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, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019 No. 163 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE found personal transformation to be- called to order by the Honorable PAT- The Presiding Officer led the Pledge come the religious figure and leader for RICK J. TOOMEY, a Senator from the of Allegiance, as follows: which he is recognized today. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Guru Nanak’s most famous teachings I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the include that there is only one God, United States of America, and to the Repub- f lic for which it stands, one nation under God, that people need not go through an indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. intermediary, such as a priest, to ac- cess the one God, and that all people PRAYER f are created equal. He preached that his The PRESIDING OFFICER. Today’s APPOINTMENT OF ACTING followers should meditate and remem- opening prayer will be offered by Giani PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE ber God, that they should earn an hon- Sukhvinder Singh, of Gurdwara Phila- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The est living, and that they should share delphia Sikh Society, Upper Darby, clerk will please read a communication with those who are less fortunate than PA. to the Senate from the President pro themselves. The guest Chaplain offered the fol- tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). Guru Nanak began teaching the Sikh lowing prayer: The legislative clerk read the fol- faith around the year 1500, and with Let us pray. lowing letter: around 30 million adherents, the Sikh ‘‘One Universal Creator God. By The U.S. SENATE, faith is the sixth largest religion in the Grace Of The True Guru.’’ PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, world. Approximately 700,000 Sikhs Almighty God, we call You by many Washington, DC, October 16, 2019. have chosen to make their homes in names, but You are one. Keep Your Di- To the Senate: the United States. There are several vine Hand over the Members of this Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Sikh places of worship, known as Senate as they help steer the future of of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby gurdwaras, in and around the Philadel- our great Nation. Keep truth on our appoint the Honorable PATRICK J. TOOMEY, a phia area, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- tongues, love in our hearts, and sound and across America. vania, to perform the duties of the Chair. Next month, on November 12, there judgment in our minds. Remind us of CHUCK GRASSLEY, our purpose: to love and serve one an- President pro tempore. will be celebrations at gurdwaras other and create a more peaceful world. across the globe to mark the 550th Mr. TOOMEY thereupon assumed the birthday of Guru Nanak. In addition, We ask for blessings unto all leaders Chair as Acting President pro tempore. as they work for the common good. Sikh leaders have come to the Capitol The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. today to commemorate the birthday of Give all who govern this land humility CRAMER). The Senator from Pennsyl- and courage, integrity, and compas- Guru Nanak. vania. A few minutes ago, a giani, or a Sikh sion. Release each one of us from ego f religious official, gave a prayer as the so that we may serve selflessly. Help us Senate opened for business. I am proud remember that we belong to one fam- 550TH BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK that he hails from my State of Penn- ily. Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise to sylvania. This evening, leaders from ‘‘Recognize the entire human race as mark a very special day for the Sikh the Sikh community will convene an one.’’ religion and the Sikh community interfaith event to promote the peace- We ask of the Almighty to also keep across America and especially in Penn- ful values that all of the world’s major watch over our Nation’s protectors who sylvania—specifically, the birthday of religions share. work tirelessly, day and night, to en- the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. This morning, I just wanted to add sure our safety and our freedom. Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu my voice to wish the Sikh community You are everywhere; all are Yours. household in 1469 in what is now mod- great luck and great joy with this Whatever is seen, O God, is Your form. ern-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak showed event and to wish Guru Nanak a happy My Lord, You are but one. We ask You a keen interest in religion from very 550th birthday this year. to bless this great Nation and its peo- early on in his life. He had a real apti- I yield the floor. ple. tude in his youth for philosophizing f ‘‘In the name of Nanak, find ever- and writing poetry. He married, had lasting optimism. With Your will, Al- children, and became an accountant RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME mighty God, may there be welfare of like his father. Yet he always believed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under all of humanity.’’ in the importance of living a spiritual the previous order, the leadership time Amen. life. Eventually, he underwent a pro- is reserved.

∑ 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 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.000 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 CONCLUSION OF MORNING promising she would not rest until she tending all hearings, depositions, offer- BUSINESS impeached him. ing evidence, and cross-examining wit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning From the very beginning of this Pres- nesses. business is closed. idency, Washington Democrats have We have already seen Chairman lived in a state of denial. They have SCHIFF say in public that his com- f seemed positive that some inside-the- mittee had not been in touch with the EXECUTIVE SESSION Beltway maneuver would save them whistleblower when they actually had from the consequences of Secretary been. We have seen Chairman SCHIFF Clinton’s defeat. They had hoped Spe- bizarrely and brazenly fabricate what EXECUTIVE CALENDAR cial Counsel Mueller’s report would the President actually said to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under have validated their theories about the President of Ukraine during an official the previous order, the Senate will pro- conspiracy between the Trump cam- hearing that he was chairing, only to ceed to executive session to resume paign and the Russians. They used claim that his fabrications were a par- consideration of the following nomina- their minority powers in the Senate to ody—a parody—when Republicans tion, which the clerk will report. effectively try to nullify his Presi- called him out for it. The legislative clerk read the nomi- dency by obstructing even completely The same Democrats who are run- nation of Barbara McConnell Barrett, uncontroversial nominees to all kinds ning this circus turn around and claim of Arizona, to be Secretary of the Air of government posts simply because with a straight face that they are sol- Force. this President was the one who nomi- emnly following the facts and the Con- RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER nated them. stitution wherever it leads. There have been 3 years of this. Now, Give me a break. Give me a break. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- finally, Speaker PELOSI’s efforts to The entire country can see that that is jority leader is recognized. hold back her leftwing caucus have of- not what is happening here. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ficially crumbled, and the House has And here is what else the American Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I thrown itself into impeachment. people can see: The Democrats would mentioned yesterday the contrast be- Given the lip service the House rather fight with the White House than tween our work in the Senate and what Democrats pay in defending the norms work with the Republicans and the ad- is transpiring over in the House. and institutions of American Govern- ministration to pass legislation. On this side of the Capitol, we are fo- ment, you might think they would at We need real solutions, like full-year cused on working for the American least run this so-called impeachment funding for our Armed Forces so our people. We are overcoming the Demo- inquiry by the book. You might think men and women in uniform can receive crats’ historic delay tactics and ob- the people who are trying to overrule their pay raise and our commanders struction to confirm more of the Presi- the American voters and, from Wash- can engage in long-term planning; real dent’s impressive nominees for the ex- ington, cancel out an election would solutions like the USMCA, the major ecutive branch as well as for the judici- conduct their process by the very high- victory for American workers and ary. Later today, we will confirm a new est standards of fairness and due proc- American businesses that the Trump Secretary of the Air Force and will ess. administration negotiated with Canada then turn to several impressive nomi- If you thought that, you would be and Mexico but which Speaker PELOSI nees to district court vacancies in wrong. Our Democratic colleagues have has blocked for months, with 176,000 order to continue our renewal of the had their minds made up since long be- new American jobs hanging in the bal- Federal judiciary. fore this inquiry began. Remember, the ance. We will also keep working on the ap- chairwoman of one of the committees Opportunities are right before us. propriations process and on providing Speaker PELOSI put in charge of the Senate Republicans have been ready the funding our Armed Forces cer- process said in April of 2017: ‘‘I’m going and waiting for weeks and months to tainly need, and we are discussing ways to fight every day until he’s im- do our part and actually make law on to discourage the withdrawal of U.S. peached.’’ That was back in 2017. So these subjects for the benefit of Amer- forces from the Middle East and ensure this is not about seriously discharging ican families. We just need our coun- the United States continues to provide constitutional responsibilities. It is terparts across the Capitol to get seri- the essential global leadership that has about the end result they have had in ous about this. cornered ISIS and other radical Islamic mind since day one. I suggest the absence of a quorum. terrorists and has kept our Nation safe. Remember when the campaign to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The So what is going on over in the block Justice Kavanaugh began with clerk will call the roll. House? protest signs with a big, empty blank The legislative clerk proceeded to Those in the House are doubling for the name? It was a fill-in-the-blank call the roll. down on their 3-year-old obsession of protest before they even knew who the Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask finding ways to nullify the decision the nominee was. Now we have the sequel unanimous consent that the order for American people made back in 2016. with this fill-in-the-blank quest for im- the quorum call be rescinded. Speaker PELOSI’s Democrats are block- peachment. The Democrats’ process al- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing the USMCA, which is the landmark ready speaks for itself. objection, it is so ordered. trade deal that would create 176,000 For the first time ever, Speaker Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, just new jobs for American workers. They PELOSI has simply ordered the House to when you think things couldn’t get any are dragging their heels on funding the conduct an inquiry into impeaching a stranger here in Washington, DC, a few government, which is keeping our mili- President without a full vote of the weeks ago, Speaker PELOSI announced tary commanders in limbo. All of their House. Just yesterday, the Speaker that the House was officially beginning energy is going into this all-consuming doubled down on this unprecedented proceedings to impeach the President impeachment parade that has been and undemocratic process by once of the United States. While the left has rolling on for 3 years now—ever search- again refusing to hold a vote on an im- been dreaming of impeachment ever ing for a rationale. peachment inquiry. since the President was first elected in Remember, it was literally on Inau- Democrats have refused to give Re- 2016, the timing of this was quite a sur- guration Day of January 2017 when the publicans the same rights and fair prise. In fact, last January the Speaker Washington Post ran this headline: treatment that Republicans afforded led the effort to table an impeachment ‘‘The campaign to impeach President Democrats during the Clinton impeach- resolution, and she and Chairman NAD- Trump has begun.’’ Well, the Post got ment—things like equal subpoena LER and Chairman SCHIFF and other it right. Before President Trump even power for the ranking members. Like- House leaders had said that they recog- took office, one prominent House Dem- wise, Democrats have refused to give nized that this would never be success- ocrat had already declared he would President Trump’s counsel the same ful unless it is bipartisan, and I think not be a legitimate President. Just a opportunities that Republicans gave to they were right then and they are few months later, another was already President Clinton—rights such as at- wrong now.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.002 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5807 We know that the announcement of We have some idea of whom they are When it comes to impeachment, ar- the Speaker came at a time when the meeting with, but we have no idea as guably one of the most serious respon- only thing the public knew was about to the details they are talking about. sibilities under our Constitution for rumors of a whistleblower complaint That is because, instead of going Congress, House Democrats have sim- about a call over which virtually no through the Judiciary Committee, ply drawn the cloak of secrecy around one knew any details. which would have been an open pro- their investigation. Of course, you But the facts didn’t really matter. ceeding, ordinarily, Speaker PELOSI know what the logical questions are to This was about grabbing ahold of some- has grabbed this topic from Chairman this sort of bizarre proceeding—ques- thing and using this as a vehicle to do NADLER and given it to Chairman tions like this: What are they hiding? what the left has wanted to do since SCHIFF, the chairman of the House In- What are they afraid of? What is it the President was inaugurated. telligence Committee, so as to have that they don’t want the American Were the initial reports a reason to some sort of justification, as thin as it people to see? look into the matter further? Abso- may seem, for doing things behind Of course, as I said, there are going lutely. That is what the Senate Select closed doors and in secret. to be some sensitivities and, perhaps, Committee on Intelligence that I have As I said, I am on the Senate Intel- even some classified information, par- the privilege of serving on did. We had ligence Committee. I understand that ticularly when you are talking about the Acting Director of National Intel- if there is classified information that foreign policy. ligence come testify. We had the in- can’t be made public, that is a reason But the President has already made spector general come testify about his to have closed-door hearings, but there the key documents public. He has de- report. should be some effort to separate the classified the conversation he had with But that is not the approach that classified information, if there is any, President Zelensky, and we have seen House Democrats have taken. They from the nonclassified information and the report of the inspector general. made no honest effort to investigate have a public hearing on that part of before deciding to impeach. the information the committee is This secrecy veil seems to be more of Prior to the Speaker’s press con- given, not just closing the door, lock- a necessary tool to cloak information ference, in fact, we hadn’t seen the ing it, and throwing away the key, and that doesn’t align with their narrative. complaint. We hadn’t seen the tran- keeping it all secret. This is really un- They simply don’t want people to hear script or heard from the leaders of the justified. all sides of the story. intelligence community. But regard- Well, we know that they have been I have no doubt that if the facts were less of the lack of any evidence at the busy. Chairman SCHIFF has been busy. on their side, they would allow this time, they jumped into impeachment We know he has been particularly busy process to be in the open. If they actu- feet first. It is almost as if they were on the TV talk shows and giving inter- ally thought that transparency would waiting for anything—any excuse, any views to the media all day long, every benefit them, they would throw the reason at all—to do what they have day, and we know that there are bits of doors wide open and do it out in public wanted to do since day one in opposing information being strategically leaked and let the American people judge it President Trump. This confirms to me that this is real- to the media, which conveniently align for themselves, and if facts were on ly not about the facts so much as it is with their overall plan, and that is im- their side, they would then hold a vote a search-and-destroy mission. peachment. on the floor of the House of Represent- Removing a President from office is There have been no real and credible atives authorizing this impeachment no small matter. In fact, the Senate details about what has happened be- inquiry, which has been done each time has never done so in American history. hind those closed-door meetings, and I in the past. But from what we read, You would think that with so much at would suggest that every American Speaker PELOSI is trying to protect her stake, our House Democrat friends should be concerned. This is entirely vulnerable House Members from being would make every effort to lay out a contrary to our basic concepts of fair- held accountable for their vote, par- careful, logical, fact-based case for the ness and due process—to have secret ticularly those in swing districts that American people. witnesses, secret interviews, secret won in 2018. So this is more another In fact, they said they knew they hearings, and then use that informa- part of the political calculation at couldn’t be successful unless this was a tion to take one of the most dramatic work here. bipartisan effort, but they made zero actions that the Constitution provides Instead, what they are doing is con- effort to make it bipartisan by laying for, and that is the removal of a Presi- structing this narrative behind closed out the facts, by making it trans- dent. doors and handpicking which informa- parent, by letting the American people This is contrary to any concept of tion to leak and which to keep secret. fair play and due process, as guaran- see exactly what was going on. A true and honest investigation teed by the Bill of Rights and our Con- Ordinarily, you would expect hear- means following the facts where they stitution. You could be charged with a ings on every major network, witnesses may lead, gathering evidence, and giv- traffic offense and get more trans- presenting their testimony, subject to ing the American people access to that parency and more due process than questioning by both Republicans and information at every step, but that is a Democrats, and detailed reports of in- what the House Democrats are pro- far cry from what is happening today. vestigations. That is what you would viding to President Trump, because expect, but that is not what we got. that is what the Constitution requires. While House Democrats are freely Instead, we got secret hearings, se- Because the Speaker made a decision leaking the details of the impeachment cret witnesses, secret interviews, and to impeach President Trump based at process to the media, they are being secret meetings. But you know what the time solely on rumors and second- unfair to the American people, particu- goes along with that kind of secrecy— hand information, I am left with very larly the 65 million people who voted leaks and more leaks. little optimism for the way this im- for President Trump in the first place— Chairman SCHIFF and his cohorts in peachment inquiry so far has been han- but not just them. We all understand the House have drawn the cloak of se- dled. that in elections you win some and you crecy around this entire proceeding Now, there have been some silly lose some. Even the people who didn’t and then proceeded to drip, drip, drip a hearings in the House of Representa- vote for President Trump, I believe, narrative to the press through leaks tives this year, but the American peo- would be committed to a fair process, that would seem to justify their argu- ple should have the benefit of being particularly when going through some- ments, but that is not fair. That is not able to watch these proceedings and thing as serious as the potential im- fair to the President. That is not fair draw their own conclusions. They don’t peachment and removal of a duly elect- to the 65 million American people who have to believe what the press tells ed President of the United States. voted for President Trump. To try to them based on strategic leaks. They What they want to do is to undo the negate an election through this sort of don’t have to believe what Chairman 2016 election, but they should at least inappropriate process just defies logic SCHIFF and Speaker PELOSI say. They have the courage to do it out in the and sense. can judge the facts for themselves. open.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.004 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 We know what is happening as a re- process rather than focus on what is see the Stanley Cup. But for sure the sult of the Democrats devoting 100 per- best for the American people. Let the youngest baby to be put in the Stanley cent of their time and energy to revers- voters cast their ballots 13 months Cup—the record was broken when the ing the results of the 2016 election by from now rather than put our country trophy was brought to a mother and impeaching President Trump. Their through this divisive and ultimately her newborn child at Mercy Hospital in constituents sitting at home are won- futile effort to impeach and remove St. Louis, the baby barely born, right dering what it is they are actually President Trump. there in the Stanley Cup, setting the going to be able to accomplish. Mr. President, I yield the floor. new Stanley Cup ‘‘youngest baby in the When we have elections, ordinarily The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cup’’ record. candidates run for office and say: If ator from Missouri. We will never forget the image of you elect me, I will do this, this, and CONGRATULATING THE ST. LOUIS BLUES Laila Anderson. Laila, a young girl this. The House Democrats have given Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I want to battling a life-threatening disease, in up on that. Forget their campaign talk about a very different topic, and many ways became the No. 1 fan of the promises. Forget what they told their that is the Stanley Cup. Yesterday at team. Laila, by the way, was at the voters in the 2018 election. They are all the White House, the St. Louis Blues White House in the Rose Garden yes- in on the impeachment and removal of were warmly welcomed by the Presi- terday, and she was called up to stand the President. The rest of that stuff is dent in a ceremony celebrating their by the President and the Stanley Cup, just talk—at least that is how it ap- Stanley Cup victory. On June 12, the with the team surrounding both of pears. Blues made history when they defeated them. The night they won, she was on There are a lot of important things the Boston Bruins in game 7 of the the ice with the players celebrating as we can and should be doing in Wash- Stanley Cup Final. the Stanley Cup was passed around at ington as opposed to this political side It was hard to imagine at the begin- the end of game 7. show. We have had many productive ning of this season that the Blues could The day after the Blues received hearings and efforts on such important have done this. They were the lowest their championship rings, two players items as trying to reduce mass vio- ranked team in the National Hockey visited Laila to personally deliver her lence, which is something we are all League. I think there was a time in the very own ring. I saw those rings yester- concerned about, how to bring down month of January when the odds that day, and they are just about as big as costs and increase choice when it the Blues would win the Stanley Cup Laila’s hand. They were big rings. Her comes to our healthcare system, how were 150 to 1. I am not particularly a name was inscribed on the diamond- to improve trade so we can sell the betting man, but knowing what I know studded championship ring that was things we grow and make in America now, we wouldn’t have had to put much given to her, which also included the to markets around the world, and how money on that bet to have won a sig- words ‘‘Play Gloria,’’ which became the we can continue this incredible trend nificant amount of money. As it turned theme song, fight song, inspirational line when it comes to our economy, out, however, as you and I know in song for the Blues at the end of the where unemployment is at historically what we do here and what we have done season. low levels and particularly African- in our lives, the odds are not really Blues fans have plenty to be excited American and Hispanic unemployment what count; what counts is how you about this season. The majority of the is at historically the lowest level in re- play the season. Just like we often say names of the players that are now corded history. Forget all of that. in politics, candidates matter. In hock- etched on the Stanley Cup are back House Democrats are full steam ahead ey, in sports, the players matter. How this year. The roster is even better on impeachment, which will make it they come together as a team matters. with the addition of defenseman Justin virtually impossible for us to pass pro- Whether or not that team really be- Faulk. ductive, bipartisan legislation. It will comes a team matters, and this one We are also proud to say that St. make it virtually impossible for them did. Louis will host the 2020 NHL All-Star to keep the promises they themselves It was a season for the Blues that was Game in January. That game, of made to their constituents when they filled with record-breaking achieve- course, brings together the most tal- ran for election in 2018, and that is a ments. Jordan Binnington became the ented players in professional hockey. I crying shame. first and only rookie goalie to win 16 know St. Louis is ready to welcome This is the final point I want to games in the Stanley Cup playoffs. them, and we will all be excited to fur- make. We are 13 months—13 months— Ryan O’Reilly set a franchise record ther solidify St. Louis’s place as one of from a general election. President with 23 points in the playoffs and was the great sports cities in America. Trump will be on the ballot. These named the postseason most valuable It has been a great year for Blues folks, who apparently have never got- player. Game 7 of the Stanley Cup fans, and I hope the team will once ten over their loss in 2016, will have a Final was the most watched NHL game again have the opportunity to visit the chance to cast their votes again. So in 36 years. White House next year. This will be the will the American people. We will be For the first time in franchise his- first year of many years where those of able to take a look at the Democratic tory, the Blues brought the Stanley us in the Missouri delegation will get nominee, along with President Trump, Cup trophy to Missouri to celebrate to host the Stanley Cup in the Capitol. the Republican nominee, and we will be their achievement as the best sports I suggest the absence of a quorum. able to vote 13 months from now. But, fans in Missouri stepped out. Five hun- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to me, it says the Democrats are not dred thousand people were there when clerk will call the roll. particularly optimistic about the out- the Stanley Cup parade was in St. The bill clerk proceeded to call the come of the 2020 election, given that Louis for the first time. Five hundred roll. choice, because they are not going to thousand people—in several States rep- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask wait for the election to occur; they resented on the floor, that would be ev- unanimous consent that the order for want to divide the country, they want erybody in the State. Five hundred the quorum call be rescinded. to paralyze Congress, and they want to thousand is a pretty big crowd any- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without impeach President Trump 13 months where, as it was in St. Louis that day. objection, it is so ordered. before the election. Today, the Stanley Cup trophy will RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER I hope cooler heads will prevail. be on display on Capitol Hill so that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democrats should work with us to pass Blues fans in the area can get a chance Democratic leader is recognized. bipartisan legislation that will actu- to see this legendary trophy in person. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ally make our country better off rather The Stanley Cup has already traveled Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, the than pursuing this purely political all over the world since the Blues won House of Representatives continues to agenda of impeachment. the Stanley Cup. Ryan O’Reilly investigate the circumstances of the I think it is disgraceful the way the brought the Cup to Ontario to share it President’s interaction with Ukrainian House Democrats have chosen to pur- with his 99-year-old grandmother, who President Zelensky and whether he sue this clandestine impeachment is probably one of the oldest people to used the power of his office to pressure

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.006 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5809 a foreign leader to intervene in an phone call. The President’s abrupt de- Senate Republicans let the entire State American election on his behalf. The cision to withdraw U.S. forces has work period pass without responding to facts that are already in the public do- abandoned the field to our enemies— Democratic offers. Instead of spending main are so deeply troubling and must ISIS, Iran, Putin, and Bashar al- that time negotiating with House be taken very seriously. I know that Assad—and it has put our friends in Democrats on allocations, Senate Re- our colleagues in the House of Rep- danger, including two of the closest publicans have sat on their hands, and resentatives did not run for office to friends we have in the Middle East, the now we are back in session this week begin an impeachment inquiry, but Syrian Kurds and Israel. at the same impasse. Republicans are this task was thrust upon them by the I want to be very clear. The Presi- insisting on the same thing they un- President’s alleged conduct and the de- dent’s decision poses a threat to our successfully shut down the government mands of the Constitution of our Re- national security here in the United for last year: $12 billion for a border public. States. By green-lighting President wall that President Trump promised Here in the Senate, our job is even Erdogan’s operation and abandoning Mexico would pay for. more austere. We are assigned the the Syrian Kurds to face the onslaught If Senate Republicans don’t wake up power not only to examine the evi- on their own, the President has made and resume good-faith negotiations dence but to render judgment. We all an already fragile situation in northern with Democrats, I fear we are headed have a solemn duty to follow the facts Syria more dangerous and handed a down the same road. impartially and let ourselves be gov- ‘‘get out of jail free’’ card to poten- PENSIONS erned by reason, rather than by passion tially more than 10,000 ISIS fighters. Mr. President, for decades, millions or by politics. That role means that we ISIS has threatened the United States of Americans labored in construction have a responsibility to behave impar- and our allies repeatedly, taken Ameri- and mining and truck driving and tially, in a nonpartisan manner from cans hostages and executed them, and other industries with the promise of a the outset. As my friend Leader will undoubtedly continue to threaten secure retirement when they reached MCCONNELL said during the 1998 im- our security if they experience a resur- old age through their pension. But peachment debate, ‘‘it’s been my view gence. through no fault of their own, forces that I don’t, as a potential juror, if it’s We New Yorkers know best, unfortu- like a financial crisis, a dwindling serious enough to warrant a potential nately, how a small group of fanatics labor force, and inaction on the part of impeachment proceeding, I don’t think half a world away can do incredible the Federal Government, their pension I ought to pre-judge the case.’’ damage and kill thousands of Ameri- plans are now at risk of becoming in- Yet already a few of my Senate Re- cans here on our soil. Now, with ISIS solvent within a decade. This is an im- publican colleagues seem determined prisoners escaping, unfortunately, the mediate problem. It is going to destroy to turn this serious inquiry into an- chances of that are increasing, not just the security of millions of retirees— other partisan exercise. My friend the according to me but to an expert like people who worked all their lives. They Republican leader, here on the floor General Mattis. put a little bit of money away that yesterday, made the sadly predictable Make no mistake. The President’s in- they could have spent when they need- attack of calling the work of the ma- competence has put American lives in ed it, but they put it in for their retire- jority in the House partisan. Another danger. Today, the House of Represent- ment hoping that the day they retire of my colleagues, Senator GRAHAM, atives will consider a resolution that they wouldn’t become rich, but at least said he was trying to organize a letter condemns the President’s decision and they could live decently. Now that may of Senate Republicans promising they demands that he reverse course. It be vanished—vanished. Congress has would not vote to convict the Presi- should pass with bipartisan support the power to stop this problem dead in dent before the House even completes and should be the first order of busi- its tracks. Just 2 months ago, the its inquiry—before any articles of im- ness for us here in the Senate—the first House passed the Butch Lewis Act, peachment are even drafted, let alone order of business. Sanctions against which would provide immediate relief voted on, before a scrap of evidence was Erdogan are fine and good. President to ‘‘critical and declining’’ pension considered in the Senate trial, if it Erdogan should be punished for his plans so we can keep our promise to comes to that. Senator GRAHAM seems military adventurism and his aggres- our workers. Leader MCCONNELL and to be advocating ‘‘Alice in Wonder- sion, but sanctions alone are insuffi- Senate Republicans, once again, land’’ justice—first the verdict, then cient, and they are particularly insuffi- inexplicably, have refused to take ac- the trial. I hope he will rethink that. cient in regard to ISIS. Sanctions will tion on this bipartisan legislation. Sen- Over the State work period, the Re- not put ISIS fighters back on the run ate Republicans blocked us from even publican leader ran an advertisement or back in their cells. They will not debating it last night. So in a short in which he declared: ‘‘The way that stop Iran and Putin’s growing influence time, I will join my colleagues, includ- impeachment stops is a Senate major- in the region, nor will they undo Amer- ing Senators BROWN, STABENOW, ity with me as majority leader.’’ That ica’s betrayal of our partners and al- MANCHIN, MURRAY, and WYDEN to de- is a far cry from what he said in 1998: lies. Sanctions can be an effective tool, mand that Leader MCCONNELL allow us ‘‘not prejudging the case.’’ but they are not the only tool, espe- a vote on legislation to protect these We are several steps away from a po- cially when the crisis in this case is of millions of workers and secure the re- tential trial in the Senate. The House the President’s own making. The sim- tirements they have earned. continues to do its work diligently, plest and most effective remedy would President Trump often claims to be even handedly, with only the facts in be for the President to admit his mis- looking out for the American worker, mind. So I remind my Republican col- take and correct course. but his policies set them further and leagues in this Chamber that commit- GOVERNMENT FUNDING further adrift. This one is notorious. ting today to vote not guilty is con- Mr. President, earlier this summer, Retirement, a decent retirement, is trary to their oath to do impartial jus- both Houses of Congress and the White part of the American dream and part of tice. That is their oath. Instead of pre- House arrived at a budget agreement the American way. Here is a chance for judging, I remind my Republican col- that gave us a blueprint for funding the President Trump to actually defend leagues in this body that you have a re- government, but in September, Repub- American workers instead of hurting sponsibility to put country over party. licans unilaterally walked away from them. Our national security, the rule of law, our agreement and proposed taking $12 If President Trump is truly the and our democracy are at stake. billion from domestic programs—in- champion of the American worker, he TURKEY AND SYRIA cluding Head Start, HHS, and even the will prevail on our Republican col- Mr. President, we are witnessing in Pentagon—to fund the President’s bor- leagues to start working with Demo- realtime the collapse of American for- der wall. This is a nonstarter. There crats to make sure—make sure—we eign policy in the Middle East. Five aren’t enough votes in the Chamber to protect the pensions that millions of years of hard fighting in Syria to first pass it. families rely on for their security and destabilize and then to degrade ISIS As we look to get the appropriations have paid for. has potentially been undone in one back on track, I was disappointed that I yield the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.008 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 I suggest the absence of a quorum. TURKEY AND SYRIA bus, who, supposedly, discovered Amer- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Madam President, as I reflect on the ica. Of course, we know better. Native clerk will call the roll. critical role our military plays in the Americans were here and discovered it The bill clerk proceeded to call the world, I want to take a moment to talk before him, but he was the first Euro- roll. about what is happening in Syria right pean to discover America and really Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask now and the U.S. response. triggered an immigration to this part unanimous consent that the order for This is a complex situation. Given its of the world that has really changed the quorum call be rescinded. proximity to several fronts of conflict America and the world forever. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. and unrest, Turkey is facing immense This immigration from all over the BLACKBURN). Without objection, it is so pressure to address security concerns world has created one of the most di- ordered. and is straining to support a huge num- verse nations on Earth. I am a bene- NOMINATION OF BARBARA MCCONNELL BARRETT ber of refugees. ficiary of that immigration. My moth- Mr. THUNE. Madam President, later Turkey also has an understandable er was an immigrant to America in today, the Senate will vote to confirm interest in rooting out terrorists with- 1911, coming here from Lithuania to Barbara Barrett as Secretary of the Air in its country and stemming any fac- East St. Louis, IL, where she was Force. I have come to the floor directly tions that support them, but the Kurd- raised and where I had the chance to from a meeting with her this morning. ish militias the United States has grow up, as well. Ambassador Barrett has had an im- backed in Syria are not the same as Today, her son—this immigrant pressive career both inside and outside the group Turkey has struggled to con- mother’s son—has been serving as a of government. Among other things, tain in its own country. U.S. Senator from Illinois with humil- she has served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey’s decision to attack Kurdish ity and pride. It is an indication of our Finland, Deputy Administrator of the forces in Syria will do nothing but ex- family’s story, but it is also America’s FAA, and as a member of the Civil Aer- acerbate the humanitarian crisis on story—how immigrants came from far onautics Board. Most importantly, she the border. It will also strengthen the and wide to America and made lives has a deep understanding of the U.S. Assad regime and foster greater influ- and great futures and built families Air Force, thanks to her work as a ci- ence in the region by Russia and Iran. that continue to serve this Nation to vilian adviser to the Secretary of De- Most alarmingly, Turkey’s incursion this day. fense and the Joint Chiefs. will force the Kurds to pull resources You would think, since immigration As a member of the Defense Advisory that would otherwise be committed to is such a central part of who we are as Committee on women in the services, keeping ISIS fighters imprisoned. It is Americans, that there would be a gen- she fought to expand opportunities for deeply concerning that the withdrawal eral consensus about the issue, but it women in the military. She became the of U.S. forces has set this into motion. turns out to be one of the most hotly first civilian woman to land an F–18 on As you know, a major reason for contested and debated issues almost an aircraft carrier, which was part of a ISIS’s rise was President Obama’s deci- since the arrival of the Mayflower. How many people should be allowed mission to demonstrate women’s fit- sion to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq to come to this country? Where are ness to fly in combat. Thanks, in part, on a timetable that he announced to they going to come from? What will to her work in 1993, the military our enemies and before the security they do when they come here? What changed its regulations to allow situation was stable. The departure of impact will they have on those of us women to fly combat aircraft. U.S. forces created a vacuum in the re- who are already here? All of these I am always particularly interested gion that ISIS quickly stepped in to questions of national security have led in making sure we have an outstanding fill. It is important that we don’t allow us into an ongoing national debate Air Force Secretary because my State history to repeat itself. about immigration. of South Dakota is lucky enough to U.S. and Kurdish forces have been Today, this morning, I come to the play host to Ellsworth Air Force Base, working together against ISIS for floor to discuss one aspect of it. This home of the 28th Bomb Wing and future years now and have succeeded in dras- last Sunday morning, I was back in Il- home of the B–21 bomber. tically shrinking ISIS’s territory and linois and was invited to a Democratic Over the State work period in Octo- weakening this terrorist organization. Party event in Schaumburg, IL. It was ber, I was able to visit Ellsworth to sit Thanks to their work, in many re- a fairly routine breakfast meeting of down with the new commander of the spects ISIS can be said to be on the the Democratic township organization. 28th Bomb Wing, Col. David Doss, as run, but this achievement could quick- I have been to many of them. It is well as CCM Rochelle Hemingway. We ly be undone by a U.S. withdrawal from great to see old friends. had a great discussion, and we had a the country. When I arrived at the event, I was chance to talk about the needs of the I hope we will be able to have some surprised to see demonstrators, pro- base going forward, including what will fruitful discussions here in Washington testers—perhaps 200 of them—holding be needed as Ellsworth prepares to this week about the need to maintain signs with my name on them. It is not serve as the first home of the B–21. our strategic gains against ISIS and exactly the way you want to start a Ensuring that the base has the nec- avoid creating a vacuum for our en- Sunday morning, greeting 200 people essary resources and infrastructure to emies to fill, and I hope our NATO ally with signs about this fellow named fully support the B–21 mission will be a Turkey is listening closely. Durbin. I had a chance to talk to them. priority of mine not just as we await I yield the floor. I didn’t run away from them because I the mission but for decades to come. I suggest the absence of a quorum. wanted to find out who they were and Since I came to Congress, I have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The why they were there. worked with the base and the Greater clerk will call the roll. By and large, they were people from Rapid City community to build up Ells- The bill clerk proceeded to call the India who are currently living in the worth. We have gone from fighting to roll. United States and want to become keep the base open, to adding an MQ–9 Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask legal citizens here. Most of them came Reaper mission and supporting the B–1 unanimous consent that the order for to the United States bringing special as a workhorse of the bomber fleet, to the quorum call be rescinded. skills that were needed. Many of them hosting the largest training airspace in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without are in the Silicon Valley high-tech in- the continental United States, and to objection, it is so ordered. dustries—engineers who came to the being chosen to host both the B–21 IMMIGRATION United States once companies certified training mission and first operational Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I that they couldn’t find an American to squadron. rise today on the Senate floor to ad- fill the job, which is a requirement. I am incredibly proud of all that Ells- dress an issue that is really funda- Having been unable to find an Amer- worth airmen have accomplished, and I mental to who we are as Americans. It ican, these companies asked permis- am looking forward to seeing every- is the issue of immigration. sion to bring in these highly skilled thing the team at the base will be able We just celebrated, this past week, a people from India to serve as engineers to do in the future. day dedicated to Christopher Colum- in the United States.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.009 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5811 They come in on what is known as H– Committee. As I have said, my own there has never been a hearing on the 1B visas, by and large, and that allows personal family and life experience bill or a vote in the committee. The them to work in the United States for have really made me warm to the sub- lead sponsor of the legislation is MIKE several years and to renew that work ject, and I try to learn as much as I can LEE, who is the senior Senator from status on a recurring basis. But there about a complex field. Make no mis- Utah and a personal friend. He has ne- reached a point where they wanted to take, the immigration system of the gotiated several amendments in pri- stay here. They have lived here awhile. United States of America is badly, vate with his Republican Senators, but They bring their families and raise badly broken. How to fix it is hotly de- there has been no conversation with their families here, and they want to bated here in the Senate and in the myself or any other Democratic Sen- become part of America’s future. They House and across the Nation. ators about these negotiations. apply for what is known as an employ- Last night, when I was watching the That is not how the Senate should ment-based immigrant visa, which Presidential debates, groups were run- work. I believe I have seen the Senate leads to a green card. A green card is ning ads on a regular basis on the issue at its best, and, unfortunately, it was 7 the ticket to legal, permanent resi- of immigration. Many believe that it is years ago. We decided—eight of us in dency, which can lead to citizenship. going to be a hot topic in the 2020 elec- the Senate, four Democrats and four So these people from India, who were tion. It is quite possible that it will be. Republicans—to actually sit down and waiting to see me and say a few words We know that in State legislatures and try to fix the immigration system. It is to me, stated the fact that the waiting city halls, on cable news and social a pretty ambitious task, but we had list for those in this category from media, and almost everywhere, there is some pretty talented people engaged in India has now passed 520,000. There are a debate under way about immigration. it. Leading on the Republican side was 520,000 who are seeking permanent sta- But there is one place where there is no John McCain from Arizona. Next to him was LINDSEY GRAHAM from South tus in our country. debate about immigration—here in the I met one of them from my home- U.S. Senate. Carolina, Jeff Flake from Arizona, and town of Springfield, IL, a young Indian This year, we had one hearing in the MARCO RUBIO from Florida. On our side, I was engaged with Sen- physician who is serving at one of our Border Security and Immigration Sub- ator CHUCK SCHUMER, who is now the hospitals in Springfield. He brought committee. And the Senate Judiciary Democrat Senate leader, as well as BOB with him his daughter. His daughter is Committee voted on only one immigra- tion bill. The chairman limited debate MENENDEZ, of course, a Hispanic Sen- 12 years old. He is worried because if ator from the State of New Jersey, and he, the physician who came here to to only one hour and didn’t allow any amendments, and we have not had any MICHAEL BENNET from Colorado. work from India, is not allowed to le- So the eight of us came together. We gally stay in this country and his debates on the floor of the Senate. I look to the Galleries and the people did what I think the Senate is supposed daughter reaches the age of 21, her sta- who come to the Senate and expect to to do. We sat down and took our time tus changes. She is no longer his de- see a debate on an issue—an important and spent months, every single week, pendent. She now has her own immi- issue. Here is one: immigration. But all sometimes several evenings each week, gration status, and she is not tech- they have is a speech from this Senator going through a different section of our nically, legally, beyond the age of 21, and a few others, instead of addressing immigration law and trying to make it allowed to stay in this country. the issue of immigration. work, reform it, and change it. It took So he says to me: Here is my daugh- Senator KENNEDY has come to the us months—some 6 months of meet- ter, who has been here for 10 years. floor, and I am going to make a unani- ings. That is what we are elected to do. This is the country she knows and mous consent request in just a few We produced a comprehensive immi- loves and wants to be a part of, and if minutes. He is a member of the Senate gration reform bill that was supported I don’t get approval to stay as a doctor Judiciary Committee, too, and I think by virtually everyone. Groups of busi- in this country, she is technically un- he appreciates, as I do, what a great ness leaders, as well as groups of labor documented at that point, and we run honor it is to serve on this storied com- leaders, the church community, and all into problems with the future. mittee. But the fact is that to have the sorts of people from the conservative For example, it is no surprise that titles of Judiciary Committee and Bor- side of politics to the liberal side of this doctor wants to see his daughter der Security and Immigration Sub- politics said that this was a good, fair, go to college. Well, his daughter, un- committee and to do nothing, I think, bipartisan compromise. documented, will not qualify for any is a dereliction of duty. So in 2013, we reported this bill to the assistance in the United States by way We are supposed to step up and de- floor, after our Democratic Judiciary of Pell grants or loans. How is she bate these things and come to the best Committee chairman at that time, going to pay for college? Where would bipartisan conclusion we can to solve PATRICK LEAHY from Vermont, had a she go? Our immigration system says, problems in this country. Here is a lengthy hearing. We considered over at that point, if her father doesn’t problem we are not solving: how to 100 amendments—amendments offered reach this green card status, she would deal with a backlog of people, highly by those who were voting against the return to India, a place she maybe skilled and important people, like the bill, like Jeff Sessions from Alabama, never remembers and that was part of doctor from my hometown of Spring- and amendments offered by those sup- her infancy in her early time here on field, from India, who wants to have a porting the bill, like MAZIE HIRONO Earth. green card, giving him an opportunity from Hawaii. Each person offered an So it is a complicated situation. to become an American citizen. amendment, debated it, and we voted. There is a debate under way here about Do you know what? I want that doc- It sounded like the U.S. Senate; didn’t how to stop this backlog of people who tor to become an American citizen. I it? We were actually voting on amend- are waiting in line 10 years, 20 years, want him to get a green card. We need ments on a critically important bill. and more to reach green card status. him in my hometown and many more Thanks to Chairman LEAHY’s skill and You can imagine the uncertainty in just like him, and I want his family to patience, I might add, after hundreds of their lives, the uncertainty for their be there with him so that his life is amendments were considered, the bill children, and why they are looking for complete as he pursues his professional was reported out of the Senate Judici- some relief. responsibilities. ary Committee, came to the floor of I came to this issue never dreaming Now, in recent weeks, there has been the Senate in 2013, and we called for a that I would end up being in the middle an effort to pass a bill to address this vote. It passed 68 to 32. After all that of most debates in the Senate on immi- issue. The bill is S. 386. It is known as work, on a bipartisan basis, we finally gration, but I welcome it because it is the Fairness for High-Skilled Immi- got it right. I thought we did, and I such an important issue and because I grants Act. Unfortunately, there was voted for it. have strong feelings myself about an effort to pass it without any debate Sadly, that bill was sent across the America’s immigration policy. or a chance to even offer an amend- Rotunda, over to the House of Rep- I serve as the ranking member of the ment. resentatives, as the Constitution re- Subcommittee on Border Security and Now, this bill makes significant quires, and, unfortunately, the Repub- Immigration for the Senate Judiciary changes in our immigration laws, but lican Speaker, John Boehner, refused

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.010 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 to call the bill or debate an alternative lation and have said things such as This is controversial, but it is so to it. It literally died from lack of any that the bill offers a ‘‘zero-sum ap- timely and important. The hundreds of effort to deal with the issue in the U.S. proach,’’ pitting one group of immi- people who demonstrated against this House of Representatives. grants against another to fight the bro- Senator last Sunday were people I wel- So one would ask—that was more ken immigration system. comed into this country and believe than 6 years ago—what has happened The RELIEF Act, which I am intro- will be an important part of our future. since? The answer is nothing—virtually ducing today, is a solution. I am willing to find a solution to the nothing—except decisions by the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- problem, and I am willing to work on a Trump administration, for example, to ator’s time has expired. bipartisan basis to do it. Your help will eliminate some aspects of our immi- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2603 be invaluable. gration law, like the DACA provision. Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, as in Madam President, I ask unanimous legislative session, I ask unanimous f consent for 3 additional minutes. consent that the Senate proceed to the CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without immediate consideration— objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Mr. DURBIN. In light of an attempt ator has used his extra 3 minutes. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the to pass the Fairness for High-Skilled Mr. DURBIN. I am making a unani- Senate the pending cloture motion, Immigrants Act without hearings or mous consent request. which the clerk will state. debate, I come to the floor today to As in legislative session, I ask unani- The bill clerk read as follows: present an alternative. I am intro- mous consent that the Senate proceed CLOTURE MOTION ducing the Resolving Extended Limbo to the immediate consideration of S. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- for Immigrant Employees and Families 2603, introduced earlier today; further, ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Act, known as the RELIEF Act, which that the bill be considered read three Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby will treat all immigrants fairly by times and passed and that the motion move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- eliminating immigrant visa backlogs. to reconsider be considered made and nation of Frank William Volk, of West Vir- ginia, to be United States District Judge for One of the most serious problems of laid upon the table with no intervening the Southern District of West Virginia. our immigration system is that there action or debate. Mitch McConnell, Martha McSally, Rick are not enough immigrant visas, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Scott, John Thune, Mike Crapo, Lamar known as green cards. As a result, im- objection? Alexander, Johnny Isakson, John Cor- migrants are stuck in crippling back- The Senator from Louisiana. nyn, Roy Blunt, Roger F. Wicker, John logs for decades. Close to 4 million fu- Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, re- Hoeven, Mike Rounds, Kevin Cramer, ture Americans, many of whom already serving the right to object, no one in Steve Daines, John Boozman, Cindy live and work in the United States, are this Chamber has more respect for the Hyde-Smith, James E. Risch. on the State Department’s immigrant senior Senator from Illinois and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- visa waiting list. However, under cur- Democratic whip than I do. I share imous consent, the mandatory quorum rent law, only 226,000 family green much of his frustration. I also share, call has been waived. cards and 140,000 employee green cards and I believe what the Senator also be- The question is, Is it the sense of the are available each year. Children and lieves, that immigration is an extraor- Senate that debate on the nomination spouses of lawful permanent residents, dinarily important subject that this of Frank William Volk, of West Vir- known as LPRs, count against these body should be addressing. We are a na- ginia, to be United States District caps, which further limit the number of tion of immigrants. The American peo- Judge for the Southern District of available green cards. ple support legal immigration. I know West Virginia, shall be brought to a The backlogs are a tremendous hard- the senior Senator from Illinois sup- close? ship on families caught in this situa- ports it. I certainly support it. The yeas and nays are mandatory tion. Children of parents waiting to be- I am rising to object because a num- under the rule. come LPRs often age out, as I de- ber of my colleagues—and I don’t want The clerk will call the roll. scribed earlier, because they are no to simply put it on them; I join with The legislative clerk called the roll. longer children by the time the green them in this—would like a little addi- Mr. THUNE. The following Senators cards are available for them. The solu- tional time to study this bill. Equally are necessarily absent: the Senator tion is clear: increase the number of important, if not more important, from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the green cards. many of my colleagues’ sentiment is Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), Let’s be clear. Lifting green card that we should take this bill up first in and the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. country caps alone, without increasing the Judiciary Committee. JOHNSON). green cards, as the bill that Senator I commit to the minority whip that I Further, if present and voting, the LEE is sponsoring would do, will not will join with him in trying to get our Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- eliminate the backlog for Indian immi- esteemed chairman to take this bill up. ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and the grants, the nationality with the most I don’t think we ought to be afraid of Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. JOHNSON) people in the employment backlog, and this issue. I don’t think we ought to be would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ it will dramatically increase backlogs reluctant to take difficult votes. That Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the for the rest of the world. is why we are here in the U.S. Senate. Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), Mr. Ira Kurzban, who is the Nation’s I also cannot think of a subject that is the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. expert on immigration laws, has said more important for this body to ad- BOOKER), the Senator from California that we are virtually trying to solve dress than the subject of immigration, (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Hawaii the problem with Senator LEE’s bill for including but not limited to legal and (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator from Min- Indian immigrants at the expense of illegal immigration. nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator everyone else in the world. He says: The fact of the matter is that the from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the From 2023 until well into the 2030s, there American people deserve an immigra- Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- will be zero EB–2 visas for the rest of the tion system that looks like somebody REN) are necessarily absent. world. None for China, South Korea, Phil- designed it on purpose. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there ippines, Britain, Canada, Mexico, every For the reasons I just expressed, any other Senators in the Chamber de- country in the [European Union] and all of Madam President, I respectfully object. siring to vote? Africa. Zero. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 90, It would also choke off green cards tion is heard. nays 0, as follows: for every important profession that The Senator from Illinois. [Rollcall Vote No. 315 Ex.] isn’t in the information technology Mr. DURBIN. I thank my colleague YEAS—90 field. from Louisiana. We have worked on Baldwin Blumenthal Braun More than 20 national organizations things together, and I hope we will con- Barrasso Blunt Brown have now rallied against the Lee legis- tinue to do so in the future. Blackburn Boozman Burr

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.012 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5813 Cantwell Heinrich Roberts Further, if present and voting, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Capito Hoeven Romney Cardin Hyde-Smith Rosen Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- imous consent, the mandatory quorum Carper Inhofe Rounds ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and the call has been waived. Casey Jones Rubio Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. JOHNSON) The question is, Is it the sense of the Cassidy Kaine Sasse would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Collins Kennedy Schatz Senate that debate on the nomination Coons King Schumer Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the of David John Novak, of Virginia, to be Cornyn Lankford Scott (FL) Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), United States District Judge for the Cortez Masto Leahy Scott (SC) the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Eastern District of Virginia, shall be Cotton Lee Shaheen BOOKER), the Senator from California Cramer Manchin Shelby brought to a close? Crapo Markey Sinema (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Hawaii The yeas and nays are mandatory Cruz McConnell Smith (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator from Min- under the rule. Daines McSally Stabenow nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator Duckworth Menendez Sullivan The clerk will call the roll. from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Durbin Merkley Tester The bill clerk called the roll. Enzi Moran Thune Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- Ernst Murkowski Tillis REN) are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Feinstein Murphy Toomey The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. any other Senators in the Chamber de- Fischer Murray Udall siring to vote? Gardner Paul Van Hollen LANKFORD). Are there any other Sen- Gillibrand Perdue Warner ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Graham Peters Whitehouse The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 61, are necessarily absent: the Senator Grassley Portman Wicker LEXANDER Hassan Reed Wyden nays 29, as follows: from Tennessee (Mr. A ), the Hawley Risch Young [Rollcall Vote No. 316 Ex.] Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), and the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. NOT VOTING—10 YEAS—61 JOHNSON). Alexander Hirono Sanders Barrasso Fischer Risch Blackburn Bennet Isakson Warren Gardner Roberts Further, if present and voting, the Booker Johnson Blunt Graham Romney Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- Boozman Grassley Rounds Harris Klobuchar ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and the Braun Hawley Rubio The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Burr Hoeven Sasse Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. JOHNSON) vote, the yeas are 90, the nays are 0. Capito Hyde-Smith Scott (FL) would have voted ‘‘yea’’. Cardin Inhofe Scott (SC) The motion is agreed to. Carper Kaine Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Shaheen ORDER OF BUSINESS Cassidy Kennedy ENNET Shelby Senator from Colorado (Mr. B ), Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Collins King the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Coons Lankford Sinema I ask unanimous consent that the re- Cornyn Lee Sullivan BOOKER), the Senator from California maining votes in the series be 10 min- Cotton McConnell Thune (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Hawaii utes in length. Cramer McSally Tillis (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator from Min- Toomey The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Crapo Moran nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator Cruz Murkowski Warner objection, it is so ordered. Daines Murphy Whitehouse from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the f Enzi Paul Wicker Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- Ernst Perdue Young REN) are necessarily absent. CLOTURE MOTION Feinstein Portman The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 86, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant NAYS—29 nays 4, as follows: to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Baldwin Heinrich Rosen [Rollcall Vote No. 317 Ex.] Senate the pending cloture motion, Blumenthal Jones Schatz which the clerk will state. Brown Leahy Schumer YEAS—86 Cantwell Manchin Smith The legislative clerk read as follows: Baldwin Fischer Reed Casey Markey Stabenow Barrasso Gardner Risch CLOTURE MOTION Cortez Masto Menendez Tester Blackburn Graham Roberts We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Duckworth Merkley Udall Blumenthal Grassley Romney ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Durbin Murray Van Hollen Gillibrand Peters Blunt Hassan Rosen Wyden Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Hassan Reed Boozman Hawley Rounds move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Braun Hoeven Rubio nation of Charles R. Eskridge III, of Texas, NOT VOTING—10 Brown Hyde-Smith Sasse to be United States District Judge for the Alexander Hirono Sanders Burr Inhofe Schatz Cantwell Jones Southern District of Texas. Bennet Isakson Warren Schumer Capito Kaine Booker Johnson Scott (FL) Mitch McConnell, Martha McSally, Rick Cardin Kennedy Harris Klobuchar Scott (SC) Scott, John Thune, Mike Crapo, Lamar Carper King Shaheen Alexander, Johnny Isakson, John Cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Casey Lankford Shelby nyn, Roy Blunt, Roger F. Wicker, John Cassidy Leahy vote, the yeas are 61, the nays are 29. Sinema Hoeven, Mike Rounds, Kevin Cramer, Collins Lee The motion is agreed to. Coons Manchin Smith Steve Daines, John Boozman, Cindy Stabenow Hyde-Smith, James E. Risch. f Cornyn McConnell Cortez Masto McSally Sullivan The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- CLOTURE MOTION Cotton Menendez Tester Thune imous consent, the mandatory quorum The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Cramer Merkley Crapo Moran Tillis call has been waived. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Cruz Murkowski Toomey The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate the pending cloture motion, Daines Murphy Udall Senate that debate on the nomination which the clerk will state. Duckworth Murray Van Hollen of Charles R. Eskridge III, of Texas, to Durbin Paul Warner The bill clerk read as follows: Enzi Perdue Whitehouse be United States District Judge for the CLOTURE MOTION Ernst Peters Wicker Southern District of Texas, shall be We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Feinstein Portman Young brought to a close? ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the NAYS—4 The yeas and nays are mandatory Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby under the rule. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Gillibrand Markey Heinrich Wyden The clerk will call the roll. nation of David John Novak, of Virginia, to The senior assistant bill clerk called be United States District Judge for the East- NOT VOTING—10 the roll. ern District of Virginia. Alexander Hirono Sanders Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, John Bennet Isakson Warren are necessarily absent: the Senator Cornyn, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, Mike Booker Johnson Rounds, Thom Tillis, Roger F. Wicker, Harris Klobuchar from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the Cindy Hyde-Smith, Kevin Cramer, Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Dan Sul- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this and the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. livan, Chuck Grassley, Richard Burr, vote, the yeas are 86, the nays are 4. JOHNSON). John Thune, Roy Blunt. The motion is agreed to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.001 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 CLOTURE MOTION Markey Risch Smith HOEVEN and others, but the leadership McConnell Roberts Sullivan has been absent with regard to trying The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant McSally Romney Tester to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Menendez Rosen Thune to fix this pension issue. Merkley Rounds Tillis You love your country, and you fight Senate the pending cloture motion, Moran Rubio which the clerk will state. Toomey for the people who make it work. You Murkowski Sasse Udall fight for the dignity of work, which The senior assistant legislative clerk Murphy Schatz Van Hollen Murray Schumer means honoring and respecting work. read as follows: Warner Paul Scott (FL) Whitehouse We have to do better. CLOTURE MOTION Perdue Scott (SC) Wicker UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2254 Peters Shaheen We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Young Mr. President, as in legislative ses- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Portman Shelby Reed Sinema Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby sion, I ask unanimous consent that the move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- NAYS—3 Committee on Finance be discharged nation of Rachel P. Kovner, of New York, to Gillibrand Heinrich Wyden from further consideration of S. 2254, be United States District Judge for the East- the Butch Lewis Act; that the Senate ern District of New York. NOT VOTING—12 proceed to its immediate consider- Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, John Alexander Hirono Klobuchar ation; that the bill be considered read a Cornyn, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts, Mike Bennet Inhofe Sanders Booker Isakson Stabenow third time and passed; and that the Rounds, Thom Tillis, Roger F. Wicker, motion to reconsider be considered Cindy Hyde-Smith, Kevin Cramer, Harris Johnson Warren John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Dan Sul- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this made and laid upon the table with no livan, Chuck Grassley, Richard Burr, vote, the yeas are 85, the nays are 3. intervening action or debate. John Thune, Roy Blunt. The motion is agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The Senator from Ohio. an objection? The Senator from Iowa. imous consent, the mandatory quorum Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, in re- call has been waived. unanimous consent to speak for 5 min- serving the right to object, I have some The question is, Is it the sense of the utes. sympathy for the motion that Senator Senate that debate on the nomination The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without BROWN made because he just came from of Rachel P. Kovner, of New York, to objection, it is so ordered. a meeting with people who are very in- be United States District Judge for the PENSIONS terested in getting this multiemployer Eastern District of New York, shall be Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I just pension issue straightened out. brought to a close? came from a rally—a meeting—with It was 3 or 4 years ago that I spoke to The yeas and nays are mandatory more or less 100 middle-class workers a big delegation of people who were under the rule. from Wisconsin, West Virginia, my mostly from the Central States Team- The clerk will call the roll. State of Ohio, and all over the country. sters, and they were very much lob- The senior assistant legislative clerk There were teamsters and mineworkers bying for a solution to this problem. called the roll. dressed in camo shirts. There were also They treated me like a hero because at Mr. THUNE. The following Senators bakery and confectionery workers, car- that time we were probably in the mid- are necessarily absent: the Senator penters, and electricians. They were dle of a Government Accountability Of- from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the here because many of them—maybe all fice investigation of the mismanage- Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE), of them—are about to lose 50 percent of ment of these funds. We thought we the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- their pensions. They are about to lose were going to get a GAO report that SON), and the Senator from Wisconsin their pensions because 10 years ago, in would show the mismanagement, reap (Mr. JOHNSON). the end days of the Bush administra- the benefits of that mismanagement, Further, if present and voting, the tion, which was when our economy and recoup a lot of funds. Quite frank- Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- plummeted and people were losing ly, that Government Accountability ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and the jobs—800,000 jobs a month in the last Office study of about 2 years didn’t Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. JOHNSON) months of the Bush administration— prove what I thought and what the would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ and when companies were going out of Central States Teamsters people Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the business, a lot of the employers of thought was wrong. We still think the Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), these workers went out of business. mismanagement was there, but if you the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. When you put on top of that the Wall don’t have an authority like the Gov- BOOKER), the Senator from California Street greed, you can see why these ernment Accountability Office to jus- (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Hawaii pensions are in jeopardy. tify that, it doesn’t give you much of a (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator from Min- Too often in this town, the White leg to follow up on. nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator House, frankly, and my Senate col- Now we have the Butch Lewis Act for from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Sen- leagues don’t understand what collec- which Senator BROWN is asking unani- ator from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW), tive bargaining is about. Collective mous consent. We also have other pro- and the Senator from Massachusetts bargaining is negotiating at the bar- posals that the Senate Committee on (Ms. WARREN) are necessarily absent. gaining table the giving up of wages Finance, which I chair, has been work- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there today so as to put money aside and ing on—and not only under my chair- any other Senators in the Chamber de- have pensions and healthcare in the fu- manship. The biggest part of this work siring to vote? ture. That is what these workers did, was probably done when Senator Hatch The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 85, these teamsters and these confection was still the chairman of the com- nays 3, as follows: workers and these ironworkers. That is mittee. [Rollcall Vote No. 318 Ex.] what they did, but they are paying a I also want to give people the reasons YEAS—85 price. There is nothing they did to I have asked to reserve the right to ob- Baldwin Collins Gardner cause this, but they are paying a price. ject. Barrasso Coons Graham Now, parenthetically, this body fell The Butch Lewis Act doesn’t provide Blackburn Cornyn Grassley all over itself to bail out Wall Street long-term solvency to the Central Blumenthal Cortez Masto Hassan Blunt Cotton Hawley and to help the big auto companies, States’ plan or to other critical and de- Boozman Cramer Hoeven and look how they are paying back clining multiemployer pension plans. Braun Crapo Hyde-Smith their workers. This body, the Presi- It is a costly and incomplete attempt Brown Cruz Jones Burr Daines Kaine dent—all of them are fine with bailing to fix the multiemployer system. Cantwell Duckworth Kennedy out the big guys. Yet the President has According to the Congressional Budg- Capito Durbin King been absent, and the Senate Repub- et Office, many plans that would be eli- Cardin Enzi Lankford lican leadership has been absent. The gible for loans under this legislation Carper Ernst Leahy Casey Feinstein Lee exception is that Senator PORTMAN has couldn’t pay these loans back, and Cassidy Fischer Manchin been working with me, as has Senator most of the plans taking the loans

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.021 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5815 would become insolvent even if they 2007, 2008, and 2009, taking away the nately, drugs have destroyed the life of were able to pay back the loans. The companies paying into these funds. one of my family members. bill acknowledges this failing by pro- The other part of it was Wall Street I enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 18, viding for direct Federal assistance for greed, generally what happened to the where I swabbed the decks, cleaned the plans that go insolvent even after they stock market. latrines, served the mess decks, and receive loans. That is the preponderance of the took college courses aboard a destroyer Most critically, the Butch Lewis Act problem, but I concur with Senator during the last years of Vietnam but makes no reforms to the system in GRASSLEY that we can work on a lot of never close to Vietnam. order to secure its long-term solvency. this together. Senator PORTMAN and I I married my high school sweetheart That is not the way we ought to be especially have a responsibility to get at 19, and, today, Ann and I have two working to help retirees. this done, to make it happen. daughters, six very perfect grandsons, In getting back to the work of the I thank the chairman. and a seventh very perfect grandchild Committee on Finance, since last year, I yield the floor. on the way next year. My wonderful both under Senator Hatch’s leadership f wife, Ann, is here today and has been and mine, the committee has been by my side every step of our journey. RECESS working on a bipartisan basis to ad- While I didn’t always appreciate my dress the issues facing the multiem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under tough-love, my-way-or-the-highway ployer system. I emphasize the neces- the previous order, the Senate stands mom growing up, I now thank God sity of bipartisanship in the U.S. Sen- in recess until 2:15 p.m. every day for my mom and for this ate. When you have a division of 53 to Thereupon, the Senate, at 1 p.m., re- country. She gave me the opportunity 47 and you have to have 60 votes to get cessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassembled to experience every lesson this country something done in this body, biparti- when called to order by the Presiding had to offer before I was 20. sanship is very, very important. Officer (Mr. PERDUE). Unfortunately, the left has worked The committee is nearing its comple- f hard over the last 50 years to discredit tion of a comprehensive proposal that EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued the values of the America I was raised will include financial assistance to the with—the values of the America I want critical and declining multiemployer The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- my grandsons to grow up with. We all pension plans and provide long-term ator from Florida. acknowledge that Americans, our solvency to these plans and to the Pen- MAIDEN SPEECH country, and our institutions have sion Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, flaws, but the left has worked to dis- That proposal will include financial re- my story begins with my mom. My credit our Founders, our institutions, lief for plans like Central States’ and mom had a very difficult life. She grew our churches, our law enforcement, our for the coal miners. up with a verbally abusive, alcoholic morals, and almost everything my The Butch Lewis Act is so costly and father. She married a physically abu- mom taught me. It has been happening does nothing to fix the flaws in the sys- sive, alcoholic husband, whom she di- for a long time. tem that has brought about this bill. In vorced when I was born. At that time, The left railed against our soldiers relationship to the Government Ac- divorce was frowned upon. My birth fa- during the Vietnam war. They call countability Office, I spoke to some of ther never gave my mom, my older those still believing in a supreme being those flaws that I initiated a few years brother, or me a dime. I never met him. or the commitment of marriage unin- ago. There is really nothing in the pro- My mom eventually married the man formed and old fashioned. They are posal on which Senator BROWN is ask- who became my adoptive father, a bus- now openly saying that churches that ing for a UC that addresses the mis- driver who made all four combat jumps hold traditional values should lose management of the trustees. Our com- with the 82nd Airborne in World War II. their tax-exempt status. prehensive plan includes reforms to ad- This summer, I had the opportunity to The left doesn’t care about our enor- dress trustee requirements and plan op- go to the D-Day anniversary in Nor- mous debt, pushes for socialism, and erations. In other words, the people in mandy and to look at the area he criticizes the Boy Scouts. The left the private sector who are managing parachuted into, where 17 percent of thinks it is OK that our schools don’t this ought to have some responsibility his company died. teach about the Founding Fathers or of making sure they are doing it in a He was a loving father, but with only free markets. They want you to think fiscally sound way and are carrying out a sixth-grade education and five chil- America was never great. the rights of the trustees. dren, he struggled to support our fam- To a degree, the pressure from the So I object to this request. ily. We had no money and lived in pub- left is working. Americans under 30 are The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- lic housing, but even with all of those less interested in joining the military. tion is heard. issues, I cannot think of a better child- Church attendance is at an all-time The Senator from Ohio. hood. low. Participation in the Boy Scouts, Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank Even with no money, my mom was even after allowing girls in, has Senator GRASSLEY, and we will be optimistic and hopeful. She told us shrunk. Many are choosing not to have working together on this. that we were blessed because God and families. And Socialism, the single I just want to point out that there our Founders created the greatest most discredited idea of the last cen- was, of course, some mismanagement. country ever, where anything was pos- tury—an idea that has led millions into As does the Senator, I want to fix some sible. I am not sure my mom ever real- poverty and tyranny around the of the structural issues, but time is of ly had a plan for us, but she certainly globe—has gained a foothold in one of the essence. I understand this is not knew what she was doing. We sat our two political parties. happening today, but time is of the es- through many sermons, and church was I spent most of my life in business. sence with regard to these pensions, es- not optional. We were told we had to The values that my tough-love mom pecially for the mineworkers. Those for make straight A’s. We memorized the instilled in me helped me to achieve the teamsters are next and for the oth- first part of the Declaration of Inde- the success she expected—not just ers in the Central States. As Chairman pendence and the 23rd Psalm. We be- hoped for but expected—for me. I was GRASSLEY knows, it will get worse and came Eagle Scouts, cleaned the house, able to live the American dream be- worse and worse if we don’t get this and had to have a job. I started work- cause I worked hard. I lived out the done this year. ing at 7 years old and haven’t stopped values my mom taught me in my busi- I do want to emphasize, while there since. ness career—hard work and fiscal re- of course is some mismanagement of We weren’t allowed to complain. sponsibility but with a caring spirit to funds here, the preponderance of the Debt, Big Government, socialism, and support those around me. problem is that a bunch of mining com- communism were bad. College was for a I built a healthcare company that panies, construction companies, and better paying job. had lower costs and better quality of transportation companies went out of We were constantly lectured about care than my competitors. We had the business with the Bush recession in the dangers of drug abuse. Unfortu- highest patient satisfaction surveys in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.024 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 the industry. I built and bought busi- We need to remember that hard work our grandchildren deserve. They de- nesses for most of my life that helped is a feature, not a bug, of this Amer- serve what my mom gave me—a free hundreds of thousands of people get ican experiment and that the family country with unlimited potential for good, high-paying jobs. Many of them unit is at the center of our society, and every citizen. I hope everyone will join were failing businesses that we had to the breakdown of the family has been me in this fight. turn around to save jobs. hugely detrimental. We need to re- I yield the floor. My experience growing up in a family member that capitalism is the greatest I suggest the absence of a quorum. that struggled to get good jobs influ- force for economic good in the history The PRESIDING OFFICER. The enced everything I have done in my of the world and socialism belongs in clerk will call the roll. life. It is not easy, and it shouldn’t be, the ash-heap of history. We need to re- The senior assistant legislative clerk but everyone—every single American— member these things because our free- proceeded to call the roll. Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I ask should have the opportunity to strug- doms and the country we love can be unanimous consent that the order for gle, work hard, and overcome the ob- lost forever. The values that made the quorum call be rescinded. stacles. America great can go away, and there I took those exact same values to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without are those among us who want them to objection, it is so ordered. Governor’s office when I was elected in go away. NOMINATION OF FRANK WILLIAM VOLK 2010. Florida had been struggling, and This challenge is much bigger than Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise 832,000 jobs had been lost in the 4 years politics, and the solution is not polit- today in strong support of the nomina- before I took office. Home prices were ical. It requires us—every one of us—to tion of Frank W. Volk to be the U.S. cut in half. Debt was soaring. The stand up and fight and to say without district court judge of the U.S. District State raised taxes on its poorest citi- reservation or fear that we will not zens by more than $2 billion to fill a Court for the Southern District of West give up on America or the plans of our Virginia. budget hole. Founders. We will not stop fighting for I always think about my mom. I I want to thank my colleagues in the our future. Senate for putting partisanship aside think about how it impacted her when If we want America to be great in the food prices went up, taxes went up, and recognizing the importance of con- future, we must reject the politically firming qualified judges to our Federal when my brother got sick without correct attempts to rewrite our his- health insurance, and when my dad was courts. tory, and we must reject the leftwing Frank Volk’s cloture vote earlier laid off. I became a jobs Governor. It attempt to slander the greatness of our wasn’t a political talking point. It was today cleared this body by a 90-to-0 ideals. America is, in fact, the greatest vote without a single dissenting vote. about real people. country in the history of the world, I have traveled around the State Let me repeat that—90 to 0. How many and we should not be embarrassed to highlighting new businesses that times have we seen that happen in this say so. We should proclaim it proudly. opened in Florida, even small busi- body? That is a testament to Judge America is the greatest country in the nesses. I remember a local legislator Volk’s judicial experience, stellar history of the world. asking me once why I wasted my time record, and his qualifications to be- I fear the values that I grew up going to a small town in Florida to come a U.S. district court judge. with—the ones my tough-love mom highlight a new business’s opening I would also like to acknowledge taught me—are becoming a way of the with just 30 new jobs. My response was Frank’s work in West Virginia as a past, but I believe these values, these that my dad struggled to find any job, tireless public servant to both our virtues can and should be part of our and that is 30 families who have the op- State and the Nation. He has conveyed country’s future. portunity to live the American Dream, time and again his love and desire to I love it when my grandkids pray be- and what could be more important? serve our Nation and particularly our In 8 years, Florida added 1.7 million fore eating, recite the Pledge of Alle- great State of West Virginia. He has new jobs, we paid down almost one- giance, ask to visit military museums, served with honor throughout his ca- third of State debt, and we invested join the Boy Scouts, thank police offi- reer and is willing to step up to the record funding in education, the envi- cers and soldiers for their service, and plate one more time. He shows the ronment, and transportation. place their hand over their heart when country how West Virginians act and I also tried to fight for the values they hear the National Anthem. I hope serve. that are being lost in this country. I they memorize the Declaration of Inde- I would also like to thank his family, fight to protect life, to support the in- pendence and the 23rd Psalm, become including his wife, Angie, and his two stitution of the family, to lift up our Eagle Scouts, have crummy-paying children, Garrett and Lauren, for their military members, veterans, and law teenage jobs with unreasonable bosses, tremendous support of Frank and his enforcement, to promote capitalism, and get benched in sports for not try- continued work as a public servant. He and to defend the rule of law and the ing hard enough. Also, I pray they con- is a proud Italian person, like myself. Constitution. sider a life of military service—one al- He is currently the chief judge of the These values are under attack from ready wants to be a paratrooper—and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the South- the left and have been for quite some are lucky enough to marry a wonderful ern District of West Virginia, where he time. There is no easy solution to that person and have enough kids to worry has worked since he was appointed in problem, but one thing is clear: Gov- about how to pay for college. October of 2015. ernment is not the solution. Wash- Maybe my grandkids will complain As a WVU College of Law graduate ington is not the solution. about parents being way too strict. and editor-in-chief of the West Virginia In my short time in the U.S. Senate, Maybe they will complain about de- Law Review, Frank’s resume is ex- I have promoted policies I believe sup- manding teachers and bosses not car- tremely impressive. port the idea of an America where any- ing what they think. Maybe they will He continues to give back to his edu- thing is possible. We need lower taxes. complain about screaming drill ser- cation. He has taught part time at We need less regulation. We need a se- geants, difficult degrees, restrictive WVU College of Law for almost 15 cure border and a sane immigration banks, and life not being fair. If so, I years. He has taught courses in Federal policy. We need to get healthcare costs will smile and say: ‘‘That’s great; civil rights, advanced torts, bank- under control. We need to defend free- America is back.’’ Then, I will know ruptcy, and advanced bankruptcy. It is dom and liberty all over the world. But my grandsons have the opportunity to great to see a fellow Mountaineer suc- none of this will matter unless we see do something worthwhile with their ceed in their profession, and I look for- hearts and minds change. We need a re- lives, like build a loving family, suc- ward to seeing his career continue. newal in America of the values that cessful career, thriving community, He has also authored a number of made this country great. That will not better country, and better world. bankruptcy articles and spoken at na- happen on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In the meantime, I will keep fight- tional and regional conferences on It will happen in the living rooms, ing. I ran for public office to fight for bankruptcy matters, along with being classrooms, churches, synagogues, and the country I was raised in because a faculty member for the Federal Judi- boardrooms. that is the country our children and cial Center.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.026 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5817 Judge Volk is admitted to practice in publican colleagues. I want to ask what new President needed U.S. support the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the the costs are to the physical safety of most. Trump has weakened Ukraine Fourth Circuit, the U.S. District Court the Nation of continuing to protect the dramatically by pulling them into this of the Southern District of West Vir- President from the consequences of his mess, and Russia is the beneficiary. ginia, the West Virginia bar, and the misdeeds because as we gather in the Make no mistake—Putin has won for Pennsylvania bar. Senate for our fall session, we are the time being, and those fighting for During his career, Frank has worked watching American national security democracy have lost for the time with a number of esteemed judges: policy go completely and fully off the being, sold out by their fair-weather Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge rails. Our global reputation and our American friends who are more inter- M. Blane Michael, district judges credibility have been shattered to ested in destroying the President’s po- Charles H. Haden II and previously pieces, and no one knows whether they litical opponents than supporting John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Frank is also a can be reassembled. Our Nation’s de- Ukraine. permanent member of the Fourth Cir- fenses have never been weaker. Our en- Now, other nations on Russia’s and cuit Judicial Conference. emies are gathering strength by the China’s periphery, wondering whether Frank has contributed volunteer day. Fear of American power is waning. to simply acquiesce to the bullying service to the American Bankruptcy Our global system of alliances is fall- dominance of their neighbors or put up Institute for many years. He served ing apart. Our friends are turning away a fight for independence, now are less most recently as the coordinating edi- from America because we are a demon- likely to do the latter, knowing that tor for the ABI Journal, focusing on strably unreliable partner, and those the United States is there only to help the ‘‘Problems in the Code’’ column. friends may never come back. if their nation fulfills our President’s Even with all of those accolades, Right now, before our eyes, American personal requests. Frank knows and understands the power is in a free fall, and our Nation’s The world’s eyes this week are down value of hard work because he is a West safety is at risk. American citizens are here in Syria, where the President has Virginian through and through, and looking to this place for leadership, but engaged in one of the worst, most that is just what we do. when they lift up the hood looking for abominable acts of double-cross in the The Federal bench that serves West steely-eyed patriots, all they are find- history of the American Presidency. Virginia needs judges who are thought- ing are blind partisans. What is the We convinced the Kurdish military to ful, hard-working, and have good judg- cost, I ask my colleagues, of letting fight ISIS forces for us. We convinced ment. Frank fits that role. Frank America continue to slide into global them to take down their defense brings such a great level of experience irrelevancy? How many American lives against a potential Turkish invasion to the bench. I can safely say I am are going to be ultimately lost because because we promised to protect them. pleased that President Trump has nom- we sat on the sidelines and we let And then, out of nowhere, a week and inated him to be a U.S. district court American influence fade as our Presi- a half ago, Trump stabbed the Kurds in judge on the U.S. District Court for the dent becomes a toxic commodity, the the back. He announced the pullback of Southern District of West Virginia. I butt of jokes, and an international pa- our forces and invited by press release think we all will be served well by riah? What must it take for this body the Turkish army to march into Syria Frank’s service. to put aside party and come together and destroy our ally, the Kurds, whom Thank you. to salvage our shrinking American se- today he has denigrated by telling the I yield the floor. curity? world that they are not actually as The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I want to take a few moments—a few good fighters as everybody says they ator from Connecticut. more than I normally take when I are. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION come down to the floor—to take my The damage to our Nation’s security Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, the colleagues on a tour of the world right done by this one single act is almost most sacred, the most important, and now just so everybody understands how too comprehensive to list in one the most profound responsibility that a dangerous the situation has gotten, to speech. ISIS detainees have escaped President of the United States has is to understand just how broad the scope of their jail cells and are now likely re- keep Americans safe. Everything else our foreign policy dysfunction is right constituting and possibly readying new that we care about—the citizens of this now, because just maybe—maybe—if attacks against the United States. great Nation, the best Nation in the you see the crisis all in one map, all in They can plot without fear of interrup- planet—matters very little if our phys- one summary, my colleagues might tion because the Kurds have ended ical safety and the physical safety of wake up to the magnitude of this emer- their fight against ISIS to try to sur- our families and our loved ones aren’t gency. vive this Turkish offensive. assured. That is job No. 1 for the Presi- It is hard to start anywhere but in Now, in addition to ISIS, Russia, the dent of the United States. the Ukraine. The power of the Amer- Syrian regime, and the Iranians all I believe the President has likely ican executive branch has no equal. No grew stronger in Syria overnight as we committed offenses that are worthy of individual in the world has more power stood down, and they will quickly reap impeachment, and I think it is likely than Donald Trump has today. That the benefits of Trump’s abandonment that information is going to emerge power comes with responsibility and of the Kurds. It is a nightmare in Syria from the House’s inquiry that would guardrails. today, and it is going to get much present Republicans with clear evi- The one firm promise that a Presi- worse before it gets better. dence that the President’s abuse of of- dent must make to those he governs is Let’s move down to China, where fice has been serious. to use the powers of the Oval Office for President-for-life Xi Jinping has been Obviously, we need to wait for the ar- the national interest and not for his steadily consolidating power, building ticles of impeachment to arrive in the personal or financial interest. But it is a model of totalitarian control that de- Senate—if they do arrive—before any now clear beyond a reasonable doubt nies basic human rights to its popu- of us decide our vote on removal, but after all this testimony—much of it lation of 1.4 billion. The United States the publicly stipulated facts already from Republicans before the House— has watched from the sidelines as surrounding the President’s shadow that President Trump has turned our China not only conducts cultural geno- foreign policy designed not to advance support for Ukraine into a personal cide against its Muslim population in the national interests but his personal poker chip to be cashed in in order to its own country but also grows its glob- political interests are damning. get Ukraine to help him destroy his po- al clout and exports its model and So far, my Republican friends have litical rivals. This just isn’t allowed in technology of repression around the rallied to the President’s side, despite a democracy. world. public opinion moving pretty quickly The damage done by Trump’s corrup- China’s military continues to gain in against the President and in favor of tion of the Ukraine relationship is far strength and push their unlawful terri- an inquiry in the House. So today I beyond this broken covenant with the torial claims further in the Western want to use my time on the floor to American people. He pulled essential Pacific. We do virtually nothing. Chi- ask just a simple question of my Re- assistance to Ukraine just when their na’s Belt and Road Initiative is forging

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.028 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 linkages across the globe, building weakened all of our regional alliances. the Saudis, and the Emiratis all on dif- foundations for long-term techno- America and the world are dramati- ferent wavelengths, the potential for logical, economic, and strategic domi- cally less safe right now. proxy wars between these wealthy na- nance. All over the world, in fact, dictators tions could get much worse all over the The United States stands on the side- and would-be dictators are racking up Middle East. lines under the Trump administration. stunning records of human rights In Iran, right next door, the cam- The sum total of our bilateral inter- abuses right now because they know paign of blind escalation and provo- actions thus far with China has been a that under President Trump, America cation has been disastrous. Every one bungled, disastrous, job-killing trade will really raise no issue and no pro- of the President’s national security ad- war. It is a trade war that really only tests. visors told him to stay in the Iran nu- made sense in Trump’s campaign Go down here to the Philippines, for clear agreement and focus his energies speeches but never had a chance to suc- instance, where there have been 20,000 on addressing Iran’s other malevolent ceed without the help of other poten- people who have vanished in the behavior in the region, like their bal- tial partners that the President never extrajudicial massacres by President listic missile program or their support tried to enlist. Duterte. No protests from the United for terrorist organizations. Trump ig- Every single day, Trump is losing the States, and 20,000 have vanished. nored all his advisors, like he has ig- trade war badly. Our trade deficit with Thousands of political dissidents are nored all the rest of the counsel he has China isn’t going down; it is going up. being locked up in places like Turkey, received on major foreign policy mat- The tariffs on Chinese imports could Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—these are ters, and he canceled the agreement cost middle-class American consumers supposed U.S. allies—and have no one and implemented a series of unilateral $1,000 a year, and our economy has to speak for them because America sanctions against Iran. He coordinated slowed down and is on its way to poten- now doesn’t do anything about civil with absolutely no one. tially losing 300,000 jobs because of the rights or human rights. We have van- Now, Iran, feeling cornered but also trade war. It is an unmitigated eco- ished from the human rights playing not feeling particularly vulnerable, nomic disaster for our Nation, and this field. given the fact that America couldn’t nightmare, like all the others, seems to In Saudi Arabia, in fact, their leader- recruit any of our friends to our new be getting worse. All the while, China ship felt so emboldened by Trump’s em- anti-Iran campaign, hit back against forges ahead to corner the market on brace of brutal strongmen that they oil tankers, American drones, and next-generation technologies like 5G, kidnapped an American resident who Saudi pipelines. We now seem perpet- drones, and artificial intelligence, leav- was critical of the Saudi regime. They ually on the precipice of war with Iran. ing America and American companies chopped him to pieces, and then they Meanwhile, they have restarted parts potentially shut out of these markets. got rid of the body parts. The dots are of their shuttered nuclear program. We Nowhere has China’s heavyhanded re- piling up in the Middle East. The re- haven’t convinced a single nation to pression been more apparent than right sponse from the United States to help us build new sanctions, and there here in Hong Kong. Yet again, we have Jamal Khashoggi’s murder was a visit is absolutely no chance that Trump is been totally absent. In Hong Kong, to Riyadh by the American Secretary going to secure a better deal than the brave, pro-democracy protesters should of State for a smiling photo op to make JCPOA before he leaves office in just be seen as America’s best friends—Chi- sure that every foreign leader in every over a year. nese people who are risking everything corner of the world recognized that Iran is a bigger menace than before to fight for basic freedoms in an in- human rights abuses would be forgiven he took office. They just scored an- creasingly totalitarian state. There is pretty immediately by this new Amer- other major victory with Trump’s no better way to undermine China’s ican regime. abandonment of the Kurds, and an unfair trade model than to promote the Elsewhere in the Middle East—I don’t anti-Iran coalition that the United rights of its consumers and its citizens. know that I can just keep on piling up States methodically built under But Trump promised the Chinese re- more and more dots, but elsewhere in Barack Obama has vanished, perhaps gime that he would offer no support to the Middle East, things are falling never again to be resurrected. the Hong Kong protesters—an uncon- apart fast due mostly to the Trump ad- In this very red region of the world scionable promise that he has kept— ministration’s incompetence. It started right now, the only leader who has while China runs circles around him on with this nonsensical fracture of rela- been happy with Trump’s dangerous, trade talks. tions between Saudi Arabia and an- bizarre, nonstrategy on Iran has been Staying in Asia, let’s run right up other key U.S. Gulf ally, Qatar. It was Benjamin Netanyahu, but he may not the road to the most immediate and the kind of disruption that, frankly, be in power much longer, and his alli- terrifying existential threat: a nuclear- would normally be papered over and ance with Trump has left his successor armed homicidal dictator with the ca- fixed by a competent U.S. administra- a frightening legacy. Under Trump’s pacity and willingness to nuke us and tion probably in days, but 3 years later, watch, the two-state solution in our allies in the region—North Korea. the two countries—Saudi Arabia and Israel—a longtime bipartisan lynchpin A lot of ink has been spilled on the Qatar—still aren’t talking, largely be- of American policy in the Middle pomp and circumstance of Trump’s cause we did nothing to fix it. Making East—has effectively fallen apart. summits and the ongoing love affair matters worse, Saudi Arabia and their Trump has allowed Israel to take that he claims with Kim Jong Un, but one remaining friend in the region, steps that make a future Palestinian what has actually been the result of UAE, aren’t getting along now either. state almost impossible. For 3 years, nearly 3 years of Trump’s North Ko- Under Trump, the war in Yemen he has put his son-in-law—whose only rean diplomacy besides stroking his began to rage out of control. Tens of experience was using his father’s ego? The answer is nothing. Kim con- thousands of innocent Yemenis, many money to buy real estate—in charge of tinues to fire missiles into the Sea of of them little children, died needlessly brokering peace between Israel and the Japan. He continues to quietly build as Trump piled more weapons and more Palestinians. It was a joke. Everybody his nuclear stockpile. Even the freeze bombs into the war and did really knew it, but since Trump was Presi- on nuclear long-range missile tests is nothing to try to find a peace agree- dent, everybody had to play along. Now temporary, and the North Koreans are ment between the parties who for a there is no peace plan. There was never warning they might resume that at the year had been begging the United going to be a peace plan, and the end of the year. States to step in and play a traditional chances for one are almost nonexistent Meanwhile, we abandoned the South role as mediator. The conflict has after 3 years of the Trump administra- Koreans, we canceled our joint mili- raged on for so long due to Trump’s un- tion. tary exercises, and we nearly withdrew willingness to use America’s diplo- Down in Libya, Trump admittedly in- our troops entirely. Kim got inter- matic muscle that events on the herited a pretty miserable situation, national recognition and essentially a ground have become so chaotic that but somehow, like everything else, he free pass to keep building his arsenal the Saudis and the Emiratis have now managed to make it worse. The coun- and making it more deadly while we parted ways. Now, with the Qataris, try has been fractured for years, as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.029 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5819 rival militias with a host of foreign pa- sia, India, and nonstate actors such as ognizing a leader of the country who trons have been fighting a civil war al-Qaida and ISIS. isn’t really the leader of that country that has created a vacuum that has When it comes to our relations with and probably isn’t going to be the lead- been filled in by extremists and a mi- Europe, Trump reserves his greatest er of that country. It is yet another grant crisis that continues to expand. multilateral animus for global at- failure that makes us look weak and But instead of doing the hard work of tempts to address climate change. The foolish. We make a play and can’t back diplomacy to try to get the warring Paris Agreement wasn’t even a binding it up. It is hard to be scared of the parties back to the table, instead, commitment on the United States, but United States when everything we try Trump threw his support—his personal Trump felt so strongly that climate to do goes wrong. support—behind General Haftar, upend- change was a Chinese-perpetrated Let’s move back over to the African ing years of American diplomacy and hoax—unwind that riddle for me—that Continent for a moment. Now, as a endorsing Haftar’s plan to try to take he pulled us out of the agreement in a candidate, Trump repeatedly stoked Tripoli by force. As a result, the fight- big, grand, festive ceremony at the fears of the Ebola epidemic in West Af- ing there continues, peace talks are White House. rica, tweeting that the United States failing, and the humanitarian crisis Global climate catastrophe is coming ‘‘must immediately stop all flights grows by the day. if we don’t do anything. In fact, it is al- from EBOLA infected countries or the One of the consequences of this ready here. The story of Syria’s de- plague will start to spread inside our Trump death spiral in Libya and the scent into madness can partially be borders!’’ Of course, this didn’t make Middle East is that the economic and told through the tale of successive any sense, and it doesn’t make any political refugees continue to flow into global warming-connected droughts sense now. We have known for ages Europe, which simply isn’t politically that forced farmers into overcrowded that travel bans aren’t actually the ready to accept this rate of inflow, and cities that weren’t ready for those pop- best way to deal with an outbreak of by slashing the number of refugees al- ulation surges. Trump’s hostility to disease, but since he has become Presi- lowed in the United States from over climate action is one of his most dent, the Trump administration has 100,000 to 18,000, we have communicated unforgiveable global legacies, and the asked Congress to rescind $252 million to the Europeans that we have no in- next President may not have enough that had been put aside to deal with terest in helping. Just like everything time or political capital to make up the virus. He ousted the NSC’s top bio- else, Trump has made the assimilation the ground we have lost on climate defense expert and repeatedly sought of the Muslim immigrants into Europe change, especially with European part- to slash funding for global health pro- even harder by serving as a model for ners. grams. Sadly, Trump’s default response racist, xenophobic demagogues, and Speaking of failure to capitalize on to epidemics and barriers of exclusion, rightwing nationalist political parties opportunities, let’s spin the globe back defunding preventive measures, and who want to bring Trump’s form of po- to our own hemisphere, where, accord- opting to feed panic rather than deploy litical nativism into Europe. ing to the script, things couldn’t be an orderly response that is driven by Nationalist political parties are on going much worse. Here in the Amer- science and led by scientists only hurts the rise all across the West, and Trump icas everything that Trump has our ability to control outbreaks that is absolutely central to their develop- touched thus far has fallen apart, and are present today and in the future. ment. He gravitates not toward Angela the United States is weaker regionally Finally, Denmark. Trump managed Merkel, whose courageous leadership than ever before. to even screw up our relationship with has held the EU together through all Trump’s nativism is his political Denmark, which many of us would these crises, but he hews to Viktor calling card, but his own policies seem have thought was impossible. Out of an Orban, who has stoked the embers of to encourage more migration to the episode of ‘‘The Simpsons,’’ Trump nationalism to take Hungary down a United States, not less of it. President canceled a diplomatic meeting with dark path. Trump and his nationalist Trump’s decision to cut off foreign as- Denmark’s leader because they compatriots weaponize these fears of sistance to Central American countries wouldn’t agree to sell us Greenland. It immigration and cultural change to because they weren’t doing enough to sounds funny, but it is an example of justify really bad policies—from label- stop migration is lunacy. President the relatively small things compared ing journalists as enemies of the state Obama’s program of investing in Cen- to the big world screw-ups that happen to putting kids in cages. And when tral American security so that less of every day that only get a few days of rightwing groups try to copy Trump’s their citizens felt the need to flee to media attention. success and deploy his playbook in America was beginning to work, and Denmark is one of our strongest countries all throughout Europe, he Trump gave it all away simply to pro- NATO allies. At the height of the war doesn’t stand up and object, as the vide fuel to his domestic political agen- in Afghanistan, they had one of the leader of the free world should; he of- da. highest numbers of troops per capita fers a wink and a nod or sometimes a Further south, U.S.-Venezuela policy fighting alongside us. They hold the warm embrace. is one of the few times Trump’s Presi- key to blocking a Russian gas pipeline Trump doesn’t stop there in his delib- dency stood up to a dictator. Unfortu- that could avoid Ukraine, damaging erate attempts to undermine European nately, because Trump doesn’t know their economy, and come into Europe, democracy. He has carried out a sys- how to do foreign policy, he botched but now we have managed to even tematic, purposeful campaign to weak- that intervention too. It has been real- make Denmark an adversary. I know it en the European Union and NATO. By ly embarrassing to watch this adminis- sounds implausible, but this is just the now, we have all grown used to tration repeatedly and wrongly claim tip of the iceberg. It is a policy mas- Trump’s attacks on globalism, but it is that the Maduro regime is on the verge sacre everywhere. The world is on fire, still pretty extraordinary that we have of collapse. They did it in January, and in most places Trump is one of the a President who just doesn’t attack the when Juan Guaido swore himself in as arsonists. Meanwhile, who is bene- specific institutions he loathes, such as interim President. They did it again in fiting? Across the board, America’s en- the U.N., the EU, or NATO; he levies February, when they said deploying emies and our competitors are rubbing regular broadsides against the entire American aid along the border would their hands with delight as we score concept of global cooperation. He sees trigger the regime’s fall, and they did own goal after own goal. Putin, Xi, multilateralism as a weakness, and his it again in April in a lead-up to a mili- Erdogan, Kim, the hard-liners in Iran, cheerleading of Britain out the door of tary uprising that went nowhere. The could not have scripted a better oppor- the EU and his constant attacks on White House has engaged in tough talk tunity to gain power for themselves at NATO, even to the point of wondering only to see Maduro’s hold on power en- our expense. out loud if the United States would de- dure. I say that Trump’s foreign policy is a fend allies if attacked risks taking Trump played all his cards on this global joke, but calling what he does down the entire post-World War II crisis right in the first few days, like a policy is probably unfair. He doesn’t order. That would be a disaster for us nervous teenager. Now we are left sanc- really care to take the time to learn and a gift to countries like China, Rus- tioning the Venezuelan people and rec- about the world. He doesn’t read his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.030 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 briefings. He makes it up day by day, near a campus in Turkey when a car aries were drawn at the end of World with his personal political priorities, bomb exploded, killing members of the War I, after they had been promised his jealousies, and his headline addic- Turkish military. Thirteen people were that they would have their homeland, tion guiding his decisions rather than killed and 55 were wounded in that instead, a larger Turkey was drawn, anything connected to our actual na- blast. Forty-eight of those killed and and the Kurds were just listed as a mi- tional security interests. Our foreign wounded were off-duty military per- nority group inside of Turkey. policy is in complete, utter, total melt- sonnel, most of them privates and cor- They face incredible persecution down, and it is time for all of us to face porals. within Turkey. They are not allowed to facts. The same day, at another location in call themselves Kurds. Instead, they You can’t impeach a President be- a different part of that community, are called mountain Turks in that cause you disagree with their policies, still in Turkey, there was a soccer sta- area. They are not allowed to wear cer- but this is beyond a policy disagree- dium attack that happened. In that at- tain garb, and they are not allowed to ment. This is a President who has com- tack, 44 people died and more than 150 practice their customs. They are op- promised our Nation’s integrity and people were wounded. Three days pressed in every area. They have our credibility, who has put in jeop- later—actually two days after that, De- worked for a long time and have asked: ardy the safety of our citizens, espe- cember 19, 2016, the Russian Ambas- How can we have a free people’s area? cially as ISIS breaks out of detainment sador to Turkey was assassinated in For the Kurds who live in northern and looks to regroup to threaten Amer- Ankara while he was giving a public Iraq, it is one of the freest areas in all ica again in Syria. speech. of the Middle East. They have the free- These kinds of things—the perversion Most Americans don’t know this be- dom of religion and a free capitalist of the powers of the Presidency—are cause we were getting ready for Christ- economy. It is a thriving economy in not allowed in a democracy. Our re- mas, and we were watching the transi- northern Iraq. They have democrat- fusal to accept this kind of behavior is tion of President Obama to President ically led elections, and they worked what separates us from all the tin-pot Trump. There was a lot of chaos that with us to overthrow Saddam Hussein dictatorships around the world. was happening in that region at that after Saddam Hussein gassed thousands I hope, eventually, my Republican time. I happened to be in Turkey when of Kurds to death in that Kurdish re- colleagues see this, but I also want my all of that was going on, meeting with gion of Iraq. They were gassed by Sad- Republican colleagues who spend their Turkish officials, trying to negotiate dam Hussein. They have been forced time thinking of themselves as bul- for the release of Andrew Brunson, out of their homes and have been iso- warks of national security to see the working toward our ongoing relation- lated, and for decades, they have damage, much of it irreparable, that ship and trying to figure out what di- worked to have a free country. Trump is doing to our position in the rection Turkey was going to go because In 2017, the Kurds who were in north- world. Why continue to offer him this they have been a longstanding ally to ern Iraq had their own referendum to unconditional protection from an im- the United States and a NATO partner, be able to establish their own place. peachment inquiry if the cost of his but they certainly were not acting like They made a bold move and said: The staying in office is the shattering of it in 2016, and now, in 2019, they are world will not acknowledge us; so we our reputation around the world? certainly not acting like it. will acknowledge ourselves. So, in a Why continue to defend him if his ac- The car bombs I mentioned and the bold referendum in September of 2017, tions everywhere are causing the world terrorist actions that happened might 90 percent of the Kurds voted to form to fall apart—and it is falling apart in surprise some Americans to know their own country out of northern Iraq. every part of the globe. Everything weren’t led by ISIS fighters fighting in Quickly, the Iraqi Government moved this administration has touched has Turkey. The innocents who were killed into that zone and squashed them. gotten worse. The scariest part is that that day were killed by Kurdish terror- In the middle of the conflict that we this President and this administration ists—Kurdish folks who had been listed have talked about before with ISIS, still have 14 more months to do even in the U.S. listing of official terrorist ISIS moved into areas in Syria and in more damage. organizations, a group called the Iraq and pressed in against the Kurds I yield the floor. Kurdistan Workers Party, or the in order to attack them. When the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- PKK—the abbreviation in that lan- Kurds were not able to establish their TON). The Senator from Oklahoma. guage. The PKK has been listed as a homeland, ISIS was determined to es- TURKEY AND SYRIA terror organization by the United tablish its own caliphate and its own Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, let States for decades. land by beheading people and by mur- me take you back to December 2016. We Let me give some context. In the dering thousands of people. As they are all getting ready for Christmas. It course of the dialogue I have heard in moved into the Kurdish area, the is a month after President Trump is the last couple of weeks about the Turks on the other side of the border elected. He will not take his office for Kurds and about the Turks, everyone simply watched the refugees flee across another month after that, but in Tur- wants to seem to oversimplify this the border, for ISIS was not killing key they are reeling from a coup at- issue. Everyone wants to say who are Turks. It was killing Kurds, and they tempt that happened in October. Hun- the good guys and the bad guys, and didn’t care. The Turks would handle dreds of people were killed—chaos. they are missing the point in the his- the refugees as long as ISIS was doing Turkish President Erdogan over- tory of what is happening in this re- their bidding in Syria. reacted, locking up hundreds of thou- gion. You see, this is a complicated issue sands of people, including one of our The Kurds have 25 million people. It for us because there are sections of the pastors, Pastor Andrew Brunson, and is the fourth largest ethnic group in Kurds that have fought for democracy implementing martial law, which was the Middle East. They live mostly in for decades. Many of them have been kept in place for years after that. Rap- Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Arme- doing it in exactly the right way—in idly changing the Constitution, he has nia. They have all different political having referendums, in organizing and transitioned himself from a President parties, and they have all different working with U.N. officials, and in duly elected and operating a free de- backgrounds. For over a century, they working with the countries around mocracy that has been Turkey to radi- have worked to have their own nation. them to demographically establish an cally changing the direction of the Interestingly enough, after World area in which they would be free to live country in the future. A long-term War I and all of the changes on the and to worship and to function in a NATO ally is going through real tur- map after World War I, the Kurds were capitalist economy. That has been the moil. promised their own country, the coun- Kurds’ desire. There has also been an In October that coup happened, and try of Kurdistan, because they were a offshoot of the Kurds, called the PKK, all the transition was occurring, but by minority population for a long time in that has for decades carried out car December, as I mentioned before, they that region. So they worked for and bombs and attacks, many of them in were rocked again. On December 17, pressed for their own country during Turkey, where hundreds of civilians 2016, a bus was stopped at a red light that time period. Yet, when the bound- have been killed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.032 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5821 President Erdogan, of Turkey, has all that is happening with the Kurdish President Trump has launched out determined that all Kurds are the same people and the Turks. They have ig- and stated very clearly that there will and has ruthlessly lashed out at them. nored the basic history of what has be strong sanctions against military Now, I think about how we operated in happened in that region for a very long leaders within the Turkish Army and Afghanistan and how differently the time—for over a century—with regard the key leaders in the government. He United States really thought about to the ongoing battle between the will try to put sanctions down as rap- military warfare. As the Taliban and Kurds and the Turks. We should do ev- idly as possible on those individuals. al-Qaida rose up in Afghanistan, we en- erything we can to push back on this, He has also announced a 50-percent gaged in the most Surgical way we pos- because, for a large group of the Kurd- steel tariff on Turkey. You may say sibly could with violent Taliban mem- ish population, especially those in that it is no big deal, except for the bers and with members of al-Qaida and northern Iraq, they have been very fact that steel is a major export for took the battle specifically to them close allies and friends and tenacious Turkey, and it is a punishing tariff on while we established a friendship and a fighters against Saddam Hussein. They it as a country. longstanding partnership with the Af- left their own place of safety in north- He has also started laying down addi- ghan people. ern Iraq to help us fight the fight in tional sanctions on Turkey and has We don’t look at all Afghans in the Syria—to protect other Kurdish people, said all of the trade agreements and same way, in some blanket declaration. yes, but also to help protect the entire conversations are currently at a stand- We understand that there is a violent world from the ruthless nature of ISIS. still. Turkey’s economy is on the ra- faction that has to be addressed for We should engage and do what we can zor’s edge because Erdogan has so mis- world peace and that there are others to help stop the bloodshed. As I men- managed its economy for so many who just want their children to grow tioned before, when we moved into Af- years. up and go to school. ghanistan, we did it as surgically as we We have no beef with the Turkish We have engaged them in a way that could. When Turkey moved into the people, but, currently, Turkey is being is very different than how Turkey is Kurdish regions, it unleashed artillery led by a leader who is leading their currently engaging them in the Turk- fire against civilians and pummeled country into economic ruin and leading ish population. As the battle raged in homes and businesses in the Kurdish their military across foreign borders to Syria and finished out with the civil towns of people who meant them no haphazardly kill civilians. We should war in Syria and the fight with ISIS off harm as they crossed the border into not tolerate that, and we should en- the Kurdish areas, everyone knew, Syria. gage. We should make it very clear when this calmed down, that at some So what do we do? How do we respond that there will be consequences. in the days ahead? There are a few future date, the Turks would start We should work with the U.N., as we things I would bring up. One is the going after the Kurds. It has been already have started, and be more ag- ‘‘what I wish.’’ gressive, by which, if there is someone known for years. In fact, in 2016, when I wish the administration had been to stand between two warring parties, I was in Ankara, Turkey, at that point more clear with Turkey and her leaders it will be the U.N. peacekeepers who in December, and watched all of this and would have said: If you do this, it will do that, not American men and chaos occur, that was the ongoing dia- is not that we will impose sanctions, women who are sitting out there in a logue among Turkish leaders at that but here is exactly what the sanctions forward operating base. time—that they were going to go after will be. We need you to know it, and it We should continue to sanction the Kurds. Over and over, this has been is going to happen as rapidly as pos- Turkish banks—those banks that did the repetitive statement to the admin- sible. istration and, quite frankly, to the pre- I wish that we would have moved all business with Iran. When Iran was vious administration. of the ISIS fighters out of the region. sanctioned, Turkey continued to do In a series of phone calls in which There are ISIS fighters who are cur- business with some of those banks. We President Erdogan talked to President rently imprisoned in northern Syria should increase our sanctions there. Trump and said, ‘‘We are crossing the who are waiting to return back to their We should be extremely clear that border and going in,’’ it left President home countries, for many of them are Turkey will not get access to the F–35s. Trump in a very difficult situation. foreign fighters from other places. Yet I cannot imagine how much stronger Does he leave our American men and their home countries are not willing to the response of the American people women—a very small number—in a for- take them back. So they are currently would be right now if it were American ward operating base to sit there while imprisoned in Syria. I wish, before the F–35s that were flying across the Syria- tanks roll by and the battle rages be- Turks crossed the border, that we Turkey border to bomb our own allies tween the Kurds and the Turks? Do we would have done more to help to pro- the Kurds. We should make it very use them as some kind of tool to try to tect those prisoners and make sure clear that there is no foreign military stop this? Do we get out of harm’s way? they didn’t get freed. Many of them did sales to Turkey, and we should con- Secretary Esper just made a state- get freed, and the entire region will tinue to cut them off. ment last weekend that was very clear: suffer the consequences of some very We have to be clear in the con- The Turks didn’t ask permission to bad actors who will get back to the sequences. We have to be rapid in the cross the border. They said, ‘‘We are battlefield again because of that. response because, right now, people are coming,’’ and notified us in advance so I wish there had actually been co- dying in northern Syria. Those same that if we wanted to move out of the ordination. Clearly, the administration families and those same individuals way, we could, but either way, they did not coordinate with the State De- put their own lives on the line to stand were coming. partment, the Department of Defense, up against ISIS, and they stood with us We have moved our forces into other and with other Kurdish leaders with re- in multiple areas. They have a great areas and combined them into bases. gard to what was happening in the re- propensity toward freedom and toward Just recently, within the last couple of gion and did not make sure we were se- democracy, which desperately need to days, when the Turks started getting curing those fighters and preparing for grow in the Middle East. closer to our combined forces in north- that moment. Instead, it was a rapid The chaos that is ensuing is the ern Syria, we responded by putting up transition and a hurried process to chaos of war. It is the pain of over a Apache helicopters and F–16s in order move Americans out of harm’s way in century of the mismanagement of this to fly by the Turks and say: Don’t you between two allies who were fighting entire region. We need to stop the dare come near American forces. At each other and to try to shift them to bloodshed first and continue to nego- the same time, we are trying to do ev- other places and be able to stabilize tiate with every possible lever that we erything that we can and should in them in those locations. There have can to make sure we can bring a sense order to stop the bloodshed between been a lot of hurried responses that of calm to the chaos that is starting two allies. could have been done differently but and do so with the greatest pressure on I have been amazed at the number of were not. the Turks and on President Erdogan, people who have stepped up and said The ‘‘now whats’’ are pretty clear, who clearly hasn’t gotten the message that President Trump is to blame for though. yet as to what the will of the American

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.033 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 people and this Congress really in- The USMCA would replace the 25- Unlike NAFTA, the USMCA provides volves. year-old North American Free Trade enforcement mechanisms that will en- This is a changing situation. It is not Agreement, or NAFTA, and bring the sure that all countries not only meet simple, but it is one about which I will deal into the 21st century, while for- but strengthen their environmental re- come back and try to inform in every tifying our strong trading relationships sponsibilities. way that I can. In order to bring jus- with Canada and Mexico and growing Lastly, I want to point out to my tice to the process, I will encourage critical market access for Nebraska. Democrat colleagues the support the this body to smartly and quickly en- The heart of Nebraska beats in the USMCA is receiving on both sides of gage, to help impress upon the Turks same rhythm as agriculture. It is who the aisle. to back off the bloodshed, and to bring we are, and as the world knows that it I recently heard Tom Vilsack say war crimes against any Turk or any in- is what we do better than anyone. So it this: dividual we can identify who is killing is not hard to understand why our I think under any evaluation, from the prisoners and attacking civilians. State needs this deal. U.S. agriculture perspective it clearly is a I yield the floor. America’s neighbors to the north and better deal. So, with that our hope is that it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- south are the destination of 44 percent gets done, and gets done soon. ator from the Nebraska. of Nebraska’s total exports. In 2017, Ne- These are not the words of some UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT braska shipped $447 million of agricul- Trump administration official. These Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise tural products to Canada and a stag- are the words of President Obama’s to voice my strong support for the pas- gering $898 million to Mexico. These former Secretary of Agriculture. sage of the United States-Mexico-Can- exports include hundreds of millions of Here is another quote from Dan ada Agreement, or the USMCA. dollars’ worth of Nebraska’s high-qual- Glickman: When I travel the State of Nebraska, ity corn, soybeans, ethanol, and beef. We have a good agreement. We cannot let I always hear directly from our farmers Specifically, the USMCA maintains the perfect be the enemy of the good. This is a good deal for America and particularly a and our ag producers. Nebraska’s farm- and strengthens those markets for corn ers have endured some of the most good deal for farmers at this vulnerable and soybeans. It also allows U.S. beef time. challenging setbacks in recent mem- producers to continue to grow their ex- ory. The severe flooding from last Again, this isn’t support from some ports to Mexico, which have risen 800 Republican Member of Congress. This spring devastated thousands of acres of percent since NAFTA was first ratified. our farm and our ranch land, brought is support that is voiced by President In 2018 alone, Nebraska exported over Clinton’s former Secretary of Agri- hundreds of livestock deaths, and de- $250 million dollars of beef to both stroyed barns, countless grain bins, culture. countries. What is more, all former Agriculture hay, and critical farm equipment. This It is important to note that the bene- list of daunting obstacles continues to Secretaries since the Reagan adminis- fits of the USMCA extend far beyond tration have voiced their full support grow. our farmland. Agricultural trade be- Last July, the Gering-Fort Laramie- for the USMCA. tween Canada and Mexico supports Goshen irrigation tunnel collapsed and We have seen the headlines of en- nearly 54,000 jobs in the State of Ne- cut off a crucial source of surface irri- dorsements, and one especially caught braska. According to the Nebraska De- gation water to the western region of my attention. The title of a recent op- partment of Agriculture, Nebraska’s our State for several weeks. ed read: ‘‘Democrats Should Give Only a few days earlier, a devastating $6.4 billion in agricultural exports in Trump a Win on His Trade Deal with fire broke out in a Tyson beef proc- 2017 translated into $8.19 billion in ad- Mexico and Canada.’’ Well, this piece essing plant in Holcomb, KS. The plant ditional economic activity. For the wasn’t composed by a conservative processed about 6,000 head of cattle good of our State and our Nation, these publication. It was penned by the edi- every single day. That is roughly 6 per- markets need to be protected. torial board of the Washington Post. cent of the total fed cattle processing The USMCA goes even further than Finally, a group of 14 House Demo- capacity in the United States. NAFTA. It adopts labor and environ- crats sent a letter to Speaker PELOSI The effects of the plant’s closure rip- mental standards that Democrats have last July urging her to take up the pled throughout the entire cattle in- long advocated for. It requires that 40 USMCA for a vote. dustry and the beef processing chain. to 45 percent of auto content be made The letter reads: ‘‘Canada and Mexico This is all in addition to 5 years of low by workers who earn at least $16 an are by far our most important trading commodity prices, the unfair small re- hour by 2023. This will undoubtedly partners, and we need to restore cer- finery exemptions for oil refiners, and help close the gap in labor standards tainty in these critical relationships the cloud of uncertainty over trade. between our Nation and Mexico. that support millions of American While all of these factors have caused According to the U.S. Trade Rep- jobs.’’ anxiety and unpredictability, there is resentative, the deal includes new pro- Both sides of the aisle agree that the one solution that Nebraska’s farmers, visions to prohibit the importation of USMCA is a significant win for farm- ranchers, ag producers, manufacturers, goods produced by forced labor. ers, ranchers, ag producers, and Amer- and hard-working men and women have The USMCA addresses violence ica’s economy as a whole. made clear, and that is the passage of against workers exercising their labor Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers the USMCA. rights, and it ensures that migrant have maintained patience in these Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers workers are protected under labor tough times. They deserve to know have a different lifestyle than most laws. without a doubt that they will con- people. Their patience is steadfast. The deal brings labor obligations into tinue to have access to their two larg- They plan for the long term. They can the core of the agreement, and most est markets and closest trading part- envision how they want their land to importantly, it makes them fully en- ners. look, not only next year but 100 years forceable. As I said earlier, farmers aren’t just into the future. It is in their DNA, and On top of that, the USMCA deploys thinking about themselves. They are families are fed around the world be- the most advanced, comprehensive set planning for the future generations cause of it. of environmental protections of any that will proudly carry on their life’s They are optimists, but they are re- trade agreement in our Nation’s his- work and continue feeding our world. alists. As Secretary Perdue recently tory. The list of environmental protec- Right now, we have an opportunity said, ‘‘they know you can’t plant in tions includes first-ever articles to im- to come together around a common- August and harvest in September.’’ prove air quality, support forest man- sense, bipartisan agreement that will That is exactly right. Our producers agement, and ensure procedures for benefit the American people both now have remained patient during these studies on its environmental impact. and for years to come. Now it is up to tough and turbulent times because New provisions protect a variety of Congress to deliver. they know that there is an opportunity marine species, such as whales and sea I urge Speaker PELOSI to stop need- for a better, long-term trade solution turtles, and there are prohibitions on lessly delaying this vote, and I encour- on the horizon. shark finning. age all of my Democrat colleagues not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.034 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5823 to allow politics to stand in the way of start using renewable energy. They is why the Clean Power Plan was so at- sound policy. It is time to push the could meet their goals that are set tractive in dealing with this issue, be- USMCA over the finish line. with a reduction of about one-third of cause it dealt with it with national I yield the floor. these dangerous carbon emissions but goals. Establish how to attain them by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- with local discretion on how to reach the local governments. That is the way ator from Nebraska. those goals. it should be. Mr. SASSE. Mr. President, first I The rule that was promulgated that I Let me give the numbers. The Clean would like to associate myself with the am seeking to reverse allows only effi- Power Plan that is repealed by the rule comments of my senior Senator about ciency per coal powerplants, does not under the Trump administration would the necessity of the passage of the allow the mixing of the different tech- have reduced dangerous carbon emis- USMCA. The House of Representatives nologies, and prohibits the States from sion by about one-third. We believe the and the Speaker should schedule that pursuing market-based plans. rule that was promulgated by the vote immediately. There is clearly I am going to tell you, in my region Trump administration could actually overwhelming support in both bodies of the country, we have what is known increase dangerous emissions. for its passage. as REGI, which is a compact to reduce Let me use EPA’s regulatory impact I would also like to underscore my carbon emissions. We do it by ener- analysis. Looking at CO2—carbon diox- senior Senator’s comments about the gizing market forces so that we can get ide—the Agency says that the Trump tragedy of the irrigation tunnel col- to friendlier sources of energy, which, rule will reduce it by 0.7 percent. That lapse in Nebraska and about the char- by the way, has helped our region not is less than 1 percent. The Clean Power acter of Nebraska’s farmers and ranch- only reduce carbon emissions but cre- Plan issued by President Obama—19 ers. They have dealt with yet another ate green energy jobs, which is in our percent. SO2s under Trump are 5.7 per- catastrophe after 81 of our 93 counties interest. cent; under the Obama rule, 24 percent. went through a state of emergency ear- Let me point out from the beginning NOX emissions under the plan that was lier this year in a flood. that the powerplants are the largest promulgated under the Trump adminis- I would like to just commend my sen- stationary source of harmful carbon tration are 0.9 percent—less than 1 per- ior Senator for a fine speech on a really emissions. Why should everybody be cent. Under the Clean Power Plan, it is important topic. concerned about it? We know its im- 22 percent. (The remarks of Mr. SASSE per- pact on climate change. We have seen We really are talking about whether taining to the submission of S.J. Res. the harmful impacts of climate change we are serious about dealing with dan- 58 are printed in today’s RECORD under in America, from the wildfires out gerous carbon emissions or whether we ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) West to the flooding here in the East. are going to at best maintain the sta- Mr. SASSE. I yield back. We have seen the problems not only in tus quo; at worst, make things even The PRESIDING OFFICER. The our own community but throughout worse. It saddens me that my colleagues on measure will be received and appro- the world. In my own State of Mary- the other side of the aisle are embrac- priately referred. land, we have had two 100-year floods ing the ACE rule, since it threatens to The Senator from Maryland. within 20 months in Ellicott City, MD. reverse much of the progress we have S.J. RES. 53 The list goes on and on about the im- made in reducing air pollution— Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I come pact of climate change. We see the progress their conservationist Repub- to the floor to talk about S.J. Res. 53. coastal line changing in our lifetime. lican predecessors helped to spur. The We will have a chance to vote on that We are seeing regular flooding. We are Clean Air Act amendments, which es- tomorrow. I am joined by my colleague seeing habitable land become inhabit- tablished the sulfur dioxide—SO —cap- from Maryland, Senator VAN HOLLEN, 2 able. All of that is affected by our car- and-trade program, were adopted in and my colleague on the Environment bon emissions, and the Obama-era 1990. This was never a partisan issue; and Public Works Committee, Senator Clean Power Plan did something about cap-and-trade was originally a Repub- WHITEHOUSE from Rhode Island. I also it. The rule that we will have a chance lican idea. George Herbert Walker Bush want to thank Senator CARPER for his to vote on tomorrow would do nothing was President. It passed the House of leadership as the senior Democrat on about it. Representatives by a 401-to-21 vote. It the Environment and Public Works We see this as a public health risk. I passed this body, the U.S. Senate, by Committee in regard to this resolution. can’t tell you how frequently I have an 89-to-11 vote. It has been highly suc- This resolution will be voted on to- heard from my constituents who have cessful. During George W. Bush’s Presi- morrow. It deals with the CRA—Con- someone in their family who has a res- dency, the EPA determined that the gressional Review Act—vote in regard piratory illness: What can we do for SO2 cap-and-trade program had a 40–1 to the Trump administration’s afford- cleaner air? Children are staying home benefit-to-cost ratio. able clean energy rule. That is prob- from school because of bad air days. The Supreme Court held in Massa- ably a misnomer. It is what I call the Parents are missing time from work. chusetts v. EPA that the EPA has a re- dirty powerplant rule. The CRA would Premature deaths. All that is impacted sponsibility to regulate these carbon repeal that so that we can go back to by clean air. emissions. So that is exactly what was the Clean Power Plan that was promul- I talk frequently about the Chesa- done in 2015, which is now being jeop- gated under the Obama administration peake Bay. I am honored to represent ardized because of the regulation that in 2015. the Chesapeake Bay region in the U.S. was issued under the Trump adminis- Let me explain what the Trump-era Senate, along with Senator VAN HOL- tration. rule would do. First, it would repeal LEN, and we treasure the work that has I had a chance to serve in the State the Clean Power Plan that was issued been done. It has been an international legislature. This is an affront to fed- in 2015. That plan had real results in it. model of all the stakeholders coming eralism. Innovation for green energy It set limits on a powerplant’s produc- together in order to clean up the and jobs is prohibited under the rule tion of dangerous carbon. It made Chesapeake Bay, and we are making that I am seeking to repeal. It is pro- meaningful progress. The rule promul- tremendous progress on dealing with hibited. That is why 22 States and 7 gated by President Trump’s adminis- the sorts of pollution coming from run- local governments have filed suit tration would repeal that and sub- off or from farming activities or devel- against this regulation. But we can stitute it with a plan that would be a opment. But, quite frankly, we have act. powerplant judgment in each power- not been successful in dealing with air- The Congressional Review Act allows plant—coal-burning only—and would borne pollutants that are going into us to take action in this body, and that not take into consideration the power- the Chesapeake Bay. is why I filed that so we can take ac- plant mix of individual States. In Maryland, we are a downwind tion. If we allow this rule to go for- The previous rule allowed the States State. We need a national effort here. ward, it will delay the implementation to figure out how to reach those goals. Maryland could be doing everything of carbon emission reductions—delay So a State could do a mix. They could right, but if the surrounding States are it. If we vote for the CRA, we will be start using natural gas. They could not, we suffer the consequences. That back on track.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.037 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 We have already seen the U.S. leader- rules that have been put in place and Marylanders would have to pay to ship challenged in this area with Presi- substitute them with something that, build seawalls to protect communities dent Trump’s decision to withdraw in the worst case, actually makes the from sea level rise. A study from the from the Paris accord—the only nation situation much worse than even before Institute for Governance & Sustainable in the world that has done so. Who has these Trump rules and, at the very Development found that in the coming filled that void? Quite frankly, it has least, is a huge retreat from the decades, seawalls to protect thousands been China. progress we were headed toward under of homes, businesses, and farmlands Do we want to cede our leadership the rules of the previous administra- from Ocean City to Baltimore City will globally to a country with a controlled tion. cost more than $27 billion—$27 billion. government economy like China or do Let me just point out the analysis We have also seen dramatic flooding we want to reassert U.S. leadership? that was done by a very good organiza- in the city of Annapolis that is already We are going to have a chance to do tion called Resources for the Future. hurting the Naval Academy. This past that tomorrow with a vote in the U.S. They looked at their analysis of this week, we just had a famous national Senate. I urge my colleagues to sup- Trump proposal, which I agree with boat show, and in the middle of this port the Congressional Review Act res- Senator CARDIN is better termed the boat show, there was huge flooding in olution I have filed, S.J. Res. 53. ‘‘Trump dirty power plan,’’ and they the city of Annapolis. The costs to the With that, I yield the floor. concluded it would do very little, if city and that community are rising The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- anything, to address climate change rapidly and have been well-docu- ator from Maryland. and would have an adverse air quality mented. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I impact in many of our States. I ask my colleagues to support Sen- would like to start by thanking my Some people may recall when the ator CARDIN’s motion. Let’s not go friend and colleague from the State of Trump version of this power plan, the backward. Let’s not go backward in Maryland, Senator CARDIN, for bringing ‘‘dirty power plan,’’ was released last terms of protecting our air. Let’s not this resolution to the floor of the Sen- year, people looked at the EPA’s own go backward in terms of the battle ate—as he said, we will be voting on it analysis of that rule, and it showed against climate change because going tomorrow—but also for his long- that 1,630 of our fellow Americans backward means less good jobs in standing support and efforts in trying would die prematurely under the America, it means more dirty air and to protect our environment, to protect Trump provisions compared to the more asthma, and it means ceding this the Chesapeake Bay, and to address the Obama-era provisions. important area to China and others in urgent issue of climate change, which So when the Trump administration the global economy. anybody with eyes can see is already released this most recent version of I urge my colleagues to support the having a devastating impact on com- their amended plan back in June, they motion of Senator CARDIN. I yield the floor. munities throughout our country and, made it really difficult to put together The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. indeed, throughout the world. all the data so people would not be able BLACKBURN). The Senator from Rhode I am also very pleased to be here to connect the dots in many of these Island. with our colleague, the Senator from areas, but Senator CARDIN has pre- UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT Rhode Island, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, who sented some of the results of this. I Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- has made this such an important cause want to emphasize those and put them dent, I ask unanimous consent that the and has kept the Senate focused on in somewhat different terms, which is, vote be extended until 4:30 p.m. this pressing issue. what does the Trump rule accomplish The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there As Senator CARDIN indicated, under compared to the Obama rule on some of objection? the previous administration, under the these issues? Seeing none, without objection, it is leadership of President Obama, as a So with respect to carbon dioxide so ordered. country we adopted something known emissions, the Trump rule would re- S.J. RES. 53 as the Clean Power Plan rule. This was duce carbon dioxide emissions, carbon Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam Presi- a historic step forward. It was a blue- pollution emissions, by 2.7 percent of dent, I am delighted to join my col- print to create more good-paying jobs what the Obama administration would leagues from Maryland and Delaware in the clean energy sector. In fact, we have done—2.7 percent of what the rule to support this resolution expressing have seen a tremendous growth of they are replacing would have done. disapproval of the Trump administra- those jobs in the area of solar and wind With respect to sulfur dioxide, the tion rescinding the Clean Power Plan power and other jobs. Trump plan reduces sulfur dioxide and replacing it with its so-called af- That Clean Power Plan rule, under emissions by only 1.9 percent of what fordable clean energy rule, which is a the Obama administration, also really the Obama administration’s rule would name fanciful enough to make George addressed the issue of carbon pollution have done. Orwell blush. in the atmosphere, beginning to reduce When it comes to nitrous oxide, the The first thing to understand about it significantly, to offset the damage Trump proposal, the Trump plan, re- the so-called affordable clean energy and real costs we are already experi- duces nitrous oxide by only 2.5 percent rule is that it is a do-nothing rule, ex- encing in communities from that cli- compared to what the Obama provi- actly as the polluters wish. EPA ad- mate change. sions would have done. mits its own rule would do virtually As Senator CARDIN said, this is an If you take all of these together, you zero to reduce carbon pollution. It re- area where there are huge commu- can see it is a really anemic proposal quires zero emissions reductions at nities, if our country moves forward, in that takes us way backward compared natural gas-fired powerplants, and it the area of clean energy jobs. Right to where we were. That is why I sup- would allow coal-fired powerplants to now, with this new Trump administra- port Senator CARDIN’s efforts on the make minor efficiency improvements tion action, we are ceding the playing floor, with the vote tomorrow, to say and then run for longer hours. That field to China, which is happily seizing no, to say no to the Trump administra- could actually lead to an increase in the initiative and moving forward and tion’s efforts to roll back the progress carbon pollution. creating more and more jobs in the on clean air, to roll back the progress This rule is designed to fool people clean energy sector. If we don’t wake on clean water because a lot of that into thinking that the Trump adminis- up, we are going to lose that important pollution settles in places like the tration is obeying the Clean Air Act, global competition in the vital sector Chesapeake Bay, and to roll back but no one should be fooled. to China, which has established a goal progress on climate change, which we From the get-go, the Trump adminis- of dominating the area of clean energy know is hitting our communities as we tration made clear it didn’t care about technologies by 2025. speak. cutting carbon pollution, fighting cli- Instead of building on the progress of I want to give some additional Mary- mate change, or protecting the envi- the Obama administration, on June 19, land examples here. The Baltimore Sun ronment or public health. It cared the Trump administration decided to ran a story a little while back about about obeying the fossil fuel industry, repeal and roll back these important the staggering costs that Maryland and not the law.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.039 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5825 Within weeks of taking office, line and in the Federal Register. I urge vious industry capture? Do you want to Trump’s swampy Cabinet rolled out the you to have a look. Also available on- side with this corrupting industry over red carpet for coal baron Bob Murray, line is a report I did with Senator CAR- your own constituents’ health and safe- who had an action plan for the admin- PER detailing Wehrum’s industry ties ty? Do you want to go on record ignor- istration. Here is Murray with Energy and conflicts of interest. Median.com/ ing all the warnings from the Bank of Secretary Perry, and look who is ac- @senwhitehouse will link you to all of England, from Freddie Mac, from Nobel companying Murray at the meeting, this. Prize-winning economists, and from our EPA Administrator, Andrew The crony capture of EPA is not the hundreds of our own government’s Wheeler, then Murray’s lobbyist. It only problem with the rule. The indus- most knowledgeable experts? looks like a friendly meeting, and why try is so greedy and its hacks are so The fossil fuel industry—its voice full wouldn’t it be? Look at that, such a clumsy that they don’t bother to align of money, as F. Scott Fitzgerald might nice big hug. Isn’t that sweet? the rule with the scientific and eco- say—has drowned out the voices of ev- Murray was the major financial nomic evidence. eryone else for too long here. But you backer of the Trump administration, In court, Agency actions will be can’t shout down the laws of physics. and this was his payback time. Individ- found to be arbitrary and capricious— You can’t shout down the laws of biol- uals associated with Murray Energy and therefore invalid—if they are not ogy, chemistry, and economics. Those were the largest source of donations to the product of reasoned decision mak- laws will have their way, and we have Donald Trump’s Presidential cam- ing. been well warned. So, please, let’s turn paign, and Murray himself chipped in a In this case, it is clear that the EPA the corner to a brighter day where de- cool 300 grand for Trump’s inaugural ignored the science, ignored the eco- cency rules, not industry political festivities. Murray was also one of the nomics, and produced exactly what the thuggery; a brighter day where facts largest donors to election spending fossil fuel industry told it to do: a do- and science matter more than dark groups associated with disgraced EPA nothing rule that took good care of the money and paid-for denial; and a Administrator Scott Pruitt, under coal and natural gas industries. brighter day where we don’t give our whose tenure this botched ACE rule What does the science tell us? Ac- grandchildren daily cause for shame. It began. cording to the world’s best scientific is time to wake up, and this vote is a So what was the first item on Bob report, if we reduce carbon pollution by chance to do so. Murray’s action plan? To get rid of the roughly half by around 2030 and reach I yield the floor. Clean Power Plan. Bob Murray wasn’t net zero emissions sometime around The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the only one who wanted to scrap the the middle of the century, we stand a ator from Arkansas. Clean Power Plan. The U.S. Chamber of chance to hold the global average tem- HONG KONG Commerce and the National Associa- perature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Mr. COTTON. Madam President, as tion of Manufacturers, two of the larg- Our own best scientists warn that if we speak, the brave people of Hong est and most powerful trade associa- we don’t limit carbon pollution, we will Kong are demonstrating to protect tions in Washington, also asked the be hit with economic losses in the hun- their freedoms from the Chinese Com- EPA to scrap the Clean Power Plan. dreds of billions of dollars per year by munist Party in Beijing. Chinese state That is no surprise. The independent the end of the century. Legions of TV has portrayed these millions of watchdog group InfluenceMap found economists, investment banks, asset demonstrators as violent anarchists the chamber and NAM the two worst managers, central banks, credit rating and separatists, but these Hongkongers obstructers of climate action. They agencies, and other experts warn of se- are merely insisting that China live up will not reveal their donors, but I be- rious economic risks from climate up- to the promises it made to Hong Kong lieve they took lots of money from the heaval. Here is a summary of just some and the United Kingdom—promises fossil fuel industry and became its of these warnings, which I have deliv- China made as binding conditions of mouthpiece. They got paid, and this ered to every colleague in the Senate. the transfer of sovereignty from Lon- was the play. That, too, can be found on that Me- don to Beijing. The chamber and NAM were also dium page. The Chinese Government promised aligned with shadowy fossil fuel indus- Pruitt, Wehrum, and Wheeler ignored that Hong Kong would enjoy a high de- try front groups like the so-called Util- all of this for their do-nothing rule. gree of autonomy, including many of ity Air Regulatory Group and the The only voice that mattered was the the freedoms that Beijing denies to its American Council for Clean Coal Elec- polluter industry that they came from more than 1 billion subjects on the tricity—more Orwellian names. These and will go back to in an oil-greased re- mainland, but, as the world has learned groups also asked the EPA to scrap the volving door. This ACE rule is the through bitter experience, the Chinese Clean Power Plan and replace it with exact opposite of reasoned decision Communist Party’s promises aren’t this toothless rule. making. But that was never the point. worth the paper they are written on. Is that unsavory enough? It gets The fix was in. Even a bogus rule that Slowly but surely, Beijing has chipped worse. Guess who represented UARG, courts throw out buys this crooked and away at the independence it promised that Utility Air Regulatory Group. It corrupting industry time—time to keep Hong Kong—disappearing citizens was none other than fossil fuel indus- polluting, time to burn through re- guilty of wrongthink, undermining try stooge Bill Wehrum, who helped or- serves, and time to use its political Hong Kong’s longstanding political and chestrate a web of front groups, like muscle to fend off action here in the judicial systems, and issuing menacing UARG, which obscured and multiplied Senate. If you are in the fiddling busi- threats of military intervention to the influence of Wehrum’s polluter cli- ness and fiddle for money, fiddling crush the demonstrations. ents—clients responsible for massive while Rome burns is a fine economic Most Americans are rightly outraged carbon pollution. proposition for you. by China’s brutal crackdown in Hong Naturally, Trump put this guy in as The Supreme Court has ruled that Kong. Daryl Morey is one of them. He head of EPA’s Air Office. Before greenhouse gases are pollutants under is the general manager of the Houston Wehrum headed for the exits this sum- the Clean Air Act. The EPA has found Rockets. Just a few days ago, he mer, Murray’s man Wheeler praised that greenhouse gases from power- tweeted a simple and justified phrase: Wehrum for ‘‘tremendous progress’’ in plants endanger human health and wel- ‘‘Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong repealing climate regulations. Pruitt fare. Those determinations mean the Kong.’’ to Wheeler to Wehrum—this is rank EPA must limit carbon pollution, con- Morey probably knew his words fossil fuel crookedness in plain view. sistent with the law. This masquerade would offend the Chinese Communist Several of us submitted comments of a rule fails to do this, so it must be Party, but he was also violating a dif- laying out the financial and profes- replaced with something effective, as a ferent party line—that of his own sional connections between the Trump matter of law. league, the NBA. For daring to speak officials who developed this bogus rule I ask colleagues to think carefully up about Hong Kong, Morey was dis- and the fossil fuel industry that asked about their vote on this resolution. Do avowed by his team, his fellow execu- for it. Those comments are posted on- you want to endorse this record of ob- tives, and some of the most famous

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.040 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 athletes in the NBA. That is because he Too many American companies kow- The Chinese Communist Party wants was threatening not only the powers tow to China not because they love its this fight. So the choice isn’t to fight that be in China but the cash cow that government but because of the tremen- or not; it is to win or lose. And perhaps China represents for American busi- dous pressure that government can alone among American businesses, the ness, including professional basketball. exert on their operations. But the NBA NBA has a shot to win against Beijing. China’s government may be red, but its is in a unique position. Beijing can ban And in any fight against Communists, money is green, and plenty of people an airline, or it can ban a hotel that there can only be one strategy and one are willing to cash its checks, no mat- lists Taiwan as a country in its online policy: victory. ter the cost. drop-down menu, and the Chinese peo- I yield the floor. The league’s biggest star, LeBron ple can use a different airline, or they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- James, said that Morey’s support for can use a different hotel, but there is ator from Delaware. Hong Kong was ‘‘misinformed’’ and only one NBA. Beijing can’t create an- Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I ‘‘not educated.’’ He reportedly called other one. ask unanimous consent to speak for 5 for Morey to be punished. Perhaps it is And here is the rub: There are more minutes. no coincidence that LeBron James than 500 million basketball fans in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there stands to make billions of dollars from China. More people in China follow the objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. the Chinese market—not only from a NBA than there are people in the higher NBA salary cap, shoe sales, and United States. No doubt Beijing has S.J. RES. 53 Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I Nike ads, but also from his own movie some leverage over the NBA, as it does rise in support of the Congressional Re- company. Often known as King James, over all businesses, but the NBA has a view Act resolution of disapproval of perhaps ‘‘Chairman LeBron’’ would be lot of leverage over Beijing. Is Beijing the Trump administration’s so-called a better honorific today. really going to ban the entire league, affordable clean energy rule, which Joe Tsai, owner of the Brooklyn as they have done with the Houston really should be called President Nets, called the protest in Hong Kong a Rockets, at the risk of alienating more Trump’s dirty power plan or unclean separatist movement that was trying than 500 million people who follow the energy rule. to carve up Chinese territories like co- league and the resultant public back- To be clear, I believe that the Envi- lonial powers or Imperial Japan. Per- lash that could create? So instead of ronmental Protection Agency has an haps it is no coincidence that Mr. Tsai acting as a bullhorn for Communist urgent moral responsibility and eco- is an executive at Alibaba, a Chinese propaganda in America, the NBA could nomic imperative to reduce the global company that developed a Communist be a beacon of freedom in China. They warming pollution from powerplants, propaganda app that hijacked cell could dare China to shut them out. which are by far the largest stationary phones of anyone who downloaded it. Let me urge all of these NBA execu- source of carbon pollution on our plan- At a Wizards game last week, secu- tives and players who say they care et. I also believe that those of us in rity confiscated a protest sign that about social justice, don’t just speak Congress must act now to protect the said simply ‘‘Google Uighurs,’’ refer- out when the stakes are low for you American people from the dangers ring to the native people of western personally or when the cause is popular posed by poor environmental quality China whose culture and religion are among your friends; speak out now and the worsening impact of climate being exterminated by the Chinese when the stakes are deadly high for change. That is why we are holding Communist Party. That sign was not millions of Hongkongers and more than this vote tomorrow—to send a clear confiscated in China by the secret po- a billion Chinese, including so many of message to this administration and to lice but right here in America’s na- your fans. take a strong stand for the American tional capital. LeBron James tweeted not long ago: people. Steve Kerr, the head coach of the ‘‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to jus- Truth be told, I am not typically a Golden State Warriors, drew a moral tice everywhere.’’ Live out that prin- staunch supporter of the Congressional equivalence between Communist China ciple consistently. There are a million Review Act. It is a blunt procedural and the United States. ‘‘None of us are Uighurs in concentration camps yearn- tool, and I prefer to embrace a better perfect,’’ he said, ‘‘and we all have dif- ing to hear a champion who speaks out way to express our disapproval of the ferent issues we need to get to.’’ on their behalf, particularly since the administration’s failure to address one Nobody is perfect. That is what he NBA runs an elite training academy in of our Nation’s major sources of carbon says of an authoritarian regime that proximity to those camps. pollution. starved, shot, or beat to death 50 mil- Steve Kerr never held back on ex- For Senate Democrats, this vote is lion of its own people on a forced pressing his opinion about our Presi- about holding supporters of this short- march to modernity and a regime that dent. That is fine. That is his right as sighted, irresponsible policy account- runs a network of concentration camps an American. But how about some out- able for surrendering America’s global in its western provinces and harvests rage for the authoritarian regime in leadership and for jeopardizing the the organs of political prisoners for its Beijing? health of our planet and the promise of own pampered elite. Nobody is perfect, Joe Tsai was born in Taiwan. His fel- our children’s future. indeed. low Taiwanese live in constant fear of Nearly 4 years ago, the Clean Power This is craven and greedy behavior, meddling, attack, and subjugation by Plan set the first Federal targets to re- and it stands in stark contrast to how the Chinese Communist party. Are duce carbon emissions from our Na- America has historically used sports to they separatists for wanting to main- tion’s powerplants. The Clean Power promote our interests and our aspira- tain their way of life? Speak out proud- Plan set meaningful but achievable tions, from the triumph of Black Olym- ly on behalf of your homeland about carbon limits for fossil fuel power- pians in Hitler’s Germany to the Mir- the true nature of the government in plants and gave flexibility and time for acle on Ice against the Soviet Union. Beijing. States to meet those standards. It was Even our diplomatic opening to China I realize it is a hard thing to ask any not a one-size-fits-all deal. It provided happened in part through sports with person. No doubt this is a harder path quite a bit of time and flexibility for ping-pong diplomacy. than the path many in the NBA are States to try to figure out how they Today, the tables have turned. China traveling at present. It would require would go about meeting those stand- has used sports to export its authori- sacrifice, and it would certainly invite ards in their own way. This adminis- tarian model to our soil. So far, it has the wrath of the Chinese Communist tration’s alternative to the Clean found too many willing enforcers in the Party. But if the league used its unique Power Plan—President Trump’s un- NBA. But it doesn’t have to be this leverage for freedom, millions of ordi- clean power plan—allows States to de- way. Commissioner Adam Silver, after nary Chinese would surely notice, de- cide whether to regulate harmful emis- a slow start, defended Daryl Morey’s spite an army of Chinese Communist sions. At the same time, this rule will, right to speak his mind about Hong censors arrayed against them. at best, have essentially no impact on Kong. He said: Free expression is The NBA didn’t pick this fight. It powerplant carbon emissions—no im- ‘‘what you guys stand for.’’ probably prefers to avoid this fight. pact.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.042 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5827 Let me say that again. At best, this of colleagues will join us by doing just share dinner with her and the late Sen- rule will have essentially no impact on that. ator John McCain. Prior to that din- powerplant carbon emissions. At worst, It is a false statement to say we can’t ner, I was talking to Senator John it will increase emissions by extending have cleaner air, less threat to our McCain, and he told me how highly he these plants’ lifespans and allow them planet, and create jobs. We can do thought of Ambassador Barrett. I can to burn more coal each year. both, and we need to. state—and I think many of my Senate Today our Nation’s utilities are al- I yield the floor. colleagues will agree—that there can ready on track to meet and surpass the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- be no better an endorsement than that emission reduction goals set by the ator from Alaska. from Senator McCain. Clean Power Plan way ahead of sched- Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I Ambassador Barrett will be taking ule. All the while, the vast majority of ask unanimous consent to complete my over from Dr. Heather Wilson, who did Americans are now enjoying lower util- remarks prior to the vote for Ambas- an outstanding job as Secretary of the ity bills, not higher utility bills, and sador Barrett. Air Force. Secretary Wilson’s leader- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. more than 3 million Americans went to ship was critical in rebuilding the U.S. HYDE-SMITH). Without objection, it is work today in the clean energy sector, Air Force, which had shrunk to its so ordered. which includes jobs in renewable en- smallest level ever just a few years ago NOMINATION OF BARBARA MCCONNELL BARRETT ergy generation and energy efficiency. since the Air Force was created in the Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, a Yes, you heard that right. There are late 1940s. We had to start bringing it few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to more than 3 million jobs in the clean back. She did a great job on that, and come to the floor and talk about the energy sector today. I know Ambassador Barrett is com- outstanding public service of some sen- The President’s dirty power plan does mitted to continuing that rebuilding of ior U.S. marines: Secretary of Defense not build on this progress. It does not this critically important branch of our Jim Mattis, Secretary of Homeland Se- promote affordable or clean energy. military. curity General Kelly, and the outgoing What it actually does is attempt to Another important element of Am- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Jo- scam or fool the American people into bassador Barrett’s experience is that as seph Dunford. The service these gentle- believing that the EPA is doing some- a former U.S. Ambassador to Finland, men have given to their Nation in- thing to stem the tide of climate she understands the strategic impor- cludes almost 140 years of combined change while taking us backward— tance of the Arctic and what is hap- Active-Duty military service in the backward, not forward. Marine Corps but also at the highest pening in terms of great power com- By repealing and replacing the Clean levels of government at a critical time petition in the Arctic. Power Plan, the Trump administration I want to spend a few minutes talk- in our Nation’s history. is ensuring that our country forgoes a Men and women who are committed ing about that critically important vast number of economic opportunities to the service of our Nation are con- part of the world and the role of my of the clean energy future. Instead of tinuing to follow in the footsteps of State, the great State of Alaska. Dat- building on the Obama-Biden adminis- these three very impressive U.S. Ma- ing back to Gen. Billy Mitchell, who is tration’s forward-looking environ- rine generals who brought the Marine the father of the U.S. Air Force, Alas- mental standards, the Trump adminis- Corps ethos of honor, courage, and ka has been recognized as what General tration, with its dirty power plan, is commitment to our Nation’s military Mitchell said in an Armed Services refusing to see or accept that the glob- and to their work in government. We Committee hearing; that it is ‘‘the al economy’s transition to clean en- should all be thankful for that. most strategic place in the world.’’ ergy sources is already underway. In- At the end of September, I had the Former Secretary Wilson and our cur- stead of mustering the political cour- privilege of attending the swearing-in rent Chief of the Staff of the Air Force, age to lead on the issue of climate of a member of the new team that General Goldfein, have been leaders at change, yet again, the Trump adminis- President Trump is putting together in the Department of Defense, raising tration is walking away from the bold terms of national security, GEN Mark awareness of the critical importance of action we need to address this climate Milley, as the next Chairman of the the Arctic in defending America’s na- crisis. Joint Chiefs of Staff, now in the posi- tional security interests. Additionally, This failure of leadership will make tion succeeding General Dunford. At Congress has been playing a role in it all the more likely that the wors- the Department of Defense, we have highlighting this in our national secu- ening storms and flooding, record-set- Secretary Esper, Secretary McCarthy, rity priorities in the National Defense ting rainfall, and volatile temperatures the Secretary of the Army, and Gen- Authorization Act over the last 3 years we are already seeing all over the eral Milley who have all served their and so, too, has the Trump administra- world will continue to be our reality. country with honor and will continue tion. So where do our Republican col- to do so. Secretary Pompeo, our Secretary of leagues stand? Tomorrow we will find Now we are considering the nomina- State, was recently in Finland for the out. tion of Ambassador Barbara Barrett to Arctic Council, all the nations of the Sadly, for too many of them, Presi- be the next Secretary of the Air Force. Arctic, and he had this to say: dent Trump’s dirty power plan is a suf- In fact, we are going to be voting on We are entering a new age of strategic en- ficient plan to address carbon pollu- her nomination in a few moments. gagement in the Arctic, complete with new tion. In truth, it is not. It is a failure I want to talk about her experience threats to the Arctic and its real estate. . . . of vision and a retreat from global and her qualifications, which are di- This is America’s moment to stand up as an leadership, and it is time for Con- verse and very impressive. I think she Arctic nation and for the Arctic’s future. gress—Democrats, Republicans, and is extremely well qualified to be the That was our Secretary of State a maybe an Independent or two—to hold next Secretary of the U.S. Air Force. few months ago in Finland. this administration accountable. Let me provide just a bit about her America is an Arctic nation because That is why Senate Democrats are background and exceptional experi- of Alaska. I like to say that my State calling for a vote on this issue. Our ence. She is a private pilot, astronaut, constitutes three pillars of America’s government needs to provide the right Deputy Federal Aviation Adminis- military might. We are the cornerstone market signals today if we are going to trator, past CEO of the Aerospace Cor- of missile defense for the entire Na- create a clean energy tomorrow, and poration, past member of the Defense tion—the missile fields and the radar we need to take a stand for a stronger Advisory Committee on Women in the sites that protect Washington, DC, New economy. We need to lead the world to Services and Defense Business Board. York, Miami, Rhode Island, L.A. They act on climate change, and we need to Importantly, she is a former U.S. Am- are all based in the great State of Alas- take a stand for clean air and environ- bassador to Finland. That is a very im- ka. We are the hub of air combat power mental quality. pressive resume, a very impressive for the Arctic in the Asia-Pacific. We can do that tomorrow by standing background. In the next 2 years, we are going to together against President Trump’s I first met Ambassador Barrett in have over 100 fifth-generation fighters, dirty power plan, and I hope a number 2015 when I had the opportunity to F–35s and F–22s, stationed in Alaska.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.044 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 No place on Earth will have that kind The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. ROUNDS. I ask for the yeas and of combat power with those critical called the roll. nays. fifth-generation supersonic stealth Mr. THUNE. The following Senators The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a fighters. We have a platform for expe- are necessarily absent: the Senator sufficient second? ditionary forces—some of our best from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER) and There appears to be a sufficient sec- trained military units—to be able to the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- ond. deploy on a moment’s notice because SON). The clerk will call the roll. we are so strategically located to other Further, if present and voting, the The legislative clerk called the roll. countries. Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Because of Alaska’s strategic role in ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ are necessarily absent: the Senator defending America’s interests in the Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER) and Arctic and the Indo-Pacific, the Con- Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- gress and this administration, together the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. SON). in a bipartisan way, have been building BOOKER), the Senator from California Further, if present and voting, the up each of these three critical pillars of (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Min- Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- our Nation’s military might and de- nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the fenses. from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), Let me give just one example. The Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Senate has been pushing lately to en- REN) are necessarily absent. sure that the air combat capability we The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there BOOKER), the Senator from California have in Alaska is matched by air re- any other Senators in the Chamber de- (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Min- fueling capacity. The last three Na- siring to vote? nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator tional Defense Authorization Acts The result was announced—yeas 85, from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the passed by this body and signed by the nays 7, as follows: Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- President have established criteria [Rollcall Vote No. 319 Ex.] REN) are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there that the Air Force needs to use when YEAS—85 any other Senators in the Chamber de- deciding where to base the next modern Baldwin Graham Reed siring to vote? Barrasso Grassley aerial refueling tanker platform, the Risch The result was announced—yeas 92, KC–46. Blackburn Hassan Roberts Blunt Hawley nays 0, as follows: Ambassador Barrett and I have dis- Romney Boozman Heinrich Rosen [Rollcall Vote No. 320 Ex.] cussed this issue and what the Air Braun Hirono Rounds YEAS—92 Force is going to do with regard to sta- Brown Hoeven Rubio tioning of the KC–46 outside of the con- Burr Hyde-Smith Sasse Baldwin Gillibrand Portman Cantwell Inhofe Schatz Barrasso Graham Reed tinental United States, and I look for- Capito Johnson Blackburn Grassley Schumer Risch ward to working with her on the advice Cardin Jones Blumenthal Hassan Scott (FL) Roberts Carper Kaine Blunt Hawley already provided to the administration Scott (SC) Romney Casey Kennedy Boozman Heinrich Rosen from the Congress on where those mili- Cassidy King Shaheen Braun Hirono Shelby Rounds tary assets need to be based. Collins Lankford Brown Hoeven Rubio Coons Leahy Sinema As the current Secretary of Defense, Burr Hyde-Smith Sasse Cornyn Lee Stabenow Mark Esper, said in his confirmation Cantwell Inhofe Schatz Cortez Masto Manchin Sullivan Capito Johnson Schumer hearing, having KC–46s colocated with Cotton McConnell Tester Cardin Jones Scott (FL) 100 fifth-generation fighters would give Cramer McSally Thune Carper Kaine Scott (SC) Crapo Menendez Tillis Casey Kennedy America ‘‘extreme strategic reach’’ Shaheen Cruz Moran Toomey Cassidy King anywhere in the world. I believe Am- Shelby Daines Murkowski Udall Collins Lankford Sinema bassador Barrett also understands this, Durbin Murphy Van Hollen Coons Leahy Smith and she clearly understands the impor- Enzi Murray Warner Cornyn Lee Stabenow tance of the Arctic as a former ambas- Ernst Paul Whitehouse Cortez Masto Manchin Feinstein Sullivan Perdue Wicker Cotton Markey sador to Finland. Fischer Peters Tester Young Cramer McConnell So, as I mentioned at the outset, we Gardner Portman Crapo McSally Thune Cruz Menendez Tillis need good people and highly qualified NAYS—7 people to serve at the highest levels of Daines Merkley Toomey Blumenthal Markey Wyden Duckworth Moran Udall our military, civilian and uniformed, Duckworth Merkley Durbin Murkowski Van Hollen and I believe Ambassador Barrett is Gillibrand Smith Enzi Murphy Warner Ernst Murray Whitehouse certainly one of those individuals. NOT VOTING—8 I was heartened to see that my col- Feinstein Paul Wicker Alexander Harris Sanders Fischer Perdue Wyden leagues in the Senate gave a very Bennet Isakson Warren Gardner Peters Young strong bipartisan cloture vote, 84 to 7, Booker Klobuchar NOT VOTING—8 which shows very strong support for The nomination was confirmed. Alexander Harris Sanders her nomination. I know we are going to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Bennet Isakson Warren vote in a couple of minutes. I encour- ator from Kentucky. Booker Klobuchar age my colleagues to vote yes for her Mr. PAUL. I ask unanimous consent The nomination was confirmed. nomination to be the next U.S. Sec- that the subsequent votes be 10 min- f retary of the Air Force. utes. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without EXECUTIVE CALENDAR VOTE ON BARRETT NOMINATION objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. f clerk will report the next nomination. BLACKBURN). Under the previous order, The legislative clerk read nomina- all postcloture time has expired. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR tion of Charles R. Eskridge III, of The question is, Will the Senate ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Texas, to be United States District vise and consent to the Barrett nomi- clerk will report the next nomination. Judge for the Southern District of nation? The senior assistant legislative clerk Texas. Mr. SULLIVAN. I ask for the yeas read the nomination of Frank William The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and nays. Volk, of West Virginia, to be United question is, Will the Senate advise and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a States District Judge for the Southern consent to the Eskridge nomination? sufficient second? District of West Virginia. Mr. JOHNSON. I ask for the yeas and There appears to be a sufficient sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nays. ond. question is, Will the Senate advise and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The clerk will call the roll. consent to the Volk nomination? sufficient second?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.045 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5829 There appears to be a sufficient sec- The clerk will call the roll. The clerk will call the roll. ond. The senior assistant bill clerk called The senior assistant legislative clerk The clerk will call the roll. the roll. called the roll. The bill clerk called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Mr. THUNE. The following Senators JOHNSON). Are there any other Sen- are necessarily absent: the Senator are necessarily absent: the Senator ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER) and Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- are necessarily absent: the Senator and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. SON). from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER) and PAUL). Further, if present and voting, the the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAK- Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- SON). Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Further, if present and voting, the ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), ANDER) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator from California Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), BOOKER), the Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Min- the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Min- nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator BOOKER), the Senator from California nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Min- from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- REN) are necessarily absent. from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the REN) are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. WAR- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber de- REN) are necessarily absent. any other Senators in the Chamber de- siring to vote? The result was announced—yeas 89, siring to vote? The result was announced—yeas 61, nays 3, as follows: The result was announced—yeas 88, nays 31, as follows: [Rollcall Vote No. 322 Ex.] nays 3, as follows: [Rollcall Vote No. 321 Ex.] YEAS—89 [Rollcall Vote No. 323 Ex.] YEAS—61 Baldwin Gardner Portman YEAS—88 Barrasso Fischer Risch Barrasso Graham Reed Baldwin Gardner Risch Blackburn Gardner Roberts Blackburn Grassley Risch Barrasso Graham Roberts Blunt Graham Romney Blumenthal Hassan Roberts Blackburn Grassley Romney Boozman Grassley Rounds Blunt Hawley Romney Blumenthal Hassan Rosen Braun Hawley Rubio Boozman Heinrich Rosen Blunt Hawley Rounds Burr Hoeven Sasse Braun Hirono Rounds Boozman Hirono Capito Hyde-Smith Rubio Scott (FL) Brown Hoeven Rubio Braun Hoeven Sasse Cardin Inhofe Burr Hyde-Smith Scott (SC) Sasse Brown Hyde-Smith Schatz Carper Johnson Cantwell Inhofe Burr Inhofe Shaheen Schatz Schumer Cassidy Kaine Capito Johnson Shelby Schumer Cantwell Johnson Collins Kennedy Cardin Jones Scott (FL) Sinema Scott (FL) Capito Jones Coons Lankford Carper Kaine Cardin Kaine Scott (SC) Sullivan Scott (SC) Cornyn Lee Casey Kennedy Carper Kennedy Shaheen Thune Shaheen Cotton McConnell Cassidy King Casey King Shelby Tillis Shelby Cramer McSally Collins Lankford Cassidy Lankford Sinema Toomey Crapo Moran Coons Leahy Sinema Collins Leahy Smith Warner Cruz Murkowski Cornyn Lee Smith Coons Lee Stabenow Daines Murphy Whitehouse Cortez Masto Manchin Stabenow Cornyn Manchin Sullivan Enzi Paul Wicker Cotton McConnell Sullivan Cortez Masto McConnell Tester Ernst Perdue Young Cramer McSally Tester Cotton McSally Thune Feinstein Portman Crapo Menendez Thune Cramer Menendez Tillis Tillis NAYS—31 Cruz Merkley Crapo Merkley Toomey Daines Moran Toomey Cruz Moran Udall Baldwin Hirono Rosen Udall Duckworth Murkowski Daines Murkowski Van Hollen Blumenthal Jones Schatz Van Hollen Durbin Murphy Duckworth Murphy Warner Brown King Schumer Enzi Warner Murray Durbin Murray Whitehouse Cantwell Leahy Smith Ernst Paul Whitehouse Enzi Perdue Wicker Casey Manchin Stabenow Feinstein Perdue Wicker Ernst Peters Wyden Cortez Masto Markey Tester Fischer Peters Young Feinstein Portman Young Duckworth Menendez Fischer Reed Udall NAYS—3 Durbin Merkley Van Hollen Gillibrand Murray NAYS—3 Wyden Gillibrand Markey Wyden Hassan Peters Gillibrand Heinrich Markey Heinrich Reed NOT VOTING—8 NOT VOTING—9 NOT VOTING—8 Alexander Harris Sanders Bennet Isakson Warren Alexander Harris Paul Alexander Harris Sanders Booker Klobuchar Bennet Isakson Sanders Bennet Isakson Warren Booker Klobuchar Warren Booker Klobuchar The nomination was confirmed. The nomination was confirmed. The nomination was confirmed. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under f EXECUTIVE CALENDAR the previous order, the motions to re- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. The consider are considered made and laid The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the next nomination. upon the table, and the President will clerk will report the next nomination. The senior assistant legislative clerk be immediately notified of the Senate’s The bill clerk read the nomination of read the nomination of Rachel P. actions. David John Novak, of Virginia, to be Kovner, of New York, to be United The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- United States District Judge for the States District Judge for the Eastern ator from West Virginia. Eastern District of Virginia. District of New York. S.J. RES. 53 The question is, Will the Senate ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, with vise and consent to the Novak nomina- question is, Will the Senate advise and the election of President Trump in tion? consent to the Kovner nomination? 2016, it was reasonable to believe that Mr. PAUL. Madam President, I ask Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask the war on coal was settled, or at least for the yeas and nays. for the yeas and nays. we had a lasting cease-fire. This ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a ministration’s policies, supported by sufficient second? sufficient second? the Congressional Review Act resolu- There appears to be a sufficient sec- There appears to be a sufficient sec- tions, undid many of the excesses of ond. ond. the Obama administration’s regulatory

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.047 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 assault on coal country. Congress and miners and coal companies out of busi- Prior to that appointment, he the President overturned the so-called ness, the former Vice President has worked as a career law clerk for some stream protection rule, which would taken it a step further: pledging on a of our State’s most distinguished ju- have made it nearly impossible to mine Detroit debate stage in July to ‘‘make rists, including Judges Charles Haden, coal in Appalachia. sure’’ that coal and natural gas that John Copenhaver, Blaine Michael, and The Trump administration has re- comes from fracking are ‘‘eliminated.’’ Margaret Workman. Judge Volk is a turned sanity to the clean water per- There is much support on the other graduate of the West Virginia Univer- mitting process in section 404 and is in side for the Green New Deal’s energy sity College of Law, where he served as the process of restoring the Waters of and environmental components, which editor-in-chief of the Law Review. For the United States rule to align with would cost between $8 trillion and $12 more than a decade, he has taught congressional intent of protecting Fed- trillion, and that is before adding other courses at the law school on topics eral waters and not every stream, extreme visions for the government ranging from bankruptcy to Federal ditch, and gully across this country, takeover of healthcare, education, and Civil Rights. but the jewel of the War on Coal’s agriculture. I was very pleased that, at my sug- crown was always the Clean Power The Democrats’ energy agenda will gestion, President Trump nominated Plan. lead to fewer jobs, more expensive util- Judge Volk to continue his service on A sweeping rule to limit the use of ity bills, and less reliable electricity. the district court, and I am very coal in our power generation mix, the We already see the lack of reliability of pleased about that. Clean Power Plan ran roughshod over our electricity grid in California right I know he will be a judge who will utility investments and States’ rights now. I hope the Senate will refuse to go root his decisions firmly in the text to protect their taxpayers and rate- down this path toward impoverishing and original meaning of our Constitu- payers. In a moment of clarity, then- the very people who power the country tion and our statutes. I know he will be Candidate Obama acknowledged that and make our quality of life possible. fair to all parties who appear before under his vision for our power system Passage of this resolution would him. I know he will bring honor to our ‘‘electricity rates would necessarily serve as the starting point for a re- Federal judiciary. skyrocket.’’ sumption of the War on Coal and a Besides all of his legal acumen, The Clean Power Plan, if imple- march to the extremist excesses of the which is tremendous, he is a really de- mented, would have made that vision a Green New Deal. I urge my colleagues cent man. He is a great family man reality. Energy is a topline item in to heed the voice of the American peo- who loves his family and has remained many of our families’ budgets and very ple and vote no on the resolution dis- very humble through all of his suc- expensive, and this policy would have approving the ACE rule. cesses. grown these costs significantly. This COAL MINERS’ PENSIONS With our actions today, and I thank plan was so disastrous and so clearly Mr. President, it is critical that Con- my colleagues, the Senate has now con- beyond the scope of EPA’s authority gress act soon to protect the pensions firmed 156 judges nominated by Presi- that 24 States—with West Virginia in of our Nation’s coal miners. The pen- dent Trump. That number now includes the lead—sued to stop it. The Supreme sion benefits of nearly 100,000 hard- Judge Volk, as well as Judge Thomas Court—our Supreme Court—heard the working people are at risk if Congress Kleeh, who is now serving as a district call and placed a stay on the rule while fails to take action to stabilize the judge in the Northern District of West a lower court weighed the merits. United Mine Workers pension fund. Virginia. It includes 43 judges who now This June, the Trump EPA finalized Over 25,000 current UMWA pension serve on our courts of appeals, and of its replacement for this unlawful CPP beneficiaries reside in West Virginia, course it includes two Supreme Court with the Affordable Clean Energy rule. making this a critical issue for com- Justices. This commonsense alternative ac- munities and families across our State. It is important that the Senate con- knowledges the need to reduce carbon I have worked in a bipartisan way with tinue confirming well-qualified men emissions from our power sector but Senator MANCHIN, Senator PORTMAN, and women who will faithfully apply ensures that EPA targets are actually Senator BROWN, and others over the the law to serve on our Federal courts. achievable and will not kill jobs in the past several years to support legisla- I thank my colleagues again for con- utility and energy sectors, nor crush tion that stabilizes the mine workers’ firming Judge Volk today and hope we American families with higher electric pension fund and protects these men will continue to make judicial con- bills. and women and their families. firmations a priority as we move for- Fully implemented, the ACE rule We are not talking about lavish pen- ward. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- will reduce the CO2 emissions by as sions here. The average beneficiary re- much as 35 percent from 2005 levels. ceives about $590 per month. Retired jority leader. This administration understands that miners from across West Virginia rou- f protecting our environment need not tinely visit me in my office in DC, LEGISLATIVE SESSION come at the expense of a growing econ- write letters, and talk with me as I omy. The result has been a growth in travel the State. I really appreciate our national GDP that the Obama ad- their efforts. We are working hard to MORNING BUSINESS ministration’s economic projections make sure that when they tell me how Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I predicted would be unachievable. critical their pension check is in allow- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The unemployment rate of my own ing them to pay for food, medication, ate proceed to legislative session and State of West Virginia is now 4.6 per- housing, and other essentials, that we be in a period of morning business, cent, after it had peaked in 2010 at 8.8 don’t let this critical issue lapse. with Senators permitted to speak percent. This week, many Democrats These hard-working men and women therein for up to 10 minutes each. in this body want to put all this deserve the pensions they were prom- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without progress in jeopardy and reopen the ised, and we should make sure they re- objection, it is so ordered. ceive the benefits they earned by pass- War on Coal with a Congressional Re- f view Act resolution to block the ACE ing legislation to protect their pen- rule. sions this year. VOTE EXPLANATION Senate Democrats and their Presi- CONFIRMATION OF FRANK WILLIAM VOLK Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I was dential candidates have doubled down Mr. President, one last issue. The necessarily absent, but had I been on policies that would destroy our jobs, Senate voted earlier today to confirm present, I would have voted yes on roll- hammer consumers, and burden future Frank Volk as our U.S. district judge call vote No. 239, the confirmation of generations with staggering amounts for the Southern District of West Vir- James Wesley Hendrix, to be U.S. Dis- of debt. ginia. It was unanimous, 92 to 0. Judge trict Judge for the Northern District of Refusing to learn the lessons of Hil- Volk has been serving as the chief Texas. lary Clinton’s 2016 failed campaign bankruptcy judge in the Southern Dis- I was necessarily absent but had I promise, which was to put a lot of coal trict since 2015. been present, would have voted no on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.050 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5831 rollcall vote No. 240, the motion to in- I was necessarily absent but had I shows that the Appropriations Com- voke cloture on the nomination of been present, would have voted no on mittee is also compliant with spending Sean D. Jordan to be U.S. District rollcall vote No. 252, the motion to in- limits for current the fiscal year. Judge for the Eastern District of voke cloture on the nomination of Those limits for regular discretionary Texas. Kelly Craft to be Ambassador of the spending are $666.5 billion for accounts I was necessarily absent but had I United States of America to the United in the defense category and $621.5 bil- been present, would have voted no on Nations and Representative to the Se- lion for accounts in the nondefense cat- rollcall vote No. 241, the confirmation curity Council. egory of spending. As no full-year ap- of Sean D. Jordan to be U.S. District f propriations measures have been en- Judge for the Eastern District of acted for fiscal year 2020, the amounts BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT Texas. shown on the table reflect the budg- I was necessarily absent but had I Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I wish to etary authority effects of advanced or been present, would have voted no on submit to the Senate the budget permanent appropriations made avail- rollcall vote No. 242, the motion to in- scorekeeping report for October 2019. able in prior law. voke cloture on the nomination of This is my first scorekeeping report The 2018 budget resolution contained Mark T. Pittman to be U.S. District since I filed the deemed budget resolu- points of order limiting the use of Judge for the Northern District of tion for fiscal year 2020 on September 9, changes in mandatory programs, Texas. 2019, as required by the Bipartisan CHIMPs, in appropriations bills. Table I was necessarily absent but had I Budget Act of 2019, BBA19. The report C, which tracks the CHIMP limit of $15 been present, would have voted no on compares current-law levels of spend- billion for 2020, shows the Appropria- rollcall vote No. 243, the motion to in- ing and revenues with the amounts tions Committee has not yet enacted voke cloture on the nomination of Jeff- agreed to in BBA19. In the Senate, this full-year CHIMPs for this fiscal year. ery Vincent Brown, to be U.S. District information is used to determine Table D provides the amount of budg- Judge for the Southern District of whether budgetary points of order lie et authority enacted for 2020 that has Texas. against pending legislation. The Re- been designated as either for an emer- I was necessarily absent but had I publican staff of the Budget Committee gency or for overseas contingency oper- been present, would have voted no on and the Congressional Budget Office, ations pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) rollcall vote No. 244, the motion to in- CBO, prepared this report pursuant to of the Balanced Budget and Emergency voke cloture on the nomination of section 308(b) of the Congressional Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended. Brantley Starr, to be United States Budget Act, CBA. The information in- Funding that receives either of these District Judge for the Northern Dis- cluded in this report is current through designations results in cap adjustments trict of Texas. October 11, 2019. I was necessarily absent but had I to enforceable discretionary spending Since I filed the deemed budget reso- been present, would have voted yes on limits. There is no limit on either lution, only one measure with signifi- rollcall vote No. 245, the motion to in- emergency or overseas contingency op- cant budgetary effects has been en- voke cloture on the nomination of erations spending; however, any Sen- acted. That measure, the Continuing Stephanie L. Haines, to be United ator may challenge the designation Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health States District Judge for the Western with a point of order to strike the des- Extenders Act of 2019, PL 116–59, pro- District of Pennsylvania. ignation on the floor pursuant to cur- I was necessarily absent but had I vided continuing appropriations for rent budgetary statute. been present, would have voted no on discretionary programs through No- In addition to the tables provided by rollcall vote No. 246, the motion to in- vember 21, 2019, Division A, and ex- Budget Committee Republican staff, I voke cloture on the nomination of Ada tended several expiring health pro- am submitting CBO tables, which I will E. Brown to be U.S. District Judge for grams, Division B. Division A was use to enforce budget totals approved the Northern District of Texas. charged to the Senate Appropriations by Congress. I was necessarily absent but had I Committee, while Division B was CBO provided a spending and revenue been present, would have voted no on charged to the Senate Finance Com- report for 2020, which helps enforce ag- rollcall vote No. 247, the motion to in- mittee. As the direct spending and rev- gregate spending levels in budget reso- voke cloture on the nomination of Ste- enue components of the measure were lutions under CBA section 311. In its ven D. Grimberg to be U.S. District offset over the 2020 to 2024 and 2020 to report, CBO annualizes the temporary Judge for the Northern District of 2029 periods, a deficit neutral reserve effects of the latest continuing resolu- Georgia. fund was used to accommodate the tion, which provides funding through I was necessarily absent but had I budgetary effects of this measure pur- November 21, 2019. For the enforcement been present, would have voted no on suant to section 3005 of H. Con. Res. of budgetary aggregates, the Budget rollcall vote No. 248, the motion to in- 71—115th Congress—the concurrent res- Committee excludes this temporary voke cloture on the nomination of olution on the budget for fiscal year funding. As such, the committee views Jason K. Pulliam to be United States 2018, as updated by BBA19. current-law levels as being $1,181.3 bil- District Judge for the Western District Budget Committee Republican staff lion and $668.8 billion below budget res- of Texas. prepared tables A–D. olution levels for budget authority and I was necessarily absent but had I Table A gives the amount by which outlays, respectively. Details on 2020 been present, would have voted no on each Senate authorizing committee ex- levels can be found in CBO’s second rollcall vote No. 249, the motion to in- ceeds or is below its allocation for table. voke cloture on the nomination of Mar- budget authority and outlays under the Current-law revenues are consistent tha Maria Pacold to be U.S. District fiscal year 2020 deemed budget resolu- with the levels assumed by the budget Judge for the Northern District of Illi- tion. This information is used for en- resolution. nois. forcing committee allocations pursu- Social Security levels are consistent I was necessarily absent but had I ant to section 302 of the CBA. I am with the budget resolution’s figures for been present, would have voted yes on pleased to report that for this report- all enforceable periods. rollcall vote No. 250, the motion to in- ing period, all authorizing committees CBO’s report also provides informa- voke cloture on the nomination of Ste- have complied with their allowable tion needed to enforce the Senate pay- ven C. Seeger to be U.S. District Judge spending limits for each enforceable as-you-go—pay-go rule. This rule was for the Northern District of Illinois. period. established under section 4106 of the I was necessarily absent but had I Table B provides the amount by 2018 budget resolution. The Senate pay- been present, would have voted no on which the Senate Committee on Appro- go scorecard shows that there is cur- rollcall vote No. 251, the motion to in- priations is below or exceeds the statu- rently a zero balance. voke cloture on the nomination of Wil- tory spending limits. This information This submission also includes a table liam Shaw Stickman IV to be U.S. Dis- is used to determine points of order re- tracking the Senate’s budget enforce- trict Judge for the Western District of lated to the spending caps found in sec- ment activity on the floor since the en- Pennsylvania. tions 312 and 314 of the CBA. The table forcement filing on September 9, 2019.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.011 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 No budgetary points of order have been TABLE A.—SENATE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEES—ENACTED TABLE B.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE—EN- raised since that filing. DIRECT SPENDING ABOVE (+) OR BELOW (¥) BUDGET ACTED REGULAR DISCRETIONARY APPROPRIATIONS 1— All years in the accompanying tables RESOLUTIONS—Continued Continued are fiscal years. [In millions of dollars] [Budget authority, in millions of dollars] I ask unanimous consent that the ta- bles be printed in the RECORD. 2020 2020–2024 2020–2029 2020 There being no objection, the mate- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Security 2 Nonsecurity 2 rial was ordered to be printed in the Intelligence Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 RECORD, as follows: Transportation and Housing and Urban Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Development, and Related Agencies 0 4,400 Veterans’ Affairs TABLE A.—SENATE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEES—ENACTED Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Current Level Total ...... 42 100,922 ¥ Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Total Enacted Above (+) or Below DIRECT SPENDING ABOVE (+) OR BELOW ( ) BUDGET Indian Affairs (¥) Statutory Limits ...... ¥666,458 ¥520,578 RESOLUTIONS Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 This table is current through October 11, 2019. As no full-year appropria- [In millions of dollars] Small Business tions bills have been enacted this cycle, the budget authority displayed here Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 represents funding made available through either advance or permanent ap- 2020 2020–2024 2020–2029 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 propriations. 1 Total This table excludes spending pursuant to adjustments to the discre- Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- Budget Authority.... 0 0 0 tionary spending limits. These adjustments are allowed for certain purposes estry Outlays ...... 0 0 0 in section 251(b)(2) of BBEDCA. Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 2 Security spending is defined as spending in the National Defense budg- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 This table is current through October 11, 2019 This table tracks the et function (050) and nonsecurity spending is defined as all other spending. Armed Services spending effects of legislation enacted compared to allowable levels. Each Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 authorizing committee’s initial allocation can be found in the Senate Budget TABLE C.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE—EN- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Committee Chairman’s Congressional Record filing on September 9, 2019. Banking, Housing, and Urban ACTED CHANGES IN MANDATORY SPENDING PROGRAMS Affairs Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 TABLE B.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE— (CHIMPS) Outlays ...... 0 0 0 1 Commerce, Science, and ENACTED REGULAR DISCRETIONARY APPROPRIATIONS [Budget authority, millions of dollars] Transportation [Budget authority, in millions of dollars] Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 2020 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Energy and Natural Resources 2020 CHIMPS Limit for Fiscal Year 2020 ...... 15,000 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Security 2 Nonsecurity 2 Senate Appropriations Subcommittees Environment and Public Works Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies 0 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Statutory Discretionary Limits ...... 666,500 621,500 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies ...... 0 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Amount Provided by Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Defense ...... 0 Finance Energy and Water Development ...... 0 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies ...... 0 9 Financial Services and General Government ...... 0 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Homeland Security ...... 0 Foreign Relations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 lated Agencies ...... 0 0 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies ...... 0 Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Defense ...... 42 0 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Re- Homeland Security and Govern- Energy and Water Development ...... 0 0 lated Agencies ...... 0 mental Affairs Financial Services and General Govern- Legislative Branch ...... 0 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 ment ...... 0 0 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Homeland Security ...... 0 9 Agencies ...... 0 Judiciary Interior, Environment, and Related State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs ...... 0 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Agencies ...... 0 0 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Labor, Health and Human Services, Related Agencies ...... 0 Health, Education, Labor, and Education, and Related Agencies .... 0 24,682 Pensions Legislative Branch ...... 0 1 Current Level Total ...... 0 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Total CHIMPS Above (+) or Below (¥) Budget Outlays ...... 0 0 0 and Related Agencies ...... 0 71,821 Resolution ...... ¥15.000 Rules and Administration State, Foreign Operations, and Related Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Programs ...... 0 0 This table is current through October 11, 2019. TABLE D.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE—ENACTED EMERGENCY AND OVERSEAS CONTINGENCE OPERATIONS SPENDING [Budget authority, millions of dollars]

2020 Overseas Contingency Op- Emergency and Overseas Contingency Operations Designated Spending Emergency erations Nonsecu- Nonsecu- Security 1 Security 1 rity 1 rity 1

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act 2019 (P.L. 116–20) 2 ...... 8 0 0 0 Current Level Total ...... 0 0 0 0 This table is current through October 11, 2019. 1 Security spending is defined as spending in the National Defense budget function (050) and nonsecurity spending is defined as all other spending 2 The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 was enacted after the publication of CBO’s May 2019 baseline but before the Senate Budget Committee Chairman published the deemed budget resolution for 2020 in the Congressional Record. Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019, the budgetary effects of this legislation have been incorporated into the current level as previously enacted funds.

U.S. CONGRESS, through October 11, 2019. This report is sub- the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (Public CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, mitted under section 308(b) and in aid of sec- Law 116–37). Washington, DC, October 16, 2019. tion 311 of the Congressional Budget Act, as This is CBO’s first current level report for Hon. MIKE ENZI, amended. fiscal year 2020. Chairman, Committee on the Budget, U.S. Sen- The estimates of budget authority, out- Sincerely, ate, Washington, DC. lays, and revenues are consistent with the PHILLIP L. SWAGEL, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The enclosed report allocations, aggregates, and other budgetary shows the effects of Congressional action on levels printed in the Congressional Record on Director. the fiscal year 2020 budget and is current September 9, 2019, pursuant to section 204 of Enclosure. TABLE 1.—SENATE CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR SPENDING AND REVENUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020, AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2019 [In billions of dollars]

Current Level Budget Current Over/Under (¥) Resolution Level Resolution

ON-BUDGET Budget Authority ...... 3,704.2 3,761.5 57.2 Outlays ...... 3,681.5 3,697.3 15.8 Revenues ...... 2,740.5 2,740.5 0.0 OFF-BUDGET Social Security Outlays a ...... 961.2 961.2 0.0 Social Security Revenues ...... 940.4 940.4 0.0 Source: Congressional Budget Office.

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a Excludes administrative expenses paid from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund of the Social Security Administration, which are off-budget, but are appropriated an- nually.

TABLE 2.—SUPPORTING DETAIL FOR THE SENATE CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR ON-BUDGET SPENDING AND REVENUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020, AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2019 [In millions of dollars]

Budget Authority Outlays Revenues

Previously Enacted ab Revenues ...... n.a. n.a. 2,740,538 Permanents and other spending legislation ...... 2,397,769 2,309,887 n.a. Authorizing and Appropriation legislation ...... 0 595,528 0 Offsetting receipts ...... ¥954,573 ¥954,573 n.a. Total, Previously Enacted ...... 1,443,196 1,950,842 2,740,538 Enacted Legislation Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019 (P.L. 116–59) ...... 693 795 0 Continuing Resolution ab Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019 (P.L. 116–59) ...... 1,238,519 684,615 0 Total, Enacted Legislation ...... 1,239,212 685,410 0 Entitlements and Mandatories ...... 1,079,063 1,061,080 0 Total Current Level b ...... 3,761,471 3,697,332 2,740,538 Total Senate Resolution c ...... 3,704,246 3,681,491 2,740,538 Current Level Over Senate Resolution ...... 57,225 15,841 n.a. Current Level Under Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. n.a. Memorandum Revenues, 2020–2029 Senate Current Level ...... n.a. n.a. 34,847,317 Senate Resolution c ...... n.a. n.a. 34,847,317 Current Level Over Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. n.a. Current Level Under Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. n.a. Source: Congressional Budget Office. n.a. = not applicable; P.L. = public law. a Sections 1001–1004 of the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114–255) require that certain funding provided for 2017 through 2026 to the Department of Health and Human Services—in particular the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health—be excluded from estimates for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Deficit Control Act) and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Congressional Budget Act). Therefore, the amounts shown in this report do not include $562 million in budget authority and $854 million in estimated outlays. b For purposes of enforcing section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act in the Senate, the resolution, as unmoved by the Senate, does not include budget authority, outlays, or revenues for off-budget amounts. As a result, amounts in this current level report do not include those items. c Section 204 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 requires the Chair of the Senate Committee on the Budget to publish the aggregate spending and revenue levels for fiscal year 2020; those aggregate levels were first published in the Congressional Record on September 9, 2019. The Chair of the Senate Committee on the Budget has the authority to revise the budgetary aggregates for the budgetary effects of certain revenue and spending measures pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018, as updated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019: Budget Authority Outlays Revenues

Original Aggregates Printed on September 9, 2019: ...... 3,703,553 3,680,696 2,740,538 Revisions: Adjustment for P.L. 116–59, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019 (pursuant to sections 311 and 314 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and section 3005 of H. Con. Res. 71) ...... 693 795 0 Revised Senate Resolution ...... 3,704,246 3,681,491 2,740,538

TABLE 3.—SUMMARY OF THE SENATE PAY-AS-YOU-GO TABLE 3.—SUMMARY OF THE SENATE PAY-AS-YOU-GO a On September 9, 2019, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget reset the Senate’s Pay-As-You-Go Scorecard to zero for all fiscal SCORECARD AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2019 SCORECARD AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2019—Continued years. [In millions of dollars] [In millions of dollars] b The amounts shown represent the estimated effect of the public laws on the deficit. c Excludes off-budget amounts. 2019– 2019– 2019– 2019– 2019 2020 d 2024 2029 2019 2020 2024 2029 The budgetary effects of division B of this act are excluded from the Senate’s PAYGO scorecard, pursuant to sec. 1701(b) of the act. The budg- Beginning Balance a ...... 0 0 0 0 etary effects of division A were fully incorporated into the PAYGO ledger pur- Impact on Deficit ...... 0 0 0 0 suant to the authority provided to the Chairman of the Senate Budget Com- Enacted Legislation b,c Total Change in Outlays 0 0 0 0 Continuing Appropria- mittee in section 3005 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent Total Change in Reve- resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. The Chairman exercised that tions Act, 2020, and nues ...... 0 0 0 0 Health Extenders Act authority through filing an adjustment in the Congressional Record on Sep- tember 26, 2019. of 2019 (H.R. 4378, Source: Congressional Budget Office. P.L. 116–59) d ...... 0 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. = not applicable; P.L. = public law.

ENFORCEMENT REPORT OF POINTS OF ORDER RAISED SINCE THE FY 2020 ENFORCEMENT FILING

Vote Date Measure Violation Motion to Waive Result

No points of order have been raised as of September 9, 2019

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION annex is available to all Senators in the Section 36(b)(l) AECA certification Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section the office of the Foreign Relations 18–43 of November 27, 2018. 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act Committee, room SD–423. Sincerely, GREGORY M. KAUSNER, requires that Congress receive prior no- There being no objection, the mate- (for Charles W. Hooper, Lieutenant tification of certain proposed arms rial was ordered to be printed in the General, USA, Director). sales as defined by that statute. Upon RECORD, as follows: Enclosures. such notification, the Congress has 30 DEFENSE SECURITY TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–0J calendar days during which the sale COOPERATION AGENCY, Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensi- may be reviewed. The provision stipu- Arlington, VA. tivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- Hon. JAMES E. RISCH, 36(b)(5)(C), AECA) Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, tion of proposed sales shall be sent to (i) Prospective Purchaser: Qatar. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. the chairman of the Senate Foreign (ii) Sec. 36(b)(l), AECA Transmittal No.: 18– Relations Committee. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the 43; Date: 27 November 2018; Military Depart- In keeping with the committee’s in- reporting requirements of Section ment: Air Force. tention to see that relevant informa- 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control (iii) Description: On November 27, 2018, tion is available to the full Senate, I Act (AECA), as amended, we are for- Congress was notified by Congressional cer- tification transmittal number 18–43 of the ask unanimous consent to have printed warding Transmittal No. 19–0J. This re- possible sale, under Section 36(b)(l) of the in the RECORD the notifications which port relates to enhancements or up- Arms Export Control Act, of forty (40) AIM– have been received. If the cover letter grades from the level of sensitivity of 120C–7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air references a classified annex, then such technology or capability described in Missiles (AMRAAM) and one (1) spare AIM–

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.025 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 120C–7 AMRAAM Guidance Section. Also in- such notification, the Congress has 30 sustainment and services in support of eight cluded were one (1) spare AIM–120C–7 control calendar days during which the sale (8) Japan AEGIS Destroyers consisting of section, eight (8) AMRAAM Captive Air may be reviewed. The provision stipu- four (4) KONGO Class Destroyers, two (2) Training Missile (CATM–120C), missile con- lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- ATAGO Class Destroyers, two (2) MAYA tainers, classified software for the AN/MPQ– Class Destroyers and one (1) Japanese Com- 64Fl Sentinel Radar, spare and repair parts, tion of proposed sales shall be sent to puter Test Site (JCPTS). The sustainment cryptographic and communication security the chairman of the Senate Foreign efforts will include AEGIS software updates, devices, precision navigation equipment, Relations Committee. system integration and testing, U.S. Govern- other software, site surveys, weapons system In keeping with the committee’s in- ment and contractor technical assistance, equipment and computer software support, tention to see that relevant informa- and other related elements of logistics and publications and technical documentation, tion is available to the full Senate, I program support. The estimated cost is $140 common munitions and test equipment, re- ask unanimous consent to have printed million. pair and return services and equipment, per- in the RECORD the notifications which This proposed sale will support the foreign sonnel training and training equipment, in- have been received. If the cover letter policy and national security of the United tegration support and test equipment, and references a classified annex, then such States by improving the security of a major U.S. Government and contractor, engineer- ally that is a force for political stability and ing, technical and logistics support services, annex is available to all Senators in economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. and other related elements of logistical and the office of the Foreign Relations It is vital to U.S. national interests to assist program support. The estimated total cost Committee, room SD–423. Japan in developing and maintaining a was $215 million. Major Defense Equipment* There being no objection, the mate- strong and effective self-defense capability. (MDE) constituted $95 million of this total. rial was ordered to be printed in the The proposed follow-on technical support This proposed sale was in support of Qatar’s RECORD, as follows: is critical to ensure Japan Maritime Self De- fense Force’s (JMSDF) Aegis Destroyer fleet procurement of the National Advanced Sur- DEFENSE SECURITY and JCPTS remain ready to provide critical face to Air Missile System (NASAMS) via COOPERATION AGENCY, Direct Commercial Sale (DCS). Arlington, VA. capabilities in the defense of Japan. Japan’s AEGIS Destroyers provide ship-based bal- This transmittal reports the inclusion of Hon. JAMES E. RISCH, up to eighty additional (80) AIM–120C–7 mis- Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, listic missile defense capabilities and build siles, one hundred twenty (120) AIM–120C–7 U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. upon a longstanding cooperative effort with ER missiles, thirteen (13) Multifunction In- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- the United States to provide enhanced capa- formation Distribution System Low Volume porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of bility with a valued partner in a geographic Terminal (MIDS–LVT) Block Upgrade 2, and the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, region of critical importance to Japan and associated materiel, support, and services. we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. the United States. Japan will have no dif- These additional MDE items will result in an 19–54 concerning the Navy’s proposed Let- ficulty absorbing this support into its armed increase in MDE cost of $461 million, for a ter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Govern- forces. total MDE value of $556 million. Non-MDE ment of Japan for defense articles and serv- The proposed sale of this equipment and cost will increase by $16 million. Total case ices estimated to cost $140 million. After this support will not alter the basic military bal- value will increase to $692 million. letter is delivered to your office, we plan to ance in the region. (iv) Significance: This notification is being issue a news release to notify the public of The prime contractor will be Lockheed provided as these additional missiles rep- this proposed sale. Martin, Moorestown, NJ. There are no resent an increase in capability over what Sincerely, known offset agreements proposed in connec- was previously notified. This equipment CHARLES W. HOOPER, tion with this potential sale. meets Qatar’s requirements for a NASAMS Lieutenant General, USA, Director. Implementation of this proposed sale will capability providing a full range of protec- Enclosures. require the assignment of two contractor tion from imminent hostile cruise missile, TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–54 representatives to Japan to support the pro- gram. unmanned aerial vehicle, rotary wing, and Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- fixed wing threats. The MIDS–LVT BU2 will Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the fense readiness as a result of this proposed contribute to the crypto capability of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended NASAMS to enable Qatar’s self-defense capa- sale. (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of bilities, and enhance its interoperability Japan. f with the United States and regional part- (ii) Total Estimated Value: ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION ners. Major Defense Equipment* $0 million. (v) Justification: This proposed sale sup- Other $140 million. Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section ports the foreign policy and national secu- Total $140 million. 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act rity objectives of the United States by help- (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- requires that Congress receive prior no- ing improve the security of a key partner tities of Articles or Services under Consider- tification of certain proposed arms that has been, and continues to be, a signifi- ation for Purchase: cant host and member of coalition forces in Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None. sales as defined by that statute. Upon the Middle East. Non-MDE: such notification, the Congress has 30 (vi) Sensitivity of Technology: The Sensi- Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) calendar days during which the sale tivity of Technology Statement contained in sustainment and services in support of eight may be reviewed. The provision stipu- the original notification applies to the AIM– (8) Japan AEGIS Destroyers consisting of lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- four (4) KONGO Class Destroyers, two (2) 120C–7 missiles. The AIM–120C–7 ER missiles tion of proposed sales shall be sent to have the same capability and sensitivity of ATAGO Class Destroyers, two (2) MAYA Class Destroyers and one (1) Japanese Com- the chairman of the Senate Foreign technology as the AIM–120C–7 but with a puter Test Site (JCPTS). The sustainment Relations Committee. larger rocket motor to allow it to travel fur- efforts will include AEGIS software updates, ther. The MIDS LVT BU2 is classified CON- In keeping with the committee’s in- system integration and testing, U.S. Govern- FIDENTIAL and is a secure data and voice tention to see that relevant informa- ment and contractor technical assistance, communication network using the Link-16 tion is available to the full Senate, I and other related elements of logistics and architecture. The system provides enhanced ask unanimous consent to have printed program support. situational awareness, positive identifica- (iv) Military Department: Navy (JA–P– in the RECORD the notifications which tion of participants within the network, and QFA). have been received. If the cover letter secure voice capability. The system provides (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: JA–P–LYJ, references a classified annex, then such the critical ground link for simultaneous co- JA–P–LZU, and JA–P–LZW. annex is available to all Senators in ordination of air, land, and maritime forces. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- the office of the Foreign Relations (vi) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Oc- fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. tober 1, 2019. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained Committee, room SD–423. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms in the Defense Article or Defense Services There being no objection, the mate- Export Control Act. Proposed to be Sold: None. rial was ordered to be printed in the (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: RECORD, as follows: f October 1, 2019. DEFENSE SECURITY *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION COOPERATION AGENCY, Export Control Act. Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section Arlington, VA. POLICY JUSTIFICATION Hon. JAMES E. RISCH, 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act Japan—Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, requires that Congress receive prior no- for AEGIS Destroyers U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. tification of certain proposed arms The Government of Japan has requested to DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- sales as defined by that statute. Upon buy Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) porting requirements of Section 36(b)(l) of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.016 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5835 the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, The proposed sale will replace Tunisia’s the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. aging trainer fleet and allow Tunisia to con- we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 19–56 concerning the Air Force’s proposed tinue training pilots to support Tunisia’s 19–70 concerning the Army’s proposed Let- Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Gov- counter-terrorism and border security mis- ters(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Gov- ernment of Tunisia for defense articles and sions. Tunisia will have no difficulty absorb- ernment of Ukraine for defense articles and services estimated to cost $234 million. After ing this aircraft into its armed forces. services estimated to cost $39.2 million. this letter is delivered to your office, we plan The proposed sale of this equipment and After this letter is delivered to your office, to issue a news release to notify the public of support will not alter the basic military bal- we plan to issue a news release to notify the this proposed sale. ance in the region. public of this proposed sale. Sincerely, The prime contractor will be Textron Avia- Sincerely, CHARLES W. HOOPER, tion Defense LLC of Wichita, Kansas. There CHARLES W. HOOPER, Lieutenant General, USA, Director. are no known offset agreement proposed Lieutenant General, USA, Director. Enclosures. with this potential sale. However, the pur- Enclosures. TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–56 chaser typically requests offsets. Any offset TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–70 agreement will be defined in negotiations be- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of tween the purchaser and the contractor. Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(l) of the Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Implementation of this proposed sale will Arms Export Control Act, as amended Arms Export Control Act, as amended require the assignment of nine U.S. Govern- (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of ment and one contractor representative to (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Tunisia. Tunisia. Ukraine. (ii) Total Estimated Value: There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment* $115 million. fense readiness as a result of this proposed Major Defense Equipment * $31.0 million. Other $119 million. sale. Other $8.2 million, Total $234 million. Total $39.2 million. TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–56 (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- tities of Articles or Services under Consider- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of tities of Articles or Services under Consider- ation for Purchase: Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the ation for Purchase: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Arms Export Control Act Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Twelve (12) T–6C Texan Trainer Aircraft. Annex Item No. vii One hundred fifty (150) Javelin Missiles. Non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Also (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: Ten (10) Javelin Command Launch Units included in this sale are spare engines, car- 1. The T–6C is a single engine turboprop (CLU). tridge actuated devices/propellant actuated trainer aircraft that includes a virtual no- Non-MDE: Also included are training de- devices operational flight trainer, spare drop scoring capability. Its primary purpose vices, transportation, support equipment, parts, ground handling equipment, support is to teach air to ground operations. No hard technical data and publications, personnel equipment, software delivery and support, points or weapons can be carried on the T– training and training equipment, U.S. gov- publications and technical documentation, 6C. ernment, engineering, technical, and logis- clothing, textiles and individual equipment, 2. A determination has been made that the tics support services, and other related ele- aircraft ferry support, technical and recipient country can provide substantially ments of logistics support tools and test logistical support services, site surveys, the same degree of protection for the tech- equipment; support equipment; publications minor modifications/class IV support, per- nology being released as the U.S. Govern- and technical documentation; spare and re- sonnel training and training equipment, U.S. ment. This sale is necessary in furtherance pair parts; equipment training and training Government and contractor engineering, of the U.S. foreign policy and national secu- devices; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and rity objectives outlined in the Policy Jus- technical, engineering and logistics support other related elements of logistical and pro- tification. services; and other related elements of gram support. 3. All defense articles and services listed in logistical, sustainment, and program sup- (iv) Military Department: Air Force (TU– this transmittal have been authorized for re- port. D–SAB). lease and export to the Government of Tuni- (iv) Military Department: Army (UP–8– (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None. sia. UCJ). (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: UP–8–UBT. f fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. in the Defense Article or Defense Services Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained Proposed to be Sold: See Attached annex. in the Defense Article or Defense Services (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. October 10, 2019. requires that Congress receive prior no- (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms tification of certain proposed arms October 3, 2019. Export Control Act. sales as defined by that statute. Upon * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms POLICY JUSTIFICATION such notification, the Congress has 30 Export Control Act. Tunisia—T–6C Texan Trainer Aircraft calendar days during which the sale POLICY JUSTIFICATION The Government of Tunisia has requested may be reviewed. The provision stipu- Ukraine—Javelin Missiles and Command a possible sale of twelve (12) T–6C Texan lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- Launch Units trainer aircraft, spare engines, cartridge ac- tion of proposed sales shall be sent to The Government of Ukraine has requested tuated devices/propellant actuated devices the chairman of the Senate Foreign to buy one hundred fifty (150) Javelin mis- operational flight trainer, spare parts, Relations Committee. siles and ten (10) Javelin Command Launch ground handling equipment, support equip- In keeping with the committee’s in- Units (CLUs). Also included are training de- ment, software delivery and support, publi- tention to see that relevant informa- vices, transportation, support equipment, cations and technical documentation, cloth- tion is available to the full Senate, I technical data and publications, personnel ing, textiles and individual equipment, air- training and training equipment, U.S. gov- craft ferry support, technical and logistical ask unanimous consent to have printed ernment, engineering, technical, and logis- support services, site surveys, minor modi- in the RECORD the notifications which tics support services, and other related ele- fications/class IV support, personnel training have been received. If the cover letter ments of logistics support tools and test and training equipment, U.S. Government references a classified annex, then such equipment; support equipment; publications and contractor engineering, technical and lo- annex is available to all Senators in and technical documentation; spare and re- gistics support services, and other related the office of the Foreign Relations pair parts; equipment training and training elements of logistical and program support. Committee, room SD–423. devices; U.S. Government and contractor The estimated value is $234 million. There being no objection, the mate- technical, engineering and logistics support This proposed sale will support the foreign services; and other related elements of policy and national security of the United rial was ordered to be printed in the logistical, sustainment, and program sup- States by helping to improve the defense ca- RECORD, as follows: port. The total estimated cost is not to ex- pabilities and capacity of a major non-NATO DEFENSE SECURITY ceed $39.2 million. ally, which is an important force for polit- COOPERATION AGENCY, This proposed sale will contribute to the ical stability and economic progress in North Arlington, VA. foreign policy and national security of the Africa. This potential sale will provide addi- Hon. JAMES E. RISCH, United States by improving the security of tional opportunities for bilateral engage- Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Ukraine. The Javelin system will help ments and further strengthen the bilateral U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Ukraine build its long-term defense capacity relationship between the United States and DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- to defend its sovereignty and territorial in- Tunisia. porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of tegrity in order to meet its national defense

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:09 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.021 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 requirements. Ukraine will have no dif- 6. If a technologically advanced adversary and help individuals gain a better un- ficulty absorbing this system into its armed obtains knowledge of the specific hardware derstanding of the consumer market- forces. and software elements, the information place while providing them with the The proposed sale of this equipment and could be used to develop countermeasures or necessary instruments to improve their support will not alter the basic military bal- equivalent systems that might reduce weap- ance in the region. on system effectiveness or be used in the de- financial health. The prime contractor for the Javelin Mis- velopment of a system with similar or ad- For the next 17 years, Ronni served sile System is Raytheon Company, Waltham, vanced capabilities. as DFLI’s executive director. She MA. There are no known offset agreements 7. A determination has been made that taught classes while recruiting a bat- proposed in conjunction with this potential Ukraine can provide substantially the same talion of volunteer instructors to mul- sale. degree of protection for the sensitive tech- tiply the efforts of the Delaware Money Implementation of this proposed program nology being released as the U.S. Govern- School. Under her leadership, thou- will require additional contractor represent- ment. This proposed sale is necessary to fur- sands of adult students completed atives to travel to Ukraine. It is not ex- ther the U.S. foreign policy and national se- pected additional U.S. Government per- DFLI coursework and gained the curity objectives outlined in the Policy Jus- knowledge they needed to take control sonnel will be required in country for an ex- tification. tended period of time. 8. All defense articles and services listed on of their financial futures. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- this transmittal are authorized for release Ronni also served on the Governor’s fense readiness as a result of this proposed and export to the Government of Ukraine. Task Force for Financial Independence sale. and the Delaware General Assembly’s f TRANSMITTAL NO. 19–70 Joint Committee on Financial Lit- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS eracy. In 2016, when the State was de- Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the veloping its financial literacy stand- Arms Export Control Act ards for K–12, she was hand-picked as Annex Item No. vii TRIBUTE TO RONNI K. COHEN cochairperson of that committee. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: ∑ Mr. COONS. Mr. President, today I From ‘‘EconoM&Mics’’ to ‘‘Purses to 1. The Javelin Weapon System is a me- wish to honor the service and dedica- Portfolios’’ and ‘‘Investing for Your dium-range, man portable, shoulder- tion of a distinguished Delawarean Future,’’ Ronni’s unique classes have launched, fire and forget, anti-tank system with a track record of putting service impacted many Delawareans over the for infantry, scouts, and combat engineers. years and made our state stronger and The system weighs 49.5 pounds and has a before herself. She is a thoughtful maximum range in excess of 2,500 meters. friend, not just to me, but to hundreds more prosperous. The system is highly lethal against tanks of Delawareans up and down the State. ‘‘Ronni Cohen is a remarkably effec- and other systems with conventional and re- Ronni K. Cohen of Claymont, DE, is a tive educator. She took her prodigious active armors. The system possesses a sec- well-known educator and civic leader skills to a different platform by help- ondary capability against bunkers. in Delaware and recently retired after ing tens of thousands of Delawareans 2. Javelin’s key technical feature is the use 50 years of public service. She taught take control of their personal fi- of fire-and-forget technology which allows thousands of students—children and nances,’’ said former Governor Jack the gunner to fire and immediately relocate Markell. ‘‘Ronni is beloved in the Dela- or take cover. Additional special features are adults—financial planning, problem- solving, entrepreneurship, and so much ware Money School community—and the top attack and/or direct fire modes, an for a good reason. She gave fully of advanced tandem warhead and imaging in- more. A Delaware school official once frared seeker, target lock-on before launch, described Ronni as ‘‘one of the most herself to improve other peoples’ lives. and soft launch from enclosures or covered dedicated teachers that I have ever Ronni leaves a remarkable legacy of fighting positions. The Javelin missile also met.’’ achievement and contribution. I love has a minimum smoke motor thus decreas- In total, Ronni spent 33 years in the Ronni Cohen!’’ ing its detection on the battlefield. classrooms of Delaware’s Brandywine Mr. President, Ronni sees all Dela- 3. The Javelin Weapon System is com- wareans as lifelong students, and she prised of two major tactical components, School District and in 2000 was recog- nized as Teacher of the Year by the always ensured that her students and which are a reusable Command Launch Unit mentees had the proper tools to build (CLU) and a round contained in a disposable Delaware Department of Education. strong and stable financial futures. Her launch tube assembly. The CLU incorporates She was an economics and entrepre- an integrated day-night sight that provides a neurship teacher at elementary schools legacy is one of a teacher who consist- target engagement capability in adverse like P.S. duPont, Marguerite H. Bur- ently went to extraordinary lengths to weather and countermeasure environments. nett, and Claymont. During her time make sure herlessons made ‘‘cents.’’ Ronni Cohen, from all of your school- The CLU may also be used in a stand-alone with her third, fourth, and fifth grad- mode for battlefield surveillance and target children, your adult learners, your ers, Ronni instilled in them an indus- detection. The CLU’s thermal sight is a sec- neighbors, and your state, please ac- trial spirit and deployed hands-on les- ond generation Forward Looking Infrared cept our sincere thanks and gratitude. sons about the crucial role that fi- (FLIR) sensor operating in the 8–10 micron Thank you for dedicating 50 years to wavelength and has a 240 x 240 pixel scanning nances play in our everyday lives. public service—and on behalf of our en- array with a Dewar-coolant unit. Ronni earned many accolades during tire state, I wish you a happy, fulfilling 4. The missile is autonomously guided to her career, including the Delaware retirement. Thank you.∑ the target using an imaging infrared seeker Chamber of Commerce Superstars in and adaptive correlation tracking algo- f rithms. This allows the gunner to take cover Education Award, the Small Business or reload and engage another target after fir- Administration Women in Business TRIBUTE TO JOEL GRAVES ing a missile. The missile contains an infra- Champion Award, the Consortium of ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this red seeker with a 64 x 64 pixel element Mer- Entrepreneurship Education Leader- week I have the honor of recognizing cury-Cadmium-Telluride (HgCdTE) Focal ship and Advocacy Award, the Dela- Joel Graves, principal at Lincoln Coun- Plane Array (FPA) operating in the 8–10 mi- ware Library Partnership Award, and a ty High School, for his tremendous im- cron wavelength. The missile has an ad- Freedoms Foundation Leavey Award pact on the students in Eureka and the vanced tandem warhead and can be used in for private enterprise education. either the top attack or direct fire modes local community. (for target undercover). An onboard flight In 1992, Ronni and her principal Joel was selected as the recipient of computer guides the missile to the selected opened the first bank within a Dela- the 2019 Montana Association of Sec- target. ware public school. This innovative ondary School Principals’ Principal of 5. The Javelin Missile System hardware program, in partnership with Wil- the Year award in late January. and the documentation are UNCLASSIFIED. mington Trust, expanded to 20 other This prestigious award recognizes The missile software which resides in the schools across Delaware. outstanding school leaders who have CLU is considered SENSITIVE. The sensi- In 2001, when the Delaware Financial succeeded in providing high-quality tivity is primarily in the software programs Literacy Institute—DFLI—was born, which instruct the system how to operate in learning opportunities for students, as the presence of countermeasures. The overall Ronni was the obvious choice to lead well as demonstrating exemplary con- hardware is also considered SENSITIVE in it. This not-for-profit organization set tributions to the profession. that the infrared wavelengths could be useful out to promote financial education Joel’s commitment to the young peo- in attempted countermeasure development. through its Delaware Money School ple of North Lincoln County has earned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.022 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5837 him the recognition and admiration of Antonio Luna, Thomas Mason, Tony Howard made sure to focus on edu- his colleagues, students, and teachers Mathias, Bobby Matthews, Charles cating young indigenous people, ‘‘the across the State. His leadership as an McConnell, Timothy McGinnis, Allen grandkids,’’ about the rich culture and administrator has fostered an environ- Meyer, Blythe Miley, Richard Miller, values that are their inheritance. ment where the teachers at Lincoln Thomas Mitchell, Robert Montgomery, Howard dedicated his later life to County High School can excel in pro- James Morgan, Richard Morris, Paul culture camps and cultural education viding their students a quality edu- Niebel, Larry Odegard, Carol Jean in the schools. He started a camp on cation. He is a strong supporter of en- Padilla, Theron Parlin, David Patter- the banks of the Chena River, the couraging young Montanans to explore son, Mark Patterson, Robert Pen- Gaaleeya Spirit Camp, to teach skills all educational opportunities, includ- nington, Randall Peonio, Arturo Perez, to Native youth, such as art, language, ing career technical training and the Floyd Peterson, Christopher Petroff, and how to live off the land. trades. Linda Pickett, Gary Pitt, Donald He was a common and welcoming It is my honor to recognize Joel Posselt, Richard Ranabargar, John elder in Canada and the Chilkoot Cul- Graves for his excellence as principal Rasmussen, Robert Righi, Gary ture Camp in Haines. He shared tradi- of Lincoln County High School. I look Schuler, Curtis Shaffer, John Shaffner, tional practices of hunting, teaching forward to following the wonderful suc- Lee Sherbenou, Donald Simmons, deep respect for those resources that cesses that will come out of Lincoln Jerry Skelton, Richard Smith, Richard are so much a part of Alaska Natives County High School because of Joel’s Smith Jr., Jimmy Spence, Donald lifestyles. leadership.∑ Spotanski, Roger Stocker, Thomas The knowledge that he had and f Tedesco, Virgil Treadway, Ted Turner, shared with others is something you Thomas Wartella, Arthur Weidner, cannot learn in a university. This HIGH PLAINS HONOR FLIGHT Mark Williamson, Garry Wilson, Wil- knowledge is passed down from elders ∑ Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I liam Woolman, Darell Zimbelman.∑ to youth, and he recognized the impor- stand here today to recognize the vet- f tance of sustaining places for younger erans of High Plains Honor Flight who generations to learn the ways of their have made their inaugural trip to REMEMBERING HOWARD LUKE ancestors. Washington, DC. Distinguished vet- ∑ Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I Howard Luke always said, if you love erans from World War II, the Korean want to take a few minutes to recog- the kids, they will know that they are war, and the Vietnam war have made nize the life of a highly respected loved. He also always told the kids to the journey to visit the national me- Athabascan elder Howard Luke, who be proud of themselves. Howard was morials dedicated to their service. died September, 21, 2019 in Fairbanks, loved in return, and Alaskans are im- Military service is an exceptional AK, at age 95. mensely proud of all that he contrib- duty to the country. Few words can de- With the passing of Native elder uted to the State. My deepest condo- scribe the gratitude we all share for Howard Luke, Alaska has lost a highly lences to his friends, family, and loved sacrifice that these men and women respected Athabascan leader who dedi- ones during this time as we reflect on have made to preserve our rights to cated his life to empowering the Alas- the life a legendary Alaskan.∑ life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- ka Native community and ensuring f ness. When the United States has been that cultural and traditional knowl- threatened, our veterans have bravely edge will be passed down to younger TRIBUTE TO DR. ANDREW answered our countries call without generations. REHFELD reservation. Twice a year, the Honor Howard Luke was born in 1923 in ∑ Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today Flight welcomes veterans from across Nenana, later moving to Fairbanks I wish to recognize Dr. Andrew Rehfeld, the country to fly to Washington, DC, with his mother at age 13. A man with who will be inaugurated as the 10th free of charge, so that they can visit a true gentle spirit, Howard made a President of Hebrew Union College the national memorials dedicated to unique contribution to our State, and Jewish Institute of Religion on Sun- their service. he shared his passion of the day, October 27, 2019. Please join me in honoring Charles Athabascan language and traditional Founded in Cincinnati, OH in 1875, Assmus, Clarence Carlson, John ways. Hebrew Union College—Jewish Insti- Dutton, Gordon Norton, Willis Sibley, He always stressed the importance of tute of Religion, or HUC–JIR, is today Michael Abramovich, George Edinger, school for young people while also a premier institution of higher Jewish James Forrest, Alan Gates, Charles learning their traditions. At his moth- learning and the center of academic, Hall, Jason Laguna, Richard er’s side, he learned the stories and val- spiritual, and professional leadership Lindemann, Richard McCown, James ues and subsistence way of life of his development for Reform Judaism. Over McWilliams, Gerald Mitchell, Erlis people. He sometimes talked about the past 144 years, HUC-JIR has grown Morse, John Oliver, Bernard Pisciola, wishing he had received more formal into one of this Nation’s most distin- Donald Price, Earle Ridgway, Richard schooling and that he felt hindered by guished Jewish seminaries, and lit- Stoltzfus, Wayne Tobey, Johnny West, stopping school after the fourth grade; erally thousands of its rabbinical and Benjamin Zimmerman, Robert yet he was constantly pursuing learn- cantorial alumni have been leading a Davison, Gerald McDuffee, Jed ing. He travelled to New Zealand, Aus- Jewish renaissance in North America, Pancoast, Ronald Adam, Ronald tralia, Russia, and visited other Tribes Israel, and around the globe. HUC–JIR Albers, Leon Bartholomay, Richard throughout the United States. In honor is also internationally recognized for Belt, Hal Bennett, Kenneth Blum, of his efforts, the Fairbanks North Star teaching and mentoring students to Clyde Bullard Jr., Kenneth Butcher, Borough School District named an al- serve as Jewish educators and com- Jan Carlson, Allan Cazer, Terry Chan- ternative school after him. In 1991, he munal leaders in synagogues, schools, dler, Spencer Chapin, Daniel Crego, received an honorary high school di- Hillel’s, hospitals, camps, the U.S. James Crowell, James Davies, Robert ploma from that school. Howard later military, and Jewish organizations Delva, William Dowling, Gerald Ecker, received an honorary doctorate from worldwide. For more than 70 years, Carl England, Thomas Evans, Ricky the University of Alaska Fairbanks. HUC–JIR’s Pines School of Graduate Farrier, Markton Gadbury, Roy In discussing his efforts with schools, Studies has been conferring Ph.D. de- George, Don Gooding, Jack Hall, Cal- he said that he wanted teachers to help grees on scholars of all religious tradi- vin Hamilton, Robert Jacobson, the kids more than anything else. He tions who have gone on to teach in col- Charles Jett, Larry Johnson, Daniel knew that you can’t just tell them, leges, universities, and seminaries Katze, James Keeler, Gene Keys, Dan- ‘‘This is the way to do it,’’ and leave around the world. Today, HUC–JIR has iel King, Raymond Kirchner Jr., them alone. You have got to help them. campuses in Cincinnati, Jerusalem, Damian Kisner, Richard Knight, Ter- His approach was based on the idea Los Angeles, and New York, all of rence Kullbom, Dale Langholf, Noel that you have got to make the kids which are vital centers for educational LaRose II, Harvey Lawson, Richard proud of themselves for what they were and cultural outreach to those of all Lawson, Robert Loner, Jerald Lucas able to do. faiths and backgrounds.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.017 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 Dr. Andrew Rehfeld, the new presi- application of every Constitutional and H.R. 95. An act to amend title 38, United dent of HUC–JIR, is a leading political statutory authority at our disposal. It States Code, to ensure that children of scientist and distinguished Jewish has also facilitated the military’s on- homeless veterans are included in the cal- communal leader. Dr. Rehfeld’s career going construction of virtually insur- culation of the amounts of certain per diem grants. has bridged both the academic and pro- mountable physical barriers along hun- H.R. 1199. An act to direct the Secretary of fessional worlds as associate professor dreds of miles of our southern border. Veterans Affairs to conduct a study regard- of political science at Washington Uni- The southern border, however, con- ing the accessibility of websites of the De- versity and as president and CEO of the tinues to be a major entry point for partment of Veterans Affairs to individuals Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Elected criminals, gang members, and illicit with disabilities. on December 18, 2018 by the HUC–JIR narcotics to come into our country. As H.R. 2334. An act to designate the Depart- Board of Governors after a national explained in Proclamation 9844, in my ment of Veterans Affairs community-based search, he began his tenure on April 1, veto message regarding H.J. Res. 46, outpatient clinic in Odessa, Texas, as the ‘‘Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clin- 2019, succeeding the late Rabbi Aaron and in congressional testimony from multiple Administration officials, the ic’’. Panken. H.R. 2385. An act to permit the Secretary Dr. Rehfeld is married to Dr. Miggie ongoing crisis at the southern border of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant pro- Greenberg, a board-certified psychia- threatens core national security inter- gram to conduct cemetery research and trist and director of outpatient psychi- ests. In addition, security challenges at produce educational materials for the Vet- atry at St. Louis University. They have the southern border exacerbate an on- erans Legacy Program. two children: Emma, who is the music going humanitarian crisis that threat- H.R. 3289. An act to amend the Hong Kong and T’filah coordinator at Larchmont ens the well-being of vulnerable popu- Policy Act of 1992 and for other purposes. lations, including women and children. H.R. 4270. An act to prohibit commercial Temple in Larchmont, NY, and Hoben, exports of certain nonlethal crowd control who is an artist currently working in In short, the situation on our south- ern border remains a national emer- items and defense articles and services to the St. Louis. Hong Kong Police, and for other purposes. I salute HUC–JIR on this milestone gency, and our Armed Forces are still occasion, and I congratulate Dr. needed to help confront it. At 3:24 p.m., a message from the Like H.J. Res. 46, S.J. Res. 54 would Rehfeld and wish him all the best.∑ House of Representatives, delivered by undermine the Government’s ability to Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, f address this continuing national emer- announced that the House has passed gency. It would, among other things, MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT the following joint resolution, in which impair the Government’s capacity to it requests the concurrence of the Sen- A message from the President of the secure the Nation’s southern borders ate: United States was communicated to against unlawful entry and to curb the the Senate by Ms. Roberts, one of his trafficking and smuggling that fuels H.J. Res. 77. Joint resolution opposing the secretaries. the present humanitarian crisis. decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent Turkish military operations f S.J. Res. 54 is also inconsistent with against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast other recent congressional actions. For Syria. PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE example, the Congress, in an over- whelmingly bipartisan manner, has f provided emergency resources to ad- REPORT OF THE VETO OF S.J. MEASURES REFERRED dress the crisis at the southern border. RES. 54, A JOINT RESOLUTION Additionally, the Congress has ap- The following bills were read the first THAT WOULD TERMINATE THE proved a budget framework that ex- and the second times by unanimous NATIONAL EMERGENCY THE pressly preserves the emergency au- consent, and referred as indicated: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED thorities my Administration is using H.R. 95. An act to amend title 38, United STATES DECLARED IN PROCLA- to address the crisis. States Code, to ensure that children of MATION 9844 OF FEBRUARY 15, Proclamation 9844 was neither a new homeless veterans are included in the cal- 2019, PURSUANT TO THE NA- nor novel application of executive au- culation of the amounts of certain per diem TIONAL EMERGENCIES ACT RE- thority. Rather, it is the sixtieth Presi- grants; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- GARDING THE ONGOING CRISIS dential invocation of the National fairs. H.R. 1199. An act to direct the Secretary of ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER—PM Emergencies Act of 1976. It relies upon 32 Veterans Affairs to conduct a study regard- the same statutory authority used by ing the accessibility of websites of the De- The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- both of the previous two Presidents to partment of Veterans Affairs to individuals fore the Senate the following message undertake more than 18 different mili- with disabilities; to the Committee on Vet- from the President of the United tary construction projects from 2001 erans’ Affairs. States which was ordered to be printed through 2013. And it has withstood ju- H.R. 2334. An act to designate the Depart- in the RECORD, spread in full upon the dicial challenge in the Supreme Court. ment of Veterans Affairs community-based Journal, and held at the desk: Earlier this year, I vetoed H.J. Res. outpatient clinic in Odessa, Texas, as the 46 because it was a dangerous resolu- ‘‘Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clin- To the Senate of the United States: tion that would undermine United ic’’; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I am returning herewith without my H.R. 2385. An act to permit the Secretary States sovereignty and threaten the of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant pro- approval S.J. Res. 54, a joint resolution lives and safety of countless Ameri- that would terminate the national gram to conduct cemetery research and cans. It was, therefore, my duty to re- produce educational materials for the Vet- emergency I declared in Proclamation turn it to the House of Representatives erans Legacy Program; to the Committee on 9844 of February 15, 2019, pursuant to without my approval. It is similarly Veterans’ Affairs. the National Emergencies Act, regard- my duty, in order to protect the safety H.R. 4270. An act to prohibit commercial ing the ongoing crisis on our southern and security of our Nation, to return exports of certain nonlethal crowd control border. I am doing so for the same rea- S.J. Res. 54 to the Senate without my items and defense articles and services to the Hong Kong Police, and for other purposes; to sons I returned an identical resolution, approval. H.J. Res. 46, to the House of Represent- the Committee on Banking, Housing, and DONALD J. TRUMP. Urban Affairs. atives without my approval on March THE WHITE HOUSE, October 15, 2019. 15, 2019. f f Proclamation 9844 has helped the Federal Government address the na- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE MEASURES PLACED ON THE tional emergency on our southern bor- At 10:45 a.m., a message from the CALENDAR der. It has empowered my Administra- House of Representatives, delivered by The following bill was read the first tion’s Government-wide strategy to Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- and second times by unanimous con- counter large-scale unlawful migration nounced that the House has passed the sent, and placed on the calendar: and to respond to corresponding hu- following bills, in which it requests the H.R. 3289. An act to amend the Hong Kong manitarian challenges through focused concurrence of the Senate: Policy Act of 1992, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.019 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5839 MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME titled ‘‘Significant New Use Rules on Certain Health and Human Services, transmitting, Chemical Substances; Technical Correction’’ pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled The following joint resolutions were (FRL No. 9999–12) received during adjourn- ‘‘Medicaid Program; State Disproportionate read the first time: ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- Share Hospital Allotment Reductions’’ H.J. Res. 77. Joint resolution opposing the dent of the Senate on October 4, 2019; to the (RIN0938–AS63) received in the Office of the decision to end certain United States efforts Committee on Environment and Public President of the Senate on September 25, to prevent Turkish military operations Works. 2019; to the Committee on Finance. against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast EC–2730. A communication from the Direc- EC–2738. A communication from the Chief Syria. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, S.J. Res. 58. Joint resolution expressing Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the support for freedom of conscience. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the titled ‘‘Revocation of Significant New Uses report of a rule entitled ‘‘Section 199A Trade f of Fatty Acid Amide’’ (FRL No. 9999–88) re- or Business Safe Harbor - Rental Real Es- EXECUTIVE AND OTHER ceived during adjournment of the Senate in tate’’ (Rev. Proc. 2019–38) received in the Of- COMMUNICATIONS the Office of the President of the Senate on fice of the President of the Senate on Sep- October 4, 2019; to the Committee on Envi- tember 25, 2019; to the Committee on Fi- The following communications were ronment and Public Works. nance. laid before the Senate, together with EC–2731. A communication from the Direc- EC–2739. A communication from the Chief accompanying papers, reports, and doc- tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Nu- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, uments, and were referred as indicated: clear Material Safety and Safeguards, Nu- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the clear Regulatory Commission, transmitting, Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–2724. A communication from the Direc- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled report of a rule entitled ‘‘Hardship Distribu- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ‘‘State of Vermont: Discontinuance of Cer- tions of Elective Contributions, Qualified Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tain Commission Regulatory Authority Matching Contributions, Qualified Nonelec- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Within the State; Notice of Agreement Be- tive Contributions, and Earnings’’ (RIN1545– titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Revoca- tween the NRC and the State of Vermont’’ BO82) received in the Office of the President tion of Kansas City Area Transportation ((10 CFR Part 150) (NRC–2019–0114)) received of the Senate on September 25, 2019; to the Conformity Requirements Plans’’ (FRL No. during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- Committee on Finance. 10000–76–Region 7) received during adjourn- fice of the President of the Senate on Octo- EC–2740. A communication from the Chief ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- ber 3, 2019; to the Committee on Environ- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, dent of the Senate on October 4, 2019; to the ment and Public Works. Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Committee on Environment and Public EC–2732. A communication from the Direc- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Works. tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Nu- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Additional First EC–2725. A communication from the Direc- clear Material Safety and Safeguards, Nu- Year Depreciation Deduction’’ (RIN1545– tor of the Regulatory Management Division, clear Regulatory Commission, transmitting, BO74) received in the Office of the President Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled of the Senate on September 25, 2019; to the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ‘‘Applicability of Existing Regulatory Guides Committee on Finance. titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; SC; 2010 1-Hour to the Design, Construction, and Operation EC–2741. A communication from the Chief SO2 NAAQS Transport Infrastructure’’ (FRL of an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Instal- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, No. 10000–84–Region 4) received during ad- lation’’ (NRC–2019–0157) received during ad- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the journment of the Senate in the Office of the journment of the Senate in the Office of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the President of the Senate on October 4, 2019; to President of the Senate on October 3, 2019; to report of a rule entitled ‘‘Fringe Benefits the Committee on Environment and Public the Committee on Environment and Public Aircraft Valuation Formula’’ (Rev. Proc. Works. Works. 2019–22) received during adjournment of the EC–2726. A communication from the Direc- EC–2733. A communication from the Direc- Senate in the Office of the President of the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of New Senate on October 1, 2019; to the Committee Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Reactors, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on Finance. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of EC–2742. A communication from the Chief titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air a rule entitled ‘‘Piping Systems and Compo- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Quality Implementation Plans; District of nents - Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Ac- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Columbia; Reasonably Available Control ceptance Criteria’’ (NUREG–0800, Chapter Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Technology State Implementation Plan for 14.3.3) received during adjournment of the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Notice Regarding Volatile Organic Compounds under 2008 Senate in the Office of the President of the the Special Per Diem Rates for 2019–2020’’ Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Stand- Senate on October 3, 2019; to the Committee (Notice 2019–55) received during adjournment ard’’ (FRL No. 10000–90–Region 3) received on Environment and Public Works. of the Senate in the Office of the President during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- EC–2734. A communication from the Direc- of the Senate on October 1, 2019; to the Com- fice of the President of the Senate on Octo- tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Nu- mittee on Finance. ber 4, 2019; to the Committee on Environ- clear Material Safety and Safeguards, Nu- EC–2743. A communication from the Chief ment and Public Works. clear Regulatory Commission, transmitting, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–2727. A communication from the Direc- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled Internal Revenue Service, Department of the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ‘‘Consolidated Guidance About Material Li- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- censes: Program-Specific Guidance About report of a rule entitled ‘‘Guidance Related ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Medical Use Licenses’’ (NUREG–1556, Volume to Section 958(b)(4) Repeal Relief’’ (Rev. titled ‘‘Approval of Air Quality Implementa- 9, Revision 3) received during adjournment of Proc. 2019–40) received during adjournment of tion Plans; New York; Infrastructure Re- the Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate in the Office of the President of quirements for the 2008 Ozone, 2010 Sulfur Di- the Senate on October 4, 2019; to the Com- the Senate on October 1, 2019; to the Com- oxide, and 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Na- mittee on Environment and Public Works. mittee on Finance. tional Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ (FRL EC–2735. A communication from the Acting EC–2744. A communication from the Chief No. 10000–78–Region 2) received during ad- Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Depart- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, journment of the Senate in the Office of the ment of Health and Human Services, trans- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the President of the Senate on October 4, 2019; to mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the the Committee on Environment and Public ‘‘Report to Congress on the Centers for Dis- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Remedial Amend- Works. ease Control and Prevention’s Childhood ment Periods, Pre-approved Plan Cycles, and EC–2728. A communication from the Direc- Obesity Research Demonstration Project’’ ; Plan Amendment Deadlines for 403(b) Plans’’ tor of the Regulatory Management Division, to the Committee on Finance. (Rev. Proc. 2019–39) received during adjourn- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–2736. A communication from the Assist- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ant General Counsel, General Law, Ethics, dent of the Senate on October 1, 2019; to the titled ‘‘Approval of Source-Specific Air Qual- and Regulation, Department of the Treasury, Committee on Finance. ity Implementation Plans; New Jersey’’ transmitting, pursuant to law, a report rel- EC–2745. A communication from the Direc- (FRL No. 10000–91–Region 2) received during ative to a vacancy in the position of Under tor, Office of Regulations and Reports Clear- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of Secretary (International Affairs), Depart- ance, Social Security Administration, trans- the President of the Senate on October 4, ment of Treasury received during adjourn- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule 2019; to the Committee on Environment and ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- entitled ‘‘Extension of Expiration Dates for Public Works. dent of the Senate on October 1, 2019; to the Two Body System Listings’’ (RIN0960–AI44) EC–2729. A communication from the Direc- Committee on Finance. received during adjournment of the Senate tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–2737. A communication from the Regu- in the Office of the President of the Senate Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare on September 27, 2019; to the Committee on ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and Medicaid Services, Department of Finance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.031 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 EC–2746. A communication from the Regu- Testing Goals’’; to the Committee on Health, 2019; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare Education, Labor, and Pensions. rity and Governmental Affairs. and Medicaid Services, Department of EC–2754. A communication from the Acting EC–2763. A communication from the Prin- Health and Human Services, transmitting, Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Depart- cipal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Of- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ment of Health and Human Services, trans- fice of Legislative Affairs, Department of ‘‘Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Revi- mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled Justice, transmitting, pursuant to law, an sions to Requirements for Discharge Plan- ‘‘Report to Congress: Pediatric Research in annual report relative to the activities and ning for Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, Fiscal Year 2018’’; to the Committee on operations of the Public Integrity Section, and Home Health Agencies, and Hospital and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Criminal Division for 2018, and the nation- Critical Access Hospital Changes to Promote EC–2755. A communication from the Dep- wide federal law enforcement effort against Innovation, Flexibility, and Improvement in uty General Counsel, Office of the General public corruption; to the Committee on the Patient Care’’ (RIN0938–AS59) received dur- Counsel, Department of Education, transmit- Judiciary. ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- EC–2764. A communication from the Fed- of the President of the Senate on October 1, titled ‘‘Informational Draft: Requirements eral Liaison Officer, Patent and Trademark 2019; to the Committee on Finance. for State and Local Report Cards’’ received Office, Department of Commerce, transmit- EC–2747. A communication from the Regu- in the Office of the President of the Senate ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare on September 26, 2019; to the Committee on titled ‘‘Eliminating Unnecessary Regula- and Medicaid Services, Department of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. tions’’ (RIN0651–AD25) received in the Office Health and Human Services, transmitting, EC–2756. A communication from the Assist- of the President of the Senate on September pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ant Secretary, Occupational Safety and 26, 2019; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ‘‘Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regu- Health Administration, Department of EC–2765. A communication from the Divi- latory Provisions to Promote Program Effi- Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- sion Director for Policy, Legislation, and ciency, Transparency, and Burden Reduc- port of a rule entitled ‘‘Additional Ambient Regulation, Employment and Training Ad- tion; Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Aerosol CNC Quantitative Fit Testing Proto- ministration, Department of Labor, trans- Dialysis Facilities; Hospital and Critical Ac- cols: Respiratory Protection Standard’’ mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule cess Hospital (CAH) Changes to Promote In- (RIN1218–AC94) received during adjournment entitled ‘‘Modernizing Recruitment Require- novation, Flexibility, and Improvement in of the Senate in the Office of the President ments for the Temporary Employment of H– Patient Care’’ (RIN0938–AT23) received dur- of the Senate on September 30, 2019; to the 2A Foreign Workers in the United States’’ ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and (RIN1205–AB90) received during adjournment of the President of the Senate on October 1, Pensions. of the Senate in the Office of the President 2019; to the Committee on Finance. EC–2757. A communication from the Dep- of the Senate on September 27, 2019; to the EC–2748. A communication from the Divi- uty Director of the Directorate of Standards Committee on the Judiciary. sion Director for Policy, Legislation, and and Guidance, Occupational Safety and EC–2766. A communication from the Chief Regulation, Employment and Training Ad- Health Administration, Department of of the Regulatory Coordination Division, ministration, Department of Labor, trans- Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Citizenship and Immigration Services, De- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule port of a rule entitled ‘‘Occupational Expo- partment of Homeland Security, transmit- entitled ‘‘Federal-State Unemployment sure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Compensation Program; Establishing Appro- in Construction and Shipyard Sectors’’ titled ‘‘Inadmissibility on Public Charge priate Occupations for Drug Testing of Un- (RIN1218–AD21) received during adjournment Grounds; Correction’’ (RIN1615–AA22) re- employment Compensation Applicants Under of the Senate in the Office of the President ceived during adjournment of the Senate in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation of the Senate on October 3, 2019; to the Com- the Office of the President of the Senate on Act of 2012’’ (RIN1205–AB81) received during mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and October 2, 2019; to the Committee on the Ju- adjournment of the Senate in the Office of Pensions. diciary. the President of the Senate on October 4, EC–2758. A communication from the Chair- 2019; to the Committee on Finance. man, National Transportation Safety Board, f EC–2749. A communication from the Direc- transmitting, pursuant to law, the Board’s REPORTS OF COMMITTEES tor, Office of Management and Budget, Exec- annual submission regarding agency compli- utive Office of the President, transmitting, ance with the Federal Managers’ Financial The following reports of committees pursuant to law, a report and the Uniform Integrity Act and revised Office of Manage- were submitted: Resource Locator (URL) for the report on ment and Budget (OMB) Circular A–123; to By Mr. HOEVEN, from the Committee on Other U.S. Contributions to the United Na- the Committee on Homeland Security and Indian Affairs, without amendment: tions and its affiliated agencies during fiscal Governmental Affairs. S. 2159. A bill to repeal the Act entitled EC–2759. A communication from the Dis- year 2017; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- ‘‘An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State trict of Columbia Auditor, transmitting, pur- tions. of North Dakota over offenses committed by suant to law, a report entitled, ‘‘ANC 8C Mis- EC–2750. A communication from the Assist- or against Indians on the Devils Lake Indian appropriated Funds’’; to the Committee on ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- Reservation’’ (Rept. No. 116–130). ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, fairs. f EC–2760. A communication from the Asso- the report of the texts and background state- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND ments of international agreements, other ciate General Counsel for General Law, De- than treaties (List 2019–0078 - 2019–0093); to partment of Homeland Security, transmit- JOINT RESOLUTIONS the Committee on Foreign Relations. ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a The following bills and joint resolu- EC–2751. A communication from the Execu- vacancy in the position of General Counsel, tions were introduced, read the first tive Secretary, U.S. Agency for Inter- Department of Homeland Security, received and second times by unanimous con- national Development (USAID), transmit- in the Office of the President of the Senate ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a on September 25, 2019; to the Committee on sent, and referred as indicated: vacancy in the position of Assistant Admin- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- By Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. istrator for the Bureau for Asia, U.S. Agency fairs. MANCHIN, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. GRAHAM, for International Development (USAID), re- EC–2761. A communication from the Asso- Mr. RISCH, Mrs. CAPITO, Mrs. FISCH- ceived in the Office of the President of the ciate General Counsel for General Law, De- ER, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, Mr. Senate on September 26, 2019; to the Com- partment of Homeland Security, transmit- BRAUN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. INHOFE, mittee on Foreign Relations. ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a Mr. GARDNER, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. EC–2752. A communication from the Rule- vacancy in the position of Federal Emer- CRAPO, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. TESTER, Mr. making Coordinator, Office for Management, gency Management Agency Administrator, JONES, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. Policy, Budget, and Performance, U.S. Agen- Department of Homeland Security, received BOOZMAN, Mr. MORAN, Mr. SULLIVAN, cy for International Development, transmit- during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- Mr. RUBIO, Mr. CRAMER, Ms. BALD- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- fice of the President of the Senate on Octo- WIN, and Mr. ROUNDS): titled ‘‘Streamlining the Registration Proc- ber 1, 2019; to the Committee on Homeland S. 2602. A bill to exclude vehicles to be used ess for Private Voluntary Organizations’’ Security and Governmental Affairs. solely for competition from certain provi- (RIN0412–AA91) received during adjournment EC–2762. A communication from the Acting sions of the Clean Air Act, and for other pur- of the Senate in the Office of the President Director, Office of Personnel Management, poses; to the Committee on Environment and of the Senate on October 1, 2019; to the Com- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Public Works. mittee on Foreign Relations. a rule entitled ‘‘Federal Employee’s Retire- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. EC–2753. A communication from the Acting ment System; Present Value Conversion LEAHY, and Ms. HIRONO): Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Depart- Factors for Spouses of Deceased Separated S. 2603. A bill to amend the Immigration ment of Health and Human Services, trans- Employees’’ (RIN3206–AN87) received during and Nationality Act to end the immigrant mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled adjournment of the Senate in the Office of visa backlog, and for other purposes; to the ‘‘Report to Congress Regarding National HIV the President of the Senate on September 30, Committee on the Judiciary.

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By Mr. UDALL (for himself and Mr. By Ms. MURKOWSKI: S. 595 SCOTT of Florida): S. 2616. A bill to provide civil and criminal At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the S. 2604. A bill to require the Administrator jurisdiction over Alaska Natives and non- names of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. of the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- Alaska Natives for certain Indian tribes in ERNST) and the Senator from North ministration to work with vehicle manufac- the State of Alaska; to the Committee on In- turers, suppliers, and other interested par- dian Affairs. Carolina (Mr. BURR) were added as co- ties to advance the technology developed by By Mr. SASSE: sponsors of S. 595, a bill to amend title the Driver Alcohol Detection System for S.J. Res. 58. A joint resolution expressing XVIII of the Social Security Act to Safety Research Program, and for other pur- support for freedom of conscience; read the provide for the coordination of pro- poses; to the Committee on Commerce, first time. grams to prevent and treat obesity, Science, and Transportation. f and for other purposes. By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and S. 655 Mrs. GILLIBRAND): SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND S. 2605. A bill to amend title 49, United SENATE RESOLUTIONS At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the States Code, to require the Secretary of names of the Senator from Minnesota Transportation to award grants to States The following concurrent resolutions (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from that have enacted and are enforcing certain and Senate resolutions were read, and Delaware (Mr. CARPER) and the Senator laws with respect to stretch limousines, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated: from Delaware (Mr. COONS) were added for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. as cosponsors of S. 655, a bill to impose Commerce, Science, and Transportation. STABENOW, Mr. ENZI, Mr. ALEXANDER, By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and additional restrictions on tobacco fla- Mr. LANKFORD, and Ms. WARREN): vors for use in e-cigarettes. Mrs. GILLIBRAND): S. Res. 358. A resolution designating the S. 2606. A bill to establish safety standards week beginning October 20, 2019, as ‘‘Na- S. 727 for certain limousines, and for other pur- tional Character Counts Week’’; considered At the request of Mr. COONS, the poses; to the Committee on Commerce, and agreed to. name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. Science, and Transportation. By Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms. KLOBUCHAR KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. LEE: (for herself and Mr. BLUNT)): 727, a bill to combat international ex- S. 2607. A bill to prescribe zoning authority S. Res. 359. A resolution authorizing the with respect to commercial unmanned air- tremism by addressing global fragility use of the atrium in the Philip A. Hart Sen- and violence and stabilizing conflict-af- craft systems and to preserve State, local, ate Office Building for the National Prescrip- and Tribal authorities and private property tion Drug Take Back Day, a semiannual fected areas, and for other purposes. with respect to unmanned aircraft systems, event for the Drug Enforcement Administra- S. 753 and for other purposes; to the Committee on tion; considered and agreed to. At the request of Mr. BROWN, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation. By Ms. HASSAN: f name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. S. 2608. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. cation Act of 1965 to authorize competency- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS 753, a bill to amend title XVIII of the based education demonstration projects; to S. 117 Social Security Act to count a period the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the of receipt of outpatient observation and Pensions. name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. services in a hospital toward satisfying By Mr. SCHUMER (for Mr. SANDERS): the 3-day inpatient hospital require- S. 2609. A bill to amend the Child Nutrition CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell Na- sor of S. 117, a bill to prohibit discrimi- ment for coverage of skilled nursing fa- tional School Lunch Act to make breakfasts nation against individuals with disabil- cility services under Medicare. and lunches free for all children, and for ities who need long-term services and S. 803 other purposes; to the Committee on Agri- supports, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. S. 175 name of the Senator from Wisconsin By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and EINSTEIN (Mr. JOHNSON) was added as a cosponsor Ms. SMITH): At the request of Mrs. F , the S. 2610. A bill to reauthorize certain pro- name of the Senator from Massachu- of S. 803, a bill to amend the Internal grams under the Office of Indian Energy Pol- setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- Revenue Code of 1986 to restore incen- icy and Programs of the Department of En- sponsor of S. 175, a bill to improve agri- tives for investments in qualified im- ergy, and for other purposes; to the Com- cultural job opportunities, benefits, provement property. mittee on Indian Affairs. and security for aliens in the United S. 879 By Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and States, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. SCHUMER): S. 2611. A bill to amend title 49, United S. 433 the name of the Senator from Con- States Code, to modify the definition of com- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added mercial motor vehicle, and for other pur- name of the Senator from Vermont as a cosponsor of S. 879, a bill to pro- poses; to the Committee on Commerce, (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor vide a process for granting lawful per- Science, and Transportation. of S. 433, a bill to amend title XVIII of manent resident status to aliens from By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and the Social Security Act to improve certain countries who meet specified Mr. GRAHAM): eligibility requirements, and for other S. 2612. A bill for the relief of Maria Isabel home health payment reforms under Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and the Medicare program. purposes. Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso; to the Com- S. 477 S. 983 mittee on the Judiciary. At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the At the request of Mr. COONS, the By Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms. HARRIS (for name of the Senator from Connecticut name of the Senator from New Hamp- herself, Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and sponsor of S. 983, a bill to amend the Ms. KLOBUCHAR)): of S. 477, a bill to authorize the Na- S. 2613. A bill to provide a path to end tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- Energy Conservation and Production homelessness in the United States, and for ministration to establish a Climate Act to reauthorize the weatherization other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- Change Education Program, and for assistance program, and for other pur- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. other purposes. poses. By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mr. S. 518 S. 1012 MURPHY): S. 2614. A bill to prohibit certain noncom- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the pete agreements, and for other purposes; to names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, SCHATZ) and the Senator from Virginia MCSALLY) was added as a cosponsor of and Pensions. (Mr. WARNER) were added as cosponsors S. 1012, a bill to amend the Public By Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. of S. 518, a bill to amend title XVIII of Health Service Act to protect the con- CARDIN, Ms. COLLINS, and Ms. CANT- the Social Security Act to provide for fidentiality of substance use disorder WELL): patient records. S. 2615. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Medicare coverage of certain enue Code of 1986 to improve the historic re- lymphedema compression treatment S. 1015 habilitation tax credit, and for other pur- items as items of durable medical At the request of Mr. BURR, the name poses; to the Committee on Finance. equipment. of the Senator from Oregon (Mr.

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Washington (Mrs. MURRAY) were added sponsor of S. 2158, a bill to improve cer- S. 1032 as cosponsors of S. 1267, a bill to estab- tain programs of the Department of At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the lish within the Smithsonian Institu- Health and Human Services with re- names of the Senator from North Da- tion the National Museum of the Amer- spect to heritable disorders. kota (Mr. HOEVEN), the Senator from ican Latino, and for other purposes. S. 2160 Montana (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator S. 1564 At the request of Mr. SCOTT of South from Idaho (Mr. RISCH) were added as At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the Carolina, the name of the Senator from cosponsors of S. 1032, a bill to amend name of the Senator from Nebraska Montana (Mr. TESTER) was added as a the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to (Mrs. FISCHER) was added as a cospon- cosponsor of S. 2160, a bill to require modify the definition of income for sor of S. 1564, a bill to require the Secu- carbon monoxide alarms in certain fed- purposes of determining the tax-ex- rities and Exchange Commission and erally assisted housing, and for other empt status of certain corporations. certain Federal agencies to carry out a purposes. S. 1045 study relating to accounting standards, S. 2179 At the request of Mr. YOUNG, the and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. S. 1725 names of the Senator from Michigan SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. PETERS) and the Senator from 1045, a bill to amend the Public Health At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the Delaware (Mr. CARPER) were added as Service Act to expand the authority of name of the Senator from Montana cosponsors of S. 2179, a bill to amend the Secretary of Health and Human (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor the Older Americans Act of 1965 to pro- Services to permit nurses to practice in of S. 1725, a bill to permit occupational vide social service agencies with the health care facilities with critical therapists to conduct the initial assess- resources to provide services to meet shortages of nurses through programs ment visit and complete the com- the urgent needs of Holocaust sur- for loan repayment and scholarships prehensive assessment under a Medi- vivors to age in place with dignity, for nurses. care home health plan of care for cer- comfort, security, and quality of life. S. 1048 tain rehabilitation cases. S. 2216 At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 1822 At the request of Mr. PETERS, the the name of the Senator from Wis- At the request of Mr. WICKER, the name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. consin (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a names of the Senator from Missouri KAINE) was added as a cosponsor of S. cosponsor of S. 1048, a bill to amend the (Mr. BLUNT) and the Senator from Flor- 2216, a bill to require the Secretary of Public Health Service Act to provide ida (Mr. RUBIO) were added as cospon- for a Reducing Youth Use of E–Ciga- sors of S. 1822, a bill to require the Fed- Veterans Affairs to formally recognize rettes Initiative. eral Communications Commission to caregivers of veterans, notify veterans and caregivers of clinical determina- S. 1168 issue rules relating to the collection of tions relating to eligibility for care- At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the data with respect to the availability of name of the Senator from South Da- broadband services, and for other pur- giver programs, and temporarily ex- tend benefits for veterans who are de- kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- poses. termined ineligible for the family care- sponsor of S. 1168, a bill to amend the S. 1838 giver program, and for other purposes. Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the S. 2254 campus access at public institutions of names of the Senator from Massachu- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the higher education for religious groups. setts (Ms. WARREN), the Senator from name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. S. 1203 Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) and the WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT) were 2254, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- the name of the Senator from Virginia added as cosponsors of S. 1838, a bill to enue Code of 1986 to create a Pension (Mr. WARNER) was added as a cosponsor amend the Hong Kong Policy Act of Rehabilitation Trust Fund, to establish of S. 1203, a bill to amend the Higher 1992, and for other purposes. Education Act of 1965 in order to im- a Pension Rehabilitation Administra- S. 1908 prove the public service loan forgive- tion within the Department of the At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, ness program, and for other purposes. Treasury to make loans to multiem- the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- S. 1235 ployer defined benefit plans, and for vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, other purposes. sponsor of S. 1908, a bill to amend the the name of the Senator from Vermont S. 2289 Richard B. Russell National School (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Lunch Act to improve the efficiency of of S. 1235, a bill to require the Sec- the name of the Senator from Arizona summer meals. retary of the Treasury to mint coins in (Ms. SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor commemoration of ratification of the S. 2059 of S. 2289, a bill to amend the Internal 19th Amendment to the Constitution of At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for an the United States, giving women in the name of the Senator from North Caro- extension of the energy credit and the United States the right to vote. lina (Mr. BURR) was added as a cospon- credit for residential energy efficient S. 1253 sor of S. 2059, a bill to provide a civil property. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the remedy for individuals harmed by sanc- S. 2295 names of the Senator from Wisconsin tuary jurisdiction policies, and for At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the (Ms. BALDWIN), the Senator from Illi- other purposes. name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. nois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) and the Senator S. 2074 BRAUN) was added as a cosponsor of S. from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) were added as At the request of Ms. HASSAN, the 2295, a bill to amend the Federal Water cosponsors of S. 1253, a bill to apply re- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. Pollution Control Act to reauthorize quirements relating to delivery sales of MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, cigarettes to delivery sales of elec- S. 2074, a bill to amend section 303(g) of and for other purposes. tronic nicotine delivery systems, and the Controlled Substances Act (21 S. 2417 for other purposes. U.S.C. 823(g)) to eliminate the separate At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the S. 1267 registration requirement for dispensing name of the Senator from North Da- At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the narcotic drugs in schedule III, IV, or V, kota (Mr. HOEVEN) was added as a co- names of the Senator from Minnesota such as buprenorphine, for mainte- sponsor of S. 2417, a bill to provide for

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A bill to amend the Immigra- from California (Ms. HARRIS), the Sen- At the request of Mr. PETERS, the tion and Nationality Act to end the im- ator from California (Mrs. FEINSTEIN), name of the Senator from South Da- migrant visa backlog, and for other the Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- the Senator from Oregon (Mr. sponsor of S. 2434, a bill to establish diciary. MERKLEY) and the Senator from Colo- the National Criminal Justice Commis- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask rado (Mr. BENNET) were added as co- sion. unanimous consent that the text of the S. 2439 sponsors of S.J. Res. 53, a joint resolu- tion providing for congressional dis- bill be printed in the RECORD. At the request of Mr. KING, the name approval under chapter 8 of title 5, There being no objection, the text of of the Senator from Maine (Ms. COL- United States Code, of the rule sub- the bill was ordered to be printed in LINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. the RECORD, as follows: 2439, a bill to amend the Trademark mitted by the Environmental Protec- Act of 1946 to provide that the licens- tion Agency relating to ‘‘Repeal of the S. 2603 ing of a mark for use by a related com- Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- pany may not be construed as estab- for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From resentatives of the United States of America in lishing an employment relationship be- Existing Electric Utility Generating Congress assembled, tween the owner of the mark, or an au- Units; Revisions to Emission Guide- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. thorizing person, and either that re- lines Implementing Regulations’’. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Resolving lated company or the employees of S.J. RES. 57 Extended Limbo for Immigrant Employees and Families Act’’ or the ‘‘RELIEF Act’’. that related company, and for other At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the purposes. names of the Senator from Colorado SEC. 2. NUMERICAL LIMITATION TO ANY SINGLE FOREIGN STATE. S. 2461 (Mr. GARDNER) and the Senator from (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 202(a)(2) of the Connecticut (Mr. MURPHY) were added At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. name of the Senator from Wisconsin as cosponsors of S.J. Res. 57, a joint 1152(a)(2)) is amended— (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- resolution opposing the decision to end (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking sor of S. 2461, a bill to designate a por- certain United States efforts to pre- ‘‘AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED’’; tion of the Arctic National Wildlife vent Turkish military operations (2) by striking ‘‘(3), (4), and (5),’’ and in- Refuge as wilderness. against Syrian Kurdish forces in serting ‘‘(3) and (4),’’; (3) by striking ‘‘subsections (a) and (b) of S. 2546 Northeast Syria. section 203’’ and inserting ‘‘section 203(a)’’; At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the S. CON. RES. 21 (4) by striking ‘‘7’’ and inserting ‘‘15’’; and name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. At the request of Mr. COTTON, the (5) by striking ‘‘such subsections’’ and in- MORAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from South Da- serting ‘‘such section’’. 2546, a bill to amend the Employee Re- kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 202 tirement Income Security Act of 1974 sponsor of S. Con. Res. 21, a concurrent of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 to require a group health plan or resolution strongly condemning human U.S.C. 1152) is amended— health insurance coverage offered in rights violations, violence against ci- (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘‘both connection with such a plan to provide subsections (a) and (b) of section 203’’ and in- vilians, and cooperation with Iran by serting ‘‘section 203(a)’’; an exceptions process for any medica- the Houthi movement and its allies in (2) by striking subsection (a)(5); and tion step therapy protocol, and for Yemen. (3) by amending subsection (e) to read as other purposes. S. RES. 303 follows: S. 2550 ‘‘(e) SPECIAL RULES FOR COUNTRIES AT At the request of Mr. HAWLEY, the CEILING.—If it is determined that the total At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the name of the Senator from Mississippi name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. number of immigrant visas made available (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor under section 203(a) to natives of any single BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. of S. Res. 303, a resolution calling upon foreign state or dependent area will exceed 2550, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- the leadership of the Government of the numerical limitation specified in sub- enue Code of 1986 to deny the deduction the Democratic People’s Republic of section (a)(2) in any fiscal year, in deter- for advertising and promotional ex- Korea to dismantle its kwan-li-so po- mining the allotment of immigrant visa penses for tobacco products and elec- litical prison labor camp system, and numbers to natives under section 203(a), visa numbers with respect to natives of that state tronic nicotine delivery systems. for other purposes. S. 2574 or area shall be allocated (to the extent prac- S. RES. 318 ticable and otherwise consistent with this At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the section and section 203) in a manner so that, name of the Senator from New York At the request of Mr. RISCH, the name of the Senator from Arkansas except as provided in subsection (a)(4), the (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- proportion of the visa numbers made avail- sponsor of S. 2574, a bill to amend title (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- able under each of paragraphs (1) through (4) XIX of the Social Security Act to in- sor of S. Res. 318, a resolution to sup- of section 203(a) is equal to the ratio of the crease the ability of Medicare and Med- port the Global Fund to fight AIDS, total number of visas made available under icaid providers to access the National Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the the respective paragraph to the total number Practitioner Data Bank for the purpose Sixth Replenishment. of visas made available under section 203(a).’’. of conducting employee background S. RES. 339 (c) COUNTRY-SPECIFIC OFFSET.—Section 2 of checks. At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 (8 S.J. RES. 53 of the Senator from Washington (Mrs. U.S.C. 1255 note) is amended— At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the MURRAY) was added as a cosponsor of (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘sub- names of the Senator from Rhode Is- S. Res. 339, a resolution supporting the section (e))’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (d))’’; land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE), the Senator goals and ideals of National Retire- and (2) by striking subsection (d) and redesig- from Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), ment Security Week, including raising nating subsection (e) as subsection (d). the Senator from Michigan (Ms. STABE- public awareness of the various tax- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments NOW), the Senator from Maryland (Mr. preferred retirement vehicles, increas- made by this section shall take effect as if VAN HOLLEN), the Senator from Min- ing personal financial literacy, and en- enacted on September 30, 2019, and shall nesota (Ms. SMITH), the Senator from gaging the people of the United States apply to fiscal years beginning with fiscal Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator on the keys to success in achieving and year 2020. from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ), the maintaining retirement security (e) TRANSITION RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT- Senator from New York (Mrs. GILLI- throughout their lifetimes. BASED IMMIGRANTS.—

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(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the succeeding the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 ‘‘(iv) a child or spouse of an alien described paragraphs of this subsection and notwith- U.S.C. 1151, 1152), as amended by this Act, ad- in clause (ii), who is accompanying or fol- standing title II of the Immigration and Na- ditional immigrant visas under section 203 of lowing to join the alien; tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.), the fol- the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 ‘‘(v) an alien admitted under section 211(a) lowing rules shall apply: U.S.C. 1153) shall be made available and allo- on the basis of a prior issuance of a visa to (A) For fiscal year 2020, 15 percent of the cated— the alien’s accompanying parent who is an immigrant visas made available under each (A) such that no alien who is a beneficiary immediate relative; and of paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) of section 203(b) of a petition for an immigrant visa under ‘‘(vi) an alien born to an alien lawfully ad- of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall be allotted such section 203 receives a visa later than mitted for permanent residence during a to immigrants who are natives of a foreign the alien otherwise would have received such temporary visit abroad. state or dependent area that is not one of the visa had this Act not been enacted; and ‘‘(C) TREATMENT OF SPOUSE AND CHILDREN two states with the largest aggregate num- (B) to permit all visas to be distributed in OF DECEASED CITIZEN OR LAWFUL PERMANENT bers of natives who are beneficiaries of ap- accordance with this section. RESIDENT.—If an alien who was the spouse or proved petitions for immigrant status under SEC. 3. ENDING IMMIGRANT VISA BACKLOG. child of a citizen of the United States or of such paragraphs. (a) IN GENERAL.—In addition to any immi- an alien lawfully admitted for permanent (B) For fiscal year 2021, 10 percent of the grant visa made available under the Immi- residence and was not legally separated from immigrant visas made available under each gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et the citizen or lawful permanent resident at of such paragraphs shall be allotted to immi- seq.), as amended by this Act, subject to the time of the citizen’s or lawful permanent grants who are natives of a foreign state or paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary of State resident’s death files a petition under section dependent area that is not one of the two shall make immigrant visas available to— 204(a)(1)(B), the alien spouse (and each child states with the largest aggregate numbers of (1) aliens who are beneficiaries of petitions of the alien) shall remain, for purposes of natives who are beneficiaries of approved pe- filed under subsection (b) of section 203 of this paragraph, an immediate relative during titions for immigrant status under such such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153) before the date of the the period beginning on the date of the citi- paragraphs. enactment of this Act; and zen’s or permanent resident’s death and end- (C) For fiscal year 2022, 10 percent of the (2) aliens who are beneficiaries of petitions ing on the date on which the alien spouse re- immigrant visas made available under each filed under subsection (a) of such section be- marries. of such paragraphs shall be allotted to immi- fore the date of the enactment of this Act. ‘‘(D) PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF ABUSE.—An grants who are natives of a foreign state or (b) ALLOCATION OF VISAS.—The visas made alien who has filed a petition under clause dependent area that is not one of the two available under this section shall be allo- (iii) or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A) shall re- states with the largest aggregate numbers of cated as follows: main, for purposes of this paragraph, an im- natives who are beneficiaries of approved pe- (1) EMPLOYMENT-SPONSORED IMMIGRANT mediate relative if the United States citizen titions for immigrant status under such VISAS.—In each of fiscal years 2020 through or lawful permanent resident spouse or par- paragraphs. 2024, the Secretary of State shall allocate to ent loses United States citizenship on ac- (2) PER-COUNTRY LEVELS.— aliens described in subsection (a)(1) a num- count of the abuse.’’; and (A) RESERVED VISAS.—With respect to the ber of immigrant visas equal to 1/5 of the (2) in section 203(a) (8 U.S.C. 1153(a))— visas reserved under each of subparagraphs number of aliens described in such sub- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘23,400’’ (A) through (C) of paragraph (1), the number section the visas of whom have not been and inserting ‘‘111,334’’; and of such visas made available to natives of issued as of the date of the enactment of this (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as any single foreign state or dependent area in Act. follows: the appropriate fiscal year may not exceed 25 (2) FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRANT VISAS.— ‘‘(2) UNMARRIED SONS AND UNMARRIED percent (in the case of a single foreign state) In each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024, the DAUGHTERS OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESI- or 2 percent (in the case of a dependent area) Secretary of State shall allocate to aliens DENTS.—Qualified immigrants who are the of the total number of such visas. described in subsection (a)(2) a number of unmarried sons or unmarried daughters (but (B) UNRESERVED VISAS.—With respect to immigrant visas equal to 1/5 of the difference are not the children) of aliens lawfully ad- the immigrant visas made available under between— mitted for permanent residence shall be allo- each of paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) of section (A) the number of aliens described in such 203(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) and not cated visas in a number not to exceed 26,266, subsection the visas of whom have not been plus— reserved under paragraph (1), for each of fis- issued as of the date of the enactment of this cal years 2020, 2021, and 2022, not more than ‘‘(A) the number of visas by which the Act; and worldwide level exceeds 226,000; and 85 percent shall be allotted to immigrants (B) the number of aliens described in sub- who are natives of any single foreign state. ‘‘(B) the number of visas not required for section (a)(1). the class specified in paragraph (1).’’. (3) SPECIAL RULE TO PREVENT UNUSED (c) ORDER OF ISSUANCE FOR PREVIOUSLY (b) PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM AGING VISAS.—If, with respect to fiscal year 2020, FILED APPLICATIONS.—The visas made avail- OUT.—Section 203(h) of the Immigration and 2021, or 2022, the operation of paragraphs (1) able under this section shall be issued in ac- and (2) of this subsection would prevent the cordance with section 202 of the Immigration Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(h)) is amend- total number of immigrant visas made avail- and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152), as ed— able under paragraph (2) or (3) of section amended by this Act, in the order in which (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as 203(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) from the petitions under section 203 of such Act (8 follows: being issued, such visas may be issued during U.S.C. 1153) were filed. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of sub- the remainder of such fiscal year without re- SEC. 4. KEEPING AMERICAN FAMILIES TO- section (d), a determination of whether an gard to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this sub- GETHER. alien satisfies the age requirement in the section. (a) RECLASSIFICATION OF SPOUSES AND matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section (4) TRANSITION RULE FOR CURRENTLY AP- MINOR CHILDREN OF LAWFUL PERMANENT 101(b)(1) shall be made using the age of the PROVED BENEFICIARIES.— RESIDENTS AS IMMEDIATE RELATIVES AND EX- alien on the date on which the petition is (A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section EMPTION OF DERIVATIVES.—The Immigration filed with the Secretary of Homeland Secu- 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is rity under section 204.’’; as amended by this Act, immigrant visas amended— (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as under section 203(b) of the Immigration and (1) in section 201(b) (8 U.S.C. 1151(b))— follows: Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall be al- (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end ‘‘(2) PETITIONS DESCRIBED.—A petition de- located such that no alien described in sub- the following: scribed in this paragraph is a petition filed paragraph (B) receives a visa later than the ‘‘(F) Aliens who derive status under sec- under section 204 for classification of— alien otherwise would have received said visa tion 203(d).’’; and ‘‘(A) the alien’s parent under subsection had this Act not been enacted. (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as (a), (b), or (c); or (B) ALIEN DESCRIBED.—An alien is de- follows: ‘‘(B) the alien as an immediate relative scribed in this subparagraph if the alien is ‘‘(2)(A) IMMEDIATE RELATIVES.—Aliens who based on classification as a child of— the beneficiary of a petition for an immi- are immediate relatives. ‘‘(i) a citizen of the United States; or grant visa under section 203(b) of the Immi- ‘‘(B) DEFINITION OF IMMEDIATE RELATIVE.— ‘‘(ii) a lawful permanent resident.’’; gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) In this paragraph, the term ‘immediate rel- (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘sub- that was approved prior to the date of enact- ative’ means— sections (a)(2)(A) and’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- ment of this Act. ‘‘(i) a child, spouse, or parent of a citizen of section’’; and (5) RULES FOR CHARGEABILITY.—Section the United States, except that in the case of (4) by adding at the end the following: 202(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(b)) shall such a parent such citizen shall be at least 21 ‘‘(5) TREATMENT FOR NONIMMIGRANT CAT- apply in determining the foreign state to years of age; EGORIES PURPOSES.—An alien dependent which an alien is chargeable for purposes of ‘‘(ii) a child or spouse of an alien lawfully treated as a child for immigrant visa pur- this subsection. admitted for permanent residence; poses under this subsection shall be treated (6) ENSURING AVAILABILITY OF IMMIGRANT ‘‘(iii) a child or spouse of an alien described as a dependent child for nonimmigrant cat- VISAS.—For each of fiscal years 2020 through in clause (i), who is accompanying or fol- egories.’’. 2024, notwithstanding sections 201 and 202 of lowing to join the alien; (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—

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(1) DEFINITIONS.—Section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of United States or lawful permanent resident; 203(a)(2), and who resides, or has resided in the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 or the past, with the alien’s permanent resident U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(K)(ii)) is amended by strik- ‘‘(CC) who was a bona fide spouse of a cit- alien parent may file a petition with the ing ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and inserting izen of the United States or a lawful perma- Secretary of Homeland Security under this ‘‘section 201(b)(2) (other than clause (v) or nent resident within the past 2 years and subparagraph for classification of the alien (vi) of subparagraph (B))’’. whose spouse died within the past 2 years, (and any child of the alien) under such sec- (2) RULES FOR DETERMINING WHETHER CER- whose spouse renounced citizenship status or tion if the alien demonstrates to the Sec- TAIN ALIENS ARE IMMEDIATE RELATIVES.—Sec- renounced or lost status as a lawful perma- retary that the alien has been battered by or tion 201(f) of the Immigration and Nation- nent resident within the past 2 years related has been the subject of extreme cruelty per- ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(f)) is amended— to an incident of domestic violence, or who petrated by the alien’s permanent resident (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘para- demonstrates a connection between the legal parent. graphs (2) and (3),’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph termination of the marriage within the past ‘‘(iii)(I) For purposes of a petition filed or (2),’’; 2 years and battering or extreme cruelty by approved under clause (ii), the loss of lawful (B) by striking paragraph (2); a spouse who is a citizen of the United States permanent resident status by a parent after (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) or a lawful permanent resident spouse; the filing of a petition under that clause as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and ‘‘(bb) who is a person of good moral char- shall not adversely affect approval of the pe- (D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by acter; tition, and for an approved petition, shall striking ‘‘through (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘and ‘‘(cc) who is eligible to be classified as an not affect the alien’s ability to adjust status (2)’’. immediate relative under section 201(b)(2)(B) under subsections (a) and (c) of section 245 or (3) PER COUNTRY LEVEL.—Section or who would have been so classified but for obtain status as a lawful permanent resident 202(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nation- the bigamy of the citizen of the United based on an approved self-petition under ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(1)(A)) is amended States or lawful permanent resident that the clause (ii). by striking ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and in- alien intended to marry; and ‘‘(II) Upon the lawful permanent resident serting ‘‘section 201(b)(2) (other than clause ‘‘(dd) who has resided with the alien’s parent becoming or establishing the exist- (v) or (vi) of subparagraph (B))’’. spouse or intended spouse.’’; ence of United States citizenship through (4) NUMERICAL LIMITATION TO ANY SINGLE (dd) by amending clause (iv) to read as fol- naturalization, acquisition of citizenship, or FOREIGN STATE.—Section 202(a)(4) (8 U.S.C. lows: other means, any petition filed with the Sec- 1152(a)(4)) is amended— ‘‘(iv) An alien who is the child of a citizen retary of Homeland Security and pending or (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B); or lawful permanent resident of the United approved under clause (ii) on behalf of an (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and States, or who was a child of a United States alien who has been battered or subjected to (D) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respec- citizen or lawful permanent resident parent extreme cruelty shall be deemed reclassified tively; and who within the past 2 years lost or re- as a petition filed under subparagraph (A) (C) in subparagraph (A), as so redesig- nounced citizenship status related to an inci- even if the acquisition of citizenship occurs nated— dent of domestic violence, and who is a per- the termination of parental rights.’’; and (i) by striking the undesignated matter fol- son of good moral character, who is eligible (III) in subparagraph (D)(i)(I), by striking lowing clause (ii); to be classified as an immediate relative ‘‘paragraph (1), (2), or (3)’’ and inserting (ii) by striking clause (ii); under section 201(b)(2)(B), and who resides, or ‘‘paragraph (1) or (3)’’; and (iii) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘, or’’ and in- has resided in the past, with the citizen or (ii) in paragraph (2)— serting a period; and lawful permanent resident parent may file a (I) by striking ‘‘spousal second preference (iv) in the matter preceding clause (i), by petition with the Secretary of Homeland Se- petition’’ each place it appears and inserting striking ‘‘section 203(a)(2)(B) may not ex- curity under this subparagraph for classifica- ‘‘petition for the spouse of an alien lawfully ceed’’ and all that follows through ‘‘23 per- tion of the alien (and any child of the alien) admitted for permanent residence’’; and cent’’ in clause (i) and inserting ‘‘section under such section if the alien demonstrates (II) in the undesignated matter following 203(a)(2) may not exceed 23 percent’’. to the Secretary that the alien has been bat- subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘preference (5) PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING IMMIGRANT tered by or has been the subject of extreme status under section 203(a)(2)’’ and inserting STATUS.—Section 204 of the Immigration and cruelty perpetrated by the alien’s citizen or ‘‘classification as an immediate relative Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) is amended— lawful permanent resident parent. For pur- under section 201(b)(2)(B)(ii)’’; (A) in subsection (a)— poses of this clause, residence includes any (B) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘or (i) in paragraph (1)— period of visitation.’’; and preference status’’; and (I) in subparagraph (A)— (ee) in clause (v)(I), in the matter pre- (C) in subsection (k)(1), by striking (aa) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘section ceding item (aa), by inserting ‘‘or lawful per- ‘‘203(a)(2)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘203(a)(2)’’. 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and inserting ‘‘clause (i) or manent resident’’ after ‘‘citizen’’; (6) EXCLUDABLE ALIENS.—Section (ii) of section 201(b)(2)(B)’’; (ff) in clause (vi), by striking ‘‘renunci- 212(d)(12)(B) of the Immigration and Nation- (bb) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘the second ation of citizenship’’ and all that follows ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(12)(B)) is amended sentence of section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and in- through ‘‘citizenship status’’ and inserting by striking ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(A)’’ and insert- serting ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(C)’’; ‘‘renunciation of citizenship or lawful per- ing ‘‘section 201(b)(2) (other than subpara- (cc) by amending clause (iii) to read as fol- manent resident status, death of the abuser, graph (B)(vi))’’. lows: divorce, or changes to the abuser’s citizen- (7) ADMISSION OF NONIMMIGRANTS.—Section ‘‘(iii)(I) An alien who is described in clause ship or lawful permanent resident status’’; 214(r)(3)(A) of the Immigration and Nation- (ii) may file a petition with the Secretary of and ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(r)(3)(A)) is amended Homeland Security under this subparagraph (gg) in clause (vii), by striking ‘‘section by striking ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and in- for classification of the alien (and any child 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ each place it appears and in- serting ‘‘section 201(b)(2) (other than clause of the alien) if the alien demonstrates to the serting ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(B)’’; (v) or (vi) of subparagraph (B)).’’ Secretary that— (II) by amending subparagraph (B) to read (8) DEFINITION OF ALIEN SPOUSE.—Section ‘‘(aa) the marriage or the intent to marry as follows: 216(h)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nation- the citizen of the United States or lawful ‘‘(B)(i)(I) Except as provided in subclause ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186a(h)(1)(A)) is amended permanent resident was entered into in good (II), any alien lawfully admitted for perma- by inserting ‘‘or an alien lawfully admitted faith by the alien; and nent residence claiming that an alien is enti- for permanent residence’’ after ‘‘United ‘‘(bb) during the marriage or relationship tled to a classification by reason of the rela- States’’. intended by the alien to be legally a mar- tionship described in section 203(a)(2) may (9) REFUGEE CRISIS IN IRAQ ACT OF 2007.— riage, the alien or a child of the alien has file a petition with the Attorney General for Section 1243(a)(4) of the Refugee Crisis in been battered or has been the subject of ex- such classification. Iraq Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–118; 8 U.S.C. treme cruelty perpetrated by the alien’s ‘‘(II) Subclause (I) shall not apply in the 1157 note) is amended by striking ‘‘section spouse or intended spouse. case of an alien lawfully admitted for perma- 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and inserting ‘‘section ‘‘(II) For purposes of subclause (I), an alien nent residence who has been convicted of a 201(b)(2) (other than clause (v) or (vi) of sub- described in this subclause is an alien— specified offense against a minor (as defined paragraph (B))’’. ‘‘(aa)(AA) who is the spouse of a citizen of in subparagraph (A)(viii)(II)), unless the Sec- (10) PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATIONS.— the United States or lawful permanent resi- retary of Homeland Security, in the Sec- Section 233(b)(1) of the Department of State dent; retary’s sole and unreviewable discretion, de- Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public ‘‘(BB) who believed that he or she had mar- termines that such person poses no risk to Law 107–228; 8 U.S.C. 1201 note) is amended ried a citizen of the United States or lawful the alien with respect to whom a petition de- by striking ‘‘section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)’’ and in- permanent resident and with whom a mar- scribed in subclause (I) is filed. serting ‘‘section 201(b)(2) (other than clause riage ceremony was actually performed and ‘‘(ii) An alien who was the child of a lawful (v) or (vi) of subparagraph (B))’’. who otherwise meets any applicable require- permanent resident who within the past 2 ments under this Act to establish the exist- years lost lawful permanent resident status By Mr. UDALL (for himself and ence of and bona fides of a marriage, but due to an incident of domestic violence, and Mr. SCOTT of Florida): whose marriage is not legitimate solely be- who is a person of good moral character, who S. 2604. A bill to require the Adminis- cause of the bigamy of such citizen of the is eligible for classification under section trator of the National Highway Traffic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.040 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 Safety Administration to work with per year toward drunk driver detection tion software, and companies are actively vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and technology during fiscal years 2021 and pursuing solutions to the significant problem other interested parties to advance the 2022. The bill will fund the technology of drunk driving. technology developed by the Driver Al- transfer of this software to ready it for SEC. 3. ADVANCED DRUNK DRIVING PREVENTION cohol Detection System for Safety Re- installation and testing in vehicles. TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: search Program, and for other pur- At the same time the Federal govern- ment has moved to introduce this tech- (1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis- poses; to the Committee on Commerce, trator’’ means the Administrator of the Na- Science, and Transportation. nology, some private automobile man- tional Highway Traffic Safety Administra- Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I ask ufacturers are also developing tech- tion. unanimous consent that the text of the nology of their own for installation in (2) DADSS.—The term ‘‘DADSS’’ means bill be printed in the RECORD. their vehicles. They are to be ap- the Driver Alcohol Detection System for There being no objection, the text of plauded. Safety Research Program carried out the bill was ordered to be printed in NHTSA and the Automotive Coali- through a public-private partnership be- tween the National Highway Traffic Safety the RECORD, as follows: tion for Traffic Safety, of which every Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise major automobile manufacturer is a Administration and the Automotive Coali- member, have engaged in a decade-long tion for Traffic Safety. today to introduce the Reduce Im- (3) NEW VEHICLE.—The term ‘‘new vehicle’’ paired Driving for Everyone Act of 2019 public-private partnership to research, has the meaning given the term in section or RIDE Act of 2019. I would like to manufacture, and test equipment to 37.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations thank my co-sponsor, Senator RICK make vehicles inoperable if alcohol is (or a successor regulation). SCOTT of Florida, who joins me on this present in a person’s breath. They are (b) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND VEHICLE IN- important bill—a bill that will help engaged now in calibration to ensure TEGRATION.— end drunk driving and prevent thou- that a vehicle will be inoperable only if (1) IN GENERAL.—During fiscal years 2021 sands of fatalities and injuries across a driver is above the legal limit. and 2022, the Administrator shall work di- NHTSA and ACTS are working with rectly with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, the nation. and other interested parties, including insti- While we have made progress over the states of Maryland and Virginia to tutions of higher education with expertise in the last several decades to reduce test this technology. Real world test- automotive engineering, to advance the drunk driving on our roads, it is still a ing is essential—which is why the technology developed by DADSS, and other national tragedy. In 2017, the latest RIDE Act will empower the Federal suitable advanced drunk driving prevention year for which we have statistics, the General Services Administration to in- technology, as determined by the Adminis- National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- corporate anti-drunk driving software trator, with the goal of integrating the tech- ministration found that 10,874 person into its fleet on a pilot basis. nology, at the earliest practicable date, into new vehicles. were killed on American roads by a Finally, the RIDE Act requires the NHTSA to promulgate rules to require (2) FUNDING.—Any amounts made available drunk driver. That’s one death every 48 to carry out this subsection under subsection minutes. And most tragically: every installation of advanced drunk driving (h)(1) shall be made available for the pur- single one of those 10,874 deaths could prevention technology in all new vehi- poses described in paragraph (1) pursuant to have been prevented. cles not later than two years after en- the existing cooperative agreement entered Traffic fatalities due to drunk driv- actment of the bill. Automobile manu- into by the Administrator and the Auto- ing account for one-third of all such fa- facturers will have two model years to motive Coalition for Traffic Safety to carry talities. Yet, drunk drivers have only a comply with the rule. This means the out DADSS. two percent chance of being caught. RIDE Act sets out about a four year (c) DEMONSTRATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN FED- ERAL FLEETS.— And one study found that the average window to prevent drunk driving in all (1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning in fiscal year drunk driver has driven drunk 87 times new vehicles. This tremendous goal is 2021, the Administrator shall work with the before being arrested. The RIDE Act within reach. Administrator of General Services to dem- aims to make sure these drivers do not Again, I appreciate the support of my onstrate advanced drunk driving prevention hit the road in the first place. colleague, Senator SCOTT. The RIDE technology in not fewer than 2,500 vehicles in I’m not new to this fight. When I was Act should have strong bipartisan sup- Federal fleets. Attorney General of New Mexico in the port. Drunk drivers don’t discriminate (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out para- 1990’s, our State had one of the highest on the basis of political party. I urge graph (1), the Administrator shall ensure DWI rates in the Nation. Then, on all our colleagues to join us in this im- that the fleet vehicles in which advanced portant fight against drunk driving drunk driving prevention technology is dem- Christmas Eve in 1992, a drunk driver onstrated— killed a mother and her three young and the devastation that it causes. (A) are driven not less than 3 days per daughters as he sped down the highway S. 2604 week; the wrong way going 90 miles per hour. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (B) are located in various regions in the That tragedy galvanized me and many resentatives of the United States of America in United States; and others in our State. I worked to impose Congress assembled, (C) collectively include not more than 3 stronger penalties for repeat offenders, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. make, model, and model year combinations. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Reduce Im- impose a lower legal limit for intoxica- (d) PILOT DEPLOYMENT OF PROTOTYPE AD- paired Driving for Everyone Act of 2019’’ or VANCED DRUNK DRIVING PREVENTION TECH- tion, and close drive-up liquor win- the ‘‘RIDE Act of 2019’’. NOLOGY IN NON-FEDERAL FLEETS.— dows. Those efforts and the efforts of SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (1) IN GENERAL.—To assist in the develop- many others across New Mexico helped Congress finds that— ment of, and to aid the creation of market bring down the number of alcohol-re- (1) alcohol-impaired driving fatalities rep- demand for, advanced drunk driving preven- lated fatalities from 460 in 1992 to 131 in resent approximately 1⁄3 of all highway fa- tion technology, the Administrator shall 2017. But that’s 131 too many. And so talities in the United States each year; carry out a program to encourage the use of we have more work to do in New Mex- (2) in 2017, there were 10,874 alcohol-im- advanced drunk driving prevention tech- ico and across the Nation. paired driving fatalities in the United States nology in— involving drivers with a blood alcohol con- (A) State and local government fleets; and I’ve worked many years to fund de- centration level of .08 or higher, and 68 per- (B) private sector fleets. velopment of the Driver Alcohol Detec- cent of the crashes that resulted in those fa- (2) FUNDING.— tion System for Safety or DADSS tech- talities involved a driver with a blood alco- (A) IN GENERAL.—Out of any amounts made nology—technology that prevents driv- hol concentration level of .15 or higher; available to the Administrator and not oth- ers impaired above the legal limit from (3) the estimated economic cost for alco- erwise obligated, the Administrator shall use ever taking the wheel. When I first hol-impaired driving in 2010 was such sums as are necessary to carry out started advocating for this technology, $44,000,000,000; paragraph (1). it seemed far-fetched to some, out of (4) the National Highway Traffic Safety (B) EXISTING PROGRAM FUNDING.—The Ad- Administration has partnered with auto- ministrator may continue to use, in accord- reach. But, now—it’s being road-tested mobile manufacturers to develop alcohol de- ance with existing guidelines for the rel- and within our grasp. tection technologies that could be installed evant fund, any Federal fund used by the Ad- The RIDE Act builds on the $50 mil- in vehicles to prevent drunk driving; and ministrator on the date of enactment of this lion dollars Congress has appropriated (5) the Federal Government has invested Act to carry out an existing program that since 2008 by appropriating $5 million nearly $50,000,000 in advanced alcohol detec- satisfies the requirements of paragraph (1).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.041 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5847 (e) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after S. 2605. A bill to amend title 49, tional $50,000 in grant funds if, on October 1 the date of enactment of this Act, and every United States Code, to require the Sec- of that fiscal year, the State has enacted and 180 days thereafter, the Administrator shall retary of Transportation to award is enforcing a law or regulation that re- submit to the Committee on Commerce, grants to States that have enacted and quires— Science, and Transportation of the Senate ‘‘(A) any safety inspection of a stretch lim- and the Committee on Energy and Commerce are enforcing certain laws with respect ousine to be conducted at a designated site of the House of Representatives a report de- to stretch limousines, and for other controlled by the State; and scribing the progress of the Administrator in purposes; to the Committee on Com- ‘‘(B) the inspection described in subpara- carrying out subsections (c) and (d). merce, Science, and Transportation. graph (A) to be conducted by employees (f) STAKEHOLDER TEAM.— Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask trained in the inspection of stretch lim- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall unanimous consent that the text of the ousines. establish and maintain a team, to be known bill be printed in the RECORD. ‘‘(e) USE OF FUNDS.—A State receiving a as the ‘‘Stakeholder Team’’, to provide input There being no objection, the text of grant under this section may use grant for the Administrator to consider on issues the bill was ordered to be printed in amounts— of public policy, deployment, and State law ‘‘(1) for the impoundment or immobiliza- relating to the deployment of advanced the RECORD, as follows: tion of a stretch limousine; drunk driving prevention technology in S. 2605 ‘‘(2) for the establishment and operating motor vehicles. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- expenses of designated stretch limousine (2) MEMBERSHIP.—The Stakeholder Team resentatives of the United States of America in safety inspection sites; or shall be composed of— Congress assembled, ‘‘(3) to train employees in the inspection of (A) vehicle manufacturers; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. stretch limousines. (B) suppliers; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Take Unsafe ‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (C) safety advocates; Limos Off the Road Act’’. There is authorized to be appropriated to the (D) fleet administrators or managers; and SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SAFETY OF Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 (E) other interested parties with expertise STRETCH LIMOUSINES. for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2024.’’. in public policy, marketing, or product re- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter IV of chapter (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis lease. 311 of title 49, United States Code, is amend- for subchapter IV of chapter 311 of title 49 is (g) RULEMAKING.— ed by adding at the end the following: amended by inserting after the item relating (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (3), ‘‘§ 31162. Grant program for safety of stretch to section 31161 the following: not later than 2 years after the date of enact- limousines ‘‘31162. Grant program for safety of stretch ment of this Act, the Administrator shall ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: limousines.’’. issue a final rule prescribing a Federal motor ‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE DEFECT.—The term ‘eligible vehicle safety standard that requires ad- defect’ means a defect that would cause a By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself vanced drunk driving prevention technology motor vehicle to fail a commercial motor ve- and Mrs. GILLIBRAND): in all new vehicles. hicle safety inspection. S. 2606. A bill to establish safety (2) REQUIREMENTS.— ‘‘(2) PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE.—The term standards for certain limousines, and (A) LEAD TIME.—The compliance date of ‘passenger motor vehicle’ has the meaning for other purposes; to the Committee the rule issued under paragraph (1) shall be given the term in section 32101. not more than 2 model years after the effec- on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ‘‘(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ tation. tive date of that rule. means the Secretary of Transportation. (B) TECHNICAL CAPABILITY.—Any advanced Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘(4) STRETCH LIMOUSINE.—The term drunk driving prevention technology re- ‘stretch limousine’ means a new or used pas- unanimous consent that the text of the quired for new vehicles under paragraph (1) senger motor vehicle that— bill be printed in the RECORD. that measures blood alcohol concentration ‘‘(A) has been modified, altered, or ex- There being no objection, the text of shall automatically use the legal limit for tended in a manner that increases the over- the bill was ordered to be printed in blood alcohol concentration of the jurisdic- all wheelbase of the vehicle— the RECORD, as follows: tion in which the vehicle is located. ‘‘(i) beyond the wheelbase dimension of the S. 2606 (3) TIMING.—If the Administrator deter- original equipment manufacturer for the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- mines that it is not practicable to issue the base model and year of the vehicle; and resentatives of the United States of America in rule described in paragraph (1) by the appli- ‘‘(ii) to a length sufficient to accommodate Congress assembled, cable date, the Administrator— additional passengers; and (A) may extend the time period for such ‘‘(B) after being altered as described in sub- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. time as the Administrator determines to be paragraph (A), has a seating capacity of not This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Safety, Ac- necessary; and fewer than 9 passengers, including the driver. countability, and Federal Enforcement of (B) shall, not later than the date described ‘‘(b) GRANT PROGRAM.—Each fiscal year, Limos Act of 2019’’ or the ‘‘SAFE Limos in paragraph (1), and not less frequently than the Secretary shall make a grant, in accord- Act’’. annually thereafter until the date on which ance with this section, to each State that is SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. the rule under that paragraph is issued, sub- eligible for a grant under subsection (c). In this Act: mit to the Committee on Commerce, ‘‘(c) ELIGIBILITY.—A State is eligible for a (1) CERTIFIED VEHICLE.—The term ‘‘cer- Science, and Transportation of the Senate grant under this section for a fiscal year if, tified vehicle’’ means a motor vehicle that and the Committee on Energy and Commerce on October 1 of that fiscal year, the State— has been certified in accordance with section of the House of Representatives a report de- ‘‘(1) has enacted a law that requires the 567.4 or 567.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Reg- scribing, as of the date of submission of the impoundment or immobilization of a stretch ulations, to meet all applicable Federal report— limousine that is found to have an eligible motor vehicle safety standards. (i) the reasons for not prescribing a Fed- defect on inspection; and (2) INCOMPLETE VEHICLE.—The term ‘‘in- eral motor vehicle safety standard that re- ‘‘(2) is enforcing the law described in para- complete vehicle’’ has the meaning given quires advanced drunk driving prevention graph (1), as determined by the Secretary. such term in section 567.3 of title 49, Code of technology in all new vehicles; ‘‘(d) GRANT AMOUNTS.— Federal Regulations. (ii) the deployment of advanced drunk ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on October 1 (3) STRETCH LIMOUSINE.—The term ‘‘stretch driving prevention technology in vehicles; of the first fiscal year beginning after the limousine’’ means a new or used passenger (iii) any information regarding the ability date of enactment of this section, the Sec- motor vehicle that has been altered in a of vehicle manufacturers to include ad- retary shall apportion the amounts appro- manner that increases the overall wheelbase vanced drunk driving prevention technology priated to carry out this section to each of the vehicle, exceeding the original equip- in new vehicles; and State that is eligible to receive a grant ment manufacturer’s wheelbase dimension (iv) an anticipated timeline for prescribing under subsection (c) in an amount that is for the base model and year of the vehicle, in the Federal motor vehicle safety standard equal to the quotient obtained by dividing— any amount sufficient to accommodate addi- described in paragraph (1). ‘‘(A) the difference between— tional passengers with a seating capacity of (h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(i) $5,000,000; and not fewer than 9 passengers including the There are authorized to be appropriated— ‘‘(ii) the total amount provided to States driver. (1) to carry out subsection (b), $5,000,000 for under paragraph (2); and (4) STRETCH LIMOUSINE ALTERER.—The term each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022; and ‘‘(B) the number of States eligible for a ‘‘stretch limousine alterer’’ means a person (2) to carry out subsection (c), $25,000,000 grant under subsection (c) for the fiscal year. who alters by addition, substitution, or re- for the period of fiscal years 2021 through ‘‘(2) INCREASE OF GRANT AMOUNTS.—Begin- moval of components (other than readily at- 2022, to remain available until expended. ning on October 1 of the first fiscal year be- tachable components) a certified passenger ginning after the date of enactment of this motor vehicle before or after the first pur- By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself section, a State that is eligible for a grant chase of the vehicle to produce a stretch lim- and Mrs. GILLIBRAND): under subsection (c) may receive an addi- ousine.

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(5) STRETCH LIMOUSINE OPERATOR.—The ‘‘(B) a description of the process and cri- positions or interior configurations, includ- term ‘‘stretch limousine operator’’ means a terion that the Secretary will use for deter- ing perimeter seating arrangements. person who owns or leases and operates a mining whether a vehicle modifier plan en- (b) RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS.—In con- stretch limousine in interstate commerce. sures that a stretch limousine meets applica- ducting the research required under sub- (6) PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE.—The term ble Federal motor vehicle safety standards. section (a), the Secretary shall— ‘‘passenger motor vehicle’’ has the meaning ‘‘(c) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 2 years (1) develop one or more tests to evaluate given that term in section 32101 of title 49, after the Secretary has released the notice side impact protection, roof crush resistance, United States Code. required by subsection (b), a new stretch lim- and air bag systems of stretch limousines; (7) SAFETY BELT.—The term ‘‘safety belt’’ ousine may not be offered for sale, lease, or (2) determine metrics that would be most means an occupant restraint system con- rent, introduced or delivered for introduc- effective at evaluating the side impact pro- sisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. tion in interstate commerce, or imported tection, roof crush resistance, and air bag (8) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ into the United States unless the stretch systems of stretch limousines; and means the Secretary of Transportation. limousine alterer has developed, and the Sec- (3) determine criteria to assure the stretch SEC. 3. STRETCH LIMOUSINE STANDARDS. retary has approved, a vehicle modifier plan. limousines are protecting occupants in any (a) SAFETY BELT STANDARDS FOR STRETCH A vehicle modifier plan includes the fol- alternative seating positions or interior con- LIMOUSINES.—Not later than 2 years after the lowing safety elements: figurations. date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary ‘‘(1) Design, quality control, manufac- (c) REPORT.—Not later than 5 years after shall prescribe a final rule amending Federal turing, and training practices adopted by a the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec- Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Numbers 208 stretch limousine alterer to ensure that a retary shall submit a report describing the to require safety belts to be installed in stretch limousine complies with Federal findings of the research required under this stretch limousines with a gross vehicle motor vehicle safety standards. section to the Committee on Energy and weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds at ‘‘(2) Customer support guidelines, includ- Commerce of the House of Representatives each designated seating position, including ing instructions for stretch limousine occu- and the Committee on Commerce, Science, on side-facing seats. pants to wear seatbelts and stretch lim- and Transportation of the Senate. (b) SEATING SYSTEM STANDARDS FOR ousine operators to notify occupants of the (d) VEHICLE MODIFIER PLANS.—The Sec- STRETCH LIMOUSINES.—Not later than 2 years date and results of the most recent inspec- retary shall incorporate the findings of the after the date of enactment of this Act, the tion of the stretch limousine. research conducted under this section into Secretary shall prescribe a final rule amend- ‘‘(3) Any other safety elements that the the guidelines required under section 30129(a) ing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Secretary determines to be necessary. of title 49 and the process and analysis re- Number 207 to require stretch limousines to ‘‘(d) VEHICLE MODIFIER PLAN.— quired under section 30129(b) of title 49, meet standards for seats (including side-fac- ‘‘(1) APPLICATION.—A stretch limousine United States Code, as added by section 4(a). ing seats), attachment assemblies, and in- alterer shall submit to the Secretary an ap- (e) CRASHWORTHINESS STANDARDS.—The stallation to minimize the possibility of plication for approval of a vehicle modifier Secretary shall issue final motor vehicle their failure by forces acting on them as a plan in such a form, at such a time, and con- safety standards for side impact protection, result of vehicle impact. taining the information required to be in- roof crush resistance, and air bag systems (c) REPORT ON RETROFIT ASSESSMENT FOR cluded in the notice published pursuant to for stretch limousines if the Secretary deter- STRETCH LIMOUSINES.—Not later than 2 years subsection (b). A vehicle modifier plan re- mines that such standards meet the require- after the date of enactment of this Act, the quired under subsection (a) may be approved ments and considerations set forth in sub- Secretary shall submit to the Committee on for not more than 4 years after the date on sections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, Energy and Commerce of the House of Rep- which the plan is approved. United States Code. resentatives and the Committee on Com- ‘‘(2) REVIEW.—The Secretary may approve SEC. 6. STRETCH LIMOUSINE EVACUATION. merce, Science, and Transportation of the a vehicle modifier plan submitted under (a) RESEARCH.—Not later than 2 years after Senate a report that assesses the feasibility, paragraph (1) on a finding that the plan en- the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec- benefits, and costs with respect to the appli- sures that a stretch limousine will meet Fed- retary of Transportation shall complete re- cation of any requirement established under eral motor vehicle safety standards. search into safety features and standards subsection (a) or (b) to a stretch limousine ‘‘(3) TIMELY CONSIDERATION OF APPLICA- that aid egress and regress in the event that altered before the date on which the require- TIONS.—The Secretary shall approve or reject one exit in the passenger compartment of a ment applies to a new stretch limousine. a vehicle modifier plan not later than 1 year stretch limousine is blocked. (d) SAFETY STANDARDS FOR ALTERING USED after receiving an application from a stretch (b) STANDARDS.—Not later than 3 years VEHICLES INTO STRETCH LIMOUSINES.—Not limousine alterer. after the date of enactment of this Act, the later than 1 year after the date of enactment ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: Secretary shall issue stretch limousine evac- of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe a ‘‘(1) INCOMPLETE VEHICLE.—The term ‘in- uation standards based on the results of the final rule revising the regulations under sec- complete vehicle’ has the meaning given Secretary’s research. tion 567.7 of title 49, Code of Federal Regula- such term in section 567.3 of title 49, Code of SEC. 7. STRETCH LIMOUSINE INSPECTION DIS- tions, to require a stretch limousine alterer Federal Regulations. CLOSURE. to comply with the requirements for persons ‘‘(2) STRETCH LIMOUSINE.—The term (a) STRETCH LIMOUSINE INSPECTION DISCLO- who alter certified vehicles. ‘stretch limousine’ means a new or used pas- SURE.—A stretch limousine operator intro- SEC. 4. STRETCH LIMOUSINE COMPLIANCE WITH senger motor vehicle that has been altered in ducing a stretch limousine into interstate FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS. a manner that increases the overall wheel- commerce may not deploy for commercial (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 301 of subtitle VI base of the vehicle, exceeding the original use a stretch limousine unless the stretch of title 49, United States Code, is amended by equipment manufacturer’s wheelbase dimen- limousine operator has prominently dis- inserting after section 30128 the following sion for the base model and year of the vehi- closed in a clear and conspicuous notice, in- new section: cle, in any amount sufficient to accommo- cluding on its website to the extent the ‘‘§ 30129. Stretch Limousine compliance with date additional passengers with a seating ca- stretch limousine operator uses a website, Federal safety standards pacity of not fewer than 9 passengers includ- that includes— ‘‘(a) GUIDELINES, BEST PRACTICES, AND REC- ing the driver. (1) the date of the most recent inspection OMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 2 years after ‘‘(3) STRETCH LIMOUSINE ALTERER.—The of the stretch limousine required under the date of enactment of this section, and term ‘stretch limousine alterer’ means a per- State or Federal law; not less than every 4 years thereafter, the son who alters by addition, substitution, or (2) the results of the inspection; and Secretary shall develop and issue guidelines, removal of components (other than readily (3) any corrective action taken by the best practices, and recommendations to as- attachable components) an incomplete vehi- stretch limousine operator to ensure the sist a stretch limousine alterer to develop cle or a certified passenger motor vehicle be- stretch limousine passed inspection. and administer the vehicle modifier plan re- fore or after the first purchase of the vehicle (b) FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ENFORCE- quired under subsection (c). to produce a stretch limousine. MENT.—A violation of subsection (a) shall be ‘‘(b) PROCESS AND ANALYSIS.— ‘‘(4) PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE.—The term treated as a an unfair or deceptive act or ‘‘(1) NOTICE REQUIRED.—Not later than 2 ‘passenger motor vehicle’ has the meaning practice within the meaning of section years after the date of enactment of this sec- given that term in section 32101.’’. 5(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act tion, and as necessary thereafter, the Sec- (b) ENFORCEMENT.—Section 30165(a)(1) of (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1)). The Federal Trade Com- retary shall publish a notice in the Federal title 49, United States Code, is amended by mission shall enforce this section in the Register that describes the process and anal- inserting ‘‘30129,’’ after ‘‘30127,’’. same manner, by the same means, and with ysis used for approving or denying a vehicle SEC. 5. STRETCH LIMOUSINE CRASH- the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as modifier plan submitted by a stretch lim- WORTHINESS. though all applicable terms and provisions of ousine alterer. (a) RESEARCH.—Not later than 4 years after the Federal Trade Commission Act were in- ‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The notice required under the date of enactment, the Secretary shall corporated into and made a part of this Act. paragraph (1) shall include— complete research into side impact protec- (c) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this ‘‘(A) a description of the safety elements tion, roof crush resistance, and air bag sys- section shall be construed to limit the au- described in subsection (c) in a vehicle modi- tems for the protection of occupants in thority of the Federal Trade commission fier plan; and stretch limousines given alternative seating under any other provision of law.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.044 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5849 (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall She is now 24 years old, and a 2018 grad- tives of the country of birth of Maria Isabel take effect 180 days after the date of enact- uate of California State University, Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and ment of this Act. East Bay. She has become an out- Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso under section SEC. 8. EVENT DATA RECORDERS FOR STRETCH 202(e) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)). spoken advocate on behalf of people (e) PAYGO.—The budgetary effects of this LIMOUSINES. with rare diseases. Her family pays (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years Act, for the purpose of complying with the after the date of enactment of this Act, the taxes, owns a home, and is active in Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall Secretary, acting through the Administrator their community. be determined by reference to the latest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- The Bueso family should be allowed statement titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of ministration, shall issue a final rule requir- to remain in California, where they PAYGO Legislation’’ for this Act, submitted ing the use of event data recorders for will continue to enrich their commu- for printing in the Congressional Record by stretch limousines. nity, and where Isabel will be able to the Chairman of the Senate Budget Com- (b) PRIVACY PROTECTIONS.—Any standard receive the care that allows her to sur- mittee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. promulgated under subsection (a) pertaining vive and thrive. to event data recorder information shall The legislation that Chairman GRA- comply with the collection and sharing re- By Mr. SASSE: HAM and I are introducing today would quirements under the FAST Act (Public Law S.J. Res. 58. A joint resolution ex- 114–94). provide a permanent solution for Isabel pressing support for freedom of con- and her parents. I ask my colleagues to science; read the first time. By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself support this private bill, which makes Mr. SASSE. Mr. President, I come to and Mr. GRAHAM): the Bueso family eligible for issuance the floor today to ask each and every S. 2612. A bill for the relief of Maria of an immigrant visa or for adjustment Member of Congress to answer this Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso of status. simple question: Is it right for the U.S. Mendoza, and Karla Maria Barrera De Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I Federal Government to get into the Bueso; to the Committee on the Judici- ask unanimous consent that the text of business of policing Muslims’, Jews’, ary. the bill be printed in the RECORD. and Christians’ religious beliefs, about Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, There being no objection, the text of whether or not they are acceptable? Is today I am introducing a bill with Sen- the bill was ordered to be printed in it the business of the Federal Govern- ate Judiciary Chairman LINDSAY GRA- the RECORD, as follows: ment of the United States to determine HAM for the private relief of Maria Isa- S. 2612 true and false religion? bel Bueso Barrera and her parents. Ms. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Last week, a former Member of Con- Bueso is a Guatemalan national living resentatives of the United States of America in gress now running for President, didn’t Congress assembled, in Concord, California. She has a rare blink an eye when he announced that SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR he would strip religious institutions, medical condition and her removal MARIA ISABEL BUESO BARRERA, from the United States would deprive ALBERTO BUESO MENDOZA, AND colleges, churches, and other not-for- her of lifesaving medical care. KARLA MARIA BARRERA DE BUESO. profit service organizations of their Ms. Bueso suffers from a rare, life- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sub- tax-exempt status if they don’t agree threatening disorder called sections (a) and (b) of section 201 of the Im- with his political positions. migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI (MPS– That is a pretty major departure 1151), Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto from what America is and what we usu- VI)—a rare genetic condition caused by Bueso Mendoza, and Karla Maria Barrera De the absence of an enzyme that is need- Bueso shall each be eligible for issuance of ally talk about in this body. So we ed for the growth of healthy bones and an immigrant visa or for adjustment of sta- should pause, and we should call that connective tissues. Ms. Bueso uses a tus to that of an alien lawfully admitted for what it is. That is extreme intolerance, wheelchair for mobility, has a shunt in permanent residence upon filing an applica- it is extreme bigotry, and it is pro- her brain, and requires a tracheotomy tion for issuance of an immigrant visa under foundly un-American. section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for The whole point of America is the to help her breathe. adjustment of status to lawful permanent In 2003, Ms. Bueso and her family First Amendment, and the whole point resident. of the First Amendment is that, no came to the United States at the invi- (b) ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.—If Maria Isa- matter who you love and no matter tation of doctors who were conducting bel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, a clinical trial to treat her condition. or Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso enters the how you worship, we believe in Amer- ica that everyone—everyone—is cre- That trial led to Food and Drug Ad- United States before the filing deadline spec- ated with dignity. This is a funda- ministration approved treatment for ified in subsection (c), Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, or Karla mental American tenet. It is why this MPS–VI. Ms. Bueso now receives this Maria Barrera De Bueso shall be considered country was founded. life-saving treatment every week at to have entered and remained lawfully in the Because we are all created with dig- UCSF Children’s Hospital in Oakland, United States and shall be eligible for ad- nity, none of us has the right to dictate CA, where she undergoes a 6-hour infu- justment of status under section 245 of the the conscience commitments of other sion of a prescription drug that re- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. people. The freedom of conscience is a places the enzyme that people with 1255) as of the date of the enactment of this Act. fundamental American belief, and, MPS–VI lack. Ms. Bueso has partici- thankfully, politicians have no busi- pated in six other medical trials. (c) APPLICATION AND PAYMENT OF FEES.— Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply only if the ness policing that. For the past 10 years, Isabel and her applications for issuance of immigrant visas At the end of the day, there are real- family received deferred action from or the applications for adjustment of status ly just two kinds of societies. There are U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Serv- are filed with appropriate fees not later than societies that are about force and ices so that she could continue receiv- two years after the date of the enactment of power, and there are societies that are ing the treatments that keep her alive. this Act. about persuasion, about assembly, and This treatment is not available in Gua- (d) REDUCTION OF IMMIGRANT VISA NUM- BERS.—Upon the granting of immigrant visas about love. temala. For more than 230 years, we have de- On August 13, 2019, USCIS notified or permanent resident status to Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and cided in this country that we are the Ms. Bueso and her family that their ex- Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso, the Secretary latter. We are a community of persua- tensions of deferred action were denied, of State shall instruct the proper officer to sion, not primarily a community of and that they would be deported if they reduce by three, during the current or next power and force. did not leave the United States within following fiscal year— In America, we don’t think the cen- 33 days. This decision was effectively a (1) the total number of immigrant visas ter of life is defined by government. We death sentence for Ms. Bueso. On Sep- that are made available to natives of the think the frame of life is defined by tember 3, 2019, USCIS announced that country of birth of Maria Isabel Bueso government. they would reconsider her case, but a Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and Karla Abraham Lincoln often, sort of apoc- Maria Barrera De Bueso under section 203(a) final decision has not been made. of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 ryphally summarizing George Wash- Ms. Bueso has beaten the odds be- U.S.C. 1153(a)); or ington, used to talk about the silver cause of the life-saving treatment that (2) if applicable, the total number of immi- frame and the golden apple. In Amer- she has received in the United States. grant visas that are made available to na- ica, the government is just the silver

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.044 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 frame. It is the structure that defines ple’s religious beliefs. Congress doesn’t Whereas the Framers of the Constitution the framework for the order of liberty target or punish organizations that are of the United States recognized the cen- so that the golden apple—the good, the exercising constitutionally protected trality of freedom of conscience to the estab- true, and the beautiful, the things that rights. lishment of the United States, enshrining in the First Amendment to the Constitution of you love and that you want to build— This really shouldn’t be complicated. the United States that ‘‘Congress shall make you go do by persuading people to join Government doesn’t rifle through your no law respecting an establishment of reli- with you in a cause. Government pastor’s or your rabbi’s sermon notes. gion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; doesn’t define the center. Government doesn’t tell your clerics or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the Washington, DC, is not the center of what they can or can’t say. Govern- press, or the right of the people peaceably to American life. Washington, DC, is sup- ment doesn’t tell your religious leaders assemble, and to petition the Government posed to be a servant community that how they will perform their services. for a redress of grievances’’; exists to maintain a framework for the Government doesn’t tell you where or Whereas churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations have order of liberty and guards us against when you will worship. Government played a central and invaluable role in life in enemies, foreign and domestic, so that doesn’t teach our kids how they are to the United States; and your household and your neighborhood pray. Government doesn’t lecture you Whereas Congress has recognized the im- and your place of worship can be the on Heaven and Hell. Government’s job portance of religious institutions by enact- center of life. is not to define true and false religion. ing a variety of legal protections for those We are not Chinese Communists who That is something much closer to the institutions, including exemption from in- take Uighurs and throw them into come taxes: Now, therefore, be it center of the frame, the golden apple. Resolved by the Senate and the House of camps. We are not Russian oligarchs The silver frame is the humble job we Representatives of the United States of who tell journalists what they can and have to do in public life, which is to America in Congress assembled, That— can’t write. We are not Venezuelan maintain a framework for ordered lib- (1) the protections of freedom of conscience strongmen who beat the hell out of erty so that Americans, in their neigh- enshrined in the First Amendment to the protesters. We are Americans. And in borhoods and over dinner tables, can Constitution of the United States remain America, we disagree about many try to persuade each other how to wor- central to the experiment of the United things. We disagree profoundly and vig- States in republican self-government under ship and what to believe by arguments, the Constitution of the United States; orously, but then we come together not by fists and not by the police. (2) government should not be in the busi- and create a system where we work out Government doesn’t get to do any of ness of dictating what ‘‘correct’’ religious our differences not with fists but with that in this country because we recog- beliefs are; and words. We work out our differences nize that government is not God. (3) any effort by the government to condi- with civility and tolerance and respect Americans reject the divine right of tion the receipt of the protections of the and persuasion. Kings, and we reject the infallibility of Constitution of the United States and the laws of the United States, including an ex- All of this starts with the First politics. Amendment. The five freedoms of the emption from taxation, on the public policy Government doesn’t try to make an positions of an organization is an affront to First Amendment—religion, speech, example of your church or your syna- the spirit and letter of the First Amendment press, assembly, and protest—define gogue or your mosque because some to the Constitution of the United States. who we are as a people and what we be- politician decided your views were out I don’t care what some nitwit said on lieve in common. And guess what. You of favor. Your religious organization CNN last week to satisfy his fringy can’t separate these five. These five doesn’t get taxed differently because a base and try to get a sound bite in a freedoms are all in the same amend- politician running for office decides to Presidential debate. The American peo- ment for a reason—because if one of disagree with one of your beliefs. What- ple ought to know that this body them falls, they all fall. They stand or ever faith you are from in America, stands for the historic First Amend- fall together, and you are a hypocrite if whatever party you are in, we believe ment. That is what we all took an oath you pat yourself on the back for de- in America that all 225 million of us to uphold and to defend, and that is fending one of these five freedoms and are created equal, and we believe that what we ought to vote to affirm again. then the next day, when another one is whether your faith is traditional or Let’s do it. unpopular, say: Well, we don’t need progressive, it is yours, and it is be- S.J. RES. 58 that one; we can throw it overboard. tween you and your religious commu- The five freedoms are interconnected Whereas the settlement of the 13 colonies nity and your God. It is not the domain was driven in part by those seeking refuge and are interdependent, and they are of politicians. from government-sponsored religious perse- all in that same amendment, the First Government can’t force you out of cution; Amendment, for a reason. the public square because of the faith Whereas the Framers of the Constitution These are the rights of conscience you hold—at least that is what we have of the United States recognized the cen- that belong together, and they cannot always believed in the past. It is what trality of freedom of conscience to the estab- be taken or policed by government. we believed for more than 200 years. We lishment of the United States, enshrining in That means that if a Texas politician are not perfect, of course. We have fall- the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that ‘‘Congress shall make pandering for a sound bite decides to en short of that idealism time and make a boldfaced threat against Mus- no law respecting an establishment of reli- again. That doesn’t mean the ideas of gion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; lims and Jews and Christians—all the American founding in the First or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the Americans from every faith and every Amendment are wrong; it means that press; or the right of the people peaceably to walk of life—we have an obligation to our ideals need to be strived for yet assemble, and to petition the Government come together and defend our free- again and reaffirmed. for a redress of grievances’’; doms, so we should do that. I want to give every Member of Con- Whereas churches, synagogues, mosques, That is what I am on the floor here gress the opportunity in the coming and other religious organizations have played a central and invaluable role in life in today to do. I am introducing a simple weeks to do just that. The resolution I resolution today that will give every the United States; and am introducing today ought to get a Whereas Congress has recognized the im- Member of the Congress—the House vote so House and Senate Members can portance of religious institutions by enact- and Senate—the opportunity to tell be on record for our constituents about ing a variety of legal protections for those our constituents whether we still be- whether we affirm the First Amend- institutions, including exemption from in- lieve in the First Amendment. It is an ment and in particular the free exer- come taxes: Now, therefore, be it opportunity to show the American peo- cise of religion and the free assembly Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- ple that bigotry against religion in the clause. I am going to read it for every- resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That— name of partisan politics is not per- one’s benefit. It is pretty short. This is mitted in our system of government. (1) the protections of freedom of conscience the resolution being submitted: enshrined in the First Amendment to the This isn’t a Republican or a Demo- Whereas the settlement of the 13 colonies Constitution of the United States remain cratic premise; this is an American was driven in part by those seeking refuge central to the experiment of the United idea, that we condemn politicians who from government-sponsored religious perse- States in republican self-government under say they are going to police other peo- cution; the Constitution of the United States;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16OC6.035 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5851 (2) government should not be in the busi- an interest in the education and training of lice with the authority to protect the ness of dictating what ‘‘correct’’ religious the young people of the United States, to Chief Justice of the United States, any beliefs are; and adopt the elements of character as intrinsic Associate Justice of the Supreme (3) any effort by the government to condi- to the well-being of individuals, commu- Court, and other individuals in any lo- tion the receipt of the protections of the nities, and society; Constitution of the United States and the Whereas many schools in the United States cation, and for other purposes; which laws of the United States, including an ex- recognize the need, and have taken steps, to was referred to the Committee on the emption from taxation, on the public policy integrate the values of their communities Judiciary; as follows: positions of an organization is an affront to into teaching activities; and On page 2, strike lines 1 through 4 and in- the spirit and letter of the First Amendment Whereas the establishment of ‘‘National sert the following: to the Constitution of the United States. Character Counts Week’’, during which indi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. viduals, families, schools, youth organiza- f This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Reauthor- tions, religious institutions, civic groups, izing Security for Supreme Court Justices SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS and other organizations focus on character Act’’. education, is of great benefit to the United States: Now, therefore, be it SEC. 2. UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT BUILD- ING AND GROUNDS POLICING AU- SENATE RESOLUTION 358—DESIG- Resolved, That the Senate— THORITY. NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING (1) designates the week beginning October Section 6121 of title 40, United States code, 20, 2019, as ‘‘National Character Counts is amended— OCTOBER 20, 2019, AS ‘‘NATIONAL Week’’; and CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK’’ (2) calls upon the people of the United f Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. States and interested groups— AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO STABENOW, Mr. ENZI, Mr. ALEXANDER, (A) to embrace the elements of character MEET identified by local schools and communities, Mr. LANKFORD, and Ms. WARREN) sub- such as trustworthiness, respect, responsi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I mitted the following resolution; which bility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; and have 8 requests for committees to meet was considered and agreed to: (B) to observe the week with appropriate during today’s session of the Senate. S. RES. 358 ceremonies, programs, and activities. They have the approval of the Majority Whereas the well-being of the United f and Minority leaders. States requires that the young people of the SENATE RESOLUTION 359—AU- Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph United States become an involved, caring 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- citizenry of good character; THORIZING THE USE OF THE Whereas the character education of chil- ATRIUM IN THE PHILIP A. HART ate, the following committees are au- dren has become more urgent, as violence by SENATE OFFICE BUILDING FOR thorized to meet during today’s session and against youth increasingly threatens the THE NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION of the Senate: physical and psychological well-being of the DRUG TAKE BACK DAY, A SEMI- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND people of the United States; TRANSPORTATION Whereas, more than ever, children need ANNUAL EVENT FOR THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION The Committee on Commerce, strong and constructive guidance from their Science, and Transportation is author- families and their communities, including Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms. KLOBUCHAR schools, youth organizations, religious insti- ized to meet during the session of the (for herself and Mr. BLUNT)) submitted Senate on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, tutions, and civic groups; the following resolution; which was Whereas the character of a nation is only at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. considered and agreed to: as strong as the character of its individual COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC citizens; S. RES. 359 WORKS Whereas the public good is advanced when Resolved, The Committee on Environment and young people are taught the importance of SECTION 1. USE OF THE ATRIUM IN THE HART Public Works is authorized to meet good character and the positive effects that SENATE OFFICE BUILDING FOR good character can have in personal relation- TAKE BACK DAY. during the session of the Senate on ships, in school, and in the workplace; (a) AUTHORIZATION.—The atrium in the Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 10 a.m., Whereas scholars and educators agree that Philip A. Hart Senate Office Building is au- to conduct a hearing. people do not automatically develop good thorized to be used on October 23, 2019, for COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS character and that, therefore, conscientious the National Prescription Drug Take Back The Committee on Foreign Relations efforts must be made by institutions and in- Day, a semiannual event of the Drug En- is authorized to meet during the ses- dividuals that influence youth to help young forcement Administration. sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- people develop the essential traits and char- (b) PREPARATIONS.—Physical preparations acteristics that comprise good character; for the conduct of the event described in sub- ber 16, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a Whereas, although character development section (a) shall be carried out in accordance hearing. is, first and foremost, an obligation of fami- with such conditions as may be prescribed by COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS lies, the efforts of faith communities, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the The Committee on Foreign Relations schools, and youth, civic, and human service Senate. is authorized to meet during the ses- organizations also play an important role in f fostering and promoting good character; sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- Whereas Congress encourages students, AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND ber 16, 2019, at 2 p.m., to conduct a teachers, parents, youth, and community PROPOSED hearing. leaders to recognize the importance of char- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS acter education in preparing young people to SA 945. Mr. GRAHAM submitted an amend- ment intended to be proposed by him to the The Committee on Foreign Relations play a role in determining the future of the is authorized to meet during the ses- United States; bill S. 2511, to amend title 40, United States Whereas effective character education is Code, to provide the Marshal of the Supreme sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- based on core ethical values, which form the Court of the United States and Supreme ber 16, 2019, at 3 p.m., to conduct a foundation of a democratic society; Court Police with the authority to protect hearing. Whereas examples of character are trust- the Chief Justice of the United States, any COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and other individuals in any location, and for The Committee on Indian Affairs is caring, citizenship, and honesty; authorized to meet during the session Whereas elements of character transcend other purposes; which was referred to the cultural, religious, and socioeconomic dif- Committee on the Judiciary. of the Senate on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hear- ferences; f Whereas the character and conduct of ing. youth reflect the character and conduct of TEXT OF AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY society, and, therefore, every adult has the SA 945. Mr. GRAHAM submitted an The Committee on the Judiciary is responsibility to teach and model ethical amendment intended to be proposed by authorized to meet during the session values and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the development of him to the bill S. 2511, to amend title of the Senate on Wednesday, October good character; 40, United States Code, to provide the 16, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing Whereas Congress encourages individuals Marshal of the Supreme Court of the on the following nominations: Barbara and organizations, especially those that have United States and Supreme Court Po- Lagoa and Robert J. Luck, both of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.053 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE S5852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 Florida, both to be a United States Cir- application of every Constitutional and MEASURES READ THE FIRST cuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, statutory authority at our disposal. It TIME—S.J. RES. 58 AND H.J. RES. Sylvia Carreno-Coll, to be United has also facilitated the military’s on- 77 States District Judge for the District going construction of virtually insur- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of Puerto Rico, John M. Gallagher, to mountable physical barriers along hun- understand there are two bills at the be United States District Judge for the dreds of miles of our southern border. desk, and I ask for their first reading Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and The southern border, however, con- en bloc. Sherri A. Lydon, to be United States tinues to be a major entry point for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The District Judge for the District of South criminals, gang members, and illicit clerk will read the titles of the bills for Carolina. narcotics to come into our country. As the first time en bloc. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING explained in Proclamation 9844, in my The senior assistant legislative clerk The Special Committee on Aging is veto message regarding H.J. Res. 46, read as follows: authorized to meet during the session and in congressional testimony from multiple Administration officials, the A resolution (S.J. Res. 58) expressing sup- of the Senate on Wednesday, October port for freedom of conscience. 16, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a ongoing crisis at the southern border A resolution (H.J. Res. 77) opposing the de- closed briefing. threatens core national security inter- cision to end certain United States efforts to ests. In addition, security challenges at prevent Turkish military operations against f the southern border exacerbate an on- Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria. ORDER OF BUSINESS going humanitarian crisis that threat- Mr. MCCONNELL. I now ask for a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ens the well-being of vulnerable popu- second reading, and I object to my own ask unanimous consent that following lations, including women and children. request, all en bloc. leader remarks on Thursday, October In short, the situation on our south- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- 17, the Committee on Environment and ern border remains a national emer- tion having been heard, the bills will Public Works be discharged from fur- gency, and our Armed Forces are still receive a second reading on the next ther consideration of S.J. Res. 53. I fur- needed to help confront it. legislative day. Like H.J. Res. 46, S.J. Res. 54 would ther ask unanimous consent that if a f motion to proceed is made and agreed undermine the Government’s ability to to, the time until noon be equally di- address this continuing national emer- NATIONAL CHARACTER COUNTS vided between the two leaders or their gency. It would, among other things, WEEK designees, on the joint resolution, and impair the Government’s capacity to secure the Nation’s southern borders Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I that upon the use or yielding back of ask unanimous consent that the Sen- that time, the bill be read a third time against unlawful entry and to curb the trafficking and smuggling that fuels ate proceed to the consideration of S. and the Senate vote on passage of S.J. Res. 358, submitted earlier today. Res. 53. the present humanitarian crisis. S.J. Res. 54 is also inconsistent with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without other recent congressional actions. For clerk will report the resolution by objection, it is so ordered. example, the Congress, in an over- title. f whelmingly bipartisan manner, has The senior assistant legislative clerk RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMER- provided emergency resources to ad- read as follows: GENCY DECLARED BY THE dress the crisis at the southern border. A resolution (S. Res. 358) designating the PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, Additionally, the Congress has ap- week beginning October 20, 2019, as ‘‘Na- tional Character Counts Week.’’ 2019—VETO proved a budget framework that ex- pressly preserves the emergency au- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, is thorities my Administration is using objection to proceeding to the meas- the veto message with respect to S.J. ure? Res. 54 at the desk? to address the crisis. Proclamation 9844 was neither a new There being no objection, the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is. nor novel application of executive au- proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous thority. Rather, it is the sixtieth Presi- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the veto message on S.J. dential invocation of the National consent that the resolution be agreed Res. 54 be considered as having been Emergencies Act of 1976. It relies upon to, the preamble be agreed to, and the read, that it be printed in the RECORD, the same statutory authority used by motions to reconsider be considered and spread in full upon the Journal. both of the previous two Presidents to made and laid upon the table with no The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there undertake more than 18 different mili- intervening action or debate. objection? tary construction projects from 2001 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Without objection, it is so ordered. through 2013. And it has withstood ju- objection, it is so ordered. The veto message is ordered to be dicial challenge in the Supreme Court. The resolution (S. Res. 358) was printed in the RECORD as follows: Earlier this year, I vetoed H.J. Res. agreed to. To the Senate of the United States: 46 because it was a dangerous resolu- The preamble was agreed to. I am returning herewith without my tion that would undermine United (The resolution, with its preamble, is approval S.J. Res. 54, a joint resolution States sovereignty and threaten the printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- that would terminate the national lives and safety of countless Ameri- mitted Resolutions.’’) emergency I declared in Proclamation cans. It was, therefore, my duty to re- f 9844 of February 15, 2019, pursuant to turn it to the House of Representatives the National Emergencies Act, regard- without my approval. It is similarly NATIONAL POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY ing the ongoing crisis on our southern my duty, in order to protect the safety DISEASE AWARENESS DAY border. I am doing so for the same rea- and security of our Nation, to return Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I sons I returned an identical resolution, S.J. Res. 54 to the Senate without my ask unanimous consent that the Com- H.J. Res. 46, to the House of Represent- approval. mittee on the Judiciary be discharged atives without my approval on March DONALD J. TRUMP. from further consideration and the 15, 2019. THE WHITE HOUSE, October 15, 2019. Senate now proceed to S. Res. 356. Proclamation 9844 has helped the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Federal Government address the na- ask unanimous consent that at 1:45 clerk will report the resolution by tional emergency on our southern bor- p.m. tomorrow, the Senate vote on pas- title. der. It has empowered my Administra- sage of S.J. Res. 54, notwithstanding The senior assistant legislative clerk tion’s Government-wide strategy to the objections of the President to the read as follows: counter large-scale unlawful migration contrary. A resolution (S. Res. 356) designating Sep- and to respond to corresponding hu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tember 4, 2019, as ‘‘National Polycystic Kid- manitarian challenges through focused objection, it is so ordered. ney Disease Awareness Day’’, and raising

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:43 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16OC6.058 S16OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE October 16, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5853 awareness and understanding of polycystic A resolution (S. Res. 359) authorizing the open an impeachment inquiry and rein- kidney disease. use of the atrium in the Philip A. Hart Sen- forces the need for this inquiry to con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ate Office Building for the National Prescrip- tinue unimpeded. Indeed, Donald objection to proceeding to the meas- tion Drug Take Back Day, a semiannual Trump himself has already confirmed event for the Drug Enforcement Administra- ure? tion. key evidence. There being no objection, the com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Just look at what we know so far. We mittee was discharged, and the Senate know that Donald Trump asked a for- proceeded to consider the resolution. objection to proceeding to the meas- ure? eign power, Ukraine, to investigate his Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I There being no objection, the com- political opponent. The President both ask unanimous consent that the reso- mittee was discharged, and the Senate admitted it on live television and then lution be agreed to, the preamble be proceeded to consider the resolution. released a transcript showing that it agreed to, and the motions to recon- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I had happened just as a whistleblower sider be considered made and laid upon ask unanimous consent that the reso- alleged that it did. That is not in dis- the table. lution be agreed to, and the motions to pute. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without reconsider be considered made and laid We also know that Donald Trump objection, it is so ordered. upon the table. then doubled down, subsequently ad- The resolution (S. Res. 356) was The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mitting on camera that he wants for- agreed to. objection, it is so ordered. eign governments like Ukraine and The preamble was agreed to. The resolution (S. Res. 359) was China to investigate his political oppo- (The resolution, with its preamble, is agreed to. nents. That is not in dispute. printed in the RECORD of September 26, (The resolution is printed in today’s 2019, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) So instead of focusing on the Latin RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- phrase ‘‘quid pro quo,’’ the President f tions.’’) should be saying, ‘‘mea culpa’’—my NATIONAL URBAN WILDLIFE f fault, but he is not. And with each REFUGE DAY ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER passing day, additional evidence of se- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I 17, 2019 rious wrongdoing at the highest levels ask unanimous consent that the Com- of our government has surfaced, evi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I dence that Donald Trump has sub- mittee on the Judiciary be discharged ask unanimous consent that when the from further consideration and the jugated the Nation’s interest to his Senate completes its business today, it personal and political interest and evi- Senate now proceed to S. Res. 324. adjourn until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Oc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The dence that plainly warrants further in- tober 17; further, that following the vestigation. clerk will report the resolution by prayer and pledge, the morning hour be title. deemed expired, the Journal of pro- For example, we learned that prior to The senior assistant legislative clerk ceedings be approved to date, the time his phone call with Ukrainian Presi- read as follows: for the two leaders be reserved for their dent Zelensky, Donald Trump blocked A resolution (S. Res. 324) designating Sep- use later in the day, and morning busi- almost $400 million in military and se- tember 29, 2019, as ‘‘National Urban Wildlife ness be closed. curity aid to Ukraine. Moreover, as the Refuge Day’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without White House’s own partial transcript of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection, it is so ordered. the conversation reflects, Donald objection to proceeding to the meas- Trump conditioned this aid on the f ure? Ukrainian President’s willingness to There being no objection, the com- ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT conduct a political investigation, tell- mittee was discharged, and the Senate Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if ing him: ‘‘I would like you to do this as proceeded to consider the resolution. there is no further business to come be- a favor though.’’ Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- Donald Trump’s quid pro quo linking ask unanimous consent that the reso- sent that it stand adjourned under the U.S. military and security aid to a po- lution be agreed to, the preamble be previous order, following the remarks litically motivated investigation agreed to, and the motions to recon- of Senator MARKEY. makes his admitted solicitation of for- sider be considered made and laid upon The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without eign interference in our elections that the table. objection, it is so ordered. much worse. It is an abuse of power and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- betrayal of Trump’s oath to the Con- objection, it is so ordered. ator from Massachusetts. stitution and promise to the American The resolution (S. Res. 324) was f people. agreed to. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION We have also learned that White The preamble was agreed to. House officials moved the transcript of (The resolution, with its preamble, is Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I rise the phone call between President printed in the RECORD of September 24, today to speak about the impeachment Trump and President Zelensky from its 2019, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) inquiry currently under way in the typical electronic storage system to a f House of Representatives. The House separate system intended to handle impeachment inquiry is a solemn and AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE classified information of an especially serious matter. It concerns the official sensitive nature. In other words, there ATRIUM IN THE PHILIP A. HART conduct of the President of the United SENATE OFFICE BUILDING FOR appears to have been an effort to cover States, and it implicates matters of up Donald Trump’s wrongdoing. THE NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION grave importance: our national secu- DRUG TAKE BACK DAY, A SEMI- rity, the rule of law, and the very foun- We are also witnessing extraordinary ANNUAL EVENT FOR THE DRUG dations of our Constitution. attacks by Donald Trump on the whis- ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION We all—Democrats and Republicans tleblower who brought the matter to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I alike—have a duty to defend our de- light. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- mocracy, so when we are confronted Donald Trump’s attacks on this indi- ate proceed to the immediate consider- with evidence that President Donald vidual are so serious and so harmful ation of S. Res. 359 submitted earlier Trump abused his power and violated that they may rise to the level of wit- today. his oath of office by seeking foreign in- ness tampering and obstruction of jus- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The terference in our elections and then tice. They send a chilling message to clerk will report the resolution by sought to cover it up, we have a con- others who may have information and title. stitutional obligation to investigate. are contemplating coming forward. The senior assistant legislative clerk The evidence we have already seen It should go without saying that read as follows: validates Speaker PELOSI’s decision to whistleblowers play an important role

VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:49 Nov 18, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD19\OCTOBER\S16OC9.REC S16OC9 S5854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 16, 2019 in our democracy, especially when it elections posed a threat to our sov- impeachment proceeding, I don’t think comes to whistleblowers in the intel- ereignty as a new nation. I ought to prejudge the case.’’ ligence community. They should be In 1787, John Adams wrote: ‘‘As often We have a constitutional duty to in- praised and not demonized or threat- as elections happen, the danger of for- vestigate President Trump’s attempts ened. eign influence recurs.’’ In 1788, Alex- to orchestrate foreign interference in Most recently, we have learned that ander Hamilton warned us that foreign our elections, the usage of his office to the President allowed his personal at- powers trying to gain influence in our support his personal political goals, torney, Rudy Giuliani, to conduct a politics would be ‘‘the most deadly ad- and how he sought to cover up that ef- shadow foreign policy outside of proper versaries of Republican government.’’ fort. Nothing less than our national se- State Department channels—a foreign The threat of foreign interference in curity, the rule of law, and our con- policy that serves personal interests our elections is as serious today as it stitutional order are at stake. and the President’s personal political was more than 200 years ago. We must I yield the floor. interests, but not the interests of the do all that we can to defend against it, f United States or the American people. and that includes an impeachment in- We have learned that two individuals quiry into the conduct of the President ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. connected to Giuliani have been in- when he admits to soliciting that very TOMORROW dicted on charges of violating Federal interference. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under campaign finance laws stemming from The House of Representatives is the previous order, the Senate stands hidden foreign campaign donations. We going to begin a process. If the House adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow have learned that a career diplomat of Representatives ultimately approves morning. with an unblemished record was re- articles of impeachment against Don- Thereupon, the Senate, at 7:11 p.m., called from Ukraine because she hon- ald Trump, the Senate will hold a trial adjourned until Thursday, October 17, ored her oath to the Constitution, but and our Members will serve as jurors. 2019, at 10 a.m. Trump viewed her as an impediment to As a member of the Senate and a po- his foreign policy agenda. tential juror, I will take my job as seri- f These are just some of the things we ously as any I have ever had in this in- CONFIRMATIONS have learned in the past few days. stitution, and I hope my Republican So what must we do? The answer is colleagues will do so as well. The Executive nominations confirmed by simple. We must investigate and get all American people deserve nothing less. the Senate October 16, 2019: the facts, Donald Trump’s unprece- Leader MCCONNELL and my Repub- THE JUDICIARY dented and unjustified refusal to co- lican colleagues must uphold their DAVID JOHN NOVAK, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT operate notwithstanding. The torrent oaths to the Constitution, put country OF VIRGINIA. of revelations of serious misconduct re- over party, and conduct a fair trial. RACHEL P. KOVNER, OF NEW YORK, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT lating to foreign interference in our Anything short of that would be a dere- OF NEW YORK. elections only underscores the need for liction of duty. FRANK WILLIAM VOLK, OF WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN the House investigation to continue No one should prejudge the case. In- DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA. unimpeded. deed, that is precisely the advice that CHARLES R. ESKRIDGE III, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT The Founding Fathers were very con- Leader MCCONNELL gave during the OF TEXAS. cerned about foreign interference in 1998 impeachment proceedings when he DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE America’s democracy. They knew that stated: ‘‘As a potential juror, if it’s se- BARBARA MCCONNELL BARRETT, OF ARIZONA, TO BE foreign involvement in our politics and rious enough to warrant a potential SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE.

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