U.S. that many Americans have already suf- lower court decisions made it impos- court. I was privileged to work with fered through. sible for American victims injured the original ATA’s author, Senator As the Congress finishes its final abroad to hold sponsors of inter- GRASSLEY, in drafting the Promoting week of the first session of the 116th national terrorism accountable in our Security and Justice for Victims of Congress, I look forward to voting in own courts. These decisions nullified Terrorism Act of 2019. favor of this important legislation and the fundamental purpose of the ATA— What our bill—also sponsored by Sen- urge my colleagues to do the same. to protect Americans wherever in the ators DUCKWORTH, COONS, BLUMENTHAL, Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, world they may be—and disrespected and RUBIO—does is strike a balance be- in October the Senate Judiciary Com- Congress’s power to protect U.S. citi- tween Congress’s desire to provide a mittee marked up and passed S. 2132, zens and U.S. interests. path forward for American victims of the Promoting Security and Justice for Last year, I introduced the bipar- terror to have their day in court and Victims of Terrorism Act of 2019. I am tisan Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act the toleration by the Members of this happy to say that after further good of 2018, ATCA, in direct response to body to allow the PA/PLO to conduct a faith negotiations among key stake- those court decisions, including very narrow scope of activities on U.S. holders within and outside of Congress, Sokolow v. PLO in the second Circuit soil—such as activities pertaining to a version of the bill is included in the and Livnat v. Palestinian Authority in official business at the United Nations, appropriations package the Senate will the DC Circuit. Congress passed the engagements with U.S. officials nec- soon consider. ATCA—once again, without objection— essary to our national interest, and I am proud to be a lead cosponsor of to restore jurisdiction and thereby fi- legal expenses related to adjudicating this bipartisan bill and to have helped nally secure justice for victims. or resolving claims filed in U.S. lead it through the Judiciary Com- The ATCA expressed a clear prin- courts—without consenting to personal mittee. Senator LANKFORD, who intro- ciple: If the PLO and Palestinian Au- jurisdiction in civil ATA cases. This duced this legislation, has tirelessly thority continued to maintain any of- delicate balance is supported by a bi- worked to get it across the finish line fice or facility in the United States, or partisan coalition of Members of Con- in the Senate. From day one of this ef- accepted taxpayer-funded U.S. assist- gress, the executive branch, and Amer- fort, American victims of terrorism ance, they would be answerable in our ican victims of international terrorism have had a tremendous ally in the Sen- courts for perpetrating or supporting and their families. ator from Oklahoma and his staff, and terrorism that harmed or killed Ameri- For 25 years, the Federal courts I thank him for his leadership. cans. The bipartisan bill was consid- struck this balance by holding that the Earlier today, Senator LANKFORD dis- ered through regular order as a stand- PLO’s and PA’s presence and activities cussed parts of this bipartisan legisla- alone bill, with markups in both Cham- in the United States subject them to tion in greater detail. I would like to bers, passed Congress without objec- jurisdiction in our courts unless they associate myself with his remarks. tion, and was signed into law by Presi- can demonstrate that their offices in I am also very grateful to Senators dent Trump in October of 2018. the United States deal exclusively with DUCKWORTH, RUBIO, BLUMENTHAL, and Shortly thereafter, instead of facing the official business of the United Na- COONS for their support and work on justice in our courts, the Palestinian tions and that their activities in this behalf of victims. Authority rejected all U.S.-backed hu- country are commensurate with their It is not easy to find common ground manitarian assistance provided to the special diplomatic need for being here in the Senate, but there is one West Bank and Gaza. In its zeal to present here. issue where we should all agree: Those dodge legal responsibility, the Pales- The courts correctly held that the who aid or carry out terrorist attacks tinian Authority even prevented non- PLO’s and PA’s fundraising and public overseas that kill or injure Americans governmental organization, NGO, from relations activities such as press re- should be held fully accountable in our receiving U.S. assistance. leases and public appearances, whether justice system. The Palestinian Authority’s strategi- characterized as diplomatic public For over 25 years, the Anti-Terrorism cally overbroad interpretation of the speaking or proselytizing, are not es- Act of 1992, ATA, which I authored and ATCA harmed the very people it claims sential to their diplomatic functions at Congress unanimously passed, has em- to represent on the international stage. the United Nations Headquarters. The powered American victims of inter- After inexcusable objections and bill codifies the distinction recognized national terrorism to bring lawsuits in delays—which I previously outlined on in these cases while giving the PLO Federal courts to vindicate their rights the Senate floor—the State Depart- and PA a clear choice. Unless they and obtain compensation for their inju- ment finally began to constructively limit their presence to official business ries—providing some semblance of jus- work with me and my colleagues to im- with the United Nations and their U.S. tice. prove upon the ATCA, respond to the activities commensurate with their Equally important, these lawsuits Palestinian Authority’s actions, and fi- special diplomatic need to be in the disrupt and deter the financial support nally remove the jurisdictional hurdles United States, they will be consenting of terrorist organizations. By cutting imposed on American victims by to personal jurisdiction in ATA cases. terrorists’ financial lifelines, the ATA flawed court decisions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.004 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7183 The Promoting Security and Justice REED, the ranking member of the T- ing ensures that the agency has the for Victims of Terrorism Act of 2019 is HUD Subcommittee. We have worked necessary staff and training, as well as the product of those negotiations and closely together in negotiating this bill safety data reporting systems going enables victims of terrorism to vindi- and have crafted a truly bipartisan forward. Our Committee remains fo- cate their rights in U.S. courts. It also product. cused on this issue to ensure that we responds directly to the Palestinian The fiscal year 2020 transportation maintain the Nation’s safest airspace. Authority’s shameful blocking of secu- and housing appropriations bill pro- I appreciate the opportunity to rity assistance and humanitarian serv- vides $74.3 billion to continue to im- present this important legislation to ices. This bill marks a rare com- prove our Nation’s infrastructure and the Chamber. As we begin debate on promise reached by American victims maintain HUD rental assistance for the Transportation-HUD bill, I urge my of terrorism and the State Department. low-income seniors, homeless youths, colleagues to support the investments I hope it in some way also sets a new and other vulnerable populations. This in this bill that benefit our commu- precedent for our own State Depart- year, we once again faced the funding nities all across this Nation and the ment to continue working on behalf of challenge of rising rental costs across families, veterans, children, and our and never again at odds with American the country and a reduction in the re- seniors that rely on these programs. victims. ceipts from the Federal Housing Ad- Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I During the bill’s markup this past ministration that are used to offset rise today as a member of the Defense October, Senator COONS offered an some of the spending in this bill. Appropriations Subcommittee to ex- amendment that I cosponsored to add However, we were successful in main- press my support for this appropria- another important means of securing taining many of the Senate priorities tions bill and to highlight a number of jurisdiction in our courts over the PLO in the final bill. For example, the bill important provisions for both our na- and Palestinian Authority: If they pay provides $1 billion for the highly effec- tional security and the State of Maine. terrorists or families of terrorists who tive and popular BUILD grant pro- I would first like to thank Chairman gram, which has provided $205 million injured or killed Americans, then that SHELBY and Ranking Member DURBIN, in critical infrastructure improve- reprehensible conduct will be grounds as well as Vice-Chairman LEAHY, for for jurisdiction in ATA cases. This is a ments in Maine since 2009. In addition, their work and leadership on the com- sound addition to the bill to support the bill includes $1.15 billion for bridge mittee and their willingness to come the United States’ global fight against repair and rehabilitation, with a focus together to complete what is a strong, terrorism, as reflected in years of legis- on those States with the greatest bipartisan final bill. lation—most recently the Taylor Force needs. The need for additional bridge The bipartisan work of the Defense Act. The PLO and Palestinian funding is clear across the country and Subcommittee is vitally important to Authority’s ‘‘pay to slay’’ policies are was highlighted in my home State of ensure our men and women in uniform nothing short of an incitement for fur- Maine by grant awards for projects are able to fight and defend our Nation ther acts of terrorism. Connecting such as the Station 46 Bridge and the as well as deter potential adversaries. these payments to jurisdiction in ATA Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. It also ensures our DOD civilians have The infrastructure funding in this cases is perhaps the least Congress the resources they need to support bill not only addresses the transpor- should do to further discourage such those servicemembers and keep our tation challenges we face but also cre- conduct and protect Americans abroad. ships, planes, and vehicles at the ready. The bill also sends a clear signal that ates jobs and economic growth in each The bill before us today supports a Congress intends to empower courts to and every one of our homes. The Amer- military pay increase of 3.1 percent— restore jurisdiction in cases previously ican Society of Civil Engineers’ most the largest in a decade. It also recog- dismissed. recent report card from 2017 shows that The American principle that every- America’s infrastructure remains in nizes the value of our civilian work- one deserves meaningful access to jus- poor condition with a grade of D+. This force by also supporting an average pay tice is as old as the Constitution itself. poor rating is not only detrimental for increase of 3.1 percent for DOD civil- This bipartisan bill will reopen the the movement of people and goods but ians. courthouse doors to American victims also harmful from a safety perspective. The bill recognizes the necessity of and their families. I am grateful for its I am also particularly proud of the building and maintaining a strong inclusion in the appropriations meas- $300 million for the third National Se- Navy. It provides nearly $24 billion for ure that the Senate will soon consider. curity Multi-Mission Vessel which will new Navy battle force ships, including Once again, I want to thank Senator serve as the new training vessel for more than $5 billion for three DDG–51 LANKFORD for his leadership and tire- Maine Maritime Academy. The new destroyers. Looking ahead to next less work these past several months on NSMV will play a critical role in train- year, it also provides an additional $390 behalf of American victims of ter- ing the next generation of U.S. mari- million above the amount requested in rorism. ners. This new ship will ensure that ca- the President’s budget request for Finally, I also want to thank Chair- dets receive the training hours they DDG–51 advanced procurement. This man GRAHAM for making this bill a pri- need to graduate and join the work- demonstrates Congress’s intent that ority in the Judiciary Committee. I force in the merchant marine, Navy, the Department sustain an aggressive now urge all of my colleagues’ support and Coast Guard. growth rate for large surface combat- for this important and bipartisan Another important issue, particu- ants in fiscal year 2021 and beyond. measure. larly to Senator REED and me, is reduc- In Maine, we are very proud of the Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I ing lead paint in homes. That is of par- role that Bath Iron Works plays in con- rise today in support of the fiscal year ticular health concern to families with tributing to our national security, 2020 Appropriations bill for the Depart- children under the age of 6. The bill building the finest ships in our fleet. ments of Transportation, Housing and provides $290 million to combat lead This bill includes $130 million to invest Urban Development, and Related Agen- hazards, a historic level of funding. in our Nation’s large surface combat- cies. This bill is included in the appro- Lead paint hazards are a significant ant industrial base, ensuring Bath Iron priations package that is before this concern for Maine families, as 57 per- Works can efficiently design and build Chamber. cent of our housing stock was con- our Navy’s fleet long into the future. Let me begin my remarks by thank- structed prior to 1978, the year lead- BIW is known throughout the Navy ing Chairman SHELBY and Vice Chair- based paint was banned. These grants for the high-quality of the ships they man LEAHY for their bipartisan leader- will help communities protect children build, with many Sailors using our ship in successfully finishing the con- from the harmful lifelong effects of motto that ‘‘Bath Built is Best Built.’’ ference and advancing all of these ap- lead poisoning. BIW employs the finest shipbuilders, propriations bills to the Senate floor. Finally, I do want to mention that engineers, and designers in the world, I also want to acknowledge the hard the bill provides additional funding for and this bill rightly recognizes the work and strong commitment of my the FAA’s aviation safety programs in great value that these tried-and-tested friend and colleague Senator JACK light of two Boeing crashes. This fund- warships bring to the Navy.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.008 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 This bill supports our nation’s public I have also been deeply disturbed by woman ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON to shipyards, which are truly the back- this Administration’s efforts to dis- provide the District of Columbia with bone of our Navy’s submarine fleet. It regard the appropriations bills that funding to cover past inauguration and funds our Navy’s maintenance activi- Congress has passed and the President Fourth of July expenses. But I am ties, ensuring workers at Portsmouth has signed by transferring funds from deeply disappointed that the bill con- Naval Shipyard and other shipyards one account to another and, in some tinues to include shameful political can carry out their work keeping our cases, failing to spend duly appro- policy riders for the District of Colum- Nation’s submarines at sea. priated dollars in a timely fashion. In bia that place restrictions on how the The bill also makes clear that the order to assert Congress’s authority to District spends its own money. The Navy should continue to invest in the make the laws that the administration U.S. Congress should stop acting like very successful apprenticeship pro- must faithfully execute, I have advo- we run the city of Washington, DC. grams at our public shipyards—which cated for greater transparency through Elected officials from the District has been incredibly successful at disclosure of the apportionment docu- should be able to enact laws that ad- PNSY—as well as work to address the ments used by the Office of Manage- dress the needs of their constituents availability of Virginia-class sub- ment and Budget to plan spending without Congress looking over their marine materials at our shipyards. schedules among agencies and for re- shoulder. As I stated during our full This bill makes critical investments strictions on the administration’s au- committee markup of the Financial in research and development programs, thority to transfer funds between pro- Services and General Government Ap- which are being carried out in partner- grams. We have seen that this Presi- propriations bill, we must remove ship with research institutions, includ- dent does not care about, congressional these restrictions—which none of us ing the University of Maine. These pro- intent and will flout the law to use would accept for our own States. grams include producing jet fuel from American taxpayer money build a bor- Despite my reservations about the Maine’s forest biomass; developing hy- der wall that he said Mexico would pay bill, it does include funding for many brid composite structures for the Navy; for. The funds appropriated by Con- important programs. It fully funds the and funding for DOD to utilize gress cannot be not be allowed to be First Step Act to implement needed UMaine’s new 3D printer, the largest in taken away and redirected on the whim criminal justice reform, rejects the the world, for cutting-edge defense re- of a President. So I am disappointed President’s request to eliminate the search and rapid prototyping. that this bill does not include meaning- Legal Services Corporation, and in- This bill invests in fifth-generation ful restrictions on transfer authority. cludes resources for law enforcement to aircraft we need to deter Russia and It also does not include House lan- address crime and fight opioid and drug China by funding 98 F–35 aircraft 20 guage to require disclosure of appor- trafficking. It fully funds the Census, a more than initially requested by the tionment documents—language that is constitutionally mandated effort to Department. These advanced, stealthy similar to an amendment I offered that count everyone in the United States jets are key to dominating the skies, was passed on a bipartisan basis as part and ensure that every community re- and I am proud of Pratt and Whitney’s of a bill in the Budget Committee. I ap- ceives the resources it needs. It rejects contributions to the program through preciate the hard-won provisions in the the President’s cuts to a number of im- its construction of the F135 engine at bill to bolster efforts to oversee and portant programs at NASA Goddard in its facility in North Berwick, ME. Ad- correct abuses in this administration’s Maryland, including the PACE Pro- ditionally, the bill procures six CH–53K disgraceful detention policy that has gram, W-FIRST, and carbon moni- Heavy Lift helicopters for the Marine separated children from their parents toring. These programs are essential to Corps. The rotating drive shafts are a and funding for alternatives to deten- our understanding of the universe and critical moment of the aircraft and are tion family case Management. The bill to own world and have been on the produced at Hunting Dearborn’s facil- rightfully rejects the President’s re- Trump chopping block year after year. ity in Fryeburg, ME. I will continue to fight to make sure The National Guard provides our quest to increase his ICE and Border they are adequately funded. It fully country with both a strategic and oper- Patrol forces and prohibits border fenc- funds the James Webb Space Telescope, ational reserve which has proven itself ing in environmentally sensitive areas. supports RESTORE-L, and increases time and time again. I applaud the But I remain deeply concerned that the the base budget for Earth Science. bill’s inclusion of $1.3 billion to the Na- President still can—and judging by NOAA and NIST, which are also tional Guard and Reserve equipment past actions, likely will—transfer re- headquartered in Maryland, will re- account to help modernize our Reserve sources to support his damaging agen- forces. It also notes the critical capa- da. ceive modest increases instead of the bility that the National Guard provides I am pleased that this bill provides a Administration’s proposed cuts. The to State governments in DOD’s cyber well-deserved 3.1 percent pay increase bill also includes important funding for defense mission and urges the Depart- for Federal employees who serve our defense installations in Maryland. This ment to ensure there are cyber capa- Nation admirably every day. I am a co- funding, coupled with the National De- bilities within the Guard in every sponsor of the legislation to do that fense Authorization Act, which I was State. and glad that it has been included in proud to support and which included a Mr. President, I look forward to this bill However, I am concerned that military pay increase and for the first working with my colleagues to pass the bill does not include House-passed time paid parental leave for federal this important legislation. language to counter the President’s employees, will ensure that the men Mr.VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, Executive orders that undermine Fed- and women of the military will receive I rise to express my concerns with H.R. eral employee collective bargaining benefits they deserve. Finally, the bill 158, the appropriations package to fund and have resulted in a number of anti- rejects the President’s request to the Department of Defense, the Census worker contracts. Federal employees eliminate the Economic Development Bureau, the Department of Justice, are prohibited from bargaining on Administration and preserves funding NASA, the Treasury, and the Depart- wages and benefits, so they focus their for cooperative agreements between ment of Homeland Security. efforts on improving the operations of the Minority Business Development As a representative of many Federal their offices. We should not impede Agency and Minority Business Devel- employees in the State of Maryland their efforts to establish better work- opment Centers—three of which serve and a member of the Appropriations ing conditions, protect the civil service Maryland. Committee, I take the responsibility of from political reprisals, and arbitrate I recognize that no bill is perfect and funding the government extremely se- disputes between management and the that appropriations bills require com- riously. The decisions we make in the rank-and-file. I will continue to fight promise. I respect the work that Chair- appropriations bills govern the oper- for fair treatment of Federal work- man SHELBY, Vice Chairman LEAHY, ations of the Federal Government and force. and their staffs have put into this leg- its programs to serve the American I appreciate the willingness of Chair- islation and am grateful for their will- people, keep them safe, and foster op- man SHELBY and Vice Chairman LEAHY ingness to work with me on many portunity. to work with me and with Congress- Maryland priorities. However, I believe

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.011 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7185 that we must take steps to assert large that its passage wouldn’t have a bill that has not been subject to Congress’s role in the appropriations been feasible. What is more, if we had amendment or debate and that the process in the face of a President who intended for butane mixed with gaso- Congressional Budget Office tells us is willing to disregard the laws we line to qualify when the credit was en- will increase deficits by more than $400 pass—and he signs—to further his indi- acted in 2005, I don’t understand why billion over the next 10 years. Actually, vidual agenda. Because this bill does industry waited more than 10 years to by the time you add in interest costs to not restrict the President’s ability to start claiming the credit for doing this debt, it is half a trillion in 10 years flout Congress’s stated intent, I regret what they have been doing for more and $2.1 trillion on 20 years. That is ac- that I cannot vote for it. than a century, as you point out. cording to the Committee for Respon- f Mr. WYDEN. Thank you for that sible Federal Budget, which added in background, Mr. Chairman. I agree that interest. They added it up. So that ALTERNATIVE FUEL MIXTURE with you that it is clear that the ben- will be half a trillion dollars of new CREDIT efit some in the oil and gas industry overspending in one vote, and what Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I are seeking from this provision is ille- makes it so expensive is that we are ask unanimous consent to engage in a gitimate. However, given the signifi- trying to do something here to buy colloquy with Finance Committee cant amount of taxpayer dollars at everybody’s vote. Ranking Member WYDEN to discuss a stake should these companies somehow This bill completely bypassed regular tax provision included in the spending prevail in litigation, it is also impor- order and violates nearly all the Sen- package currently before the Senate. tant for Congress to provide clarity in ate self-imposed budget rules with its The tax title in this bill contains an this area, to protect the public purse. billions of dollars in giveaways and tax important clarification to the alter- The tax package under consideration in policy changes. We are legislating on native fuel mixture tax credit under the spending bill addresses this by funding bills. Legislation is supposed section 6426(e). This credit is intended amending the alternative fuel mixture to be scrutinized differently, especially to promote the use of nontraditional credit to more explicitly deny the cred- if they pay out real money. fuels, such as compressed natural gas it for butane mixed with gasoline, con- I will remind my colleagues that our and biomass-based fuels, for transpor- sistent congressional intent. This clari- national debt stands at just over $23 tation and other purposes. Unfortu- fication is effective for any claims filed trillion, and the Congressional Budget nately, some in the oil industry have on or after January 8, 2018, when the Office tells us that the Federal deficits sought to turn this credit on its head IRS issued a formal revenue ruling put- are already on track to exceed $1 tril- by claiming the credit for ordinary gas- ting taxpayers on notice that a mix- lion this year and every year there- oline based on the amount of butane ture of butane and gasoline does not after. That is besides this $2.1 trillion mixed in. Ranking Member WYDEN, is qualify for the credit. However, this add-on. We should be talking about how to it correct that every gallon of gasoline does not mean we agree that such mix- address the budgetary mess we are in, produced in the United States includes tures prior to January 8, 2018, qualify not pressing the gas on an some amount of butane? for the credit, and, in fact, we are of unsustainable fiscal trajectory, which Mr. WYDEN. That is correct. All gas- the opinion that they do not. Do you oline includes butane and, as far as I is exactly what this bill does. We are agree Mr. Chairman? making promises that can’t be ful- am aware, always has. Adding butane Mr. GRASSLEY. I do agree. The IRS during the gasoline refining process is filled. got the law correct when it issued Rev- Now, some people will mention the simply how gasoline is produced. The enue Ruling 2018–2, and our clarifica- idea that Congress intended oil compa- Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but I need to tion makes clear that it is our intent emphasize and remind you that that nies to benefit from a credit intended for the IRS interpretation of the law to to reduce our dependence on tradi- boosted the economy. It created jobs, it be controlling for all claims. This is increased wages, and it is bringing in tional gasoline by rewarding them for the basis of the ‘‘no inference’’ lan- making traditional gasoline doesn’t more revenue than ever before—ever guage in the bill that states: ‘‘Nothing before. But we are spending it faster pass the commonsense test. This is contained in this subsection or the than it is coming in. So it is not a rev- why the Internal Revenue Service has amendments made by this subsection enue problem. It is a spending problem. correctly denied such claims. However, shall be construed to create any infer- Now, rather than an aberration, bust- the oil industry is litigating this issue ence as to a change in law or guidance ing has become commonplace. This is in the hopes of winning a nearly $50 bil- in effect prior to enactment of this sub- the second time this week that I have lion windfall for producing gasoline the section.’’ come to the floor to raise a point of same way they have for a century. Mr. I thank the ranking member for en- order against legislation that violates Chairman, am I correct that Congress gaging in this colloquy to discuss this the budget. But to be fair, from a budg- never intended for gasoline to qualify important issue and the clarification et perspective, this bill is exponen- for this credit based on its butane con- included in the pending appropriations tially worse than the Defense author- tent? bill. ization bill we considered earlier this Mr. GRASSLEY. I can assure the Ms. BALDWIN. I yield the floor. year. It is at least 50 times worse. Senator that it was never Congress’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I oppose this legislation. I oppose intent for gasoline to qualify for this ator from Wyoming. adding to the already massive debt bur- tax credit. I was chairman of the Sen- POINT OF ORDER den being placed on future generations. ate Finance Committee when the alter- Mr. ENZI. Madam President, I rise to The pending measure, the House native fuel mixture credit was enacted raise a point of order on the Further amendment to the Senate amendment in 2005 as part of a surface transpor- Consolidated Appropriations Act of to H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated tation bill. During that time, there was 2020, which provides funding for eight Appropriations Act of 2020, would cause great interest in reducing our depend- appropriations subcommittees and in- a deficit increase of more than $5 bil- ence on foreign oil and traditional cludes numerous tax and healthcare lion in each of the four consecutive 10- fuels. The alternative fuel mixture provisions and other new legislation year periods beginning in fiscal year credit was added to reduce that depend- called ‘‘authorizations.’’ That is code 2030. This increase violates section 3101 ence, not to provide a handout to large for bills that haven’t been debated on of the 2016 budget resolution. There- oil and gas companies. The fact is, if the Senate floor. These are Christmas fore, I raise a point of order under sec- anyone had thought oil companies presents for everyone, all put on the tion 3101(b) of S. Con. Res. 11, the con- could qualify for this crediw they al- Federal credit card, which is overspent current resolution on the budget for ready engaged in, the credit would already. fiscal year 2016. never have been enacted. Not only This legislation was unveiled Monday I have been here long enough to know would I have objected on policy afternoon and totals more than 1,800 that you will now hear a list of wonder- grounds, but the Joint Committee on pages, and here we are on Thursday, ful things that are on this bill. You Taxation’s revenue score associated with just hours to go before a govern- will not hear how to pay for all of these with the provision would have been so ment shutdown, being asked to vote on Christmas presents.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.012 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 I yield the floor. VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR EXECUTIVE SESSION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The question is on agreeing to the ator from Alabama. motion to concur. VOTE ON MOTION TO WAIVE Mr. ROUNDS. Madam President, I EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. SHELBY. Madam President, pur- ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The suant to section 904 of the Congres- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a clerk will report the nomination. sional Budget Act of 1974 and the waiv- sufficient second? The legislative clerk read the nomi- er provisions of applicable budget reso- There appears to be a sufficient sec- nation of Anuraag Singhal, of Florida, lutions, I move to waive all applicable ond. to be United States District Judge for sections of that act and applicable The clerk will call the roll. the Southern District of Florida. budget resolutions for purposes of con- The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sideration of the message to accom- called the roll. ator from Hawaii. pany H.R. 1865, and I ask for the yeas Mr. THUNE. The following Senators UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 3104 and nays. are necessarily absent: the Senator Mr. SCHATZ. As if in legislative ses- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sion, I ask unanimous consent that the sufficient second? from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Committee on Homeland Security and There appears to be. Governmental Affairs be discharged The yeas and nays are ordered. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Under the previous order, the motion the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- from the further consideration of S. to concur with the amendment is with- RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. 3104, the Federal Employee Parental drawn. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Leave Technical Correction Act, and The question is on agreeing to the Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- the Senate proceed to its immediate motion to waive. ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) consideration. I further ask that the The clerk will call the roll. are necessarily absent. bill be considered read a third time and The senior assistant bill clerk called The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. passed and that the motion to recon- the roll. YOUNG). Are there any other Senators sider be considered made and laid upon Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is in the Chamber desiring to vote? the table with no intervening action or necessarily absent: the Senator from The result was announced—yeas 71, debate. Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there nays 23, as follows: Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the objection? Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), [Rollcall Vote No. 415 Leg.] The Senator from Pennsylvania. the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- YEAS—71 Mr. TOOMEY. Reserving the right to RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Alexander Grassley Roberts object, let me explain what is going on KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Baldwin Hassan Romney here. Bennet Heinrich Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Rosen My colleague from Hawaii has an Blumenthal Hirono Rounds ARREN ator from Massachusetts (Ms. W ) Blunt Hoeven Rubio amendment that he would like to make are necessarily absent. Boozman Hyde-Smith Schatz to the NDAA legislation that we passed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Brown Jones Schumer recently. It has been described by our Burr Kaine any other Senators in the Chamber de- Shaheen Democratic colleagues as a technical Cantwell King Shelby siring to vote? Capito Leahy Sinema correction. The result was announced—yeas 64, Cardin Manchin Smith Well, I have a technical correction Casey Markey nays 30, as follows: Stabenow that I would like to have considered as [Rollcall Vote No. 414 Leg.] Collins McConnell Coons McSally Sullivan well. So I think we have a good solu- YEAS—64 Cortez Masto Menendez Tester tion where we can both get the tech- Thune Alexander Grassley Reed Cramer Merkley Tillis nical corrections we would like. We Baldwin Hassan Crapo Moran Roberts Udall have been waiting on mine for 2 years, Bennet Heinrich Rosen Duckworth Murkowski Durbin Murphy Van Hollen but the good news is that we have Blumenthal Hirono Rounds Ernst Murray Warner Blunt Hoeven Rubio broad bipartisan support for mine. Feinstein Perdue Whitehouse Boozman Hyde-Smith Schatz Every Republican Senator supports it, Brown Jones Fischer Peters Wicker Schumer Gardner Portman Wyden and 13 Democrats are cosponsors of my Burr Kaine Shaheen Cantwell King Graham Reed Young legislation to make this technical cor- Shelby Capito Leahy Sinema NAYS—23 rection. If my math is right, that Cardin Manchin Smith means 66 Senators support doing this. Casey Markey Barrasso Daines Lee Collins McConnell Stabenow Blackburn Enzi Paul There is huge bipartisan support in the Coons McSally Thune Braun Gillibrand Risch House. So I would say let’s fix both Cortez Masto Menendez Tillis Carper Hawley Sasse problems. The fix that I have in mind Udall Cramer Merkley Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) is to fix a drafting error from our tax Crapo Moran Van Hollen Cornyn Johnson Scott (SC) Duckworth Murkowski Warner Cotton Kennedy Toomey reform bill from 2 years ago, and spe- Durbin Murphy Wicker Cruz Lankford cifically, it would be to restore the Feinstein Murray Wyden ability of people who make leasehold Gardner Peters Young NOT VOTING—6 Graham Portman Booker Isakson Sanders improvements to fully expense that at Harris Klobuchar Warren the time it occurs. NAYS—30 That was always the intent. Nobody The motion was agreed to. Barrasso Ernst Perdue disputes that that was the intent, but Blackburn Fischer Risch The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- because of a drafting error, when some- Braun Gillibrand Romney ator from Pennsylvania. Carper Hawley Sasse one makes a leasehold improvement, Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) ORDER OF BUSINESS not only are they unable to expense it Cornyn Johnson Scott (SC) Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I ask Cotton Kennedy Sullivan in the year in which it incurs, but they Cruz Lankford Tester unanimous consent that notwith- have to depreciate it over 39 years, the Daines Lee Toomey standing rule XXII, the Senate proceed exact opposite of our intention. This is Enzi Paul Whitehouse to executive session and resume consid- a huge problem for restaurants and re- NOT VOTING—6 eration of the Singhal nomination; fur- tailers generally, and every one of our Booker Isakson Sanders ther, that at 1:45 p.m., the Senate pro- States has how many retailers, how Harris Klobuchar Warren ceed to vote on the confirmations of many restaurants that are adversely The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this the nominations under the previous affected today by this technical error, vote, the yeas are 64, the nays are 30. order. and it is having an economic impact. Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there This category of business investment sen and sworn having voted in the af- objection? is the only category that has declined firmative, the motion is agreed to. Without objection, it is so ordered. over the last year. It was down almost

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.026 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7187 4 percent in the third quarter. That is UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 748 tual technical fix. This is a bill we just because of the adverse tax treatment. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- enacted in the last 48 hours. I am not That is not good for any of us. It is not sent that the Senator modify his re- even sure if the President has signed it good for the United States. It is not quest so that the Senate proceed to the yet, but it is about to be enacted into good for our States. In the omnibus bill immediate consideration of Calendar law, and nobody is arguing that we that we just passed, we had all kinds of No. 157, H.R. 748. I further ask unani- should not cover some small portion of tax provisions—$427 billion, actually, mous consent that the Toomey amend- the Federal workforce. worth of tax provisions announced at 2 ment at the desk be considered and Nobody is arguing that was the legis- in the morning on Tuesday, by the agreed to, the bill, as amended, be con- lative intent. Nobody is arguing that is way. sidered read a third time and passed, public policy. What the Senator from It has things, including a resurrec- and that the motions to reconsider be Pennsylvania is saying, If I don’t get tion of a special tax rule that was sup- considered made and laid upon the my thing, then these people don’t get posed to die in 2017. We are going to table. the help that they deserve. These peo- send checks to people for what they did The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the ple, by happenstance of a drafting in 2018, which will have no impact Senator so modify his request? error, don’t get paid parental leave. whatsoever, obviously, on changing in- Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, reserv- Now, this has human consequences. centives since it is the past. We did ing the right to object. I object to the Senator’s modification that. We reversed a deal that was Let’s get clear about what is hap- of my unanimous consent request, and struck in 2015 to phase out expensive pening here. The first thing is we did I am deeply disappointed that we can’t renewable energy credits. We made two something momentous as a group. We, fix this simple thing. I am happy to changes to the tax reform of 2017, but on a bipartisan basis, decided to pro- work with the Senator from Pennsyl- we weren’t able to include the tech- vide paid parental leave of 12 weeks for vania on a quick fix. I think we will get nical fix that 66 Senators want that the Federal workforce—2.1 million Fed- there at some point next year, but this would cost zero. eral workers—so that individuals who has to be part of a broader bipartisan What we were told by our Democratic are new parents don’t have to make deal, and he knows that. colleagues is that, if you want to do that impossible choice between receiv- This is going to cost tens of billions that, there is a price you have to pay. ing a paycheck and being a new dad or of dollars, and no one gives tens of bil- The price would be tens of billions of a new mom. Now, this is catching us up lions of dollars for nothing. Everything dollars of increases in refundable tax with the rest of the world. The rest of of that magnitude has to be negotiated credits. That is checks being sent to the industrialized world understands on a bipartisan, bicameral basis. That people who don’t pay taxes. Ranking that this isn’t just a humane thing to is not what he is trying to do. He is Member of the Finance Committee, do for families. This is the right way to trying to say because we made a tech- manage the workforce because you get nical error that was monumentally Senator WYDEN, said just this week: ‘‘Democrats have long said the Repub- higher productivity; you get better mo- wrong and, as a result of the flawed licans need to negotiate on broader rale; and you get lower turnover. This process, why don’t we trade technical issues if they want to fix all the mis- is a smart thing to do. fixes. This is a relatively small tech- There were 2.1 million people covered takes in their tax giveaway.’’ In other nical fix, and he wants to trade it for a by this momentous change of Federal words, there has to be a price. massive technical fix that is now 2 policy agreed upon over the last 48 years old. Well, if I were adopting the approach hours on a bipartisan basis. There was The only thing I would say is this of my Democratic colleagues—and a technical problem, and so the fol- may be small in the context of how we when my colleague from Hawaii comes lowing Federal employees are not operate in the U.S. Senate. It is not down and makes this request—I could going to be covered unless we make small if you work for the FAA and you say, Well, you need to come up with $50 this technical fix: employees of the DC are a new dad. It is not small if you are billion worth of Republican priorities, courts, public defenders, Presidential an article I judge and you are a new maybe $50 billion worth of capital gain appointees, FAA, and CSA employees, mom. It is not small for these people tax cuts, or $50 billion in reduction in and article I judges. Everybody else is who deserve paid parental leave like some kind of mandatory spending or going to get 12 weeks of paid parental every other Federal employee will get something. That is what I would do if I leave, except for these people. We can soon. were taking the exact same approach solve that today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ob- that our Democratic colleagues took. That is what my unanimous consent jection is heard to the modification. I am not going to do that. I am going request is all about. What the Senator Is there an objection to the original to suggest that we both get what we from Pennsylvania has decided to do is request? are after here, and the American people take a hostage and say, These are the The Senator from Pennsylvania. get the benefit. Here is what I am only Federal employees who are not Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I am going to do. I am going to modify the going to get this benefit because of a kind of shocked by what I just heard, unanimous consent request. The way I technical and drafting error because I that I am characterized as taking a am going to do that is to take the bill didn’t get something totally unrelated hostage. Let’s just be very clear. I am advocated by the Senator from Hawaii, that has to do with a tax bill that was the Senator on the floor who is pro- drop it into a legislative vehicle, add passed on purely partisan lines in a posing that both Senators get their the technical fix that I and 66 Senators hurry, written primarily by lobbyists way, that the outcome works for both support—and, by the way, 297 House in the middle of the night. sides. This is a Democratic priority. Members have cosponsored the com- Now, I do not mind entertaining a Some Republicans support it; some panion legislation, including 145 Demo- change to the Tax Code to deal with don’t. It is a Democratic priority on a crat House Members—I am going to put this question of how you expense the mistake that was made, and I am sug- them together in an otherwise empty renovation of restaurants and retail gesting let’s fix it. legislative vehicle so that we can do operations, but I think Senator WYDEN Let’s take the opportunity to also fix both. When we pass it here in the Sen- is exactly right. I guess the Senator something that 66 Senators have sup- ate by unanimous consent in just a mo- from Pennsylvania thought this was a ported. They cosponsored it. There is ment, if we do, then the House would talking point on the Republican side. even broader support—much broader in virtually be assured of passage, since Heaven forbid if there should be a nego- the House where it is massive. I do not 297 House Members have cosponsored tiation. Heaven forbid something that know what is more reasonable than a this legislation. is as important to the Republicans that very broadly bipartisan technical fix Mr. President, my suggestion is we is as a result of their screw-up and that scores at zero and helps every sin- modify this unanimous consent request would cost tens of billions of dollars gle community in America and tying so that the Senator from Hawaii gets would not be given away for free. that with an opportunity to do some- the provision that he wants and I get The argument being made is, hey, thing that is a very high priority for the provision that 66 Senators want. technical for technical. This is an ac- my colleague from Hawaii.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.029 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Since my colleague from Hawaii re- wedding. Just look at all the beauty The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fuses to allow us both to be able to ac- that has followed us, 20 kids and objection, it is so ordered. complish this, I am going to have to grandkids. All of that in that 60-year VOTE ON SINGHAL NOMINATION hope that we can do it another time, period of time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and I will object to his request. What I want to say is the beautiful question is, Will the Senate advise and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ob- life that we are still having together— consent to the Singhal nomination? jection is heard. and I would like to say at this point Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask for The Senator from Oklahoma. that Kay, after 60 years, is still loving, the yeas and nays. DECEMBER 19 and I wish you a happy anniversary; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a and to everyone out there as you cele- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, on an- sufficient second? brate the birth of Jesus, Merry Christ- other subject, even though I am very There appears to be a sufficient sec- mas, and God bless you. close to this subject in that I chaired ond. the Armed Services Committee, and I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The clerk will call the roll. that is where all of this really began, I ator from Michigan. The bill clerk called the roll. do want to mention one thing about Mr. THUNE. The following Senators NOMINATION OF STEPHANIE DAWKINS DAVIS what happened this morning. I think Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise are necessarily absent: the Senator our leader over here, Mr. MCCONNELL, today in support of Judge Stephanie from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the did a superb job. He made it very clear Dawkins Davis for the U.S. District Senator from Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS). on the impeachment that took place Court for the Eastern District of Michi- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the last night. It is something that has not gan. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), happened before. It is the first time it I had the honor of introducing Judge the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- has happened, in that there is no im- Dawkins Davis at the Senate Judiciary RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. peachable offense, and it is nonethe- Committee hearing more than 6 KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from less, I think, all driven by hatred. months ago. As I told the members of Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- When you stop to think, here it is right the committee, Judge Dawkins Davis is ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) before Christmas, and the hatred that a highly respected member of the are necessarily absent. is driving that, it is wrong. Michigan legal community, and she The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there I want to mention something that is will serve our State well as a district any other Senators in the Chamber de- significant, that you haven’t thought court judge. siring to vote? of, I say to the Presiding Officer. That Judge Dawkins Davis has been an ex- The result was announced—yeas 76, is, this 153rd day of the year is very sig- emplary public servant who has worked nays 17, as follows: nificant. That is December 19. People hard and honorably to serve the people [Rollcall Vote No. 416 Ex.] have not stopped to realize the signifi- of Michigan. She has earned the re- YEAS—76 cant things that have happened on De- spect of colleagues across the State Alexander Ernst Paul cember 19 throughout our history and and has garnered numerous awards Barrasso Feinstein Perdue the history of the world, going all the throughout her career. Blackburn Fischer Peters way back to December 19, at 11:54, She began her career as a civil de- Blumenthal Gardner Portman Henry II became King of England. We fense attorney at Dickinson Wright Blunt Graham Reed Boozman Grassley Risch haven’t really thought about the fact and later joined the Office of the U.S. Braun Hassan Attorney for the Eastern District of Romney what does that mean to us today, but Brown Hawley Rosen Burr Hoeven we will before long. Michigan, prosecuting cases at both Rounds Capito Hyde-Smith the trial and appellate levels. She also Rubio In 1843, December 19, again, Charles Cardin Inhofe Dickens wrote ‘‘A Christmas Carol.’’ It spent time as a deputy unit chief of the Carper Johnson Sasse is the most watched, listened to, and Controlled Substances Unit and as a Casey Jones Scott (FL) high intensity drug trafficking area li- Cassidy Kaine Scott (SC) sung event every Christmas. Shaheen aison. Collins Kennedy In 1932, December 19, the British Coons King Shelby Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC, Her successful work led to her ap- Cornyn Lankford Sinema began transmitting overseas. That was pointment as executive assistant U.S. Cortez Masto Leahy Sullivan the beginning of a whole new world of attorney, and after that, she became a Cotton Lee Tester magistrate judge for the Eastern Dis- Cramer Manchin Thune knowledge and understanding. Crapo McConnell Tillis In 1950, December 19, NATO named trict and was selected to serve at the Cruz McSally Toomey General Dwight D. Eisenhower as su- Flint Federal courthouse. Daines Menendez Warner preme commander of the Western Eu- Judge Dawkins Davis is a qualified Duckworth Moran Wicker jurist. The American Bar Association Durbin Murkowski Young ropean defense forces. Enzi Murphy Then in 1972, December 19, Apollo 17, unanimously rated her as ‘‘well quali- NAYS—17 the last of the Apollo moon landings fied.’’ She was also the first African- returned to earth. American woman nominated by Presi- Baldwin Markey Stabenow Bennet Merkley December 19 of 1984—I remember this dent Trump for a Federal judgeship. Udall I am proud to recognize Judge Cantwell Murray Van Hollen well because I was in Hong Kong when Gillibrand Schatz Whitehouse this happened—that was when China Dawkins Davis for her many accom- Heinrich Schumer Wyden signed an accord returning Hong Kong plishments and for the diverse voice Hirono Smith to the Chinese sovereignty. A lot of and perspective she will bring to the NOT VOTING—7 bench. people thought it was good at the time Booker Klobuchar Warren This seat has been vacant since Octo- to accept people from Hong Kong. I was Harris Roberts ber 26, 2016; that is more than 3 years. there, and look what has happened now Isakson Sanders It is past time that the Senate consider after all these years. I would have to The nomination was confirmed. Judge Dawkins Davis’s nomination, say that hysteria has continued to this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- and I am glad it is finally happening day. jority leader. today. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Then, in 1998, December 19, the U.S Thank you. President Bill Clinton was impeached. I yield the floor. just cut off a Member of our own side I was there at that one, too. We have I suggest the absence of a quorum. because they didn’t get here in time. something to compare it with now, but The PRESIDING OFFICER. The That is to underscore that by popular that was December 19, 1998. clerk will call the roll. demand, everybody wants these times The event that is more significant by The legislative clerk proceeded to to be kept, and that is what we intend a landslide is what happened on Decem- call the roll. to do. ber 19, 1959. On December 19, 1959, my Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask I ask unanimous consent that the wife Kay and I got married. That unanimous consent that the order for votes in this series be 10 minutes in makes this the 60th anniversary of our the quorum call be rescinded. length.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.030 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7189 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The bill clerk read the nomination of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection, it is so ordered. Daniel Mack Traynor, of North Da- question is, Will the Senate advise and f kota, to be United States District consent to the Dishman nomination? Judge for the District of North Dakota. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Will the Senate advise and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a clerk will report the nomination. consent to the Traynor nomination? sufficient second? The senior assistant legislative clerk Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask There appears to be a sufficient sec- read the nomination of Karen Spencer for the yeas and nays. ond. Marston, of Pennsylvania, to be United The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The clerk will call the roll. States District Judge for the Eastern sufficient second? The senior assistant legislative clerk District of Pennsylvania. There appears to be a sufficient sec- called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ond. Mr. THUNE. The following Senators question is, Will the Senate advise and The clerk will call the roll. are necessarily absent: the Senator consent to the Marston nomination? The bill clerk called the roll. from North Carolina (Mr. BURR) and Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and Mr. THUNE. The following Senators the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- nays. are necessarily absent: the Senator SON). The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a from North Carolina (Mr. BURR) and Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the sufficient second? the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), There appears to be a sufficient sec- SON). the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- ond. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. The clerk will call the roll. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The senior assistant legislative clerk the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator called the roll. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. from Virginia (Mr. WARNER), and the necessarily absent: the Senator from KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator North Carolina (Mr. BURR) and the REN) are necessarily absent. from Virginia (Mr. WARNER), and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- any other Senators in the Chamber de- Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), REN) are necessarily absent. siring to vote? the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there The result was announced—yeas 75, RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. any other Senators in the Chamber de- nays 17, as follows: KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from siring to vote? [Rollcall Vote No. 419 Ex.] Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- The result was announced—yeas 51, YEAS—75 ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) nays 41, as follows: Alexander Ernst Paul are necessarily absent. [Rollcall Vote No. 418 Ex.] Barrasso Feinstein Perdue The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there YEAS—51 Bennet Fischer Peters Blackburn Gardner Portman any other Senators in the Chamber de- Alexander Fischer Perdue Blunt Graham Reed siring to vote? Barrasso Gardner Portman Boozman Grassley Risch The result was announced—- yeas 87, Blackburn Graham Risch Braun Hassan Roberts Blunt Grassley Roberts Brown Hawley Romney nays 6, as follows: Boozman Hawley Romney Capito Hoeven Rosen [Rollcall Vote No. 417 Ex.] Braun Hoeven Rounds Cardin Hyde-Smith Rounds YEAS—- 87 Capito Hyde-Smith Rubio Carper Inhofe Rubio Cassidy Inhofe Sasse Casey Johnson Sasse Alexander Feinstein Perdue Collins Johnson Scott (FL) Cassidy Jones Scott (FL) Baldwin Fischer Peters Cornyn Kennedy Scott (SC) Collins Kaine Scott (SC) Barrasso Gardner Portman Cotton Lankford Shelby Coons Kennedy Shaheen Bennet Graham Reed Cramer Lee Sullivan Cornyn King Shelby Blackburn Grassley Risch Crapo McConnell Thune Cortez Masto Lankford Sinema Blumenthal Hassan Roberts Cruz McSally Tillis Cotton Leahy Sullivan Blunt Hawley Romney Daines Moran Toomey Cramer Lee Tester Boozman Heinrich Rosen Enzi Murkowski Wicker Crapo Manchin Thune Braun Hirono Rounds Ernst Paul Young Cruz McConnell Tillis Brown Hoeven Rubio NAYS—41 Daines McSally Toomey Cantwell Hyde-Smith Sasse Duckworth Moran Whitehouse Capito Inhofe Schatz Baldwin Hassan Reed Durbin Murkowski Wicker Cardin Johnson Scott (FL) Bennet Heinrich Rosen Enzi Murphy Young Carper Jones Scott (SC) Blumenthal Hirono Schatz Casey Kaine Shaheen Brown Jones Schumer NAYS—17 Cassidy Kennedy Shelby Cantwell Kaine Shaheen Baldwin Markey Smith Collins King Sinema Cardin King Sinema Blumenthal Menendez Stabenow Coons Lankford Stabenow Carper Leahy Cantwell Merkley Cornyn Leahy Sullivan Smith Udall Casey Manchin Stabenow Gillibrand Murray Van Hollen Cortez Masto Lee Tester Coons Markey Tester Heinrich Schatz Wyden Cotton Manchin Thune Cortez Masto Menendez Udall Hirono Schumer Cramer McConnell Tillis Duckworth Merkley Van Hollen Crapo McSally Toomey Durbin Murphy NOT VOTING—8 Cruz Menendez Udall Whitehouse Feinstein Murray Booker Isakson Warner Daines Moran Van Hollen Wyden Gillibrand Peters Burr Klobuchar Duckworth Murkowski Warner Warren Harris Sanders Durbin Murphy Whitehouse NOT VOTING—8 Enzi Murray Wicker Booker Isakson Warner The nomination was confirmed. Ernst Paul Young Burr Klobuchar Warren P f NAYS—- 6 Harris Sanders EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Gillibrand Merkley Smith The nomination was confirmed. Markey Schumer Wyden f The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the Gallagher nomi- NOT VOTING—- 7 EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Booker Isakson Warren nation. Burr Klobuchar The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The senior assistant legislative clerk Harris Sanders clerk will report the Dishman nomina- read the nomination John M. Galla- The nomination was confirmed. tion. gher, of Pennsylvania, to be United f The senior assistant legislative clerk States District Judge for the Eastern read the nomination of Jodi W. District of Pennsylvania. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Dishman, of Oklahoma, to be United The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The States District Judge for the Western question is, Will the Senate advise and clerk will report the nomination. District of Oklahoma. consent to the Gallagher nomination?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.033 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the nays. ond. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The clerk will call the roll. the Senator from California (Mr. HAR- sufficient second? The legislative clerk called the roll. RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Mr. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from ond. necessarily absent: the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- The clerk will call the roll. Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the are necessarily absent. called the roll. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Mr. THUNE. The following Senators the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- any other Senators in the Chamber de- are necessarily absent: the Senator RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. siring to vote? from North Carolina (Mr. BURR) and KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The result was announced—yeas 91, the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- nays 3, as follows: SON). ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) [Rollcall Vote No. 422 Ex.] are necessarily absent. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the YEAS—91 Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber de- Alexander Fischer Reed the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Baldwin Gardner Risch RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. siring to vote? Barrasso Graham Roberts KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The result was announced—yeas 91, Bennet Grassley Romney Blackburn Hassan Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator nays 3, as follows: Rosen [Rollcall Vote No. 421 Ex.] Blumenthal Hawley Rounds from Virginia (Mr. WARNER), and the Blunt Hirono YEAS—91 Rubio Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- Boozman Hoeven Sasse Braun Hyde-Smith REN) are necessarily absent. Alexander Fischer Portman Schatz Brown Inhofe The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Baldwin Gardner Reed Schumer Barrasso Graham Risch Burr Johnson any other Senators in the Chamber de- Cantwell Jones Scott (FL) Bennet Grassley Roberts Scott (SC) Blackburn Hassan Capito Kaine siring to vote or change their vote? Romney Shaheen Blumenthal Hawley Cardin Kennedy The result was announced—yeas 83, Rosen Shelby Blunt Heinrich Carper King nays 9, as follows: Rounds Casey Lankford Sinema Boozman Hirono Rubio [Rollcall Vote No. 420 Ex.] Braun Hoeven Cassidy Leahy Smith Sasse Brown Hyde-Smith Collins Lee Stabenow YEAS—83 Schatz Burr Inhofe Coons Manchin Sullivan Alexander Fischer Peters Cantwell Johnson Scott (FL) Cornyn McConnell Tester Baldwin Gardner Portman Capito Jones Scott (SC) Cortez Masto McSally Thune Barrasso Graham Reed Cardin Kaine Shaheen Cotton Menendez Tillis Blackburn Grassley Risch Carper Kennedy Shelby Cramer Merkley Toomey Blumenthal Hassan Roberts Casey King Sinema Crapo Moran Udall Blunt Hawley Romney Cassidy Lankford Smith Cruz Murkowski Van Hollen Boozman Heinrich Rosen Collins Leahy Stabenow Daines Murphy Warner Braun Hirono Duckworth Rounds Coons Lee Sullivan Murray Whitehouse Brown Hoeven Durbin Paul Rubio Cornyn Manchin Tester Wicker Capito Hyde-Smith Sasse Cortez Masto McConnell Thune Enzi Perdue Cardin Inhofe Wyden Schatz Cotton McSally Tillis Ernst Peters Carper Johnson Feinstein Young Scott (FL) Cramer Menendez Toomey Portman Casey Jones Scott (SC) Crapo Merkley Cassidy Kaine Udall NAYS—3 Shaheen Cruz Moran Van Hollen Collins Kennedy Gillibrand Heinrich Markey Shelby Daines Murkowski Warner Coons King Duckworth Sinema Murphy Whitehouse NOT VOTING—6 Cornyn Lankford Durbin Murray Smith Wicker Cortez Masto Leahy Enzi Paul Booker Isakson Sanders Sullivan Wyden Cotton Lee Ernst Perdue Harris Klobuchar Warren Tester Cramer Manchin Feinstein Peters Young Crapo McConnell Thune The nomination was confirmed. Tillis Cruz McSally NAYS—3 f Toomey Daines Menendez Gillibrand Markey Schumer Duckworth Moran Udall EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Durbin Murkowski Van Hollen NOT VOTING—6 Whitehouse The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Enzi Murphy Booker Isakson Sanders Ernst Paul Wicker Harris Klobuchar Warren clerk will report the next nomination. Feinstein Perdue Young The legislative clerk read the nomi- The nomination was confirmed. NAYS—9 nation of Kea Whetzal Riggs, of New f Bennet Markey Schumer Mexico, to be United States District Cantwell Merkley Stabenow EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Judge for the District of New Mexico. Gillibrand Murray Wyden The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The NOT VOTING—8 BRAUN). The clerk will report the next question is, Will the Senate advise and Booker Isakson Warner nomination. consent to the Riggs nomination? Burr Klobuchar Warren The senior assistant bill clerk read Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask Harris Sanders the nomination of Mary Kay Vyskocil, for the yeas and nays. The nomination was confirmed. of New York, to be United States Dis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a f trict Judge for the Southern District of sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient sec- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR New York. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ond. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Will the Senate advise and The clerk will call the roll. clerk will report the Jones nomination. consent to the Vyskocil nomination? The senior assistant bill clerk called The legislative clerk read the nomi- Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and the roll. nation of Bernard Maurice Jones II, of nays. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is Oklahoma, to be United States District The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a necessarily absent: the Senator from Judge for the Western District of Okla- sufficient second? Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). homa. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ond. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), question is, Will the Senate advise and The clerk will call the roll. the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- consent to the Jones nomination? The senior assistant bill clerk called RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and the roll. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from nays. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a necessarily absent: the Senator from ator from Masachusetts (Ms. WARREN) sufficient second? Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON). are necessarily absent.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.036 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7191 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I ask any other Senators in the Chamber de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for yeas and nays. siring to vote? clerk will report the next nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The result was announced—yeas 94, The legislative clerk read the nomi- sufficient second? nays 0, as follows: nation of Robert J. Colville, of Penn- There appears to be a sufficient sec- [Rollcall Vote No. 423 Ex.] sylvania, to be United States District ond. YEAS—94 Judge for the Western District of Penn- The clerk will call the roll. Alexander Gardner Portman sylvania. The bill clerk called the roll. Baldwin Gillibrand Reed Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask for Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Barrasso Graham Risch the yeas and nays. are necessarily absent: the Senator Bennet Grassley Roberts The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Blackburn Hassan Romney Blumenthal Hawley sufficient second? Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Rosen There appears to be a sufficient sec- Blunt Heinrich Rounds Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Boozman Hirono Rubio ond. Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Braun Hoeven Sasse The clerk will call the roll. Brown Hyde-Smith the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Schatz The bill clerk called the roll. Burr Inhofe RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Schumer Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Cantwell Johnson KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Capito Jones Scott (FL) are necessarily absent: the Senator Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Cardin Kaine Scott (SC) from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Carper Kennedy Shaheen ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) Shelby Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Casey King Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the are necessarily absent. Cassidy Lankford Sinema The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Collins Leahy Smith Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Coons Lee Stabenow the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- any other Senators in the Chamber de- Cornyn Manchin Sullivan RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. siring to vote? Cortez Masto Markey Tester KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from The result was announced—yeas 64, Cotton McConnell Thune nays 29, as follows: Cramer McSally Tillis Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Crapo Menendez Toomey ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) [Rollcall Vote No. 425 Ex.] Cruz Merkley Udall are necessarily absent. YEAS—64 Daines Moran Van Hollen Duckworth The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Alexander Hassan Roberts Murkowski Warner Durbin Murphy any other Senators in the Chamber de- Baldwin Heinrich Rosen Whitehouse Enzi Murray siring to vote? Bennet Hirono Schatz Wicker Ernst Paul Blumenthal Hyde-Smith Schumer Wyden The result was announced—yeas 66, Feinstein Perdue Blunt Jones Scott (FL) Young nays 27, as follows: Fischer Peters Brown Kaine Shaheen [Rollcall Vote No. 424 Ex.] Burr King NOT VOTING—6 Shelby YEAS—66 Cantwell Leahy Sinema Cardin Manchin Booker Isakson Sanders Smith Alexander Grassley Peters Carper Markey Harris Klobuchar Warren Stabenow Baldwin Hassan Portman Casey McConnell Tester The nomination was confirmed. Bennet Heinrich Reed Collins McSally The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Blumenthal Hirono Roberts Coons Menendez Tillis jority leader. Blunt Hyde-Smith Rosen Cornyn Merkley Toomey Brown Johnson Schatz Cortez Masto Moran Udall UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENTS—EXECUTIVE Burr Jones Schumer Duckworth Murkowski Van Hollen CALENDAR Cantwell Kaine Scott (FL) Durbin Murphy Warner Cardin Kennedy Shaheen Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Enzi Murray Whitehouse Carper King Shelby ask unanimous consent that the clo- Feinstein Perdue Wicker Casey Leahy Sinema Gillibrand Peters Wyden Cassidy Manchin Smith ture motion with respect to Executive Graham Portman Young Calendar No. 550 be withdrawn. Collins Markey Stabenow Grassley Reed Coons McConnell Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cornyn McSally Toomey NAYS—29 objection, it is so ordered. Cortez Masto Menendez Udall Barrasso Daines Lee Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask Crapo Merkley Van Hollen Blackburn Ernst Risch Duckworth Moran Warner unanimous consent that following dis- Boozman Fischer Durbin Murkowski Whitehouse Romney Braun Gardner position of the Davis nomination, the Feinstein Murphy Wicker Rounds Capito Hawley Senate resume consideration of the Gillibrand Murray Wyden Rubio Cassidy Hoeven Biegun nomination and vote on con- Graham Perdue Young Sasse Cotton Inhofe Scott (SC) firmation of the nomination; finally, if NAYS—27 Cramer Johnson Sullivan Crapo Kennedy confirmed, the motions to reconsider Barrasso Enzi Risch Thune Cruz Lankford be considered made and laid upon the Blackburn Ernst Romney table and the President be immediately Boozman Fischer Rounds NOT VOTING—7 Braun Gardner Rubio notified of the Senate’s action. Capito Hawley Sasse Booker Klobuchar Warren The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cotton Hoeven Scott (SC) Harris Paul objection, it is so ordered. Cramer Inhofe Sullivan Isakson Sanders Cruz Lankford Thune UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT The nomination was confirmed. Daines Lee Tillis Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I f ask unanimous consent that following NOT VOTING—7 EXECUTIVE CALENDAR the disposition of the Biegun nomina- Booker Klobuchar Warren Harris Paul The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tion, the Senate proceed to legislative Isakson Sanders session and resume consideration of clerk will report the next nomination. The nomination was confirmed. the House message to accompany H.R. The bill clerk read the nomination of 1158; that if cloture is invoked on the f Gary Richard Brown, of New York, to motion to concur in the House amend- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR be United States District Judge for the ment to the Senate amendment to H.R. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Eastern District of New York. 1158, the postcloture time be expired, clerk will report the next nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the other pending motions and amend- The senior assistant legislative clerk question is, Will the Senate advise and ments be withdrawn, and the Senate read the nomination of Lewis J. consent to the Brown nomination? vote on adoption of the motion to con- Liman, of New York, to be United The nomination was confirmed. cur in the House amendment to the States District Judge for the Southern f Senate amendment to H.R. 1158 with no District of New York. intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without question is, Will the Senate advise and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection, it is so ordered. consent to the Liman nomination? clerk will report the next nomination.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.019 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 The bill clerk read the nomination of The nomination was confirmed. to concur in the House amendment to Stephanie Dawkins Davis, of Michigan, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the Senate amendment to H.R. 1158, a to be United States District Judge for the previous order, the motions to re- bill (H.R. 1158) entitled ‘‘An Act to au- the Eastern District of Michigan. consider are considered made and laid thorize cyber incident response teams The PRESIDING OFFICER. The upon the table, and the President will at the Department of Homeland Secu- question is, Will the Senate advise and be immediately notified of the Senate’s rity, and for other purposes,’’ shall be consent to the Dawkins Davis nomina- action. brought to a close? tion? f The yeas and nays are mandatory The nomination was confirmed. under the rule. LEGISLATIVE SESSION The clerk will call the roll. f The senior assistant legislative clerk EXECUTIVE CALENDAR called the roll. DHS CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE Mr. THUNE. The following Senators The PRESIDING OFFICER. The TEAMS ACT OF 2019 are necessarily absent: the Senator clerk will report the next nomination. from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the The bill clerk read the nomination of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ate will now resume legislative session. Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Deputy Secretary of State. The Senate resumed consideration of Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the House message to H.R. 1158, a bill the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- question is, Will the Senate advise and to authorize cyber incident response RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. consent to the Biegun nomination? teams at the Department of Homeland KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask for Security, and for other purposes. Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- the yeas and nays. Pending: McConnell motion to concur in the ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a are necessarily absent. sufficient second? amendment of the House to the amend- ment of the Senate to the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there There appears to be a sufficient sec- any other Senators in the Chamber de- ond. McConnell motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the amend- siring to vote or change their vote? The clerk will call the roll. The result was announced—yeas 77, The bill clerk called the roll. ment of the Senate to the bill, with McConnell Amendment No. 1263 (to the nays 16, as follows: Mr. THUNE. The following Senators [Rollcall Vote No. 427 Leg.] are necessarily absent: the Senator House amendment to the Senate amendment), to change the enactment YEAS—77 from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and the date. Alexander Gardner Reed Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL). Baldwin Graham Risch Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the McConnell Amendment No. 1264 (to Amendment No. 1263), of a perfecting Barrasso Grassley Roberts Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), Bennet Hassan Romney nature. the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Blumenthal Heinrich Rosen McConnell motion to refer the mes- Blunt Hirono Rounds RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. sage of the House on the bill to the Boozman Hoeven Rubio KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Brown Hyde-Smith Committee on Appropriations, with in- Sasse Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Burr Inhofe Schatz structions, McConnell Amendment No. Cantwell Jones Scott (FL) ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) Capito Kaine 1265, to change the enactment date. Scott (SC) are necessarily absent. Cardin Kennedy Shaheen McConnell Amendment No. 1266 (the Casey King The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Shelby instructions (Amendment No. 1265) of Collins Lankford any other Senators in the Chamber de- Sinema the motion to refer), of a perfecting na- Coons Leahy siring to vote? Smith ture. Cornyn Manchin The result was announced—yeas 90, Cortez Masto McConnell Stabenow nays 3, as follows: McConnell Amendment No. 1267 (to Cotton McSally Sullivan Amendment No. 1266), of a perfecting Cramer Menendez Tester [Rollcall Vote No. 426 Ex.] nature. Crapo Moran Thune YEAS—90 Daines Murkowski Tillis CLOTURE MOTION Duckworth Murphy Udall Alexander Feinstein Portman Durbin Murray Warner Baldwin Fischer Reed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Enzi Perdue Whitehouse Barrasso Gardner Risch Feinstein Peters Wicker Bennet Graham Roberts Senate the pending cloture motion, Fischer Portman Young Blackburn Grassley Romney which the clerk will state. Blumenthal Hassan Rosen NAYS—16 Blunt The senior assistant legislative clerk Hawley Rounds Blackburn Gillibrand Schumer Boozman Heinrich Rubio read as follows: Braun Hawley Toomey Braun Hoeven Sasse CLOTURE MOTION Carper Johnson Van Hollen Brown Hyde-Smith Schatz We, the undersigned Senators, in ac- Cassidy Lee Wyden Burr Inhofe Schumer Cruz Markey Cantwell Johnson Scott (FL) cordance with the provisions of rule Ernst Merkley Capito Jones Scott (SC) XXII of the Standing Rules of the Sen- Cardin Kaine Shaheen NOT VOTING—7 Carper Kennedy Shelby ate, do hereby move to bring to a close Booker Klobuchar Warren Casey King Sinema debate on the motion to concur in the Harris Paul Cassidy Lankford Smith House amendment to the Senate Isakson Sanders Collins Leahy Stabenow amendment to H.R. 1158, a bill to au- Coons Lee Sullivan The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Cornyn Manchin Tester thorize cyber incident response teams vote, the yeas are 77, the nays are 16. Cortez Masto McConnell Thune at the Department of Homeland Secu- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- Cotton McSally Tillis rity, and for other purposes. Cramer Menendez Toomey sen and sworn having voted in the af- Crapo Merkley Udall Mitch McConnell, Susan M. Collins, Richard Burr, David Perdue, Pat Rob- firmative, the motion is agreed to. Cruz Moran Van Hollen Under the previous order, cloture Daines Murkowski Warner erts, John Cornyn, Shelley Moore Cap- Duckworth Murphy Whitehouse ito, John Thune, John Boozman, Rob having been invoked on the motion to Durbin Murray Wicker Portman, Richard C. Shelby, Roy concur, the other pending motions are Enzi Perdue Wyden Blunt, Jerry Moran, John Hoeven, withdrawn. Ernst Peters Young Roger F. Wicker, Thom Tillis, Lisa VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR NAYS—3 Murkowski. The question occurs on agreeing to Gillibrand Hirono Markey The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- the motion to concur. NOT VOTING—7 imous consent, the mandatory quorum Ms. ERNST. I ask for the yeas and call has been waived. nays. Booker Klobuchar Warren Harris Paul The question is, Is it the sense of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Isakson Sanders Senate that the debate on the motion sufficient second?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.042 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7193 There appears to be a sufficient sec- There being no objection, the Senate in West Virginia and with the Florida ond. proceeded to consider the concurrent Hospital Association. Taking the im- The clerk will call the roll. resolution. pressive skills he developed throughout The legislative clerk called the roll. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask his career, Mike joined the KHA in 1996 Mr. THUNE. The following Senators unanimous consent that the concur- as its third president. Mike and his are necessarily absent: the Senator rent resolution be agreed to and the team support the work of each and from North Carolina (Mr. BURR), the motion to reconsider be considered every one of Kentucky’s 120-plus hos- Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), made and laid upon the table with no pitals to enhance healthcare services in and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. intervening action or debate. both rural and urban communities PAUL). The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without across the Commonwealth. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the objection, it is so ordered. In addition to its advocacy work, the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), The concurrent resolution (H. Con. KHA under Mike’s leadership offers the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- Res. 81) was agreed to. critical services to its membership, in- RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. f cluding research, education, and sup- KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from port for patient safety and quality Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE care. Patients and hospitals in our ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES State will continue to benefit from are necessarily absent. TO MAKE A CORRECTION IN THE Mike’s great work for many years to The result was announced—yeas 81, ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 1865 come. Through his achievements on be- nays 11, as follows: Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask half of Kentucky’s hospitals and their [Rollcall Vote No. 428 Leg.] unanimous consent that the Senate patients, Mike has earned the respect YEAS—81 proceed to the immediate consider- of his peers in our Commonwealth and Alexander Fischer Portman ation of H. Con. Res. 82, which was re- across the Nation. Baldwin Gardner Reed On a personal note, I have enjoyed Barrasso Graham Risch ceived from the House. Bennet Grassley Roberts The PRESIDING OFFICER. The partnering with Mike in my work in Blackburn Hassan Romney clerk will report the concurrent resolu- the Senate to support Kentucky fami- Blumenthal Heinrich Rosen tion by title. lies and communities. Just recently, Blunt Hirono Rounds the KHA supported my effort to raise Boozman Hoeven Rubio The senior assistant legislative clerk Brown Hyde-Smith Sasse read as follows: the nationwide minimum purchase age Cantwell Inhofe Schatz for tobacco products from 18 to 21. His A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 82) Capito Johnson Scott (FL) counsel was also particularly beneficial Cardin Jones Scott (SC) directing the clerk of the House of Rep- Casey Kaine Shaheen resentatives to make a correction in the en- in our fight against the passage of Cassidy Kennedy Shelby rollment of H.R. 1865. Obamacare, which the KHA rightly op- Collins King Sinema The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there posed. My staff and I will miss Mike’s Coons Lankford Smith collaboration on many important Ken- Cornyn Leahy Stabenow an objection to proceeding to the meas- Cortez Masto Manchin Sullivan ure? tucky priorities, but I am confident the Cotton McConnell Tester There being no objection, the Senate organization he dedicated so much of Cramer McSally Thune his life to will continue building upon Crapo Menendez Tillis proceeded to consider the concurrent Daines Moran Toomey resolution. his legacy. Duckworth Murkowski Udall Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask As Mike reaches this milestone, I Durbin Murphy Warner unanimous consent the concurrent res- would like to thank him for his leader- Enzi Murray Whitehouse ship on behalf of hospitals and families Ernst Perdue Wicker olution be agreed to and the motion to Feinstein Peters Young reconsider be considered made and laid across the Commonwealth. I share my best wishes with Mike and his family NAYS—11 upon the table with no intervening ac- tion or debate. for many years of relaxation and enjoy- Braun Hawley Schumer ment together. Finally, I hope my Sen- Carper Lee Van Hollen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cruz Markey Wyden objection, it is so ordered. ate colleagues will join me in con- Gillibrand Merkley The concurrent resolution (H. Con. gratulating Mike Rust for a long career NOT VOTING—8 Res. 82) was agreed to. of distinguished advocacy and service to Kentucky. Booker Isakson Sanders f Burr Klobuchar Warren f Harris Paul MORNING BUSINESS TRIBUTE TO COACH SCOTT The motion was agreed to. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask SATTERFIELD The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- unanimous consent the Senate be in a ator from South Dakota. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, it period of morning business, with Sen- was a year ago this month that my f ators permitted to speak therein for up alma mater, the University of Louis- DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE to 10 minutes each. ville, hired Scott Satterfield as its new HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without football coach. The Cardinals con- TO MAKE A CORRECTION IN THE objection, it is so ordered. vinced Scott to leave his head coaching ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 1158 f job at Appalachian State University and take over Louisville’s program. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask TRIBUTE TO MIKE RUST unanimous consent that the Senate Today, it is a real pleasure for me to proceed to the immediate consider- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, it is celebrate the good decision he made ation of H. Con. Res. 81, which was re- with gratitude that I pay tribute today and to congratulate Coach Scott ceived from the House. to Mike Rust, a leading advocate for Satterfield for earning the title of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The positive healthcare outcomes in Ken- ‘‘2019 Atlantic Coast Conference Foot- clerk will report the concurrent resolu- tucky. With a long list of accomplish- ball Coach of the Year.’’ tion by title. ments and two dozen years as president When he first walked into Louis- The senior assistant legislative clerk of the Kentucky Hospital Association, ville’s locker room as head coach, read as follows: Mike has certainly earned a relaxing Scott faced a daunting task. The Car- A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 81) and enjoyable retirement. Commu- dinals ended their previous season with directing the Clerk of the House of Rep- nities throughout our Commonwealth only two wins, leaving the team dis- resentatives to make a correction in the en- have benefited from Mike’s leadership, appointed and the fans less than enthu- rollment of H.R. 1158. and I would like to join them today in siastic. Critics predicted another lack- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there honoring his impressive career. luster year for the Cardinals, and a pre- objection to proceeding to the meas- Before coming to Kentucky, Mike season poll anticipated a repeat last- ure? worked in senior positions at hospitals place finish in the division.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.046 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Well, anyone who made those pre- patient with those of us who may not lican Conference, where all of my col- dictions clearly didn’t know Scott. be as up to speed on the technology leagues will get the benefit of his ex- They didn’t understand the effect he available to us. And I would say that pertise. could have on UofL’s program and its there are very few people who are as Nic, thank you again for your many student-athletes in hardly any time at patient and kind as Nic. years of service, your cheerfulness, all. Now, 1 year into the Satterfield- From fixing a recalcitrant printer to your kindness, your hard work, and era, the University of Louisville Car- setting up a new, high-tech studio for most importantly, your patience. dinals have won seven games, placed the Senate Republican conference, Nic We wish you the very best for the fu- second in their division, and the team always does what can often be frus- ture. is on the way to the Music City Bowl. trating and time-consuming work with f a cheerful smile and a reassuring word. And when they take the field in Nash- RECOGNIZING WGN-TV ville, the Cardinals will be led by their He comes to work every single day award-winning and expectations-beat- with a sunny and enthusiastic attitude, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, we find ing head coach. and he doesn’t accept anything less ourselves in the usual December dol- It is a great privilege for a longtime than the best when it comes to serving drums. We are somewhere between the Cards fan like myself to pay tribute to South Dakotans and our fellow Ameri- end of the baseball season and the be- Coach Satterfield and his many accom- cans. ginning of spring training. It is a time plishments. He set out to change the Nic grew up in Harrisburg, SD, and to reflect and a time to dream. program’s culture, to restore the worked on both of my Senate cam- A familiar offseason refrain from team’s confidence, and to unite the paigns as systems administrator while many die-hard Chicago Cubs fans is, players, coaches, and fans together he was in college at Dakota State Uni- ‘‘Wait ‘til next year’’ or ‘‘next season around a shared purpose. Overcoming a versity in Madison, SD. For those who will be different.’’ Well, next season challenging schedule took vision and may not know, Dakota State Univer- will indeed be different as Cubs fans grit, which are qualities Scott pos- sity is the ‘‘high-tech’’ college in our will not, in the immortal words of sesses in great measure. State, and students who graduate from Steve Goodman, be able to ‘‘catch it all Coach Satterfield has made fall Sat- DSU often go on to prestigious jobs at on WGN.’’ Chicago Cubs baseball is urdays—or should I say ‘‘Satterdays’’— technology companies and the like. Nic moving to the new Marquee Sports in Louisville a whole lot of fun. Ignit- could have done any of those jobs, but Network. I want to take a moment to ing an explosive offense, including 2019 instead he chose to dedicate his career honor WGN’s long-standing commit- All-ACC first team honorees Tutu to serving here in the Senate. ment to unsurpassed sports coverage Atwell and Mekhi Becton, the Car- Nic is very involved in the Senate and their historic partnership with the dinals averaged more than 440 yards community, often vetting new tech- Cubs. per game. The defense stepped up too— nologies and participating in pilot I think it is safe to say that, for the often when it mattered most—and projects and working groups regarding most part, Cubs fans are an optimistic helped add a couple of quality wins to the use of technology in the Senate. bunch. We have endured some very the Cardinals’ resume. Nic manages my official website, and tough seasons and the longest cham- Scott began this season determined during his tenure the site has earned pionship drought in Major League to prove that this team could live up to several Mouse Awards from the non- Baseball. Of course, in 2016, the Cubs its greatest potential. Along with Lou- partisan Congressional Management rewarded their fans with a World Series isville’s other top-notch coaches, he is Foundation, including a Gold Mouse championship, the first in more than a helping to restore UofL’s pride. And Award. Our website is a critical part of century. Throughout much of that cen- after only a single season, he is already our efforts to keep constituents in- tury, fans could count on watching making history. As the first UofL formed about the work we do on their their favorite team on ‘‘Chicago’s Very coach to ever be named ‘‘ACC Coach of behalf, and I am grateful to Nic for all Own,’’ WGN-TV. In fact, for 72 years, the Year,’’ Scott has shown that he not the work he has done to make our site WGN helped spread the thrills of Cubs only has what it takes to compete at a helpful resource for South Dakotans. baseball through player milestones, in- the highest levels of college football Before I came to my current leader- cluding Mr. Cub Ernie Banks’ 500th but that he is also ready to lead his ship position as majority whip, I was homerun, pennant races, October base- team, our university, and the city to head of the Senate Republican Con- ball, and more than a few lean years. victory. ference, and Nic was a key part of the The Cubs game on April 23, 1948, So I would like to congratulate conference team. While we were there, wasn’t a particularly memorable one. Coach Scott Satterfield for receiving Nic managed a complex and highly They lost 1–0 to the rival St. Louis Car- this well-deserved honor and to thank technical project to upgrade the tech- dinals. History was made not on the him for providing some extraordinary nological infrastructure of the office, field but in the broadcast booth as football to watch this season. I hope an important but often unsung part of WGN-TV aired its first Cubs game and my Senate colleagues will join me in our ability to get our conference’s mes- set in motion the longest baseball-TV paying tribute to Scott as he prepares sage out to the nation. relationship in baseball history. Since to finish strong in Nashville at the end Nic is currently managing a simi- then, WGN-TV has aired 7,115 Cubs of the month. I for one, look forward to larly difficult project at the Senate Re- games, reaching fans across the coun- cheering on my Cards. publican Conference, setting up a new, try and around the globe. f high-tech studio that will greatly ex- It was a great risk for the Cubs to pand our technological and commu- start airing all their games on tele- TRIBUTE TO NICOLAAS BUDDE nications capabilities in that office. vision. What if people stopped going to Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I rise to This is incredibly important work, and games and only watched from home? pay tribute to a longtime member of Nic has done all of this while at the After all, WGN-TV made it feel like my staff, Nicolaas Budde, who is de- same time putting out fires in my whip you were at the game. The Zoomar lens parting my office after 15 years of serv- office and in the personal office when- brought long shots and close-ups into ice. ever the phones go down or someone’s focus as a television cameraman swung Nic has been my systems adminis- email isn’t working—and always with a quickly from views of the whole dia- trator, responsible for keeping all of smile and a great deal of patience. mond to close-ups of batting, pitching, the technology in my personal and I want to thank Nic for his service and action in the bullpen. But the gam- leadership Senate offices here in Wash- and also thank his wife Jackie and his ble was worth it. The Cubs drew 1.2 ington and in our three State offices in children, Ella and Frederick, for let- million fans to Wrigley Field in 1948, good working order, among many other ting us have their husband and dad for despite losing 90 games that season. things. these many years. It became a tradition for kids to Needless to say, a key part of the job Thankfully, Nic won’t be going far. come home after school to watch the description for a systems adminis- He will just be down the hall con- Cubs on WGN. Hall of famers Ernie trator is the ability to be extremely tinuing his work at the Senate Repub- Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.056 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7195 Fergie Jenkins, Andre Dawson, Ryne been our mission, and it’s important The Further Consolidated Appropria- Sandberg, and a host of Cubs stars be- that we uphold that to the very end.’’ tions Act, 2020 also includes multiple came household names to fans across As WGN-TV and all the people who instances of cap adjustment eligible the country. Many a big leaguer today made Chicago Cubs baseball telecasts spending. The measure includes $8,645 will tell stories about watching the possible sign off, let me join the count- million in spending designated as being Cubs on WGN-TV and dreaming of less fans in thanking them for creating for OCO funding pursuant to section playing at Wrigley Field. an American standard of broadcasting 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of BBEDCA. This budget Generations of fans grew up knowing excellence. authority, $645 million of which falls the sights and sounds of WGN-TV’s f into the revised security category and Jack Brickhouse yelling, ‘‘Hey-hey!’’ BUDGET ENFORCEMENT LEVELS $8,000 million falls into the revised non- or Harry Caray’s ‘‘Holy cow!’’ and his FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 security category, would result in famous rendition of ‘‘Take Me Out to $2,327 million in outlays in fiscal year the Ball Game.’’ Both of these hall of Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, section 251 2020. The measure includes $1,842 mil- famers informed, entertained, and of the Balanced Budget and Emergency lion in spending designated for pro- thrilled us for decades with their play- Deficit Control Act of 1985, BBEDCA, gram integrity pursuant to section by-play. They dazzled in the booth even establishes statutory limits on discre- 251(b)(2)(B), section 251(b)(2)(C), and when the action on the field fell a bit tionary spending and allows for various section 251(b)(2)(E) of BBEDCA. This short. WGN legendary producer/direc- adjustments to those limits. In addi- budget authority, all of which falls tion, sections 302 and 314(a) of the Con- tor Arne Harris was behind the scenes into the revised nonsecurity category, gressional Budget Act of 1974 allow the from the 1960s through 2001, bringing us would result in $1,481 million in out- chairman of the Budget Committee to baseball history from Wrigley Field. A lays. The measure also includes $6,764 establish and make revisions to alloca- distinguished list of announcers also million in revised nonsecurity category tions, aggregates, and levels consistent graced the WGN-TV broadcast booth budget authority that is designated as with those adjustments. including Milo Hamilton, Lou The Senate will soon consider two an emergency pursuant to section Boudreau, Vince Lloyd, and Lloyd measures: the House amendment to the 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of BBEDCA. CBO esti- Pettit. Today, Len Kasper and Jim Senate amendment to H.R. 1158, the mates that this budget authority, as Deshaies faithfully continue that tradi- Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, well as other emergency designated tion and are our trusted guides to Cubs and the House amendment to the Sen- changes, would increase net outlays by baseball. They will continue, along ate amendment to H.R. 1865, the Fur- $1,705 million this fiscal year. with WGN-TV director of production ther Consolidated Appropriations Act, The Further Consolidated Appropria- and author Bob Vorwald, on the new 2020. These measures contain spending tions Act, 2020 also includes $2,250 mil- network in 2020. that qualifies for cap adjustments lion in nonsecurity discretionary budg- I want to take this opportunity to under current law. et authority for wildfire suppression thank WGN-TV president general man- The Consolidated Appropriations operations pursuant to section ager Paul Rennie and all the good peo- Act, 2020 includes multiple instances of 251(b)(2)(F) of BBEDCA. This budget ple at WGN who brought us the sights cap adjustment eligible spending. The authority and its associated outlays of and sounds of the Cubs and the Friend- measure includes $70,855 million in $2,250 million qualify for an adjustment ly Confines for 72 years. spending designated as being for over- under the law. Earlier this year, I made In addition to those already men- seas contingency operations, OCO, an adjustment to accommodate fund- tioned, we acknowledge longtime funding pursuant to section ing in this amount for this purpose and sports editor Jack Rosenberg, who rou- 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of BBEDCA. This budget reaffirm those funds for use for this tinely pulled off the impossible in sup- authority, all of which falls into the re- measure. As such, I am revising the port of the telecast; directors Chris Er- vised security category, would result in budget authority and outlay alloca- skine, Jack Jacobson, Bill Lotzer, Skip $40,336 million in outlays in fiscal year tions to the Committee on Appropria- Ellison, and Marc Brady; and 2020. The measure further includes tions by increasing revised nonsecurity videographer Joe Pausback. My friend, $17,503 million in spending designated budget authority by $27,880 million, re- Shaun Sheehan, was WGN’s ambas- for disaster relief pursuant to section vised security budget authority by sador to Washington and to the Con- 251(b)(2)(D) of BBEDCA. This budget $79,500 million, and general outlays by gress for nearly three decades. And authority, all of which falls into the re- $47,747 million in fiscal year 2020. Fur- countless assistant directors, technical vised nonsecurity category, would re- ther, I am increasing the budgetary ag- directors, camera operators, audio en- sult in $984 million in outlays. The gregate for fiscal year 2020 by $107,126 gineers, video shaders, and sales, busi- measure also includes $1,771 million in million in budget authority and $47,534 ness, and station executives, including revised security category budget au- million in outlays. Jim Tianis, Frank Leone, Mike Aiello, thority that is designated as an emer- I ask unanimous consent that this Scott Jones, Steve Casey, Mike Clay, gency pursuant to section notice and the accompanying tables, Mark Stencel, Marty Wilke, Errol Ger- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of BBEDCA. CBO esti- which provide details about the adjust- ber, Marissa Rudman, Jake Fendley, mates that this budget authority, as ment, be printed in the RECORD. Mark Boe, Jeff Shaw, Ward Quaal, Joe well as other emergency designated Loughlin, Dennis FitzSimons, Peter changes, would increase net outlays by There being no objection, the mate- Walker, John Vitanovec, Tom $914 million this fiscal year. rial was ordered to be printed in the Ehlmann, Greg Easterly, Jim Dowdle, The Consolidated Appropriations RECORD, as follows: Sheldon Cooper, Jim Zerwekh, Bob Act, 2020, also includes $2,500 million in Ramsey, Tom Boyd, and Terry nonsecurity budget authority that is REVISION TO BUDGETARY AGGREGATES (Pursuant to Sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of ‘‘Whitey’’ Pearson truly made Cubs designated as being for the periodic 1974) baseball on WGN-TV special. U.S. Census pursuant to section As Bob Vorwald said just before the 251(b)(2)(G) of BBEDCA. CBO estimates $s in millions 2020 final games on WGN, ‘‘We want to tip that this budget authority will result Current Spending Aggregates: our hat to Jack Brickhouse and Harry in $1,800 million in outlays in fiscal Budget Authority ...... 3,708,996 Outlays ...... 3,685,541 Caray and all the people that have an- year 2020. Earlier this year, I made an Adjustments: nounced and the thousands of men and adjustment to accommodate funding in Budget Authority ...... 107,126 Outlays ...... 47,534 women that have worked on the games. this amount for this purpose and reaf- Revised Spending Aggregates: But, the best way to do that is by hav- firm those funds for use for this meas- Budget Authority ...... 3,816,122 ing a great telecast. That’s always ure. Outlays ...... 3,733,075

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.052 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 (Pursuant to Sections 302 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974)

$s in millions 2020

Current Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 666,500 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 626,258 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,368,429 Adjustments: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 79,500 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 27,880 General Purpose Outlays ...... 47,747 Revised Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 746,000 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 654,138 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,416,176 Memorandum: Detail of Adjustments Made Above OCO Program Integrity Disaster Relief Emergency Wildfire Suppression U.S. Census Total

Revised Security Discretionary Budget Au- thority ...... 71,500 0 0 8,000 0 0 79,500 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 8,000 1,842 17,503 535 0 0 27,880 General Purpose Outlays ...... 42,663 1,481 984 2,619 0 0 47,747

JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, local communities face pressure to par- Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I rise to Peter Phipps to the U.S. Court of Ap- ticipate in deforestation, logging, nar- discuss the President’s nominees for peals for the Third Circuit, Wendy Wil- cotics trafficking and other illicit ac- the Federal bench. I strongly believe liams Berger to the U.S. District Court tivities. It is in the best interest for that women should be in charge of for the Middle District of Florida, the national security of the United their own healthcare decisions. Family Brian Buescher to the U.S. District States to support political stability, planning choices are deeply personal, Court for the District of Nebraska, Mi- reduced migration, reduction of pov- and women should be free to make the chael Liburdi to the U.S. District erty, and enhanced economic develop- choice that is right for them, their Court for the District of Arizona, Sean ment around the basin in Guatemala family, faith, personal beliefs, or med- Jordan to the U.S. District Court for and Mexico. ical needs. As States like Alabama, the Eastern District of Texas, Brantley The Mirador Basin features beautiful Georgia, and others attempt to roll Starr to the U.S. District Court for the Mayan ruins with networks of pyra- back women’s access to reproductive Northern District of Texas, Jeffrey mids, palaces, and ancient cities that healthcare, it is more important than Vincent Brown to the U.S. District many consider to be the eighth wonder ever that we work together to protect Court for the Southern District of of the world, and I would agree. I used this right. Texas, and William Shaw Stickman IV to fly my plane over the Mirador Basin, Unfortunately, too many of Presi- to the U.S. District Court for the West- and I have seen the magnificent struc- dent Trump’s nominees to the Federal ern District of Pennsylvania, Stephen tures with my own eyes. My legislation courts hold beliefs that fail to respect Menashi to serve on the Second Circuit will support efforts made by the De- long-settled precedent on women’s Court of Appeals and Lawrence Van- partment of the Interior, the Depart- healthcare. For example, the Senate Dyke to serve on the Ninth Circuit ment of State, the Mexican Govern- recently voted to confirm Sarah Pitlyk Court of Appeals. ment the Guatemalan Government and to a Federal district court. As an attor- Moving forward, it is my hope that various universities and research insti- ney, she defended Iowa’s unconstitu- the President will nominate individ- tutions to secure this region and en- tional ban on abortions at 6 weeks. uals who respect women’s healthcare sure future generations are afforded Pitlyk has also worked to defend the decisions. the same opportunity to see these mag- Trump administration’s Title X gag f nificent Mayan ruins. rule, which prohibits healthcare pro- One of the most important things we BORDER SECURITY viders who receive this critical funding can do to secure this region is support from discussing the full range of family Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, after the local communities surrounding the planning options with their patients. visiting our southern border countless Mirador Basin by providing economic And finally, she lacked any meaningful times, most recently in August when I opportunity and ensuring that this trial experience. It is no wonder the toured the Mexican side of the border community receives direct economic American Bar Association found that with their deployed National Guard benefit. If the members of the local she was unqualified to serve on the dis- units, I know that we face a dire situa- community are able to find work in the trict court. tion that is only improving because of region, it will greatly reduce the incen- Despite Roe v. Wade being the law of the aggressive action taken by Presi- tive to attempt the arduous journey to the land, too many of President dent Trump. As he and I both know, illegally immigrate to the United Trump’s nominees have actively more needs to be done. Securing our States. sought to undermine the rights of border is vital to national security. Mr. President, it is critical that we women to control their own reproduc- In our discussions with the Mexican secure our southern border. Border se- tive health choices. Their amicus Government following my recent trip, curity is national security. It is just briefs, legal writings, and arguments they expressed strong support for doing that simple. There are many proposals demonstrate a hostility towards wom- work on their southern border to stem targeting this issue, and I support en’s rights that are incompatible with the tide of illegal immigrants from many of them—including building the the role of a Federal judge. other nations in Central America. Ac- wall. This additional legislation is a I will continue to evaluate President cordingly, I am proud to introduce the targeted approach, and I thank Sen- Trump’s judicial nominees based on Mirador-Calakmul Basin Maya Secu- ators UDALL and RISCH for joining me their stances on women’s reproductive rity & Conservation Partnership Act, in this initiative. health and remain committed to voting which will provide critical resources to f for nominees who have a strong record the region to supplement the efforts on upholding constitutionally pro- made by the Government of Mexico to VOTE EXPLANATION tected reproductive healthcare rights. secure its own southern border. These Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, on the Accordingly, had I been present in the resources will be critical because in- motion to invoke cloture on the House Senate, I would have voted against the creased insecurity and lack of eco- amendment to the Senate Amendment nominations of Michael Park to serve nomic opportunity in this region are to H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appro- on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the drivers of emigration from Guatemala priations Act, vote No. 427, I had in- Second Circuit, Dan Collins to the U.S. and Mexico to the United States as tended to be recorded as voting no.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.027 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7197 (At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the invoke cloture on Executive Calendar ment to WMATA. I, along with Senator following statement was ordered to be No. 383, Kea Whetzal Riggs, of New CARDIN and our colleagues from Vir- printed in the Record.) Mexico, to be United States District ginia have introduced a WMATA reau- f Judge for the District of New Mexico. thorization bill that would authorize Mr. President. I was absent, but had an additional 10 years of Federal fund- VOTE EXPLANATION I been present, I would have voted yes ing. WMATA is the Nation’s transit ∑ Ms. HARRIS. Mr. President. I was ab- rollcall Vote No. 412, the motion to in- system, and maintaining our Federal sent, but had I been present, I would voke cloture on Executive Calendar No. support is essential for the local econ- have voted no on rollcall vote No. 401, 357, Stephanie Dawkins Davis, of omy and for the people who live and the motion to invoke cloture on Execu- Michigan, to be United States District work here. Given the significant Fed- tive Calendar No. 382, Matthew Walden Judge for the Eastern District of eral ridership, it is incumbent on us to McFarland, of Ohio, to be United Michigan.∑ ensure the Federal Government pay its States District Judge for the Southern f fair share. District of Ohio. The bill fully funds a housing mobil- Mr. President. I was absent, but had H.R. 1865 ity demonstration project that Senator I been present, I would have voted no Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, YOUNG and I have worked to develop. I on rollcall Vote No. 402, the confirma- today the Senate passed H.R. 1865, one look forward to the results of the pro- tion of Executive Calendar No. 382, of two appropriations packages needed gram as we look to expand housing Matthew Walden McFarland, of Ohio, to fund the Federal Government for fis- vouchers and give families a safe and to be United States District Judge for cal year 2020. stable place from which to build their the Southern District of Ohio. Eight appropriations bills are part of futures. The bill also funds the commu- Mr. President. I was absent, but had this consolidated appropriations bill— nity development block grant and I been present, I would have voted no eight bills that fund programs which HOME Partnership Program, two cru- on rollcall Vote No. 403, the motion to impact every part of our lives—and I cial economic development programs invoke cloture on Executive Calendar am pleased that we have made several that were eliminated in the President’s No. 465, Anuraag Singhal, of Florida, to strong steps to better serve the Amer- budget. be United States District Judge for the ican people. I am pleased that the bill rejected a Southern District of Florida. For Maryland and the Chesapeake number of the President’s cuts to edu- Mr. President. I was absent, but had Bay, the bill provides a historic level of cation and actually boosts funds for I been present, I would have voted no funding for EPA’s Chesapeake Bay pro- afterschool and student support pro- on rollcall Vote No. 404, the motion to gram and continued funding for the grams. It increases funding for title I invoke cloture on Executive Calendar dredging needs of the Port of Balti- and IDEA, two foundational programs No. 466, Karen Spencer Marston, of more. In addition, the bill provides that help students in underserved areas Pennsylvania, to be United States Dis- funding for the Army Corps of Engi- and those with disabilities have the re- trict Judge for the Eastern District of neers to resume oyster restoration sources they need to get a good edu- Pennsylvania. work in the bay. These are hard-fought cation. The bill expands access to early Mr. President. I was absent, but had wins, and I appreciate the work of education by increasing funds for the I been present, I would have voted no those in the Maryland and Chesapeake child care and development block grant on rollcall Vote No. 405, the motion to Bay delegations to help get this done. and provides more K–12 wraparound invoke cloture on Executive Calendar After years of Republican opposition, services with boosts to the Full Service No. 480, Daniel Mack Traynor, of North this bill finally funds critical gun vio- Community Schools and Promise Dakota, to be United States District lence research at the Centers for Dis- Neighborhoods Programs. The bill in- Judge for the District of North Dakota. ease Control. Gun violence is an epi- creases the Pell grant and continues Mr. President. I was absent, but had demic, and we should be engaging our funding for Senators to pay their in- I been present, I would have voted no best minds to find solutions to keep terns—an initiative I have worked on rollcall Vote No. 406, the motion to the American people safe. I am also closely on with Senators MURPHY, invoke cloture on Executive Calendar pleased that the bill includes funding SCHATZ, COLLINS, and MURKOWSKI. No. 481, Jodi W. Dishman, of Okla- for the CDC to research sexual abuse While the bill is mostly focused on homa, to be United States District prevention and for the Agency for domestic policy, I appreciate the inclu- Judge for the Western District of Okla- Healthcare Research Quality to sup- sion of language I authored to hold homa. port diagnostic error research—issues I Saudi Arabia to the ‘‘gold standard’’ Mr. President. I was absent, but had have worked on in the Appropriations section 123 agreement as a condition I been present, I would have voted no Committee. The bill also includes im- for Export-Import Bank financing for on rollcall Vote No. 407, the motion to portant increases for medical research U.S. nuclear exports. We should not be invoke cloture on Executive Calendar at the National Institutes of Health transferring sensitive nuclear tech- No. 490, John M. Gallagher, of Pennsyl- and delivers funding to implement the nology to Saudi Arabia without the es- vania, to be United States District Childhood Cancer STAR Act. tablishment of strong nonproliferation Judge for the Eastern District of Penn- H.R. 1865 includes a funding increase guardrails. I am also pleased that the sylvania. for the Infant and Early Childhood bill retains my provisions to sanction Mr. President. I was absent, but had Mental Health Program, which helps foreign government officials respon- I been present, I would have voted no develop, maintain, or enhance infant sible for the detention of American on rollcall Vote No. 408, the motion to and early childhood mental health pro- citizens and locally employed staff of invoke cloture on Executive Calendar motion, intervention, and treatment U.S. diplomatic missions, urges the In- No. 536, Bernard Maurice Jones II, of programs for children at risk of devel- dian Government to reverse course in Oklahoma, to be United States District oping, showing early signs of, or having Kashmir, bans the sale of arms to Judge for the Western District of Okla- been diagnosed with mental illness. Turkish President Erdogan’s body- homa. The bill also includes funding to con- guards, and mandates comprehensive Mr. President. I was absent, but had tinue the National Adoption Com- oversight of the administration’s trav- I been present, I would have voted no petency Mental Health Training Initia- el ban and refugee resettlement poli- on rollcall Vote No. 409, the motion to tive, which helps child welfare and cies. In addition, this legislation pro- invoke cloture on Executive Calendar mental health workers better under- vides critical humanitarian and devel- No. 354, Mary Kay Vyskocil, of New stand and address the mental health opment assistance for our partners and York, to be United States District needs of children, youth, and their fam- allies around the world, despite Presi- Judge for the Southern District of New ilies moving toward or having achieved dent Trump’s repeated attempts to cut York. permanency through adoption or the foreign assistance budget dramati- Mr. President. I was absent, but had guardianship. cally. I been present, I would have voted yes I am also very pleased that the bill Importantly, H.R. 1865 includes a 10- on rollcall Vote No. 410, the motion to continues the Federal funding commit- year reauthorization of the Patient-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.038 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Centered Outcomes Research Institute, tions that increased the national debt this NDAA will strengthen our na- PCORI. When PCORI was first created, by nearly $2 trillion, the tax changes in tional security. For that reason, I there was broad agreement about the this bill increase deficits by a further voted in favor of it. critical need for comparative effective- $426 billion. While I support some of With this bill, the Federal Govern- ness research, CER. The CER research the changes, we should have paid for ment will now provide 12 weeks of paid being done through PCORI is helping them by scaling back wasteful tax parental leave to its workforce. We to generate more personalized, more breaks for those at the very top. And have been fighting for years to provide reliable research that is directly rel- some of them represent additional paid family and medical leave to work- evant to individual patients and doc- giveaways to industry without suffi- ers throughout the country. Now the tors. There are significant evidence cient benefit for everyday Americans. Federal Government will finally start gaps about what medical treatments Moreover, I am extremely disappointed to lead by example. Paid leave will re- and services are most clinically effec- that the tax extenders package did not duce employee turnover costs for the tive and for whom. We need more infor- include tax measures for energy stor- Federal Government and help agencies mation, and that information must age, solar energy, offshore wind, and continue to recruit and retain top- quickly get into the hands of patients electric vehicles. This represents a lost notch talent into the civil service. I and providers so they can make better- opportunity to take even small steps to was proud to help secure this, and we informed decisions about their health address the climate crisis, and I urge need to keep fighting until all workers care. PCORI-funded research is helping my colleagues to address these clean around the Nation receive paid family to fill that gap, and I am pleased that energy tax measures early next year. and medical leave benefits. this bill will allow it to continue for I am disappointed that the bill drops The NDAA also repeals the military another decade. House language preventing the Depart- widow’s tax. Currently, military wid- The bill also includes important pol- ment of Agriculture from physically ows and widowers who qualify for the icy improvements contained in the relocating the Economic Research VA’s dependency and indemnity com- PCORI Reauthorization Act, S. 2897, Service, ERS, and National Institute of pensation are forced to take a dollar- legislation I introduced with Senators Food & Agriculture, NIFA, outside of for-dollar offset from the DOD Sur- WARNER, CASSIDY, and CAPITO. H.R. the National Capital Region. The relo- vivors Benefits Plan benefit, even 1865 will ensure that PCORI-funded re- cation and reorganization will impact though their retired spouses elected to search is designed to take into account the quality and breadth of the work pay into the program. No other Federal and capture the full range of clinical these agencies support and perform— surviving spouse is required to forfeit and patient-centered outcomes, includ- work that is critical to informing and his or her Federal annuity because ing the potential burdens and economic supporting U.S. agriculture, food secu- military service caused his or her spon- impacts of various medical treatments, rity, and rural development. I appre- sor’s death. This is fundamentally un- items, and services like out-of-pocket ciate that the bill includes no addi- just. In September, I met with a con- costs and nonmedical costs to patients tional funding for the move, and I hope stituent and military widow who was and families. Additionally, it adds a re- that the Secretary of Agriculture will subjected to this offset after the loss of quirement that the Government Ac- with us in Congress to repair the dam- her husband. Hearing her story hard- countability Office report on any bar- age that this relocation scheme has ened my resolve to ensure that we got riers that researchers funded by PCORI done. this done this year, and I am proud of have encountered in conducting studies While I do have concerns about as- the Congress for coming together to re- or clinical trials, including challenges pects of this bill, I believe it supports peal this offset. covering the cost of any medical treat- critical health, education, and infra- Critically, this legislation also in- ments, services, and items. structure needs. I appreciate the hard cludes the Otto Warmbier North Korea I am, however, disappointed that this work of Senators SHELBY and LEAHY Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement bill eliminates Medicare’s contribution and their staffs in crafting the bill and Act, which I introduced with Senator to the PCOR Trust Fund. Medicare their support for many priorities I have TOOMEY. This legislation offers foreign beneficiaries benefit greatly from pushed for on behalf of my constituents banks and firms a stark choice: con- PCORI-funded research. This includes a in Maryland. It is an honor to serve on tinue business with North Korea or number of projects that have focused the Appropriations Committee, and I maintain access to the U.S. financial on helping older adults and their care- look forward to continuing our work to system. Within 120 days of enactment givers make better-informed decisions responsibly fund the government and of the law, this legislation mandates about their health care options, as well its services for the American people in sanctions on the foreign banks and as research on diseases and conditions the coming fiscal year. companies that facilitate illicit finan- that disproportionately impact bene- f cial transactions for the Democratic ficiaries. I am concerned that divesting People’s Republic of Korea. North Medicare dollars sends a signal to NATIONAL DEFENSE Korea continues to perfect its ballistic PCORI that Congress is not interested AUTHORIZATION ACT missile capabilities and produce more in this critical research continuing to Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I fissile material for nuclear weapons. be funded. I am pleased that this bill rise to speak on the National Defense Our aim is to cut off North Korea’s re- increases the mandatory appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. maining access to the international fi- to help make up for the loss of Medi- The National Defense Authorization nancial system and create the leverage care funds, but Congress must main- Act conference agreement provides necessary for serious nuclear negotia- tain this investment over the full crucial resources to our Armed Forces tions to achieve the goal of the length of the authorization. and our national defense, including a denuclearization of the Korean Penin- I am pleased that H.R. 1865 includes a pay increase for our men and women in sula. number of other bills that I am proud uniform. I am proud that the Congress The NDAA also includes bipartisan to cosponsor, including the CREATES was able to come together on a bipar- legislation that tracks the provision Act, the Patient Access to Cellular tisan basis to pass this legislation to Senator GRAHAM and I included in Sen- Transplant Act, and the Protecting support our servicemembers, strength- ate Foreign Operations appropriations Beneficiary Access to Complex Rehab en our national security, and invest in bills over the years to prohibit the Technology Act. critical projects in my home State of transfer of the F–35 Joint Strike Fight- While I support much of this bill, I Maryland. er to Turkey until President Erdogan am deeply troubled by some of its pro- While I have serious reservations relinquishes the Russian S–400 air and visions. about a number of items included in missile defense system. Turkey has re- I have serious concerns about parts this legislation and am particularly cently started testing the S–400 missile of the tax extenders provisions of the disappointed by the exclusion of impor- system, and they have said the system package. It is unfortunate that fol- tant priorities like the DETER Act to will be operational early next year. lowing on the heels of a tax cut for prevent Russian interference in our The administration must not only con- wealthy households and big corpora- elections, I believe that, on balance, tinue blocking the transfer of the F–

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.047 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7199 35s, but—as Senator GRAHAM and I in- recommendation for the Medal of safer, and the use of off-budget ac- dicated in a recent letter to Secretary Honor, he never received it. In 1947, counts to boost Pentagon spending is a Pompeo—it has a legal duty to impose after losing the ability to work, he disservice to our children and grand- economic sanctions on Turkey. took his own life. He was buried at Ar- children, who will pay for these spend- The NDAA also includes a version of lington—with a typo on his tombstone. ing increases regardless of whether or a bill Senator COTTON and I introduced The living descendants of these vet- not they are properly accounted for to prevent the President from remov- erans deserve to know that their gov- today. Especially in a post-Budget Con- ing Chinese telecommunications giant ernment, despite its past failings, rec- trol Act environment, where we are not Huawei from the Commerce Depart- ognizes their heroism. I am very proud constrained by artificial caps, we need ment’s Entity List without certifying of the Congress for coming together to to be thoughtful about our spending to Congress that it is complying with honor those who chose to serve their choices, recognize that every dollar U.S. laws and the administration has country, even at a time when their spent on defense is a dollar not spent mitigated the threat Huawei poses to country did not treat them as equal on health care, education, workforce our national security. While I was dis- citizens. In doing so we demonstrate training, and other critical areas of appointed that our original bill was that it is never too late to right a his- need. And we need to use OCO in a re- watered down, the final version is still torical wrong. sponsible manner consistent with its better than the status quo. I would also like to commend the original purpose, and not as an off- This bill also includes a number of Valor Medals Review Task Force, budget slush fund. measures I introduced to ensure that jointly established by the United Second, I am extremely disappointed we give proper recognition to Ameri- States Foundation for the Commemo- by the Congress’s failure to act to pro- cans who have bravely served our coun- ration of the World Wars and the hibit U.S. military support for the try in combat. One of them is Col. George S. Robb Centre for the Study of Saudi-led war in Yemen. This brutal Charles McGee. Colonel McGee, a dis- the Great War, which has worked tire- war has raged for more than 4 years. tinguished Tuskegee Airman who re- lessly to identify World War I veteran Thousands have lost their lives in this cently celebrated his 100th birthday, is service records for this review. I ap- conflict. Millions are displaced from their homes. The cycle of desperation, a living aviation legend and an Amer- plaud the NDAA conferees for encour- destruction, and death continues ican hero. From World War II to Korea, aging the Secretaries of the military unabated. Earlier this year, Congress Colonel McGee flew more combat mis- departments to consult with the Valor voted to end U.S. support for the war in sions than any other pilot in the serv- Medals Review Task Force to identify Yemen—legislation that President ice of his country. The first African those service records that warrant fur- Trump vetoed. The refusal of Repub- American to command a stateside Air ther review to determine whether such licans to address this issue as part of Force wing and base, this Marylander’s veteran should be recommended for an the NDAA is shameful. service to our Nation is truly remark- upgrade to the Medal of Honor for Third, this legislation supports the able. That is why I worked with the Air valor. President’s effort to spend $1.3 trillion Force and introduced legislation to au- The NDAA also addresses serious dollars on nuclear weapons. It contains thorize the honorary promotion of concerns with the oversight of no prohibition on fielding low-yield nu- Colonel McGee to brigadier general. privatized military housing. Over the clear warheads on submarine-launched And today, on a bipartisan basis, the past year, I have engaged with leaders ballistic missiles, near-full funding for Congress has authorized this honor. at Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving research and development on INF- Colonel McGee makes all Marylanders Ground as they have addressed woe- range missiles, near-full funding to proud and reminds us all of what it fully inadequate maintenance by pri- build new ICBMs and associated war- means to serve. vate housing contractors. The NDAA heads, and full funding to retain the The conference report also includes includes key provisions of the Ensuring B83 megaton gravity bomb, which the the bipartisan World War I Valor Med- Safe Housing for Our Military Act, of Obama administration had intended to als Review Act, which I introduced which I am a cosponsor. This includes retire as part of its modernization ef- with Senator BLUNT. This legislation withholding payment of the basic al- forts. And while it affirms the benefits directs the Department of Defense to lowance for housing under certain cir- of legally-binding verifiable limits on review the service records of minority cumstances, the creation of a Tenant Russian strategic nuclear forces, it service members who fought during Bill of Rights and the position of Chief does not explicitly endorse the exten- World War I and who may have been Housing Officer, a uniform code of sion of New START. This, like so much passed over for the Medal of Honor be- basic standards for privatized military else in this bill, is a missed oppor- cause of their race or ethnicity. Many housing, and access for tenants to an tunity. Senator YOUNG and I have in- of these individuals have never re- online work order system, among other troduced bipartisan legislation urging ceived proper recognition for their acts improvements. a 5 year extension of the New START of valor. Lastly, I am pleased that the bill in- agreement, and the Senate should pass Take, for example, William Butler of cludes language requiring congres- it expeditiously. Salisbury, MD. In 1916 he was living in sional notification and a 120-day wait- Fourth, Republicans blocked a provi- Harlem, where he enlisted in the New ing period before the President gives sion in the House NDAA that prevented York National Guard. His regiment notice of his intent to withdraw from the President from waging a war with landed in France on Jan. 1, 1918. Sar- the New START and Open Skies trea- Iran without an explicit authorization gent Butler received the Distinguished ties. from the Congress. President Trump’s Service Cross and the French Croix de While I am pleased with many of the Iran strategy has been blind unilateral Guerre for his bravery in rescuing sev- provisions included in this bill and escalation with no end goal. That is eral members of his regiment from voted for its passage, I do have signifi- why his actions have produced exactly their German captors. Sargent Butler cant reservations. the opposite result of what his so- killed 10 Germans, took a German pris- First, the unchecked growth in the called ‘‘maximum pressure’’ campaign oner, freed all the American prisoners, defense budget is unsustainable, and intended. President Trump has dis- and brought them back to safety. He the continued use of the overseas con- membered the multilateral coalition returned home to a hero’s welcome. tingency operations budget to fund ele- that forged the Iran deal. He has frayed The Baltimore Afro-American called ments of the Pentagon’s regular base our alliances in Europe and empowered him ‘‘Maryland’s Greatest Hero.’’ The budget activities with war funds is a our adversaries. All the while, the ad- New York Tribune called him a ‘‘hero blatant abuse of the budget process. We ministration has raised the specter of a among heroes.’’ He and the rest of the have a duty to ensure the readiness of possible military intervention with Harlem Hellfighters marched through our forces, and I support efforts to re- Iran. By blocking this provision, Re- New York City. Upon his return to build our Armed Forces after years of publicans are enabling the President to Maryland, his small community gave costly overseas engagements. But mas- subvert Congress’s constitutional pre- him a gold watch as a token of their re- sive spending increases without clear rogative with respect to decisions of spect and appreciation. But despite a strategic direction do not make us war.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.048 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Finally, Majority Leader MCCONNELL Senate custodians, Capitol police, cafe- way to get along and to do the good blocked the inclusion the bipartisan teria workers, Senate pages. He always work the people deserved. Time and DETER Act, which I introduced with has the time to be kind to others. time again, he stood with us, he Senator RUBIO to deter future Russian JOHNNY is Georgian through and worked with us to uplift African Amer- interference in U.S. Federal elections. through and loves his State and its icans in the State of Georgia, to recog- The DETER Act sends a clear message people. He has served them for 45 nize individuals like Dr. Martin Luther to Russian President Putin or any years—in both State houses and both King, Jr., and Jackie Robinson, natives other foreign adversary: If you attack Congressional Chambers—and is now of Georgia.’’ At the end of the tribute, American elections, you will face se- Georgia’s most senior elected official. Representative LEWIS called JOHNNY vere consequences. Leader MCCONNELL JOHNNY is as beloved by the people of his ‘‘brother,’’ and they gave each blocked this measure from the NDAA, his State as he is in the Senate—and other a long embrace. even though the Senate unanimously for good reason. He has worked to build During his farewell speech, JOHNNY passed a resolution in the fall instruct- Georgia’s economy, its rural commu- said: ing the NDAA conferees to support its nities, its international trade, its har- We still have some people in the United inclusion. In addition, Republican lead- bors, the Centers for Disease Control States of America who will play the hate ership removed a related provision in and Prevention in Atlanta, and on and card. We have some politicians who will the House-passed NDAA imposing sanc- on. dance around the issue of hate. They will not tions on Russian sovereign debt in re- But JOHNNY is not only a champion use the buzz words, but they will get awful sponse to interference in U.S. elec- for his State, he is a champion for the close to it. They did it in Charlottesville. . . tions. Nation, and he gets things done for our . We have to stand up to the evils of society today. If we don’t do it, nobody will. Leader MCCONNELL’s decision to country. JOHNNY’s legislative finger- block the DETER Act and the House prints are everywhere. From protecting JOHNNY has stood up for over four sanctions on Russian sovereign debt ef- workers’ pensions, to fighting child- decades for what he believes in. We will fectively green-lights Russian inter- hood hunger, to increasing affordable miss his honesty, his integrity, and his ference in future U.S. elections. It is a housing so families have a roof over fine character. Jill and I wish JOHNNY gift to Russian President Vladimir their heads, to helping people with dis- and Dianne, their three children, and Putin and a subversion of the clear de- abilities, to making sure children with eight grandchildren the very best. sire expressed by both Chambers of rare diseases get their medications, to Enjoy life. And we will do our best to Congress to hold Russia accountable getting treatment for victims of the follow your example in the Senate. for future interference. It reinforces opioid crisis—JOHNNY has been working Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I want- Putin’s belief that the costs of attack- for the American people because he ed to spend a few moments to recognize ing our democracy are low and the re- cares deeply and genuinely about hu- my colleague and friend, Senator ISAK- wards are great. It is a dereliction of manity. It is not show for JOHNNY. You SON from Georgia. his duty, as a representative of the peo- see what you get. He is the real deal. When I first came to the Senate in ple, to protect our Nation from foreign It is important to thank JOHNNY for 2009—a decade ago, it surprises me to adversaries. I will continue fighting for his extraordinary work on behalf of say—I was on the Banking Committee. the passage of the DETER Act. The veterans. He is a veteran himself, hav- We were in the middle of the worst fi- next national election is less than a ing served 6 years in the Georgia Air nancial crisis since the Great Depres- year away, and we must make clear to National Guard after college, and vet- sion, and millions of Americans were Putin that Russia will pay a steep erans have no stronger champion than losing their homes each month. price if they interfere in another elec- JOHNNY. As chair of the Senate Vet- We held a hearing on housing, and I tion. erans’ Affairs Committee, he shep- remember Senator ISAKSON coming to While I am strongly opposed to some herded an amazing 57 bills through the testify because, before he was in poli- of the provisions in this bill and dis- Senate. He helped extend the GI bill so tics, he had spent several years in the appointed by the omission of others, I that veterans aren’t met with an arbi- private sector working in real estate. I believe that, on balance, the NDAA trary cutoff to take advantage of their appreciated that moment because, one, will strengthen our national security educational benefits. He made sure vet- I had also spent some time in business and advance other important national erans have access to community- and before politics, and two, because it was priorities. For that reason, I voted in home-based health services. And his so refreshing to hear from someone support of final passage. signature VA Mission legislation en- who actually knew what they were f sures that healthcare for veterans is talking about. TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY ISAKSON more responsive and more effective. Over the past 10 years, I have had the benefit of Senator ISAKSON’s experi- Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise to As I said, JOHNNY’s heart is big, and he welcomes all people. Atlanta hosted ence, friendship, and wisdom on both pay tribute to Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON the HELP and Finance Committees. from the great State of Georgia. I, like the 1996 summer Olympics. Cobb Coun- In JOHNNY, so many of us have had a all of my colleagues in the Senate, am ty is a suburban county of Atlanta and model for how to get things done even saddened by his retirement. His depar- was set to host some preliminary in this moment of partisan division. He ture leaves a big hole in this Chamber Olympic events. But the Cobb County that may never be truly filled. Commission had passed an anti-gay, was a welcome throwback to a time JOHNNY is a Senator’s Senator. He discriminatory resolution. At that when people didn’t come to this town embodies the best qualities of a public time, JOHNNY was a Cobb County Re- just to spend every moment on cable servant. He is smart, hard-working, de- publican, serving in the State senate. news but to get things done for the termined, effective. He is humble, not It might not have been the most pop- people they came here to represent. at all self-important, and never seeks ular position in his county, but he JOHNNY’s record suggests there is attention for himself. He has integrity. urged the County Commission to re- nothing quaint or naı¨ve about that ap- He is a man of his word. scind the resolution. proach to the work because over his 15 He is known throughout the Senate One of JOHNNY’s best friends is civil years in the Senate, he has managed to as ready to reach across the aisle to rights icon JOHN LEWIS. On February secure quite a few bipartisan accom- seek bipartisan solutions—one of the 25, 1996, Representative LEWIS intro- plishments, including several things we main reasons he is so effective. As he duced JOHNNY as the newest member of have worked on together. put it during his farewell speech on the Georgia’s congressional delegation, and I remember JOHNNY really digging in Senate floor, ‘‘I tell you, I am big on on November 19, 2019, he gave JOHNNY a and getting his hands dirty on the bipartisanship.’’ JOHNNY encourages us warm farewell, explaining to the House SAVE Act, our bill to make Federal to take his lead and listen to and work that ‘‘when JOHNNY served in the House mortgage loan agencies consider the with the other side. We all can learn of Representatives, we always found a returns from energy efficiency when from his example. way to come together, and we contin- they determine your ability to make JOHNNY is kind. His heart is big. He ued that tradition when he was elected your monthly payments. We passed always has a smile or greeting for the to the Senate. . . . We always found a that out of the Senate, and it was a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.048 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7201 tremendous credit to JOHNNY’s deter- educators, students, enthusiasts, Amendment. She also advised Congress mination and focus. broadcasters, and other professionals on the implementation of numerous We passed a bill to modernize the in weather, water, and climate. Its rig- civil rights laws, including title VII of FDA’s medical device inspections and orously peer-reviewed scientific publi- the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing to strengthen patient access to reha- cations and scientific conferences have Act, title IX of the Higher Education bilitation hospitals in Colorado and contributed to knowledge growth Act, and the Age Discrimination Act. Georgia. We passed an amendment to across the geosciences, especially in In 1984, Karen moved into CRS man- strengthen funding for early learning the prediction of environmental phe- agement, serving first as the section programs. And we introduced bills to- nomena that has led to lifesaving serv- head of ALD’s consumer law group be- gether to provide tax relief for ices. AMS also offers nationally recog- fore heading the Division’s administra- AmeriCorps members who earned Segal nized certifications that serve the tive law section. In the nearly 25 years Awards to help pay for college. public’s need to identify broadcast and she served in these roles, Karen helped I could go on, and it is a credit to consulting meteorologists who have mentor dozens of attorneys, engraining JOHNNY’s broad record of bipartisan achieved a high level of competency in in them CRS’s core values of providing work. communicating complex weather, authoritative and objective legal ad- JOHNNY has been a particular cham- water, and climate information. pion for our veterans. As a former AMS has been a leader in promoting vice regardless of partisan affiliation. member of the Georgia Air National diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Any attorney trained under Karen’s tu- Guard, JOHNNY has been a steady and science, technology, engineering, and telage is well familiar with her re- effective advocate for those who have math STEM fields. Its activities in sup- peated advice to rely on primary served. Last year, he was instrumental port of STEM education and develop- sources to ensure CRS’s legal advice is in passing a bipartisan bill to make it ment activities for K-12 teachers have trustworthy and reliable. far easier for veterans to take their positively impacted millions of stu- In 2007, Karen was promoted to senior benefits to private doctors for care, dents nationwide. Its leadership in edu- CRS leadership, serving in a variety of among other long-overdue reforms. cation also brings AMS to the Halls of capacities, including 11 years as the With our large population of veterans Congress, where the society supports Assistant Director of CRS’s ALD. As in Colorado, we were especially grate- congressional fellows, research studies the head of the law division, Karen ful to JOHNNY for his leadership. on environmental policy, and policy played a central role reviewing ALD’s There is a lot more I could share, but briefings to ensure that policies are de- written work, helping to ensure its ac- the point is, JOHNNY has used his time veloped using the best available knowl- curacy, completeness, and quality. She here well—with real results for the peo- edge and understanding. also led countless initiatives for the ple of Georgia. He didn’t do it through AMS has also been crucial in devel- Service. This included helping to estab- bullying or shouting or threatening to oping the extensive scientific evidence lish the Legal Sidebar—CRS’s first ex- bring the Senate to its knees if he of manmade climate change and has clusively web-based product line to didn’t get his way. He did it JOHNNY’s helped us understand the threat it provide succinct and timely analysis to way—with unfailing kindness, grace, poses to society if we do not act. AMS Congress on matters of pressing impor- humor, and dogged persistence. It has been an international leader in pro- tance. She also was instrumental in would be easy to mistake JOHNNY’s viding peer-reviewed information to raising the profile of the Service’s Fed- kindness for a lack of intensity or de- support evidence-based decision mak- eral Law Update, a seminar series that termination, but behind his easy smile ing related to climate change. Congress provides continued legal education for is a fierce devotion to Georgia and a owes a debt of gratitude to AMS for its Congress, which tripled its average at- welcome impatience with the inaction advocacy and education on this global tendance under Karen’s leadership. of this town. threat. Karen also spearheaded the first major That approach is how JOHNNY leaves With the scope and size of the chal- revision since 1952 of the ‘‘Constitution this body not only with a considerable lenge that climate change presents, Annotated,’’ the Congress’ official trea- record of accomplishment but with a Congress and the American people will tise of record on the Constitution. And long list of admirers on both sides of undoubtedly depend on another suc- Karen has been instrumental in hiring the aisle who are now wondering who is cessful century of leadership and sci- some of the finest attorneys in the going to host the annual bipartisan entific advancements from the Amer- Federal Government to help Congress BBQ. We are sad to see him go, and we ican Meteorological Society. We con- in legal debates over executive power, wish him all the best as he returns to gratulate and thank AMS for its cen- health care reform, immigration, and Georgia to focus on his health and tury-long effort to understand the nat- the future of the Supreme Court. More- spend time with his wife, Diane, their ural world, and we pledge our contin- over, throughout her time in manage- three kids and eight grandkids. ued support to the important sciences ment, Karen served on countless advi- JOHNNY, I wish you the very best. AMS aims to advance. sory panels that have helped establish Know that the Senate will feel your ab- f organizational practices and policies sence and cherish the example you set for CRS. here. TRIBUTE TO KAREN J. LEWIS f Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise While Karen’s retirement is a loss for today to congratulate Karen J. Lewis Congress, her imprint on the legisla- 100TH ANNIVESARY OF THE AMER- on her many years of service to Con- tive branch will not soon disappear. ICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY gress. After a 45-year career distin- CRS and the ALD offer an invaluable Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, this guished by outstanding achievements, service to Congress by providing mem- month we recognize the 100th anniver- Karen will retire from the Congres- bers with reliable, nonpartisan infor- sary of the founding of the American sional Research Service, CRS, in Janu- mation to assist the legislative process Meteorological Society, AMS, which ary 2020 after leading the Service’s at every step. Karen spent nearly all of spent the last century advancing the American Law Division, ALD, for her professional career supporting atmospheric and related sciences. The many years. Congress’s work and strengthening work of AMS contributed to tech- Karen joined CRS as a legislative at- CRS through her work in ALD. She nologies and services that expand our torney in 1974 after graduating from served as a role model for hundreds of understanding of the world and the Albany Law School earlier that year. attorneys who can attest that her in- risks associated with our water, weath- In the following decade, Karen provided tegrity, work ethic, and dedication to er, and climate. nonpartisan advice to Congress on CRS’s core values is second to none. AMS was founded in 1919 in Milton, some of the most difficult legal mat- Her legacy will continue with the divi- MA, to advance, promote, and dissemi- ters facing the Nation in the 1970s and sion she helped build and the Service nate information about these impor- 1980s, including sex discrimination in more broadly. Congratulations to tant sciences. The society now has over the workplace, abortion rights after Karen, and I wish her many long and 13,000 members, including researchers, Roe v. Wade, and the Equal Rights happy years in retirement.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.034 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 TRIBUTE TO NATHAN the most capable fighter aircraft in the my staff in Alaska navigate the bu- BERGERBEST world, with significant infrastructure invest- reaucracy to help solve an Alaskan’s ment to support it. problem. Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I The Tiger Team still meets over telephone rise today to honor a long-time Senate or in person every other Friday to discuss A former attorney for FEMA, Nathan staffer who recently retired, Nathan housing and other local community issues was also the Alaska delegation’s go-to Bergerbest. related to the military. The team has staffer whenever disaster struck. After Many Members and staff who have evolved over the years with new members the November 2018 earthquake struck worked on judiciary, military and vet- joining and old members retiring or moving Anchorage, Mat-Su, and the Kenai Pe- erans, homeland security, public safe- to different lines of work. Nathan will be ninsula, Nathan helped disentangle ty, foreign relations, intelligence, or missed on these calls but his legacy will be municipalities, school districts, busi- forever forged in the Fairbanks community ness owners, and individuals from the Native American issues and national and the national defense of our country. and international disasters likely had byzantine red tape that often charac- New commanders coming to Wash- the opportunity to work with Nathan terizes FEMA. In call after call, Na- ington, DC, for their Hill visits would during the 16 years he served the peo- than translated FEMA’s language and often ask my military and veterans af- ple of Alaska and the Nation. I am sure policies for Alaskans and worked with fairs liaison in Anchorage for advice that many can share stories of the help FEMA officials to do a better job as- about how to prepare. The advice they Nathan offered, ideas he pushed to fru- sessing and responding to the damage. received was ‘‘Don’t try to BS Nathan, ition, and wise counsel he provided. My When FEMA sought to respond to a because he’ll be able to sniff it out.’’ statement today will offer just a slice flood in Galena but lacked a sense of Several of these commanders were re- of the many contributions this accom- the challenges of rural Alaska, Nathan lieved when the meeting with Nathan plished man has made in the lives of so helped prod and guide the agency in was over. many. improving the response. But Nathan would bend over back- Nathan began his interest in good Nathan took the same sense of dedi- wards to help the military or a service- public policy and politics at a young cation to his work on Indian, Alaska member. ‘‘A Colonel who served in age growing up in New York City. I be- Native, and Native Hawaiian issues. Alaska attributed Nathan for saving lieve he once said that he got involved Leading Alaska tribal rights attorney his career. He didn’t give any details. in his first political campaign in ele- Lloyd Miller called Nathan ‘‘one of the Only that he owed him everything.’’ mentary school because he was search- most knowledgeable and talented law- That is just like Nathan—to do good ing for the candidate who could im- yers to ever work on the Hill. He com- for an American and move on to the prove his neighborhood. His quest for bined an unmatched mastery of Alaska next task. what was right, what was fair, and Native legal history with a deep sensi- what was useful public policy has never Nathan was a true friend to the Alaska Na- tivity to Alaska Native issues gained tional Guard as well, very close to the Adju- subsided. from working inside one of the major An attorney, Nathan has been a liti- tant Generals, and always quick to help sup- port their needs or tout their accomplish- Alaska Native regional corporations. gator, represented an Alaska Native re- ments. And while his background before com- gional corporation, and worked at Nathan was extremely proud that Alaska ing to the Hill was predominantly with FEMA. He started in my office in 2003 boasts the highest rate of veterans per capita Alaska Native corporations, he was as legislative assistant and retired as and worked to ensure strong representation equally knowledgeable about the senior counsel and deputy chief of of the Total Force military and veteran com- unique challenges confronting Alaska staff. Throughout his service here in munities, always working to advance vet- Native Tribes, and the importance of erans’ rights and benefits. His efforts helped the Senate, Nathan was the quintessen- supporting the critical role that Alas- tial Senate staffer—working late, lead to improvements in VA hospitals in Alaska as well as advances in telemedicine ka Tribes play alongside their corpora- knowing his subject cold, under- and other support to veterans in remote tions. Nathan’s remarkable intellect standing the ways of the Senate and Alaskan communities. and sage advice will be deeply missed.’’ navigating them brilliantly. Public safety and support for law en- Over the years, as protestors filled His portfolio was huge, complex, and forcement were always priorities for the halls of Capitol Hill and individual important. Yet he never shirked from Nathan. He helped to lead collaborative offices, Nathan would stay late to talk pitching in where he could be useful. efforts among the Federal agencies and with those who visited my office. He Nathan served not only as a mentor to State and local law enforcement to would sit with them for long periods young staffers in my office but as the keep drugs out of Alaskan commu- and talk about how they can best navi- conscience of Federal agency employ- nities, and he never missed honoring gate the issues, and how they, as advo- ees, military personnel, and elected the fallen at the National Fallen Offi- cates, could best approach offices for leaders—constantly challenging us to cers Memorial ceremonies. He cared meetings and how they can present do better, to be better versions of our- deeply for all those who put themselves their issues in such a way that they selves. in harm’s way. were truly being heard on both sides of While a tribute from a former em- While he was a policy expert in so the aisle. On at least one or two occa- ployer is always gratifying, Nathan many areas, Nathan was never one to sions, I have seen him go and literally made a lasting impression on so many ignore a plea for help from an indi- sit on the floor with protestors outside who have worked here in the Senate vidual Alaskan. There are countless ex- of my office for an hour or two—just over the years. I would like to share amples of ‘‘casework’’ that he took on listening to what they had to say so some of their stories. Several of the in addition to his legislative duties. that he could ensure I understood the military fellows who have served in my From arranging military honors for concerns of Americans who are so pas- office and worked closely with Nathan veterans’ funerals, persuading the Ca- sionate about the important issues of shared these words: nadian Border Security Agency to rein- the day. Nathan was part of the original group that state 24-hour border crossings between No matter what the time of day or came to be known as the Fairbanks Tiger Team, leading the red-shirted charge with Hyder, AK, and British Columbia, en- day of the week, Nathan made himself the Fairbanks community against the Air suring Alaskans’ concerns were heard available to me, to other members of Force’s proposed plan to remove the F–16 Ag- by the Navy prior to Northern Edge ex- my staff, and to Alaskans. As my con- gressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force ercises, protecting National Guard stituent services director in Anchorage Base. He rallied community leaders, helped members from retaliation during an in- put it, ‘‘I remember one time in par- leverage the effort on the Defense Appropria- vestigation of sexual misconduct com- ticular in 2011 where he and I each took tions Committee, and ultimately helped the plaints, improving the standard of care 12-hour shifts around the clock so we Alaska delegation save Eielson. Then, only a at VA medical facilities, or any num- could help Alaskan constituents after year later, he worked to support the Alaska delegation’s strong push to bring the F–35 to ber of efforts, Nathan started with the the 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck in Eielson. In just over a year, the delegation question ‘‘What does the individual the Pacific Ocean off the northeast was able to take Eielson from a near-shut- need?’’ and went about getting it done. coast of Japan. A massive tsunami was tered installation, to one that will soon have In many instances, Nathan would help triggered that flooded Japan’s coastal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.067 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7203 communities and damaged infrastruc- for sharing Faisal with us during this I have been lucky enough to work ture. We spent several days in commu- critical time. with Delia twice, both when I served in nication with constituents stranded in Congratulations, Faisal, for a job the House of Representatives and in Japan that were trying to navigate the well done, and thank you for your serv- my current role as ranking member of treacherous environment, commu- ice to the United States Senate. the Senate Appropriations Sub- nicate with the State Department, and f committee on the Interior, Environ- ultimately obtain transportation ment, and Related Agencies. TRIBUTE TO GARY HARTZ home. He was also helpful in working Most recently, Delia has served as with stranded Alaskan constituents Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise to the Congressional Liaison Officer at after the 2015 severe earthquake in recognize Mr. Gary Hartz, who is retir- the National Gallery of Art, shaping Nepal. He reached out to the lobbyist ing from his position at the Indian the Gallery’s relationship with mem- for Orbitz, since many of the foreign Health Service with 48 years of distin- bers of the U.S. Senate and House of air carriers on their website raised guished Federal service to the Nation. Representatives. I know firsthand that prices drastically when trying to book Mr. Hartz is especially deserving of Delia has been an effective advocate flights out of Nepal after the earth- this Chamber’s recognition because he for the Gallery, playing an essential quake.’’ has spent his entire career on a single role in shepherding its annual appro- There are so many stories illus- and absolutely critical goal-improving priations through Congress and secur- trative of Nathan’s positive influence access to quality health care for Amer- ing critical funding increases for oper- here in the U.S. Senate and in Alaska. ican Indians and Alaska Natives. In his ating and infrastructure needs. I thank Nathan Bergerbest for his current position, Mr. Hartz serves as Beyond her role with the budget, service to Alaska and the Nation and the Director of the Office of Environ- Delia has made it her goal to connect wish him well. mental Health and Engineering, over- Members of the House and Senate with the world-class collection at the Gal- f seeing the construction, maintenance, and operations of Tribal health facili- lery so they are invested in its success. TRIBUTE TO FAISAL AMIN ties, sanitation, and environmental My wife, Jill, and I are both grateful to Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise health programs, a position that he has have visited countless times to enjoy today to recognize the work of Mr. performed for more than two decades and learn about significant paintings, Faisal Amin, who has been serving for after working his way up through sculpture, photographs, and other the past 4 months as a detailee on the ranks of the office. An engineer by works because of Delia’s thoughtful in- staff of the U.S. Senate Appropriations trade, Mr. Hartz also served as a mem- vitations. The Gallery won’t be the Subcommittee on the Interior, Envi- ber of the Public Health Service Com- same without her. ronment, and Related Agencies. missioned Corps—retiring with the For all her impressive work at the Faisal is a senior attorney for the rank of rear admiral—and served brief- Gallery, I also want to recognize her Budget and Appropriations Law Group ly as the agency’s Deputy Director. He enduring legacy of public service in at the U.S. Government Accountability began his career in the field, working other positions. Prior to her current Office and joined the staff in Sep- as an engineer on projects in New Mex- position, Delia served as the staff di- tember of this year to fill in for a long- ico and Alaska. rector for the House Subcommittee on time staff member on maternity leave. I am fortunate to have had the oppor- the Interior, Environment, and Related Faisal has been heavily involved in tunity to work with Mr. Hartz in my Agencies, managing a $30-plus billion the drafting, consideration, and pas- roles as vice chairman of the Senate funding bill and working to secure sage of the fiscal year 2020 Interior ap- Committee on Indian Affairs and the funding for natural resources, environ- mental protection, and Tribal and cul- propriations bill starting from the first ranking member of the Senate Interior tural programs. She also worked as a day of his assignment with the sub- Appropriations Subcommittee on the professional staff member for the com- committee. In just 4 months, he par- Interior, Environment, and Related mittee and worked for more than two ticipated in almost all of the mile- Agencies. He has worked closely with decades at the U.S. Environmental stones of the appropriations process: a me and my staff and testified before committee markup, floor consider- Protection Agency. my committees, and I can say from Delia has devoted her entire career to ation, and conference negotiations. firsthand experience that he is one of making sure that Federal agencies and He ably represented Vice Chairman the most knowledgeable, dedicated, programs-from the arts to environ- LEAHY and me throughout the process, and pragmatic public servants at the mental protection to foreign assist- handling the day-to-day responsibil- Indian Health Service, and his wisdom ance-have operated smoothly and re- ities of overseeing the budgets of the and experience will be deeply missed. ceived ample funding to benefit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Finally, I want to thank him for all people of this Nation. For that service and related agencies and working with that he has done for my home State of we should all be grateful. other congressional offices, Agency New Mexico. Mr. Hartz has been instru- I congratulate her on a job well done staff, nongovernmental organizations, mental in working to improve and re- and an outstanding Federal career, and and other stakeholders to ensure that place Tribal health facilities, including I wish her and her husband, John, the the priorities of Members of this Cham- working most recently on plans to re- very best as they move on to the next ber on both sides of the aisle were well place the Service’s Albuquerque, chapter of their lives. represented. Alamo, Pueblo Pintado, and Gallup fa- f Faisal did tremendous work, stepping cilities. While we have more to do, I in to handle complicated policy and am tremendously grateful for the work TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER budgetary issues in an unusually expe- that he has done to improve access to MICHAEL D. CASSADY dited process. He is smart, pragmatic, quality health care in Native commu- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I rise thoughtful, and strategic—creating an nities across the State. today to pay special tribute to Com- excellent rapport with his colleagues On behalf of the Nation, thank you mander Michael D. Cassady, Medical on both sides of the aisle and serving as for a job well done, Mr. Hartz. I wish Service Corps, U.S. Navy. Commander an optimistic and positive presence on you all the best as you begin your next Cassady currently serves as the Pro- the subcommittee. I am grateful for his chapter. gram Manager, Naval Advanced Med- time with us, and I know his colleagues f ical Development at the Naval Medical on the subcommittee staff—Rachael Research Center and will be released Taylor, Ryan Hunt and Melissa Zim- TRIBUTE TO DELIA SCOTT from Active Duty after almost 35 years merman—feel the same way. Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise to of Active military service on March 1, On behalf of Vice Chairman LEAHY recognize Ms. Delia Scott, who is retir- 2019. Commander Cassady is a native of and the committee, I also extend our ing next month with more than 40 Millersport, OH, and I am pleased to gratitude to the Comptroller General, years of distinguished Federal service recognize his distinguished career. Mr. Gene Dodaro, and the staff of the in the executive and legislative Commander Cassady enlisted in the U.S. Government Accountability Office branches of government. U.S. Navy on May 21, 1985, and after

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.067 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 completing initial training at the Mike Cassady’s family and friends in cember 7, 2019. She will be remembered Naval Training Center in San Diego, he saluting this distinguished officer’s for her tireless grace, integrity, and earned designation as a hospital corps- many contributions and sacrifices in humor. man third class. In 1991, Cassady grad- defense of our great Nation. It is fit- Denise was born Washington, DC, and uated from University of Maryland ting that the Senate today publicly grew up in Rockville, MD, where she University College and received a com- recognizes his service and wishes him, became editor-in-chief of her high mission on June 8, 1993 as an environ- his wife Rohini, and their children, school newspaper. She attended Syra- mental health officer. Rhyan, Kassandra, Briana, and David, cuse University, where she got her first From 1993 to 1999, Cassady completed health, happiness, and success in the break in television at WIXT-TV doing tours at the U.S. Naval Hospital years to come. the nightly weather forecast. Also at Keflavik in Iceland and Branch Medical Congratulations, Commander Syracuse, she met the love of her life Clinic in Iwakuni, Japan, where he in- Cassady, on completing an exemplary and future husband, Wayne. After Syr- creased the overall readiness and career. acuse there were stops at television health of hospital staff and improved f stations in St. Louis and Cleveland, be- testing of the base drinking water. In fore moving to Connecticut in 1986 to 2001, he deployed to Australia in sup- TRIBUTE TO YVETTE LEWIS join WFSB. port of Exercise Tandem Thrust 2001 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I In Connecticut, she provided special and later deployed to Thailand in sup- rise today to recognize Yvette Lewis coverage of political conventions, the port of Exercise Cobra Gold 2002 to im- for her excellent service as part of my U.S. visit of Pope John the II, 9/11, the prove combat readiness, combined- team in support of the people of Mary- arrest of the DC sniper, and the tragic joint interoperability, and enhance se- land. Yvette has been our director of shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary curity relationships between the external relations and community out- School. Denise had a passion for health United States, Thailand, and Singapo- reach in my Senate office since I began and medical reporting, taking viewers rean forces. He subsequently served as my service in the Senate. In that ca- inside operating rooms, cardiac cath- a medical department and safety in- pacity, she has organized forums eterization labs, and neonatal intensive spector for the Board of Inspection and throughout Maryland to provide sup- care units, as well as onboard Life Survey, providing direct support to the port to our veterans, our senior citi- Star, the critical care helicopter serv- fleet; and as chief, medical concept and zens, and others. Her signature pro- ice. She was a leading voice in raising development, Joint Forces Command, gram was organizing consumer protec- awareness for conditions such as breast where he furthered joint warfighter ca- pabilities and supported U.S. Northern tion forums across our State so we cancer, heart disease, obesity, and pre- Command response and relief efforts could alert Marylanders to the wide ventive healthcare. During her 33 year career at WFSB, post Hurricane Katrina. array of schemes and scams designed to In 2006, he deployed to Iraq in support cheat consumers out of their hard- she was honored with 2 Edward R. Mur- of combat operations, where he served earned money. She has been deeply row Awards, 7 Associated Press as the civil affairs public health sec- committed to the principle that the Awards, 11 Emmy’s, and a national Ga- tion lead, Multi-National Division in health of our entire State depends on briel Award. She was recognized for her Baghdad. Upon returning from Iraq, he the success of all our communities. work with a number of charities, in- served as the assistant officer in charge I have had the pleasure of knowing cluding the Muscular Dystrophy Asso- for the Navy Environmental and Pre- Yvette for over a decade and am grate- ciation, Mary’s Place, and the Channel ventive Medicine Unit Two. Cassady ful for all her good works in our State 3 Kids Camp. In 2013, Denise was elect- also deployed as the medical planning and beyond. She is a longtime resident ed to the Silver Circle by the National officer in Expeditionary Strike Group of Bowie, MD, and has worked for years Academy of Television Arts and Two and U.S. Naval Forces Central in public service and civic engagement. Sciences for her significant contribu- Command in Bahrain, where he was in- She has previously worked as the presi- tions to broadcasting. In 2015, she be- strumental in coordinating medical dent of the Voter Empowerment Action came the first woman to be inducted plans, guidance, and response to Project. Moreover, she has also served into the Connecticut Broadcasters As- counter piracy and Marine Corps oper- on the White House Commission for sociation Hall of Fame. ations, and health service support to Presidential Scholars. Additionally, Connecticut has lost a broadcasting the U.S. FIFTH Fleet. His next two she has an accomplished background in legend. We all also lost a dear friend tours of duty were as the Environ- music as an opera singer and music who came into our homes with dignity mental Health Officer at the U.S. teacher in Baltimore City, Baltimore and decency to tell them the news of Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay in County, and Montgomery county the day. She was deeply dedicated to Cuba and the U.S. Naval Hospital in schools. Yvette is married to Ed Lewis, uncovering and conveying the truth of Naples, Italy. During these tours he and they have two children, Shannon every story. She was there for almost provided public health oversight and and Eric. 30 years to guide us through tragedy leadership. Commander Cassady re- Various events have led to a sudden and triumph, and we miss her im- ported to his current and final tour of vacancy in the position of the chair of mensely. duty in July 2014 at the Naval Medical the Maryland Democratic Party. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our Research Center in Silver Spring, Yvette was the consensus choice as the deepest sympathies to Denise’s family where he provides program manage- right person for the job at this mo- during this difficult time, particularly ment, leadership, and key administra- ment. While we will miss her on Cap- to her husband, daughter, and cowork- tive direction. itol Hill, I am glad that her enormous ers. May their many wonderful memo- Commander Cassady has spent the talents will also be put to good use in ries of Denise provide them solace and entirety of his adult life and over 15 of her new role. comfort in the days ahead.∑ his 35 years of naval service deployed f f or stationed overseas in the defense of TRIBUTE TO DAN FREEDMAN the United States. Additionally, he ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS holds a master of science in manage- ∑ Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, ment from Troy State University, a today I wish to recognize Dan Freed- REMEMBERING DENISE D’ASCENZO master of public health degree from man on the occasion of his retirement. the Ohio State University, a master of ∑ Mr. BLUMENTHAL. I rise today with Throughout his impressive 32 years as arts in national security and strategy a heavy heart to pay tribute to Denise a correspondent in the Hearst Wash- from the Naval War College in 2007, and D’Ascenzo, the longtime anchor at ington Bureau, Dan set an example of a master of science in education from WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News, the tireless, honest reporting. He under- Old Dominion University, which he CBS station in Hartford, CT. She was a took the monumental task of covering completed in December of 2011. trusted journalist, a devoted mother the Connecticut and New York delega- Mr. President, I ask that you join and wife, and a dear friend. Sadly, tions with rigor and expertise. Even as me, our colleagues, and Commander Denise passed away suddenly on De- the media environment grows more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.058 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7205 partisan, Dan has remained fair and last 25 years, and it could not have After the Night of the Broken Glass, dedicated to the facts. happened without Bob’s leadership on Werner and his adopted parents fled Dan has helped build an essential this issue, stretching back decades. Germany for Shanghai, one of the only professional foundation for countless Of course it is not only tax credits; places in the world at that time that reporters, mentoring hundreds of new- from passing the Affordable Care Act accepted Jews unconditionally. How- comers and interns and holding every- to strengthening SNAP, from pro- ever, the Japanese who were occupying one—including himself—to the highest tecting and expanding Medicaid, to Shanghai became allied with the Ger- standards. Regarded with immense re- fighting for more affordable housing, mans, and, on February 18, 1943, they spect by his colleagues, he routinely Bob’s work at CBPP has meant that issued a proclamation establishing a challenged himself in order to set a millions of ordinary Americans have restricted area where ‘‘stateless refu- better example for his team and raise more food on the table, more money in gees’’ must live and work. Werner and the expectations for outstanding re- their pockets, and a little more eco- his family were relocated to this re- porting. nomic security. Over his career he has stricted area, Hongkew, which became In DC, legislators trust Dan to de- touched so many lives, and he has so plagued with disease and starvation. liver a truthful and balanced story. much to be proud of. On one of his birthdays, Werner asked This integrity is essential for the peo- We know we have a lot more work to only for a loaf of bread and jar of jam ple of Connecticut who rely on report- do, and while Bob has earned his retire- for himself, but he didn’t get his wish. ers like Dan to inform them about the ment, I have faith that he will con- During this period, he suffered through Nation’s Capital with a focus on the tinue to be a force for the progressive starvation, typhus, yellow fever, and ∑ stories that matter most to them and change that our country needs. hepatitis, and he was brutalized by a their communities. Constituents need f bully and permanently lost most of the to know their voices are being heard, TRIBUTE TO CHARLOTTE sight in one of his eyes. and Dan is there to ask the tough ques- KINNOMAN After the end of World War II, Werner tions and to deliver the most complete remained in Shanghai, working as a ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this and honest reporting possible. typewriter repairman for the U.S. week I have the honor of recognizing During an over four-decade career in Army. The Army recognized his intel- Charlotte Kinnoman of Lake County journalism, Dan did it all—everything ligence and linguistic skills—he spoke for her dedication to Montana’s first from dodging bullets in wars and insur- seven languages—and recruited him responders during Christmas. rections in Central America to cov- When Charlotte met a law enforce- into Army intelligence as a civilian ering eight Supreme Court confirma- ment officer at an event with her fam- consultant. He worked undercover for tion hearings and even a stint on the ily, she learned of the sacrifices our the United States in China, Tibet, and George W. Bush Presidential campaign first responders make to protect Mon- the Philippines. in 2000. His unfailing commitment to tana’s families and communities. The Chinese Cultural Revolution of his profession was recognized in 2018, After that meeting, and at just 12 the late 1960s and early 1970s drove out when he won the David Lynch Memo- years old, Charlotte decided she wanted Werner and his family, and they fortu- rial Award for Regional Reporting. to give back to our first responders. nately were able to escape on the last Dan’s outstanding record of thought- She has been writing 125 Christmas boat out of Shanghai to the United ful, honest, and determined reporting cards a day to give to every first re- States. They relocated to Denver, sets a model and demonstrates the crit- sponder she meets. She even has a goal where Werner attended Denver Univer- ical role of reporters in keeping people of writing 12,000 total. Charlotte’s mom sity and met his future wife, Frances throughout the country well informed. and classmates have also been helpful Silverman—known as ‘‘Frankie’’—to I applaud his lifetime of dogged devo- in writing Christmas cards to make whom he was married for 54 years, tion to bringing the truth to light sure they are spreading holiday cheer until her passing in 2007. through fair, fact-filled pieces, and I all across Big Sky Country. After a successful career in the sav- know my colleagues will join me in I commend Charlotte for her compas- ings and loan business in California, thanking Dan for his extraordinary sion. Charlotte is a great role model for Werner and Frankie retired to Albu- contributions to regional reporting.∑ all young Montanans, and I thank her querque. Werner fervently believed f for supporting our first responders this that education was the most effective Christmas season.∑ weapon against hate and intolerance. TRIBUTE TO ROBERT GREENSTEIN f With that guiding principal in mind, in ∑ Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise 2001, he and Frankie founded the Albu- today to recognize Robert Greenstein, TRIBUTE TO WERNER GELLERT querque Holocaust and Intolerance Mu- founder and president of the Center on ∑ Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, Werner seum. Budget and Policy Priorities, for his Gellert survived the Holocaust and The museum is dedicated to edu- work over nearly four decades, fighting never forgot that terrible injustice. cating the public through its exhibi- for a more just and equal society. Werner went on to found a museum in tions on the horrors and injustices of Bob founded CBPP in 1981 to push for Albuquerque dedicated not only to edu- hate—from the Holocaust, to the Afri- policies that expand opportunity for cating people about the Holocaust but can-American experience here in the the lowest income children and fami- dedicated to stopping intolerance United States to genocide of minority lies, and ensure that this country’s wherever it is found. peoples around the world. Its goal is to prosperity is shared with the workers Werner Gellert was born on June 14, promote ‘‘upstanders,’’ not bystanders: who create it, not just the wealthiest 1926 in Breslau, Germany. During No- people who speak out and act to sup- CEOs and the largest corporations. He vember 9 and 10, 1938, Nazi para- port individuals, groups, or causes at- built CBPP from the ground up and military forces carried out a pogrom tacked or bullied. The museum is home transformed it from a tiny organiza- throughout Germany demolishing and to the Library of Remembrance, a com- tion with a shoestring budget to one of ransacking Jewish homes, businesses, pilation of more than 4,500 books, docu- the most influential policy shapers in synagogues, schools, and hospitals. At ments, and videos about the injustice the country. that time, 267 synagogues in Germany of genocide, bullying, and intolerance. Under Bob’s leadership, CBPP com- and surrounding areas and 7,000 Jewish As long as he was able, well into his bined in-depth analysis and research businesses were destroyed and over eighties, Werner spoke to school groups with clear-headed strategy to drive the 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and in- at the museum and around the State debate and deliver results. We worked carcerated in concentration camps. teaching them about his experience together to spearhead efforts to perma- That pogrom was called Night of the during the Holocaust and as a refugee nently expand the earned income tax Broken Glass, or Kristallnacht, mean- in Shanghai. Werner took his own ter- credit and child tax credit in 2015, and ing ‘‘Crystal Night,’’ because of all the rible experience and set about to make Bob was vital to our success. It is prob- broken glass scattered throughout the a better, more understanding, more ably the most important thing we have streets from the shattered windows of tolerant world for others. While we lost done to life people out of poverty in the Jewish buildings. Werner on November 9, 2019, at age 93,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.062 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 his commitment to ending genocide, H.R. 1759. An act to amend title III of the EXECUTIVE AND OTHER intolerance, and bullying will live on Social Security Act to extend reemployment COMMUNICATIONS services and eligibility assessments to all through the Albuquerque Holocaust The following communications were and Intolerance Museum.∑ claimants for unemployment benefits, and for other purposes. laid before the Senate, together with f H.R. 4018. An act to provide that the accompanying papers, reports, and doc- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE amount of time that an elderly offender uments, and were referred as indicated: must serve before being eligible for place- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED ment in home detention is to be reduced by EC–3576. A communication from the Direc- At 9:32 a.m., a message from the the amount of good time credits earned by tor of the Regulations Management Division, House of Representatives, delivered by the prisoner, and for other purposes. Rural Development, Department of Agri- culture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- f report of a rule entitled ‘‘Single Family nounced that the Speaker has signed Housing Guaranteed Loan Program’’ the following enrolled bills MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME (RIN0575–AD09) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on December 17, 2019; S. 50. An act to authorize the Secretary of The following bill was read the first the Interior to assess sanitation and safety to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, conditions at Bureau of Indian Affairs facili- time: and Forestry. ties that were constructed to provide af- S. 3148. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- EC–3577. A communication from the Assist- fected Columbia River Treaty tribes access stances Act to list fentanyl-related sub- ant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and to traditional fishing grounds and expend stances as schedule I controlled substances. Reserve Affairs, performing the duties of the funds on construction of facilities and struc- Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel f tures to improve those conditions, and for and Readiness, transmitting, pursuant to other purposes. ENROLLED BILLS PRESENTED law, a review of mental health professionals S. 216. An act to provide for equitable com- and challenges in recruiting and retaining, pensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of The Secretary of the Senate reported to accompany the fiscal year 2020 Defense the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal that on today, December 19, 2019, she Health Program budget submission; to the land for the production of hydropower by the had presented to the President of the Committee on Armed Services. Grand Coulee Dam, and for other purposes. United States the following enrolled EC–3578. A communication from the Chief S. 256. An act to amend the Native Amer- bills: Counsel, Federal Emergency Management ican Programs Act of 1974 to provide flexi- Agency, Department of Homeland Security, bility and reauthorization to ensure the sur- S. 50. An act to authorize the Secretary of transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of vival and continuing vitality of Native the Interior to assess sanitation and safety a rule entitled ‘‘Suspension of Community American languages. conditions at Bureau of Indian Affairs facili- Eligibility’’ ((44 CFR Part 64) (Docket No. S. 737. An act to direct the National ties that were constructed to provide af- FEMA–2019–0003)) received in the Office of Science Foundation to support STEM edu- fected Columbia River Treaty tribes access the President of the Senate on December 18, cation research focused on early childhood. to traditional fishing grounds and expend 2019; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, H.R. 150. An act to modernize Federal funds on construction of facilities and struc- and Urban Affairs. grant reporting, and for other purposes. tures to improve those conditions, and for EC–3579. A communication from the Chair- H.R. 1138. An act to reauthorize the West other purposes. man of the Office of Proceedings, Surface Valley demonstration project, and for other S. 216. An act to provide for equitable com- Transportation Board, Department of Trans- purposes. pensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of portation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the H.R. 2333. An act to direct the Comptroller the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal report of a rule entitled ‘‘Limiting Exten- General of the United States to conduct an land for the production of hydropower by the sions of Trail Use Negotiating Periods; Rails- assessment of the responsibilities, workload, Grand Coulee Dam, and for other purposes. To-Trails Conservancy—Petition for Rule- and vacancy rates of Department of Veterans S. 256. An act to amend the Native Amer- making’’ ((RIN2140–AB42) (Docket No. EP 749 Affairs suicide prevention coordinators, and ican Programs Act of 1974 to provide flexi- (Sub–No. 1))) received during adjournment of for other purposes. bility and reauthorization to ensure the sur- the Senate in the Office of the President of H.R. 4566. An act to accelerate the income vival and continuing vitality of Native the Senate on December 13, 2019; to the Com- tax benefits for charitable cash contribu- American languages. mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- tions for the relief of the families of victims S. 737. An act to direct the National tation. of the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Vir- Science Foundation to support STEM edu- ginia, on May 31, 2019. cation research focused on early childhood. EC–3580. A communication from the Attor- S. 1790. An act to authorize appropriations ney, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Home- The enrolled bills were subsequently land Security, transmitting, pursuant to signed by the President pro tempore for fiscal year 2020 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military con- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘2013 Liquid (Mr. GRASSLEY). struction, and for defense activities of the Chemical Categorization Updates’’ ENROLLED BILL SIGNED Department of Energy, to prescribe military ((RIN1625–AB94) (Docket No. USCG–2019– At 5:03 p.m., a message from the personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and 0423)) received in the Office of the President House of Representatives, delivered by for other purposes. of the Senate on December 18, 2019; to the Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Committee on Commerce, Science, and ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Transportation. nounced that the Speaker has signed At 7:42 p.m., a message from the EC–3581. A communication from the Gen- the following enrolled bill: House of Representatives, delivered by eral Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory S. 1790. An act to authorize appropriations Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, for fiscal year 2020 for military activities of nounced that the Speaker has signed the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Final Rule on the Department of Defense, for military con- the following enrolled bills: Public Utility Transmission Rate Changes to struction, and for defense activities of the Address Accumulated Deferred Income S. 151. An act to deter criminal robocall Department of Energy, to prescribe military Taxes’’ ((RIN1902–AF57) (Docket No. RM19–5– violations and improve enforcement of sec- personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and 000)) received in the Office of the President tion 227(b) of the Communications Act of for other purposes. of the Senate on December 18, 2019; to the 1934, and for other purposes. Committee on Energy and Natural Re- The enrolled bill was subsequently H.R. 777. An act to reauthorize programs sources. signed by the Acting President pro authorized under the Debbie Smith Act of EC–3582. A communication from the Assist- tempore (Mr. PORTMAN). 2004. ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- H.R. 1158. An act making consolidated ap- f ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the propriations for the fiscal year ending Sep- Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, MEASURES PLACED ON THE tember 30, 2020, and for other purposes. the report of the texts and background state- CALENDAR H.R. 1865. An act making further consoli- ments of international agreements, other dated appropriations for the fiscal year end- The following bills were read the sec- than treaties (List 2019–0118–2019–0125); to the ing September 30, 2020, and for other pur- ond time, and placed on the calendar: Committee on Foreign Relations. poses. H.R. 397. An act to amend the Internal H.R. 3196. An act to designate the Large EC–3583. A communication from the Dep- Revenue Code of 1986 to create a Pension Re- Synoptic Survey Telescope as the ‘‘Vera C. uty Assistant General Counsel for Regu- habilitation Trust Fund, to establish a Pen- Rubin Observatory’’. latory Affairs, Pension Benefit Guaranty sion Rehabilitation Administration within Corporation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Department of the Treasury to make The enrolled bills were subsequently the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Allocation of loans to multiemployer defined benefit signed by the Acting President pro Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Valuation plans, and for other purposes. tempore (Mr. HOEVEN). of Benefits and Assets; Expected Retirement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.061 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7207 Age’’ (29 CFR Part 4044) received in the Of- mospheric Administration, and for other By Mr. TESTER: fice of the President of the Senate on Decem- purposes (Rept. No. 116–185). S. 3113. A bill to provide for the settlement ber 18, 2019; to the Committee on Health, By Mr. WICKER, from the Committee on of the water rights claims of the Fort Education, Labor, and Pensions. Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Belknap Indian Community, and for other EC–3584. A communication from the Board Special Report entitled ‘‘Measuring the purposes; to the Committee on Indian Af- Members, Railroad Retirement Board, trans- Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2019’’ fairs. mitting, pursuant to law, the Board’s Per- (Rept. No. 116–186). By Mr. ENZI: formance and Accountability Report for fis- By Mr. WICKER, from the Committee on S. 3114. A bill to require that all institu- cal year 2019, including the Office of Inspec- Commerce, Science, and Transportation: tions of higher education participating in tor General’s Auditor’s Report; to the Com- Special Report entitled ‘‘Veterans Expe- student financial assistance programs under mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- dited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act’’ (Rept. title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 mental Affairs. No. 116–187). meet certain revenue requirements; to the EC–3585. A communication from the Sec- By Mr. WICKER, from the Committee on Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and retary of Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Pensions. transmitting, pursuant to law, the Depart- Special Report entitled ‘‘TSA Credential By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. BAR- ment of Housing and Urban Development and Endorsement Harmonization Act of RASSO, and Mr. ROMNEY): Semiannual Report of the Inspector General 2019’’ (Rept. No. 116–188). S. 3115. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- for the period from April 1, 2019 through Sep- By Mr. HOEVEN, from the Committee on cation Act of 1965 to provide for comprehen- tember 30, 2019; to the Committee on Home- Indian Affairs, with an amendment in the sive student achievement information; to the land Security and Governmental Affairs. nature of a substitute: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and EC–3586. A joint communication from the S. 886. A bill to amend the Omnibus Public Pensions. Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Oper- Land Management Act of 2009 to make the By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. ating Officer of the Armed Forces Retire- Reclamation Water Settlements Fund per- JONES, Ms. MCSALLY, and Mr. MENEN- ment Home, transmitting, pursuant to law, a manent (Rept. No. 116–189). DEZ): report entitled ‘‘Armed Forces Retirement S. 3116. A bill to enable States to better f Home Performance and Accountability Re- provide access to whole genome sequencing port and Senior Medical Advisor Report for INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND clinical services for certain undiagnosed Fiscal Year 2019’’; to the Committee on JOINT RESOLUTIONS children under the Medicaid program, and Homeland Security and Governmental Af- for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- fairs. The following bills and joint resolu- nance. EC–3587. A communication from the Assist- tions were introduced, read the first By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative and second times by unanimous con- Mr. MERKLEY, Ms. HIRONO, and Ms. Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- sent, and referred as indicated: ROSEN): S. 3117. A bill to create dedicated funds to ting, pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘An- By Mr. UDALL (for himself, Mr. nual Report to Congress on Investigation, conserve butterflies in North America, PORTMAN, and Ms. STABENOW): plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater Enforcement, and Implementation of the Sex S. 3106. A bill to amend the Forest and mussels in the United States, and desert fish Offender Registration and Notification Act Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning in the Southwest United States, and for Requirements’’; to the Committee on the Ju- Act of 1974 to promote reforestation fol- other purposes; to the Committee on Envi- diciary. lowing unplanned events on Federal land, ronment and Public Works. f and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself and Mr. Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS PETERS): By Mr. HEINRICH: The following petition or memorial S. 3118. A bill to establish a unified data- S. 3107. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- base and public reporting for purposes of was laid before the Senate and was re- enue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit for tracking and evaluating domestic terrorism ferred or ordered to lie on the table as installation of regionally-significant electric incidents, and for other purposes; to the indicated: power transmission lines; to the Committee Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- on Finance. POM–172. A petition from a citizen of the ernmental Affairs. By Mr. JONES (for himself, Mr. State of Texas relative to immigration and By Ms. MCSALLY (for herself and Ms. MORAN, and Mr. PERDUE): the English language; to the Committee on SINEMA): S. 3108. A bill to amend the Federal De- the Judiciary. S. 3119. A bill to modify the boundary of posit Insurance Act to provide that the con- the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, f sumer transaction account deposits of an in- and for other purposes; to the Committee on REPORTS OF COMMITTEES sured depository institution are not consid- Energy and Natural Resources. ered to be funds obtained by or through a de- The following reports of committees By Ms. MCSALLY (for herself and Ms. posit broker, and for other purposes; to the SINEMA): were submitted: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban S. 3120. A bill to reauthorize the Yuma By Mr. WICKER, from the Committee on Affairs. Crossing National Heritage Area; to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation, By Mr. HEINRICH: Committee on Energy and Natural Re- without amendment: S. 3109. A bill to require the Federal En- sources. S. 496. A bill to preserve United States ergy Regulatory Commission to initiate a By Ms. MCSALLY (for herself and Ms. fishing heritage through a national program rulemaking to reform the interregional SINEMA): dedicated to training and assisting the next transmission planning process, and for other S. 3121. A bill to establish the Chiricahua generation of commercial fishermen, and for purposes; to the Committee on Energy and National Park in the State of Arizona as a other purposes (Rept. No. 116–83). Natural Resources. unit of the National Park System, and for By Mr. SHELBY, from the Committee on By Mr. TILLIS: other purposes; to the Committee on Energy Appropriations: S. 3110. A bill to direct the Comptroller and Natural Resources. Special Report entitled ‘‘Further Revised General of the United States to conduct a By Ms. MCSALLY: Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget To- study on disability and pension benefits pro- S. 3122. A bill to amend title 38, United tals for Fiscal Year 2020’’ (Rept. No. 116–181). vided to members of the National Guard and States Code, to require the Secretary of Vet- By Mr. WICKER, from the Committee on members of reserve components of the erans Affairs to submit to Congress an an- Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Armed Forces by the Department of Vet- nual report on suicide among veterans, and with an amendment in the nature of a sub- erans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- stitute: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. erans’ Affairs. S. 149. A bill to establish a Senior Scams By Mr. PERDUE (for himself, Mr. By Mr. TILLIS (for himself and Ms. Prevention Advisory Council (Rept. No. 116– JONES, and Mr. MORAN): SINEMA): 182). S. 3111. A bill to amend the Federal De- S. 3123. A bill to amend the Home Owners’ S. 893. A bill to require the President to de- posit Insurance Act to exclude affiliates and Loan Act with respect to the registration velop a strategy to ensure the security of subsidiaries of insured depository institu- and supervision of insurance savings and next generation mobile telecommunications tions from the definition of deposit broker, loan holding companies, and for other pur- systems and infrastructure in the United and for other purposes; to the Committee on poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- States and to assist allies and strategic part- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. ing, and Urban Affairs. ners in maximizing the security of next gen- By Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and eration mobile telecommunications systems, BRAUN): Mr. MARKEY): infrastructure, and software, and for other S. 3112. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 3124. A bill to improve passenger vessel purposes (Rept. No. 116–184). enue Code of 1986 to expand and improve security and safety, and for other purposes; S. 2166. A bill to designate Regional Ocean health savings accounts, and for other pur- to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Partnerships of the National Oceanic and At- poses; to the Committee on Finance. and Transportation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.066 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 By Mr. BLUMENTHAL: S. 3137. A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI ments under chapter 71 of title 5, United S. 3125. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- of the Social Security Act to require hos- States Code; to the Committee on Homeland enue Code of 1986 to allow for contributions pitals and certain other participating pro- Security and Governmental Affairs. to the Alzheimer’s Research and Caregiving viders under Medicaid or the Children’s By Mr. MANCHIN (for himself and Mrs. Trust Fund, and for other purposes; to the Health Insurance Program to disclose the CAPITO): Committee on Finance. provider’s policy on parental access to the S. 3147. A bill to require the Secretary of By Ms. SMITH (for herself, Mr. UDALL, medical records of minors, and for other pur- Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress re- Mr. TESTER, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, and poses; to the Committee on Finance. ports on patient safety and quality of care at Ms. WARREN): By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. HAWLEY, medical centers of the Department of Vet- S. 3126. A bill to amend the Public Health Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. CRAMER, and Mr. erans Affairs, and for other purposes; consid- Service Act to authorize a special behavioral BRAUN): ered and passed. health program for Indians; to the Com- S. 3138. A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself, Mr. mittee on Indian Affairs. of the Social Security Act to require hos- COTTON, Mr. CASSIDY, Mrs. BLACK- By Ms. SINEMA: pitals and certain other participating pro- BURN, Ms. ERNST, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. S. 3127. A bill to protect, for current and viders under Medicaid or the Children’s ALEXANDER, Mr. MCCONNELL, and Mr. future generations, the watershed, eco- Health Insurance Program to disclose the LANKFORD): system, and cultural heritage of the Grand provider’s policy on parental consent from S. 3148. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- Canyon region in the State of Arizona, to the provision, withdrawal, or denial of life- stances Act to list fentanyl-related sub- provide for a study relating to the uranium sustaining treatment for minors, and for stances as schedule I controlled substances; stockpile in the United States, and for other other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- read the first time. purposes; to the Committee on Energy and nance. f Natural Resources. By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself and SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND LANKFORD, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. INHOFE): and Mr. CRUZ): SENATE RESOLUTIONS S. 3128. A bill to amend title 38, United S. 3139. A bill to amend chapter 44 of title The following concurrent resolutions States Code, to reorganize the Chaplain 18, United States Code, to more comprehen- and Senate resolutions were read, and Service of the Department of Veterans Af- sively address the interstate transportation fairs, and for other purposes; to the Com- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: of firearms or ammunition; to the Com- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. mittee on the Judiciary. By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself and By Mr. CRAPO (for himself, Mr. ENZI, Mr. COONS): By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. BURR, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. TILLIS, S. Res. 458. A resolution calling for the Mr. DAINES, and Mr. JOHNSON): and Mr. RISCH): S. 3140. A bill to require the Secretary of global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apos- S. 3129. A bill to provide for certain re- the Interior to issue a final rule relating to tasy laws; to the Committee on Foreign Re- forms with respect to the Medicare program lations. the delisting of the gray wolf under the En- under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, By Mr. MCCONNELL: dangered Species Act of 1973; to the Com- and for other purposes; to the Committee on S. Res. 459. A resolution to constitute the mittee on Environment and Public Works. Finance. majority party’s membership on certain By Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. By Mr. PAUL: committees for the One Hundred Sixteenth S. 3130. A bill to amend titles 10 and 18, to BLUMENTHAL): Congress, or until their successors are cho- S. 3141. A bill to amend the Bill Emerson permit members of the Armed Forces to pos- sen; considered and agreed to. Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to clar- sess firearms on military installations in ac- By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Ms. ify and expand food donation, and for other cordance with applicable State law, and for MURKOWSKI): other purposes; to the Committee on Armed purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, S. Res. 460. A resolution congratulating the Services. Nutrition, and Forestry. American Geophysical Union on the occasion By Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. By Ms. HASSAN (for herself and Mr. of its centennial; considered and agreed to. JOHNSON): UDALL, and Mr. RISCH): By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and S. 3142. A bill to establish the Interagency S. 3131. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Mrs. MURRAY): the Interior to establish a Maya Security United States-Based Terrorism Threat Infor- S. Res. 461. A resolution congratulating Se- and Conservation Partnership program, to mation Sharing Commission, and for other attle Sounders FC on winning the 2019 Major authorize appropriations for that program, purposes; to the Select Committee on Intel- League Soccer Cup; considered and agreed and for other purposes; to the Committee on ligence. to. Foreign Relations. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL: By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Ms. S. 3143. A bill to ban certain rare earth By Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. MCSALLY, Ms. SMITH, Mr. BROWN, Mr. magnets, and for other purposes; to the Com- BLUMENTHAL): KING, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. PETERS): S. 3132. A bill to extend the Undertaking mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- S. Res. 462. A resolution designating Janu- Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement tation. ary 2020 as ‘‘National One Health Awareness With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006, By Ms. SMITH (for herself, Mr. Month’’ to promote awareness of organiza- and for other purposes; to the Committee on PERDUE, Mr. GRAHAM, and Mr. tions focused on public health, animal Commerce, Science, and Transportation. WYDEN): health, and environmental health collabora- By Mr. BRAUN: S. 3144. A bill to establish a competitive tion throughout the United States and to S. 3133. A bill to amend the Federal Food, grant program to support out-of-school-time recognize the critical contributions of those Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a time- youth workforce readiness programs, pro- organizations to the future of the United limited conditional approval pathway, sub- viding employability skills development, ca- States; considered and agreed to. reer exploration, employment readiness ject to specific obligations, for certain drugs, f and for other purposes; to the Committee on training, mentoring, work-based learning, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. and workforce opportunities for eligible ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS youth; to the Committee on Health, Edu- By Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. S. 182 DURBIN): cation, Labor, and Pensions . S. 3134. A bill to add Ireland to the E–3 By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the nonimmigrant visa program; to the Com- and Ms. ROSEN): name of the Senator from Nebraska mittee on the Judiciary. S. 3145. A bill to extend the withdrawal and (Mr. SASSE) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. MARKEY: reservation of certain public land in the of S. 182, a bill to prohibit discrimina- S. 3135. A bill to provide for the establish- State of Nevada for the continued use of the tion against the unborn on the basis of ment of clean technology consortia to en- Nevada test and training range, to designate sex, and for other purposes. hance the economic, environmental, and en- certain land in the Desert National Wildlife S. 460 ergy security of the United States by pro- Refuge as wilderness, and for other purposes; moting domestic development, manufacture, to the Committee on Armed Services. At the request of Mr. WARNER, the and deployment of clean technologies, and By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. VAN names of the Senator from Kentucky for other purposes; to the Committee on HOLLEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. BOOKER, (Mr. MCCONNELL) and the Senator from Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. SMITH, Ms. Wyoming (Mr. BARRASSO) were added By Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. HIRONO, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. as cosponsors of S. 460, a bill to amend PETERS): BROWN, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Ms. WARREN, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to S. 3136. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. PETERS, Mr. WARNER, Ms. KLO- extend the exclusion for employer-pro- enue Code of 1986 to establish small business BUCHAR, Mr. COONS, Mr. KAINE, Mrs. vided education assistance to employer start-up savings accounts; to the Committee SHAHEEN, Mr. SANDERS, Mrs. MUR- payments of student loans. on Finance. RAY, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. REED, and Mr. KING): S. 481 LANKFORD, Mr. CRAMER, and Mr. S. 3146. A bill to ensure a fair process for At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, BRAUN): negotiations of collective bargaining agree- his name was added as a cosponsor of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.055 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7209 S. 481, a bill to encourage States to re- Insurance Portability and Account- S. 1781 quire the installation of residential ability Act. At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the carbon monoxide detectors in homes, S. 1267 name of the Senator from Massachu- and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- S. 500 name of the Senator from New Mexico sponsor of S. 1781, a bill to authorize At the request of Mr. WARNER, the (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- appropriations for the Department of names of the Senator from Connecticut sor of S. 1267, a bill to establish within State for fiscal years 2020 through 2022 (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the Senator from the Smithsonian Institution the Na- to provide assistance to El Salvador, Georgia (Mr. PERDUE) and the Senator tional Museum of the American Guatemala, and Honduras through bi- lateral compacts to increase protection from Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS) were added Latino, and for other purposes. as cosponsors of S. 500, a bill to amend of women and children in their homes S. 1374 and communities and reduce female title 54, United States Code, to estab- At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the lish, fund, and provide for the use of homicides, domestic violence, and sex- names of the Senator from Connecticut ual assault. amounts in a National Park Service (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) and the Senator S. 1820 Legacy Restoration Fund to address from Minnesota (Ms. SMITH) were added the maintenance backlog of the Na- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, as cosponsors of S. 1374, a bill to amend the names of the Senator from Massa- tional Park Service, and for other pur- title II of the Social Security Act to poses. chusetts (Ms. WARREN), the Senator eliminate the waiting periods for dis- from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) and S. 604 ability insurance benefits and Medicare the Senator from Nevada (Ms. ROSEN) At the request of Mr. BROWN, the coverage for individuals with meta- were added as cosponsors of S. 1820, a name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. static breast cancer, and for other pur- bill to improve the integrity and safety ROSEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. poses. of horseracing by requiring a uniform 604, a bill to limit the authority of S. 1527 anti-doping and medication control States to tax certain income of em- At the request of Mr. KING, his name program to be developed and enforced ployees for employment duties per- was added as a cosponsor of S. 1527, a by an independent Horseracing Anti- formed in other States. bill to require the Secretary of Trans- Doping and Medication Control Au- S. 614 portation to conduct, and submit to thority. At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name Congress a report describing the re- S. 1908 of the Senator from Montana (Mr. sults of, an assessment of the total At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, DAINES) was added as a cosponsor of S. amount of nonhighway recreational the name of the Senator from Alabama 614, a bill to direct the Secretary of the fuel taxes received by the Secretary of (Mr. JONES) was added as a cosponsor Interior to reissue a final rule relating the Treasury and transferred to the of S. 1908, a bill to amend the Richard to removing the Greater Yellowstone Highway Trust Fund, and for other B. Russell National School Lunch Act Ecosystem population of grizzly bears purposes. to improve the efficiency of summer from the Federal list of endangered and S. 1590 meals. threatened wildlife. At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the S. 2322 S. 712 names of the Senator from New Hamp- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the shire (Ms. HASSAN), the Senator from name of the Senator from Massachu- name of the Senator from New Hamp- New York (Mr. SCHUMER) and the Sen- setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- ator from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) sponsor of S. 2322, a bill to amend the sponsor of S. 712, a bill to provide as- were added as cosponsors of S. 1590, a Animal Welfare Act to allow for the re- sistance for United States citizens and bill to amend the State Department tirement of certain animals used in nationals taken hostage or unlawfully Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to author- Federal research. or wrongfully detained abroad, and for ize rewards for thwarting wildlife traf- S. 2330 other purposes. ficking linked to transnational orga- At the request of Mr. MORAN, the S. 800 nized crime, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Massachu- ARREN At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the S. 1757 setts (Ms. W ) was added as a co- sponsor of S. 2330, a bill to amend the name of the Senator from California At the request of Ms. ERNST, the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur (Ms. HARRIS) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from West Vir- Sports Act to provide for congressional of S. 800, a bill to establish a postsec- ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- oversight of the board of directors of ondary student data system. sponsor of S. 1757, a bill to award a the United States Olympic and S. 877 Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, Paralympic Committee and to protect to the United States Army Rangers At the request of Mr. UDALL, his amateur athletes from emotional, Veterans of World War II in recogni- name was added as a cosponsor of S. physical, and sexual abuse, and for tion of their extraordinary service dur- 877, a bill to prohibit the sale of shark other purposes. fins, and for other purposes. ing World War II. S. 2379 S. 1762 S. 944 At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. name of the Senator from New Jersey name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. MORAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2379, a bill to amend title XIX of the of S. 944, a bill to enhance the security 1762, a bill to amend the Foreign Social Security Act to clarify the au- operations of the Transportation Secu- Agents Registration Act of 1938 to pro- thority of State Medicaid fraud and rity Administration and the stability vide the Attorney General with greater abuse control units to investigate and of the transportation security work- authority to promote enforcement and prosecute cases of Medicaid patient force by applying a unified personnel disclosure requirements for agents of abuse and neglect in any setting, and system under title 5, United States foreign principals, and for other pur- for other purposes. Code, to employees of the Transpor- poses. S. 2381 tation Security Administration who S. 1766 At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the are responsible for screening pas- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the name of the Senator from Massachu- sengers and property, and for other names of the Senator from Colorado setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- purposes. (Mr. GARDNER) and the Senator from sponsor of S. 2381, a bill to require re- S. 1125 Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) were view by the Government Account- At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the added as cosponsors of S. 1766, a bill to ability Office of screening protocols of name of the Senator from Missouri implement policies to end preventable the Transportation Security Adminis- (Mr. HAWLEY) was added as a cosponsor maternal, newborn, and child deaths tration relating to breast milk and for- of S. 1125, a bill to amend the Health globally. mula, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.067 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 S. 2469 North Dakota (Mr. CRAMER) were added gram and for nursing facilities under At the request of Mr. UDALL, the as cosponsors of S. 2741, a bill to amend the Medicaid program, and for other name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. title XVIII of the Social Security Act purposes. SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. to expand access to telehealth services, S. 2970 2469, a bill to amend title 49, United and for other purposes. At the request of Ms. ERNST, the States Code, to require the use of ad- S. 2743 name of the Senator from Massachu- vanced leak detection technology for At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- pipelines, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Massachu- sponsor of S. 2970, a bill to improve the S. 2491 setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- fielding of newest generations of per- At the request of Mr. UDALL, the sponsor of S. 2743, a bill to establish sonal protective equipment to the name of the Senator from Massachu- the China Censorship Monitor and Ac- Armed Forces, and for other purposes. setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- tion Group, and for other purposes. S. 2974 sponsor of S. 2491, a bill to terminate S. 2745 At the request of Mr. PETERS, the certain rules issued by the Secretary of At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the name of the Senator from North Da- the Interior and the Secretary of Com- name of the Senator from Nebraska kota (Mr. HOEVEN) was added as a co- merce relating to endangered and (Mr. SASSE) was added as a cosponsor sponsor of S. 2974, a bill to require the threatened species, and for other pur- of S. 2745, a bill to amend title 18, Postmaster General to establish a com- poses. United States Code, to prohibit dis- prehensive organizational strategy to S. 2549 crimination by abortion against an un- combat the use of the mail in the dis- At the request of Ms. ROSEN, the born child on the basis of Down syn- tribution of illicit drugs. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. drome. S. 3004 RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2748 At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the 2549, a bill to allow nonprofit child care At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the name of the Senator from Connecticut providers to participate in the loan name of the Senator from Maryland (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor programs of the Small Business Admin- (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) was added as a co- of S. 3004, a bill to protect human istration. sponsor of S. 2748, a bill to repeal the rights and enhance opportunities for S. 2556 section of the Middle Class Tax Relief LGBTI people around the world, and At the request of Ms. ROSEN, her and Job Creation Act of 2012 that re- for other purposes. name was added as a cosponsor of S. quires the Federal Communications S. 3016 2556, a bill to amend the Federal Power Commission to reallocate and auction At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the Act to provide energy cybersecurity in- the T-Band spectrum. names of the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. SASSE) and the Senator from vestment incentives, to establish a S. 2766 Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE) were added as grant and technical assistance program At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the cosponsors of S. 3016, a bill to amend for cybersecurity investments, and for name of the Senator from Massachu- the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic other purposes. setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- Act to ensure that consumers can S. 2570 sponsor of S. 2766, a bill to support and make informed decisions in choosing At the request of Ms. SINEMA, the expand civic engagement and political between meat products such as beef name of the Senator from Tennessee leadership of adolescent girls around and imitation meat products, and for (Mrs. BLACKBURN) was added as a co- the world, and other purposes. other purposes. sponsor of S. 2570, a bill to award a S. 2831 S. 3020 Congressional Gold Medal to Greg At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the LeMond in recognition of his service to At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the names of the Senator from Indiana name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. the United States as an athlete, activ- (Mr. BRAUN) and the Senator from ist, role model, and community leader. MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor Maryland (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) were of S. 3020, a bill to amend title 38, S. 2590 added as cosponsors of S. 2831, a bill to United States Code, to authorize the At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the amend title 51, United States Code, to Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter names of the Senator from Nebraska modify the national space grant col- into contracts with States or to award (Mr. SASSE) and the Senator from lege and fellowship program, and for grants to States to promote health and South Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS) were added other purposes. wellness, prevent suicide, and improve as cosponsors of S. 2590, a bill to pro- S. 2836 outreach to veterans, and for other tect the dignity of fetal remains, and At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the purposes. for other purposes. name of the Senator from Rhode Island S. 3055 S. 2695 (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a co- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the sponsor of S. 2836, a bill to prohibit the name of the Senator from Oklahoma names of the Senator from Wisconsin Secretary of Health and Human Serv- (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- (Mr. JOHNSON) and the Senator from ices from taking any action to imple- sor of S. 3055, a bill to amend the High- Michigan (Mr. PETERS) were added as ment, enforce, or otherwise give effect er Education Act of 1965 to permit a cosponsors of S. 2695, a bill to authorize to the final rule, entitled ‘‘Protecting Federal student loan borrower to elect the Secretary of Agriculture to provide Statutory Conscience Rights in Health to terminate repayment pursuant to for the defense of United States agri- Care; Delegations of Authority’’. income-based repayment and repay culture and food through the National S. 2886 such loan under any other repayment Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, and for At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the plan for which the borrower is other- other purposes. name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. wise eligible. S. 2702 DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor S. 3062 At the request of Mr. RISCH, the of S. 2886, a bill to prohibit the use of At the request of Mr. CASEY, the name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. animal testing for cosmetics and the names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S. sale of cosmetics tested on animals. DURBIN), the Senator from Rhode Is- 2702, a bill to require the Secretary of S. 2943 land (Mr. REED) and the Senator from Energy to establish an integrated en- At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Oregon (Mr. MERKLEY) were added as ergy systems research, development, the name of the Senator from Con- cosponsors of S. 3062, a bill to amend and demonstration program, and for necticut (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a the Safe Drinking Water Act to repeal other purposes. cosponsor of S. 2943, a bill to amend ti- a certain exemption for hydraulic frac- S. 2741 tles XVIII and XIX of the Social Secu- turing, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the rity Act to revise minimum nurse S. 3104 names of the Senator from Arizona staffing requirements for skilled nurs- At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the (Ms. SINEMA) and the Senator from ing facilities under the Medicare pro- name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms.

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In 2014, the Na- S. 3147 names of the Senator from California tional Institutes of Health, NIH Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Colo- launched a program called the Congress assembled, rado (Mr. BENNET), the Senator from Undiagnosed Disease Network UDN. In SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Connecticut (Mr. MURPHY), the Senator its first 20 months, the UDN accepted 601 participants undiagnosed by tradi- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Improving from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator Safety and Security for Veterans Act of from Michigan (Mr. PETERS), the Sen- tional medical practices. Of those who 2019’’. ator from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), completed their UDN evaluation during SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RE- the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. this time, 35 percent were given a diag- PORTS ON PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY OF CARE. SMITH), the Senator from New Hamp- nosis. Many of these diagnoses were rare genetic diseases, including 31 pre- (a) REPORT ON PATIENT SAFETY AND QUAL- shire (Ms. HASSAN), the Senator from ITY OF CARE.— viously unknown syndromes. New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ), the In May, the Director of the National after the date of the enactment of this Act, Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Col- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- MASTO), the Senator from Nevada (Ms. lins, wrote a blog post on how whole mit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ ROSEN), the Senator from Rhode Island genome sequencing—combined with ar- tificial intelligence, AI—can now be Affairs of the House of Representatives a re- (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) and the Senator port regarding the policies and procedures of from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS) were used to diagnose genetic diseases in se- riously ill babies in fewer than 24 the Department relating to patient safety added as cosponsors of S.J. Res. 6, a and quality of care and the steps that the joint resolution removing the deadline hours. Dr. Collins writes: ‘‘I would sub- Department has taken to make improve- for the ratification of the equal rights mit that there is no other technology ments in patient safety and quality of care amendment. in the history of planet Earth that has at medical centers of the Department. experienced this degree of progress in (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by S. RES. 73 speed and affordability.’’ paragraph (1) shall include the following: At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the For parents of children with an (A) A description of the policies and proce- name of the Senator from New York undiagnosed illness, answers cannot dures of the Department and improvements (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- come soon enough. There are approxi- made by the Department with respect to the sponsor of S. Res. 73, a resolution call- following: mately 7,000 rare diseases known (i) How often the Department reviews or ing on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to today. Approximately 80 percent of immediately release Saudi Women’s inspects patient safety at medical centers of rare diseases are genetic, and about the Department. Rights activists and respect the funda- one-half of all rare diseases affect chil- (ii) What triggers the aggregated review mental rights of all Saudi citizens. dren. For example, Alstro¨ m syndrome process at medical centers of the Depart- S. RES. 452 is an extremely rare and complex ge- ment. At the request of Mr. COONS, the netic disorder. Approximately 1,200 af- (iii) What controls the Department has in name of the Senator from Massachu- place for controlled and other high-risk sub- fected individuals have been identified stances, including the following: setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- worldwide, which makes a obtaining a (I) Access to such substances by staff. sponsor of S. Res. 452, a resolution correct diagnosis challenging. Charac- (II) What medications are dispensed via au- commemorating and supporting the teristics of Alstro¨ m syndrome include tomation. goals of World AIDS Day. vision disturbances, sensorineural (III) What systems are in place to ensure f hearing impairment, cardiomyopathy, proper matching of the correct medication to the correct patient. STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED obesity, kidney dysfunction, and diabe- tes. (IV) Controls of items such as medication BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS carts and pill bottles and vials. Robin Marshall, executive director of By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. (V) Monitoring of the dispensing of medi- the Alstro¨ m Syndrome International, cation within medical centers of the Depart- JONES, Ms. MCSALLY, and Mr. located in Mount Desert Islanas, ME, ment, including monitoring of unauthorized MENENDEZ): has said that ‘‘whole Genome Sequenc- dispensing. S. 3116. A bill to enable States to bet- ing has changed the lives of those we (iv) How the Department monitors contact ter provide access to whole genome se- represent by enabling earlier and more between patients and employees of the De- quencing clinical services for certain accurate diagnosis, fostering more partment, including how employees are mon- undiagnosed children under the Med- timely and appropriate medical care, itored and tracked at medical centers of the icaid program, and for other purposes; Department when entering and exiting the and unlocking a host of social services room of a patient. to the Committee on Finance. to combat the educational and psycho- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise (v) How comprehensively the Department social complications that our children uses video monitoring systems in medical today to introduce the Ending the Di- confront.’’ centers of the Department to enhance pa- agnostic Odyssey Act. This legislation By giving States an incentive to pro- tient safety, security, and quality of care. gives States the option of providing vide whole genome sequencing for eli- (vi) How the Department tracks and re- whole genome sequencing WSG clinical gible children through Medicaid my ports deaths at medical centers of the De- services through Medicaid for children legislation will ensure that more chil- partment at the local level, Veterans Inte- with a disease that is suspected to have dren and their families can obtain the grated Service Network level, and national level. a genetic cause, at an enhanced Fed- right diagnosis and treatment the eral matching rate for 3 years. I am (vii) The procedures of the Department to start. The Ending the Diagnostic Odys- alert local, regional, and Department-wide pleased to be joined by Senators JONES, sey Act has the support of more than leadership when there is a statistically ab- MCSALLY, and MENENDEZ. 100 patient advocacy organizations, in- normal number of deaths at a medical center Children with rare diseases will spend cluding Alstro¨ m Syndrome Inter- of the Department, including— on average 5 to 7 years on diagnostic national, the Genetic Alliance, the Per- (I) the manner and frequency in which such odyssey, and 30 percent of those chil- sonalized Medicine Coalition, and alerts are made; and dren will not survive beyond the age of many others. I urge my colleagues to (II) what is included in such an alert, such as the nature of death and where within the 5 years old. The average patient sees support this legislation. seven different physicians in that time. medical center the death occurred. (viii) The use of root cause analyses with The wait to find a cause—nevermind a By Mr. MANCHIN (for himself respect to patient deaths in medical centers cure—can be excruciating. Parents try and Mrs. CAPITO): of the Department, including— to project a calm and reassuring pres- S. 3147. A bill to require the Sec- (I) what threshold triggers a root cause ence for their child while facing a retary of Veterans Affairs to submit to analysis for a patient death;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.071 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 (II) who conducts the root cause analysis; (iii) leadership at the central office of the MCCONNELL, and Mr. and Department; and LANKFORD): (III) how root cause analyses determine (iv) the Office of the Inspector General of S. 3148. A bill to amend the Con- whether a patient death is suspicious or not. the Department of Veterans Affairs. trolled Substances Act to list fentanyl- (ix) What triggers a patient safety alert, (B) A description of the actions taken by including how many suspicious deaths cause leadership of the Facility, the Veterans Inte- related substances as schedule I con- a patient safety alert to be triggered. grated Service Network in which the Facil- trolled substances; read the first time. (x) The situations in which an autopsy re- ity is located, and the central office of the S. 3148 port is ordered for deaths at hospitals of the Department in response to the suspicious Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Department, including an identification of— deaths, including responses to notifications resentatives of the United States of America in (I) when the medical examiner is called to under subparagraph (A). Congress assembled, review a patient death; and (C) A description of the actions, including SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (II) the official or officials that decide such root cause analyses, autopsies, or other ac- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stopping a review is necessary. tivities that were conducted after each of the Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act’’. (xi) The method for family members of a suspicious deaths. SEC. 2. FENTANYL-RELATED SUBSTANCES. patient who died at a medical center of the (D) A description of the changes made by Section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Department to request an investigation into the Department since the suspicious deaths Act (21 U.S.C. 812) is amended— that death. to procedures to control access within med- (1) by adding at the end of subsection (b) of (xii) The opportunities that exist for fam- ical centers of the Department to controlled Schedule I the following: ily members of a patient who died at a med- and non-controlled substances to prevent ‘‘(23) Isobutyryl fentanyl. ical center of the Department to request an harm to patients. autopsy for that death. ‘‘(24) Para-Methoxybutyrylfentanyl. (E) A description of the changes made by ‘‘(25) Valeryl fentanyl. (xiii) The methods in place for employees the Department to its nationwide controlled of the Department to report suspicious ‘‘(26) Cyclopentyl fentanyl. substance and non-controlled substance poli- ‘‘(27) Para-Chloroisobutyryl fentanyl.’’; deaths at medical centers of the Department. cies as a result of the suspicious deaths. (xiv) The steps taken by the Department if and (F) A description of the changes planned or (2) by adding at the end of Schedule I the an employee of the Department is suspected made by the Department to its video surveil- to be implicated in a suspicious death at a following: lance at medical centers of the Department ‘‘(e)(1) Unless specifically exempted or un- medical center of the Department, includ- to improve patient safety and quality of care ing— less listed in another schedule, any material, in response to the suspicious deaths. compound, mixture, or preparation which (I) actions to remove or suspend that indi- (G) An analysis of the review of sentinel vidual from patient care or temporarily reas- contains any quantity of fentanyl-related events conducted at the Facility in response substances, or which contains their salts, sign that individual and the speed at which to the suspicious deaths and whether that re- that action occurs; and isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the view was conducted consistent with policies existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of (II) steps taken to ensure that other med- and procedures of the Department. ical centers of the Department and other isomers is possible within the specific chem- (H) A description of the steps the Depart- ical designation. non-Department medical centers are aware ment has taken or will take to improve the of the suspected role of the individual in a ‘‘(2) In paragraph (1), the term ‘fentanyl-re- monitoring of the credentials of employees lated substances’ includes the following: suspicious death. of the Department to ensure the validity of (xv) In the case of the suspicious death of ‘‘(A) Any substance that is structurally re- those credentials, including all employees lated to fentanyl by one or more of the fol- an individual while under care at a medical that interact with patients in the provision center of the Department, the methods used lowing modifications: of medical care. by the Department to inform the family ‘‘(i) By replacement of the phenyl portion (I) A description of the steps the Depart- members of that individual. of the phenethyl group by any monocycle, ment has taken or will take to monitor and (xvi) The policy of the Department for whether or not further substituted in or on mitigate the behavior of employee bad ac- communicating to the public when a sus- the monocycle. tors, including those who attempt to conceal picious death occurs at a medical center of ‘‘(ii) By substitution in or on the their mistreatment of veteran patients. the Department. phenethyl group with alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, (J) A description of the steps the Depart- (B) A description of any additional au- hydroxy, halo, haloalkyl, amino or nitro ment has taken or will take to enhance or thorities or resources needed from Congress groups. create new monitoring systems that— to implement any of the actions, changes to ‘‘(iii) By substitution in or on the piper- (i) automatically collect and analyze data policy, or other matters included in the re- idine ring with alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, ester, from medical centers of the Department and port required under paragraph (1) ether, hydroxy, halo, haloalkyl, amino or (b) REPORT ON DEATHS AT LOUIS A. JOHNSON monitor for warnings signs or unusual health nitro groups. MEDICAL CENTER.— patterns that may indicate a health safety ‘‘(iv) By replacement of the aniline ring (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days or quality problem at a particular medical with any aromatic monocycle whether or not after the date on which the Attorney Gen- center; and further substituted in or on the aromatic eral indicates that any investigation or trial (ii) automatically share those warnings monocycle. related to the suspicious deaths of veterans with other medical centers of the Depart- ‘‘(v) By replacement of the N-propionyl at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center ment, relevant Veterans Integrated Service group by another acyl group. in Clarksburg, West Virginia, (in this sub- Networks, and officials of the central office ‘‘(B) 4′-Methyl acetyl fentanyl. section referred to as the ‘‘Facility’’) that of the Department. ‘‘(C) Crotonyl fentanyl. occurred during 2017 and 2018 has sufficiently (K) A description of the accountability ac- ‘‘(D) 2′-Fluoro ortho-fluorofentanyl. concluded, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs tions that have been taken at the Facility to ‘‘(E) Ortho-Methyl acetylfentanyl. shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ remove or discipline employees who signifi- ‘‘(F) Thiofuranyl fentanyl. Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on cantly participated in the actions that con- ‘‘(G) Ortho-Fluorobutyryl fentanyl. Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- tributed to the suspicious deaths. ‘‘(H) Ortho-Fluoroacryl fentanyl. tives a report describing— (L) A description of the system-wide re- ‘‘(I) Beta-Methyl fentanyl. (A) the events that occurred during that porting process that the Department will or ‘‘(J) Phenyl fentanyl. period related to those suspicious deaths; has implemented to ensure that relevant em- ‘‘(K) Para-Methylfentanyl. and ployees are properly reported, when applica- ‘‘(L) Beta′-Phenyl fentanyl. (B) actions taken at the Facility and ble, to the National Practitioner Data Bank ‘‘(M) Benzodioxole fentanyl.’’. throughout the Department of Veterans Af- of the Department of Health and Human This act shall take effect one day after the fairs to prevent any similar reoccurrence of Services, the applicable State licensing date of enactment. boards, the Drug Enforcement Administra- the issues that contributed to those sus- f picious deaths. tion, and other relevant entities. (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by (M) A description of any additional au- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS paragraph (1) shall include the following: thorities or resources needed from Congress (A) A timeline of events that occurred at to implement any of the recommendations the Facility relating to the suspicious deaths or findings included in the report required SENATE RESOLUTION 458—CALL- described in paragraph (1) beginning the mo- under paragraph (1). ING FOR THE GLOBAL REPEAL ment those deaths were first determined to (N) Such other matters as the Secretary OF BLASPHEMY, HERESY, AND be suspicious, including any notifications considers necessary. APOSTASY LAWS to— (i) leadership of the Facility; By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself, Mr. LANKFORD (for himself and Mr. (ii) leadership of the Veterans Integrated Mr. COTTON, Mr. CASSIDY, Mrs. COONS) submitted the following resolu- Service Network in which the Facility is lo- BLACKBURN, Ms. ERNST, Mr. tion; which was referred to the Com- cated; BRAUN, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. mittee on Foreign Relations:

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S. RES. 458 reach, and counter-speech, and that crim- ernments as arbiters of religious truth and Whereas Article 18 of the International inalization of speech is warranted only for empower officials to impose religious dogma Declaration of Human Rights states that the prevention of imminent violence; on individuals or minorities through the ‘‘[e]veryone has the right to freedom of Whereas, according to the annual religious power of the government or through violence thought, conscience and religion; this right freedom report published by the Department sanctioned by the government; includes freedom to change his religion or of State in 2015, attackers in Bangladesh (2) calls on the President and the Secretary belief, and freedom, either alone or in com- killed five allegedly anti-Islamic or of State to make the repeal of blasphemy, munity with others and in public or private, secularist writers and publishers, and injured heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in the to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, three others; bilateral relationships of the United States practice, worship and observance’’; Whereas, in response to these killings, the with all countries that have such laws, Whereas many countries continue to have Home Minister of Bangladesh, rather than through direct interventions in bilateral and criminal blasphemy laws and punish people condemning the murders, called on bloggers multilateral fora; who engage in expression deemed by the gov- and others to refrain from writings that (3) encourages the President and the Sec- ernment to be blasphemous, heretical, apos- could hurt the religious feelings of others retary of State to oppose— tate, defamatory of religion, or insulting to and added that violators of the warning (A) any efforts, by the United Nations or religion or to religious symbols, figures, or would be subject to prosecution under the re- by other international or multilateral fora, strictive religious freedom laws of Ban- feelings, and such punishment can include to create an international anti-blasphemy gladesh; fines, imprisonment, and capital punishment norm, such as the ‘‘defamation of religions’’ Whereas a 2016 report by USCIRF on Ban- including by beheading; resolutions introduced in the United Nations gladesh found that religious and civil society Whereas blasphemy laws have affected between 1999 and 2010; and groups fear that increasing religious extre- Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Baha’i, (B) any attempts to expand the inter- mism will result in more criminal attacks secularists, and many other groups, are in- national norm on incitement to include blas- and threats; consistent with international human rights phemy or defamation of religions; Whereas restrictive religious freedom laws standards because they establish and pro- (4) supports efforts by the United Nations validate and promote social violence tar- mote official religious orthodoxy and dogma to combat intolerance, discrimination, or vi- geted at religious minorities and dissenters, over individual liberty, and often result in olence against persons based on religion or whether Christian, Muslim, secularist, or belief without restricting expression, includ- violations of the freedoms of religion, other; thought, and expression that are protected ing United Nations Human Rights Council Whereas USCIRF has found that in Paki- Resolution 16/18 (2011) and the Istanbul Proc- under international instruments, including stan, blasphemy laws have been used to pros- Articles 18 and 19 of the International Cov- ess meetings pursuant to such resolution, ecute and persecute Muslims, Christians, that are consistent with the First Amend- enant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); secularists, and others; Whereas the United Nations Human Rights ment to the Constitution; Whereas, according to a Pew Center report (5) calls on the President and the Secretary Committee stated in General Comment 34 on religion and public life, Pakistan stands that ‘‘[p]rohibitions of displays of lack of re- of State to designate countries that enforce out for having one of the highest levels of re- blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy laws as spect for a religion or other belief system, strictions on religion when both government ‘‘countries of particular concern for religious including blasphemy laws, are incompatible restrictions and social hostilities are taken freedom’’ under section 402(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the with the [ICCPR].’’; into account; International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 Whereas the United States Commission on Whereas USCIRF has found egregious ex- (22 U.S.C. 6442(b)(1)(A)(ii)) for engaging in or International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) amples of the enforcement of blasphemy tolerating severe violations of religious free- has found that blasphemy charges are often laws and vigilante violence connected to dom, as a result of the abuses flowing from based on false accusations, are used for sec- blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, where the enforcement of such laws and from tarian or political purposes, and foster reli- blasphemy charges are common and numer- unpunished vigilante violence often gen- gious intolerance, discrimination, and vio- ous individuals are in prison, with a high erated by blasphemy allegations; lence; percentage sentenced to death or to life in Whereas USCIRF has found that at least 70 prison; (6) urges the governments of countries that countries had blasphemy laws as of 2018; Whereas, as of May 2018, USCIRF was enforce blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy laws Whereas these laws were present in 18 Mid- aware of approximately 40 individuals on to amend or repeal such laws, as they pro- dle East and North African countries, 8 coun- death row for blasphemy in Pakistan or serv- vide pretext and impunity for vigilante vio- tries in the Americas, 18 Asia-Pacific coun- ing life sentences; lence against religious minorities; and tries, 14 European countries, and 12 Sub-Sa- Whereas Asia Bibi was sentenced to death (7) urges the governments of countries that haran African countries; for blasphemy in 2010 and was held on death have prosecuted, imprisoned, and persecuted Whereas the Pew Research Center found row for 8 years, until the Supreme Court of people on charges of blasphemy, heresy, or that countries with laws against blasphemy, Pakistan overturned her conviction in 2018, apostasy to release such people uncondition- apostasy, or defamation of religion were and has since received asylum in Canada; ally and, once released, to ensure their safe- more likely to have severe governmental re- Whereas Pakistan selectively enforces the ty and that of their families. strictions on religion, and to experience so- blasphemy law against minority religious f cial hostilities based on religion, than coun- groups, including specifically targeting the tries that did not have such laws; Ahmadis, such as Abdul Shakoor, an 82-year SENATE RESOLUTION 459—TO CON- Whereas restrictive laws beyond those pe- old bookseller who was recently released STITUTE THE MAJORITY PAR- nalizing blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy after serving four years in prison on blas- TY’S MEMBERSHIP ON CERTAIN further limit religious freedom, such as ex- phemy charges; COMMITTEES FOR THE ONE HUN- tremism laws— Whereas blasphemy laws in Pakistan have DRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS, OR (1) in Russia that have been used to ban Je- fostered a climate of impunity, as those who UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE hovah’s Witnesses as an extremist organiza- falsify evidence go unpunished and allega- CHOSEN tion and fueled persecution of this religious tions often result in violent mob attacks or group; assassinations, with little to no police re- Mr. MCCONNELL submitted the fol- (2) in China, to arbitrarily detain an esti- sponse; lowing resolution; which was consid- mated 800,000 to 2,000,000 Uighur Muslims in Whereas, in 2017, the Christian Governor of ered and agreed to: internment camps because they followed Is- Jakarta, Indonesia, was convicted for blas- S. RES. 459 lamic rituals and practices; and phemy of Islam and sentenced to two years (3) in North Korea, to detain an estimated in jail; Resolved, That the following shall con- 50,000 to 70,000 Christians in labor camps be- Whereas several countries that maintained stitute the majority party’s membership on cause they followed the tenets of Christi- blasphemy laws have recently taken steps the following committee for the One Hun- anity; towards removing these provisions, including dred Sixteenth Congress, or until their suc- Whereas an international group of experts Greece, Ireland and Canada; cessors are chosen: convened by the Office of the United Nations Whereas blasphemy laws in the United SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS: Mr. High Commissioner for Human Rights rec- States were invalidated by the adoption of Lankford (Chairman), Mr. Roberts, Mr. ommended in 2012 that ‘‘[s]tates that have the First Amendment to the Constitution, Risch. blasphemy laws should repeal the[m] as such which protects the freedoms of thought, con- f laws have a stifling impact on the enjoyment science, expression, and religious exercise; of freedom of religion or belief and healthy and SENATE RESOLUTION 460—CON- dialogue and debate about religion.’’; Whereas the United States has become a GRATULATING THE AMERICAN Whereas blasphemy laws are inconsistent beacon of religious freedom and tolerance GEOPHYSICAL UNION ON THE OC- with United Nations resolutions adopted by around the world: Now, therefore, be it CASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL consensus since 2011 recognizing that reli- Resolved, That the Senate— gious intolerance is best fought through (1) recognizes that blasphemy, heresy, and Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Ms. positive measures, such as education, out- apostasy laws inappropriately position gov- MURKOWSKI) submitted the following

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.073 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 resolution; which was considered and (6) encourages international cooperation in (2) received the 2019 Major League Soccer agreed to: efforts relating to Earth and space sciences Cup Most Valuable Player award; to foster the global exchange of knowledge Whereas Seattle Sounders FC forward Rau´ l S. RES. 460 and collaboration among scientists world- Ruidı´az scored the third and final goal in the Whereas, in December 1919, the National wide for the benefit of humanity; and 90th minute; Research Council organized the American (7) respectfully requests that the Secretary Whereas Seattle Sounders FC forward Jor- Geophysical Union— of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of dan Morris— (1) to represent the United States in the this resolution to the executive director and International Union of Geodesy and Geo- chief executive officer of the American Geo- (1) scored a career-high 13 goals and a ca- physics of the International Research Coun- physical Union. reer-high 8 assists throughout the 2019 sea- cil; and son; and f (2) to serve as the Committee on Geo- (2) received the 2019 Major League Soccer physics of the National Research Council to SENATE RESOLUTION 461—CON- Comeback Player of the Year award after promote work in the fields of astronomy, ge- GRATULATING SEATTLE SOUND- odesy, geology, meteorology, seismology, suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament ERS FC ON WINNING THE 2019 (ACL) in 2018; terrestrial electricity and magnetism, and MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CUP volcanology; Whereas Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Whereas, in 1972, the American Geo- Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Mrs. Brian Schmetzer won his second Major physical Union was incorporated as an inde- MURRAY) submitted the following reso- League Soccer Cup; pendent organization; lution; which was considered and Whereas the 2019 Seattle Sounders FC Whereas, in 2019, the American Geo- agreed to: coaching and technical staff includes— physical Union has more than 60,000 mem- S. RES. 461 (1) Head Coach Brian Schmetzer; bers in 137 countries; Whereas, on November 10, 2019, Seattle (2) Assistant Coach Gonzalo Pineda; Whereas the mission of the American Geo- Sounders FC won the 2019 Major League Soc- physical Union is to promote discovery in (3) Assistant Coach Djimi Traore; cer Cup; Earth and space sciences for the benefit of Whereas that win on November 10, 2019, is (4) Assistant Coach Preki; humanity; the second Major League Soccer champion- Whereas Earth and space sciences are (5) Club Director of Goalkeeping Tom ship won by Seattle Sounders FC in the 11 international endeavors that transform Dutra; years that Seattle Sounders FC has been in human understanding of the planet, from the Major League Soccer; (6) General Manager and President of Soc- core through the atmosphere of the planet Whereas Seattle Sounders FC beat the To- cer Garth Lagerwey; and and into the universe beyond; ronto Football Club 3–1 in the 2019 Major Whereas Earth and space sciences drive (7) Vice President of Soccer Chris Hender- League Soccer Cup; basic and applied research that has led to son; Whereas Seattle Sounders FC— critical health, environmental, commercial, Whereas Seattle Sounders FC is owned by (1) dominated the competition in the reg- and technological breakthroughs that have Adrian Hanauer, Drew Carey, Jody Allen, ular season, with 16 wins and 10 losses; inspired individuals throughout the world, and Peter Tomozawa, and the 11 families (2) qualified for the Major League Soccer strengthened economies, and raised stand- that joined the ownership contingent in 2019, Cup Playoffs for an unprecedented 11th ards of living; namely— straight season; and Whereas Earth and space sciences help in- (3) earned the number 2 seed in the Major (1) Terry Myerson and Katie Myerson; dividuals— League Soccer Western Conference; (2) Russell Wilson and Ciara; (1) understand and formulate solutions for Whereas Seattle Sounders FC plays home the critical challenges facing the planet; games at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, (3) Benjamin Haggerty ‘‘Macklemore’’ and (2) become better stewards of natural re- Washington, and, on November 10, 2019, 69,274 Tricia Davis; sources, such as energy, water, and minerals, Seattle Sounders FC fans from across the (4) Satya Nadella and Anu Nadella; for current and future generations; and State of Washington packed CenturyLink (5) Amy Hood and Max Kleinman; (3) comprehend and mitigate the effects of Field and set the record for the largest crowd terrestrial, manmade, and space disasters, at a sporting event in the 17-year history of (6) Joe Belfiore and Kristina Belfiore; which protects communities worldwide; the stadium; (7) Soma Somasegar and Akila Somasegar; Whereas Earth and space sciences are crit- Whereas the 2019 roster of Seattle Sound- ical components of a science, technology, en- ers FC players includes— (8) Chee Chew and Christine Chew; gineering, arts, and mathematics (in this (1) Saad Abdul-Salaam; (9) David Nathanson and Sabina preamble referred to as ‘‘STEAM’’) edu- (2) Xavier Arreaga; Nathanson; cation and inspire students of all ages to be- (3) Will Bruin; come citizen scientists and future leaders in (4) Handwalla Bwana; (10) Brian McAndrews and Elise Holschuh; STEAM fields; (5) Jonathan Campbell; and Whereas Earth and space sciences seek to (6) Emanuel Cecchini; (11) Mark Agne and Tomoko Agne; discover the origins of humanity, the planet, (7) Jordy Delem; Whereas the owners of Seattle Sounders and the universe, and are a source of awe for (8) Justin Dhillon; FC have built a culture of success and con- (9) Stefan Frei; past, current, and future generations; and tributed greatly to Seattle, Washington, and (10) Bheem Goyal; Whereas December 2019 marks the 100th the surrounding region through philan- (11) Joevin Jones; anniversary of the establishment of the thropy; American Geophysical Union: Now, there- (12) Kim Kee-hee; (13) Kelvin Leerdam; Whereas Seattle Sounders FC has exhibited fore, be it dedication to positive social impacts by Resolved, That the Senate— (14) Danny Leyva; ´ strengthening communities through the (1) congratulates the American Geo- (15) Nicolas Lodeiro; (16) Chad Marshall; RAVE Foundation partnership with organi- physical Union on the occasion of its centen- (17) Bryan Meredith; zations in Seattle, Washington, and the sur- nial; (18) Jordan Morris; rounding region; and (2) supports increasing the understanding (19) Trey Muse; Whereas the dedication and hard work of of and interest in Earth and space sciences (20) Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez; Seattle Sounders FC has inspired and em- at the local, national, and international lev- (21) Vı´ctor Rodrı´guez; powered girls, boys, women, and men of all els; (22) Cristian Roldan; ages: Now, therefore, be it (3) encourages the scientific community to (23) Alex Roldan; engage in public outreach so that individuals (24) Rau´ l Ruidı´az; Resolved, That the Senate— of all ages and backgrounds gain a better un- (25) Harry Shipp; (1) recognizes Seattle Sounders FC for win- derstanding of and appreciation for the value (26) Luis Silva; ning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup; of Earth and space sciences to daily life and (27) Brad Smith; (2) applauds the people of Seattle, Wash- quality of life; (28) Gustav Svensson; ington, and the surrounding region for their (4) expresses support for the free and open (29) Nouhou; and enthusiastic support of Seattle Sounders FC; exchange of ideas in Earth and space (30) Roma´ n Torres; (3) supports equity in men’s and women’s sciences; Whereas Seattle Sounders FC defender Kel- professional sports; and (5) recognizes the important role of govern- vin Leerdam scored the first goal in the 57th (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary ments in fostering Earth and space scientific minute of the championship game; of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of research, including contributing to higher- Whereas Seattle Sounders FC midfielder this resolution to Seattle Sounders FC Head risk and longer-term investigations and pro- Vı´ctor Rodrı´guez— Coach Brian Schmetzer, General Manager viding funding for the basic and applied re- (1) scored the second goal in the 76th and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey, and search necessary for human welfare; minute; and Vice President of Soccer Chris Henderson.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.075 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7215 SENATE RESOLUTION 462—DESIG- By using the One Health approach, problems with a One Health approach NATING JANUARY 2020 AS ‘‘NA- global health problems including anti- must be encouraged. TIONAL ONE HEALTH AWARE- biotic resistance, infectious disease Thank you Mr. President. I yield the NESS MONTH’’ TO PROMOTE spread, and sequestered medical knowl- floor. AWARENESS OF ORGANIZATIONS edge can be addressed. f FOCUSED ON PUBLIC HEALTH, Antibiotic resistance is of grave con- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND ANIMAL HEALTH, AND ENVIRON- cern for both people and animals. Pub- PROPOSED MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORA- lic health specialists are working with TION THROUGHOUT THE UNITED physicians and veterinarians to mini- SA 1268. Mr. WICKER proposed an amend- STATES AND TO RECOGNIZE THE mize inappropriate antibiotic usage in ment to the bill S. 1822, to require the Fed- CRITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF their patients. eral Communications Commission to issue By 2050, according to the United rules relating to the collection of data with THOSE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE respect to the availability of broadband serv- FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES Kingdom’s 2014 Review on Anti- ices, and for other purposes. microbial Resistance, experts expect Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Ms. SA 1269. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. that more people will die from anti- MCSALLY, Ms. SMITH, Mr. BROWN, Mr. PORTMAN) proposed an amendment to the bill biotic resistant microbes than die from S. 1434, to prohibit the use of reverse auc- KING, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. PETERS) sub- cancer today. The best way to solve tions for design and construction services mitted the following resolution; which this growing problem is for specialists procurements, and for other purposes. was considered and agreed to: across a variety of disciplines to col- SA 1270. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. CARDIN) S. RES. 462 laborate to reduce antibiotic use by proposed an amendment to the bill S. 439, to allow Members of Congress to opt out of the Whereas One Health is a collaborative, promoting good sanitation and devel- multisectoral, and transdisciplinary ap- Federal Employees Retirement System, and oping alternatives for antibiotics. allow Members who opt out of the Federal proach, working at the local, regional, na- According to the Centers for Disease tional, and global levels, with the goal of Employees Retirement System to continue achieving optimal health outcomes recog- Control and Prevention, up to 75 per- to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. nizing the interconnection between people, cent of new or emerging infectious dis- SA 1271. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. GARD- animals, plants, and their shared environ- eases in people are spread by animals. NER (for himself and Mr. MANCHIN)) proposed ment; Examples include Ebola, Zika, Rabies, an amendment to the bill S. 221, to amend Whereas the mission of One Health is to es- Tuberculosis, and Plague. By destroy- title 38, United States Code, to require the Under Secretary of Health to report major tablish closer professional interactions, col- ing natural animal habitats through laborations, and educational opportunities adverse personnel actions involving certain deforestation, natural disasters, and health care employees to the National Prac- across the various medical, veterinary, and climate change, we are forcing animals environmental health professions and their titioner Data Bank and to applicable State allied science professions to simultaneously and insects to migrate to new areas, licensing boards, and for other purposes. improve public health, animal health, and thereby exposing humans to new dis- SA 1272. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. BOOZ- environmental health; eases. MAN) proposed an amendment to the bill S. Whereas the increasing threats posed by In 2013, a two-year-old boy was the 2096, to amend title 38, United States Code, emerging diseases shared between animals first victim of the Ebola epidemic in to authorize States and tribal organizations that receive grants from the National Ceme- and people, foodborne, vector-borne, and wa- Western Africa. In his small village, terborne diseases, and other environmental tery Administration for establishment, ex- deforestation forced the bats suspected pansion, or improvement of a veterans’ factors may support the need for an inte- of carrying the Ebola virus to move grated effort by professionals from multiple cemeteries to use amounts of such grants for disciplines, including health, science, tech- closer to people. State and tribal organization cemetery per- nology, and engineering; Collaboration between physicians, sonnel to train at the training center of the Whereas, according to the Centers for Dis- nurses, physician assistants, nurse’s National Cemetery Administration, and for ease Control and Prevention, up to 75 per- aids, veterinarians, hygienists, anthro- other purposes. cent of new or emerging infectious diseases pologists, epidemiologists, community SA 1273. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. MUR- in people are spread by animals; engagement specialists, and military KOWSKI (for herself and Mr. CRUZ)) proposed an amendment to the bill H.R. 550, to award Whereas, each year, International One workers helped end the Ebola epidemic Health Day is November 3; and a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to by attacking it from different angles. the United States Merchant Mariners of Whereas One Health is essential to com- This was an example of One Health in bating and strengthening the surveillance of World War II, in recognition of their dedi- emerging and reemerging diseases: Now, action. Today, a similar collaborative cated and vital service during World War II. therefore, be it approach is working to end the current SA 1274. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. CORNYN) Resolved, That the Senate designates Janu- Ebola epidemic in Central Africa. proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1029, to ary 2020 as ‘‘National One Health Awareness In the United States, diseases such as allow the use of certified facility dogs in Month’’ to— Lyme disease, Anaplasma, Bartonella, criminal proceedings in Federal courts, and (1) promote awareness of organizations for other purposes. and Zika carried by ticks, fleas, and SA 1275. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. CARDIN) that focus on One Health efforts to improve mosquitoes, respectively, are also proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1309, to the quality of life for people and animals; spreading to new areas. identify and combat corruption in countries, (2) recognize the efforts made by such orga- In 2015, an 11-year-old Louisiana boy to establish a tiered system of countries nizations in using a One Health approach to with respect to levels of corruption by their prevent epidemics; and was accidently scratched by a kitten governments and their efforts to combat (3) recognize the importance of using the with fleas. He was misdiagnosed by such corruption, and to assess United States One Health approach to simultaneously pro- more than thirty doctors and he be- assistance to designated countries in order tect the health of people, animals, plants, came wheelchairbound. However, a to advance anti-corruption efforts in those and the environment in the United States. ‘‘One Health’’ approach saved his life. countries and better serve United States tax- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I The boy was finally correctly diag- payers. rise to speak on the resolution that nosed with a bacterial disease acquired f Senator McSally and I introduced to by the kitten’s scratch once he met declare January as ‘‘National One with a medical team that included both TEXT OF AMENDMENTS Health Awareness Month.’’ a physician and a veterinarian. The SA 1268. Mr. WICKER proposed an ‘‘One Health’’ is a term used by veterinarian understood that fleas can amendment to the bill S. 1822, to re- health experts—including those at the give cats bacteria and the physician quire the Federal Communications Centers for Disease Control and Pre- understood that a cat’s scratch can Commission to issue rules relating to vention—to focus on the connections transmit the bacteria to humans. The the collection of data with respect to between human, animal, and environ- boy was prescribed the antibiotics he the availability of broadband services, mental health. needed, and he can now walk again. and for other purposes; as follows: Our resolution will help raise aware- It is time that everybody under- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ness for the ‘‘One Health’’ approach stands the importance of One Health. sert the following: and promote efforts that simulta- With diminishing resources in the envi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. neously improve the health of people, ronment and a growing human popu- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Broadband animals, plants, and the environment. lation, now more than ever, fighting Deployment Accuracy and Technological

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The Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. ‘‘(a) RULES.— ‘‘(III) LIMITATIONS.—With respect to a con- 151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days tract into which the Commission enters the following: after the date of enactment of this title, the under subclause (I)— ‘‘TITLE VIII—BROADBAND DATA Commission shall issue final rules that ‘‘(aa) the entity with which the Commis- sion enters into the contract shall be se- ‘‘SEC. 801. DEFINITIONS. shall— ‘‘In this title: ‘‘(A) require the biannual collection and lected through a competitive bid process that is transparent and open; and ‘‘(1) BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERV- dissemination of granular data, as deter- ‘‘(bb) the contract shall be for a term of ICE.—The term ‘broadband internet access mined by the Commission— service’ has the meaning given the term in ‘‘(i) relating to the availability and quality not longer than 5 years, after which the section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Reg- of service with respect to terrestrial fixed, Commission may enter into a new contract— ulations, or any successor regulation. fixed wireless, satellite, and mobile ‘‘(AA) with an entity, and for the purposes, described in clause (i); and ‘‘(2) BROADBAND MAP.—The term broadband internet access service; and ‘‘(BB) that complies with the requirements ‘Broadband Map’ means the map created by ‘‘(ii) that the Commission shall use to com- under subclause (II) and this subclause; and the Commission under section 802(c)(1)(A). pile the maps created under subsection (c)(1) ‘‘(cc) the contract shall— ‘‘(3) CELL EDGE PROBABILITY.—The term (referred to in this section as ‘coverage ‘‘(AA) prohibit the entity described in item ‘cell edge probability’ means the likelihood maps’), which the Commission shall make (aa) from selling, leasing, or otherwise dis- that the minimum threshold download and publicly available; and closing for monetary consideration any per- upload speeds with respect to broadband ‘‘(B) establish— sonally identifiable information to any other internet access service will be met or exceed- ‘‘(i) processes through which the Commis- entity other than for purposes authorized ed at a distance from a base station that is sion can verify the accuracy of data sub- under this title; and intended to indicate the ultimate edge of the mitted under subsection (b)(2); ‘‘(BB) require the entity described in item coverage area of a cell. ‘‘(ii) processes and procedures through (aa) to include in any contract with any ‘‘(4) CELL LOADING.—The term ‘cell loading’ which the Commission, and, as necessary, other entity a provision that prohibits that means the percentage of the available air other entities or individuals submitting non- other entity from engaging in an action that interface resources of a base station that are public or competitively sensitive informa- is prohibited under subitem (AA). used by consumers with respect to broadband tion under this title, can protect the secu- ‘‘(B) FABRIC.—The rules issued by the Com- internet access service. rity, privacy, and confidentiality of that mission under subsection (a)(1) shall estab- ‘‘(5) CLUTTER.—The term ‘clutter’ means a non-public or competitively sensitive infor- lish the Broadband Serviceable Location natural or man-made surface feature that af- mation, including— Fabric, which shall— fects the propagation of a signal from a base ‘‘(I) information contained in the Fabric; ‘‘(i) contain geocoded information for each station. ‘‘(II) the dataset created under subsection location identified under subparagraph ‘‘(6) FABRIC.—The term ‘Fabric’ means the (b)(1)(A) supporting the Fabric; and (A)(i); Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric es- ‘‘(III) the data submitted under subsection ‘‘(ii) serve as the foundation upon which all tablished under section 802(b)(1)(B). (b)(2); data relating to the availability of fixed ‘‘(7) FORM 477.—The term ‘Form 477’ means ‘‘(iii) the challenge process described in broadband internet access service collected Form 477 of the Commission relating to local subsection (b)(5); and under paragraph (2)(A) shall be reported and telephone competition and broadband report- ‘‘(iv) the process described in section overlaid; ing. 804(b). ‘‘(iii) be compatible with commonly used ‘‘(8) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘Indian Tribe’ ‘‘(2) OTHER DATA.—In issuing the rules GIS software; and has the meaning given the term ‘Indian under paragraph (1), the Commission shall ‘‘(iv) at a minimum, be updated every 6 tribe’ in section 4 of the Indian Self-Deter- develop a process through which the Com- months by the Commission. mination and Education Assistance Act (25 mission can collect verified data for use in ‘‘(C) IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITY.—The Com- U.S.C. 5304). the coverage maps from— mission shall prioritize implementing the ‘‘(9) MOBILITY FUND PHASE II.—The term ‘‘(A) State, local, and Tribal governmental Fabric for rural and insular areas of the ‘Mobility Fund Phase II’ means the second entities that are primarily responsible for United States. phase of the proceeding to provide universal mapping or tracking broadband internet ac- ‘‘(2) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION.—The service support from the Mobility Fund (WC cess service coverage for a State, unit of rules issued by the Commission under sub- Docket No. 10–90; WT Docket No. 10–208). local government, or Indian Tribe, as appli- section (a)(1) shall include uniform standards ‘‘(10) PROPAGATION MODEL.—The term cable; for the reporting of broadband internet ac- ‘propagation model’ means a mathematical ‘‘(B) third parties, if the Commission deter- cess service data that the Commission shall formulation for the characterization of radio mines that it is in the public interest to use collect— wave propagation as a function of frequency, such data in— ‘‘(A) from each provider of terrestrial distance, and other conditions. ‘‘(i) the development of the coverage maps; fixed, fixed wireless, or satellite broadband ‘‘(11) PROVIDER.—The term ‘provider’ or internet access service, which shall include means a provider of fixed or mobile ‘‘(ii) the verification of data submitted data that— broadband internet access service. under subsection (b); and ‘‘(i) documents the areas where the pro- ‘‘(12) QUALITY OF SERVICE.—The term ‘qual- ‘‘(C) other Federal agencies. vider— ity of service’ means, with respect to ‘‘(3) UPDATES.—The Commission shall re- ‘‘(I) has actually built out the broadband broadband internet access service, the vise the rules issued under paragraph (1) to— network infrastructure of the provider such download and upload speeds (and, for rel- ‘‘(A) reflect changes in technology; that the provider is able to provide that evant services, latency) with respect to that ‘‘(B) ensure the accuracy of propagation service; and service, as determined by, and to the extent models, as further provided in subsection ‘‘(II) could provide that service, as deter- otherwise collected by, the Commission. (b)(3); and mined by identifying where the provider is ‘‘(13) SHAPEFILE.—The term ‘shapefile’ ‘‘(C) improve the usefulness of the coverage capable of performing a standard broadband means a digital storage format containing maps. installation, if applicable; geospatial or location-based data and at- ‘‘(b) CONTENT OF RULES.— ‘‘(ii) includes information regarding tribute information— ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF A SERVICEABLE LO- download and upload speeds, at various ‘‘(A) regarding the availability of CATION FABRIC REGARDING FIXED thresholds established by the Commission, broadband internet access service; and BROADBAND.— and, if applicable, latency with respect to ‘‘(B) that can be viewed, edited, and ‘‘(A) DATASET.— broadband internet access service that the mapped in geographic information system ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall provider makes available; software. create a common dataset of all locations in ‘‘(iii) can be georeferenced to the GIS data ‘‘(14) STANDARD BROADBAND INSTALLA- the United States where fixed broadband in the Fabric; TION.—The term ‘standard broadband instal- internet access service can be installed, as ‘‘(iv) the provider shall report as— lation’— determined by the Commission. ‘‘(I) with respect to providers of fixed wire- ‘‘(A) means the initiation by a provider of ‘‘(ii) CONTRACTING.— less broadband internet access service— fixed broadband internet access service in an ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subclauses (II) ‘‘(aa) propagation maps and propagation area in which the provider has not pre- and (III), the Commission may contract with model details that— viously offered that service, with no charges an entity with expertise with respect to geo- ‘‘(AA) satisfy standards that are similar to or delays attributable to the extension of the graphic information systems (referred to in those applicable to providers of mobile network of the provider; and this subsection as ‘GIS’) to create and main- broadband internet access service under sub- ‘‘(B) includes the initiation of fixed tain the dataset under clause (i). paragraph (B) with respect to propagation broadband internet access service through ‘‘(II) APPLICATION OF THE FEDERAL ACQUISI- maps and propagation model details, taking routine installation that can be completed TION REGULATION.—A contract into which the into account material differences between

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fixed wireless and mobile broadband internet mission and that, to the best of the officer’s ‘‘(D) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not earlier access service; and actual knowledge, information, and belief, than 1 year, and not later than 18 months, ‘‘(BB) reflect the speeds and latency of the all statements of fact contained in the sub- after the date on which the rules issued service provided by the provider; or mission are true and correct; and under subsection (a)(1) take effect, the Com- ‘‘(bb) a list of addresses or locations that ‘‘(B) the Commission shall verify the accu- mission shall, after an opportunity for notice constitute the service area of the provider, racy and reliability of the information in ac- and comment, submit to the Committee on except that the Commission— cordance with measures established by the Commerce, Science, and Transportation of ‘‘(AA) may only permit, and not require, a Commission. the Senate and the Committee on Energy provider to report the data using that means ‘‘(5) CHALLENGE PROCESS.— and Commerce of the House of Representa- of reporting; and ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the rules issued under tives a report that— ‘‘(BB) in the rules issued under subsection subsection (a), and subject to subparagraph ‘‘(i) evaluates the challenge process de- (a)(1), shall provide a method for using that (B), the Commission shall establish a user- scribed in subparagraph (A); and means of reporting with respect to Tribal friendly challenge process through which ‘‘(ii) considers whether the Commission areas; and consumers, State, local, and Tribal govern- should commence an inquiry on the need for ‘‘(II) with respect to providers of terres- mental entities, and other entities or indi- other tools to help— trial fixed and satellite broadband internet viduals may submit coverage data to the ‘‘(I) identify potential inaccuracies in the access service— Commission to challenge the accuracy of— data relating to broadband internet access ‘‘(aa) polygon shapefiles; or ‘‘(i) the coverage maps; service that providers report; and ‘‘(bb) a list of addresses or locations that ‘‘(II) improve the accuracy of the data de- ‘‘(ii) any information submitted by a pro- constitute the service area of the provider, scribed in subclause (I). vider regarding the availability of broadband except that the Commission— ‘‘(6) REFORM OF FORM 477 PROCESS.— internet access service; or ‘‘(AA) may only permit, and not require, a ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days ‘‘(iii) the information included in the Fab- provider to report the data using that means after the date on which the rules issued ric. of reporting; and under subsection (a) take effect, the Com- ‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS; VERIFICATION; RE- ‘‘(BB) in the rules issued under subsection mission shall— SPONSE TO CHALLENGES.—In establishing the (a)(1), shall provide a method for using that ‘‘(i) reform the Form 477 broadband deploy- means of reporting with respect to Tribal challenge process required under subpara- ment service availability collection process areas; and graph (A), the Commission shall— of the Commission— ‘‘(v) the Commission determines is appro- ‘‘(i) consider— ‘‘(I) to achieve the purposes of this title; priate with respect to certain technologies in ‘‘(I) the types of information that an enti- and order to ensure that the Broadband Map is ty or individual submitting a challenge ‘‘(II) in a manner that— granular and accurate; and should provide to the Commission in support ‘‘(aa) enables the comparison of data and ‘‘(B) from each provider of mobile of the challenge; maps produced before the implementation of broadband internet access service, which ‘‘(II) the appropriate level of granularity this title with data and coverage maps pro- shall include propagation maps and propaga- for the information described in subclause duced after the implementation of this title; tion model details that indicate the current (I); and (as of the date on which the information is ‘‘(III) the need to mitigate the time and ex- ‘‘(bb) maintains the public availability of collected) fourth generation Long-Term Evo- pense incurred by, and the administrative data relating to the deployment of lution (commonly referred to as ‘4G LTE’) burdens placed on, entities or individuals broadband internet access service; and mobile broadband internet access service in— ‘‘(ii) harmonize reporting requirements and coverage of the provider, which shall— ‘‘(aa) challenging the accuracy of a cov- procedures regarding the deployment of ‘‘(i) take into consideration the effect of erage map; and broadband internet access service that are in clutter; and ‘‘(bb) responding to challenges described in effect on the day before the date on which ‘‘(ii) satisfy— item (aa); the rules issued under subsection (a)(1) take ‘‘(I) the requirements of having— ‘‘(IV) the costs to consumers and providers effect with those requirements and proce- ‘‘(aa) a download speed of not less than 5 resulting from a misallocation of funds be- dures in those rules. megabits per second and an upload speed of cause of a reliance on outdated or otherwise ‘‘(B) CONTINUED COLLECTION AND REPORT- not less than 1 megabit per second with a inaccurate information in the coverage ING.—On and after the date on which the cell edge probability of not less than 90 per- maps; Commission carries out subparagraph (A), cent; and ‘‘(V) any lessons learned from the chal- the Commission shall continue to collect and ‘‘(bb) cell loading of not less than 50 per- lenge process established under Mobility publicly report subscription data that the cent; and Fund Phase II, as determined from com- Commission collected through the Form 477 ‘‘(II) any other parameter that the Com- ments solicited by the Commission; and broadband deployment service availability mission determines to be necessary to create ‘‘(VI) the need for user-friendly challenge process, as in effect on July 1, 2019. a map under subsection (c)(1)(C) that is more submission formats that will promote par- ‘‘(7) SHARING DATA WITH NTIA.—The Com- precise than the map produced as a result of ticipation in the challenge process; mission shall establish a process to make the the submissions under the Mobility Fund ‘‘(ii) include a process for verifying the data collected under paragraph (2) available Phase II information collection. data submitted through the challenge proc- to the National Telecommunications and In- ‘‘(3) UPDATE OF REPORTING STANDARDS FOR ess in order to ensure the reliability of that formation Administration. MOBILE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERV- data; ‘‘(c) MAPS.—The Commission shall— ICE.—For the purposes of paragraph (2)(B), if ‘‘(iii) allow providers to respond to chal- ‘‘(1) after consultation with the Federal the Commission determines that the report- lenges submitted through the challenge proc- Geographic Data Committee established ing standards under that paragraph are in- ess; and under section 753(a) of the Geospatial Data sufficient to collect accurate propagation ‘‘(iv) develop an online mechanism, Act of 2018, create— maps and propagation model details with re- which— ‘‘(A) the Broadband Map, which shall de- spect to future generations of mobile ‘‘(I) shall be integrated into the coverage pict— broadband internet access service tech- maps; ‘‘(i) the extent of the availability of nologies, the Commission shall immediately ‘‘(II) allows for an entity described in sub- broadband internet access service in the commence a rule making to adopt new re- paragraph (A) to submit a challenge under United States, without regard to whether porting standards with respect to those tech- the challenge process; that service is fixed broadband internet ac- nologies that— ‘‘(III) makes challenge data available in cess service or mobile broadband internet ac- ‘‘(A) shall be the functional equivalent of both geographic information system and cess service, which shall be based on data the standards required under paragraph non-geographic information system formats; collected by the Commission from all pro- (2)(B); and and viders; and ‘‘(B) allow for the collection of propagation ‘‘(IV) clearly identifies the areas in which ‘‘(ii) the areas of the United States that re- maps and propagation model details that are broadband internet access service is avail- main unserved by providers; as accurate and granular as, or more accu- able, and the upload and download speeds at ‘‘(B) a map that depicts the availability of rate and granular than, the maps and model which that service is available, as reported fixed broadband internet access service, details collected by the Commission under to the Commission under this section. which shall be based on data collected by the paragraph (2)(B). ‘‘(C) USE OF CHALLENGES.—The rules issued Commission from providers under subsection ‘‘(4) CERTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION.— to establish the challenge process under sub- (b)(2)(A); and With respect to a provider that submits in- paragraph (A) shall include— ‘‘(C) a map that depicts the availability of formation to the Commission under para- ‘‘(i) a process for the speedy resolution of mobile broadband internet access service, graph (2)— challenges; and which shall be based on data collected by the ‘‘(A) the provider shall include in each sub- ‘‘(ii) a process for the regular and expedi- Commission from providers under subsection mission a certification from a corporate offi- tious updating of the coverage maps and (b)(2)(B); cer of the provider that the officer has exam- granular data disseminated by the Commis- ‘‘(2) use the maps created under paragraph ined the information contained in the sub- sion as challenges are resolved. (1)—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.079 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 ‘‘(A) to determine the areas in which ter- ‘‘(B) not later than 1 year after the date of Senate and the Committee on Energy and restrial fixed, fixed wireless, mobile, and sat- enactment of this title, conclude a process Commerce of the House of Representatives a ellite broadband internet access service is that tests the feasibility of partnering with report that contains the recommendations and is not available; and Federal agencies that operate delivery fleet developed under paragraph (1). ‘‘(B) when making any new award of fund- vehicles, including the United States Postal ‘‘SEC. 805. COST. ing with respect to the deployment of Service, to facilitate the collection and sub- ‘‘(a) USF.—The Commission may not use broadband internet access service; mission of information described in that funds from the universal service programs of ‘‘(3) update the maps created under para- paragraph; and the Commission established under section graph (1) not less frequently than biannually ‘‘(C) not later than 14 months after the 254, and the regulations issued under that using the most recent data collected from date of enactment of this title, publish on section, to pay for any costs associated with providers under subsection (b)(2); the website of the Commission, and submit this title. ‘‘(4) consult with— to the Committee on Commerce, Science, ‘‘(b) OTHER FUNDS.—The Commission may ‘‘(A) the Secretary of Agriculture to enable and Transportation of the Senate and the recover costs associated with this title under the Secretary of Agriculture to consult the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the section 9 to the extent provided for in an ap- maps created under paragraph (1) when con- House of Representatives, a report regarding propriation Act, as required under sub- sidering the awarding of funds for the de- the testing described in subparagraph (B), section (a) of that section. ployment of broadband internet access serv- which shall include— ‘‘SEC. 806. OTHER PROVISIONS. ice under any program administered by the ‘‘(i) a determination regarding whether the ‘‘(a) OMB.—Notwithstanding any other Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service; partnerships with Federal agencies described provision of law, the initial rule making re- and in that subparagraph are able to facilitate quired under section 802(a)(1) shall be exempt ‘‘(B) the National Telecommunications and the collection and submission of information from review by the Office of Management Information Administration to enable the described in paragraph (1); and and Budget. Administration to consult the maps created ‘‘(ii) any steps that the Commission plans ‘‘(b) PRA.—Chapter 35 of title 44, United under paragraph (1) when considering the to take to facilitate the partnerships de- States Code (commonly known as the ‘Paper- awarding of funds for the deployment of scribed in that subparagraph. work Reduction Act’) shall not apply to the ‘‘(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIAN broadband internet access service under any initial rule making required under section TRIBES.— future program administered by the Admin- 802(a)(1). ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), istration; ‘‘(c) EXECUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.—Ex- the Commission shall hold workshops for ‘‘(5) make available to any Federal agency, cept as provided in section 802(b)(1)(A)(ii), Tribal governments in each of the 12 Bureau upon request, the maps created under para- the Commission— of Indian Affairs regions to provide technical graph (1); and ‘‘(1) including the offices of the Commis- assistance with the collection and submis- ‘‘(6) make public at an appropriate level of sion, shall carry out the responsibilities as- sion of data under section 802(a)(2). granularity— signed to the Commission under this title; ‘‘(2) ANNUAL REVIEW.—Each year, the Com- ‘‘(A) the maps created under paragraph (1); and mission, in consultation with Indian Tribes, and ‘‘(2) may not delegate any of the respon- shall review the need for continued work- ‘‘(B) the data collected by the Commission sibilities assigned to the Commission under shops required under paragraph (1). with respect to the availability of broadband this title to any third party, including the ‘‘(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL internet access service and the quality of Universal Service Administrative Company. service with respect to broadband internet SERVICE PROVIDERS.—The Commission shall establish a process through which a provider ‘‘(d) REPORTING.—Each fiscal year, the access service. Commission shall submit to the Committee ‘‘(d) DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR QUALITY that has fewer than 100,000 active broadband internet access service connections may re- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation OF SERVICE RULES.—Any requirement of a of the Senate and the Committee on Energy rule issued under subsection (a)(1) that re- quest and receive assistance from the Com- mission with respect to geographic informa- and Commerce of the House of Representa- lates to quality of service shall take effect tives a report that summarizes the imple- not earlier than the date that is 180 days tion system data processing to ensure that the provider is able to comply with the re- mentation of this title and associated en- after the date on which the Commission forcement activities conducted during the issues that rule. quirements under section 802(b) in a timely and accurate manner. previous fiscal year. ‘‘SEC. 803. ENFORCEMENT. ‘‘(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE, ‘‘(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—If the Com- ‘‘It shall be unlawful for an entity or indi- LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS AND CON- mission, before the date of enactment of this vidual to willfully and knowingly, or reck- SUMERS.—The Commission shall provide title, has taken an action that, in whole or lessly, submit information or data under this technical assistance to consumers and State, in part, implements this title, the Commis- title that is materially inaccurate or incom- local, and Tribal governmental entities with sion shall not be required to revisit such ac- plete with respect to the availability of respect to the challenge process established tion to the extent that such action is con- broadband internet access service or the under section 802(b)(5), which shall include— sistent with this title.’’. quality of service with respect to broadband ‘‘(1) detailed tutorials and webinars; and internet access service. ‘‘(2) the provision of staff of the Commis- SA 1269. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ‘‘SEC. 804. IMPROVING DATA ACCURACY. sion to provide assistance, as needed, PORTMAN) proposed an amendment to ‘‘(a) AUDITS.—The Commission shall con- throughout the entirety of the challenge the bill S. 1434, to prohibit the use of duct regular audits of information submitted process. reverse auctions for design and con- to the Commission by providers under sec- ‘‘(f) GAO ASSESSMENT OF FABRIC SOURCE struction services procurements, and tion 802(b)(2) to ensure that the providers are DATA.— complying with this title. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General for other purposes; as follows: ‘‘(b) CROWDSOURCING.— of the United States shall conduct an assess- On page 3, line 12, strike ‘‘, in whole or in ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall ment of key data sources that are used for part, based’’ and insert ‘‘is solely based’’. develop a process through which entities or purposes of the Fabric to identify and individuals in the United States may submit geocode locations where fixed broadband SA 1270. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. specific information about the deployment internet access service can be installed in CARDIN) proposed an amendment to the and availability of broadband internet access order for the Comptroller General to develop bill S. 439, to allow Members of Con- service in the United States on an ongoing recommendations for how the quality and gress to opt out of the Federal Employ- basis so that the information may be used to completeness of those data sources can be ees Retirement System, and allow verify and supplement information provided improved as data sources for the Fabric. Members who opt out of the Federal by providers of broadband internet access ‘‘(2) SOURCES INCLUDED.—For the purposes service for inclusion in the maps created of the assessment conducted under para- Employees Retirement System to con- under section 802(c)(1). graph (1), the key data sources described in tinue to participate in the Thrift Sav- ‘‘(2) COLLABORATION.—As part of the efforts that paragraph shall include— ings Plan; as follows: of the Commission to facilitate the ability of ‘‘(A) any relevant sources of Federal data, On page 2, strike lines 1 through 3 and in- entities and individuals to submit informa- including the National Address Database ad- sert the following: tion under paragraph (1), the Commission ministered by the Department of Transpor- shall— tation; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(A) prioritize the consideration of data ‘‘(B) State- and county-level digitized par- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Members of provided by data collection applications used cel data; and Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification by consumers that the Commission has de- ‘‘(C) property tax attribute recording. Act’’. termined— ‘‘(3) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after ‘‘(i) are highly reliable; and the date of enactment of this title, the SA 1271. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ‘‘(ii) have proven methodologies for deter- Comptroller General of the United States GARDNER (for himself and Mr. mining network coverage and network per- shall submit to the Committee on Com- MANCHIN)) proposed an amendment to formance; merce, Science, and Transportation of the the bill S. 221, to amend title 38, United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.079 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7219 States Code, to require the Under Sec- leging, and credentialing mandatory train- tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the retary of Health to report major ad- ing on— semicolon; and verse personnel actions involving cer- (1) all policies of the Veterans Health Ad- (B) in subparagraph (B)— tain health care employees to the Na- ministration for credentialing and privi- (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- leging; and serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and tional Practitioner Data Bank and to (2) when and how to report adverse actions (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, applicable State licensing boards, and to the National Practitioner Data Bank of including travel expenses, associated with for other purposes; as follows: the Department of Health and Human Serv- attendance at training provided by the Na- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ices, State licensing boards, and other rel- tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the sert the following: evant entities. period; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON UPDATES TO THE (2) by redesignating subsections (c) This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Department VHA HANDBOOK.—It is the sense of Congress through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), re- of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability that— spectively; and Act’’. (1) Congress recognizes that the confusion (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- regarding practices in the Veterans Health lowing new subsection (c): SEC. 2. ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN VETERANS Administration for reporting to State licens- HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. ‘‘(c) A grant under this section for a pur- ing boards stems from a lack of guidance in (a) REPORTING MAJOR ADVERSE ACTIONS TO pose described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of the Veterans Health Administration hand- NATIONAL PRACTITIONER DATA BANK AND subsection (a)(1) may be used, solely or in book 1100.18; STATE LICENSING BOARDS.—Section 7461 of part, for training costs, including travel ex- (2) Congress strongly recommends that the title 38, United States Code, is amended by penses, associated with attendance at train- Secretary of Veterans Affairs update such adding at the end the following new sub- ing provided by the National Cemetery Ad- handbook to ensure that employees of the section: ministration.’’. Veterans Health Administration, officials of ‘‘(f)(1) Whenever the Under Secretary for the Veterans Integrated Services Networks, Health (or an official designated by the SA 1273. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. and officials of the Department of Veterans Under Secretary) brings charges based on MURKOWSKI (for herself and Mr. CRUZ)) Affairs understand and are able to utilize the conduct or performance against a section role of State licensing boards to effectively proposed an amendment to the bill 7401(1) employee and as a result of those prevent instances of failed reporting and fu- H.R. 550, to award a Congressional Gold charges a covered major adverse action is ture patient safety concerns; Medal, collectively, to the United taken against the employee, the Under Sec- (3) Congress recognizes the broad authority States Merchant Mariners of World retary shall, not later than 30 days after the of the Veterans Health Administration to re- date on which such covered major adverse War II, in recognition of their dedi- port to State licensing boards those em- action is carried out— cated and vital service during World ployed or separated health care professionals ‘‘(A) transmit to the National Practitioner War II; as follows: whose behavior and clinical practice so sub- Data Bank of the Department of Health and stantially failed to meet generally-accepted Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Human Services and the applicable State li- standards of clinical practice as to raise rea- sert the following: censing board the name of the employee, a sonable concern for safety of patients and re- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. description of the covered major adverse ac- quests that such handbook is updated to re- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Merchant tion, and a description of the reason for the flect appropriate reporting channels to en- Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold covered major adverse action; and sure employee understanding of those proce- Medal Act of 2019’’. ‘‘(B) update the VetPro System, or suc- dures and authorities; and cessor system, with a record of the covered SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (4) in developing the new handbook, the major adverse action taken and an indica- Congress finds the following: Secretary of Veterans Affairs should consult tion that information was transmitted under (1) 2019 marked the 74th anniversary of Al- with— subparagraph (A). lied victory in World War II. ‘‘(2) The Under Secretary for Health— (A) State licensing boards; (2) The United States Merchant Marine (in ‘‘(A) shall enroll all 7401(1) employees in a (B) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid this section referred to as the ‘‘Merchant continuous query of their record within the Services; Marine’’) was integral in providing the link National Practitioner Data Bank; and (C) the National Practitioner Data Bank of between domestic production and the fight- ‘‘(B) shall develop and implement a mecha- the Department of Health and Human Serv- ing forces overseas, providing combat equip- nism for maintaining and updating the infor- ices; and ment, fuel, food, commodities, and raw ma- mation collected through such continuous (D) the exclusive representative of section terials to troops stationed abroad. query within the VetPro System, or suc- 7401(1) employees. (3) Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King acknowl- (e) SECTION 7401(1) EMPLOYEE DEFINED.—In cessor system, to facilitate the sharing of edged the indispensability of the Merchant this section, the term ‘‘section 7401(1) em- such information between Veterans Inte- Marine to the victory in a 1945 letter stating ployee’’ has the meaning given that term in grated Service Networks. that, without the support of the Merchant section 7461(c)(1) of title 38, United States ‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘covered Marine, ‘‘the Navy could not have accom- Code. major adverse action’ means a major adverse plished its mission’’. (4) President, and former Supreme Com- action with respect to a section 7401(1) em- SA 1272. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ployee that originated from circumstances mander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, BOOZMAN) proposed an amendment to in which the behavior of the employee so Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged that substantially failed to meet generally-ac- the bill S. 2096, to amend title 38, ‘‘through the prompt delivery of supplies and cepted standards of clinical practice as to United States Code, to authorize equipment to our armed forces overseas, and raise reasonable concern for safety of pa- States and tribal organizations that re- of cargoes representing economic and mili- tients.’’. ceive grants from the National Ceme- tary aid to friendly nations, the American (b) PROHIBITION ON SIGNING SETTLEMENTS tery Administration for establishment, Merchant Marine has effectively helped to WITH CERTAIN CLAUSES.— expansion, or improvement of a vet- strengthen the forces of freedom throughout (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in erans’ cemeteries to use amounts of the world’’. paragraph (2), the Secretary of Veterans Af- such grants for State and tribal organi- (5) Military missions and war planning fairs may not enter into a settlement agree- were contingent upon the availability of re- ment relating to an adverse action against a zation cemetery personnel to train at sources and the Merchant Marine played a section 7401(1) employee under which the De- the training center of the National vital role in this regard, ensuring the effi- partment of Veterans Affairs would be re- Cemetery Administration, and for cient and reliable transoceanic transport of quired to conceal a serious medical error or other purposes; as follows: military equipment and both military and a lapse in generally-accepted standards of Strike all after the enacting clause and in- civilian personnel. clinical practice. sert the following: (6) The Merchant Marine provided for the (2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not SECTION 1. TRAINING OF STATE VETERANS CEM- successful transport of resources and per- apply to a negative record if the head of the ETERY PERSONNEL BY NATIONAL sonnel despite consistent and ongoing expo- Office of Accountability and Whistleblower CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION. sure to enemy combatants from both the air Protection of the Department and the Spe- Section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, and the sea, including from enemy bomber cial Counsel (established by section 1211 of is amended— squadrons, submarines, and naval mines. title 5, United States Code) jointly certify (1) in subsection (b)(1)— (7) The efforts of the Merchant Marine that the negative record is not legitimate. (A) in subparagraph (A)— were not without sacrifices as the Merchant (c) TRAINING ON CREDENTIALING AND PRIVI- (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- Marine likely bore a higher per-capita cas- LEGING.—The Under Secretary for Health of serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and ualty rate than any of the military branches the Department of Veterans Affairs shall (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, during the war. provide to all staff of the Veterans Health including travel expenses, associated with (8) The Merchant Marine proved to be an Administration who handle hiring, privi- attendance at training provided by the Na- instrumental asset on an untold number of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.077 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 occasions, participating in every landing op- preference should be given to locations affili- such order not later than 14 days before the eration by the United States Marine Corps, ated with the United States Merchant Ma- preliminary hearing, trial date, or other from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. rine. hearing to which the order is to apply. (9) The Merchant Marine provided the bulk SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS. ‘‘(f) OTHER ORDERS.—A Federal court may tonnage of material necessary for the inva- Under such regulations as the Secretary make such orders as may be necessary to sion of Normandy, an invasion which, ac- may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and preserve the fairness of the proceeding, in- cording to a 1944 New York Times article, sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal cluding imposing restrictions on, and in- ‘‘would not have been possible without the struck under section 3, at a price sufficient structing the jury regarding, the presence of Merchant Marine’’. to cover the costs of the medals, including the certified facility dog during the pro- (10) In assessing the performance of the labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and ceedings. Merchant Marine, General Eisenhower stat- overhead expenses. ‘‘(g) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent a Fed- ed, ‘‘every man in this Allied command is SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS. eral court from providing any other accom- quick to express his admiration for the loy- (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—Medals struck modations to a witness in accordance with alty, courage, and fortitude of the officers under this Act are national medals for pur- applicable law.’’. and men of the Merchant Marine. We count poses of chapter 51 of title 31, United States (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter upon their efficiency and their utter devo- Code. analysis for chapter 223 of title 18, United (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of tion to duty as we do our own; they have States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, never failed us’’. the item relating to section 3502 the fol- (11) During a September 1944 speech, Presi- all medals struck under this Act shall be lowing: dent Franklin D. Roosevelt stated that the considered to be numismatic items. ‘‘3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- Merchant Marine had ‘‘delivered the goods mony in criminal pro- when and where needed in every theater of SA 1274. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ceedings.’’. operations and across every ocean in the big- CORNYN) proposed an amendment to gest, the most difficult, and dangerous trans- the bill S. 1029, to allow the use of cer- SA 1275. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. portation job ever undertaken. As time goes tified facility dogs in criminal pro- CARDIN) proposed an amendment to the on, there will be greater public under- ceedings in Federal courts, and for bill S. 1309, to identify and combat cor- standing of our merchant fleet’s record dur- other purposes; as follows: ing this war’’. ruption in countries, to establish a Strike all after the enacting clause and in- (12) The feats and accomplishments of the tiered system of countries with respect sert the following: Merchant Marine are deserving of broader to levels of corruption by their govern- public recognition. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ments and their efforts to combat such This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Courthouse (13) The United States will be forever corruption, and to assess United States Dogs Act’’. grateful and indebted to these merchant assistance to designated countries in mariners for their effective, reliable, and SEC. 2. USE OF CERTIFIED FACILITY DOG FOR TESTIMONY IN CRIMINAL PRO- order to advance anti-corruption ef- courageous transport of goods and resources CEEDINGS. forts in those countries and better in enemy territory throughout theaters of (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 223 of title 18, serve United States taxpayers; as fol- every variety in World War II. United States Code, is amended by inserting lows: (14) The goods and resources transported after section 3502 the following: by the Merchant Marine saved thousands of Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ‘‘§ 3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- lives and enabled the Allied Powers to claim sert the following: mony in criminal proceedings victory in World War II. SECTION 1. SENSE OF CONGRESS. (15) The Congressional Gold Medal would ‘‘(a) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the It is the sense of Congress that— be an appropriate way to shed further light term ‘certified facility dog’ means a dog that (1) it is in the foreign policy interest of the on the service of the merchant mariners in has graduated from an assistance dog organi- United States to help foreign countries pro- World War II and the instrumental role they zation that is a member of an internation- mote good governance and combat public played in winning that war. ally recognized assistance dog association corruption; (16) Many students of the Merchant Marine that has a primary purpose of granting ac- (2) multiple Federal departments and agen- Academy lost their lives as they sailed creditation based on standards of excellence cies operate programs that promote good through enemy-controlled waters or un- in areas of— governance in foreign countries and enhance loaded cargo in overseas combat areas, and, ‘‘(1) assistance dog acquisition; such countries’ ability to combat public cor- ruption; and as a result, the United States Merchant Ma- ‘‘(2) dog training; (3) the Department of State should— rine Academy is the only institution among ‘‘(3) dog handler training; and (A) promote coordination among the Fed- the 5 Federal academies to be authorized to ‘‘(4) dog placement. ‘‘(b) REQUESTS FOR USE OF CERTIFIED FA- eral departments and agencies implementing carry a battle standard as part of its color CILITY DOGS.—Either party in a criminal pro- programs to promote good governance and guard. ceeding in a Federal court may apply for an combat public corruption in foreign coun- SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. order from the court to allow a certified fa- tries in order to improve effectiveness and (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The Speaker of cility dog, if available, to be present with a efficiency; and the House of Representatives and the Presi- witness testifying before the court through— (B) identify areas in which United States dent pro tempore of the Senate shall make ‘‘(1) in-person testimony; or efforts to help other countries promote good appropriate arrangements for the award, on ‘‘(2) testimony televised by 2-way, closed- governance and combat public corruption behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal of circuit television. could be enhanced. appropriate design to the United States mer- ‘‘(c) CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL.—A Federal SEC. 2. ANNUAL ASSESSMENT. chant mariners of World War II, in recogni- court may enter an order authorizing an (a) IN GENERAL.—For each of the fiscal tion of their dedicated and vital service dur- available certified facility dog to accompany years 2020 through 2026, the Secretary of ing World War II. a witness while testifying at a hearing in ac- State shall assess the capacity and commit- (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- cordance with subsection (b) if the court ment of foreign governments to which the poses of the award described in subsection finds that— United States provides foreign assistance (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this ‘‘(1) the dog to be used qualifies as a cer- under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall tified facility dog; U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) or the Arms Export Con- strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, ‘‘(2) the use of a certified facility dog will trol Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) to combat devices, and inscriptions, to be determined aid the witness in providing testimony; and public corruption. Each such assessment by the Secretary. ‘‘(3) upon a showing by the party seeking shall— (c) AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE MU- an order under subsection (b), the certified (1) utilize independent, third party indica- SEUM.— facility dog is insured for liability protec- tors that measure transparency, account- (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of tion. ability, and corruption in the public sector the gold medal under subsection (a), the gold ‘‘(d) HANDLERS.—Each certified facility dog in such countries, including the extent to medal shall be given to the American Mer- authorized to accompany a witness under which public power is exercised for private chant Marine Museum, where it will be subsection (c) shall be accompanied by a gain, to identify those countries that are available for display as appropriate and handler who is— most vulnerable to public corruption; available for research. ‘‘(1) trained to manage the certified facil- (2) consider, to the extent reliable informa- (2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ity dog by an assistance dog organization de- tion is available, whether the government of Congress that the American Merchant Ma- scribed in subsection (a); and a country identified under paragraph (1)— rine Museum should make the gold medal ‘‘(2) a professional working in the legal (A) has adopted measures to prevent public given to the Museum under paragraph (1) system with knowledge about the legal and corruption, such as measures to inform and available for display elsewhere, particularly criminal justice processes. educate the public, including potential vic- at appropriate locations associated with the ‘‘(e) DEADLINE.—The party seeking an tims, about the causes and consequences of United States Merchant Marine and that order under subsection (b) shall apply for public corruption;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.084 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7221 (B) has enacted laws and established gov- (2) which countries are not meeting such form, if necessary, of the beneficial owner- ernment structures, policies, and practices minimum standards, but are making signifi- ship of contractors, subcontractors, grant- that prohibit public corruption; cant efforts to do so; and ees, cooperative agreement participants, and (C) enforces such laws through a fair judi- (3) which countries are not meeting such other organizations implementing programs cial process; minimum standards and are not making sig- on behalf of the Department of State or the (D) vigorously investigates, prosecutes, nificant efforts to do so. United States Agency for International De- convicts, and sentences public officials who (c) REPORT.—Except as provided in sub- velopment; and participate in or facilitate public corruption, section (d), not later than 180 days after the (D) the establishment of mechanisms for including nationals of such country who are date of the enactment of this Act, and annu- investigating allegations of misappropriated deployed in foreign military assignments, ally thereafter through fiscal year 2026, the resources and equipment. trade delegations abroad, or other similar Secretary of State shall submit a report to SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF EMBASSY ANTI-COR- missions who engage in or facilitate public the appropriate congressional committees, RUPTION POINTS OF CONTACT. corruption; and make such report publicly available. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State (E) prescribes appropriate punishment for Such report shall— shall annually designate an anti-corruption serious, significant corruption that is com- (1) identify the countries described in sub- point of contact at the United States diplo- mensurate with the punishment prescribed section (a)(1) and paragraphs (2) and (3) of matic post to each country identified under for serious crimes; subsection (b); paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 2(b), or (F) prescribes appropriate punishment for (2) describe the methodology and data uti- which the Secretary otherwise determines is significant corruption that provides a suffi- lized in the assessments under subsection (a); in need of such a point of contact. The point ciently stringent deterrent and adequately and of contact shall be the Chief of Mission or reflects the nature of the offense; (3) identify the reasons for the identifica- the Chief of Mission’s designee. (G) convicts and sentences persons respon- tions referred to in paragraph (1). (b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each anti-corrup- sible for such acts that take place wholly or (d) BRIEFING IN LIEU OF REPORT.—The Sec- tion point of contact designated under sub- partly within the country of such govern- retary of State may waive the requirement section (a) shall be responsible for coordi- ment, including, as appropriate, requiring to submit and make publicly available a nating and overseeing the implementation of the incarceration of individuals convicted of written report under subsection (c) if the a whole-of-government approach among the such acts; Secretary— relevant Federal departments and agencies (H) holds private sector representatives ac- (1) determines that publication of such re- operating programs that— countable for their role in public corruption; port would— (1) promote good governance in foreign and (A) undermine existing United States anti- countries; and (I) addresses threats for civil society to corruption efforts in 1 or more countries; or (2) enhance the ability of such countries— monitor anti-corruption efforts; and (B) threaten the national interests of the (A) to combat public corruption; and (3) further consider— United States; and (B) to develop and implement corruption (A) verifiable measures taken by the gov- (2) provides a briefing to the appropriate risk assessment tools and mitigation strate- ernment of a country identified under para- congressional committees that— gies. graph (1) to prohibit government officials (A) identifies the countries described in (c) TRAINING.—The Secretary of State shall from participating in, facilitating, or subsection (a)(1) and paragraphs (2) and (3) of implement appropriate training for anti-cor- condoning public corruption, including the subsection (b); ruption points of contact designated under investigation, prosecution, and conviction of (B) describes the methodology and data subsection (a). such officials; utilized in the assessment under subsection (B) the extent to which such government SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. (a); and provides access, or, as appropriate, makes In this Act: (C) identifies the reasons for such identi- adequate resources available, to civil society (1) CORRUPT ACTOR.—The term ‘‘corrupt fications. organizations and other institutions to com- actor’’ means— (e) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COM- bat public corruption, including reporting, (A) any foreign person or entity that is a MITTEE DEFINED.—In this section, the term investigating, and monitoring; government official or government entity re- (C) the extent to which an independent ju- ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ sponsible for, or complicit in, an act of pub- diciary or judicial body in such country is means— lic corruption; and responsible for, and effectively capable of, (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of (B) any company, in which a person or en- deciding public corruption cases impartially, the Senate; tity described in subparagraph (A) has a sig- on the basis of facts and in accordance with (2) the Committee on Appropriations of the nificant stake, which is responsible for, or law, without any improper restrictions, in- Senate; complicit in, an act of public corruption. fluences, inducements, pressures, threats, or (3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the (2) FOREIGN ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘‘for- interferences, whether direct or indirect, House of Representatives; and eign assistance’’ means assistance made from any source or for any reason; (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the available under— (D) the extent to which such government House of Representatives. (A) the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 cooperates meaningfully with the United SEC. 3. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. U.S.C. 2151 et seq.); or States to strengthen government and judi- For each country identified under para- (B) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. cial institutions and the rule of law to pre- graphs (2) and (3) of section 2(b), the Sec- 2751 et seq.). vent, prohibit, and punish public corruption; retary of State, in coordination with the Ad- (3) GRAND CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘grand (E) the extent to which such government— ministrator of the United States Agency for corruption’’ means public corruption com- (i) is assisting in international investiga- International Development, as appropriate, mitted at a high level of government that— tions of transnational public corruption net- shall— (A) distorts policies or the central func- works and in other cooperative efforts to (1) ensure that a corruption risk assess- tioning of the country; and combat serious, significant corruption, in- ment and mitigation strategy is included in (B) enables leaders to benefit at the ex- cluding cooperating with the governments of the integrated country strategy for such pense of the public good. other countries to extradite corrupt actors; country; and (4) PETTY CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘petty (ii) recognizes the rights of victims of pub- (2) utilize appropriate mechanisms to com- corruption’’ means the unlawful exercise of lic corruption, ensures their access to jus- bat corruption in such countries, including entrusted public power for private gain by tice, and takes steps to prevent such victims by ensuring— low- or mid-level public officials in their from being further victimized or persecuted (A) the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses interactions with ordinary citizens, includ- by corrupt actors, government officials, or in contracts, grants, and cooperative agree- ing by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or embezzle- others; and ments entered into by the Department of ment. (iii) refrains from prosecuting legitimate State or the United States Agency for Inter- (5) PUBLIC CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘public victims of public corruption or whistle- national Development for or in such coun- corruption’’ means the unlawful exercise of blowers due to such persons having assisted tries, which allow for the termination of entrusted public power for private gain, in- in exposing public corruption, and refrains such contracts, grants, or cooperative agree- cluding by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or em- from other discriminatory treatment of such ments, as the case may be, without penalty bezzlement. persons; and if credible indicators of public corruption are f (F) contain such other information relat- discovered; ing to public corruption as the Secretary of (B) the inclusion of appropriate clawback AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO State considers appropriate. or flowdown clauses within the procurement MEET (b) IDENTIFICATION.—After conducting each instruments of the Department of State and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I assessment under subsection (a), the Sec- the United States Agency for International retary of State shall identify, of the coun- Development that provide for the recovery of have a request for one committee to tries described in subsection (a)(1)— funds misappropriated through corruption; meet during today’s session of the Sen- (1) which countries are meeting minimum (C) the appropriate disclosure to the ate. It has the approval of the Majority standards to combat public corruption; United States Government, in confidential and Minority leaders.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.084 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph trepid, and he was an excellent pilot. He eral times over. Kids usually get a 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- received the Distinguished Flying break from their parents when they are ate, the following committee is author- Cross for shooting down four enemy at school. My dad was a teacher at my ized to meet during today’s session of planes in one engagement. As a side high school. He was also a coach and the Senate: note to that, that accommodation was the athletic director, and he drove the COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL issued to him by none other than ADM bus. My mom was the school librarian. RESOURCES John McCain, Senator John McCain’s So I think it is safe to say that my The Committee on Energy and Nat- grandfather. brothers and sister and I were pretty ural Resources is authorized to meet But my dad didn’t and still doesn’t much always under the watchful eye of during the session of the Senate on talk about his own exploits. In fact, my parents. I have to say that I never Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 9:30 had it not been for my mom, I am quite had my dad for a class in high school, a.m., to conduct a hearing. sure I never would have known about but my brother Rich did. Rich was the my dad’s record in World War II. I did valedictorian of his high school class, f have the opportunity to interview him and the only B he got in high school PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR for the Library of Congress’s Veterans was from my dad. That was my dad for History Project a few years back, and you. He never showed any preference or Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask he shared some wonderful details about gave any of his kids better treatment unanimous consent that Virginia Flo- his service. As usual, his focus was than anybody else. In fact, some of us res, a detailee of the Transportation, never on his own achievements but on might argue that he gave us a harder Housing and Urban Development, and those of his fellow pilots. time because we were his kids. But he Related Agencies Subcommittee, be I also probably would never have believed very firmly that you had to granted floor privileges for the debate learned what an outstanding athlete earn your achievements. and action on H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865. my dad was, had it not been for my As a coach, my dad taught us about The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mom. My dad grew up in the small being a team player. He made it clear objection, it is so ordered. town of Murdo, SD, during the Great that being on a team was not about f Depression. They didn’t have a lot, but building your personal statistics but there were a lot of basketball hoops about making the players around you TRIBUTE TO HAROLD THUNE around Murdo. They put them on better. It is a lesson I have carried Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, in 1906, barns, poles, garages, and my dad throughout my life and one that I try two brothers named Nikolai and Mat- learned to play. In fact, he learned to to live by every day. thew Gjelsvik arrived at Ellis Island play so well that he took his high A few years ago, the Jones County from Norway. The only English they school basketball team to the State School District in Murdo named the knew were the words ‘‘apple pie’’ and championship game where, although auditorium in Murdo after my dad in ‘‘coffee,’’ which evidently they learned they lost narrowly, he was named the recognition of his service and achieve- on the boat on the way over. tournament’s most valuable player. ments at the school. It was particu- The immigration officials at Ellis Is- My dad had hoped to attend college larly special since my dad was one of land thought that their name would be in South Dakota, but there was a doc- the volunteers who originally built the too difficult to spell and pronounce in tor in Murdo named Joseph Murphy auditorium back in the 1950s. My dad this country, so they asked them to who thought my dad was good enough would tell me the story that he was change their name. The names, when to play at the University of Minnesota more scared up on the scaffolding of they got to this country, were Nikolai and used his contacts to get my dad up that building than he had ever been Gjelsvik, spelled G-J-E-L-S-V-I-K, and to Hibbing Junior College in hopes that flying off a carrier during World War his brother was named Matthew. the Minnesota Gophers would notice II. You might think that with my dad as So the immigration officials asked him. Well, they did. He went to the coach and athletic director, sports them to change their name, and they Twin Cities on a scholarship and were the main focus around our house. picked the name from the farm where played three seasons for the Gophers. They certainly were a big part of our they worked near Bergen, Norway, He was the team’s most valuable play- lives. But my mom was determined which was called the Thune farm. So er in his junior year. In fact, he was that we would grow up to be well- Nikolai Gjelsvik became Nick Thune, high point man in Madison Square Gar- rounded people, and my dad always my grandfather. den on his birthday, December 28, 1940. In another example of how things supported her in that. They worked He and his brother worked on the have changed through the years, my hard to ensure that we grew up with a railroad as they built it west across dad said that when his team came out perspective on life that went beyond South Dakota. They learned English to play for the second game that night just the latest sporting event. Mom and saved up enough money to start a at the Garden, you couldn’t see the made us take piano lessons and, during small merchandising company and upper deck because of all the cigarette the summers, come in from outside and then later a hardware store in Mitch- smoke. Some things do change for the read for an hour every day. We com- ell, SD. To this day, there is a Thune better. plained at the time, but I know all of Hardware in Mitchell, although the While at the University of Min- us today are grateful to her and my fa- family sold it many years ago. nesota, my dad met a girl who served ther for their investments in that. In 1916, Nick Thune married an Iowa sodas at a drugstore just off campus. Mom and Dad made a good team. girl who had moved to South Dakota to They were married within a couple of Mom was an optimist, and Dad was a teach school, and they had three sons. years while my dad was in flight train- pessimist—or, as he would put it, a re- The middle son, Harold, will turn 100 in ing for the Navy, and they spent the alist—and they balanced each other a few days, and that middle son hap- next almost 69 years together. out well. We didn’t have material pens to be my dad. After the war, they came back to riches growing up, but we were beyond Like many of my colleagues, I send South Dakota. My dad had been think- rich in those things that money can’t congratulatory notes to constituents ing about a career in the Navy, but his buy but that lend purpose, joy, and for big birthdays and anniversaries. I dad asked him to come back and run meaning to life. All of us Thune kids never thought I would have the occa- the family hardware store. My dad said are very, very grateful for that herit- sion to send one to my dad. I figured that his heart sank, but he knew that age. for this one, instead of writing a letter, is what he had to do. So he went home I can’t close without talking about I would come to the floor. and went to work for his dad. The hard- something that was life-changing for My dad is a World War II veteran. He ware store did OK for a while, but my parents, and that was their strong is a member of that ‘‘greatest genera- started to struggle. My dad sold it and faith in Christ. My dad always had real tion,’’ and he shares the qualities of so went back to school and got a teaching discernment and wisdom in no small many in that generation—humility, pa- degree. part because of his daily dependence triotism, quiet service. Dad was a Navy All parents are teachers for their upon God in his life. God blessed him pilot who flew Hellcats off the USS In- kids, but my parents were teachers sev- with it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.085 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7223 As we celebrate my dad’s 100th birth- Ebeltoft’s co-pilot became wounded. Real- dresser, not knowing who the President day, I want to say thank you to you for izing the importance of the mission WO might be or remembering why he should the example of faith, integrity, char- Ebeltoft elected to attempt completion of care, Bill’s losses were greater than most of the mission. Due to his superior knowledge us could endure. Yet, to those who love him, acter, and humility that you have of the aircraft, the helicopter was kept under his brother and his brother’s wife, and their given to me and to Bob and to Rich and control during the period in which the pilot sons, he will always be a brave, accomplished to Karen and to Tim. Thank you for was wounded and the ship was under fire. Re- man, more generous than was wise, more faithfully serving God’s purpose for maining under attack from automatic weap- trusting than was safe. your generation and happy 100th birth- ons fire, the supply mission was successfully It is not possible to wrap your arms around day. completed. While unloading the supplies, WO a loved one who leaves. But it is possible to I yield the floor. Ebeltoft received word that there were five wrap your heart around a memory. Bill’s will The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- emergency medical evacuation cases located be well taken care of. 200 meters to his rear. WO Ebeltoft re-posi- ator from Montana. I yield the floor. tioned his helicopter and picked up the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- f wounded personnel. While evacuating the ator from Ohio. wounded, the commanding officer of Com- REMEMBERING WILLIAM pany B was injured. WO Ebeltoft again ma- f EBELTOFT neuvered his aircraft to enable evacuation of UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, we have the injured officer. WO Ebeltoft then pro- TRADE AGREEMENT had a fruitful day here today. We ceeded to evacuate all injured personnel by the fastest possible means. Upon completion, Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I am passed a lot of bills. We did it in a bi- examination of the aircraft revealed that the here on the floor again for the third partisan way. I want to thank both aircraft had sustained nine enemy .30 caliber time in 3 weeks to talk about the U.S.- Leader MCCONNELL and Leader SCHU- hits. Mexico agreement, USMCA. MER for their good work, as well as Bill got the medal, of course, but he would Just a few moments ago, this trade Chairman SHELBY and Ranking Mem- have been the last to say anything about it. agreement passed the House of Rep- The citation shows the type of man that he, ber LEAHY for their good work on these resentatives by a vote of 385 to 41. That bills. and many of his brothers-in-arms in Vietnam were; and still are today, albeit battered is extraordinary. Trade agreements Today, I am going to do something hard and unfairly by the cruel winds of the sometimes tend to be pretty controver- that I have never done before. I am time in which they fought. sial and, more recently in our history, going to read an obituary about a man After being discharged as a decorated hero, pretty partisan. In this case, Repub- I don’t believe I have ever met, even Bill had a rough re-entry into civilian life. It licans and Democrats alike helped ne- though I was in the Veterans’ Home of is not necessary to recount Bill’s portion of gotiate a good agreement, and Repub- Columbia Falls while he was there. what is an all-too-common story for wartime licans and Democrats alike supported This obituary was passed on to me by veterans, particularly those of the Vietnam era. It may be sufficient to say that after a it. my wife, who got it from a friend. It is run at business, a marriage and while grap- Let’s now get that agreement over incredibly powerful because, quite pling daily with his demons, his mental fac- here. Let’s not wait. The people in Ohio frankly, it is about one man, but it is ulties escaped him. Bill became a resident of and all around in country who are actually about a generation of men and the Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls, Mon- going to benefit from it need those ben- women who served in Vietnam. tana in 1994. He lived there for the next 26 efits now. This guy’s name was William years. So I am very pleased that the Presi- Ebeltoft. The obituary goes like this: At the Home, the patina of his memory dent and his U.S. Trade Representa- covered life’s sorrows, and it was a blessing. ‘‘Not everyone who lost his life in Vietnam Bill was happy there, living a life that was a tive, Bob Lighthizer, patiently nego- died there.’’ The saying is true for CW2 Wil- strange mixture of hunting stories, pickup tiated with Speaker PELOSI and House liam C. Ebeltoft. He died on December 15, trucks and memories of some of his better Democrats and were able to get some- 2019 at the Veteran’s Home in Columbia times with women, friends and the outdoor thing done, and now it is close to be- Falls, Montana. He died 50 years after he life. Bill denied that anyone he loved had coming the law of the land. All it needs lost, in Vietnam, all that underpinned his died; could not understand why anyone is a vote over here from the Senate and life. He was 73 years old. would fill with gas at four bucks a gallon then the President will sign it into law. Everyone called him ‘‘Bill.’’ He was loved when ‘‘Johnny’s Standard sells it for 27 by the nursing staff who cared for him. He Thanks to important measures de- cents;’’ and still ‘‘drove’’ his 1968 Dodge signed to strengthen our economy, cre- was loved by the fellow veterans with whom Charger. He was unfailingly courteous. His he lived; those he helped when he was able largest concerns were making his smoke ate more jobs, and increase market ac- and entertained with funny German slang breaks and finding his wallet (a search of 26 cess, this new agreement, the USMCA, and a stint at the piano when he could. He years.) actually helps to level the playing field was a virtuoso when playing ‘‘Waltzing Ma- In the past year, Bill’s shaky grip on phys- between the United States and Canada tilda.’’ ical health also slipped through his fingers. and Mexico. His small family loved him dearly. He was Yet, despite this, what we loved in him re- First of all, it is going to result in preceded in death by his parents, Paul and mained, if only sometimes as a shadow. Even more jobs. The independent Inter- Mary Ebeltoft of Dickinson, North Dakota, after his serious decline, suffering fractures national Trade Commission has said whose devotion and care for their war-dam- because of falls, Bill would tell the staff that aged boy was strong and unfailing. He is sur- he was ‘‘just fine’’ and not to worry about over 170,000 new jobs. That is mid- vived by his brother, Paul Ebeltoft, and the him. Thin, hunched over, propelling himself range. It could be a lot more than that. one he loved as the sister he never had, with one foot, he would wheel himself into But they have also said that these Paul’s wife, Gail. . . . It is difficult to write the room of a bed-ridden veteran and sit are good-paying jobs. Jobs in trade about Bill. He lived three lives: before, dur- there, next to the bed, unspeaking. The nurs- tend to pay about 15 percent higher on ing and after Vietnam. Before Vietnam, Bill ing staff was certain that Bill thought that average, and they have better benefits. was a handsome man, who wore clothing the man in bed was lonely and needed com- So this is a bunch of good jobs. well; a man with white, straight teeth that pany. By the way, they estimate that at showed in his ready smile. A state champion Bill was always a proud man, remembering least 20,000 jobs in the auto industry trap shooter, a low handicap golfer, a 218-av- himself as he was in 1969, not as he became. erage bowler, a man of quick, earthy wit, Who are we to suggest differently? His was will come to the United States that with a fondness for children, old men, hunt- not a life that many would wish for, but in would not have come otherwise. I come ing, fast cars, and a cold Schlitz. He told some ways, Bill was a lucky man. He was from Ohio, a big auto State. It is a jokes well. surrounded to the end by staff who enjoyed State that cares a lot about manufac- During Vietnam, he lived with horrors of and respected him. He had a chance to be turing and, specifically, autos, and which he would only seldom speak. Slow Mo- helpful to others who were doing less well they are both going to be helped by tion Four, Bill’s personal call sign, logged than he. And the passing of the seasons never this agreement. thousands of helicopter flight hours per- diminished his plans for another elk hunt or Part of the way that it is going to forming Forward Support Base resupply to ‘‘see that beautiful girl again this week- create jobs here is by leveling the play- landings, medical evacuations, exfils and gun end.’’ ship runs. We know of him there mostly When a small slice of reality penetrated ing field on labor standards and enforc- through medals for valor he received, and his pleasant confusion, Bill struggled to un- ing those standards. these were many. . . . While attempting to derstand why he was where he was. Pre- Also, it has higher content require- resupply B Company, [Warrant Officer] maturely aged, his worldly goods in a small ments for U.S.-made steel and intra

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.070 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 auto parts that go into an automobile. Many of my colleagues, particularly by the way, over 1,000 farm groups have As an example, USMCA requires that on the other side of the aisle, held that come out in support of USMCA. 70 percent of the steel going into cars agreement up as one that would have There are a lot of folks I hear talking come from North America. There is no been great for America and that we who say one side won or one side lost provision like that in the status quo, in should be part of it. I think it is impor- in the negotiations over USMCA. I the NAFTA agreement. So this is a big tant that we trade with our neighbors don’t think that is it. I think because improvement for us to drive more jobs in Latin America and in the Pacific of the hard work of U.S. Trade Rep- here in America with regard to the Rim, but, frankly, that agreement that resentative Bob Lighthizer and the steel production that goes into auto- was touted as being so great had less Trump administration and President mobiles. than half of the economic growth that Trump himself supporting this and But, second, it says that 75 percent of we are talking about here. So this has pushing it, I think neither side won but the overall content in USMCA auto- more than doubled the economic the American people won. And isn’t mobiles that are sold through this growth we saw in the TPP. that nice to see? I think that is why agreement have to be from North Second, the USMCA means new rules you saw today on the floor of the House America. That is a big jump. In the of the road for online sales. This is of Representatives a vote of 385 to 41. current agreement, instead of 75 per- really important. So much of our econ- I think now more people are going to cent, NAFTA has 62.5 percent. omy today and our commerce takes be able to benefit from trade with these What does that mean? It means that place online, and yet there is nothing two countries. For Ohio, Canada is, by if you make a car, say, in Mexico, and in NAFTA on it. If you think about it, far, our largest trading partner. Mexico is No. 2. So this is a big deal. It is more it has a bunch of parts in it that come 25 years ago there was no significant modernized trade. We have replaced an from other countries, say, Japan or online commerce, and so there is noth- agreement that has shown its age with China or Germany, they can’t take ad- ing in the agreement. Whereas, in this unenforceable labor standards and en- vantage of the USMCA’s lower tariffs agreement, there are a few things that unless they have at least 75 percent vironmental standards, non-existent are very important. digital economy provisions, and out- North American content. So that is a For my State of Ohio and, really, for dated rules-of-origin provisions. This big difference. our entire country, a lot of our com- Now, there are some, including on changes all that. merce is done online now. We have a We waited long enough. It is time, my side of the aisle, that have criti- lot of small businesses engaged in it. cized this provision and said that some- now that the House has voted—as I They want to do business with Mexico said, this evening, which was great how this is a protectionist provision. and Canada, but they have no protec- Let me just make this point. We are news—to get that legislation over here tions—no protections from tariffs. to ensure that we do have great victory agreeing with Canada and Mexico that They can be assessed on that trade. we are going to have a new agreement for American farmers, for small busi- This says no tariffs. nesses, for our manufacturers, for our with them that lowers barriers, tariffs, Also, data localization is something and non-tariff barriers on our borders online businesses, and so many others. some countries are doing to American I look forward to the opportunity to with Canada and Mexico. We are taking online companies. So if you are in on- advantage of that, with each other be able to vote for it over here. line commerce in America, another f trading back and forth. That is why we country may say: Do you know what? will have more trade. That is why we You can do business in our country COMBATING METH AND COCAINE will have more jobs. only if you localize your data, meaning ACT If other countries want to take ad- the servers have to be in our country— Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I vantage of that by coming into Mexico in Mexico or in Canada, as an example. would also like to talk for a moment or Canada and adding parts to the cars, This agreement says no. It prohibits about the legislation we just passed on they are free riders because they are that data localization requirement, the appropriations side. not giving us the reciprocal access to which allows us to sell more to those There were two bills. One focused their markets as Canada and Mexico countries without having to place our more on the national security and de- are. That is why I think this agree- servers there. fense side. There are a lot of good ment makes sense. It also says that the de minimis level things in there for Ohio, including the Now, I think it will incentivize two on customs duties for sales online is in- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and things. One, it will incentivize more creased. This saves money because peo- also for the Lima Tank Plant. Also, jobs here—auto jobs, manufacturing much more importantly, it is good for jobs, steel jobs. But, second, it will ple can now be involved in commerce with Canada and Mexico and not pay as our military—for our men and women incentivize those other countries to in uniform, who are on the frontlines enter into a trade agreement with us. much in terms of the customs duties and the tariffs, but there are also in- every day, sacrificing for us. We have talked about this with We have shown through this legisla- Japan. We have taken the first step in credible administrative burdens being lifted by not having to worry about tion we just passed that we appreciate starting to put together what is consid- them. There is not only a pay raise, but ered a broader free trade agreement. I that. So this is good for us because we do a lot of online commerce here. also we are providing them the equip- hope we get to one. It would be impor- ment and the modern technology they tant. Third, I would say that American farmers are strongly behind this agree- need to be able to be successful. But if they can simply free ride on But I also noticed in the agreement ment for a good reason, which is that it existing agreements by having their that just passed, the first appropria- opens up more markets for them and stuff be transshipped from another tions bill, that there is really impor- adds more certainty for them. Again, country into the United States to take tant language with regard to the drug advantage of the lower tariffs that we the NAFTA accord is 25 years old, and crisis that we face in this country. are providing to Canada and Mexico, we had hoped during the last 25 years I see my colleague SHELDON WHITE- they wouldn’t have that incentive to that we would get at some of the pro- HOUSE is on the floor. I have worked trade with us with their own agree- tectionist policies, particularly with with him over the years on the Com- ment. So I think this is a good thing regard to Canada and with regard to prehensive Addiction and Recovery for encouraging more trade agreements dairy and wheat and other issues, but Act. Now we have a CARA 2.0 bill that and more trade openness. we didn’t have much success until now. we would like to see passed. The International Trade Commission Now, with the USMCA, we have the But the bottom line is that this also tells us that the USMCA is going ability to send more of our stuff to House and Senate and President Obama to grow our economy. In fact, they say these countries, and that is why the ag and now President Trump have begun it is going to grow our economy by community is so excited about it. Be- to address this problem in different double the gross domestic product of tween bad weather, low prices, and a ways over the last 3 or 4 years, and it that which was projected under the shrinking China market, our farmers is beginning to work. We are finally be- Trans-Pacific Partnership. Some may have been hit hard, and this is a light ginning to see, with regard to the remember that agreement, the TPP. at the end of the tunnel. That is why, opioid crisis, some success.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.072 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7225 Recall that the opioid crisis is the that on the streets of Columbus, Day- Congress showing that we can be flexi- worst drug epidemic we have ever faced ton, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, crystal ble and continue to fight a many-front in this country. In 2017, 72,000 Ameri- meth is sometimes less expensive than war on this issue. It is not just about cans lost their lives to overdoses. That marijuana and yet much more powerful opioids. It is about addiction. is more than we lost in the entire Viet- and much more dangerous. We also need to pass the authoriza- nam war. Last year, we had a little So it is important that here in Con- tion bill, the Combating Meth and Co- better number. After 12 years of in- gress we focus on how to respond to caine Act, and I hope that we will be creases every year in overdose deaths, that. Although we have some great leg- able to do that after the first of the finally, last year, we had a slight de- islation out there with regard to opioid year to ensure that we can continue to crease, and I think it is because of a lot addiction, treatment, recovery, and address these public health threats and of good work that has been done here, how to deal with this, we have not done we can continue to provide for those particularly with regard to the opioid as well with regard to these new drugs whose future is so dim because of the crisis. coming in. addiction, and instead they be able to In Ohio, unfortunately, we have been Part of the solution, of course, is to achieve their God-given purpose in life. in the center of the storm. We have build up our security at our southern I yield the floor. been one of the top two or three States border, where we have seen larger and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- in the country in terms of overdose larger quantities of crystal meth, man- ator from Ohio. ufactured in Mexico, being brought deaths. f Last year, in 2018, because of all the into our country by these cartels from hard work we have done here at the super labs, as they call them, in Mex- SIGNING AUTHORITY Federal level, at the State level, and at ico. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask the local level, we actually saw a de- By the way, there were crystal meth unanimous consent that I be author- crease. We led the country with a 22- labs over the years, but the volume was ized to sign duly enrolled bills and percent decrease in overdose deaths. So not nearly as high, and the cost was joint resolutions during today’s session that is the good news, and it is because much higher. Now that it is cheaper of Congress. of the Comprehensive Addiction Recov- and there is higher volume, you see the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ery Act, which is bipartisan and which meth labs in our communities closing objection, it is so ordered. is working to provide more treatment down, but for the wrong reason. It is The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. and recovery services, to provide better not being made here anymore because SCOTT of Florida). The Majority Lead- prevention, and to provide more the stuff coming from Mexico is so er. much more pure, more powerful, more Narcan to reverse the effects of f deadly, and less expensive. overdoses. It is also because of the 21st So for the people already struggling IMPEACHMENT Century Cures Act, which provides with methamphetamine or cocaine ad- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, for funding for evidence-based programs to diction, it is important that they have the States and the States decide how it the information of all of our col- access to treatment, too, so they can leagues, earlier this afternoon, my is spent. get help. I was back home just this past week friend the Democratic leader and I had What I have heard at the local level a cordial conversation. We discussed a meeting with people who are getting is this: We appreciate the funding on the benefit of those programs. On Mon- potential path forward following the opioids, but we want more flexibility House Democrats’ precedent-breaking day, I was at a home in Dayton, OH, now to be able to use this funding to that provides residential treatment for impeachment of President Trump. Our combat what is, in many of our com- conversation was cordial, but my women who are addicted and pregnant munities, in Ohio, even a bigger prob- and helps their children to be able to friend from New York continues to in- lem, which is crystal meth and some- sist on departing from the unanimous overcome the neonatal abstinence syn- times cocaine. bipartisan precedent that 100 Senators drome when they are born to a mother So I am pleased to say that in the approved before the beginning of Presi- who is using. It is beginning to work. legislation that we just passed here I met two mothers who have turned this evening, legislation that provides dent Clinton’s trial. their lives around, and I saw a beau- appropriations to deal with this addic- Back in 1999, Senators recognized tiful baby who, at 5 weeks old, is going tion issue, we have provided that flexi- that there might well be disagreements into the world brighter, cheerier, and bility. We have said: Yes, we are going about questions that would arise at the with more opportunity because of the to continue to provide grants to help middle and end of the trial, such as work that we have done here to provide with regard to prevention and treat- witnesses. Here is what happened: All funding to help. ment and recovery and help with re- 100 Senators endorsed a commonsense But I will say we have found, having gard to getting people back on their solution. We divided the process into made progress on opioids, that other feet and helping law enforcement, but two stages. The first resolution passed drugs are starting to come into our we are going to allow local commu- unanimously before the trial began. It communities. This is not just an opioid nities to use this funding both for laid the groundwork, such as sched- problem. This is an addiction problem, opioids and for crystal meth and other uling and structured early steps like and addiction is a disease that must be drugs. opening arguments. Mid-trial questions treated like other diseases. So my hope is that what we will see such as witnesses were left until the Although we have made progress, we is some of the same progress we have middle of the trial when Senators could can’t rest on our laurels. When I talk made in opioids now happen with re- make a more informed judgment about to those on the frontlines, as I did on gard to some of these other substances. that more contentious issue. All 100 Monday in Dayton with law enforce- I have introduced a bill called the Senators, including me, including Mr. ment—the sheriff was there for Mont- Combating Meth and Cocaine Act—I in- SCHUMER, and a number of our col- gomery County—but also to treatment troduced it in June of this year—to leagues on both sides who were here in providers, to those who are in the allow this kind of flexibility. That is 1999 endorsed the first resolution as a trenches, and talking to those who are an authorization bill that has already bipartisan, minimalist first step. recovering addicts who were there, been introduced, and we have good bi- As of today, however, we remain at they tell me about what is happening, partisan support for that. an impasse because my friend the which is that, increasingly, other But we went ahead today in these ap- Democratic leader continues to de- drugs, including psychostimulants like propriations bill and did it for this mand a new and different set of rules crystal meth and cocaine, are making a year. So for this fiscal year, essen- for President Trump. He wants to horrible comeback in those commu- tially, that legislation will be in effect. break from that unanimous bipartisan nities. So for 2020 we are going to provide that precedent and force an all-or-nothing Crystal meth coming in from Mexico flexibility. approach. My colleague wants a special is more pure and less expensive than I applaud the Senate appropriators pretrial guarantee of certain witnesses ever. In fact, law enforcement tells me for doing that. Again, I am proud of whom the House Democrats themselves

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.073 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 did not bother to pursue as they assem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- bled their case, or he wants to proceed objection, it is so ordered. sent that the Committee on Homeland without giving any organizational res- f Security and Governmental Affairs be olution whatsoever. As I said, we re- discharged from further consideration SECURING AMERICAN NONPROFIT main at an impasse on these logistics. of H.R. 2476 and the Senate proceed to ORGANIZATIONS AGAINST TER- For myself, I continue to believe that its immediate consideration. RORISM ACT OF 2019 the unanimous bipartisan precedent The PRESIDING OFFICER. The that was good enough for President Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, as we clerk will report the bill by title. all know, there have been increased in- Clinton ought to be good enough for The senior assistant legislative clerk cidents of violence and threats against President Trump. Fair is fair. read as follows: Now, of course, there is the matter of some of our faith-based institutions the Articles of Impeachment them- over the past decade. The FBI has been A bill (H.R. 2476) to amend the Homeland able to monitor this and unfortunately Security Act of 2002 to provide funding to se- selves. It is a highly unusual step. The cure nonprofit facilities from terrorist at- House continues to hem and haw about tells us that these attacks are likely to tacks, and for other purposes. whether and when she intends to take continue. We need to do a better job of the normal next step and transmit the figuring out how to disrupt these at- There being no objection, the com- House’s accusations over here to the tacks but also to harden these facili- mittee was discharged, and the Senate Senate. Some House Democrats imply ties. proceeded to consider the bill. they are withholding the articles for When the Tree of Life synagogue in Mr. PORTMAN. I further ask that some kind of leverage so they can dic- Pittsburgh was attacked, it was the the bill be considered read a third time tate the Senate process to Senators. worst anti-Semitic violence in the his- and passed and the motion to recon- I admit, I am not sure what leverage tory of our country. Shortly after that, sider be considered made and laid upon there is in refraining from sending us I went to Youngstown, OH, which is the table with no intervening action or something we do not want; but, alas, if very near the Pittsburgh synagogue debate. they can figure that out, they can ex- that was attacked. It was within the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without plain it. Meanwhile, other House next week or two afterwards, and there objection, it is so ordered. Democrats seem to be suggesting they were very raw feelings, as you can The bill (H.R. 2476) was ordered to a prefer never to transmit the articles. imagine. We talked about what was third reading, was read the third time, That is fine with me, and the Speaker needed to provide better protection for and passed. houses of worship—our synagogues, our of the House herself has been unclear FALLEN WARRIOR BATTLEFIELD CROSS on this. Her message has been some- churches, our mosques—and we came MEMORIAL ACT up with an idea to provide for a grant what muddled. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, an- program from the expertise of the De- So here is where we are, Mr. Presi- other bill has been cleared tonight that partment of Homeland Security where dent. We have a curious situation I would like to ask the U.S. Senate to they could provide best practices, con- where, following House Democrats’ provide unanimous consent for. This is sulting, placement of cameras, you rush to impeachment, following weeks legislation called the Fallen Warrior know, where it is necessary to harden of pronouncement about the urgency of Battlefield Cross Memorial Act. This facilities, where it is necessary to have the situation, the prosecutors appear comes out of a situation in Ohio where a door with locks—simple things that to have developed cold feet. The House some of our veterans were not per- Democrat prosecution seems to have can save lives. That program has now been appro- mitted to have a battlefield cross at gotten cold feet and to be unsure of their grave site. whether they even want to proceed to priated. In the legislation we just the trial. passed, there was a $90 million appro- Senator BROWN, myself, and other As I said, a very unusual spectacle priation for this program. The Jewish Members have been supportive of this and, in my view, certainly not one that community, the Christian community, legislation, and tonight I am pleased to reflects well on the House. So we will the Muslim community, the Sikh com- say that we now have unanimous con- see whether House Democrats ever munity, the Hindu community, and sent from the other side of the aisle to want to work up the courage to actu- others are very supportive of this pro- proceed with it. ally take their accusations to trial. gram. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Let me close with this: I am proud H.R. 2476 is the legislation I am talk- sent that the Committee on Veterans’ that the Senate came together today ing about this evening, called the Se- Affairs be discharged from further con- to confirm more well-qualified nomi- curing American Nonprofit Organiza- sideration of H.R. 1424 and that the nees and to pass major legislation for tions Against Terrorism Act. Tonight, Senate proceed to its immediate con- the American people. I am hopeful that we can pass, by sideration. I wish all of my colleagues a merry unanimous consent, this legislation. In The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Christmas, happy holidays, and a joy- the appropriations bill, there is a $90 clerk will report the bill by title. ous new year. I hope everyone enjoys million appropriation from Congress The senior assistant legislative clerk this important time with their families for the program for this fiscal year. read as follows: Our authorization bill is at $75 million. and loved ones. We will see you in 2020. A bill (H.R. 1424) to amend title 38, United f Again, it is a very important program. States Code, to ensure the Secretary of Vet- I am pleased that the Department of erans Affairs permits the display of Fallen ORDER OF BUSINESS Homeland Security has recently Soldier Displays in national cemeteries. changed its rules to allow these insti- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, fi- There being no objection, the com- tutions to use the funds not just for nally, for the information of all of our mittee was discharged, and the Senate cameras, locks, and other hardening colleagues, the Senate will convene on proceeded to consider the bill. Friday, January 3, to kick off the 2nd but also for armed guards where nec- Mr. PORTMAN. I ask unanimous session of the 116th Congress. However, essary. Sadly, it is necessary to disrupt consent that the bill be considered read no rollcall votes are expected that day, and stop some of these hate crimes a third time and passed and the motion and Members should be prepared to be that are occurring. to reconsider be considered made and back and voting on Monday, January 6. Senator MIKE LEE had some concerns I suggest the absence of a quorum. about the cost. I understand his con- laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cern. We are going to keep the cost in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without clerk will call the roll. an efficient and effective manner— objection, it is so ordered. The bill clerk proceeded to call the going to the organizations that really The bill (H.R. 1424) was ordered to a roll. need it. I appreciate his talking to me third reading, was read the third time, Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask about that tonight and his willingness and passed. unanimous consent that the order for to allow us to move forward on this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- the quorum call be rescinded. legislation. jority leader.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.075 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7227 EXECUTIVE SESSION order; and that any statements related Lindsay C. Fair, of Texas to the nominations be printed in the Leslie M. Fenton, of California RECORD. Owen P. Fletcher, of California EXECUTIVE CALENDAR William West Follmer, of Maryland The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Jean M. Foster, of Colorado Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. Nicholas J. Geboy, of the District of Colum- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The question is, Will the Senate ad- bia ate proceed to executive session and to vise and consent to the Chapman, Gra- Elizabeth A. Gee, of Florida the consideration of the following nom- ham, and Graham (Reappointment) Juliana E. Hanson, of North Carolina ination: Executive Calendar No. 497. nominations, en bloc? Richard E. Heater, of Texas The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The nominations were confirmed en Dennie S. Hoopingarner, of Michigan objection, it is so ordered. bloc. Jeffry A. Jackson, of Connecticut Joshua W. Kamp, of New York The clerk will report the nomination. f Joseph J. Kim, of the District of Columbia The senior assistant legislative clerk Olena A. Krawciw, of Virginia read the nomination of LaJuana S. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Laura A. MacArthur, of California Wilcher, of Kentucky, to be a Member Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Caroline J. Mann, of Florida of the Board of Directors of the Federal ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Brian C. McKean, of Florida Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. ate proceed to the consideration of the Keavy C. Nahan, of Texas There being no objection, the Senate following nomination: Executive Cal- Paul A. Roelle, of Pennsylvania Jennine R. Rudnitski, of Minnesota proceeded to consider the nomination. endar No. 553. Timothy C. Sarraille, of Virginia Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Adam L. Schick, of Washington consent that the Senate vote on the clerk will report the nomination. Cigdem Zeynep Soyluoglu-Hoyt, of Cali- nomination with no intervening action The senior assistant legislative clerk fornia or debate; that if confirmed, the mo- read the nomination of J. Brett Tyler J. Stoddard, of Idaho tion to reconsider be considered made Blanton, of Virginia, to be Architect of Shravan Surendra, of Virginia and laid upon the table and the Presi- the Capitol for the term of ten years. Brittany D. Thompson, of Virginia dent be immediately notified of the Aaron D. Tiffany, of Washington There being no objection, the Senate Dimitri Varmazis, of Massachusetts Senate’s action; that no further mo- proceeded to consider the nomination. Jonathan Blake Vaughan, of Tennessee tions be in order and that any state- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Tamara Lyn Picardo Rivera Wilson, of Vir- ments related to the nomination be consent that the Senate vote on the ginia printed in the RECORD. nomination with no intervening action Kathryn M. Wiseman, of Texas The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there or debate; that if confirmed, the mo- The following-named Career Members of an objection? tion to reconsider be considered made the Foreign Service for promotion into the Without objection, it is so ordered. and laid upon the table and the Presi- Senior Foreign Service, as a Career Member The question is, Will the Senate ad- dent be immediately notified of the of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Coun- vise and consent to the Wilcher nomi- selor, and a Consular Officer and a Secretary Senate’s action; that no further mo- in the Diplomatic Service of the United nation? tions be in order; and that any state- States of America: The nomination was confirmed. ments related to the nomination be Gharun S. Lacy, of Maryland f printed in the RECORD. David Mango, of New York EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The following-named Members of the For- objection, it is so ordered. eign Service of the Department of State to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The question is, Will the Senate ad- be a Consular Officer and a Secretary in the ask unanimous consent that the Com- vise and consent to the Blanton nomi- Diplomatic Service of the United States of mittee on Commerce, Science, and nation? America: Transportation be discharged from The nomination was confirmed. Kara Miriam Abramson, of the District of PN1228 and the Senate proceed to the Columbia en bloc consideration of the following f Eunice O. Ajayi, of Maryland nominations: PN1228, Executive Cal- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Dane Dixson Allen-Bryant, of the District of Columbia endar Nos. 492 and 496. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Robert Steven Baker, of Virginia consent that the Committee on For- Daniel Dee Barello, of Virginia objection, it is so ordered. eign Relations be discharged and the Kevin Silas Barlow, of Georgia The clerk will report the nomina- Senate proceed to the consideration of Nikki Barnes, of Maryland tions en bloc. PN1318, 1319, and 1321; that the nomina- Tyra Zuri Hayes Beaman, of Virginia The senior assistant legislative clerk tions be confirmed; that the motions to Aaron Walter Becker, of Virginia read the nominations of Thomas B. reconsider be considered made and laid Rami Lowell Blair, of Rhode Island Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member Joseph Thorel Bodell, of Virginia upon the table with no intervening ac- Miguel Alexander Boluda, of the District of of the National Transportation Safety tion or debate; that no further motions Board for a term expiring December 31, Columbia be in order; that any statements to the Samantha R. BonenClark, of Florida 2023; Michael Graham, of Kansas, to be nominations be printed in the RECORD Stefanie Michelle Braswell, of the District of a Member of the National Transpor- and the President be immediately noti- Columbia tation Safety Board for a term expiring fied of the Senate’s action. Daniel John Buchman, of New York December 31, 2020; Michael Graham, of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Thomas Adams Buckley, of Virginia Kansas, to be a Member of the National objection, it is so ordered. Robert Scott Bunch, of Virginia Taryn E. Burton, of Virginia Transportation Safety Board for a The nominations considered and con- term expiring December 31, 2025. (Re- Randall Eugene Bussman, of Virginia firmed are as follows: Coleman David Butterworth, of Virginia appointment) The following-named Members of the For- There being no objection, the com- Corinne Denise Calabro, of Virginia eign Service of the Department of State to Nichelle I. Carter, of Maryland mittee was discharged, and the Senate be a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Offi- Caitlin Marie Cassot, of Washington proceeded to consider the nominations cer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Serv- Eduardo Castillo, Jr., of Texas en bloc. ice of the United States of America: Min-Ling Chang, of Maryland Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Shon Stephen Belcher, of the District of Co- Lillian Katharine Chreky, of Virginia consent that the Senate vote on the lumbia Anthony Cyprian Christian, of Maryland nominations en bloc with no inter- Charles C. Blake III, of the District of Co- Matthew Franklin Clark, of Virginia vening action or debate; that if con- lumbia Kempton J. Cox, of Idaho firmed, the motions to reconsider be David L. Bruns, of Florida Cory David Curran, of Virginia Pedro G. Campo-Boue, of Florida John R. Daniliuk, of the District of Colum- considered made and laid upon the Hsiao-Ching Chang, of California bia table en bloc; that the President be im- Jasmin S. Cho, of Washington Daniel Alan DeGroff, of Florida mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- Nurit S. Einik, of Florida Alexandra R. Del Solar, of the District of Co- tions; that no further motions be in Michael H. Elliott, of Wyoming lumbia

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.090 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Tariq Q. Desir, of Virginia Tyler Jay Reis, of the District of Columbia Abdulrahman Mohammed Habeeb, of the Dis- Saumya V. Deva, of California Clark E. Roberton, of Virginia trict of Columbia Anika Marie DeVolder, of the District of Co- Lori A. Roberts, of Virginia Frank Forester Leslie Harrington IV, of lumbia Nicole R. Roberts, of Massachusetts West Virginia Rurik H. Diehl, of Virginia Kalif R. Robinson, of Georgia Jerry Wayne Haynes II, of Virginia Jacob E. Dietrich, of Kentucky Natalie R. Rooks, of Colorado Meredith Noelle Healy, of Colorado Surayya Imani Diggs, of New York Nicholas L. Roscoe, of Virginia Jeffrey N. Henry, of Virginia Christa L. Divis, of South Carolina William H. Z. Schlossberg, of Virginia Manuela Hernandez, of Florida Bennett K. Domingues, of Virginia Patrick Shilladay Scott, of Virginia Simon Andrew Hessler, of Virginia Joyce E. Dudley, of Maryland Mehek Sethi, of Georgia Sven Bertil Hestrand, of Virginia Mark Philip Duggan, of Virginia Patrick M. Sheehan, of the District of Co- Lisa B. Hoeksema, of the District of Colum- Stephen Edinger, of Virginia lumbia bia Kelsey Brooke Egan, of Virginia Kristina Sherman, of Virginia Richard S. Holliday, of the District of Co- Nurmukhamed A. Eldosov, of Ohio Madelyn D. Smith, of Washington lumbia Gregory R. Elrod, of South Carolina Axel Spaeh, of Virginia Ankhet Holmes, of California Steven M. Elwood, of Virginia Michael A. Stock, of Kansas Wayne William Hosek, of Virginia Maryan Adel Fouad Farag, of Virginia Camille Z. Swinson, of Massachusetts Kelly Elizabeth Johnson, of Virginia Christopher Franklin, of Maryland Melinda Leanne Thompson, of Virginia Rachel E. King, of Ohio Sydney L. Freeman, of New Jersey Hawi T. Tilahune, of Minnesota Ethan N. Kinney, of Alabama Sayer French, of Virginia Sulaiman H. Toghral, of West Virginia James Allen Koehler, of Virginia James Andrew Galindo, of Virginia Minh H. Tokuyama, of the District of Colum- Sarah Michelle Koelbl, of Virginia Katie Vanessa Garay, of Virginia bia Sierra N. Lekie, of Virginia Beau Paul Garrett, of Washington Jesus Amador Torres, of Virginia James Allan Lobb II, of Virginia Kuros Ghaffari, of the District of Columbia Ryan L. Trunk, of the District of Columbia Lukas Loncko, of Virginia Emily Ruth Goodell, of Virginia Valerie N. Tucker, of Florida Kevin Lynch, of Virginia Daniel Guindon, of Virginia Kaitlyn R. Turner, of Virginia Kamila P. Manzueta, of Florida Ameera Rumana Hamid, of the District of Pablo Jairo Tutillo Maldonado, of Con- Gregory James Marchwinski, of Virginia Columbia necticut Christopher Alan Marsh, of California John Joseph Harrington III, of the District Jessica Erin Tylecki, of Virginia Joseph R. Martello, of Virginia of Columbia Juan-Paulo Varela, of California Donna Catherine Marzo, of Virginia Allison Kelly Haugen, of Washington Gilberto Manuel Velazquez-Aponte, of Vir- Patrick T. Maxwell, of Pennsylvania Corey A. Henton, of Virginia ginia Benjamin R. McIntosh, of California Sarah Melissa Hernandez, of Texas Cale F. Wagner, of North Dakota Katharine Armstrong Jensen McIntosh, of Matthew H. Hinson, of New Jersey Jeffrey Lee Watts, of Texas Virginia Dylan R. Hoey, of Wisconsin Michael J. Weber, of Minnesota Austin Blaine McKinney, of Michigan Alexander Joseph Holmes, of Virginia Steven Duane Weber, of Virginia Ryan James McNamara, of Virginia Lauren E. Holt, of the District of Columbia Lauren A. Meinhart, of Virginia Kelsey L. Williams, of Florida Jesse J. Hong, of the District of Columbia Manuel Jose Menocal, of Virginia Chelsea A. Wilson, of Maryland Lauren Kimberly Hovis, of Virginia Elizabeth M. Meravi, of Massachusetts Henry B. Wilson, of Virginia Tony Hudson, Jr., of Georgia Caryl Anna Merten, of the District of Colum- Jordan L. Wilson, of the District of Columbia Christine Rene Huff, of Virginia bia Alexandra Marie Zolnowski, of the District Terrell Dwayne Hunt, of Indiana Brittnie Anne Morrison, of Virginia of Columbia Andrew William Hutto, of Virginia Fatima T. Morrisroe, of Virginia Derek Jason Zoretic, of Virginia Betty Ngoc Huynh, of the District of Colum- Stephanie L. Muller, of Virginia Megan Elizabeth Zurowski, of Virginia bia Radha Neelakantan, of the District of Co- The following-named Members of the For- Ty Anthony Isom, of Virginia lumbia Nathan R. Johnson, of Minnesota eign Service of the Department of State to Christina E. Paul, of Florida Gregory K. Joy, of New York be a Consular Officer and a Secretary in the James Campbell Pershing, of Massachusetts Waqqas Khalid, of the District of Columbia Diplomatic Service of the United States of Amanda Peskin, of Colorado Andrew J. King, of Virginia America: Lance Erich Peterson, of Virginia Johanna L. Knoch, of Colorado Jenny U. Abamu, of Texas Siobhan J. Pollock, of Virginia Keshia Mae Kuhn, of Tennessee Sean Gregory Allan, of Virginia Jamaica Afiya Pouncy, of Texas Freddy Ouandja Lakoundzi, of Virginia Maximilian E. Aviles, of California David Allen Rackovan, Jr., of the District of Sean M. Lawlor, of Virginia Martha Jeannette Berry, of Texas Columbia Hilary B. Lepuil, of Virginia Rohini Bhaumik, of Virginia Kathryn L. Rasmussen, of Wisconsin Brian Geoffrey Lipski, of Virginia Donald Judson Blakeslee, of Virginia Lilias Acacia Reeder, of the District of Co- Ingrid Jenai Lomax, of Virginia Rausan Borujerdi, of New York lumbia Patrick Joseph Lukanich, of Virginia Timothy A. Bowman, of Virginia Elisabeth Jane Reigel, of Virginia Michael Patrick Lynch, of the District of Co- Logan Victor Brog, of the District of Colum- Natalie Ruth Reynolds, of Virginia lumbia bia Kelly James Rice, of South Carolina Brendan Elias Magnuson, of Virginia Cameron C. Brown, of Virginia Christopher Blake Rollins, of the District of Henry Patrick Mahoney, of Virginia Jeffrey S. Bunting, of Virginia Columbia Michael P. Marette, of Virginia Thomas Clifford Burgess, of Virginia Kevin James Rosati, of Virginia James M. Marino, of Virginia Diane Elizabeth Carroll, of Illinois Joseph C. Russell, of Virginia Lynn Edmonds McCredy, Jr., of Virginia Patrick B. Cheetham, of Virginia Johanna P. Sanchez, of New York Heather Ailene McInnis, of Virginia Joanna D. Chen, of New York Tawni L. Sasaki, of California Alexander Paul McKenney, of Virginia Lacy Hebert Cheung, of Virginia Yevgen Sautin, of Florida Andreo Micic, of Virginia Veronica P. Chiu, of Connecticut Jennifer M. Schmidt, of Oregon Larissa M. Mihalisko, of Virginia Jennifer Elizabeth Cole, of the District of Brian E. Selman, of Texas Brandon Milford, of Virginia Columbia Zinna Senbetta, of Illinois Vanessa Jane Moglin, of Virginia Amy E: Conroy, of Connecticut Claire Victoria Shelden, of Colorado Marc Andrew Monroig, of New York Kaitlin Ann Crile, of Virginia Jennifer J. Shin, of New York William Robert Montgomery, of Virginia Corey James Crowley, of the District of Co- Jennifer Lynn Shingler, of Virginia Sanjay Y. Murty, of Virginia lumbia Harold Frank Joseph Shirley, of Virginia Aseebulla A. Niazi, of New Hampshire Andrew K. Danto, of Pennsylvania DeAndre D. Smith, of Maryland Steven Paul Nicholson, of Florida Tanya N. Donangmaye, of New York Trevor J. Smith, of Florida Ashley Jo Niedermayer, of Virginia Kelly E. DuBois, of Alaska Caitlin A. Strawder, of Florida Kimberly G. Ofobike, of Virginia Alyssa Hope Feldstein, of the District of Co- Dominick E. Tao, of Florida Christel Oomen, of Oregon lumbia Mark S. Thompson, of Virginia Kelsey Ann Orr, of North Carolina Faith E. Fugar, of Maryland Claire Elizabeth Vallin, of Michigan Mary E. Overbeck, of Virginia Adam John Gallagher, of California Sean David Varner, of Virginia Noor Badreldin Oweis, of the District of Co- Usra Ghazi, of the District of Columbia Lauren J. Vine, of California lumbia Marichuy Gomez, of California Crystal N. Waitekus, of Virginia Laura J. Park, of the District of Columbia Alan Huston Gordon, of the District of Co- Grayson M. Walker, of Virginia Catherine Nicole Plant, of Virginia lumbia Alexander F. Watson, of Florida Benjamin Michael Quinn, of Virginia Joy P. Grainger, of South Carolina Kristin Weber, of Virginia Grayson Edward Ramsey, of Virginia Oleksandra V. Gubina, of the District of Co- Sean Michael Weidner, of Maryland Gregory J. Redmann, of Virginia lumbia Elissa Marie Weingart, of Virginia

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:44 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.058 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7229

Terry-Ann T. Wellington, of Texas (b) PROHIBITION.—Not later than 180 days SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Uri Whang, of Virginia after the date of the enactment of this Act, This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Members of Julie L. Wilkins, of Virginia the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Leslie Elisabeth Wilson, of the District of amended to prohibit the use of reverse auc- Act’’. Columbia tions for awarding contracts for design and SEC. 2. MAKING FERS OPTIONAL FOR MEMBERS. Juwan A. Woods, of Louisiana construction services. (a) IN GENERAL.— Andrew Henry Wright, of Virginia (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (1) AMENDMENT.—Section 8401(20) of title 5, Tiffany Jiun-Tyan Wu, of Virginia (1) The term ‘‘design and construction United States Code, is amended by striking Sarahann Y. Yeh, of Virginia services’’ means— ‘‘, and who (in the case’’ and all that follows Hamda A. Yusuf, of Washington (A) site planning and landscape design; through ‘‘2004’’. (B) architectural and engineering services f (2) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made (as defined in section 1102 of title 40, United by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to LEGISLATIVE SESSION States Code); an individual who first serves as a Member of (C) interior design; the House of Representatives, including a (D) performance of substantial construc- Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the MORNING BUSINESS tion work for facility, infrastructure, and en- Congress, on or after the date of enactment vironmental restoration projects; of this Act. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I (E) delivery and supply of construction ma- (b) CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN TSP.— ask unanimous consent that the Sen- terials to construction sites; or (1) AMENDMENT.—Section 8401(20) of title 5, ate proceed to legislative session and (F) construction or substantial alteration United States Code, as amended by sub- be in a period of morning business, of public buildings or public works. section (a), is further amended— with Senators permitted to speak (2) The term ‘‘reverse auction’’ means, (A) by striking ‘‘term ‘Member’ has’’ and with respect to any procurement by an exec- inserting the following: ‘‘term ‘Member’— therein for up to 10 minutes each. utive agency— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘(A) has’’; (A) a real-time auction conducted through (B) by inserting ‘‘, subject to subparagraph objection, it is so ordered. an electronic medium among 2 or more (B),’’ after ‘‘except that’’; f offerors who compete by submitting bids for (C) by adding ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon at a supply or service contract, or a delivery the end; and CONSTRUCTION CONSENSUS PRO- order, task order, or purchase order under (D) by adding at the end the following: CUREMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT the contract, with the ability to submit re- ‘‘(B) for purposes of subchapter III, has the OF 2019 vised lower bids at any time before the clos- same meaning as provided in section 2106, ing of the auction; and without regard to whether the individual Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I (B) the award of the contract, delivery elects not to participate in the Federal Em- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- order, task order, or purchase order to the ployees’ Retirement System;’’. ate proceed to the immediate consider- offeror is solely based on the price obtained (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO TSP.—Sec- ation of Calendar No. 203, S. 1434. through the auction process. tion 8431(a) of title 5, United States Code, is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The f amended by inserting ‘‘except as provided in section 8401(20)(B),’’ after ‘‘subchapter,’’. clerk will report the bill by title. END PLUSH RETIREMENTS ACT The legislative clerk read as follows: (3) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I by this subsection shall apply with respect A bill (S. 1434) to prohibit the use of re- to an individual who makes an election de- verse auctions for design and construction ask unanimous consent that the Sen- scribed in section 8401(20) of title 5, United services procurements, and for other pur- ate proceed to the immediate consider- States Code, not to participate in the Fed- poses. ation of Calendar No. 274, S. 439. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The eral Employees’ Retirement System before, There being no objection, the Senate on, or after the date of enactment of this clerk will report the bill by title. proceeded to consider the bill. Act. The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous f consent that the Portman amendment A bill (S. 439) to allow Members of Con- gress to opt out of the Federal Employees DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- at the desk be considered and agreed Retirement System, and allow Members who FAIRS PROVIDER ACCOUNT- to; that the bill, as amended, be consid- opt out of the Federal Employees Retire- ABILITY ACT ered read a third time and passed; and ment System to continue to participate in that the motion to reconsider be con- the Thrift Savings Plan. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I sidered made and laid upon the table. There being no objection, the Senate ask unanimous consent that the Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without proceeded to consider the bill, which mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- objection, it is so ordered. had been reported from the Committee charged from further consideration of The amendment (No. 1269) was con- on Homeland Security and Government S. 221 and the Senate proceed to its im- sidered and agreed to as follows: Affairs. mediate consideration. (Purpose: To modify the definition of reverse Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous The PRESIDING OFFICER. The auction to cover the awarding of contracts consent that the Cardin amendment at clerk will report the bill by title. and orders that are based solely on the the desk be considered and agreed to; The legislative clerk read as follows: price obtained through the auction proc- that the bill, as amended, be considered A bill (S. 221) to amend title 38, United ess) read a third time and passed; and that States Code, to require the Under Secretary On page 3, line 12, strike ‘‘, in whole or in the motions to reconsider be consid- of Health to report major adverse personnel part, based’’ and insert ‘‘is solely based’’. actions involving certain health care em- ered made and laid upon the table. ployees to the National Practitioner Data The bill, as amended, was ordered to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without be engrossed for a third reading, was Bank and to applicable State licensing objection, it is so ordered. boards, and for other purposes. read the third time, and passed, as fol- The amendment (No. 1270) was agreed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there lows: to as follows: S. 1434 objection to proceeding to the meas- (Purpose: To improve the bill) ure? Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- On page 2, strike lines 1 through 3 and in- There being no objection, the com- resentatives of the United States of America in sert the following: mittee was discharged, and the Senate Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Members of proceeded to consider the bill. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Construc- Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous tion Consensus Procurement Improvement Act’’. consent that the Gardner substitute Act of 2019’’. The bill, as amended, was ordered to amendment at the desk be considered SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF A REVERSE be engrossed for a third reading, was and agreed to; that the bill, as amend- AUCTION FOR THE AWARD OF A read the third time, and passed, as fol- ed, be considered read a third time and CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CON- passed; and that the motion to recon- STRUCTION SERVICES. lows: (a) FINDING.—Congress finds that, in con- S. 439 sider be considered made and laid upon trast to a traditional auction in which the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the table. buyers bid up the price, sellers bid down the resentatives of the United States of America in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there price in a reverse auction. Congress assembled, objection?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.060 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 Without objection, it is so ordered. (1) all policies of the Veterans Health Ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The amendment (No. 1271), in the na- ministration for credentialing and privi- objection, it is so ordered. ture of a substitute, was agreed to as leging; and The bill (S. 3147) was ordered to be follows: (2) when and how to report adverse actions engrossed for a third reading, was read to the National Practitioner Data Bank of the third time, and passed as follows: (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) the Department of Health and Human Serv- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ices, State licensing boards, and other rel- S. 3147 sert the following: evant entities. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON UPDATES TO THE resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Department VHA HANDBOOK.—It is the sense of Congress of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability that— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Act’’. (1) Congress recognizes that the confusion This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Improving regarding practices in the Veterans Health Safety and Security for Veterans Act of SEC. 2. ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN VETERANS 2019’’. HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. Administration for reporting to State licens- SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RE- (a) REPORTING MAJOR ADVERSE ACTIONS TO ing boards stems from a lack of guidance in the Veterans Health Administration hand- PORTS ON PATIENT SAFETY AND NATIONAL PRACTITIONER DATA BANK AND QUALITY OF CARE. book 1100.18; STATE LICENSING BOARDS.—Section 7461 of (a) REPORT ON PATIENT SAFETY AND QUAL- (2) Congress strongly recommends that the title 38, United States Code, is amended by ITY OF CARE.— Secretary of Veterans Affairs update such adding at the end the following new sub- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days section: handbook to ensure that employees of the after the date of the enactment of this Act, ‘‘(f)(1) Whenever the Under Secretary for Veterans Health Administration, officials of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- Health (or an official designated by the the Veterans Integrated Services Networks, mit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of Under Secretary) brings charges based on and officials of the Department of Veterans the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ conduct or performance against a section Affairs understand and are able to utilize the Affairs of the House of Representatives a re- 7401(1) employee and as a result of those role of State licensing boards to effectively port regarding the policies and procedures of charges a covered major adverse action is prevent instances of failed reporting and fu- the Department relating to patient safety taken against the employee, the Under Sec- ture patient safety concerns; and quality of care and the steps that the retary shall, not later than 30 days after the (3) Congress recognizes the broad authority Department has taken to make improve- date on which such covered major adverse of the Veterans Health Administration to re- ments in patient safety and quality of care action is carried out— port to State licensing boards those em- at medical centers of the Department. ‘‘(A) transmit to the National Practitioner ployed or separated health care professionals (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by Data Bank of the Department of Health and whose behavior and clinical practice so sub- paragraph (1) shall include the following: Human Services and the applicable State li- stantially failed to meet generally-accepted (A) A description of the policies and proce- censing board the name of the employee, a standards of clinical practice as to raise rea- dures of the Department and improvements description of the covered major adverse ac- sonable concern for safety of patients and re- made by the Department with respect to the tion, and a description of the reason for the quests that such handbook is updated to re- following: covered major adverse action; and flect appropriate reporting channels to en- (i) How often the Department reviews or ‘‘(B) update the VetPro System, or suc- sure employee understanding of those proce- inspects patient safety at medical centers of cessor system, with a record of the covered dures and authorities; and the Department. major adverse action taken and an indica- (4) in developing the new handbook, the (ii) What triggers the aggregated review tion that information was transmitted under Secretary of Veterans Affairs should consult process at medical centers of the Depart- subparagraph (A). with— ment. ‘‘(2) The Under Secretary for Health— (A) State licensing boards; (iii) What controls the Department has in ‘‘(A) shall enroll all 7401(1) employees in a (B) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid place for controlled and other high-risk sub- continuous query of their record within the Services; stances, including the following: National Practitioner Data Bank; and (C) the National Practitioner Data Bank of (I) Access to such substances by staff. ‘‘(B) shall develop and implement a mecha- the Department of Health and Human Serv- (II) What medications are dispensed via au- nism for maintaining and updating the infor- ices; and tomation. mation collected through such continuous (D) the exclusive representative of section (III) What systems are in place to ensure query within the VetPro System, or suc- 7401(1) employees. proper matching of the correct medication cessor system, to facilitate the sharing of (e) SECTION 7401(1) EMPLOYEE DEFINED.—In to the correct patient. such information between Veterans Inte- this section, the term ‘‘section 7401(1) em- (IV) Controls of items such as medication grated Service Networks. ployee’’ has the meaning given that term in carts and pill bottles and vials. ‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘covered section 7461(c)(1) of title 38, United States (V) Monitoring of the dispensing of medi- major adverse action’ means a major adverse Code. cation within medical centers of the Depart- action with respect to a section 7401(1) em- The bill (S. 221), as amended, was or- ment, including monitoring of unauthorized ployee that originated from circumstances dered to be engrossed for a third read- dispensing. in which the behavior of the employee so ing, was read the third time, and (iv) How the Department monitors contact substantially failed to meet generally-ac- passed. between patients and employees of the De- cepted standards of clinical practice as to partment, including how employees are mon- f raise reasonable concern for safety of pa- itored and tracked at medical centers of the tients.’’. IMPROVING SAFETY AND SECU- Department when entering and exiting the (b) PROHIBITION ON SIGNING SETTLEMENTS RITY FOR VETERANS ACT OF room of a patient. WITH CERTAIN CLAUSES.— 2019 (v) How comprehensively the Department (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in uses video monitoring systems in medical paragraph (2), the Secretary of Veterans Af- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I centers of the Department to enhance pa- fairs may not enter into a settlement agree- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- tient safety, security, and quality of care. ment relating to an adverse action against a ate proceed to the immediate consider- (vi) How the Department tracks and re- section 7401(1) employee under which the De- ation of S. 3147, introduced earlier ports deaths at medical centers of the De- partment of Veterans Affairs would be re- today. partment at the local level, Veterans Inte- quired to conceal a serious medical error or The PRESIDING OFFICER. The grated Service Network level, and national a lapse in generally-accepted standards of clerk will report the bill by title. level. clinical practice. (vii) The procedures of the Department to (2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not The legislative clerk read as follows: alert local, regional, and Department-wide apply to a negative record if the head of the A bill (S. 3147) to require the Secretary of leadership when there is a statistically ab- Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress re- normal number of deaths at a medical center Protection of the Department and the Spe- ports on patient safety and quality of care at of the Department, including— cial Counsel (established by section 1211 of medical centers of the Department of Vet- (I) the manner and frequency in which such title 5, United States Code) jointly certify erans Affairs, and for other purposes. alerts are made; and that the negative record is not legitimate. There being no objection, the Senate (II) what is included in such an alert, such (c) TRAINING ON CREDENTIALING AND PRIVI- proceeded to consider the bill. as the nature of death and where within the LEGING.—The Under Secretary for Health of medical center the death occurred. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous the Department of Veterans Affairs shall (viii) The use of root cause analyses with provide to all staff of the Veterans Health consent that the bill be considered read respect to patient deaths in medical centers Administration who handle hiring, privi- a third time and passed and that the of the Department, including— leging, and credentialing mandatory train- motion to reconsider be considered (I) what threshold triggers a root cause ing on— made and laid upon the table. analysis for a patient death;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.078 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7231 (II) who conducts the root cause analysis; (iii) leadership at the central office of the PERMITTING THE SECRETARY OF and Department; and VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ESTAB- (III) how root cause analyses determine (iv) the Office of the Inspector General of LISH A GRANT PROGRAM whether a patient death is suspicious or not. the Department of Veterans Affairs. (ix) What triggers a patient safety alert, (B) A description of the actions taken by Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I including how many suspicious deaths cause leadership of the Facility, the Veterans Inte- ask unanimous consent that the Com- a patient safety alert to be triggered. grated Service Network in which the Facil- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- (x) The situations in which an autopsy re- ity is located, and the central office of the charged from further consideration of port is ordered for deaths at hospitals of the Department in response to the suspicious H.R. 2385 and the Senate proceed to its Department, including an identification of— immediate consideration. (I) when the medical examiner is called to deaths, including responses to notifications review a patient death; and under subparagraph (A). The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (II) the official or officials that decide such (C) A description of the actions, including clerk will report the bill by title. a review is necessary. root cause analyses, autopsies, or other ac- The legislative clerk read as follows: (xi) The method for family members of a tivities that were conducted after each of the A bill (H.R. 2385) to permit the Secretary patient who died at a medical center of the suspicious deaths. of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant pro- Department to request an investigation into (D) A description of the changes made by gram to conduct cemetery research and that death. the Department since the suspicious deaths produce educational materials for the Vet- (xii) The opportunities that exist for fam- to procedures to control access within med- erans Legacy Program. ily members of a patient who died at a med- ical centers of the Department to controlled The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ical center of the Department to request an and non-controlled substances to prevent objection to proceeding to the meas- autopsy for that death. harm to patients. ure? (xiii) The methods in place for employees (E) A description of the changes made by There being no objection, the com- of the Department to report suspicious the Department to its nationwide controlled deaths at medical centers of the Department. mittee was discharged, and the Senate substance and non-controlled substance poli- (xiv) The steps taken by the Department if proceeded to consider the bill. cies as a result of the suspicious deaths. an employee of the Department is suspected Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask to be implicated in a suspicious death at a (F) A description of the changes planned or unanimous consent that the bill be medical center of the Department, includ- made by the Department to its video surveil- considered read a third time. ing— lance at medical centers of the Department The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to improve patient safety and quality of care (I) actions to remove or suspend that indi- objection, it is so ordered. vidual from patient care or temporarily reas- in response to the suspicious deaths. The bill was ordered to a third read- (G) An analysis of the review of sentinel sign that individual and the speed at which ing and was read the third time. that action occurs; and events conducted at the Facility in response Mr. MCCONNELL. I know of no fur- (II) steps taken to ensure that other med- to the suspicious deaths and whether that re- ical centers of the Department and other view was conducted consistent with policies ther debate on the bill. non-Department medical centers are aware and procedures of the Department. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there of the suspected role of the individual in a (H) A description of the steps the Depart- further debate? suspicious death. ment has taken or will take to improve the Hearing no further debate, the bill (xv) In the case of the suspicious death of monitoring of the credentials of employees having been read the third time, the an individual while under care at a medical of the Department to ensure the validity of question is, Shall the bill pass? center of the Department, the methods used those credentials, including all employees The bill (H.R. 2385) was passed. by the Department to inform the family that interact with patients in the provision Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous members of that individual. of medical care. consent that the motion to reconsider (xvi) The policy of the Department for be considered made and laid upon the communicating to the public when a sus- (I) A description of the steps the Depart- picious death occurs at a medical center of ment has taken or will take to monitor and table with no intervening action or de- the Department. mitigate the behavior of employee bad ac- bate. (B) A description of any additional au- tors, including those who attempt to conceal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without thorities or resources needed from Congress their mistreatment of veteran patients. objection, it is so ordered. to implement any of the actions, changes to (J) A description of the steps the Depart- f policy, or other matters included in the re- ment has taken or will take to enhance or port required under paragraph (1) create new monitoring systems that— AUTHORIZING STATES AND TRIB- (b) REPORT ON DEATHS AT LOUIS A. JOHNSON (i) automatically collect and analyze data AL ORGANIZATIONS THAT RE- MEDICAL CENTER.— from medical centers of the Department and CEIVE GRANTS FROM THE NA- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days monitor for warnings signs or unusual health TIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRA- after the date on which the Attorney Gen- patterns that may indicate a health safety TION FOR ESTABLISHMENT, EX- eral indicates that any investigation or trial or quality problem at a particular medical related to the suspicious deaths of veterans PANSION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF center; and at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center A VETERANS’ CEMETERIES TO (ii) automatically share those warnings in Clarksburg, West Virginia, (in this sub- USE AMOUNTS OF SUCH GRANTS section referred to as the ‘‘Facility’’) that with other medical centers of the Depart- FOR STATE AND TRIBAL ORGA- occurred during 2017 and 2018 has sufficiently ment, relevant Veterans Integrated Service NIZATION CEMETERY PER- concluded, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Networks, and officials of the central office SONNEL TO TRAIN AT THE shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ of the Department. (K) A description of the accountability ac- TRAINING CENTER OF THE NA- Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on TIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRA- Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- tions that have been taken at the Facility to tives a report describing— remove or discipline employees who signifi- TION (A) the events that occurred during that cantly participated in the actions that con- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I period related to those suspicious deaths; tributed to the suspicious deaths. ask unanimous consent that the Com- and (L) A description of the system-wide re- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- (B) actions taken at the Facility and porting process that the Department will or charged from further consideration of throughout the Department of Veterans Af- has implemented to ensure that relevant em- S. 2096 and the Senate proceed to its fairs to prevent any similar reoccurrence of ployees are properly reported, when applica- the issues that contributed to those sus- immediate consideration. ble, to the National Practitioner Data Bank The PRESIDING OFFICER. The picious deaths. of the Department of Health and Human (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by clerk will report the bill by title. Services, the applicable State licensing The legislative clerk read as follows: paragraph (1) shall include the following: boards, the Drug Enforcement Administra- (A) A timeline of events that occurred at A bill (S. 2096) to amend title 38, United tion, and other relevant entities. the Facility relating to the suspicious deaths States Code, to authorize States and tribal (M) A description of any additional au- described in paragraph (1) beginning the mo- organizations that receive grants from the thorities or resources needed from Congress ment those deaths were first determined to National Cemetery Administration for estab- be suspicious, including any notifications to implement any of the recommendations lishment, expansion, or improvement of a to— or findings included in the report required veterans’ cemeteries to use amounts of such (i) leadership of the Facility; under paragraph (1). grants for State and tribal organization cem- (ii) leadership of the Veterans Integrated (N) Such other matters as the Secretary etery personnel to train at the training cen- Service Network in which the Facility is lo- considers necessary. ter of the National Cemetery Administra- cated; tion, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.044 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 There being no objection, the com- attendance at training provided by the Na- (4) President, and former Supreme Com- mittee was discharged, and the Senate tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the mander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, proceeded to consider the bill. period; Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged that Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I (2) by redesignating subsections (c) ‘‘through the prompt delivery of supplies and ask unanimous consent that the Booz- through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), re- equipment to our armed forces overseas, and spectively; and of cargoes representing economic and mili- man substitute amendment at the desk (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- be considered and agreed to and the tary aid to friendly nations, the American lowing new subsection (c): Merchant Marine has effectively helped to bill, as amended, be considered read a ‘‘(c) A grant under this section for a pur- strengthen the forces of freedom throughout third time. pose described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of the world’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without subsection (a)(1) may be used, solely or in (5) Military missions and war planning objection, it is so ordered. part, for training costs, including travel ex- were contingent upon the availability of re- penses, associated with attendance at train- The amendment (No. 1272), in the na- sources and the Merchant Marine played a ing provided by the National Cemetery Ad- ture of a substitute, was agreed to as vital role in this regard, ensuring the effi- ministration.’’. follows: cient and reliable transoceanic transport of (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I military equipment and both military and Strike all after the enacting clause and in- ask unanimous consent that the mo- civilian personnel. sert the following: tion to reconsider be considered made (6) The Merchant Marine provided for the SECTION 1. TRAINING OF STATE VETERANS CEM- and laid upon the table. successful transport of resources and per- ETERY PERSONNEL BY NATIONAL The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sonnel despite consistent and ongoing expo- CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION. objection, it is so ordered. sure to enemy combatants from both the air Section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, and the sea, including from enemy bomber is amended— f squadrons, submarines, and naval mines. (1) in subsection (b)(1)— MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD (7) The efforts of the Merchant Marine (A) in subparagraph (A)— were not without sacrifices as the Merchant (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- WAR II CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2019 Marine likely bore a higher per-capita cas- serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and ualty rate than any of the military branches (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I during the war. including travel expenses, associated with ask unanimous consent that the Com- (8) The Merchant Marine proved to be an attendance at training provided by the Na- mittee on Banking, Housing, and instrumental asset on an untold number of tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the occasions, participating in every landing op- semicolon; and Urban Affairs be discharged from fur- eration by the United States Marine Corps, (B) in subparagraph (B)— ther consideration of H.R. 550 and the from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- Senate proceed to its immediate con- serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and sideration. (9) The Merchant Marine provided the bulk (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tonnage of material necessary for the inva- including travel expenses, associated with sion of Normandy, an invasion which, ac- clerk will report the bill by title. cording to a 1944 New York Times article, attendance at training provided by the Na- The legislative clerk read as follows: tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the ‘‘would not have been possible without the period; A bill (H.R. 550) to award a Congressional Merchant Marine’’. (2) by redesignating subsections (c) Gold Medal, collectively, to the United (10) In assessing the performance of the through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), re- States Merchant Mariners of World War II, Merchant Marine, General Eisenhower stat- spectively; and in recognition of their dedicated and vital ed, ‘‘every man in this Allied command is (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- service during World War II. quick to express his admiration for the loy- lowing new subsection (c): There being no objection, the com- alty, courage, and fortitude of the officers ‘‘(c) A grant under this section for a pur- mittee was discharged, and the Senate and men of the Merchant Marine. We count pose described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of proceeded to consider the bill. upon their efficiency and their utter devo- subsection (a)(1) may be used, solely or in tion to duty as we do our own; they have Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I part, for training costs, including travel ex- never failed us’’. ask unanimous consent that the Mur- penses, associated with attendance at train- (11) During a September 1944 speech, Presi- ing provided by the National Cemetery Ad- kowski substitute amendment at the dent Franklin D. Roosevelt stated that the ministration.’’. desk be considered and agreed to; that Merchant Marine had ‘‘delivered the goods The bill was ordered to be engrossed the bill, as amended, be considered when and where needed in every theater of for a third reading and was read the read a third time and passed; and that operations and across every ocean in the big- third time. the motions to reconsider be consid- gest, the most difficult, and dangerous trans- Mr. MCCONNELL. I know of no fur- ered made and laid upon the table. portation job ever undertaken. As time goes ther debate on the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on, there will be greater public under- The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there objection, it is so ordered. standing of our merchant fleet’s record dur- is no further debate, the bill having The amendment (No. 1273), in the na- ing this war’’. been read the third time, the question ture of a substitute, was agreed to as (12) The feats and accomplishments of the Merchant Marine are deserving of broader is, Shall the bill pass? follows: The bill (S. 2096), as amended, was public recognition. (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) passed, as follows: (13) The United States will be forever Strike all after the enacting clause and in- grateful and indebted to these merchant S. 2096 sert the following: mariners for their effective, reliable, and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. courageous transport of goods and resources resentatives of the United States of America in This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Merchant in enemy territory throughout theaters of Congress assembled, Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold every variety in World War II. SECTION 1. TRAINING OF STATE VETERANS CEM- Medal Act of 2019’’. (14) The goods and resources transported ETERY PERSONNEL BY NATIONAL by the Merchant Marine saved thousands of CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, Congress finds the following: lives and enabled the Allied Powers to claim is amended— (1) 2019 marked the 74th anniversary of Al- victory in World War II. (1) in subsection (b)(1)— lied victory in World War II. (15) The Congressional Gold Medal would (A) in subparagraph (A)— (2) The United States Merchant Marine (in be an appropriate way to shed further light (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- this section referred to as the ‘‘Merchant on the service of the merchant mariners in serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and Marine’’) was integral in providing the link World War II and the instrumental role they (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, between domestic production and the fight- played in winning that war. including travel expenses, associated with ing forces overseas, providing combat equip- (16) Many students of the Merchant Marine attendance at training provided by the Na- ment, fuel, food, commodities, and raw ma- Academy lost their lives as they sailed tional Cemetery Administration’’ before the terials to troops stationed abroad. through enemy-controlled waters or un- semicolon; and (3) Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King acknowl- loaded cargo in overseas combat areas, and, (B) in subparagraph (B)— edged the indispensability of the Merchant as a result, the United States Merchant Ma- (i) by striking ‘‘and (ii) the cost’’ and in- Marine to the victory in a 1945 letter stating rine Academy is the only institution among serting ‘‘(ii) the cost’’; and that, without the support of the Merchant the 5 Federal academies to be authorized to (ii) by inserting ‘‘; and (iii) training costs, Marine, ‘‘the Navy could not have accom- carry a battle standard as part of its color including travel expenses, associated with plished its mission’’. guard.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.081 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7233 SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The Speaker of objection, it is so ordered. mony in criminal pro- the House of Representatives and the Presi- The amendment (No. 1274), in the na- ceedings.’’. dent pro tempore of the Senate shall make ture of a substitute, was agreed to as The bill (S. 1029), as amended, was or- appropriate arrangements for the award, on dered to be engrossed for a third read- behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal of follows: (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) ing, was read the third time, and appropriate design to the United States mer- passed, as follows: chant mariners of World War II, in recogni- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- tion of their dedicated and vital service dur- sert the following: S. 1029 ing World War II. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Courthouse resentatives of the United States of America in poses of the award described in subsection Dogs Act’’. Congress assembled, (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this SEC. 2. USE OF CERTIFIED FACILITY DOG FOR SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall TESTIMONY IN CRIMINAL PRO- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Courthouse strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, CEEDINGS. Dogs Act’’. devices, and inscriptions, to be determined (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 223 of title 18, SEC. 2. USE OF CERTIFIED FACILITY DOG FOR by the Secretary. United States Code, is amended by inserting TESTIMONY IN CRIMINAL PRO- (c) AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE MU- after section 3502 the following: CEEDINGS. SEUM.— ‘‘§ 3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 223 of title 18, (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of mony in criminal proceedings United States Code, is amended by inserting the gold medal under subsection (a), the gold after section 3502 the following: medal shall be given to the American Mer- ‘‘(a) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the ‘‘§ 3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- chant Marine Museum, where it will be term ‘certified facility dog’ means a dog that mony in criminal proceedings available for display as appropriate and has graduated from an assistance dog organi- available for research. zation that is a member of an internation- ‘‘(a) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the (2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ally recognized assistance dog association term ‘certified facility dog’ means a dog that Congress that the American Merchant Ma- that has a primary purpose of granting ac- has graduated from an assistance dog organi- rine Museum should make the gold medal creditation based on standards of excellence zation that is a member of an internation- given to the Museum under paragraph (1) in areas of— ally recognized assistance dog association available for display elsewhere, particularly ‘‘(1) assistance dog acquisition; that has a primary purpose of granting ac- at appropriate locations associated with the ‘‘(2) dog training; creditation based on standards of excellence United States Merchant Marine and that ‘‘(3) dog handler training; and in areas of— preference should be given to locations affili- ‘‘(4) dog placement. ‘‘(1) assistance dog acquisition; ated with the United States Merchant Ma- ‘‘(b) REQUESTS FOR USE OF CERTIFIED FA- ‘‘(2) dog training; rine. CILITY DOGS.—Either party in a criminal pro- ‘‘(3) dog handler training; and ‘‘(4) dog placement. SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS. ceeding in a Federal court may apply for an ‘‘(b) REQUESTS FOR USE OF CERTIFIED FA- Under such regulations as the Secretary order from the court to allow a certified fa- CILITY DOGS.—Either party in a criminal pro- may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and cility dog, if available, to be present with a ceeding in a Federal court may apply for an sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal witness testifying before the court through— order from the court to allow a certified fa- struck under section 3, at a price sufficient ‘‘(1) in-person testimony; or cility dog, if available, to be present with a to cover the costs of the medals, including ‘‘(2) testimony televised by 2-way, closed- witness testifying before the court through— labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and circuit television. ONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL.—A Federal ‘‘(1) in-person testimony; or overhead expenses. ‘‘(c) C court may enter an order authorizing an ‘‘(2) testimony televised by 2-way, closed- SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS. available certified facility dog to accompany circuit television. (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—Medals struck a witness while testifying at a hearing in ac- ‘‘(c) CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL.—A Federal under this Act are national medals for pur- cordance with subsection (b) if the court court may enter an order authorizing an poses of chapter 51 of title 31, United States finds that— available certified facility dog to accompany Code. ‘‘(1) the dog to be used qualifies as a cer- a witness while testifying at a hearing in ac- (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of tified facility dog; cordance with subsection (b) if the court section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, ‘‘(2) the use of a certified facility dog will finds that— all medals struck under this Act shall be aid the witness in providing testimony; and ‘‘(1) the dog to be used qualifies as a cer- considered to be numismatic items. tified facility dog; The amendment was ordered to be ‘‘(3) upon a showing by the party seeking an order under subsection (b), the certified ‘‘(2) the use of a certified facility dog will engrossed and the bill to be read a facility dog is insured for liability protec- aid the witness in providing testimony; and third time. tion. ‘‘(3) upon a showing by the party seeking The bill was read the third time. ‘‘(d) HANDLERS.—Each certified facility dog an order under subsection (b), the certified The bill (H.R. 550), as amended, was authorized to accompany a witness under facility dog is insured for liability protec- passed. subsection (c) shall be accompanied by a tion. f handler who is— ‘‘(d) HANDLERS.—Each certified facility dog ‘‘(1) trained to manage the certified facil- authorized to accompany a witness under DOGS AS WITNESS GUARDIANS ity dog by an assistance dog organization de- subsection (c) shall be accompanied by a ACT scribed in subsection (a); and handler who is— ‘‘(2) a professional working in the legal ‘‘(1) trained to manage the certified facil- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I system with knowledge about the legal and ity dog by an assistance dog organization de- ask unanimous consent that the Com- criminal justice processes. scribed in subsection (a); and mittee on the Judiciary be discharged ‘‘(e) DEADLINE.—The party seeking an ‘‘(2) a professional working in the legal from further consideration of S. 1029 order under subsection (b) shall apply for system with knowledge about the legal and and the Senate proceed to its imme- such order not later than 14 days before the criminal justice processes. diate consideration. preliminary hearing, trial date, or other ‘‘(e) DEADLINE.—The party seeking an The PRESIDING OFFICER. The hearing to which the order is to apply. order under subsection (b) shall apply for clerk will report the bill by title. ‘‘(f) OTHER ORDERS.—A Federal court may such order not later than 14 days before the The legislative clerk read as follows: make such orders as may be necessary to preliminary hearing, trial date, or other preserve the fairness of the proceeding, in- hearing to which the order is to apply. A bill (S. 1029) to allow the use of certified cluding imposing restrictions on, and in- ‘‘(f) OTHER ORDERS.—A Federal court may facility dogs in criminal proceedings in Fed- structing the jury regarding, the presence of make such orders as may be necessary to eral courts, and for other purposes. the certified facility dog during the pro- preserve the fairness of the proceeding, in- There being no objection, the com- ceedings. cluding imposing restrictions on, and in- mittee was discharged, and the Senate ‘‘(g) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this structing the jury regarding, the presence of proceeded to consider the bill. section may be construed to prevent a Fed- the certified facility dog during the pro- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I eral court from providing any other accom- ceedings. ask unanimous consent that the Cor- modations to a witness in accordance with ‘‘(g) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this nyn amendment at the desk be agreed applicable law.’’. section may be construed to prevent a Fed- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter eral court from providing any other accom- to; that the bill, as amended, be consid- analysis for chapter 223 of title 18, United modations to a witness in accordance with ered read a third time and passed; and States Code, is amended by inserting after applicable law.’’. that the motion to reconsider be con- the item relating to section 3502 the fol- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The chapter sidered made and laid upon the table. lowing: analysis for chapter 223 of title 18, United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.031 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 States Code, is amended by inserting after need for responding to pressing chal- had been reported from the Committee the item relating to section 3502 the fol- lenges, chief among them climate on Foreign Relations, with an amend- lowing: change. But unfortunately, it is not al- ment to strike all after the enacting ‘‘3503. Use of certified facility dog for testi- ways so easy. Under President Trump, clause and insert in lieu thereof the mony in criminal pro- scientists have had to censor their following: ceedings.’’. work, voluntarily or involuntarily, due SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. f to political interference. In this Act: RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY Under the Trump administration, for (1) CORRUPT ACTOR.—The term ‘‘corrupt instance, the United States Geological actor’’ means— Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Survey has opted to limit the scope of (A) any foreign person or entity that is a gov- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- the projected consequences of climate ernment official or government entity respon- ate proceed to the consideration of the sible for, or complicit in, an act of public cor- change through 2040, despite the agen- ruption; and following resolutions introduced ear- cy’s historic use of models stretching lier today en bloc: S. Res. 459, S. Res. (B) any company, in which a person or entity through 2100. Perhaps more worrisome, described in subparagraph (A) has a significant 460, and S. Res. 461. the White House released an Executive stake, which is responsible for, or complicit in, There being no objection, the Senate Order on June 14, 2019, that instructs an act of public corruption. proceeded to consider the resolutions each agency to slash at least one-third (2) FOREIGN ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘‘foreign en bloc. of its advisory committees, which con- assistance’’ means assistance made available AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION CENTENNIAL sist of experts and scientists ready to under— ANNIVERSARY (A) the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 advise on a wide range of issues, espe- U.S.C. 2151 et seq.); or Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, in rec- cially for the Environmental Protec- (B) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. ognition of its centennial anniversary, tion Agency. 2751 et seq.). I rise to offer my congratulations and Through reason and empiricism, (3) GRAND CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘grand appreciation to the American Geo- science brings us closer to the truth. corruption’’ means public corruption committed physical Union, also known as the When administration officials or other at a high level of government that— AGU. Since December 1919, the AGU individuals purposefully interfere with (A) distorts policies or the central functioning has played an instrumental role in sup- science to paint an incomplete, inac- of the country; and (B) enables leaders to benefit at the expense of porting international cooperation curate, or misleading image, science the public good. while also fostering American leader- ceases to be science and becomes just (4) PETTY CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘petty cor- ship in the fields of Earth and space another battleground for politics. Pol- ruption’’ means the unlawful exercise of en- science. Senator MURKOWSKI and I in- icymakers should not be in the busi- trusted public power for private gain by low- or troduced a resolution in honor of this ness of manipulating or silencing the mid-level public officials in their interactions critical milestone, and I am pleased to work of the men and women who make with ordinary citizens, including by bribery, see the Senate pass it today. up the scientific community. We nepotism, fraud, or embezzlement. should let scientists do their jobs. The (5) PUBLIC CORRUPTION.—The term ‘‘public The National Research Council cre- corruption’’ means the unlawful exercise of en- ated the AGU as the representative for AGU has done an excellent job rep- trusted public power for private gain, including the United States of America in the resenting many of those scientists over by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or embezzlement. International Union of Geodesy and the last 100 years, and I congratulate it SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. Geophysics in 1919. Only 1 year after on the occasion of its centennial. It is the sense of Congress that— the end of World War I, this was an oc- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous (1) it is in the foreign policy interest of the casion for international cooperation consent that the resolutions be agreed United States to help other countries promote that illustrated the importance of to, the preambles be agreed to, and the good governance and combat public corruption, bridging divides in the name of science. motions to reconsider be considered particularly grand corruption; made and laid upon the table, all en (2) multiple departments and agencies across The AGU is a prime example of our Na- the United States Government operate programs tion’s commitment to a vision of bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that promote good governance in foreign coun- shared peace and prosperity, and by tries and enhance foreign countries’ ability to serving as a key forum for gifted geo- objection, it is so ordered. combat public corruption; The resolution (S. Res. 459) was physicists from across the world, it is (3) the Department of State should promote agreed to. coordination among programs described in para- an example of our positive role in the (The resolution is printed in today’s international community for advanc- graph (2) to improve their effectiveness and effi- RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- ciency; and ing knowledge. tions.’’) (4) the Department of State should identify In the century since its founding, the The resolutions (S. Res. 460 and S. areas in which United States efforts to help AGU has connected countless geo- Res. 461) were agreed to. other countries promote good governance and physicists to facilitate information- The preambles were agreed to. combat public corruption could be enhanced. sharing, peer review. and innovation. (The resolutions, with their pre- SEC. 3. ANNUAL REPORT. The AGU today counts more than 60,000 ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD The Secretary shall annually submit to the scientists and students among its under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) appropriate congressional committees and pub- lish, on a publicly accessible website, a report membership, across 137 countries. f Their work has not only expanded our that— (1) groups foreign countries, by quintile, based understanding of our home planet and COMBATING GLOBAL CORRUPTION ACT OF 2019 on— the celestial bodies beyond, but it has (A) the World Bank Worldwide Governance also led to critical health, environ- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Indicator on Control of Corruption; and mental, commercial, and technological ask unanimous consent that the Sen- (B) the World Bank Worldwide Governance breakthroughs. If we are to confront ate proceed to the immediate consider- Indicator on Voice and Accountability; climate change and other systemic ation of Calendar No. 144, S. 1309. (2) adds context and commentary, as appro- challenges and, indeed, if we are truly The PRESIDING OFFICER. The priate, to the World Bank Worldwide Govern- ance Indicator on Control of Corruption and the to live as stewards in harmony with clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicator our surroundings, humanity needs the on Voice and Accountability groupings under A bill (S. 1309) to identify and combat cor- international cooperation and sci- paragraph (1), as appropriate, based on the fac- ruption in countries, to establish a tiered entific integrity the AGU demonstrates tors outlined in section 4; system of countries with respect to levels of so aptly. (3) describes, based on the World Bank World- corruption by their governments and their wide Governance Indicators and the factors out- It is my hope that this resolution and efforts to combat such corruption, and to as- lined in section 4, the status of foreign govern- the occasion of the AGU’s centennial sess United States assistance to designated anniversary can inspire us all to appre- ments’ efforts to combat public corruption; and countries in order to advance anti-corrup- (4) describes the status of each foreign coun- ciate the significance of scientific in- tion efforts in those countries and better try’s active membership in voluntary multi-sec- tegrity and independence. Research serve United States taxpayers. toral global governance initiatives as evidence of from the geophysical community has There being no objection, the Senate the country’s government-led efforts to combat deeply informed our society on the proceeded to consider the bill, which public corruption.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.043 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7235 SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL FACTORS FOR ASSESSING SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF EMBASSY ANTI-CORRUP- (2) require the inclusion of anti-corruption GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO COMBAT TION POINTS OF CONTACT. clauses for all foreign assistance contracts, PUBLIC CORRUPTION. (a) DESIGNATED COUNTRIES.—The Secretary of grants, and cooperative agreements, which (a) FACTORS FOR ASSESSING GOVERNMENT EF- State shall annually designate an anti-corrup- allow for the termination of the contract, grant, FORTS TO COMBAT PUBLIC CORRUPTION.—In as- tion point of contact at the United States Mis- or cooperative agreement without penalty if sessing a government’s efforts to combat public sion to each country that he or she determines credible indicators of public corruption are dis- corruption, the Secretary of State should con- is in need of such a point of contact. covered; sider, to the extent reliable information is avail- (b) POINTS OF CONTACT DUTIES.—Each des- (3) require the inclusion of appropriate able— ignated anti-corruption point of contact shall be clawback clauses for all foreign assistance that (1) whether the country— responsible for coordinating a whole-of-govern- has been misappropriated through corruption; (A) has enacted laws and established govern- ment approach to combating public corruption (4) require the appropriate disclosure to the ment structures, policies, and practices that pro- in his or her posted country among relevant United States Government, in confidential form, hibit public corruption, including grand corrup- United States Government departments or agen- if necessary, of the beneficial ownership of con- tion and petty corruption; and cies with a presence in that country, including, tractors, subcontractors, grantees, cooperative (B) enforces such laws through a fair judicial as applicable, the Department of State, the De- agreement participants, and other organizations process; partment of Justice, the Department of the (2) whether the country prescribes appropriate receiving funding from the United States Gov- Treasury, the Department of Homeland Secu- punishment for grand corruption that is com- ernment for foreign assistance programs; and rity, and the United States Agency for Inter- (5) establish a mechanism for investigating al- mensurate with the punishment prescribed for national Development. legations of misappropriated foreign assistance serious crimes; (3) whether the country prescribes appropriate (c) TRAINING.—The Secretary of State shall funds or equipment. (b) EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVER.— punishment for petty corruption that provides a develop and implement appropriate training for (1) EXCEPTIONS.—Subsection (a) shall not sufficiently stringent deterrent and adequately designated anti-corruption points of contact. apply to humanitarian assistance, disaster as- reflects the nature of the offense; (d) INTERNAL REPORTING.—Each anti-corrup- sistance, or assistance to combat corruption. (4) the extent to which the government of the tion point of contact shall submit an annual re- (2) WAIVER.—The Secretary of State may country— port to the Secretary regarding anti-corruption (A) vigorously investigates and prosecutes activities within his or her posted country waive the requirement to delay foreign assist- acts of public corruption; and that— ance under subsection (a) if the Secretary cer- (B) convicts and sentences persons responsible (1) evaluates the effectiveness of current pro- tifies to the appropriate congressional commit- for such acts that take place wholly or partly grams that promote good governance and have tees that such waiver is important to the na- within such country, including, as appropriate, an effect of combating public corruption; and tional security interests of the United States. requiring the incarceration of individuals con- (2) identifies areas in which the United States SEC. 8. RESOURCES AND REPORTING REQUIRE- victed of such acts; Government’s approach could be enhanced, in- MENTS. (5) the extent to which the government of the cluding specific programs that could be used to (a) ANNUAL REPORT.— country vigorously investigates, prosecutes, con- enhance the whole-of-government approach. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after victs, and sentences public officials who partici- SEC. 6. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP. the date of the enactment of this Act, and annu- ally thereafter, the Secretary of State shall sub- pate in or facilitate public corruption, including (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State shall mit a report to the appropriate congressional nationals of the country who are deployed in have primary responsibility for managing a committees that outlines the resources needed to foreign military assignments, trade delegations whole-of-government effort to improve coordina- meet the objectives of this Act, including— abroad, or other similar missions who engage in tion among United States Government depart- (A) personnel needs; and or facilitate severe forms of public corruption; ments and agencies that have a role in pro- (6) the extent to which the government of the (B) a description of the bureaucratic structure moting good governance in foreign countries of the offices within the Department of State country has adopted measures to prevent public and enhancing foreign countries’ ability to com- corruption, such as measures to inform and edu- and USAID that are engaged in anti-corruption bat public corruption. activities. cate the public, including potential victims, (b) TASK FORCE.— about the causes and consequences of public (b) ANNUAL BRIEFING.— (1) INITIAL MEETING.—Not later than 180 days (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after corruption; after the date of the enactment of this Act, the the date of the enactment of this Act, and annu- (7) steps taken by the government of the coun- Secretary of State shall establish and convene try to prohibit government officials from partici- ally thereafter, the Secretary shall brief the ap- an initial meeting of an interagency task force, propriate congressional committees on the imple- pating in, facilitating, or condoning public cor- which shall be composed of— ruption, including the investigation, prosecu- mentation of this Act, including— (A) representatives appointed by the President (A) the designation of anti-corruption points tion, and conviction of such officials; from the departments and agency listed in sec- (8) the extent to which the country govern- of contact for countries under section 5(a); tion 5(b); and (B) the training implemented under section ment provides access, or, as appropriate, makes (B) representatives from any other United 5(c); adequate resources available, to civil society or- States Government departments or agencies, as (C) the reports received from anti-corruption ganizations and other institutions to combat determined by the Secretary. points of contact under section 5(d); public corruption, including reporting, inves- (2) ADDITIONAL MEETINGS.—The task force de- (D) the management of the whole-of-govern- tigating, and monitoring; scribed in paragraph (1) shall meet not less fre- ment effort to improve coordination under sec- (9) the extent to which an independent judici- quently than twice per year. tion 6(a); ary or judicial body in the country is respon- (c) TASK FORCE DUTIES.—The task force es- (E) the establishment of the task force under sible for, and effectively capable of, deciding tablished pursuant to subsection (b) shall— section 6(b); and public corruption cases impartially, on the basis (1) assist the Secretary of State in managing (F) the activities of the task force under sec- of facts and in accordance with the law, with- the whole-of-government effort described in sub- tion 6(c). out any improper restrictions, influences, in- section (a); (2) FORM OF BRIEFING.—The briefings under ducements, pressures, threats, or interferences (2) evaluate, on a general basis, the effective- subsection (b) shall be conducted on an in-per- (direct or indirect) from any source or for any ness of current programs that have an effect of son basis to members or staff of the appropriate reason; combating public corruption; congressional committees. Portions of the brief- (10) the extent to which the government of the (3) identify general areas in which the United ings may be conducted in a classified setting, as country is assisting in international investiga- States Government’s approach could be en- needed. tions of transnational public corruption net- hanced; and (c) ONLINE PLATFORM.—The Secretary of works and in other cooperative efforts to combat (4) identify specific programs for specific State and the USAID Administrator shall con- grand corruption, including cooperating with countries that could be used to enhance the solidate existing reports with anti-corruption the governments of other countries to extradite whole-of-government approach. components into one online, public platform, corrupt actors; SEC. 7. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. which shall— (11) the extent to which the government of the (1) include— (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after country recognizes the rights of victims of public (A) the Human Rights Report; corruption, ensures their access to justice, and publishing the report required under section 3, (B) the Fiscal Transparency Report; takes steps to prevent victims from being further and prior to obligation by any United States (C) the Investment Climate Statement reports; victimized or persecuted by corrupt actors, gov- agency of foreign assistance to the government (D) the International Narcotics Control Strat- ernment officials, or others; of a country ranked in the lowest 2 quintiles in egy Report; and (12) the extent to which the government of the the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indi- (E) any other relevant public reports; country refrains from prosecuting legitimate vic- cator on Control of Corruption grouping de- (2) link to third-party indicators and compli- tims of public corruption or whistleblowers due scribed in section 3(1), the Secretary, in coordi- ance mechanisms used by the United States to such persons having assisted in exposing pub- nation with the Administrator of USAID, as ap- Government to inform policy and programming, lic corruption, and refrains from other discrimi- propriate, shall— such as— natory treatment of such persons; and (1) conduct a corruption risk assessment and (A) the International Finance Corporation’s (13) such other information relating to public create a corruption mitigation strategy for all Doing Business surveys; corruption as the Secretary of State considers United States foreign assistance programs in (B) the International Budget Partnership’s appropriate. that country; Open Budget Index; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.049 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 (C) multilateral peer review anti-corruption fares—but many of these uprisings Let’s pass the Combating Global Cor- compliance mechanisms, such as the have been sustained by public desire to ruption Act. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and weed out leaders’ corruption. Corrup- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Development’s Working Group on Bribery in tion is no longer being tolerated or ex- consent that the committee-reported International Business Transactions and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, cused. substitute amendment be withdrawn; done at New York October 31, 2003, to further Corruption operates via extensive that the Cardin substitute amendment highlight expert international views on country and entrenched networks in both the at the desk be considered and agreed challenges and country efforts. public and private sectors. It is ubiq- to; that the bill, as amended, be consid- (d) TRAINING.—The Secretary of State and the uitous and pervasive, but we must ad- ered read a third time and passed; and USAID Administrator shall incorporate anti- dress it. The costs of not addressing it that the motion to reconsider be con- corruption components into existing Foreign or rooting it out are just too great. sidered made and laid upon the table. Service and Civil Service training courses— Mr. President, we must be clear- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) to increase the ability of Department of eyed—any fight against corruption will State and USAID personnel to support anti-cor- objection, it is so ordered. ruption as a foreign policy and development pri- be long-term and difficult. It is a fight The committee-reported substitute ority; and against powerful people, powerful com- amendment was withdrawn. (2) to strengthen their ability to design, imple- panies, and powerful interests. It is The amendment (No. 1275), in the na- ment, and evaluate more effective anti-corrup- about changing a mindset and a cul- ture of a substitute, was agreed to. tion programming around the world, including ture as much as it is about establishing (The amendment is printed in today’s enhancing skills to better evaluate and mitigate and enforcing laws. RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) public corruption risks in assistance programs. While previous anti-corruption legis- The bill (S. 1309), as amended, was or- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, we need lation has been crucial, the Combat- dered to be engrossed for a third read- to pass the Combating Global Corrup- ting Global Corruption Act takes our ing, was read the third time, and tion Act. Today, I join with my col- commitment to this value further by passed. league Senator YOUNG to reaffirm bi- bringing a whole-of-government ap- f partisan support for this important proach to the issue and bringing more NATIONAL ONE HEALTH legislation. transparency to the instances of cor- AWARENESS MONTH Corruption threatens international ruption going on unnoticed in every stability and security and poses a seri- country around the world. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ous threat to democracy and demo- The Combatting Global Corruption ask unanimous consent that the Sen- cratic values. Ten days ago, December Act requires the State Department to ate proceed to the consideration of S. 9, was International AntiCorruption produce an annual assessment, either Res. 462, submitted earlier today. Day. This day provides an annual re- by a briefing or by a report, similar to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minder of the dire need to prioritize the Trafficking in Persons Report, clerk will report the resolution by combatting corruption here in the which takes a close look at each coun- title. United States and around the world. try’s efforts to combat corruption. The The legislative clerk read as follows: Corruption undermines democratic assessment will measure indicators A resolution (S. Res. 462) designating Janu- institutions, it compromises the rule of such as transparency, accountability, ary 2020 as ‘‘National One Health Awareness law, and it erodes human rights protec- enforcement of anti-corruption laws, Month’’ to promote awareness of organiza- tions. It damages America’s global and the extent to which public power is tions focused on public health, animal competitiveness and hampers economic health, and environmental health collabora- used for private gain. tion throughout the United States and to growth in global markets. It fosters That model, which has effectively ad- the conditions for violent extremism recognize the critical contributions of those vanced the effort to combat modern- organizations to the future of the United and weakens institutions associated day slavery, will similarly embed the States. with governance and accountability. issue of corruption in our collective There being no objection, the Senate These are direct threats to our na- work and make other nations more proceeded to consider the resolution. tional and international security. conscious of their corruption levels. Mr. MCCONNELL. I know of no fur- Earlier this year, Transparency The bill includes clear definitions of ther debate on the resolution. International published its Corruption corruption and corrupt activities and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Perceptions Index for 2018. It under- underscores the importance of further debate? scored that the failure to curb corrup- prioritizing corruption into strategic Hearing none, the question is on tion is contributing to a worldwide cri- planning—across our agencies, bureaus, agreeing to the resolution. sis of democracy. Not surprisingly and our missions overseas. The resolution (S. Res. 462) was then, Freedom House similarly re- It specifically increases coordination agreed to. ported that 2018 was marked by global on anti-corruption efforts between the Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous declines in political rights and civil Department of State and USAID and consent that the preamble be agreed to liberties for the 13th consecutive year. formally engages our embassies in the and the motions to reconsider be con- Sixty-eight countries suffered net de- fight against corruption by estab- sidered made and laid upon the table clines in political rights and civil lib- lishing anti-corruption points of con- with no intervening action or debate. erties during 2018, with only 50 nations tact at our Embassies in critical coun- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without registering gains. tries. objection, it is so ordered. We have all seen the headlines in re- We work across multiple agencies The preamble was agreed to. cent years—from scandals in Liberia, and in multiple offices to combat cor- (The resolution, with its preamble, is Hungary, and Guatemala, to the doping ruption. The roles of these points of printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- by Russian athletes and their subse- contact, comprised of either the chief mitted Resolutions.’’) quent ban from the 2016 Summer Olym- of mission or personnel designated for f pics and using aid to influence other the role by the chief of mission, will nations’ behavior. foster greater coordination on MEASURE READ THE FIRST It is clear that where there are high anticorruption efforts within the U.S. TIME—S. 3148 levels of corruption, we find fragile government. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I states, authoritarian states, or states It is time for the U.S. Congress to understand is there a bill at the desk, suffering from internal or external con- send a strong message to our Nation and I ask for its first reading. flict—in places such as Lebanon, Af- and to the world that corruption can- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ghanistan and Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, not be accepted as the status quo. clerk will read the title of the bill for Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan. It is time that we back up our the first time. Different domestic issues may have words—our commitment to supporting The legislative clerk read as follows: sparked the wave of massive protests democratization, human rights, and A bill (S. 3148) to amend the Controlled we are observing today—whether they fairness globally—with action to pro- Substances Act to list fentanyl-related sub- be increases in gas prices or metro tect those critically important values. stances as schedule I controlled substances.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19DE6.049 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7237 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tervening action or debate; that if con- Senate completes its business today, it ask for a second reading, and in order firmed, the motion to reconsider be adjourn to then convene for pro forma to place the bill on the calendar under considered made and laid upon the sessions only, with no business being provisions of rule XIV, I object to my table; that the President be imme- conducted, on the following dates and own request. diately notified of the Senate’s action; times, and that following each pro The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- that no further motion be in order; and forma session, the Senate adjourn until tion having been heard, the bill will re- that any statements relating to the the next pro forma session: Monday, ceive its second reading on the next nomination be printed in the RECORD. December 23, at 10 a.m.; Thursday, De- legislative day. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cember 26, at 3:15 p.m.; Monday, De- f objection, it is so ordered. cember 30, at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, The question is, Will the Senate ad- January 2 at 6:30 p.m. SIGNING AUTHORITY vise and consent to the O’Donnell nom- For the information of all Senators, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ination? when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, ask unanimous consent that the major- The nomination was confirmed. January 2, 2020, it will next convene at ity leader be authorized to sign duly f 12 noon on Friday, January 3, pursuant to the Constitution; further, that fol- enrolled bills for the joint resolutions EXECUTIVE CALENDAR through Monday, December 23, 2019. lowing the prayer and pledge, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I morning hour be deemed expired, the objection, it is so ordered. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Journal of proceedings be approved to ate proceed to the en bloc consider- date, and the time for the two leaders f ation of the follow nominations: Execu- be reserved for their use later in the APPOINTMENTS tive Calendar Nos. 507, 508, and 509. day. Finally, that following leader re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The marks, the Senate be in a period of objection, it is so ordered. Chair announces, on behalf of the Ma- morning business, with Senators per- The clerk will report the nomina- jority Leader, pursuant to the provi- mitted to speak therein for up to 10 tions. sions of Public Law 106–398, as amended minutes each. The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without by Public Law 108–7, and in consulta- read the nominations of Dana S. Deasy, objection, it is so ordered. tion with the Chairmen of the Senate of Virginia, to be Chief Information Of- Committee on Armed Services and the f ficer of the Department of Defense Senate Committee on Finance, the ap- (New Position); Lisa W. Hershman, of RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF pointment of the following individuals Indiana, to be Chief Management Offi- THE CHAIR to serve as a member of the United cer of the Department of Defense; and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I States-China Economic and Security Robert John Sander, of Virginia, to be ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Review Commission: Roy Kamphausen General Counsel of the Department of ate stand in recess subject to the call of Connecticut for a term expiring De- the Navy. of the chair. cember 31, 2021 (reappointment); the Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to Thereupon, the Senate, at 7:47 p.m., Honorable James M. Talent of Missouri consider the nominations en bloc. recessed subject to the call of the Chair for a term expiring December 31, 2021 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and reassembled at 8:34 p.m. when (reappointment). ask unanimous consent that the Sen- called to order by the Presiding Officer The Chair announces, on behalf of ate vote on the nominations en bloc (Mr. HOEVEN). the Democratic Leader, pursuant to with no intervening action or debate; the provisions of Public Law 106–398, as f that if confirmed, the motions to re- amended by Public Law 108–7, and in EXECUTIVE CALENDAR consider be considered made and laid consultation with the Ranking Mem- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask bers of the Senate Committee on dent be immediately notified of the unanimous consent that the Senate Armed Services and the Senate Com- Senate’s action; that no further mo- proceed to Executive Session for the en mittee on Finance, the appointment of tions be in order; and that any state- bloc consideration of the following the following individual to serve as a ments related to the nominations be nominations: Executive calendar 518, member of the United States-China printed in the RECORD. 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, Economic and Security Review Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 528, 529, and 411. mission: The Honorable Carte P. Good- objection, it is so ordered. There being no objection, the Senate win of West Virginia for a term begin- The question is, Will the Senate ad- proceeded to consider the nominations ning January 1, 2020 and expiring De- vise and consent to the Deasy, en bloc. cember 31, 2021 (reappointment). Hershman, and Sander nominations en Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous con- f bloc? sent that the Senate vote on the nomi- nations en bloc with no intervening ac- EXECUTIVE SESSION The nominations were confirmed en bloc. tion or debate; that if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered f made and laid upon the table en bloc; EXECUTIVE CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION the President be immediately notified Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of the Senate’s action, that no further ask unanimous consent that the Sen- motions be in order, and that any ate proceed to executive session for the MORNING BUSINESS statements relating to the nominations consideration of the following nomina- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I be printed in the RECORD. tion: Executive Calendar No. 548. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ate be in a period of morning business, objection? objection, it is so ordered. with Senators permitted to speak Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report the nomination. therein for up to 10 minutes each. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent that nomination read the nomination of Sean O’Donnell, objection, it is so ordered. 525 be removed from the list. of Maryland, to be Inspector General, f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Environmental Protection Agency. objection, it is so ordered. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to ORDERS FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER The question is, Will the Senate ad- consider the nomination. 23, 2019, THROUGH THURSDAY, vise and consent to the nominations of Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I JANUARY 2, 2020 David T. Fischer, of Michigan, to be ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- ate vote on the nomination with no in- ask unanimous consent that when the potentiary of the United States of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.095 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S7238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 America to the Kingdom of Morocco; NOMINATIONS IN STATUS QUO BY COMMITTEE the remainder of the term expiring August Morse H. Tan, of Illinois, to be Ambas- COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND 30, 2019. (New Position) sador at Large for Global Criminal Jus- FORESTRY PN 858—Jose Baldomero Carrion, of Puerto Rico, to be a Member of the Financial Over- Cal. #238—Mindy Brashears, of Texas, to be tice; Roxanne Cabral, of Virginia, a Ca- sight and Management Board for Puerto Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food reer Member of the Senior Foreign Rico for the remainder of the term expiring Safety. Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to August 30, 2019. (New Position) Cal. #368—Scott Soles, of Texas, to be be Ambassador Extraordinary and PN 859—Carlos M. Garcia, of Massachu- Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agri- setts, to be a Member of the Financial Over- Plenipotentiary of the United States of culture. America to the Republic of the Mar- sight and Management Board for Puerto COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES shall Islands; Kelley Eckels Currie, of Rico for the remainder of the term expiring Military: August 30, 2019. (New Position) Georgia, to be Ambassador at Large for PN 860—Arthur J. Gonzalez, of New York, Global Women’s Issues; Leslie Mere- PN 1223—Nicholas W. DiGeorge to be Lieu- tenant Commander. to be a Member of the Financial Oversight dith Tsou, of Virginia, a Career Mem- PN 1224—Colin R. Young to be Lieutenant and Management Board for Puerto Rico for ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Commander. the remainder of the term expiring August Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- PN 1262—Shaun J. Arredondo to be Major. 30, 2019. (New Position) bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- PN 1263—Steven K. Uhlman to be Major. PN 861—Jose R. Gonzalez, of New York, to potentiary of the United States of PN 1292—Christopher M. Feroli to be be a Member of the Financial Oversight and America to the Sultanate of Oman; Major. Management Board for Puerto Rico for the remainder of the term expiring August 30, Civilian: Yuri Kim, of Guam, a Career Member 2019. (New Position) of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of PN 1277—Elaine A. Mccusker, of Virginia, PN 862—Ana Matosantos, of California, to Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comp- be a Member of the Financial Oversight and dinary and Plenipotentiary of the troller). Management Board for Puerto Rico for the United States of America to the Repub- PN 1322—James E. McPherson, of Virginia, remainder of the term expiring August 30, to be Under Secretary of the Army. 2019. (New Position) lic of Albania; Carmen G. Cantor, of PN 1310—Charles Williams, of Missouri, to Puerto Rico, a Career Member of the PN 863—David Skeel, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy. be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Senior Executive Service, to be Ambas- Cal. #506—Thomas A. Summers, of Penn- Management Board for Puerto Rico for the sador Extraordinary and Pleni- sylvania, to be a Member of the Defense Nu- remainder of the term expiring August 30, potentiary of the United States of clear Facilities Safety Board for a term ex- 2019. (New Position) America to the Federated States of Mi- piring October 18, 2020. PN 1246—Lanny Erdos, of Ohio, to be Direc- cronesia; Robert S. Gilchrist, of Flor- Cal. #505—Jessie Hill Roberson, of Vir- tor of the Office of Surface Mining Reclama- ida, a Career Member of the Senior ginia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear tion and Enforcement. Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC Foreign Service, Class of Minister- October 18, 2023. (Reappointment) WORKS Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- Cal. #504—Joseph Bruce Hamilton, of dinary and Plenipotentiary of the Texas, to be a Member of the Defense Nu- Cal. #453—Katherine Andrea Lemos, of United States of America to the Repub- clear Facilities Safety Board for a term ex- California, to be Chairperson of the Chemical piring October 18, 2022. Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a lic of Lithuania; Alina L. Romanowski, term of five years. of Illinois, a Career Member of the Sen- COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN Cal. #451—Katherine Andrea Lemos, of ior Executive Service, to be Ambas- DEVELOPMENT California, to be a Member of the Chemical sador Extraordinary and Pleni- Cal. #546—John Bobbitt, of Texas, to be an Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a potentiary of the United States of Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban term of five years. America to the State of Kuwait; Kelly Development. *PN 1247 (will be HSGAC) Robert J. Feitel, C. Degnan, of California, a Career PN 1153—Peter J. Coniglio, of Virginia, to of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Nu- be Inspector General, Export-Import Bank. Member of the Senior Foreign Service, clear Regulatory Commission. Cal. #547—Brian D. Montgomery, of Texas, COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and PN 1159—Kipp Kranbuhl, of Ohio, to be an bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Urban Development. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. PN 612—Nazak Nikakhtar, of Maryland, to potentiary of the United States of PN 1278—Alina I. Marshall, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Indus- America to Georgia; Peter M. be a Judge of the United States Tax Court try and Security. Haymond, of Virginia, a Career Mem- for a term of fifteen years. Exec. No. 500—Bruce Poliquin, of Maine, to ber of the Senior Foreign Service, PN 1279—Christian N. Weiler, of Louisiana, be a Director of the Securities Investor Pro- to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- tection Corporation for a term expiring De- bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- for a term of fifteen years. cember 31, 2021. PN 1248—Sarah C. Arbes, of Virginia, to be potentiary of the United States of PN 701—Paul Shmotolokha, of Washington, an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human America to the Lao People’s Demo- to be First Vice President of the Export-Im- Services. cratic Republic; Michelle A. port Bank of the United States for a term ex- PN 85—James B. Lockhart III, of Con- Bekkering, of the District of Columbia, piring January 20, 2021. necticut, to be a Member of the Board of to be an Assistant Administrator of the Exec. Cal. #545—Mitchell A. Silk, of New Trustees of the Federal Supplementary Med- United States Agency for International York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the ical Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four Treasury. years. Development, en bloc. PN 56—Claudia Slacik, of New York, to be The nominations were confirmed en PN 84—James B. Lockhart III, of Con- a Member of the Board of Directors of the necticut, to be a Member of the Board of bloc. Export-Import Bank of the United States for Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Sur- a term expiring January 20, 2023. vivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal f PN 1034—David Carey Woll, Jr., of Con- Disability Insurance Trust Fund for a term necticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of of four years. Housing and Urban Development. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR PN 83—James B. Lockhart III, of Con- COMMITTEE ON BUDGET necticut, to be a Member of the Board of COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance TRANSPORTATION Trust Fund for a term of four years. PN 82—Jason J. Fichtner, of the District of NOMINATIONS IN STATUS QUO Cal. #369—Michelle A. Schultz, of Pennsyl- vania, to be a Member of the Surface Trans- Columbia, to be a Member of the Social Se- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I send a portation Board for the term of five years. curity Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2024. list of nominations to the desk and ask Coast Guard: that they be kept in status quo despite Cal. #416—Travis Greaves, of the District PN 1182—Capt. Miriam L. Lafferty to be of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United the sine die adjournment of the 1st ses- Rear Admiral (Lower Half). States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years. sion of the 116th Congress. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RESOURCES Cal No. 549 Sung Y. Kim, of California, a objection, it is so ordered. PN 857—Andrew George Biggs, of Oregon, Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- The nominations in status quo are as to be a Member of the Financial Oversight ice, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambas- follows: and Management Board for Puerto Rico for sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Dec 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19DE6.096 S19DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE December 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7239 the United States of America to the Republic Cal. #339—Troy D. Edgar, of California, to Exec. Cal. #535—Philip M. Halpern, of New of Indonesia. be Chief Financial Officer, Department of York, to be United States District Judge for PN 1035—Natalie E. Brown, of Nebraska, to Homeland Security. the Southern District of New York, vice P. be Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda. PN 798—Elizabeth J. Shapiro, of the Dis- Kevin Castel, retired. PN 1249—Todd C. Chapman, of Texas, to be trict of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge Exec. Cal. #538—Barbara Bailey Jongbloed, Ambassador to the Federative Republic of of the Superior Court of the District of Co- of Connecticut, to be United States District Brazil. lumbia for the term of fifteen years. Judge for the District of Connecticut, vice PN 1296—Jason Myung-Ik Chung, of Vir- PN 1048—Rahkel Bouchet, of the District Alvin W. Thompson, retired. ginia, to be United States Director of the of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Exec. Cal. #229—Virgil Madden, of Indiana, Asian Development Bank, with the rank of Superior Court of the District of Columbia to be a Commissioner of the United States Ambassador. for the term of fifteen years. Parole Commission for a term of six years, PN 1045—Sandra E. Clark, of Maryland, to PN 1283—Mark A. Robbins, of the District vice Patricia Cushwa, term expired. be Ambassador to Burkina Faso. of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Exec. Cal. #372—Monica David Morris, of PN 1280—J. Steven Dowd, of Florida, to be Superior Court of the District of Columbia Florida, to be a Commissioner of the United United States Director of the European Bank for the term of fifteen years. States Parole Commission for a term of six for Reconstruction and Development. PN 1284—Carl Ezekiel Ross, of the District years, vice J. Patricia Wilson Smoot, term PN 1161—John Hennessey-Niland, of Illi- of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the expired. nois, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Superior Court of the District of Columbia PN 1174—Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be Palau. for the term of fifteen years. United States District Judge for the District PN 1229—Joseph Manso, of New York, a Ca- Exec. Cal. 554—Paul J. Ray, of Tennessee, of Arizona, vice Cindy K. Jorgenson, retired. reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, to be Administrator of the Office of Informa- PN 1314—John Charles Hinderaker of Ari- Class of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of tion and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Man- zona, to be United States District Judge for Ambassador during his tenure of service as agement and Budget. the District of Arizona, vice Raner United States Representative to the Organi- Cal. #61—Dennis Dean Kirk, of Virginia, to Christercunean Collins, retired. zation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weap- be a Member of the Merit Systems Protec- ons. tion Board for the term of seven years expir- f ing March 1, 2023. PN 1231—Dorothy Shea, of North Carolina, LEGISLATIVE SESSION to be Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic. Cal. #62—Dennis Dean Kirk, of Virginia, to PN 1281—Henry T. Wooster, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the Merit Systems Protec- be Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of tion Board. Jordan. Cal. #498—Peter Gaynor, of Rhode Island, MORNING BUSINESS PN 1164—Donald Wright, of Virginia, to be to be Administrator of the Federal Emer- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask gency Management Agency, Department of Ambassador to the United Republic of Tan- unanimous consent that the Senate zania. Homeland Security. PN 1037—Steven Christopher Koutsis, of PN 1153—Peter J. Coniglio, of Virginia, to proceed to legislative session and be in Massachusetts, to be Ambassador to the Re- be Inspector General, Export-Import Bank. a period of morning business, with Sen- public of Chad. PN 1247—Robert J. Feitel, of Maryland, to ators permitted to speak therein for up Exec. Cal. No. 216 Charles L. Glazer, of be Inspector General, Nuclear Regulatory to 10 minutes each. Connecticut, to be a Member of the United Commission. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without States Advisory Commission on Public Di- COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS objection, it is so ordered. plomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2020. PN 1250—Michael D. Weahkee, of New Mex- Cal. #531—Andeliz N. Castillo, of New York ico, to be Director of the Indian Health Serv- f States Alternate Executive Director of the ice, Department of Health and Human Serv- PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Inter-American Development Bank. ices. Cal. #525—Michael George DeSombre, of Il- FOR AMERICANS ACT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE linois, to be Ambassador of the United Cal. #111—William R. Evanina, of Pennsyl- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask States of America to the Kingdom of Thai- unanimous consent that the Senate land. vania, to be Director of the National Coun- terintelligence and Security Center. proceed to the immediate consider- COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR AND COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION ation of Calendar No. 286, S. 1608. PENSIONS COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Cal. #541—Cynthia L. Attwood, of Virginia, ENTREPRENEURSHIP clerk will report the bill by title. to be a Member of the Occupational Safety The legislative clerk read as follows: and Health Review Commission for a term Exec. 555—Jovita Carranza, of Illinois, to expiring April 27, 2025. (Reappointment) be Administrator of the Small Business Ad- A bill (S. 1608) to provide for the publica- Cal. #542—Amanda Wood Laihow, of Maine, ministration. tion by the Secretary of Health and Human to be a Member of Occupational Safety and COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS Services of physical activity recommenda- Health Review Commission for the remain- PN 1109—Grant C. Jaquith, of New York, to tions for Americans. der of a term expiring April 27, 2023. be a Judge of the United States Court of Ap- There being no objection, the Senate Cal. #552—Crosby Kemper III, of Missouri, peals for Veterans Claims for the term of fif- proceeded to consider the bill, which to be Director of the Institute of Museum teen years. had been reported from the Committee and Library Services for a term of four COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY years. on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Cal. #69—Charles Wickser Banta, of New Exec. Cal. #329—Matthew H. Solomson, of sions, with an amendment to strike all York, to be a Member of the National Coun- Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States after the enacting clause and insert in cil on the Arts for a term expiring Sep- Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen lieu thereof the following: years, vice Emily Clark Hewitt, retired. tember 3, 2022. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Cal. #74—Michelle Itczak, of Indiana, to be Exec. Cal. #358—Diane Gujarati, of New York, to be United States District Judge for This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Promoting a Member of the National Council on the Physical Activity for Americans Act’’. Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2020. the Eastern District of New York, vice John SEC. 2. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS Cal. #76—Barbara Coleen Long, of Mis- Gleeson, resigned. Exec. Cal. #384—Robert Anthony Molloy, FOR AMERICANS. souri, to be a Member of the National Coun- of the Virgin Islands, to be Judge for the Dis- (a) REPORTS.— cil on the Arts for a term expiring Sep- trict Court of the Virgin Islands for a term (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, tember 3, 2022. of ten years, vice Curtis V. Gomez, term ex- 2028, and at least every 10 years thereafter, the Cal. #78—Carleton Varney, of Massachu- Secretary of Health and Human Services (re- setts, to be a Member of the National Coun- pired. Exec. Cal. #461—John Fitzgerald Kness, of ferred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’) cil on the Arts for a term expiring Sep- Illinois, to be United States District Judge shall publish a report that provides physical ac- tember 3, 2022. for the Northern District of Illinois, vice tivity recommendations for the people of the COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND Samuel DerYeghiayan, retired. United States. Each such report shall contain GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Exec. Cal. #462—Eleni Maria Roumel, of physical activity information and recommenda- Cal. #60—Julia Akins Clark, of Maryland, Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States tions for consideration and use by the general to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protec- Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen public, and shall be considered, as applicable tion Board for the term of seven years expir- years, vice Mary Ellen Coster Williams, term and appropriate, by relevant Federal agencies ing March 1, 2021. expired. in carrying out relevant Federal health pro- Cal. #340—B. Chad Bungard, of Maryland, Exec. Cal. #491—Silvia Carreno-Coll, of grams. to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protec- Puerto Rico, to be United States District (2) BASIS OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—The infor- tion Board for the term of seven years expir- Judge for the District of Puerto Rico, vice mation contained in each report required under ing March 1, 2025. Jay A. Garcia-Gregory, retired. paragraph (1) shall be based on the most current

VerDate Sep 11 2014 19:57 Jan 03, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\RECORD19\DECEMBER\S19DE9.REC S19DE9 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S7240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 19, 2019 evidence-based scientific and medical knowledge ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, MICHAEL GRAHAM, OF KANSAS, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD FOR A at the time the report is prepared, and shall in- DECEMBER 23, 2019, AT 10 A.M. TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2025. clude additional recommendations for popu- lation subgroups, such as children or individ- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, if there FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION uals with disabilities, including information re- is no further business to come before LAJUANA S. WILCHER, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE A MEMBER garding engagement in appropriate physical ac- the Senate, I ask that it stand ad- OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FEDERAL AGRI- CULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION. tivity and avoiding inactivity. journed under the previous order. (3) UPDATE REPORTS.—Not later than 5 years There being no objection, the Senate, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE after the publication of the first report under at 8:37 p.m., adjourned until Monday, DANA S. DEASY, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE CHIEF INFORMA- paragraph (1), and at least every 10 years there- December 23, 2019, at 10 a.m. TION OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. after, the Secretary shall publish an updated re- LISA W. HERSHMAN, OF INDIANA, TO BE CHIEF MAN- f AGEMENT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. port detailing evidence-based practices and ROBERT JOHN SANDER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE GENERAL highlighting continuing issues with respect to DISCHARGED NOMINATIONS COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY. physical activity. The contents of reports under The Senate Committee on Foreign DEPARTMENT OF STATE this paragraph may focus on a particular group, Relations was discharged from further subsection, or other division of the general pub- DAVID T. FISCHER, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE AMBASSADOR consideration of the following nomina- EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE lic or on a particular issue relating to physical UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE KINGDOM OF MO- activity. tions by unanimous consent and the ROCCO. nominations were confirmed: MORSE H. TAN, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE AMBASSADOR AT (b) INTERACTION WITH OTHER RECOMMENDA- LARGE FOR GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE. TIONS.—Federal agencies proposing to issue FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ROXANNE CABRAL, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEMBER physical activity recommendations that differ SHON STEPHEN BELCHER AND ENDING WITH DAVID OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER– MANGO, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND from the recommendations in the most recent re- SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA port published under subsection (a)(1) shall, as RECORD ON DECEMBER 2, 2019. TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS. applicable and appropriate, take into consider- FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH KELLEY ECKELS CURRIE, OF GEORGIA, TO BE AMBAS- KARA MIRIAM ABRAMSON AND ENDING WITH MEGAN SADOR AT LARGE FOR GLOBAL WOMEN’S ISSUES. ation the recommendations provided through re- ELIZABETH ZUROWSKI, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RE- LESLIE MEREDITH TSOU, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEM- ports issued under this Act. CEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CON- BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MIN- GRESSIONAL RECORD ON DECEMBER 2, 2019. (c) EXISTING AUTHORITY NOT AFFECTED.— ISTER–COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES This section is not intended to limit the support JENNY U. ABAMU AND ENDING WITH HAMDA A. YUSUF, OF AMERICA TO THE SULTANATE OF OMAN. of biomedical research by any Federal agency or WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE YURI KIM, OF GUAM, A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SEN- AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON DE- to limit the presentation or communication of IOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUNSELOR, TO BE AM- CEMBER 2, 2019. BASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF scientific or medical findings or review of such The Senate Committee on Com- THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF findings by any Federal agency. ALBANIA. merce, Science, and Transportation CARMEN G. CANTOR, OF PUERTO RICO, A CAREER MEM- (d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding any other was discharged from further consider- BER OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE, TO BE AMBAS- provision of this Act, no physical fitness stand- SADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF ard established under this Act shall be binding ation of the following nomination by THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE FEDERATED unanimous consent and the nomination STATES OF MICRONESIA. on any individual as a matter of Federal law or ROBERT S. GILCHRIST, OF FLORIDA, A CAREER MEM- regulation. was confirmed: BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MIN- Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous con- THOMAS B. CHAPMAN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE A MEM- ISTER–COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- BER OF THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES sent that the committee-reported sub- BOARD FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2023. OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA. stitute be agreed to and the bill, as ALINA L. ROMANOWSKI, OF ILLINOIS, A CAREER MEM- f BER OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE, TO BE AMBAS- amended, be considered read a third SADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF CONFIRMATIONS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE STATE OF KU- time. WAIT. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Executive nominations confirmed by KELLY C. DEGNAN, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER MEM- the Senate December 19, 2019: BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MIN- objection, it is so ordered. ISTER–COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- The committee-reported amendment THE JUDICIARY DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO GEORGIA. in the nature of a substitute was ROBERT J. COLVILLE, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE PETER M. HAYMOND, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEMBER agreed to. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER– DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA. COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND The bill, as amended, was ordered to LEWIS J. LIMAN, OF NEW YORK, TO BE UNITED STATES PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW TO THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC. be engrossed for a third reading and YORK. was read the third time. MARY KAY VYSKOCIL, OF NEW YORK, TO BE UNITED THE JUDICIARY STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT Ms. COLLINS. I know of no further OF NEW YORK. BERNARD MAURICE JONES II, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE debate on the bill, as amended. GARY RICHARD BROWN, OF NEW YORK, TO BE UNITED UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there OF NEW YORK. further debate? STEPHANIE DAWKINS DAVIS, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN If not, the bill having been read the DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN. SEAN O’DONNELL, OF MARYLAND, TO BE INSPECTOR GENERAL, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. third time, the question is, Shall the KEA WHETZAL RIGGS, OF NEW MEXICO, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW DEPARTMENT OF STATE bill pass? MEXICO. The bill (S. 1608), as amended, passed. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL STEPHEN E. BIEGUN, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- RETARY OF STATE. Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous con- DEVELOPMENT CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES sent that the motions to reconsider be MICHELLE A. BEKKERING, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- considered made and laid upon the BIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE J. BRETT BLANTON, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE ARCHITECT OF UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVEL- THE CAPITOL FOR THE TERM OF TEN YEARS. table. OPMENT. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without THE JUDICIARY NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD objection, it is so ordered. ANURAAG SINGHAL, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED THOMAS B. CHAPMAN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE A MEM- STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BER OF THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY OF FLORIDA. BOARD FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2023. KAREN SPENCER MARSTON, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE f FOREIGN SERVICE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA. FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH SIGNING AUTHORITY DANIEL MACK TRAYNOR, OF NORTH DAKOTA, TO BE SHON STEPHEN BELCHER AND ENDING WITH DAVID UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF MANGO, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask NORTH DAKOTA. SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL JODI W. DISHMAN, OF OKLAHOMA, TO BE UNITED RECORD ON DECEMBER 2, 2019. unanimous consent that the senior STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH Senator from North Dakota be author- OF OKLAHOMA. KARA MIRIAM ABRAMSON AND ENDING WITH MEGAN JOHN M. GALLAGHER, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE ELIZABETH ZUROWSKI, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RE- ized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN CEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CON- resolutions during today’s session of DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA. GRESSIONAL RECORD ON DECEMBER 2, 2019. NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH the Senate. JENNY U. ABAMU AND ENDING WITH HAMDA A. YUSUF, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without MICHAEL GRAHAM, OF KANSAS, TO BE A MEMBER OF WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD FOR A AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON DE- objection, it is so ordered. TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2020. CEMBER 2, 2019.

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