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

Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 No. 203 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was that Iowa family farmers and other RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY called to order by the President pro farmers are protected from natural dis- LEADER tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). asters or other unforeseen events that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- f they have no control over, like flooding jority leader is recognized. or wind storms. PRAYER f The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Family farmers work hard to make CORONAVIRUS fered the following prayer: sure that Americans have food on the table. These same family farmers oper- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, Let us pray. when I opened the Senate on Monday, I Righteous God, refresh our law- ate on very thin margins. These farm- ers ought to qualify for help during repeated something Republicans have makers as a river in the desert and as stated for months now. We need to put tough times since losing these oper- the cool shadows of large trees in a hot partisanship aside and get more bipar- ations would risk our Nation’s food and weary land. May our Senators find tisan, targeted coronavirus relief out supply. in You a hope that illuminates the to the American people. paths they travel as You guide them However, taxpayers and nonfarm Dating back to the summer, and all with Your great love. State lawmakers may stop supporting fall, Senate Republicans tried repeat- Lord, fill them with such wisdom a Federal farm safety net if spending edly to advance hundreds of billions of that they will solve our Nation’s most programs aren’t held accountable or dollars to prevent layoffs, protect challenging problems, making the left unchecked. Losing urban support small businesses, fund vaccine distribu- rough places smooth and the crooked for this farm safety net is why I am tion, and continue assisting workers places straight. Deal favorably with deeply concerned about the USDA’s re- who have already lost their jobs due to them because of Your great love and cent proposal to roll back rules that the crisis. Every time, the Speaker of mercy. Inspire them to live lives that put teeth in the definition of a legal the House and the Democratic leader will permit You to bless our Nation term called ‘‘actively engaged in farm- blocked our efforts. It had to be the en- and world. tirety of their leftwing wish list or We pray in Your mighty Name. ing.’’ nothing at all. Long-lost relatives, by changing Amen. Finally, this week, we are seeing f these rules, who have probably never cracks starting to form in the Demo- lifted a finger on the farm should not PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE cratic leaders’ stone wall, and thank get away with collecting farm pay- goodness for the country that that is The President pro tempore led the ments. Farm payments should only go Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: finally happening. In the last several to operators that—and I have a defini- days, the Democratic leaders have sig- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tion that is a little facetious but some- naled a new willingness to engage in United States of America, and to the Repub- what realistic—unless they have dirt lic for which it stands, one nation under God, good faith and, yesterday, a number of indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. under their fingernails. Senate Democrats proposed a different The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- A few weeks ago, I recently com- compromise. NEY). The Senator from Iowa. plimented Secretary Perdue on what I But at the risk of repeating some- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask thought were very strong rules that thing we all know, making law will not unanimous consent to speak for 1 were being proposed at that time. Now just require the Senate’s approval but minute in morning business. the USDA’s decision to backtrack on also the signature of the President of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without their rules means more megafarmers the United States. objection, it is so ordered. will take advantage of this loophole So, after several conversations with f and people who aren’t actively engaged the Secretary of the Treasury and the in farming will benefit from farm pay- White House Chief of Staff, I put for- USDA RULEMAKING REVISIONS ments. I am disappointed with this ward yesterday another proposal re- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I turnaround. flecting what the President is ready to want to tell my colleagues about a dis- sign into law. What we have proposed Once again, Congress must do what it appointment I have in some U.S. De- would give universities and nonprofits partment of Agriculture recent revi- can to oppose these loopholes so that the legal certainty they need. It would sions of a proposed rule. we have only family farmers benefiting create a second draw on the job-saving Here is the background: I have long from the farm program. Paycheck Protection Program to pre- fought to strengthen the safety net so I yield the floor. vent more layoffs, and it would extend

∑ 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 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.000 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 two important emergency unemploy- library card and music lessons. In her indeed of American history—govern- ment benefit programs that were cre- words, ‘‘everything you needed that ment that is limited but effective and ated by the CARES Act and which will was important.’’ smart; a system where power stays expire in December without action. And I would certainly add loving par- close to the people and working fami- These programs have been championed ents to that list. lies can thrive and prosper. These prin- by our Democratic colleagues, particu- This son of two educators grew up ciples made our colleague a nationally larly the senior Senator from Virginia, steeped in the importance of schooling. known leader long before he was sworn and we made sure they were included He would later reference his mother’s in as a Senator. But I would say they in the framework. work in early childhood education by have reached full flourishing with I hope our Democratic colleagues saying he is probably the only Sec- Chairman ALEXANDER’s astonishingly will finally let Congress pass a bipar- retary of Education in history—in his- effective leadership right here in this tisan bill that the President will likely tory—who spent 5 years in kinder- body. sign into law and do so soon. garten. Students, families, and teachers ben- That passion would remain through- f efit every day from the Every Student out LAMAR’s career. His cutting-edge Succeeds Act, Chairman ALEXANDER’s TRIBUTE TO LAMAR ALEXANDER focus on improving opportunities and historic, bipartisan makeover fol- Mr. MCCONNELL. Now, Mr. Presi- reforming education benefited Ten- lowing No Child Left Behind. One re- dent, on a completely different matter, nessee hugely in the 1980s, and our port called it ‘‘the largest devolution of the Senate revolves around people. whole Nation during his time in Presi- federal control to the states in a quar- The body consists of 100 individuals. dent Bush 41’s Cabinet. ter century.’’ One of our key duties concerns the per- But that isn’t the only way LAMAR Millions of medically vulnerable sonnel whom we examine and confirm, has honored his roots. You couldn’t Americans also have their champion in and there are all these dedicated staff walk across the entire State of Ten- our friend from Tennessee. The over- professionals who make this place go. nessee in a plaid shirt, get elected Gov- whelmingly bipartisan 21st Century Today, it is both my great honor and ernor before the age of 40, and serve Cures Act was the single most impor- regrettable task to honor someone who more combined years as Governor and tant law of the entire 114th Congress. It secured all three parts of that senato- Senator than anyone else in the his- is paving the way for more innovation rial triple crown: the senior Senator tory of the Volunteer State without be- and faster innovation to benefit pa- from Tennessee, the chairman of the coming entirely intertwined with the tients who have no time to waste—an- Committee on Health, Education, place. Every corner of the State is bet- other LAMAR ALEXANDER production. Labor, and Pensions, LAMAR ALEX- ter for his service. His groundbreaking His leadership was instrumental in work to bring home good-paying auto ANDER. the landmark legislation we passed 2 LAMAR first set foot here as a tal- jobs has paid dividends, so has his years ago to combat the opioid epi- ented young staffer. Decades later, he major focus on infrastructure and bet- demic. appeared before us as a supersuccessful ter roads. Just this year, he was the driving But alas, even building a statewide former Governor and university presi- force behind the Great American Out- and then national reputation does not dent with a nomination to the Cabinet. doors Act, the Senate’s historic project always, always, translate into honest- And for the past 18 years, the other 99 to secure our parks and public lands for to-goodness celebrity status. of us have gotten to serve alongside generations to come. I understand that following LAMAR’s The list doesn’t end there. There one of the most impactful Senators in Governorship, a stretch of highway in have been other education wins, like modern American history. Maryville was fittingly named the permanent funding for historically I have known LAMAR for more than 50 Lamar Alexander Parkway to honor Black colleges and universities and years. We first met in 1969, when I was him. I further understand that some- simplifying the student loan process. working for a freshman Senator named time later, LAMAR was driving on that There have been laws like the Music Marlow Cook and he worked down in very road and stopped for breakfast. Modernization Act, which LAMAR ham- the executive branch. We met at the When it was time to pay for his food, mered out with our former colleague, suggestion of his previous boss and he handed over his credit card. The Senator Hatch—a legislative duet from mentor, Senator Howard Baker. Either woman on the other side of the counter two musical virtuosos in their own he suspected our paths might cross glanced at the name on the card, and rights. again later or he just saw two serious then back at LAMAR. ‘‘Hey,’’ she said, Senator ALEXANDER knows about 50 young guys in need of some livelier so- ‘‘were you named after this road?’’ different issues as well as most Sen- cial lives. Now, this may shock the Now, as a man of faith, I am certain ators know 3 or 4. He is hands down one Presiding Officer, but I am afraid LAMAR knows Luke, chapter 4: ‘‘No of the most brilliant, most thoughtful, young LAMAR ALEXANDER and young prophet is accepted in his hometown.’’ and most effective legislators any of us MITCH MCCONNELL did not exactly go Apparently, neither are statesmen to have ever seen. crazy and paint the town red. But I will be recognized on their own highway. He likes to say this about the Senate: take a five-decade friendship any day. Here in the Senate, too, LAMAR’s im- ‘‘It’s hard to get here; it’s hard to stay Both of us headed back home to con- pact has been massive, and the convic- here; so while you’re here, you might tinue our careers. It was already clear tions that fueled it have been straight- as well try to accomplish something.’’ that a bright future in elected office forward. He starts with a very firm Well, mission accomplished—and then likely lay in store for him. framework: the right-of-center prin- some. LAMAR’s reverence for public service ciples that Ronald Reagan used to re- If you reviewed Senator ALEXANDER’s started early. I believe he was about 10 build a confident, prosperous America resume and results without knowing years old when his father, himself a and beat communism. The Federal the man, you might suspect he arrived longtime local official, took him to Government isn’t meant to take over as an established hotshot and threw his meet his hometown Congressman, How- our States, neighborhoods, or our lives. weight around. But even as LAMAR has ard Baker, Sr. The father of his future But LAMAR’s career has also confirmed mastered the levers of power here, his boss shook the boy’s hand and handed that conservative governance is not a character has never been captured by him a dime. I think LAMAR was hooked, contradiction in terms. There are gen- Washington. LAMAR has remained clear then and there. uine public goods it is the govern- that he has just been on loan from Ten- Decades later, when LAMAR an- ment’s job to secure: public roads, pub- nessee the whole time. nounced his 1996 Presidential run, he lic lands, public education, certain as- So we have had more than just a was in his hometown of Maryville. His pects of public health. He has dedicated master legislator to call upon; we have speech began with a story about his himself to making those things better been blessed with a sober, honest, and mother. She had read where he had lov- and stronger, especially for those who deliberate statesman—someone who ingly described his upbringing as lower need opportunity the most. cares as much about preserving this in- middle class, and she had taken um- This vision aligns with the greatest stitution as the near-term results he brage to that. After all, LAMAR had a traditions of the Republican Party and can wring out of it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.001 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7145 From daily conversations to com- About 6 years ago, it fell to LAMAR to my friend LAMAR ALEXANDER and the mittee business, to the most dramatic eulogize his friend and mentor, Howard touching moment between the leader moments on the floor, whether in the Baker. Here on the floor, he quoted an- and the senior Senator from Tennessee, minority or the majority, LAMAR has other Senator who had said that when which is moving to all of us. taken pains to treat his colleagues ex- it came to the Senate, there was How- Now, Senator ALEXANDER and I have actly as he would hope to be treated in ard Baker, and then there was the rest not always agreed, but what an amaz- their shoes. He has worked to build of us. ing and capable legislator and true consensus in a consensus-based body. Well, my friend, for 18 years, there statesman he has been. He has been in He has cherished and defended the Sen- has been LAMAR ALEXANDER, and there the middle of things for much of his 18 ate the Framers designed. has been the rest of us. So I am sorry years in the Senate. That is because he It is no exaggeration to say LAMAR that in a few more weeks, it will be is not some ideologue who stood alone ALEXANDER is one of the most brilliant just the rest of us left. But you are in his corner. It is because he is some- people I have met in my life. His mind leaving this body and those of us in it one who has been always willing and is a steel trap. I understand he likes to and the Nation it exists to serve insistent on reaching across the aisle, keep his staff experts locked around a stronger and better because you were on hearing another Senator’s perspec- conference table for long sessions, here. tive, and on searching for common turning a complex issue over and over f ground, however narrow it may be. He until they have arrived at the best searches to do the right thing. path forward for the country and the NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- I remember when we did the immi- most precise, concise way to commu- TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 gration bill. There was a lot of pressure nicate it. He has a mastery of policy, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I on Senator ALEXANDER to vote against mastery of the English language, and I ask unanimous consent that the Chair it, and I watched him wrestle with it can’t forget to mention my friend’s lay before the Senate the House mes- and churn and churn, and I sort of good cheer. sage accompanying H.R. 6395. knew in my heart he would do the LAMAR really does live by the motto The Presiding Officer laid before the right thing, in my judgment, and vote he inherited from his good friend and Senate the following message from the for that bill, as he did, at some real po- fellow Tennesseean, the late author House of Representatives: litical consequence to himself. And Alex Haley: ‘‘Find the good and praise Resolved, That the bill from the House of that is who he was and is—a man of it.’’ Representatives (H.R. 6395) entitled ‘‘An Act principle. I myself have leaned on LAMAR’s wis- to authorize appropriations for fiscal year We often would talk in the Senate dom for many years, but I think I have 2021 for military activities of the Depart- gym almost every morning for a pro- learned just as much from his opti- ment of Defense, for military construction, longed period of time—I don’t go to the mism, his can-do spirit, and his ability and for defense activities of the Department Senate gym post-COVID—and more to look on the bright side and then dis- of Energy, to prescribe military personnel often than not, we found each other on cern how some more hard work can strengths for such fiscal year, and for other opposite sides of the Senate gym. We purposes.’’, do pass with an amendment. make it brighter still. So I am going to helped open up the amendment process miss our regular dinners, even with our COMPOUND MOTION on childcare legislation. Together, we weeknight scheduling and official one- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I led the Rules Committee for a number drink limit. Like I said, we weren’t ex- ask consent that the Senate insist on of years, and we come from very dif- actly party animals in our twenties ei- its amendment, agree to the request of ferent backgrounds. But I will never ther. the House for conference, and appoint forget the weekend that Iris and I But here is something else that never the following conferees on the part of spent with Honey and LAMAR at Black- changes: How reassuring it is to be the Senate, the list of whom is at the berry Farms, and it was a beautiful weighing a thorny question and see desk. weekend for us that we will always, al- LAMAR ALEXANDER seated across the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ways cherish and remember. table. You know, the Senate can be all- objection? Given the opportunity to put a stamp consuming. It is not only our col- Without objection, it is so ordered. on the Presidential inauguration, leagues but their spouses and loved APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES LAMAR and I said whoever is in the ma- ones who all get folded into the ex- The following conferees were ap- jority—we didn’t know—we would give tended family around here. So I am ex- pointed: each other time to speak, and it served tremely grateful that it turned out James M. Inhofe, of Oklahoma, Chairman; us both well. This is the kind of person that MITCH MCCONNELL was not the Roger F. Wicker, of Mississippi; Deb Fischer, he has been: someone who is willing to most important young person LAMAR of Nebraska; Tom Cotton, of Arkansas; Mike reach out; someone who is willing to ALEXANDER met during his stint in Rounds, of South Dakota; Joni Ernst, of see the other side; and someone, above Iowa; Thom Tillis, of North Carolina; Dan Washington—not by a mile. all, in tumultuous and very difficult Honey Alexander is a remarkable Sullivan, of Alaska; David Perdue, of Geor- gia; Kevin Cramer, of North Dakota; John times for all of us, who is a man of woman. She is a force of nature and in- Thune, of South Dakota; Rick Scott, of Flor- principle and conscience. credible partner for LAMAR. She raised ida; Marsha Blackburn, of Tennessee; Josh Senator ALEXANDER will leave this a young family in the Governor’s man- Hawley, of Missouri; Jack Reed, of Rhode Is- Chamber with a legacy that every Sen- sion for 8 years. She charmed and im- land; Jeanne Shaheen, of New Hampshire; ator would be proud of. I wish him and pressed more voters during LAMAR’s Kirsten E. Gillibrand, of New York; Richard his family the very best. Blumenthal, of Connecticut; Mazie K. various campaigns than LAMAR him- f self, and she has devoted her own ca- Hirono, of Hawaii; Tim Kaine, of Virginia; reer to public health and philanthropy. Angus S. King, Jr., of Maine; Martin Hein- TRIBUTE TO MARK KELLY Their shared love and mutual respect rich, of New Mexico; Elizabeth Warren, of Mr. SCHUMER. Now a few other re- Massachusetts; Gary C. Peters, of Michigan; marks. We have a going and we have a inspire everyone. Honey is just about Joe Manchin III, of West Virginia; Tammy the finest ‘‘in-law’’ the U.S. Senate Duckworth, of Illinois; Doug Jones, of Ala- coming, and our coming is of a new could have ever had, so Elaine and I are bama. Senator who will be installed today, grateful to call her our friend as well. f and that is CAPT Mark Kelly, who will So as much as I am dreading life in be sworn in as the next Senator from the Senate without my brilliant friend, RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY Arizona. even I can’t begrudge him the silver LEADER It may not be the role he expected for lining. The most distinguished public The PRESIDING OFFICER. The himself earlier in his life as a U.S. servant has more than earned the right Democratic leader is recognized. Navy captain and then an astronaut to spend more days fly-fishing or walk- f aboard the International Space Sta- ing trails in the Smokies, more morn- tion. As Mark likes to say, his wife ings waking up on Blackberry Farm, TRIBUTE TO LAMAR ALEXANDER Gabby was already the member of the and a much larger share of his time Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, first, family in Congress. But tragedy upend- with Honey and their family. let me add my words of fond farewell to ed both their lives and changed so

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.003 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 many of their plans. Everyone con- write, and I will say what I want to fices. That bill ran off the track every tinues to be inspired by Gabby’s recov- say. 2 or 3 days. On one of those days, I ery, by Mark’s devotion, and by the I learned a couple of other things called the Vice President, Joe Biden. I courage it took for their family to re- about ‘‘saying what I want to say.’’ said: Joe, I am stuck in the White enter public life and public service. But One came from Alex Haley, the author House. I have the President’s personal- that is who Mark Kelly is—a devoted of ‘‘Roots,’’ who heard me speak once ized medicine in this. I have your Can- and honorable man—and we are de- and called me aside afterward and said: cer MoonShot. Senator MCCONNELL’s lighted to welcome him to the Senate May I make a suggestion? He said: If, regenerative medical proposal is in it. Democratic caucus and the wider Sen- when you begin a speech, you would Speaker Ryan has worked out a way to ate family. start by saying, ‘‘Instead of making a pay for it. But I can’t get the White So a fond adieu to my friend LAMAR, speech, let me tell you a story,’’ some- House to move. I feel like the butler and a fond welcome to my new friend one might actually listen to what you standing outside the Oval Office with a Mark Kelly. have to say. silver platter, and nobody will open the I have some more remarks on the And then, from David Broder, who door and take the order. topics, but I think I will defer those, gave this advice to Ruth Marcus when And Joe Biden said: If you want to with unanimous consent that I could she got her column for the Washington feel like the butler, try being Vice talk about those later, so we can get Post: one idea per column. President. Well, in the next few weeks, the Sen- right to Senator ALEXANDER’s remarks So here is a story about my one idea ate rules literally forced us to come to at the 10:30 scheduled time. for this speech. an agreement, and, in the end, we al- f In August of 1968, Senator Baker was in the Republican leader’s office, where most all voted for it. Senator MCCON- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Senator MCCONNELL is today. He over- NELL said then, as he said today, it was The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. heard this conversation. Senator Dirk- ‘‘the most important legislation’’ of CRUZ). Under the previous order, the sen was saying: that Congress. And, today, it is helping to create vaccines and treatments in leadership time is reserved. [No,] Mr. President, I cannot come down record time. Then, in 2018, there was a f and have a drink with you tonight. I did that last night and Louella is very unhappy with once-in-a-generation change in the CONCLUSION OF MORNING me. copyright laws to help songwriters be BUSINESS About 30 minutes later, there was a fairly paid; this year, the Great Amer- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning commotion out in the hall, and in the ican Outdoors Act. Everyone agrees business is closed. door of the Republican leader’s office that it is the most important outdoor and environmental bill in 50 years. f came two beagles, three Secret Service men, and the President of the United All of that took a long time, a lot of EXECUTIVE SESSION palavering, many amendments, many States. And Lyndon Johnson said to years. Too many years, civil rights ad- Everett Dirksen: ‘‘Everett, if you won’t vocates, students, patients, song- come down and have a drink with me, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR writers, and conservationists would I’m here to have one with you.’’ And say. But the point was that those bills The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under they disappeared into the back room. didn’t just pass. They passed by big the previous order, the Senate will pro- Later that same year, around a long margins. The country accepted them, ceed to executive session to resume table, in that same office, the Demo- and they are going to be there for a consideration of the following nomina- cratic President and the Republican long time, and most of them were en- tion, which the clerk will report. leader worked out the Civil Rights Act acted during divided government, when The senior assistant legislative clerk of 1968. It took 67 votes to break a fili- the Presidency and at least one body of read the nomination of Kyle buster, but when the bill passed and Congress was of different political par- Hauptman, of Maine, to be a Member of Johnson signed it, the Senators who the National Credit Union Administra- ties. voted no went home and said: It is the That offers an opportunity to share tion Board for a term expiring August law. We have to accept it. 2, 2025. the responsibility or the blame for And it still is today, along with doing hard things, like controlling the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- many other civil rights laws. ator from Tennessee. Federal debt. That is why our country So that is the one idea I have for this needs a U.S. Senate, to thoughtfully FAREWELL TO THE SENATE speech. Our country needs a U.S. Sen- and carefully and intentionally put Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ate to work across party lines to force country before partisanship and per- thank my friend Mitch, and I thank my broad agreements on hard issues, cre- sonal politics, to force broad agree- friend Chuck for their remarks. I will ating laws that most of us have voted ments on controversial issues that be- have more to say to them later. for and that a diverse country will ac- come laws that most of us will vote for On March 9, 1967, Senator Howard H. cept. and that a diverse country will accept. Baker, Jr., the newly elected Senator In the 1930s, we needed a Senate to Nearly 60 years ago, I had traveled from Tennessee, made his maiden ad- create Social Security; after World from my home in the mountains of dress, his first speech on the floor of War II, the United Nations; in the Tennessee to New York University’s the U.S. Senate. He spoke for too long. 1960s, Medicare; in 1978, to ratify the Law School in Manhattan, on Wash- The Republican leader of the Senate, Panama Canal Treaty; in 2013, more re- ington Square. It was my first trip ever who was also Baker’s father-in-law, cently, to tie interest rates for student to New York City, and I had asked for Senator Everett M. Dirksen, walked loans to the market rates, saving stu- a roommate whose background was as over to congratulate him and then dent borrowers hundreds of billions of different from mine as possible. One of said, ‘‘Howard, occasionally, you might dollars in the last several years; in those roommates turned out to be a enjoy the luxury of an unexpressed 2015, to fix No Child Left Behind. tall skinny guy from New Jersey. When thought,’’ which is good advice for a That bill had 100 alligators in the I would go to his home in New Jersey farewell address as well. swamp. The Wall Street Journal said, and spend the night—his mother was a As Senator Baker’s legislative assist- when we finished, that it was the larg- seamstress and his dad was a con- ant, I was also his speech writer for est evolution of power from Wash- tractor; they were Italian immi- that maiden address, or at least I ington to the States in 25 years. When grants—his mother would become so thought I was. He had developed a bad President Obama signed it, he said it concerned about my frayed collar on habit of not saying what I wrote for his was ‘‘a Christmas miracle’’ because, in my one white dress shirt that she speech. So I asked to see him, and I the end, 85 Senators voted for it. In would turn it while I slept. said: Do we have a problem with our re- 2016, as Senator MCCONNELL men- Years later, that roommate, Paul lationship? tioned, there was the 21st Century Tagliabue, invited me to go to the He said: No, we have a perfect rela- Cures Act, moving medical miracles Italian American Dinner here in Wash- tionship. You write what you want to faster to patients and into doctors’ of- ington. They were bursting with pride

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.004 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7147 for the Italian-American heritage at times it is because the majority at a softball game between Senator that dinner: cheers for Scalia, the Jus- doesn’t bring it up, and sometimes the John G. Tower’s staff of Texas and Sen- tice, and for Pelosi, the Congressman, minority obstructs. If a carbon tax is a ator Baker’s staff, in the summer of and for Stallone, the actor, and for good idea, why aren’t we voting on it? 1967, when a 21-year-old Smith College Tagliabue, the National Football Or if we want to help the DACA kids, graduate named Honey slid into first League Commissioner. But what struck why aren’t we voting on it? Or if the base wearing red shorts. me was, as proud as they all were of Federal debt is out of control, why I was not only surprised but cap- their Italian heritage, they were most aren’t we voting on it? tivated, and 18 months later we were proud to say: We are all Americans. It doesn’t take a genius. It doesn’t married. And for 52 years she has been Ken Burns, whose films tell the story take a genius to figure out how to gum an unselfish and caring wife, mother, of who we are, reminds us that the late up the works in a body of 100 that oper- campaigner, and advocate for families Arthur Schlesinger once wrote that our ates mostly by unanimous consent. But and children, especially her own. country needs less ‘‘pluribus’’ and more here is my different view of why we are In 1969, as the leader mentioned, Sen- ‘‘unum,’’ and the fact that we have at- here. It is hard to get here. It is hard to ator Baker said to me: You ought to tracted people from everywhere in the stay here. And while we are here, we get to know that smart, young legisla- world has made our country richer and might as well try to accomplish some- tive assistant for the new Kentucky stronger, but it is more important and thing good for the country. But it is Senator, Marlow Cook. That smart, a greater achievement that we have hard to accomplish something if you young legislative assistant was MITCH combined all of that diversity into one don’t vote on amendments. MCCONNELL, and it began a half cen- country. That is why the motto above Lately, the Senate has been like join- tury of friendship. the Presiding Officer’s desk is not one ing the Grand Ole Opry and not being Mario D’Angelo, in the barbershop allowed to sing. It is a real waste of word—‘‘pluribus.’’ It is ‘‘e pluribus here, first cut my hair in 1977 when I talent. Think about this body. Over the unum’’—out of many, one. came up for 3 months to work with More than ever, our country needs a years, we have had astronauts, former Senator Baker when he was suddenly United States to turn ‘‘pluribus’’ into Governors, Supreme Court law clerks, elected Republican leader. ‘‘unum,’’ to lead the American struggle military heroes, turnaround CEOs. We Some of my experiences in the Sen- even had one of us who ran the Olym- to forge unity from diversity. ate haven’t been so friendly, such as Now, some advocate operating the pics. A group of that much talent my confirmation hearing in 1991, when Senate in a different way: End the fili- ought to accomplish a lot more, and Senator Metzenbaum of Ohio said: Gov- buster—the Senate’s best-known tradi- you don’t have to eliminate the fili- ernor Alexander, I have heard some buster to accomplish a lot more— tion. In the movie ‘‘Mr. SMITH Goes to very disturbing things about you, but I meaning, restore the Senate to a time Washington,’’ he calls it ‘‘the right to don’t think I’ll bring them up here. when it was working across party lines talk your head off.’’ They say: Don’t And he then put a hold on my nomina- more often to solve big problems. tion for 2 months, until I was mysteri- worry about party lines. Pass every- Not so long ago, the Senate worked ously confirmed late one night—and I thing with a majority vote. Monday through Friday, considered Presidents would like that. They still don’t know how. hundreds of amendments. Most votes have said so. They would get their way Back then I found a new way to make were by majority, and conferences more easily if we allow the passions to friends among Senators when I went to worked out broad agreements. That the Republican retreat, and they said: roar through the Senate like they roar was under the existing rules. Let me If you will stop talking and play the through the House of Representatives. say that again. That was under the ex- piano, we will support Bush’s education So if the Democrats are in charge, we isting rules. So the Senate doesn’t need program. So I did, and they did. could abolish every right-to-work law, a change of rules. It needs a change of I have strengthened friendships in repeal all limits on abortion, and pass behavior, and the behavior to change the so-called ‘‘inner sanctum’’ that restrictions on guns. That is very ap- first is to stop blocking each other’s CHUCK SCHUMER and I resurrected pealing for the moment, but what amendments. If you are against it, vote downstairs. It provides a private space about if the train roars in the other di- no. Why stop the entire body from even for Senators to have a snack and a con- rection and Republicans say: Let’s im- considering it? Why join the Grand Ole versation. pose a right-to-work law on every Opry if you don’t want to sing? I guar- One-third of this body, of the Sen- State and pro-life laws and gun rights antee you that if 15 to 20 Democrats ators and their spouses, have come to laws. and 15 to 20 Republicans decided they the Smoky Mountains to be guests of Is such back and forth and back and wanted to change that practice, they Honey and me in our home for the forth what we really want as a coun- could do it. try? The Framers didn’t think so. They Some Governors don’t like being a weekend. We don’t talk about politics created this cooling saucer for those U.S. Senator, but not me. The jobs are much there. We talked about lost passions that Washington talked different. Both jobs cause you to want hikers and told bear stories. about, and the filibuster—‘‘the right to to see an urgent need, develop a strat- And I have even learned here how to talk your head off’’—is the preeminent egy to deal with it, and then try to per- count—how to count my friends. In 2006 tool we use to force broad agreements suade at least half of the people that I wrote 27 thank-you notes for 24 votes on tough issues that most of us will you are right. But the Governor’s job is when I lost the race by 1 vote to be the vote for and that the country could more like Moses. You say: Let’s go this Republican whip. Having learned to live with. way. The Senator’s job, if you want to count, I got to be the Republican con- Alexis de Tocqueville, the remark- get something done, is more like a pa- ference chairman. I enjoyed that, but 9 able young Frenchman who wandered rade organizer. You pick the route, you years ago I left to focus on issues that through our country in 1831 and 1832 recruit the marchers, you select the I cared the most about. Since then I and who wrote the best book yet on de- music, you even pick the drum majors have done my best to leave footprints mocracy in America, saw two great sometimes, and then you march in the that I hope are good for the country: dangers for our future: One, Russia; middle of the parade and hope it fixing No Child Left Behind and 21st and, two, the tyranny of the majority. doesn’t run off the road more than a Century Cures and simplifying FAFSA, Ending the filibuster will destroy the half dozen times on the way to where it working with PATTY MURRAY—MICHAEL impetus for forcing the broad agree- is going. BENNET was there at the start for the ments I have been talking about, and it I love the traditions of the Senate, FAFSA; working with DIANNE FEIN- would unleash the tyranny of the ma- the hard marble floors, the elaborate STEIN in building up our National Lab- jority to steamroll the rights of the courtesies, Barry Black’s prayers, and oratories and supercomputing; joining minority. scratching my name beside Howard the bipartisan parade of Portland and Well, you may say that the Senate Baker’s and Fred Thompson’s names in WARNER and GARDNER and KING and isn’t solving some big problems, and this desk drawer. MANCHIN and DAINES and HEINRICH and you would be right. We are not even I have made a lot of friendships in BURR and CANTWELL that created the voting on some big problems. Some- the Senate. My best friendship began Great American Outdoors Act; the law

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.005 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 to help songwriters; working with Memphis students, ‘‘America is a work roads, the highways, the access that MURRAY and JONES and TIM SCOTT on in progress. We’ve come a long way, were necessary were there to encourage permanently funding Black colleges; and we have a long way to go.’’ this business. with BLUNT and SHELBY on the shark Please remind your students that the As the former Secretary of Education tank of the National Institutes of rest of the world wishes they had our under President George H. W. Bush, he Health, creating new diagnostic tests, system of government and that the couldn’t not put his personal touch on new ways; with BURR and DURBIN and U.S. Senate has been and I hope con- education policy, working tirelessly, as MANCHIN and KING on the student loan tinues to be the single most important he said, to fix No Child Left Behind. law I mentioned; with CASEY and ENZI institution that helps to unify our This earned him the first-ever James on the Perkins Act; with Harry Reid country by creating broad agreements Madison Award. and Bill Frist, when they were leaders, that most of us can vote for and that He has a reputation for, indeed, being on the America COMPETES Act. the citizens of the United States will a go-to lawmaker, and as chairman of None of this could have been done accept. HELP here in the Senate, he put a without an exceptional staff. But in- Finally, please tell them that I wake spotlight on the issues that affect the stead of thanking them in a rushed up every day thinking I might be able most sensitive aspects of Tennesseans’ way now, I am going to make a sepa- to do something good to help our coun- lives, again benefiting all Americans. rate ‘‘salute to the staff’’ speech to- try and that I go to bed most nights I like the fact that he talked about morrow. Maybe I will start a tradition. thinking that I have. Please tell them bipartisanship and productivity. Be- My favorite time in the U.S. Senate that it is a great privilege to be a U.S. tween 2015 and 2019, during his term of has been with the American history Senator. service at HELP, he has reported 45 teachers whom I invite to come to the I yield the floor. bills out of his committee that have be- Senate floor before it opens while they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- come law—45 bills. As he mentioned, are attending the academies that were ator from Tennessee. one of those was 21st Century Cures. As created by the legislation I introduced TRIBUTE TO LAMAR ALEXANDER a Member in the House and working on in my maiden address 18 years ago. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, it originating this bill, we had said: We After that address, Ted Kennedy, is such an honor to be here and to join are going to make this bipartisan. And, without my knowing it, went around my colleagues in paying tribute to Sen- indeed, we did, and we moved it from and got 20 Democratic cosponsors. In ator ALEXANDER today. As you can see, the House to the Senate. And yes, in- the House, ROGER WICKER and MARSHA there are many who want to speak and deed, there were some days we thought: BLACKBURN helped pass the bill there, have a few words to say. This is never going to happen. But, in- where they were then. Now, I think all of us wish that we deed, Senator ALEXANDER insisted, and, The teachers who come to the floor could do this to a background of music yes, it did happen. before we open invariably go to our with LAMAR playing the piano. That He mentioned the Music Moderniza- desks. They try to find Daniel Web- would definitely be the proper setting. tion Act, and I will tell you, this is vi- ster’s desk. They look for the Kennedy But I am so pleased to stand and to tally important to Tennesseans. As we brothers’ desk. They ask, ‘‘Where is honor the three terms of service that worked this through the House and Jefferson Davis’s desk?’’—Jefferson he has had here in this body and the then it hit some bumps in the road, Davis, who resigned the Senate to be- way he has touched the lives not only come President of the Confederacy—be- Senator ALEXANDER and Senator Hatch of individuals in this body but millions cause they have heard the story that did such a great job of pushing this for- of Tennesseans. there is a chop mark on the desk that ward here in the Senate. We know that he has—and he has Then, last September, the Nashville was imposed by a Union soldier when talked about it in his remarks—worked they captured Washington. The soldier Songwriters Association International with educators; he has worked with was chopping the desk until his com- awarded him the White Hat Award, innovators; he has worked with the mander said: Stop that. We are here to which is what they give to legislators healthcare community; and he has save the Union, not to destroy it. who have made a significant impact on Invariably a teacher will ask: Sen- worked, yes, with entertainers, many the entertainment and music commu- ator, what would you like for us to of whom hold him so dear and who call nity. take back to our students about being Tennessee home. In fact, when I was Well, the highlight reel would be too a U.S. Senator? serving in the House and representing long to cover in one speech. There are My reply is always the same: Please Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, many who are waiting to express their suggest to your students that they so many times I would look over here thanks. look at Washington, DC, as if it were a and I would think ‘‘What is LAMAR not So, with that, I yield the floor. split-screen television. On one side are working on today?’’ because he always The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. the confirmation hearings and the had such a broad portfolio of issues SASSE). The Senator from California is tweets, and on the other side you have that were demanding his attention. recognized. Democratic and Republican Senators And what we know is he accepted that Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I working together to strengthen na- work to address that broad portfolio of rise today to honor Senator LAMAR tional defense, National Laboratories, issues. ALEXANDER, a friend and a colleague national parks, and the National Insti- His commitment for caring for the who has served in this body for some 18 tutes of Health. needs of all Tennesseans has really years now. I have had the pleasure of Please remind them of what a re- manifested itself in what Tennesseans serving with this Senator on both the markable country this is: the strongest like to see as a lifelong legacy that has Rules Committee and the Appropria- military, the best universities, pro- really changed lives. As Governor, he tions Committee, and we sat next to ducing 20 percent of all the money in worked to streamline our State’s gov- each other as chairman or ranking the world for just 4 percent of the peo- ernment, was very successful in those member on two Appropriations sub- ple. Tell them we are not perfect, but, efforts, and he brought that desire to committees—first Interior and then as our Constitution says, we are always streamline government with him when Energy and Water. We have done that working to form a more perfect union he came to the Senate. Indeed, this is since 2009. It has been through these and that, as Samuel Huntington wrote, work that has benefited all Ten- experiences that I truly have come to most of our arguments are about con- nesseans and all Americans. appreciate Senator ALEXANDER’s fair- flicts among principles with which As Governor of Tennessee, he was ness, his interest in solving problems, most of us agree, and most of our poli- very successful in working to persuade and his bipartisanship. tics is about disappointments in not Nissan automotive to come into our Most of all, I so appreciate your being able to reach the noble goals we State. This started a new impact on friendship and the time we have had to set for ourselves, such as all men are our State with the auto industry. talk together. created equal. Then, as the auto industry needed sup- I do believe that the Senate is going The late NAACP President Ben pliers, he turned his attention to infra- to be diminished by the absence of this Hooks used to teach his University of structure to make certain that the Senator.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.007 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7149 Working closely as chair and ranking LAMAR, as you heard already today, 2011 is legendary, and thanks to member of the Energy and Water De- is an extraordinary legislator. He has YouTube, it is also immortal. velopment Subcommittee, we have al- the ability to bring people together LAMAR was a great friend, as he men- ways been able to find agreement on even on very contentious issues and tioned today, of the writer Alex Haley, the annual appropriations bill. That is hammer out a compromise. He is ex- the author of ‘‘Roots.’’ Mr. Haley’s per- because we shared a willingness to find tremely effective because he is always sonal motto was ‘‘Find the good and common ground. And that is no small well informed, focuses on the issue at praise it.’’ LAMAR quotes that often, thing. We have consistently held com- hand, never gives up, and is willing to and he lives by it. Optimism and grati- prehensive subcommittee hearings on a work across the aisle. He gets things tude, effectiveness and skill are his de- wide range of issues, from nuclear done that matter not only to his con- fining characteristics. To LAMAR, ‘‘the power and nuclear waste to dam safety, stituents and his beloved Tennessee good’’ isn’t simply what is pleasant; it to devastating droughts in the West but also to citizens across this great is what is worthwhile, what makes us and the future of renewable energy. country. better people, better citizens, a better We were also often among the first, if He has been an extraordinary leader nation. If we follow the advice he gave not the first subcommittee to nego- on important issues that many of us us today, we will be a better Senate. tiate our bill, draft it, and get it care deeply about, such as biomedical Not long ago, I was interviewed by a marked up by the full committee, and research, education, and combating the journalist for a retrospective on that includes 4 years of record-level opioid crisis. He is that rare individual LAMAR’s service in the Senate. She said funding for clean energy, the National who is far less interested in who gets that she happened to be in the Senate Laboratories, supercomputing, and the credit than in getting the job done. Dining Room on December 17, 2018—the water projects. The focus has always But, in fact, each of us who has had the day that LAMAR announced his inten- been on a fair, open process that seeks privilege of working with LAMAR knows tion to retire—and that a room usually compromise. And that track record that he is the one who deserves the alive with chatter was unusually quiet speaks to the value we place on the credit. and tinged with sadness. That somber process. I have served for years with LAMAR atmosphere was genuine and bipar- But more than anything, Senator on the Health, Education, Labor, and tisan. ALEXANDER will be remembered as Pensions Committee, which he chairs. LAMAR, I can’t tell you how much someone who dedicated his life to serv- On one challenging issue after another, personally I will miss serving with you. ing the people of Tennessee. Between when others would throw up their You are not only a great Senator and his 8 years as Governor and 16 years as hands and say ‘‘This is impossible; it extraordinary legislator but a wonder- a Senator, he served longer than any simply cannot be done,’’ LAMAR never ful friend. Thank you so much for your Tennessean who has held both jobs. gives up the search for a solution and many years of public service. I feel That doesn’t include the 2 years he for common ground. very honored to have served with you, served as President George H.W. Bush’s LAMAR has been so prolific as a legis- to have learned from you, and I wish Secretary of Education. lator that it is difficult to single out you and Honey all the best. His priorities have always been of one accomplishment among so many, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- great importance to Tennessee, wheth- but if forced to do so, I would say that sistant Democratic leader. er Army Corps of Engineers funding for the 21st Century Cures Act is his signa- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, his inland waters, particularly his favor- ture achievement. As the name im- name was the answer to a frequently ite, Chickamauga—this is the first plies, this law is a lasting legacy for asked question. It is a question that time I ever heard the word pro- him, and it is already providing lasting used to come up in almost every Demo- nounced—Chickamauga Lock, which he benefits for our country. Whether it is cratic meeting when we talked about often talks about in our hearings, or the BRAIN Initiative that will finally legislative ideas and we talked about updating the way musicians are paid help us to make progress on diseases making progress on the floor of the for their work. like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Senate. And the question was this: Who He also led efforts to pass the Every can we call on the other side of the Student Succeeds Act in 2015, which other neurological illnesses, or the aisle? And the answer was almost al- President Obama called a ‘‘Christmas Cancer Moonshot that was done in ways LAMAR ALEXANDER. We knew that miracle.’’ honor of Beau Biden, or the funding As we hear promising news about that was included to look at the im- if we presented an idea to him, he coronavirus vaccines, we are reminded pact of lifestyles on our health, all of would not only be receptive and re- of the 21st Century Cures Act. That is the provisions of this landmark law spectful, we knew that if he came on board, it would lend credibility to our Senator ALEXANDER’s landmark 2016 will improve the health of the Amer- bill that streamlined the drug and de- ican people far into the future, and it effort, maybe even get a bill passed vice approval process to bring treat- will be LAMAR ALEXANDER who de- around here. But it would always have ments to market faster. He has a long serves the credit. to wear a red tartan badge with it be- record of work he can be proud of. As a close second, I would cite the cause there was an idea that he wanted LAMAR, you have been a great col- educational reforms he drafted to re- to bring to the party, but it was worth league and a dear friend all these years place and improve No Child Left Be- it. It was worth it not only for the in the Senate. I am proud of what we hind to give more autonomy back to progress that you can make in terms of have achieved together. I will miss our the States and local school districts. legislation, but it was worth it because dinners together and sitting next to That law—Every Student Succeeds it was part of developing a friendship. you on the dais. I hope you enjoy a Act—was a momentous bipartisan Harry Truman used to recommend fa- well-earned retirement with Honey and achievement, and LAMAR has already mously, ‘‘If you want a friend in Wash- your beautiful family. Thank you so explained what it took to get the job ington, get a dog.’’ I thought of that. I much for your service. done. It is not surprising that in 2016, told you about it a few months ago The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the Nation’s Governors named LAMAR when you were on one of those Sunday ator from Maine. the first recipient of the James Madi- morning talk shows. You were broad- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I first son Award to recognize Members of casting, I think, from your living room met LAMAR ALEXANDER when he was a Congress who support Federalism. As or family room at your home in Ten- candidate for President 25 years ago. we have heard today, the Wall Street nessee, and I couldn’t get over that He was campaigning in the State of Journal called ESSA the ‘‘largest devo- stuffed animal that was on the coffee Maine, and after giving an articulate lution of federal control to the states table behind you. It just seemed like it speech outlining his priorities and his in a quarter-century.’’ was such an odd little piece of maybe policies, he proceeded to charm every- In addition to being a skillful legis- personal pride to have that stuffed ani- one by playing the piano. Little did I lator, LAMAR is also a wonderfully tal- mal with you. It turned out it wasn’t know then that we would one day serve ented musician, as both a pianist and a stuffed at all. It was Rufus, your dog, as colleagues and friends in the U.S. singer. His hilarious performance at who slept through your entire perform- Senate. the annual Alfalfa Club dinner back in ance, wasn’t a bit moved by the fact

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.009 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 that you were on some Sunday morn- our colleagues Senator BLACKBURN and young Senator who regarded him as ing talk show. Senator COLLINS and Senator FEIN- something of a mentor and a role I want to thank you for many things, STEIN—the list goes on and on—but model. and I will mention a few of them in that increase by 38 percent of the Na- I share a couple of things with terms of legislation, but I especially tional Institutes of Health was some- LAMAR; one is the fact that we were want to thank you for—I brought a thing our little quartet did together, both Senate staffers long before we group of friends of mine down to Nash- and I am particularly proud to be part came to the Senate as elected officials. ville, TN, and you made a recommenda- of it. We weren’t here at the same time. He tion list of places to stop, including the It wasn’t, by far, the only thing that was a little ahead of me. I came to the Bluebird, and then came by and joined you have done. You championed an in- Senate the year Howard Baker left, us for lunch. You couldn’t have been crease in the Department of Energy’s but, like LAMAR, I have great apprecia- more gracious, and I thank you for Office of Science as chair of the Energy tion for the contributions staffers that. and Water Appropriations Committee, make to the work that we do around That is a trademark of LAMAR ALEX- which Senator FEINSTEIN noted. Under here. I know many of LAMAR’s staffers ANDER’s life and service to this coun- your leadership with her, that office are in the Gallery today. As he leaves, try. budget has increased by 38 percent also we lose a tremendous amount of I could talk about many things, but I since 2015. brain power and talent that has con- want to reflect on one that I think is You worked with the National Labs, tributed so significantly to the suc- timely and significant and is a reason a like Oak Ridge, Argonne, Fermilab. cesses and accomplishments that he lot of us are wearing these masks. We Those are near and dear to me as well. has had as a U.S. Senator. are facing a pandemic with the COVID– And your support for research infra- The other is that he and I both have 19 virus. It has claimed 273,000 Amer- structure provided essential help to served as chairman of the Senate Re- ican lives, and I am afraid many more this Lab and Labs across America. publican conference, which is the mes- will follow. Millions—almost 13 million I want to just close by saying this. saging and communications office for or more—have been infected by it. We Most of us were moved by your speech. Republicans in the Senate. I succeeded want it to end, and we want it to end I am sure it was a perfect illustration LAMAR as chairman of the Senate Re- as quickly as possible. of your view of this Chamber and the publican conference in 2012. I will tell The really shining ray of hope here is good memories you have and a chal- you, he is a very tough act to follow the possibility that a vaccine will be lenge to all of us to do better. I think but an inspiring one because he did available soon. I pray it will be. I like the honest answer is it is not the rules such a tremendous job in leading our to think that some of the things that of the Senate that make the difference; messaging in the conference. LAMAR has an ability to break down we did together, with others, created it is the Senators who make a dif- complex subjects and communicate an opportunity for that vaccine to be ference. If we come to the chore of leg- them clearly. He can sum up an issue discovered. islating with the inspiration of LAMAR in one succinct phrase. He mentioned It was 5 or 6 years ago that I ap- ALEXANDER, we are going to get a lot earlier, in his remarks, the idea that proached you and I approached Senator done for America. there ought to be one column, one idea; PATTY MURRAY and ROY BLUNT with Thank you for your great service to one speech, one idea. He really did mas- the idea that we ought to make a con- our country. ter that. certed, consistent effort to increase the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- I can recall his summary when we NIH’s budget by at least 5 percent per publican whip. were talking a lot about the energy year. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, the Sen- issue: We need to ‘‘find more and use Senator BLUNT, whom I see on the ate is going to miss LAMAR ALEXANDER. less.’’ That is about as clear a sum- floor here today, I want to thank you. Listening to his farewell address mary of our energy priorities as you You took that cause to heart, along right now made the fact that he is can get. with Senator ALEXANDER. leaving all too real. I don’t like to Many of us used a phrase he popular- We had the right appropriator and think of a U.S. Senate without LAMAR. ized around here, too, in describing the right authorizer, and PATTY MUR- He is a Senate institution and a Senate policies of the other side that we RAY served in both capacities so effec- leader, and his leaving is a loss for this thought would be harmful to the econ- tively. body and for the American people. omy as casting a big wet blanket over We dramatically increased the NIH Any tribute to LAMAR has to mention the economy. I don’t know how many budget over the last 7, 8 years. I am his incredible career, which a lot has times you heard that coming out of our hopeful, and I would like to think that been alluded to already: his walk mouths, but it all originated with some of those researchers and the work across the State of Tennessee, his 8 LAMAR ALEXANDER. that they did was laying the ground- years as Tennessee Governor, his time I think that ability to really break work for the discovery of these vac- as Secretary of Education under Presi- down complex issues and clearly ex- cines quickly in the United States and dent George H.W. Bush, his stint as plain them is one of the reasons he was around the world. That is a legacy you president of the University of Ten- such a good conference chairman and won’t soon forget. nessee system, and his time as a pro- one of the reasons he has been so suc- Do you remember when we first got fessor at Harvard. cessful legislatively. wind of this COVID–19 and I walked Then, of course, are his 18 years in And he has been successful legisla- across the Chamber here and I said to the U.S. Senate, marked by significant tively. You already heard a number of you: I am worried about this protective legislative accomplishments on every- my colleagues talk about his many equipment issue and how much we are thing from education to opioids. successes. Yet he has managed to get reliant on going overseas for sourcing; All that, and he makes a plaid shirt things passed around here that I don’t would you join me at least in an effort look good, although these days he has think anyone thought could get passed, to find out whether we are dependent switched to a plaid face mask. particularly in the polarized political on foreign sources at a time when we I first met LAMAR, like our colleague environment that we have been in. might desperately need this protective from Maine, Senator COLLINS, men- But LAMAR has an ability to bring equipment for our own? tioned, when he attended a Lincoln people together from across the aisle. You said, sure, and we did it together Day Dinner in South Dakota in 1995, You heard our colleagues on both sides and the investigation is underway. It when he was running for President. I speak to that. He is very practical may not serve us in this particular cri- really started to get to know him a lit- about the business of legislating. He fo- sis, but it will serve in many genera- tle bit when I came to the Senate in cuses on what is actually possible to do tions to come to make sure we have re- 2005. and he finds the common ground and liable domestic sources in the United LAMAR had already been here for a he gets things done. States. couple of years by that time. Of course, You have heard of the America COM- I am not going to catalog all of the he already had an extraordinary career PETES Act, the Every Student Suc- items that were mentioned earlier by behind him. I know I was not the only ceeds Act, the 21st Centuries Cures

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.010 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7151 Act, the Opioids Crisis Response Act, we do here, had a solution to that. hope we will. I can’t think of a greater the Copyright Act, the Great American Their solution was—whether it was the legacy for LAMAR to leave than that of Outdoors Act. I could go on and on. Greek or Roman philosophers—their a Senate that actually works. That is Those, ladies and gentlemen, are solution was: Do your best. Show up what the country deserves, and that is major, major pieces of legislation, tre- and make a contribution. Do your best. the inspiration that LAMAR ALEXANDER mendous accomplishments of the Con- Don’t worry about how people are has set for me. gress by the U.S. Senate, signed into going to remember you. Don’t worry I thank the Presiding Officer. law by the President, all of which about your own mortality. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- couldn’t have happened without the So few of us follow that advice. I ator from Texas. leadership of LAMAR ALEXANDER. think LAMAR ALEXANDER embodies Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, we all He has held multiple leadership posi- that. As President of the University of know that LAMAR ALEXANDER is a per- tions in the Senate: chairman of the Tennessee, as Governor, as the Sec- son of tremendous character and judg- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- retary of Education, as a Senator, in ment, and it is not just because he sions Committee and, as I said, Senate every one of those jobs, it has always asked that young woman in the red Republican conference chairman, but been about doing his best. shorts that he met at that softball he has always been a leader, whether or In a Chamber filled with people who game so many years ago to marry him, not in an official leadership position or think they have a monopoly on wis- who happens to be from Victoria, TX, simply by virtue of who he is. dom, LAMAR has never stopped learn- which demonstrates his enormous good As I said before, LAMAR has been a ing. He has always been curious. Up to judgment. Certainly, we wish him and mentor and role model to me and I this day—I will bet today, he probably Honey the best in this next chapter of know to many others here in the Sen- got up and asked somebody on his staff their lives. When I think about LAMAR ALEX- ate. or one of his colleagues to tell him But I also have to mention his per- about something he wants to learn ANDER, I think about all of the Lamar- sonal warmth and hospitality to me more about so he can be more effective isms, and we have heard some of them here today: ‘‘Find the good and praise and my wife when our daughter was and make a greater difference so he can it’’—quotes his friend Alex Haley, studying at Belmont University in do his best. which I think kind of speaks to the op- Nashville, TN. He and his wife Honey The Senate is going to be diminished timistic, positive view of life that we opened their home to us in Nashville. by LAMAR’s absence. It is hard to be- could use more of. Then I remember They hosted us. I am fortunate to be lieve we can be any more diminished other words. He said: If you want to get among those he mentioned were at than we are, but we are going to be di- a standing ovation before any group of their place in the Smokies, which was minished by LAMAR leaving. individuals, you need to say, ‘‘It is a fabulous experience. They took us to Susan and I were lucky enough to be time to put the teaching of American a Tennessee Titans game. They went invited to his home, spend a weekend there. I am going to say something now history and civics back into its rightful above and beyond. And to this day, we place in our schools so our children can are grateful for their warmth and gen- I never said to LAMAR ALEXANDER. He gave us the great privilege of standing grow up learning what it means to be erosity and for a chance to see LAMAR an American.’’ He has talked about in the family cemetery in Eastern Ten- in his element in his beloved Ten- Alex Haley, his friend, who told him nessee, in his beloved Smoky Moun- nessee. how to give a speech by telling a story. LAMAR has dedicated much of his life tains, where he will forever keep the Aristotle also had an idea about how to his State, his country, and nobody windmills out. As I stood there a little to give a great speech. He basically could be more deserving of retirement. awkwardly in the cemetery—because broke it down to three components. I will be surprised if he ever fully re- that is not usually part of a tour—all I One is the logical argument, another is tires. I am pretty sure, even while sit- could think about was how lucky the emotional argument, but then an- ting on his porch, he is still going to be LAMAR and Honey were to know that other is about establishing your au- dreaming up ways to make our country would be the place where they would be thority. It is about the character of the better. and that long after they were remem- speaker. When I think about LAMAR, as LAMAR, thank you for your leader- bered by anybody, they would know he has demonstrated again here today, ship and for your mentorship. Thank that they had done their best; that the thing I appreciate about him the you for being a role model to so many they had always done their best. most is not just what he has accom- of us. May God bless you in your retire- What I would say to my colleagues plished here but his incredible char- ment. I will miss you. today is, we have an opportunity to fol- acter and positive impact on our Sen- I yield the floor. low LAMAR’s example and take him up ate and on our country. It has been be- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- on what he said. We are not memori- cause people know that his heart is in ator from Colorado. alizing LAMAR today. He is going to the right place. It is his doing it for all Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I was have a lot more years left to contribute the right reasons that we admire him not planning on speaking today, but I to his State, his community, and to the so much. was so inspired by what Senator ALEX- country, but he won’t be in the Senate, I would just point out, as I told ANDER had to say about his career and and we are in the Senate. LAMAR previously, that I admired about the Senate that I wanted to We could work in the Senate that LAMAR ALEXANDER long before I met share a word or two of reflection on works 5 days a week or even 6 days a him—when I voted for him in the 1996 what he said. week. Sign me up for that Senate. We Republican primary for President. Un- Anybody who has spent any time could work in a Senate that has 25 fortunately, he dropped out of that around Washington, DC, or even amendments in a bill instead of 25 race shortly thereafter, so I told him I around this Capitol knows there are amendments in a year, as we did last wasted my vote, but I have been an ad- statues built all over this town of peo- year, because there is no other body in mirer for a long time. ple nobody remembers. When I go by America or in this democracy, as (Laughter.) one of those statues in Washington— LAMAR said, that is set up to decide the LAMAR and I also share something whether it is in a circle somewhere in hardest questions that our country is else in common. It is about his prede- a traffic stop or in the hallway in the facing and to make those decisions cessor as well as mine. He is a person Capitol—I think about the importance stick. That is what LAMAR ALEXANDER by the name of Sam Houston. I occupy of dying at the right time. You want to said to us today. the Senate seat first held by Sam die at a moment when statues are in He has left us with a challenge, and I Houston when Texas became a State. vogue if you are going to have a statue. hope we will take him up on it because Of course, he originally came from But there is no—none of these people there is no excuse for the way this Tennessee. He had happened to be a are ever going to be remembered in the place has worked, and the American Governor of Tennessee before he had long view of history. The stoic philoso- people are tired of hearing that it has left and gone to Texas. Later, he be- phers on whom we base so much, or at been the other side’s fault. There are came the Governor of Texas and basi- least attempt to base so much of what 100 people who can fix this place, and I cally stepped down because he was a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Dec 02, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.012 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 Union man, recruited by Andrew Jack- ing side by side with LAMAR on legisla- appreciated, when I told him we should son. He loved the Union. He did not tion, you are bound to get things done write a bill together rather than to agree with secession, but, of course, he because he has cracked the code. He amend the Republican bill that he had went to Texas and became a victorious knows how to do it. begun working on. With our HELP general of the decisive Battle of San I have been proud to work with Committee members, we were able to Jacinto. He became the President of LAMAR on legislation to address the write and pass a new K–12 public edu- the Republic of Texas for the same rea- opioid epidemic, to support our service- cation bill that fixed the most broken son. The reason the Texas flag and the members and veterans, to protect parts of No Child Left Behind. It in- American flag fly at the same height is health coverage, and to ensure that cluded Federal guardrails so we could that we were an independent nation be- folks across the country have the op- understand how all of our students per- fore we became part of the United portunity to take advantage of the form. It dedicated resources to improv- States. I have heard it said that you American dream. His presence has been ing the schools that needed it the could never write a novel based on the constant throughout our time. We most. It also allowed for historic steps life of Sam Houston because nobody came to the Senate at the same time, forward on early education. would believe it. I have read plenty and, of course, his retirement makes We laid the groundwork together for about him, and I still find that to be that all bittersweet. new investments in lifesaving bio- true. So I thank our colleague from Ten- medical innovation and research Yet, as I indicated, as proud as Tex- nessee for his friendship over many through the 21st Century Cures Act, in- ans are of Sam Houston’s contribution years and, as we have heard from Sen- cluding the Beau Biden Cancer Moon- to our history and our State, we know ator THUNE and others, for the example shot. we can’t claim him entirely because he he has shown to the rest of us as to We worked together to pass land- grew up in Maryville, TN—the same how to be an effective Member of the mark legislation to boost our response town that LAMAR ALEXANDER did—and U.S. Senate. I also thank him for his to the opioid epidemic, to strengthen went on to become Governor, as I men- decades of service to the country. I our public health preparedness pro- tioned a moment ago. don’t expect LAMAR to follow in the grams, and to permanently fund his- Sam Houston’s portrait hangs above footsteps of Sam Houston and run for torically Black colleges and univer- my desk in the Hart Office Building be- Governor of Texas, but I know he has sities and minority-serving institu- cause it helps to remind me of my re- many more contributions to make to tions. We not only passed each of these sponsibilities and of the incredible his- our great country, and I wish him and bills, but we did so time and again with tory and contribution that he made Honey all the best during this next huge majorities from this Senate. Now, and that, hopefully, each of us can chapter of their lives. I am sure he is even still, Chairman ALEXANDER and I, make. looking forward to spending a little along with our colleagues in the House, While you find Sam Houston’s pic- more time in their beloved Smoky are working to get legislation across ture above my desk, you will find his Mountains. the finish line to finally ban surprise walking stick in LAMAR ALEXANDER’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- medical bills. What I have just laid out is by no office, which is just down the hall. The ator from Washington. many Tennesseans who have visited Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I have means a full list at all of Senator ALEXANDER’s accomplishments as LAMAR during his time in the Chamber learned in my time in the Senate that chairman. It doesn’t even include quite have seen the words ‘‘Sam Houston,’’ if you want to get something done a few things he is still trying to get ‘‘Texas,’’ and ‘‘Lone Star’’ engraved on across the aisle, you really need the done as we speak. Senator ALEX- its gold cap, and according to LAMAR, following: You need someone on the ANDER’s focus on working together has several Texans have tried to run off other side who is just as committed to helped countless families in his home with it. Fortunately, they haven’t been working together as you are, and that State of Tennessee, in my home State successful. Member needs to have the trust of of Washington, and nationwide. The truth is, you can’t get through a Members on your side of the aisle and My Democratic colleagues and I Texas history class—or at least you on his own, and you both need to be thank Chairman ALEXANDER for the shouldn’t—without hearing about the willing to set aside egos and listen and tone and manner with which he has led pivotal role of the Volunteer State get a realistic understanding of wheth- the HELP Committee over the past 6 within the history of my State. I al- er the person on the other side of the years—some of them, admittedly, ways kid LAMAR. I say: The Ten- negotiating table can reach an agree- rockier than others but, throughout, nesseans who went to Texas who fought ment with you that upholds your prin- guided by his steady leadership and at the Alamo and in the Battle of San ciples without compromising his own. commitment to working together. Jacinto were just one step ahead of a Now, what I have laid out might not For myself, as someone who shares creditor or of an aggrieved spouse. This sound that unusual or rare, but it is ac- the drive to not only fight for what you was a rough-and-tumble group that tually pretty tough to find these days. believe in but also to look for common came from Tennessee to found Texas. I have been very lucky that the Sen- ground, I thank my colleague from There are other Tennesseans, people ator whom we honor today on the Tennessee for the many opportunities like Davy Crockett and others, who floor—my colleague and friend, Chair- to dig in and get to work that he has went to Texas and created our State. man LAMAR ALEXANDER, of Tennessee— provided, for being willing to hear me The State of Texas has many reasons is someone who has managed it time and my colleagues out again and again to be grateful to the contributions of and again. when necessary, and for looking so the sons and daughters of Tennessee, I don’t think anyone, least of all Sen- often for common ground, for another and one of those great sons is LAMAR. ator ALEXANDER himself, would be sur- problem we could solve, and for being He has dedicated his life to public serv- prised to hear me say that we are as willing not just to keep talking but to ice. As we know, it has led him through likely to disagree as to agree on many keep listening as well. an incredible number of important of- matters. I bring my Washington State Finally, I know none of this would fices. values to the table, and he brings his have been possible without the support Yet I think, to me, the thing that has Tennessee values, so you can imagine and strength Senator ALEXANDER has even more led to his legislative accom- how that has gone from time to time. received from Honey, his wife, and I ac- plishments and that has made LAMAR Yet, despite our different perspectives knowledge and thank her for her con- so effective is that we know we can and our different approaches we take tribution as well. trust him. We know his character. We to policymaking, we have also been Lamar, you will be thrilled to be know that when he says something, it able to see where our values and the in- back full time in the State you love so is true, and we have seen it time and terests of our States and our country much—I know that—but I and mem- again, when LAMAR has used that char- converge. bers of the HELP Committee want you acter and that trust to pass historic We both understood that the broken to know we are going to miss you ter- legislation in this Chamber. As we have No Child Left Behind law needed to be ribly here in the Senate. Thank you so all come to know, when you are work- fixed. LAMAR listened to me, which I so much for all you have done.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.013 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7153 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- another attribute of this great Senator and it was very easy to come together ator from Mississippi. to whom we say farewell today. and say that we had to get Savannah Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I ask I think the remarks we heard from River, we had to get Oak Ridge, we had unanimous consent that Senators Senator ALEXANDER will be taught at to get Colorado, we had to get Idaho, CANTWELL, BLUNT, ROMNEY, SCHUMER, civics classes and college-level govern- and we had to get Hanford. But as and I be able to complete our remarks ment classes for decades and decades to those projects made progress, a lot of before the next vote. come. It was so profound, and it is a people forgot about what it took to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there real honor that a piece of legislation clean up Hanford. So I appreciate your objection? that he and I worked on together will constant focus on helping us to get the Without objection, it is so ordered. always be a part of what I consider to dollars necessary for cleanup at Han- Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I don’t be those immortal remarks. ford. want to prolong this discussion except So I thank you very much. I also appreciate, recently, your help to make one additional point about the I yield the floor. on making sure that people didn’t unselfishness and humility of this hero The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- overstep on the National Nuclear Secu- of the Senate, whose remarks we will ator from Washington. rity Administration and turn that over long remember today. Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I to a Defense oversight of people but There is a framed piece of legislation come to the floor, too, to thank the kept it within the Department of En- that hangs on the wall in my con- Senator from Tennessee for his service ergy. I so appreciate that. ference room in the Dirksen Building. to our Nation and for his work here in But I will be forever grateful for your It is, in fact, a piece of legislation that the U.S. Senate. focus on public lands. We have a saying Senator ALEXANDER chose to mention Some of my colleagues have already in my State: Environmentalists make as one of his signature accomplish- mentioned the brevity of words with great ancestors. So I don’t know if you ments, and that is the American His- which Senator ALEXANDER can deliver want that environmentalist term asso- tory and Civics Education Act, which a message. I, too, remember his com- ciated with your name, but I am pretty was signed into law by President ments as a Rules Committee member, sure you do want the stewardship. on the inaugural address, and really George W. Bush. There is a story about And the man from the Great Smoky capturing the moment of why a transi- how I came to have that piece of legis- Mountains helped us deliver a monu- tion of power is so important to our lation, which Senator ALEXANDER mental piece of legislation by con- Nation. And it struck me that we real- worked so hard on, on the wall in my vincing the President of the United ly had a poet or a writer among us, conference room. States to support the budgetary impact I live in North Mississippi, and, as someone who could sense and feel the of combining both the national parks such, I listen to Memphis television a moment of what we were going through enhancement program, which is basi- lot. During LAMAR ALEXANDER’s first and express it in words. So I have no cally taking care of the national parks race for Senator, on came a commer- doubt that some writing is in LAMAR’s backlog, which was in the billions of cial, and, basically, it said just what future here, and I look forward to see- dollars, and also fully funding the Land our friend from Texas just quoted— ing that. and Water Conservation Fund, a battle that this candidate for Senator, former But I wanted to rise today to thank that had been going on for more than a Governor LAMAR ALEXANDER, wanted him for his service and what it has decade. to pass an American civics education meant to my State and to our Nation. So I want to thank you for that, bill to teach our children what it My colleague from Washington talked LAMAR. I want to thank you on behalf means to be an American. I stopped at about their work together on the of the Washingtonians who will go to that moment, and I pointed to that tel- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- so many special places, who will get to evision screen, and I said: If that man sions Committee. I, too, want to thank visit and commune with their families, gets elected, I want to be part of that you for the CARES Act, and I remem- who will be able to have outdoor expe- bill because that is exactly what we ber your recognition on FOX News riences, who will be able to really un- need. about stem cell research and the great derstand the grandeur of Mother Earth. So Senator ALEXANDER introduced work that that has led to. the bill here in the Senate. I intro- So we are appreciative of those re- So thank you for pulling off what duced it in the House of Representa- search dollars, but I want to focus on a seemed to be like an impossible effort tives. We made public appearances to- role that maybe has not gotten as to convince people to make that level gether, one in Memphis, TN, that I will much attention—the historic role you of investment. always remember. Eventually, the bill have played on our energy budget and We are going to miss the harmony of gained a lot of support over here, and our National Laboratory budget. your voice and the harmony of your Senator KENNEDY, as has been men- I so appreciate the background of legislative skills, but we are not going tioned, was someone at the forefront of your State and the background of focus to say permanently good-bye to you be- that effort. on energy funding, from the National cause we hope that you will be sending We were able to pass it in the House. Laboratory perspective, which has had us messages just like the one you sent It went to conference to iron out the to have a constant flow and constantly today and reminding us that we can do details, and a decision had to be made it has been challenged. Yet it has put better. as to which one would actually be en- every step forward because of the level So thank you, LAMAR, for your con- acted by both Houses and go to the of investment in helping us make our tribution, in a lot of your life, to these President for his signature. Nation more secure, create more inno- very important issues that affect so LAMAR ALEXANDER allowed the piece vation, and create more jobs. So thank many of us. Thank you. of legislation introduced by a rel- you for holding steadfast on the Na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- atively junior Member of the House tional Laboratory budget. ator from Utah. named ROGER WICKER to be that piece I also want to thank you for your Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I first of legislation that went on to the work on the Manhattan Project Na- met LAMAR ALEXANDER in 1995, when White House, to the Oval Office, to be tional Historical Park, which we he spoke at Boston’s Lincoln Day Din- signed by the President of the United worked together on, which, both, com- ner. Like today, he was folksy, good States. memorated the history of our Nation humored, thoughtful, and impressive. So that is how that piece of legisla- and our Manhattan Project at, both, I remarked to Ann that he was surely tion hangs on my wall as a bill au- Oak Ridge and at Richland, WA, and going to go places. Of course, he had al- thored by Representative ROGER Hanford, and to just thank you for the ready gone places by then, but he ran WICKER but passed very much with the constant focus on the cleanup budget for President the next year. One thing efforts of Senator ALEXANDER also. that we have had to have in the Energy LAMAR and I agree on is that the best I just wanted to mention that, not to Department, as it related to Hanford. candidate for President does not al- prolong this discussion but to mention There was a time when we had many ways win. I think he may well have that act of selflessness and humility as cleanup projects around the Nation, been just that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.015 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 You all know that he served as presi- pears that nobody can get along and were talking to someone at the White dent of a university, Governor, Sen- get anything done—and, particularly in House, and the comment from his part ator, and Secretary of Education. I the Senate, you have this relatively of the conversation was knowing how have watched firsthand as he has led small community of people, all of many other conversations we had had the Senate’s Committee on Health and whom got here by figuring out, nor- that day. Education. I don’t know any person mally, how to get along with other peo- If people had any idea how much the who has worked longer, harder, and ple, as one of their attributes of get- Senate and the two of you—he was say- more effectively for the well-being of ting to the Senate. And then you have ing at that moment—are committed to America’s children than LAMAR ALEX- rules in the Senate that require you to get things done, they would be sur- ANDER. get along to get anything done. So you prised because that is a story that His service extends, of course, beyond have that other screen that doesn’t get never gets told. the children. As we have endured the nearly the attention. But when you do So much of the story of LAMAR—his COVID–19 pandemic, he has led the look at the accomplishments, even at a work here and the good spirit he brings Senate as we have helped to guide and time of great frustration, those accom- to that work—isn’t told, but it is so fund our national response. His plishments have been significant, and very obvious, certainly for me. healthcare expertise and his deter- so many of them have included LAMAR. One of the great gifts of my working mination to keep each of us informed I knew LAMAR before I came to the life has been for LAMAR ALEXANDER to and involved has been invaluable. Senate, but, particularly, the last 10 be such an important part of it for the While America’s response to the pan- years of working with LAMAR in the last 10 years. I am grateful for it; I am demic may not have been exemplary, Senate have been great for me, and the grateful for him. I look forward to his LAMAR ALEXANDER’s leadership of the time that Abby and I have been able to continued friendship and advice. Senate’s role has been superb. The spend with him and Honey have been I think Senator ALEXANDER, like speed at which we will have a vaccine great. many of us, is more of a next-chapter is, in no small measure, a testament to He says things in passing that really guy than a last-chapter guy. He is nei- his determination and vision. define the opportunity to be here in ther shy nor retiring. I expect him to But LAMAR is much more than a Sen- such a significant way. We have heard continue to have great impact in his ator. I have seen the devotion he has many of them today. There are others State and in our country. And, in my for his wife and family. I have watched I think of often—one LAMAR told me case, I hope he continues to have great him entertain rooms full of celebrating not too long ago, when I was talking impact in my life. Republicans with his piano and sing- about how well our staffs work to- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. ing. And I have experienced very per- gether. He said: Well, it always seemed ERNST). The Democratic leader. sonally the kindness and graciousness to me that when the Senators obvi- Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, that have long characterized this man. ously got along, the staff figures that first, I spoke earlier about Senator He was the first Senator to come to out and they understand they are sup- ALEXANDER, but I would like to com- meet me when I joined this body. posed to get along too. pliment my colleagues on both sides of His impact on the Senate, on the LAMAR is blessed with a great staff. the aisle. This is a fine and rare mo- State of Tennessee, and on the Nation It will be interesting to see the new ment of bipartisanship and support of extends well beyond his legislative ac- standard of having that other speech somebody we all admire and respect. complishments and leadership. His that so significantly talks about the NOMINATION OF ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS greatest impact has been that of his staff and what the staff means. I have Madam President, now back to reg- personal character. He is a man with- a great staff—many of us do—but when ular Senate business—I would like to out guile. He is true to his conscience. those staffs work together, as opposed conclude my remarks from earlier this He speaks and acts with truth and hon- to looking for reasons they shouldn’t morning on Senate business, but first I esty. He cares about people and endeav- work together, things happen. want to mention that I just met with ors to help others. He is a genuine I remember LAMAR told me one day: another of President-Elect Biden’s ex- friend, as is evidenced by the many They always remember the last thing ceptionally qualified slate of Cabinet members of his team wearing plaid you do. nominees over video conference, and masks around this room. And if that turns out to be the case, He has used his talent and energy not at least the last Senate year of Senator that was Alejandro Mayorkas for the Department of Homeland Security. to aggrandize himself but to serve. It ALEXANDER has been extraordinary, as No one exemplifies the hope and could be said of LAMAR ALEXANDER others have been. that he is a great American of exem- But this year I had a chance, as the promise of America better than Ali, an plary character. We are a better people appropriating chairman of the com- immigrant from Cuba who has risen to the highest echelons of public service because of LAMAR ALEXANDER. mittee that LAMAR is the authorizing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- chairman for—and, by the way, he also in his adopted country. We had an ex- ator from Missouri. sits right beside me on the Appropria- cellent conversation about how to re- Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I think tions Committee in most of our hear- store integrity and trust at DHS and Mark Twain said, among many other ings when Senator SHELBY isn’t able to how to make this into a department things, that there is nothing more be there, the chairman of our full com- that is not just anti-immigrant but rel- troubling than a great example. And, mittee. But in this last year, particu- ishes the fact that immigrants are so as we have had all of these speeches larly from March on, we have done so important to the future of America. today, I felt less and less adequate as many things together. Now I will note that in previous ad- the speakers talked about the great In March, April, May, June, there ministrations, the Secretary of Home- things that LAMAR has done, the great was almost never a day when we didn’t land Security has been confirmed by things he stands for, the incredible have at least one call with somebody the Senate on Inauguration Day for character that defines his life and his who is running a laboratory or some- President Obama and for President work. It has been wonderful to be here one at the FDA or someone who under- Trump. The Senate should continue and to see the appreciation that Sen- stood this investment arm we had, the tradition and quickly confirm Ali ators have for somebody who is proud BARDA, that had been designed about Mayorkas for the third time so that he to be a Senator. 10 years earlier but never used as we can get to work on day one of the Not that often do you get to start a have used it to bring the private sector Biden administration. last speech in the Senate referring to and public sector together in partner- BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE somebody else’s maiden speech over al- ship in a way that advances both tests Madam President, now, on Senate most 50 years ago. But that kind of and vaccines. business, before the end of the year, sense of the Senate, that sense of com- We would spend sometimes hours a the Senate has three major priorities: munity, that split screen that LAMAR day in a series of 30-minute phone Fund the government; pass the annual talked about with educators, where calls, trying to put the pieces of this Defense bill; and deliver another round you do have the one screen where it ap- puzzle together. I remember one day we of significant COVID relief.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.017 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7155 The appropriators from both sides of must get through the Democratic [Rollcall Vote No. 245 Ex.] the aisle continue to have good discus- House and get Democratic votes in the YEAS—56 sions, and I hope on the funding of the Senate. Alexander Gardner Portman government that the final agreement Passing the law takes a measure of Barrasso Graham Risch can be announced soon. Blackburn Grassley Roberts bipartisanship and compromise. That is Blunt Hassan Now, the other two priorities, unfor- Romney why Speaker PELOSI and I sent the Re- Boozman Hawley Rounds tunately, are a bit murkier. Yesterday, publican leader a new offer on the Braun Hoeven Rubio President Trump issued over Twitter a COVID bill. It was an effort to jump- Burr Hyde-Smith Sasse Capito Inhofe Scott (FL) renewed threat on the annual Defense start serious negotiations, but, yester- Cassidy Johnson Scott (SC) bill. Previously, the President threat- Collins Jones day, Leader MCCONNELL announced Shelby Cornyn Kennedy ened to veto this important legislation that rather than respond to our offer or Sinema over a provision to rename military in- Cotton King the bipartisan offer of the so-called Cramer Lankford Sullivan stallations named after Confederate Gang of 8, he will pursue another par- Crapo Lee Thune traitors. Cruz McConnell Tillis tisan proposal before the end of the Toomey Now President Trump has issued a year. He said he was going to talk to Daines Moran veto threat by tweet over a policy con- Enzi Murkowski Warner the Republican leader in the House, the Ernst Paul Wicker cerning social media companies, sec- Republican President, and that is it— Fischer Perdue Young tion 230, which is in neither version of not a word with Democrats. NAYS—39 the NDAA already passed by both From early reports in the press, the Baldwin Feinstein Peters Houses of Congress. Bennet Gillibrand Reed President Trump must have realized latest Republican offer will be even more insufficient than the previous Blumenthal Heinrich Rosen that vetoing a pay raise for our troops Booker Hirono Schumer in order to defend the honor of Confed- two attempts—so insufficient, that ac- Brown Kaine Shaheen erate traitors wasn’t the best message cording to one press report, a Repub- Cantwell Klobuchar Smith lican Senator said it was ‘‘offensive’’— Cardin Leahy Stabenow to send, so he has found a new com- Carper Manchin Tester plaint. After 4 years of ignoring the his word—to struggling Americans for Casey Markey Udall President’s most vitriolic, conspiracy- the Republican majority to focus on Coons Menendez Van Hollen another messaging bill. Cortez Masto Merkley Warren fueled, and absurd comments on social Duckworth Murphy Whitehouse media, I wonder if our Republican col- Apparently, the latest Republican Durbin Murray Wyden proposal will not include another dime leagues would say that they didn’t see NOT VOTING—5 of unemployment assistance because, this particular tweet. Harris McSally Schatz The truth is, section 230 may actu- according to the Republican whip, it Loeffler Sanders ally need some reform, but that is a se- was likely something the President wouldn’t sign. The nomination was confirmed. rious undertaking that should be done The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under in a regular order and can be left for Let’s be clear. The latest Republican the previous order, the motion to re- another day, and it is certainly not an offer on COVID will include immunity consider is considered made and laid acceptable reason to veto the annual for corporations that put their workers upon the table, and the President will Defense bill, which includes policies to at risk of COVID–19 but not a dime for be immediately notified of the Senate’s keep our military prepared, well- workers who lost their jobs because of action. resourced, and equipped to do a dif- the pandemic. The Senator from Ohio. ficult and vital job. The Republican leader should not Mr. PORTMAN. Madam President, I Nevertheless, it is silly season at the waste the Senate’s time on another in- ask unanimous consent that the man- White House. The President seems in- adequate, partisan proposal and, in- datory quorum be waived. tent on filling each of his remaining stead, sit down with Democrats to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there days in office with petulance, griev- begin a true bipartisan effort to quick- objection? ance, and self-interest. ly meet the needs of the country. Without objection, it is so ordered. The President is reportedly asking f his staff about whether he can issue I yield the floor. preemptive pardons for himself, his The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under CLOTURE MOTION family members, and Rudy Giuliani. the previous order, all postcloture time The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant There is a simple answer: No. No, Mr. has expired. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the President, that would be a gross abuse The question is, Will the Senate ad- Senate the pending cloture motion, of the Presidential pardon authority. vise and consent to the Hauptman which the clerk will state. But I have a more important question: nomination? The senior assistant legislative clerk Just how long are our Republican col- Mr. BARRASSO. I ask for the yeas read as follows: leagues going to indulge the President and nays. CLOTURE MOTION in this nonsense? We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Many of our Republican colleagues The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the gave the President space to contest the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby validity of our elections, poisoning There appears to be a sufficient sec- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Americans’ faith in our democracy. ond. nation of Kathryn C. Davis, of Maryland, to Now he is threatening to veto a pay The clerk will call the roll. be a Judge of the United States Court of Fed- eral Claims for a term of fifteen years. raise for our troops and considering The bill clerk called the roll. preemptively pardoning the entire Mitch McConnell, Roy Blunt, Mike Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Rounds, Todd Young, Pat Roberts, Trump family. When are our Repub- are necessarily absent: the Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, John Thune, Kevin lican colleagues in the Senate going to from Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER) and the Cramer, Thom Tillis, Michael B. Enzi, say ‘‘Enough already’’? Senator from Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY). James Lankford, John Barrasso, Joni At the very least, with respect to the Ernst, Lamar Alexander, Rob Portman, Defense bill, Senate Republicans ought Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Tim Scott, Steve Daines. to find the courage to ignore the Presi- Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- dent’s eleventh hour ramblings and the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- imous consent, the mandatory quorum pass the NDAA. ERS), and the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. call has been waived. SCHATZ) are necessarily absent. CORONAVIRUS RELIEF The question is, Is it the sense of the Madam President, now, regarding an- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Senate that debate on the nomination other COVID bill, we seem to be caught any other Senators in the Chamber de- of Kathryn C. Davis, of Maryland, to be in a familiar pattern. We all know that siring to vote? a Judge of the United States Court of successfully passing legislation The result was announced—yeas 56, Federal Claims for a term of fifteen through Congress means that a bill nays 39, as follows: years, shall be brought to a close?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.018 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 The yeas and nays are mandatory CLOTURE MOTION Klobuchar Paul Stabenow under the rule. Leahy Peters Tester Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Manchin Reed Udall The clerk will call the roll. unanimous consent that the manda- Markey Rosen Van Hollen The senior assistant legislative clerk Menendez Schumer Warner tory call be waived. Merkley Shaheen Warren called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Murphy Sinema Whitehouse Mr. THUNE. The following Senators objection, it is so ordered. Murray Smith Wyden are necessarily absent: the Senator Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays NOT VOTING—5 from Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER) and the before the Senate the pending cloture Harris McSally Schatz Senator from Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY). motion, which the clerk will state. Loeffler Sanders Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), read as follows: vote, the yeas are 50, the nays are 45. the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- CLOTURE MOTION The motion is agreed to. ERS), and the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The Senator from West Virginia. SCHATZ) are necessarily absent. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I sug- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby gest the absence of a quorum. NEY). Are there any other Senators in move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the Chamber desiring to vote? nation of Christopher Waller, of Minnesota, clerk will call the roll. The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 51, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of The legislative clerk proceeded to nays 44, as follows: the Federal Reserve System for a term of call the roll. fourteen years from February 1, 2016. [Rollcall Vote No. 246 Ex.] Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mitch McConnell, John Thune, Marsha ask unanimous consent that the order YEAS—51 Blackburn, Joni Ernst, Pat Roberts, for the quorum call be rescinded. Alexander Ernst Perdue John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, Deb Barrasso Fischer Portman Fischer, Tim Scott, Lamar Alexander, The VICE PRESIDENT. Without ob- Blackburn Gardner Risch Kevin Cramer, Mike Braun, John jection, it is so ordered. Blunt Graham Roberts Hoeven, Mike Crapo, Michael B. Enzi, f Boozman Grassley Romney John Boozman, Thom Tillis. Braun Hawley Rounds CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION Burr Hoeven Rubio The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Capito Hyde-Smith Sasse imous consent, the mandatory quorum The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) call has been waived. lays before the Senate a certificate of Collins Johnson Scott (SC) election to fill the unexpired term cre- Cornyn Kennedy Shelby The question is, Is it the sense of the Cotton Lankford Sullivan Senate that debate on the nomination ated by the death of the late Senator Cramer Lee Thune of Christopher Waller, of Minnesota, to John McCain of Arizona. The certifi- Crapo McConnell Tillis be a Member of the Board of Governors cate, the Chair is advised, is in the Cruz Moran Toomey form suggested by the Senate. If there Daines Murkowski Wicker of the Federal Reserve System for a Enzi Paul Young term of fourteen years from February is no objection, the reading of the cer- tificate will be waived and will be NAYS—44 1, 2016, shall be brought to a close? The yeas and nays are mandatory printed in full in the RECORD. Baldwin Hassan Reed There being no objection, the certifi- under the rule. Bennet Heinrich Rosen cate was ordered to be printed in the Blumenthal Hirono Schumer The clerk will call the roll. RECORD, as follows: Booker Jones Shaheen The legislative clerk called the roll. Brown Kaine Sinema STATE OF ARIZONA Cantwell King Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Smith CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION FOR UNEXPIRED Cardin Klobuchar Stabenow are necessarily absent: the Senator TERM Carper Leahy Tester from Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER) and the Casey Manchin Udall To the President of the Senate of the United Coons Markey Senator from Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY). Van Hollen States: Cortez Masto Menendez Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Warner This is to certify that on the 3rd day of No- Duckworth Merkley Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), Durbin Murphy Warren vember 2020, Mark Kelly was duly chosen by Feinstein Murray Whitehouse the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- the qualified electors of the State of Arizona Gillibrand Peters Wyden ERS), and the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. a Senator for the unexpired term ending at SCHATZ) are necessarily absent. noon on the 3rd day of January, 2023, to fill NOT VOTING—5 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. the vacancy in the representation from said Harris McSally Schatz State in the Senate of the United States TILLIS). Are there any other Senators Loeffler Sanders caused by the death of John McCain. in the Chamber desiring to vote? The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Witness: His excellency our Governor of The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 50, Arizona, and our seal hereto affixed at the vote, the yeas are 51, the nays are 44. nays 45, as follows: Capitol in Phoenix, this 30th day of Novem- The motion is agreed to. [Rollcall Vote No. 247 Ex.] ber, in the year of our Lord 2020. By the Governor: YEAS—50 f DOUGLAS A. DUCEY, Alexander Ernst Portman Governor. Barrasso Fischer Risch KATIE HOBBS, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Blackburn Gardner Roberts Blunt Graham Secretary of State. Romney [State Seal Affixed.] The clerk will report the nomination. Boozman Grassley Rounds The senior assistant legislative clerk Braun Hawley Rubio f read the nomination of Kathryn C. Burr Hoeven Sasse Capito Hyde-Smith Scott (FL) ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF Davis, of Maryland, to be a Judge of Cassidy Inhofe Scott (SC) OFFICE Collins Johnson the United States Court of Federal Shelby Cornyn Kennedy The VICE PRESIDENT. If the Sen- Claims for a term of fifteen years. Sullivan Cotton Lankford ator-elect will now present himself to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- Thune Cramer Lee the desk, the Chair will administer the sistant minority leader. Crapo McConnell Tillis Cruz Moran Toomey oath of office. UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT Daines Murkowski Wicker The Senator-elect, Mark Kelly, es- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Enzi Perdue Young corted by Ms. SINEMA, advanced to the unanimous consent that notwith- NAYS—45 desk of the Vice President; the oath standing the provisions of rule XXII, at Baldwin Carper Gillibrand prescribed by law was administered to 2 p.m., the Chair lay before the Senate Bennet Casey Hassan him by the Vice President; and he sub- a certificate of election from the State Blumenthal Coons Heinrich scribed to the oath in the Official Oath of Arizona. Booker Cortez Masto Hirono Book. Brown Duckworth Jones The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cantwell Durbin Kaine The VICE PRESIDENT. Congratula- objection, it is so ordered. Cardin Feinstein King tions, Senator.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.021 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7157 (Applause, Senators rising.) Waller, of Minnesota, to be a Member FAREWELL TO THE SENATE f of the Board of Governors of the Fed- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, this morn- eral Reserve System for a term of four- ing we got to hear the farewell speech EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued teen years from February 1, 2016. of my friend LAMAR ALEXANDER. He is The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- a fantastic speaker and legislator. It TILLIS). The question is, Will the Sen- jority leader. has been an honor to serve with him ate advise and consent to the Davis f and to learn from him. Now you get to nomination? hear from the accountant. Mr. CORNYN. I ask for the yeas and LEGISLATIVE SESSION I rise today to give my farewell nays. speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a It has been the honor of a lifetime to ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE sufficient second? serve the great people of Wyoming in ACCESS ACT OF 2019 There appears to be a sufficient sec- this position for the last 24 years. I ond. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, have really enjoyed being a Senator— The clerk will call the roll. under the order obtained yesterday, I not for the title, not for the recogni- The senior assistant legislative clerk ask that the Senate proceed to S. 578. tion, and certainly not for the pub- called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under licity. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is the previous order, the Finance Com- I love solving problems for folks in necessarily absent: the Senator from mittee is discharged from further con- Wyoming and America. I like working Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER). sideration. on legislation. It might shock those Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The clerk will report the bill by title. who know me, but I never intended to Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), The senior assistant legislative clerk get into politics. While I always had the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- read as follows: great respect for those who served in ERS), and the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. A bill (S. 578) to amend title II of the So- public office, it wasn’t my calling when SCHATZ) are necessarily absent. cial Security Act to eliminate the five- I left college. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. month waiting period for disability insur- But over 50 years ago, when I joined ance benefits under such title for individuals DAINES). Are there any other Senators the young men’s leadership training in the Chamber desiring to vote? with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. group known as the Jaycees, at a State The result was announced—yeas 51, AMENDMENT NO. 2689 convention in Cody I spoke about the nays 45, as follows: Mr. MCCONNELL. I call up the value of leadership in communities. [Rollcall Vote No. 248 Ex.] Grassley amendment at the desk. The keynote speaker was Al Simp- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The YEAS—51 son, who would go on to serve three clerk will report. terms in the U.S. Senate. After I gave Alexander Ernst Perdue The senior assistant legislative clerk Barrasso Fischer Portman my pitch on the importance of leader- Blackburn Gardner Risch read as follows: ship training, Senator Simpson did his Blunt Graham Roberts The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- usual fascinating and humorous speech Boozman Grassley Romney NELL], for Mr. GRASSLEY, proposes an amend- and then took me aside and said: I Braun Hawley Rounds ment numbered 2689. Burr Hoeven Rubio don’t even know what party you are in, Capito Hyde-Smith Sasse The amendment (No. 2689) is as fol- but it is time you put your money Cassidy Inhofe Scott (FL) lows: where your mouth is on this leadership Collins Johnson Scott (SC) Cornyn Kennedy Shelby (Purpose: To increase the overpayment col- stuff and get into politics. That town Cotton Lankford Sullivan lection threshold for old-age, survivors, you live in, Gillette, needs a mayor. Cramer Lee Thune and disability insurance benefits) My wife Diana and I had only moved Crapo McConnell Tillis Insert the following after section 2: to Gillette a few years earlier. The Cruz Moran Toomey Daines Murkowski Wicker SEC. 3. INCREASING THE OVERPAYMENT COL- town was facing a crisis as the dis- Enzi Paul Young LECTION THRESHOLD FOR OLD-AGE, covery of oil, gas, and coal turned it SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSUR- into a boomtown. The population start- NAYS—45 ANCE BENEFITS. ed to skyrocket, and city services were Baldwin Hassan Peters (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 204(a)(1)(A) of the Bennet Heinrich Reed Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 404(a)(1)(A)) is not keeping up. Blumenthal Hirono Rosen amended— On the way home from that Cody Booker Jones Schumer (1) by striking ‘‘With respect to’’ and in- meeting, while my wife was driving, I Brown Kaine Shaheen serting ‘‘(i) Subject to clause (ii), with re- Cantwell Kelly Sinema told her what Senator Simpson had Cardin King Smith spect to’’; and said and that I was thinking maybe I Carper Klobuchar Stabenow (2) by adding at the end the following new should run for mayor. It must have Casey Leahy Tester clause: come as quite a shock because she Coons Manchin Udall ‘‘(ii) For purposes of clause (i), if the Com- ended up swerving into the borrow pit Cortez Masto Markey Van Hollen missioner of Social Security determines that Duckworth Menendez Warner decreasing a payment under this title to an and then coming back up onto the Durbin Merkley Warren individual by 100 percent would defeat the road. Feinstein Murphy Whitehouse We ended up talking about it seri- Gillibrand Murray Wyden purpose of this title, the Commissioner may decrease such payment by a smaller amount, ously for the 4 hours that it took to NOT VOTING—4 provided that such smaller amount is not drive back to Gillette and thought of a Harris Sanders less than 10 percent of the amount of such lot of things that needed to be done to Loeffler Schatz payment.’’. make a difference in our town. The nomination was confirmed. ORDER OF BUSINESS I was new to the community and just The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Mr. MCCONNELL. For the informa- 29 years old, but I thought that Gillette the previous order, the motion to re- tion of all Senators, at 4 p.m. today the was in need of a budget, agendas, and consider is considered made and laid Senate will vote on the Grassley planning—not the most exciting topics upon the table, and the President will amendment to S. 578 and passage of the to get people’s attention. I ran anyway, be immediately notified of the Senate’s bill. and I did win. actions. Until that time, the Senate will re- Nearly five decades later, having f sume consideration of the Waller nomi- served as mayor, having served in the nation. State house, having served as a State EXECUTIVE CALENDAR f senator and then as a U.S. Senator, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The still find myself motivated by the urge clerk will report the Waller nomina- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued to help my community and my coun- tion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The try. The senior assistant legislative clerk Waller nomination is pending. I also find myself still pushing those read the nomination of Christopher The Senator from Wyoming. same three ideas that I did when I first

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.027 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 ran for mayor: budgets, agendas, and thing neither of us likes. That is not nominations for consideration by the planning. I keep finding myself want- legislating. full Senate. ing to help solve problems. Once you When it comes to legislating, often Here is how the 80-percent tool embrace that responsibility, it is hard the best way to get something done worked. At the beginning of each year, to ever ignore it again. I have found that everyone can agree on is to leave each of us made a list of the issues the that many of my colleagues in Con- out the things you don’t agree on and committee should do. We compared gress tend to feel the same way. focus on what you can get done. That is lists. We made an effort to argue some The Senate is a very different place why I suggest my 80 percent tool. to be on both lists. Then we worked on than when I arrived in 1997, and it is a Generally speaking, people can talk the ones on both lists. We usually had very different place than it was in 1789 civilly on 80 percent of the issues. It is a duplication of about 80 percent of the when the very first Senate met. But only on about 20 percent of the issues issues. Then we could pick out any over all those years, it has been a place that we find real contention. Now, even issue and work on it, usually agreeing for folks rising to the challenge of picking a single issue out of the 80 per- on 80 percent of that issue. If we being a leader. We are looking to make cent, you might still find disagree- couldn’t find a new way to do the part our communities and country a better ment, but once again, you can probably that had been argued for years, we sim- place. We might not always agree on focus on 80 percent of the issue that ply left it out, believing that 80 percent what the solutions are, but we can re- you can agree on. finished is better than 20 percent that spect each other for working to find It is all about focusing on what you only makes the press. one. can get done and not focusing on the The 80-percent tool is where all of Over the years, I have learned a great points of disagreement, the weeds of our energy, attention, and talents deal from those around me. Just like I debate that have choked issues, or, to could be focused. If we just worked on listened to Senator Al Simpson all say it another way, it is all about what the 20 percent that we don’t agree on, those years back, I have tried to keep you leave out. and never will agree on, we will only an open mind to learning from others. Former Senator Ted Kennedy, from generate headlines about how hard we Now that my time in the Senate is Massachusetts, and I used this tool are working, with nothing actually coming to a close, I would like to pass when we led the Health, Education, getting done, just gridlock. along some of the lessons I was Labor, and Pensions Committee to- When the news comes on, if we are taught—and some I learned the hard gether, and it worked great. It worked here in the Chamber arguing and bick- way—in the hopes that it may be use- even though we were on complete oppo- ering and getting nothing done, we are ful for my colleagues working to get site sides of the political spectrum. focusing too much on the 20 percent. If things accomplished in the Senate and I once showed Senator Kennedy an people do not see much of us, that for anybody who wants to be a leader article that mentioned how unusual it means we are taking on the 80 percent in their community. was for the most conservative Senator and making progress without headlines In my office we have a mission state- and the third most liberal Senator to and often with unanimous consent. ment. It reads: work together, to which he said: So What we are really talking about is We have been given a sacred trust to work who is ahead of me? working together. That is what the for our families, grandparents, and grand- We were able to get legislation heart of the 80-percent tool is. Often- children. We will respect the wisdom of those passed that others had been trying to times, people say what we need is more before and the future of those to follow. We do for years. Here is how we started bipartisanship, and there is a very will discharge this trust through our legisla- working together. When I first got to practical reason for that. In the Sen- tive policy, our constituent services, and the the Senate, I wanted to change some ate, you can’t get anything done with- way we treat each other, guided by these things with OSHA—the Occupational three principles: out working with the other side unless Doing What Is Right Safety and Health. Senator Kennedy, one party has 60 votes or more, which Doing Our Best at the urging of my predecessor, Sen- is rare. And even with 60 votes from Treating others as They Wish to be Treat- ator Simpson, did let me sit down and one party, the bills that party passes ed take him through the bill a section at when they have a supermajority often These last three principles are advice a time. That is something we always are flawed. It turns out that when we my mom gave me often, and they re- did in the Wyoming Legislature. When work together, we can create a better main my core values. Every member of we marked up the bill in committee, bill than when we just try do it alone my staff is given that mission state- Senator Kennedy said: In all my years or force others to accept our ideas. ment when they start, and we rely on in the Senate, I have never had any- That is why success is not really about it to remind us why we are here and body take me through a bill a section compromise. It is really about what how we should act. at a time, but I am still going to have you leave out—or finding a way to ac- It isn’t just a saying. It is a way to to vote against it. It still got out of complish it doing a mutually agreeable work, a way to build trust, and a way committee. But later he called me new way. to govern. These values are not always about a safety bill he had been working We used to take the people who had easy to live by. We are all human, and on for over a decade—a bill to save similar amendments and send them off we all struggle to live up to these nurses and medical janitors from acci- to see if they could come up with one ideals we set for ourselves, but that is dental needlesticks—and asked if I amendment. Quite often, they could. It why we call them ideals. would take a look at it. I did. The big- was fascinating, when they came back, I believe these are values we can all gest suggestion that I gave was to they said: It was my idea. And when all agree on, and by remembering the val- leave out a couple of small parts that of them report to you that it was their ues we share, we can work together to had been jamming up the bill. The bill idea, you know that you have enough tackle tough problems and find shared passed the Senate and the House votes to pass it. solutions. unamended and was signed. And now That is why success is not really ‘‘Do what is right’’ is a great slogan, you see needle disposals in restrooms about compromise; it is about what but you might ask what it means at a and all sorts of places. And the issue you leave out or finding a third way to practical level. People see a mess in has never had to be readdressed. come up with a mutually agreeable Washington, so how do we actually Later, I became the Health, Edu- goal. Here are a few key steps that I make progress? I believe it involves fo- cation, Labor, and Pensions chair, and used to find that common ground to cusing on common ground over com- Senator Kennedy was the ranking pass legislation. First, find someone promise, especially when it comes to member. We used the 80-percent tool. from the other side of the aisle who legislating. We were able to get 35 bills through the likes to legislate. People sometimes think that com- HELP Committee in the 109th Con- Second, discover and agree on com- promise is the answer. I think it means gress. Twenty-seven of them made mon goals. that I give in to something I don’t like, their way to the President’s desk and Third, consult with stakeholders that and you give in to something you don’t were signed into public law. In be- will or could affect the changes being like, and we both wind up with some- tween, we were able to report out 352 discussed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.029 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7159 Fourth, hold roundtables instead of designed to operate. Without it, the is article V. The reason it is, is it hearings. With hearings, each side Senate can get gummed up. The gears assures that all States will have equal beats up on the other’s witness with can get jammed. Without the fresh air representation in the Senate. And that clever, stump-the-professor-type ques- that new ideas and legitimate debate can’t even be changed by a constitu- tions. At a roundtable, people who have brings, tensions can rise as Senators tional Congress. Since I come from one actually done something on a policy feel unable to make progress. of those low-population States, it is share their real-life experiences. The difficulty is that each party is so very important to us. Sometimes we Finally, you set aside the part of the worried about the next election, look- are criticized for being overrepresented issues you can’t agree on for another ing to hold on to the majority, that ev- in the Senate. We have two Senators, day. Now you will have a bill that has erybody is either trying to force the the same as California, New York, and a good chance of being passed and other side to take politically perilous Texas. But in this argument of unfair signed into law. That is the heart of votes or trying to avoid taking those representation for States, we find the the 80-percent tool. votes themselves. No matter which same inherent issues we do with the fil- This way of working also ensures party is in charge, we end up blocking ibuster; our government was not set up that we can disagree without being dis- amendments and shying away from al- to be majority rule by population agreeable. There is a lot of vitriol in lowing legislation to be altered on the alone. Our Founders, through their own our politics and our world right now, floor of the Senate. And usually those debate, were able to understand the but you can stay true to what you be- tough votes don’t really make any dif- risk of pure democracy and the benefits lieve in without treating others badly. ference. of a federalist system, where ideas were Nothing gets done when we are just It might help if Members made it represented not just by population but telling each other how wrong we are. clear to leadership they would be will- by regions and shared cultures. Wyo- Just ask yourself, has anyone ever ing to take some tough votes in return mingites deserve to have their cultural really changed your opinion by getting for more chances to amend major legis- say in our system protected against in your face and yelling at you or say- lation on the floor. People might be the majority. We are all in the United ing how wrong you are? Usually, that less likely to demand votes on a poison States of America. doesn’t change hearts or minds. That pill or messaging designed to put the The Senate represents more than just might make the attacker feel better in other party in a tough spot if they the people. To protect the individuality the moment, but it doesn’t do much for knew they could face the same treat- of the States, of the culture of those getting anything accomplished. Fol- ment. In the end, the onus is on the who live in the regions of the country lowing the 80-percent tool will not get Members of the Senate, on us, to take less populated, and it also represents you notoriety. It won’t get you fame. It on a responsibility to work together in States that founded our federalist sys- won’t get you headlines. Most media return for a chance to pass legislation. tem. Of course, at that time, several of coverage requires ‘‘blood in the water.’’ I suggest that amendments should have them had little population. However, the ability to work among to have 60 votes. If it was so bad that I have covered a lot of ground, but your peers using this method can, and it needed a filibuster, the 60 votes for my last piece of advice, I would call will, move us forward and get things would be required to end that. But that on my colleagues to recognize that it is done. takes about 3 days. So many have been time to formally allow electronics on This tool is only successful if we are willing to allow their amendment to the floor of the U.S. Senate. It is an actually working on passing legislation have a 60-vote threshold, and if it was issue near and dear to my heart and together, and that means letting the strong enough, it passed anyway. one I think will help how we work in Senate work as it was intended. One of I also ask you to avoid comprehen- the Senate. It is clear that anyone who the best ways to do that is to allow the sive. Comprehensive bills make it so watches C–SPAN that all of us are al- members of each committee to actu- large that everyone can find a reason ready breaking the spirit of the law, ally take time to craft bills. The com- to vote against it. Senator ALEXANDER checking our phones on occasion as we mittees are where the experts are and is a big promoter of step-by-step. That walk off or onto the floor. Those de- where I think some of the best work is taking a piece of legislation and vices are often inseparable from our gets done. I have already made it clear solving it, and then taking the next ability to do our work. We rely on that I don’t think hearings are overly step and solving it, and so on. This them to do almost everything. It is useful and are often wasted on col- practical solution would avoid passing time to make this commonsense lecting soundbites for the evening comprehensive legislation. Comprehen- change, allowing iPads to be used for news. Instead, we should be encour- sive legislation is usually a byproduct speeches, as long as they are laid on aging committees to give their mem- of compromise, not common ground, the lectern like a paper speech. And if bers more say in crafting legislation and often ends up being incomprehen- Senators could do some work from and working together on best solu- sible. Giant bills that try to do every- their desks, like early Senators had to tions. If you look at bills that pass thing usually end up with too many un- do, we would listen to more of the with strong bipartisan support, they intended consequences and include a speeches and get something done. are usually because flaws were ironed litany of unrelated pieces of legislation I do remember when I brought that out in committee. Legislation is often- that are merely hitching a ride because one up before, that it was covered by— times at its best when it has taken otherwise they would never be able to in 1997, I thought it was important that time in committees being hashed out stand on their own merits. we have that use. TIME magazine did a until it is ready for prime time. You These ‘‘Christmas tree’’ bills are special article on it. I remember Sen- might not always be able to get every- often designed so that if you vote ator MCCONNELL going to New York one on board, but if you have done it against it, you would be voting against City and coming back to report to me right, you should see strong bipartisan some key legislation for your constitu- that he got in a cab and the cabdriver support. ents. Once again, the ugly nature of said: You are a United States Senator, Sometimes this also means letting compromise over common ground is aren’t you? Of course, he proudly was. others take credit for your ideas. An clear. The guy said: So when are you going to old salesman’s trick is to convince oth- A simple solution I have proposed let the guy from Wyoming have his ers that your good idea was really their would be to pass more bills as indi- computer on the floor? Senator MCCON- good idea. Don’t let your vanity stand vidual pieces of legislation, that step- NELL told me if I had lobbied it down to in the way of getting the job done. by-step. In Wyoming, bills have to be cabbies, that it was time to do it. But Too often, in the modern Senate, leg- focused on a single subject, and all we still haven’t done it. islation is rushed out of committee to amendments need to be relevant. In the As we move forward, of course, our the Senate floor. And then once it hits past, I have introduced a bill that country has no shortage of problems the Senate floor, both sides try to pre- would require that here, but it never we need to address. Some are out of our vent amendments, but the process of was really treated seriously. control, but many of our own making. allowing amendments and debates is a To talk on a little different article, If my experience over the years has core component of how the Senate was my favorite article of the Constitution taught me anything, it is that we will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.030 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 never be able to tackle these chal- the point that she actually gave MIKE is called NZ Shoes, not as he spells his lenges unless we find common areas of ENZI his first Bible, and he still has last name, E-N-Z-I, but the letter ‘‘N’’ agreements and work to solve these that today. and the letter ‘‘Z’’ so people could re- problems together. Here in the Senate, MIKE has been member NZ Shoes. They later expanded I hope that everyone listening—espe- not just a close friend to me and a their successful family business to cially my colleagues in the Senate—re- mentor to me, but he has been that to Miles City, MT, and to Sheridan, WY. members the core values I spoke of many Members of this body. But Gillette, WY, is MIKE’s true today: Do what is right. Do what is MIKE was sworn in 1997. Throughout home and where his heart is. He served best. Treat others as they wish to be four terms in the U.S. Senate, he has 2 terms as Gillette’s mayor. During his treated. never wavered in his commitment to 8 years as mayor, MIKE led Gillette to I truly believe if we adhered to these God, to family, to country, and, of their first economic boom. He served 10 ideals, the world would be a better course, to Wyoming. He is known by years in the Wyoming State Legisla- place for our children and grand- many as the Senate’s moral compass. ture as a State rep, as well as a State children. He is a remarkable spiritual leader of senator. Wyoming is MIKE’s world. I want, again, to thank the people of our bipartisan Prayer Breakfast. I am Family means the world to MIKE. Wyoming for giving me the oppor- a member of that group and a number They are the proud parents of three: tunity to serve them. I also want to of Senators are as well. We met today, Amy, Emily, and Brad; and even thank my colleagues and friends who and MIKE led us in prayer. prouder grandparents of four: Megan, supported me over the years. I want to I have seen firsthand just how much Allison, Trey, and Lilly. thank all the amazing staff I have had Republican and Democrat Members de- Now, anyone who knows MIKE knows over the years in my personal office, in pend on MIKE for his moral and ethical that he loves to fish. Even during Pray- the DC office, in my State offices in guidance. He really is a bipartisan not er Breakfast today, when you watched Wyoming; and my staff on the Health, just policymaker but also a peace- on the Zoom call, behind MIKE you Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- maker, and we have all seen it within could see on the wall the fishing rod mittee and on the Budget Committee. this body. and all the lures he uses in fishing on Over the years, I have gotten to work His legislation—he talked about the display. He is an accomplished and avid with incredible staff that made it pos- 80–20 rule. It has a long history of gar- fly-fisherman. In August 2015, he sible to do more than a Senator by nering overwhelming bipartisan sup- achieved every fly-fisherman’s dream, himself or herself could ever do. Thank port. Over 100 Enzi bills have become completing his Wyoming Cutt-Slam. you for working so hard over the years. law. I have been proud to sponsor and This Wyoming Game and Fish Depart- I also want to give the most thanks cosponsor many of them with him in ment program increases appreciation to my family for all of their support my time in the Senate. The thing he for our native cutthroat trout. If you want to talk to MIKE about over the years, especially to my wife didn’t point out is that most of the anything, talk to him about fishing. Diana. It has been a long journey since bills passed with over 80 votes. It is His passion comes through with his I told Diana that I was thinking of run- rare for an Enzi bill to get to the floor love of nature for spending so much ning for mayor. and pass with any more than 15 to 18 time in nature’s cathedral of the great You have supported me more than ‘‘no’’ votes. It is a remarkable accom- outdoors. He fishes in majestic spots anyone can truly comprehend, and, in plishment. throughout Wyoming and all over the no uncertain terms, I couldn’t have It is important to note that these world. done it without you. It has been more bills have been signed by Republican Well, here in Washington, MIKE has and Democrat Presidents. When you go than 50 amazing years together, and I been a leading voice on budget, on tax, into his office, his whole conference look forward to our next adventure. and on healthcare issues. He serves on I yield the floor. room walls are filled with bills and the Senate Budget Committee and has (Applause, Senators rising.) pens—signed into law with the pens been chairman since 2015. As the first The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- being used by Bill Clinton, by George accountant to chair the Budget Com- TON). The Senator from Wyoming. W. Bush, by Barack Obama, and by mittee, MIKE is committed to making Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I President Donald Trump. government more accountable to hard- come to the floor today to pay tribute Behind all of these, as he just talked working American taxpayers. He has to this great Wyoming leader. For about, is that very successful 80–20 been a tremendous Budget chairman. nearly a quarter of a century, MIKE rule—a rule that he learned while in That is because he learned valuable ENZI has represented the people of Wy- the Wyoming State Legislature, and it lessons in the Wyoming Legislature oming in Washington, and he has done has worked extremely well for him where, like all American families, you it with intelligence, with intensity, here in Washington as well. need to balance your budget every year and with integrity. But such is the practical Western and live within your means. The Cowboy State and the Capitol wisdom in MIKE ENZI. Born in 1944 in Under MIKE’s leadership, Congress are going to sorely miss MIKE ENZI. He Bremerton, WA, his father was there passed balanced budget resolutions for has truly supplemented his legacy as serving in the naval shipyards during fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and 2018. He the trusted trail boss of the Wyoming World War II. He moved his family to worked tirelessly to pass these budg- congressional delegation, and it has Wyoming shortly thereafter, and that ets—even working through the night been an incredible honor and a great is when he started elementary school all week for the marathon floor debates privilege for my wife Bobbi and me to in Thermopolis, WY. They moved to called vote-aramas. His budget blue- serve the people of Wyoming alongside Sheridan, where he graduated from prints offered a better fiscal path by re- MIKE and his wife, Diana, who is with high school. ducing wasteful spending, by light- us today. MIKE didn’t talk about this today, ening tax burdens, and by boosting eco- MIKE is truly a devoted family man, but there MIKE earned his Eagle Scout nomic growth. as well as a man of great and deep award. He is a proud Eagle Scout, as is MIKE’s fiscal year 2018 budget not faith. In fact, MIKE taught Sunday his son Brad. His grandson is working only provided a path to balance; it school over the decades. Many in the on it as well. MIKE has been named a paved the way for pro-growth, pro-jobs Wyoming faith community know that ‘‘Distinguished Eagle’’ by the Scouts. tax relief legislation, the most com- MIKE’s first Sunday schoolteacher in He has a bachelor’s degree in ac- prehensive reform in the Tax Code in Thermopolis, WY, was my wife Bobbi’s counting from George Washington Uni- over a generation. As a reconciliation mother Jerry Brown. versity and an MBA in retail mar- bill, this historic 2017 tax reform bill, Jerry and her husband Bob, a World keting from the University of Denver the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, went War II and Korean war veteran, both in Colorado. through MIKE’s Budget Committee. passed away this past year, and they MIKE and Diana moved to Gillette in As Budget chairman, MIKE has also had been married 70 years. She taught 1969, where they started their own focused on the soaring national debt, Sunday school in Thermopolis, WY, small business. It is wonderful to listen budget process reform, and oversight of and her star pupil was MIKE ENZI, to to MIKE talk about small businesses. It Federal programs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.032 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7161 MIKE also served as a member of the of thinking before we speak. He titled ator BARRASSO, his colleague, he was a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and his presentation ‘‘Me and My Big small business owner in Gillette, WY, Pensions Committee since his arrival Mouth.’’ He reminded us that our running NZ Shoes. Even as he went on in the Senate. And as a former chair- mouths cannot be trained—as you said, to become mayor of Gillette at age 30, man and ranking member, he cham- MIKE—only guarded. a staff sergeant in the Wyoming Air pioned the efforts to ensure a quality MIKE is a true Wyoming gentleman, National Guard, a State representa- education for all. He expanded access someone who will always be a great tive, and then a State senator, he was to affordable, quality healthcare, and friend and a mentor to me, to younger always still the small business man he spearheaded the most significant people in Wyoming, and to everyone from Gillette. pension reform in 30 years, securing here in the Senate. In 1996, when he was recovering from millions of Americans’ retirement. In my office, there is a picture on the open-heart surgery, then-Senator Alan He is also a member of the Senate Fi- wall of my first day in the Senate, Simpson decided not to run for reelec- nance Committee, Homeland Security right here in 2007, being sworn in by tion. Local leaders kept trying to talk and Governmental Affairs Committee, then-Vice President Cheney, with Sen- MIKE into running. He really just want- and the Joint Committee on Taxation. ator ENZI, along with former Senator ed to have more time to hunt and fish. Other policy successes include im- Malcolm Wallop, standing behind. It In the end, he made an important deci- proving mine safety, helping end the has been a tremendous privilege to sion. He ran, and he won. His career AIDS epidemic in Africa, and passing serve with MIKE from the very first day has had many legislative successes in mental health parity. in the U.S. Senate. having used his 80–20 rule. MIKE’s highest priority, of course, The people of Wyoming owe him an I will never forget the days when Ted has always been helping the people of incredible debt of gratitude for his tire- Kennedy would come to the floor and Wyoming. As he said in announcing his less and faithful service. MIKE’s char- talk about the compromise and the retirement, ‘‘I am an advocate for Gil- acter, his courage, and his credibility bargain he had struck with you. I had lette and Campbell County and Wyo- have cemented his legacy as a highly thought what a political odd couple, ming.’’ He went on to say, ‘‘I point out respected leader of the Senate. but the two of you did some remark- that everyone lives at the local level. So today many Senators are here able things. Poles apart in terms of political phi- No one lives at the Federal level—or gathering to listen to, to honor, and to thank MIKE ENZI for his decades of dis- losophy, they treated each other with even the state level.’’ He said, ‘‘So tinguished service to the Nation. respect, and they had amazing suc- Diana and I are your Chamber of Com- I yield the floor. cesses to show for it. Even when he has merce and economic development peo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- differing views on the best ways to re- ple for every town and county in Wyo- sistant Democratic leader. solve issues, MIKE ENZI shows a willing- ming all the time.’’ Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is ness to come to the table and discuss MIKE started several annual events to hard to follow those heartfelt words the areas in which we can agree. boost our State—the Inventors Con- from Senator BARRASSO about his col- In 2012, Democratic Senator Byron ference, the Procurement Conference, league and friend and our friend MIKE Dorgan retired. I called MIKE after and Wyoming Works Tours. ENZI, but I am going to make a try. Byron left and asked if I could take up In 2009, MIKE and I started Wyoming Just as our tribute to LAMAR ALEX- Byron’s position in his fight for the Wednesdays, and it quickly became a ANDER was a tribute to the better an- Marketplace Fairness Act. He said: big hit. This is a great tradition. When gels of nature as they are shown in the Let’s do it. We brought in Senator people of Wyoming come to Wash- lives of Senators, so, too, was MIKE LAMAR ALEXANDER—that was a pretty ington, we greet them every week and ENZI. I join my colleagues in thanking smart move—and then Senator Heidi get together for coffee and host a time MIKE for his service to Wyoming and to Heitkamp, who both made great con- of doughnuts and friendship, and people America. tributions to our work. It was our luck love to attend. One of the most frequent questions that Heidi Heitkamp was the petitioner But MIKE, as well as Diana, are a many of us are asked is, Why can’t you of the 1992 Supreme Court case Quill force in the Senate. Diana did it again folks get along in Washington? Why Corp. v. North Dakota, which made the just recently. MIKE has called Diana can’t you just do things together? I say Marketplace Fairness Act necessary. ‘‘the most thoughtful person’’ in the to them that there are times when we We were an unexpected group of Sen- world, and that is no exaggeration. do, and the many times are very impor- ators—two Republicans and two Demo- Here in the Senate, every year Diana tant. When we do come together, it is crats who were literally from all over hosts a Christmas cookie party to because of people like MIKE, who the United States. We disagreed on thank, as they describe, the ‘‘real worked under his so-called 80–20 rule. some things, sure, but we agreed that workers’’ who keep the Senate run- We know that well, don’t we? He would Main Street business needed a break ning—the janitors, cleaning crews, tell you he believes both sides could and deserved fair treatment. We kept electricians, police officers, and food agree on 80 percent of the substance, working on it with MIKE ENZI’s leader- service workers. Every year, Diana and and if negotiators are willing to give ship, and, in 2013, the Marketplace her friends work hundreds of hours and up the other 20 percent, we could actu- Fairness Act passed the Senate, over- bake hundreds of dozens of cookies. All ally get some things done around here. whelmingly, with 69 votes. Unfortu- the Senate workers look forward to Wouldn’t that be refreshing? nately, the House of Representatives, Diana’s 200-dozen cookie thank-you One of those items was the Market- once again, broke our heart and didn’t event. That is not 200 cookies. It is 200 place Fairness Act. MIKE helped to lead act on it. We kept introducing the bill. dozen cookies. It is not unusual for the fight for local brick-and-mortar re- Main Street businesses were still people to come up to Diana in the hall- tailers in order to give them a chance struggling against the unfair advan- way and ask when the party is. MIKE is to compete on an equal and level play- tage that internet-only retailers had. the wonderful cohost. ing field with online sellers, email Visitors to my office might have no- This year, because of coronavirus, companies, and internet companies and ticed a little something that was in my she couldn’t do all the baking, but they to allow the States and localities to office that I have brought to the floor have the cookie festival with baked collect much needed sales tax revenue. today and wondered what this was all cookies. Those who couldn’t get to re- It is hard to imagine how many years about. This was a gift from MIKE ENZI ceive them in locations, MIKE and MIKE put into that effort, but the Mar- after we were successful in the U.S. Diana walked the halls of this building ketplace Fairness Act would have Senate. It is a small, wooden, three- and the Senate office buildings to given the States the option to require note train whistle. It would be a viola- make sure that the guards and the from out-of-State businesses, such as tion of the Senate rules to blow the custodians and janitors and others got those selling online, the collection of whistle, but I want to tell you that it their Christmas cookies. taxes owed under State law in the same was a gift from MIKE for our work we MIKE is usually a man of few words, way local businesses are required. did together in helping to get the bill but in a recent Prayer Breakfast, he re- MIKE knew a lot about local business. down the tracks of the legislative proc- minded everyone about the importance As was mentioned on the floor by Sen- ess.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.033 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 We were never able to get the House That rule served him well when he, hearings in the Budget Committee to to take up the measure, but, in 2018, along with the late Senator Ted Ken- sort out how we could reform what we the Supreme Court finally did the right nedy, sat at the helm of the Senate were doing. At the moment, the Budget thing. In a 5-to-4 ruling in South Da- Committee on Health, Education, Committee is, probably, the most dys- kota v. Wayfair, Inc., the Court closed Labor, and Pensions. Well, as MIKE has functional piece of this dysfunctional the loophole we had been struggling to described today, it would be difficult to institution, and Chairman ENZI was de- fight and address for years. I am proud think of two individuals serving in the termined to remedy that. A lot of work to be a part of that bipartisan coali- Senate who had more different polit- went in at the committee level. Then a tion. In Illinois, it has meant a lot. We ical philosophies than he and Ted Ken- bicameral committee was created to estimate that our State has received nedy. You could probably say that this look at budget reform, primarily out of $460 million in annual revenue by vir- is true with his current ranking mem- the House, and I had the opportunity to tue of MIKE ENZI’s determination and ber of the Budget Committee. Yet, to- serve on that bicameral committee. leadership on the marketplace fairness gether, he and Senator Kennedy craft- That was an opportunity that I owe to front. ed dozens of laws. Neither side got 100 Chairman ENZI. He both advocated for In this pandemic crisis, this revenue percent of what it wanted. They put me to his leader that I should be on is more important than ever. MIKE has aside the areas of disagreement. For that committee, and he gave up a spot always been a force for fairness, a them, it was far more important that on that committee to make sure there friend, and a leader for whom I have progress was made for the American was a spot for me there. I hope and be- great respect. As we fight this pan- people. lieve that I conducted myself in due ac- demic, we should strive to abide by In serving with MIKE on the HELP cord with Chairman ENZI’s wishes and MIKE’s 80–20 rule and remember that Committee, I have seen him employ principles in the course of that. Main Street businesses are really hurt- this rule over and over again to bring We had the ability to use that bi- ing and need our help. about real progress. He has led efforts cameral committee process to do a test I know MIKE will have more time to help to ensure that everyone can re- run of our budget reform, and I am now for fishing and hunting. I wish him ceive a quality education. He has pleased to report that, although the and Diana, his wonderful wife—and she helped to provide Americans with ac- end product was never adopted between is a wonderful person—and their grand- cess to affordable, quality healthcare. the two bodies, the product that came children happiness. I look forward to He has helped to protect workers and out of the committee included our reading about the next chapter in MIKE foster job training opportunities. As budget reform as it was then con- ENZI’s life of giving and caring. the leader of the committee, he has stituted. We raised our aspiration from I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- worked to oversee the biggest revision the budget reform as it was then con- ator from Maine. in pension laws in 30 years—to stituted, which was entirely voluntary, Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, MIKE strengthen funding rules to enhance re- to actually try to change the Budget ENZI and I were both sworn in to do our tirement security for millions of Amer- Committee’s rules to force the process first terms in the U.S. Senate on Janu- icans. of the Budget Committee into the mold ary 7, 1997. I immediately saw in the MIKE comes from a small business of the voluntary structure. We did good gentleman from Wyoming a quiet, ef- background, and as Senator DURBIN work on that, and we came to an agree- fective, and ethical leader who was fo- just described, he was passionate about ment. I am sorry to say that its failure cused not on partisan advantage but, the Marketplace Fairness Act—to en- to pass into law arose not from prob- rather, on results—results that would able States to collect sales and use lems on the Republican side of the aisle benefit the people who had sent him to taxes from out-of-State online retail- but from problems on my side of the Washington and results that would ers. He recognized that the brick-and- aisle that I have been unable to yet benefit the American people as a mortar Main Street businesses that surmount. whole. provide local jobs should not be penal- My pledge to you, Chairman ENZI, is The nearly 24 years since then have ized. MIKE and I also worked together that I will keep at it. Senator BLUNT is only confirmed my initial impression. on successful legislation to improve here, and he is helpful in that regard. For the first 14 of those years, MIKE workplace safety for postal employees Senator LANKFORD and Senator PERDUE was the sole accountant in the Senate. and to better protect the American are here, and we have a good team, That discipline, combined with his ex- people from deceptive mailings that along with Senator KAINE, Senator perience as a small business owner, mimic official government documents. KING, myself, and others on our side— have served him so well in his role as Senator MIKE ENZI has compiled a another being Senator SHAHEEN. chairman of the Senate Committee on long record of selfless service as a busi- So I will continue the work. I vow to the Budget. He knows how important it ness leader, as a member of the Wyo- you that I will somehow find a way to is to set a budget, to follow it, and to ming Air National Guard, as a mayor, get this done, and if I can find a way to control spending. His priority has al- as a State legislator, and as an in- call it the Enzi reform, I will find a ways been the American taxpayer. As volved citizen. When he announced his way to call it the Enzi reform. chairman of the Committee on the intention early last year to leave the I will long remember the relationship Budget and as a member of the Senate Senate, he said that he had no definite we had and the good work we did to- Committee on Finance, he has been a plans other than to find other ways to gether. I will long remember your 80/20 leader on tax issues as well. He helped serve. I am 100 percent certain that the rule. And maybe—because I have a to shape the 2017 tax reform act, which author of the 80–20 rule will continue similar proposal in Rules—maybe we has helped to boost economic growth to contribute to his community, his will even be able to get your phones and the creation of more jobs. State, and our Nation. I wish him and and electronics amendment passed. MIKE’s leadership style is character- his beloved wife Diana all the best in So thank you to you, sir, for doing ized by his willingness to always search the years to come. what is right, doing your best, and for common ground. He described in I thank the Presiding Officer. treating others as they would want to great depth today what he calls his 80– The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- be treated. 20 rule, and anyone who has ever ator from Rhode Island. I yield the floor. worked with MIKE ENZI on any issue Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- quickly learns about the 80–20 rule. have had the pleasure of working with ator from Missouri. Through it, he forges solutions where my chairman on the Budget Committee Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I feel a many others see only impasse. The key on budget reform initiatives, and I little guilty, as the chairman of the to success in moving legislation, as he want to take this occasion to thank Rules Committee, standing in between told us today, is to focus on the 80 per- him for the wonderful way in which he the Enzi desire to get the devices on cent of issues on which agreement can worked with me on those issues and for the floor. be found and not waste time on the 20 all of his support. I have watched in recent weeks. If percent on which the disagreements I want to make a pledge to him as you looked around on the floor, you are insurmountable. well. The effort began with a lot of would assume that we had adopted that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.034 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7163 rule. It is a pretty hard rule to enforce televisions and taking notes on the 80- VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2689 with all the information that Senator percent tool and other things that I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ENZI always knew was there and need- mentioned. question is on agreeing to amendment ed to be available in ways that we have But I just appreciate the friendships No. 2689. not made it available yet. that I have had here. I have no qualms Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I I just want to stand as a particular about leaving because of the quality of ask for the yeas and nays. friend of MIKE ENZI. We came to the people who will still be here, still solv- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Congress at the same time. I came to ing problems for America. sufficient second? the House, and he came to the Senate. There is some great teamwork that There is a sufficient second. He and Diana and I were together on never gets any publicity but that actu- The clerk will call the roll. travel fairly early in that we had an ally functions around here, and I can’t The bill clerk called the roll. opportunity to go to Lithuania, as they thank my friends enough, particularly Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is were desperately trying to get included Senator BARRASSO, who has been a part necessarily absent: the Senator from in NATO. of this team and has helped to bring me Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER). And, MIKE, you remember walking on along. I have learned a lot from him Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the that little square where people had and gotten to do a lot with him, and he Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS) their signs up: We want in NATO. They and his wife are good friends of ours. It and the Senator from Vermont (Mr. had been left behind one time; they is not all that common to be good SANDERS) are necessarily absent. didn’t want to be left behind another friends with the other person in your The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. time. delegation, but we have a strong dele- BLACKBURN). Are there any other Sen- But that is one of the many memo- gation and get along well that way. ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? ries I have with MIKE. I want to thank Senator WHITEHOUSE The result was announced—yeas 48, Another is just MIKE’s incredible ca- for his comments and particularly his nays 49, as follows: pacity to listen. I think without ques- promise that he is going to get some [Rollcall Vote No. 249 Leg.] tion and by plenty of evidence, MIKE is reform done so that the committee is YEAS—48 the best listener in the Senate. In fact, actually doing what everybody thinks Alexander Fischer Portman he has listening sessions in his State, it does—providing a budget that we Barrasso Gardner Risch where what he does, shockingly, is lis- will follow. Those were goods reform Blackburn Graham Roberts ten. His talking is at a minimum at principles that we put together. Blunt Grassley Romney Boozman Hoeven Rounds those sessions. His interest in taking in I have always said that the only time Braun Hyde-Smith Rubio input from whoever wants to talk—you we are going to have reform to the Burr Inhofe Sasse can envision MIKE at the front of the budget is if we can do it just before a Capito Johnson Scott (FL) room with his notepad, taking notes on Cassidy Kennedy Scott (SC) Presidential election year because no- Cornyn Lankford Shelby what everybody says, and then often body knows who is going to be in the Cramer Lee Sullivan the move from one speaker to the next majority in the Senate and the House, Crapo McConnell Thune is ‘‘Thank you’’ and ‘‘Let’s hear what and nobody knows who is going to be Cruz Moran Tillis Daines Murkowski Toomey other people have to say,’’ and he ab- the President. Otherwise, we want to Enzi Paul Wicker sorbs that in a great way. make sure that we can keep all of the Ernst Perdue Young There are many times when I have control for our party that we can. NAYS—49 come to MIKE in the Senate and said: I want to thank Senator BLUNT. I ac- Tell me what you are thinking about Baldwin Hassan Reed tually remember trying to get some Bennet Hawley Rosen this. And it is amazing how much you local food and running into Senator Blumenthal Heinrich Schatz can learn by listening. MIKE so often BLUNT, who was also looking for local Booker Hirono Schumer has a different view, a more nuanced Brown Jones Shaheen food overseas, and so we had local food Cantwell Kaine view than others do because of that. Sinema together. That was our first year in Cardin Kelly Smith IKE I also thought, M , as you were Congress. I have known him for a long Carper King Stabenow Casey Klobuchar speaking today—I know that your driv- time, and I appreciate your comments. Tester Collins Leahy er in the State is usually Diana. And Udall So thank you, everybody. Thank you, Coons Manchin Van Hollen even describing the return from the all the people from Wyoming. Cortez Masto Markey Jaycees event back to Gillette, I no- Cotton Menendez Warner I suggest the absence of a quorum. Warren ticed who was driving, that you spent Duckworth Merkley The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Durbin Murphy Whitehouse so many hours together and miles to- clerk will call the roll. Feinstein Murray Wyden gether in a State that maybe doesn’t The bill clerk proceeded to call the Gillibrand Peters have the most people, but it sure has roll. NOT VOTING—3 lots of distance, and I know it was just The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Harris Loeffler Sanders a challenge to get home to Wyoming ator from Rhode Island. every week and then to get to the place Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under you live in Wyoming, in Gillette, as ask unanimous consent that the order the previous order requiring 60 votes often as you can, and that is not often for the quorum call be rescinded. for the adoption of this amendment, possible. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the amendment is not agreed to. But what an honor and privilege to objection, it is so ordered. The amendment (No. 2689) was re- serve with you, to spend these 24 years Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous jected. in the Congress together, and for me to consent that the scheduled votes com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The get to spend the last 10 years of your mence. clerk will read the title of the bill for Senate time here in the Senate with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a third time. you. It is a great honor. It is a great objection? The bill was ordered to be engrossed privilege. Without objection, it is so ordered. for a third reading and was read the I am trying to learn all I can about third time. f listening from the master listener who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill then takes all that information and ac- LEGISLATIVE SESSION having been read the third time, the tually produces, as we have heard here question is, Shall the bill pass? today, real results. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask for the yeas The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE and nays. ator from Wyoming. ACCESS ACT OF 2019—Continued The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I just want The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under sufficient second? to thank all the people who came and the previous order, the Senate will re- There appears to be a sufficient sec- listened, and I hope there were other sume legislative session and consider- ond. Senators who were watching on their ation of S. 578. The clerk will call the roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.036 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 The senior assistant legislative clerk consider is considered made and laid matter during what could be their final called the roll. upon the table. months on Earth. Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is f On their behalf, I want to thank Sen- necessarily absent: the Senator from ator WHITEHOUSE for his partnership EXECUTIVE SESSION Georgia (Mrs. LOEFFLER). over the years. I want to thank Sen- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ator BRAUN for what he has done to Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), EXECUTIVE CALENDAR help get this bill across the finish line and the Senator from Vermont (Mr. today. I am pleased so many of our col- SANDERS) are necessarily absent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- leagues supported this bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ate will now resume executive session I want to explain briefly my position CRAMER). Are there any other Senators in consideration of the Waller nomina- on the amendment offered by Senator in the Chamber desiring to vote? tion. GRASSLEY. I support the amendment in The result was announced—yeas 96, The Senator from Arkansas. concept, but I opposed the amendment nays 1, as follows: ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE ACCESS ACT today because the original purpose of [Rollcall Vote No. 250 Leg.] Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I am this bill has always been to address YEAS—96 very pleased the Senate has just passed ALS specifically. Alexander Fischer Peters the ALS Disability Insurance Access I will support Senator GRASSLEY’s Baldwin Gardner Portman Act, 96 to 1, a bill that will bring relief language in future legislation, but to Barrasso Gillibrand Reed to many Americans suffering from a pass this bill in the final days of the Bennet Graham Risch Blackburn Grassley Roberts terrible disease. 116th Congress, the Senate—and espe- Blumenthal Hassan Romney ALS is a progressive cially in the days ahead in the House— Blunt Hawley Rosen neurodegenerative disease. People with it was vital that we send the Booker Heinrich Rounds unamended bill to the House. Boozman Hirono Rubio ALS tragically lose the ability to con- Braun Hoeven Sasse trol their muscles, leading to paralysis I look forward to working with Sen- Brown Hyde-Smith Schatz and, ultimately, death. There is no ator GRASSLEY in the next Congress to Burr Inhofe Schumer cure. ensure the sustainability of both the Cantwell Johnson Scott (FL) Social Security Disability and the ALS Capito Jones Scott (SC) Many are familiar with ALS because Cardin Kaine Shaheen of the baseball legend who succumbed trust fund. He has been a great partner Carper Kelly Shelby to it at the height of his career, Lou in protecting these vital programs, and Casey Kennedy Sinema Gehrig. Others know Lou Gehrig’s dis- I know he will be in the future. Cassidy King Smith Finally, I want to close by quoting Collins Klobuchar Stabenow ease because it has touched them or a Coons Lankford Sullivan neighbor or a loved one. Lou Gehrig’s final address at Yankee Cornyn Leahy Tester I have been fortunate to know sev- Stadium in 1939. He had just received Cortez Masto Manchin Thune his fatal diagnosis. He didn’t focus on Cotton Markey Tillis eral people with ALS. One of my ear- Cramer McConnell Toomey liest supporters in my first campaign the hardships that lay in his future. In- Crapo Menendez Udall was the great Tommy May of Pine stead, he famously exclaimed: Cruz Merkley Van Hollen Bluff. Tommy, amazingly, has lived I consider myself the luckiest man on the Daines Moran Warner with ALS for nearly 15 years, beating face of the Earth. . . . I might have been Duckworth Murkowski Warren given a bad break, but I have an awful lot to Durbin Murphy Whitehouse the odds with courage and good humor. live for. Enzi Murray Wicker Given the gift of time, he devoted his Ernst Paul Wyden The same could be said of every per- Feinstein Perdue Young energy to finding a cure for ALS, serv- ing as a trustee on the national ALS son living with ALS today. They have NAYS—1 Association board. ALS advocates are an awful lot to live for, and this bill Lee lucky to have a fighter like Tommy on will help them live. NOT VOTING—3 I yield the floor. their side. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I have also been fortunate to know Harris Loeffler Sanders ator from Rhode Island. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 60- Kip Jackson of Little Rock and Thom- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, as Galyon of Rogers and others. Sadly, vote threshold having been achieved, let me thank Senator COTTON for his the bill is passed. these ALS advocates have passed away, work with me in getting this bill to The bill (S. 578) was passed, as fol- but I know how pleased they would be this happy result. lows: to see this bill cross the finish line As the Presiding Officer knows, a bill S. 578 today. can look like it was easy to get done Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ALS is not like other diseases. It when it passes 96 to 1, but that doesn’t resentatives of the United States of America in typically appears, without warning, mean that the pathway was easy. This Congress assembled, later in life. Its life expectancy within has been years and years of effort. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 16 months is only 50 percent—no better Senator COTTON really helped make This Act may be cited as the ‘‘ALS Dis- than a coin toss. In other words, ALS it possible, so I am very grateful to ability Insurance Access Act of 2019’’. strikes fast, and it strikes hard. him. SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF WAITING PERIOD FOR People with ALS typically apply for I also want to thank Senator BRAUN, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN- SURANCE BENEFITS FOR DISABLED disability benefits through Social Se- who was the first Republican Member INDIVIDUALS WITH AMYOTROPHIC curity. There is a problem. Disability to join me in this and who has been a LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS). has a 5-month waiting period. This constant ally and source of support and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 223(a)(1) of the waiting period is meant to ensure that encouragement. Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 423(a)(1)) is applicants aren’t suffering from a tem- I would also like to extend my appre- amended in the matter following subpara- porary affliction, and under most cir- graph (E) by striking ‘‘or (ii)’’ and inserting ciation to Chairman GRASSLEY of the ‘‘(ii) in the case of an individual who has cumstances, it is appropriate. Finance Committee. This is a Finance been medically determined to have But, of course, ALS isn’t temporary. Committee jurisdiction bill. Chairman amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for each For those who have it, given the odds GRASSLEY was willing to let it go for- month beginning with the first month during they face, every month counts. That is ward as long as he got his amend- all of which the individual is under a dis- why, years ago, Senator WHITEHOUSE ment—without insisting on his amend- ability and in which the individual becomes and I introduced the ALS Disability In- ment being part of the bill. He got his entitled to such insurance benefits, or (iii)’’. surance Access Act, which will waive vote. We voted it down, and the bill has (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment this 5-month period for people with made by this section shall apply with respect now gone forward, and that reflects a to applications for disability insurance bene- ALS. This will ensure they have rapid very high degree of forbearance and fits filed after the date of the enactment of access to Social Security in the early courtesy from Chairman GRASSLEY, this Act. days of their diagnosis, so they don’t which I respect and appreciate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under have to worry about benefits and can I also want to thank the ranking the previous order, the motion to re- focus instead on the things that really member on Finance, Senator WYDEN,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.037 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7165 who has worked very hard to make traordinary human character of people Brian, who also lost his father, has for- sure that finance issues were resolved who fight on through this increasingly tunately been enrolled in a clinical and that he was comfortable with it. disabling condition. The courage that trial. We are all praying for his treat- He and GRASSLEY were able to give it they show and the way that they per- ments to be effective. In the network of committee clearance to come to the sist—in this case, to keep writing— people I have come to know back home floor with their support on these Brian Dickinson was writing columns and here in the Senate, it shows you terms. really until the end of his life—stand as just how many lives are affected by it, I also want to thank Senator LEE— an example to all of us of what courage and there are countless patients it has MIKE LEE—for his forbearance. He has in impossible circumstances looks like. affected in the Hoosier State. been interested in this bill in the past. That is a blessing they give to all of us. I would like to personally thank Tina We debated it on the Senate floor, and With many thanks and much appre- Kaetzel, the executive director of the he has allowed it to proceed in this way ciation to J.R. Pagliarini, the presi- Indiana ALS Association, for bringing also, so I am grateful to Senator LEE. dent of Rhode Island ALS society, and this bill to the attention of our office. Of course, that is all the gratitude his president emeritus, Kenneth I would also like to give a heartfelt here within the body for people who McGunagle, and to their executive di- thank you to Corey Polen, of made the bill possible, but the people rector, Beth Flanagan, I am happy to Brownsburg, IN, for his passionate and we really need to be grateful to and ap- get this done. unwavering advocacy in support of the preciative of are the ALS advocates Now we hope that in the final days of bill. Corey has become a friend to our who come to us to argue for support this Congress, our friends over in the office and has also been a champion of and for encouragement. They are filled House—with 300-plus cosponsors on the legislation I introduced, the Promising with hope even though there is no cure. bill in the House—ought to be able to Pathway Act, which would provide new They continue to seek investment in get out of each other’s way and get this FDA authority to more rapidly approve the science to try to figure out a way done before this Congress concludes. drugs specifically for diseases like this. to a cure. They show immense courage. I yield the floor to my friend and col- I would be remiss if I did not thank I This is a devastating, uniquely bad league Senator BRAUN with great ap- AM ALS, especially Brian Wallach, diagnosis for somebody to get. It is preciation. Danielle Carnival, and Dan Tate, for very hard for the individual who re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- their unyielding devotion to this and ceives the diagnosis and also terrible ator from Indiana. to fixing our broken healthcare sys- for their family as well. Mr. BRAUN. Mr. President, today I tem. We have all had the experience in rise in proud support of legislation that Today, we come one step closer to ac- this body of seeing our constituents will break down barriers for those with complishing this pursuit. It has been a come to advocate on ALS and have the medically determined ALS. great honor to cofound the first-ever experience of seeing them the first ALS is a progressive and fatal Senate ALS Caucus with my colleague time they come to us with a cane. neurodegenerative disease that affects across the aisle, Senator CHRIS COONS, When they come back the next year, the motor nerve cells in the brain and of Delaware. The passage of the ALS they come back with a wheelchair and, spinal cord, gradually robbing patients Disability Insurance Access Act has been a priority for this caucus since its the following year after that, come of the ability to eat, speak, and eventu- inception about a year ago. We readily back with an electronic support mecha- ally breathe. acknowledge that the bill’s passage is nism with ventilator assistance and are Currently, there are no meaningful long overdue and that there is much still able to steer around, but it is an treatments, no known cause, and no more work to be done. We look forward apparatus much more complex than a cure. But today, we have reason to to rolling up our sleeves and coming wheelchair. Then, in the next visit, it hope. together to advance policies in the fu- is their widow who comes alone. Since 2016, Senators WHITEHOUSE and ture that will continue to improve the We have had the chance to do some- COTTON have championed the ALS Dis- quality of life for ALS patients. thing good here. It made no sense to re- ability Insurance Access Act. Thanks In doing so, we celebrate ALS pa- quire people who have this diagnosis to their tireless efforts, we are about to tients—those we have lost, those who wait 5 months before they can begin to give ALS patients and their families are currently fighting this dreadful dis- get Social Security Disability Insur- more timely access to their Social Se- ease, and those whose journeys have ance benefits. Actually, very often, curity disability benefits. No longer not yet begun. It is a disease that does that first 5 months is when the support will these patients have to wait 5 not have the luxury of a large commu- makes the most difference in terms of months to access benefits they have nity from which to raise awareness and the quality of life that remains during earned. fight for reforms. ALS has no survivor the course of the illness. Passing this act will help alleviate community. It is up to us, then, to We have been at this about 5 years some of the financial burdens that ac- speak up for those who can no longer now. Today is a good day in that sense. company an ALS diagnosis and will speak and to stand up for those who I want to call to mind, just as an ex- allow patients and their families to can no longer stand. ample of how this strikes at home—our focus their precious time where it To those whom we have lost to ALS small, local, home State paper, the needs to be—on their loved ones and and to those currently battling this Providence Journal, has a long tradi- their battle against the disease. disease—Anne Seitz, Douglas Raymond tion of being a very distinguished ALS is not a rare disease. More than Ordway, Brian Laesch, Corey Polen, newspaper. Very often people who 5,600 individuals in the United States Brian Wallach, Dan Tate, and so many worked for it went on to the Wall are diagnosed each year, meaning 15 others impacted by ALS—we here in Street Journal, the New York Times, Americans are diagnosed each day. Not the U.S. Senate are your advocates. the Washington Post, and big and fa- only is ALS common, it is also ex- I yield the floor. mous newspapers and made national tremely personal to many in this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- names for themselves. The Providence Chamber, and it is personal to me. ator from Rhode Island. Journal is a really significant news- My cousin Anne Seitz lost her battle CLIMATE CHANGE paper. Just in the course of my time in with ALS on Thanksgiving Day 10 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, politics, two of its writers have been years ago. Her husband Terry Seitz today is my 276th climate speech, and stricken with ALS—struck down, in currently resides in my hometown and my increasingly battered graphic is fact, with ALS: Brian Dickinson, first, is my State director of outreach. showing its wear, but for the first time and Bill Malinowski afterward. Each My budget and appropriations staff- in a really, really long time, there is had to learn to write in very unusual er, Robert Ordway, and his sister Jen- real hope for climate action in Amer- ways, including with their eyeballs by nifer lost their father, Douglas Ray- ica. blinking as letters went by on a screen mond Ordway, to the disease. The light of science will shine in a or by directing a laser. Kathy Laesch, a member of my Indi- Biden administration. Our U.S. Gov- It is a terrible disease, ALS. But one anapolis team, has a son Brian who was ernment will heed actual data. Agen- thing that it does is it displays the ex- diagnosed with ALS this summer. cies will act on facts. The White House

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.039 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 will care about the harm carbon pollu- said it was out of the climate denial tors—calling on them to identify and tion does right now across the country. and obstruction business. Exxon address climate risks. For instance, President Biden will restore the EPA claimed it had not funded the Heart- last spring, BlackRock, the largest in- to its role of safeguarding our air and land Institutes of the world for a dec- stitutional investor in the world, voted water and will task the State Depart- ade. Fossil fuel executives said they at a shareholder meeting to remove ment to surge climate policy abroad. knew climate change was a threat, and two Exxon directors and install an Every Department—from Transpor- they claimed to have turned the page independent Exxon chairman, all to tation to the USDA, to HUD, to the on this nonsense. improve this oil giant’s ‘‘insufficient SEC—will have a role in turning this Well, that just ain’t so. The network progress’’ in addressing its business ship around before catastrophe. of phony front groups, identity-laun- risk from climate change. That kind of At last, the Biden administration dering outfits, and bogus PR cam- warning shot sends shivers down the will cleanse America’s government of paigns is alive and well. Like any spine of a big polluter. its grimy infestation of polluter lack- threatened crooked enterprise, it So there is FTI, which popped up a eys, stooges, and hangers-on and will morphs to hide in its surroundings, but group in 2018 called Main Street Inves- shut off the disastrous handouts to fos- we just caught another glimpse of it tors, which commissioned studies argu- sil fuel industry donors. A flood of through a New York Times expose of ing that activist shareholders harm cleansing executive actions will wash the corporate PR firm FTI Consulting. shareholder value, and it launched a away the grime. The American Presi- FTI started 40 years ago as a hired gun website, divestmentfacts.com, to argue dency, with its great power, will shake for parties in litigation and now offers against big university endowments, free of the polluters’ grip, but the Pres- virtually any nasty service a corpora- pension funds, and other big investors idency alone cannot spare us. tion could need. According to the divesting from fossil fuels. The Times Congress must pass a comprehensive Times, the fossil fuel industry employs notes about this scheme: ‘‘At least six climate bill, stop rewarding polluters FTI for a lot of dirty work. academic papers published on this from polluting, and clean up our en- One thing FTI does is to stand up website were by professors who, in ad- ergy market so it is not corrupted by fake front groups. The New York Times dition to their university jobs, were or for the fossil fuel industry—for in- chronicles how organizations like Citi- also working for Compass Lexecon, [an] stance, putting a real price on carbon zens to Protect PA Jobs, New Mexicans FTI subsidiary.’’ to pay for the fossil fuel damage. We for Economic Prosperity, and the Lib- Neat trick using shareholder money have to invest in new, green infrastruc- erty Energy Project actually all trace to fool shareholders. ture to create millions of jobs. We need back to FTI through common employ- Who paid FTI to set up Main Street to prepare communities along our ees, internet domain registrations, and Investors? The National Association of coasts for rising seas, others for higher other ties. Each of these pop-up groups Manufacturers, which the watchdog temperatures, and other climate dan- suggests that it is a broad coalition of group Influence Map has called the gers. We need to address the dangerous regular Americans. Each sports a worst climate obstructor in America. systemic financial risks fossil fuel pre- flashy website, like this one, with So it is no surprise that they are pay- sents to our economic system. There is neighborly looking folk in scenic vis- ing for this phony nonsense. The ques- work to be done, and it is overdue. tion is, Who paid the National Associa- So what has been stopping us? tas, and, of course, they all make the Four years ago, Senate Democrats fossil fuel case for cutting corporate tion of Manufacturers to set this up? came to the Senate floor and here ex- taxes and slashing environmental pro- They won’t say. So we have to take a posed this web of denial and obstruc- tections. We call these fake environ- guess. tion that had been built by the fossil mental grassroots groups There is more that FTI is up to. fuel industry to prevent meaningful ac- ‘‘Astroturf’’—a product manufactured Don’t like your news coverage? FTI tion on climate change. This evil web by big, powerful special interests to can build you your own news site. The is a front for billionaire polluters like look like grassroots support. Times found FTI lurking behind En- the Kochs and fossil fuel pushers like This one is a classic—Texans for Nat- ergy In Depth and Western Wire—two ExxonMobil and Marathon Petroleum. ural Gas. The Times writes about this sites that churn out pro-fossil fuel arti- To hide its funders, this web uses outfit: cles and spread them around the inter- creepy identity-scrubbing groups like Acting as Texans for Natural Gas rep- net. With mass extinction of real local Donors Trust and Donors Capital. They resentatives, FTI employees have launched newspapers underway, FTI is busy set- move money and people around in the pro-industry petitions, produced videos and ting up polluter news pages to fill the web in a Whac-A-Mole array of dispos- reports on the importance of the Permian void. It is clever, if repulsive. Basin oil field, and written opinion pieces for Of course, FTI does dirty work on so- able groups with misleadingly whole- local newspapers supporting fossil fuels. The some names like the Heartland Insti- cial media. After New York City filed a site features testimonials from three climate lawsuit against Exxon, FTI tute and the Franklin Center for Gov- women— launched a social media attack on New ernment and Public Integrity. Ben- I am quoting still— jamin Franklin would vomit at this York Mayor Bill de Blasio. In a panto- two of whom are represented with stock mime twofer, FTI used content from abuse of his name. photos— Following Big Tobacco’s playbook, its phony Energy In Depth news site in this web of denial kept the polluters’ Let me interrupt the quote for a its paid-for social media attack. Who fingerprints off the dirty work of sow- minute because you know you can go paid? They won’t say. Take a guess. ing doubt about climate science, just to the internet and find stock photos of Another FTI campaign bought social as the tobacco industry fraudulently people you can use. So these aren’t real media ads to steer people to another stood up front groups to dispense de- testimonials. These are fake FTI FTI front group, the Arctic Energy nial of the harms of tobacco. This pol- testimonials with stock photos to Center, which promotes—guess what— luter web of denial also kept the Re- make it look like it is credible. OK, I drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife publican Party in line by spending will go back to the quote: Refuge and off the Alaskan coast. stunning amounts of money in Amer- and one with a photo used without permis- In yet another campaign, FTI’s shad- ican politics. sion from the Flickr page of a photographer owy special strategic communications Dr. Robert Brulle, now at Brown Uni- in the Philippines. unit set up a phony Facebook profile to versity, created this graphic off of his Classy, huh? This bag of polluter secretly track environmental pro- research, and it gives you a sense of tricks is pretty familiar to those who testers. It did this for Apache Energy, how big and how complex this web of have studied the web of denial here, which wanted to drill for fossil fuel denial is that the fossil fuel industry but FTI is also pulling some new next to a State park in Texas. See the stood up, and it is funded by huge tricks. pattern? amounts of dark money by anonymous One new target is fossil fuel’s own in- But wait. It gets even creepier than funders. vestors. A new challenge for oil and gas this, if you can believe it. FTI has a When we exposed this web back in companies is their own shareholders— menu that it offers to its clients of 2016, fossil fuel giants like ExxonMobil even their biggest institutional inves- fake personas.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.041 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7167 These fake personas use fake social that is not an environmental group by REMEMBERING LARRY WILLIS media and message board accounts to any stretch. Mr. President, this weekend we lost a interfere in internet debate—say by So let’s say you are getting that $650 great champion for American work- harassing local citizens who are con- billion subsidy every year. Even if all ers—Larry Willis, president of the cerned about pollution and who may be this fakery ends up exposed, if in the Transportation Trades Department at criticizing FTI’s clients, so they will meantime you have disrupted the oppo- the AFL–CIO. bomb into the internet debate around sition and kept your business scheme Larry dedicated his life to the labor that, offering fake personas as the going, you have reaped another year of movement, fighting for workers on the phony voice to disrupt that debate. multi-hundred-billion-dollar subsidies. frontlines of our transportation sys- This is actually their menu. You I mention in this web of denial the tem. He worked to empower busdrivers have what they call ‘‘the Derailleur.’’ identity-laundering group called Do- and ramp workers, flight attendants ‘‘The Derailleur seizes on a seemingly nors Trust, and I will come back to and train operators around the country innocuous section of the otherwise neg- them right now because I have called so they could fight for better wages ative narrative and attempts to pull them out over and over. and protections on the job and they the comment thread into a discursive Donors Trust just put a letter to the could build a middle-class life for their discussion around that detailed non- editor into my home State newspaper families. issue.’’ to assure its readers that Donors Trust We know the labor movement is the They offer next the ‘‘Drunken Con- is just as pure as the driven snow. Of single biggest reason that we have a spiracy Theorist Uncle.’’ ‘‘The Drunk- all the newspapers in the world, Donors middle class in this country. We know en Conspiracy Theorist Uncle agrees Trust just happened to pick mine. I ap- that the decline of the labor union with the negative commenter but preciate the attention. But let’s get movement is the reason that the mid- conflates other unrelated and offensive the facts straight because here is Do- dle class is shrinking in this country. issues into it, lumping it all together nors Trust, right in the middle of the All of what Larry did said a lot about into an unpalatable whole.’’ web of denial. It has been called ‘‘the his character—that he took on that job and spent his whole career fighting to They also offer the ‘‘Semantic Nit- dark-money ATM of the right,’’ behind give power to the workers who have so picker,’’ who ‘‘asks an endless series of ‘‘the right’s assault on labor unions, often been denied a voice in this coun- questions seeking clarification or climate scientists, public schools, [and] pointing out minor flaws in the way try. economic regulations.’’ It has been Everyone who worked with him at- the argument is constructed. This can called ‘‘the Right’s favorite dark- tests to his skill, his compassion, his be played both friendly and money conduit, [which] allows the commitment to justice, and his love of oppositionally, but by different stacks identities of wealthy conservative do- life. One of his greatest strengths was of kids.’’ nors to stay hidden.’’ It has been called his ability to find compromise in even On it goes through the ‘‘Skeptical ‘‘Donors Trust, the Right-Wing Secret the most difficult, thorniest issues in Capitalist,’’ the ‘‘Patronizing Voice of Money Machine.’’ And it is smack in front of us. Reason,’’ the ‘‘Confused Time Trav- the middle of this dirty, dark fossil fuel Make no mistake, Larry was always eler,’’ the ‘‘Concerned Hipster,’’ and be- web that has propagated and funded a fierce fighter for transportation lieve it or not, here is a real beauty— the lie—the lie of climate denial. workers. He never compromised when the ‘‘Dog Typing on a Keyboard.’’ You From FTI and all of its schemes and defending worker safety. He always can pay FTI to send somebody real be- its typing dogs to Donors Trust, the challenged us to make legislation bet- hind a fake persona to go interfere sleaze and the scale of the fossil fuel ter, but he also understood that mean- anonymously in somebody else’s con- scheming is itself a signal of the mis- ingful change sometimes comes in versation—in this case, claiming a dog chief afoot. You don’t put up a phony- smaller steps, not in great bounds. He typing on a keyboard. ‘‘The dog typing baloney operation of this magnitude was willing to work for months, even on a keyboard chimes in with very poor unless you have some real nasty stuff years, behind the scenes to make real grammar, spelling, and punctuation, that you are trying to defend and mis- progress for transportation workers. and posts frequently to clutter up the lead people about. Well, for $650 billion Washington needs more advocates like thread and make it very hard to a year, you can crank up a lot of sleazy Larry—someone who believes deeply in read’’—basically packing the debate mischief. the cause and backs it up with relent- with so much nonsense that everybody Here in Congress, we can’t keep danc- less work to find a solution. has to tune out. ing to the tune of this crowd. We still I want to talk about his grace. He These are actually services offered to don’t know which party will control was very direct. He didn’t hold back the fossil fuel industry clients that this Chamber next year, but we do when Congress did something that was they pay for. They pay to disrupt le- know that the Senate is out of excuses not in the best interests of workers, gitimate internet debate using phony, on climate change. It is time for a but he never closed the door on anyone, paid-for personas that come in occu- strong climate bill that can be signed even his adversaries. Larry was always pying these characteristics, I guess you into law by a new President, swept into willing to pick back up a conversation would call them. It is unbelievably dis- office with the most votes in history on to find a path forward. He did not let gusting behavior for any corporation to a strong commitment to climate ac- egos get in the way of progress—some- engage in, which is probably why they tion. thing that happens far too often in this hide the money. It is on us. It is on us whether this town. He never let disputes make him You may ask, why? Why on Earth web of denial will hold us back or jaded. He always kept his head up and would fossil fuel companies spend big whether we will break free at last of its his door open. money on all this fancy, fake activ- corrupting influence and do, for once— My staff and I relied on Larry’s guid- ity—from phony Astroturf groups to for once—our duty instead of its bid- ance and wisdom for many years. He fake attack campaigns, to the dog typ- ding. knew every angle of our Nation’s trans- ing on the keyboard? Why would the I yield the floor. portation system. He used that knowl- fossil fuel industry go through all these The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- edge to help millions of transportation complex, phony schemes? Won’t they ator from Ohio. workers. He was a wonderful person. ultimately get caught? Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I always We loved working with him. Well, the answer is simple, and it is a appreciate the persistence and integ- We are deeply saddened by his pass- number—$650 billion. Six hundred and rity and intellectual vigor of Senator ing. We are keeping his wife Amy and fifty billion dollars is the subsidy for WHITEHOUSE’s comments on the floor daughter Samantha—oh, how he loved fossil fuel in the United States of talking about climate and talking both of them and lit up when talking America every year. Every year, $650 about the corruption of big money and about them—we are keeping them in billion. Another year, another $650 bil- climate politics and climate decision our thoughts and prayers as they cope lion, according to the International making. with this sudden, heartbreaking loss. Monetary Fund, which is kind of a So to Senator WHITEHOUSE, thank We will honor Larry Willis the best technical bean counter organization you. way we can—by continuing to fight to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.043 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 empower transportation workers Labor, the point of the Occupational would get hurt and salmonella would around the country and fight with a Safety and Health Administration, is spread. That is not even counting doggedness that would make him to protect workers. Yet this Secretary COVID. But to President Trump and proud. of Labor, this Department of Labor— his allies, more workplace injuries and WORKER SAFETY including from IBEW workers to steel- more grandparents hospitalized by sal- Mr. President, this spring I was talk- workers, to meatpacking workers—he monella are a small price to pay if it ing with a grocery store worker in refused to issue workplace safety re- means more profits for meatpacking Southwest Ohio, who told me: You quirements throughout the pandemic. companies. know, they call me essential, but real- He failed to get workers the protective Trump and his corporate lawyer Sec- ly I feel expendable. equipment and medical supplies they retary of Labor are pushing through a That grocery store worker and thou- need to protect themselves. He forced new policy to ensure that companies sands of others are on the frontlines of people back to work in meatpacking can continue to exploit workers by this pandemic. They risk their lives so plants around the country. classifying them as independent con- that Americans can keep food on their In South Dakota, we know, in a tractors. Go back to the childhood of a tables and get their packages deliv- meatpacking plant owned by the Chi- number of Members of the Senate who ered. They are changing linens in hos- nese Communist Party, 1,300 workers had parents who worked in factories pitals. They drive buses. They stock got sick in one plant, and 4 of them and parents who worked in construc- shelves in supermarkets and drug- have died that we know of. tion jobs, parents who carried a union stores. Then workers go home at night. The Trump administration fined this card. You know what that would mean They worry they are going to bring to multibillion-dollar meatpacking—Chi- to those workers and the threat that their home the virus and infect their nese Communist Party-owned they could get sick. family—always the anxiety they live meatpacking plant—fined them $10 a Think about it now. Corporations with. worker. Thirteen hundred workers got love this new business model. It is a We know that hundreds of thousands sick and OSHA, the government, the way to classify people as independent of workers have been exposed to the President, fined them $10 a worker. But workers. It is a way to pay people less virus on the job. Thousands have died. don’t worry, he and his wealthy con- for the same work, skirt labor laws, We don’t know exactly how many be- tributors who come for White House wash their hands of responsibility for cause the President hasn’t directed his tours without masks or social the workers who make their businesses government to make it a priority to distancing will get to look at some successful. keep track of these numbers. Think of sparkly ornaments. These workers aren’t working for a that. President Trump could crack down big insurance company that really does We know UFCW—United Food Com- on corporations like Smithfield. He have a public image they are trying to mercial Workers—reports that more could mobilize American manufactur- protect. These workers aren’t working than 16,000 grocery store workers have ers to get every American worker the for a hospital or a big bank that cares been exposed at work. More than 100 masks and the protective equipment about its public image. These workers have died. Sixteen-thousand exposed at they need. He could issue an OSHA are working for an entity hired by work. More than 100 have died. temporary standard, as we have asked these big banks or by these insurance National Nurses United has recorded him repeatedly, that would provide companies to prepare the food or to at least 1,700 deaths, and 58 percent of clear enforceable requirements for provide the security or to do the custo- those healthcare workers who died keeping workers safe. He could stand dial work—a company you have never were people of color. Seventeen hun- up for workers, but he won’t. heard of that has no public image be- dred have died; 58 percent, people of That is fundamentally why he lost. cause this company is all about being color. Eighty million Americans decisively hired by large corporations. They then In meatpacking plants, we know the rejected this President and his total can pay them lower wages. They can toll has been horrific. As of this sum- lack of empathy, his complete failure then protect them less on the job, and mer, 16,000 workers in meatpacking to understand the dignity of work. they can then not provide benefits. plants, including in the Dakotas, the There are a lot of Senators in this That is what happens with contract vast majority of them Black and body—not a lot. There are some Sen- workers—those independent contrac- Brown workers, and more than 230 have ators in this body whose mothers or fa- tors. We know they love this business died. We can only expect those num- thers carried union cards and knew model. They can pay workers less. bers to be higher. that was their ticket to the middle They can skirt labor laws. What is the President’s response? In class and understood that their moth- President Trump wants to make that the White House, they are putting up ers and fathers were protected by easier, partly, because he probably does holiday displays with a lit-up ceramic OSHA, protected by the Department of that in his business, and he has a whole post office and ornaments in the shape Labor that cared about the safety of lot of corporate friends—big contribu- of garbage trucks and nurses’ hats. those workers in the workplace. tors to the Trump campaign who make That is right. Workers are dying But all that the President did do to more money by doing that. around the country, and instead of ignore workers and didn’t do to protect Fundamentally, President Trump, doing anything at all to protect them, workers, none of that is stopping him Senator MCCONNELL, and their cor- the President of the United States is from trying to do more damage on his porate allies just don’t understand the decking the halls with ornaments. way out the door. The Trump USDA, dignity of work. They think workers Workers don’t need Christmas orna- the Department of Agriculture, is try- are always a cost to be minimized in- ments; they need fair pay, and they ing to race through a new rule—trying stead of the engine behind our coun- need protections on the job. to push through, in the last weeks, a try’s success. President Trump hasn’t lifted a fin- new rule that actually speeds up chick- Think back again to those Members ger to protect frontline workers. Let en factory processing lines; that is of the Senate whose parents carried me explain. I make a charge like that, right, not slow them down in the face union cards who cared about all this, I back it up. He spent 4 years in office of record infections at these plants but who had a chance—in a job like this, putting corporate lawyers in charge of speed up the line. who had a chance for opportunity be- the Department of Labor. The Sec- We know it is a trick. It is the oldest cause those workers carried a union retary of Labor made millions of dol- trick in the book. You make more card and were treated decently on the lars practicing law by representing cor- money if you speed up the line. You job. Because those workers carried a porations against workers—sometimes speed up the line, and workers are union card, their bosses couldn’t think union workers, sometimes unorganized more likely to get hurt. When you of them only as a cost to be minimized. workers. speed up the line during a pandemic, They did think of them as the engine The Department of Labor makes it more workers are likely to get sick. behind their country’s success. easier for corporations to skirt safety They tried to pass the rule earlier. It The American people rejected that— rules. The point of the Department of was held up over concerns workers the 80-plus million people who voted

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.044 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7169 for a new President. They voted tect him. He was essentially on his tion process for those with serious and against the President who treated own. urgent medical conditions. Under this workers as expendable. They voted for This pin was given to me at a work- Compassionate Allowance Initiative, the candidate who put workers at the ers’ Memorial Day rally by a steel- more than 200 diseases now automati- center of his campaign. worker who told me about this pin and cally make applicants eligible for expe- Joe Biden had the most pro-worker what it stood for. He knows that the dited review. campaign in a generation, and in Janu- labor movement changed this country But while the Compassionate Allow- ary we get to work to deliver results. for the better. It created the greatest ance Initiative shortens the determina- The new President, right now, on Janu- economy and the strongest middle tion process from an average of several ary 20 can immediately issue an OSHA class on Earth. It said the opposite of months to an average of 39 days, there emergency temporary standard forcing what MITCH MCCONNELL says to work- is still a lengthy 5-month waiting pe- corporations to take important, crit- ers all over the country: Sorry. You are riod to actually start receiving the ical, decisive steps to protect their on your own. What this canary pin rep- benefits, and in the case of urgent, workers from contracting or spreading resents is, we are all in this together. fatal diseases, that is still too long of a the virus in their workplaces. It means we fight for the dignity of wait. What is more important than pro- work. It means if you love your coun- The bill that we have before us today tecting workers, especially essential try, you fight for the people who make seeks to address this problem but only workers who deliver our food, who pre- it work. We can do that again. We can for the victims of ALS. Now, obviously, pare food, who do custodial work, who protect workers from this virus. We we should try and help the victims of do security work, who are helping peo- can build a better system centered on this tragic disease to the very best of ple in our country live every day? the dignity of work. our ability. They are not, however, the With cases rising and hospitals filling I yield the floor. only ones who need to be helped. Of the up all over the country, the end of Jan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- list of compassionate allowance condi- uary isn’t soon enough. Workers put ator from Utah. tions, some are just as urgent as ALS themselves at risk in nursing homes ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE ACCESS ACT OF 2019 and some are even worse. There are, and hospitals. They deliver packages of Mr. LEE. Mr. President, it is nothing sadly, several for which there is no holiday gifts. They stock supermarket short of a tragedy when anyone suffers known cure and that have life shelves with supplies for holiday meals. from ALS. This is a progressive expectancies that are terribly short. Some of those workers are going to neurodegenerative disease, one that at- I want to cite some examples. For in- get sick. Some of them are going to tacks the nerve cells in the brain and stance, Creutfeldt-Jakob disease, a de- die. They are going to die because they the spinal cord of its victims and even- generative brain disorder, is among are essential workers, but we don’t tually affects control of the muscles, these. This particular disease leads to treat them like essential workers. We even the muscles that are needed to dementia and most often results in can do something about it now. We move, to speak, eat, breathe, and oth- death within 6 to 12 months. Trag- could pass a real plan that invests in erwise live. ically, there is no cure, and around protective equipment for them. We can Sadly, this is a disease that is always 1,000 Americans are diagnosed with it fatal. The average life expectancy is pass a real plan of testing and contact every single year, including a dear only 2 to 5 years following diagnosis. tracing. We could get money to small friend of mine in Utah who a couple of Not only are the people who suffer businesses like Liz Valenti’s business years ago passed away from this ail- from ALS robbed of time but also their in Dayton, OH, so they can protect ment. ability to work, imposing great hard- their workers—her two restaurants in Another is cardiac amyloidosis, also ships on them and on their families. known as stiff heart syndrome. This Dayton. The bill that we had before us today Well, what is Leader MCCONNELL disease affects the way electrical sig- to help these victims by reforming our doing? Ramming through more Trump nals move through the heart, leading Social Security Disability Insurance nominees like Mr. Hauptman and Mr. Program is a good cause, and it is one to abnormal heartbeats and faulty Waller, who keep stacking the deck in that I think we all support, but I think heart signals. For those diagnosed, favor of their Wall Street friends, try- it goes about the job in the wrong way. there is no known cure, and they typi- ing to hold on to their power even after It sets bad precedent, and it fails to in- cally face a life expectancy of only Americans said: No, we want some- clude other needed reform. about 6 months after the onset of con- thing different—80 million of them. We must remember that ALS, Lou gestive heart failure. About 4,000 peo- MITCH MCCONNELL needs to stop let- Gehrig’s disease, is one of many simi- ple develop this condition each year. ting Donald Trump sabotage our eco- larly debilitating and deadly diseases Take peritoneal mesothelioma, this nomic recovery on his way out the door that Americans are suffering from disease is a cancer that develops in the and get to work for the people he today. While not as well known, all of lining of the abdomen, usually leading serves. these victims are also deserving of the to death within 12 months of the first It is time to remember what makes same kind of special attention and ac- signs of illness. Around 600 cases are di- this country great. If you love this commodation in Federal policy. agnosed every year in the United country, you fight for people who make Let’s review some of the background States. it work—our workers who organized in of the program. The Social Security That is why I have been working for union halls and church basements and Disability Insurance Program, or SSDI, the past year with my colleagues to fought for workers’ rights, women’s was created, in part, to help people who broaden the scope of this legislation, so rights, and civil rights. suffer from conditions like ALS, pro- that Congress doesn’t waive the SSDI In closing—I know that Senator LEE viding monthly cash benefits to those waiting period one disease at a time. It wants to speak. I have worn for my who become disabled and therefore un- should not matter which fatal, rapidly time in the Senate and before that, I able to work. progressing and debilitating disease an wore this pin on my lapel. It is a depic- One challenge with a program like American is suffering from—all fatal tion of a canary in a birdcage. You may this is that the agency administering diseases with no known cure should remember the old labor story of the the program, that is, the Social Secu- have access to disability benefits after worker, the coal miner who took the rity Administration, has to verify an their Social Security Administration canary down into the mines. If the ca- applicant’s eligibility for benefits be- determination. nary died by suffocation or lack of oxy- fore they can start sending out the The men and women who suffer from gen or some contaminant in the air, checks. Today, eligibility determina- those conditions and the family mem- the mine worker got out of the mines. tion takes an average of 31⁄2 months. bers affected by their ailments have He had no union in those days to pro- For some people and for some diseases, precious little time left, and they are tect himself, and he had no government including ALS, 31⁄2 months can be a just as worthy of help. They are cer- that cared enough, that was strong dangerously long time. tainly no less worthy of help than enough to protect him, and he had no So, in 2018, the SSA established a those with ALS. There is always hope government that cared enough to pro- new policy to fast track the applica- that a cure can be found for them or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.045 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 that, at the very least, a new treat- FAIRNESS FOR HIGH-SKILLED cum laude from the University of Utah ment can further extend the life of IMMIGRANTS ACT OF 2019 with a degree in political science. these men and women. Rather than re- Mr. LEE. Mr. President, as if in legis- The embodiment of a public servant, moving the waiting period for those lative session, I ask unanimous consent ROB began his career as a high school with one specific disease, we should re- that the Committee on the Judiciary teacher at Ben Lomond High School move the waiting period for those who be discharged from further consider- and Box Elder High School, teaching suffer from any of a small select group ation of H.R. 1044 and the Senate pro- courses in German, AP U.S. history and government, and coaching debate. of conditions that have no cure and ceed to its immediate consideration. have the shortest life expectancies. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The He notoriously had one rule in the There is no reason we cannot help clerk will report the bill by title. classroom: I am never wrong. That those who suffer from ALS and these The bill clerk read as follows: might tell you something about ROB other conditions. We can walk and BISHOP. A bill (H.R. 1044) to amend the Immigra- An avid lover of musicals, he was ac- chew gum at the same time. We can tion and Nationality Act to eliminate the protect victims of ALS and these other per-country numerical limitation for em- tive in community theater, where he conditions as well. ployment-based immigrants, to increase the happened to have met his wife The bill, as written, sets the stage for per-country numerical limitation for family- Jeralynn. They first met on the pro- duction of ‘‘South Pacific’’ at the Pal- only those diseases that have the most sponsored immigrants, and for other pur- poses. ace Playhouse, and they later starred recognition and, to put it bluntly, the together as the prince and princess in a most fundraising backing to fund bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there production of ‘‘Once Upon a Mattress.’’ sponsors, and it would set at a dis- objection to proceeding to the meas- In their real-life love story, they have advantage the conditions that are far ure? five children—Shule, Jarom, Zenock, more rare and underfunded. Who will There being no objection, the com- Maren, and Jashon, with spouses Me- be the voice for the men and women mittee was discharged, and the Senate lissa, Kristin, Shalise, and Courtney, as who suffer from those diseases? Who proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- well as nine grandchildren. will fight for them? Adding similarly Inspired in his public service by cruel maladies to this list takes noth- mous consent that the Lee substitute amendment at the desk be considered Barry Goldwater, he was also involved ing away from ALS, and it can make in local politics from a young age, all the difference in the world for and agreed to; and the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time. working at various levels of govern- Americans suffering from similar dis- ment and of the Republican Party. He abilities. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? has gone from being a precinct chair to I had hoped to offer my broader ap- Without objection, it is so ordered. a member of the Republican National proach as an amendment, but after The amendment (No. 2690) in the na- Committee and from being vice chair months and months of working with ture of a substitute was agreed to. of the Davis County Teenage Repub- the Social Security Administration (The amendment is printed in today’s lican Club to the adviser to the Utah and with the Congressional Budget Of- RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) Teenage Republicans in 1996. Starting fice, I was, unfortunately, given incom- The amendment was ordered to be in 1997, he served two terms as chair- plete information at the time an agree- engrossed and the bill to be read a man of the Utah Republican Party. ment was reached on scheduling a vote third time. At just 25, he was elected to the Utah on this bill. I appreciate Senator COT- The bill was read the third time. House of Representatives when he was TON’s and Senator BRAUN’s patience in Mr. LEE. I know of no further debate known for always wearing sweaters and allowing me to work towards a fix on the bill. no socks. He served in the State legis- while they remain committed to ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there lature for 16 years and, during the last vancing their legislation, for which I further debate? 2 years, having been unanimously commend them. Hearing none, the bill having been elected, served as speaker of the house Additionally, while I would have read the third time, the question is, of representatives. hoped that my work with the Social Shall the bill pass? In 2002, after serving in the State leg- Security Administration and the Con- The bill (H.R. 1044), as amended, was islature and having spent 28 years of gressional Budget Office could have passed. teaching, he decided to serve at the na- gone more quickly, I do appreciate Mr. LEE. I ask unanimous consent tional level. As ROB BISHOP said in one their efforts to address my questions that the motion to reconsider be con- of his most popular campaign slogans: and compile the necessary information sidered made and laid upon the table. ‘‘Utah has plenty of Bishops—send this and tools to estimate my amendment’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there one to Washington!’’ ROB has faithfully devoted his life to fiscal impact. objection? representing Utah’s First Congres- While I was pleased to see Senator Without objection, it is so ordered. sional District, and he has been doing GRASSLEY’s amendment, which at least TRIBUTE TO ROB BISHOP that ever since making that critical de- would have paid for the removal of the Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I rise today cision to run for Congress. waiting period for ALS, I will continue to honor my friend and colleague, Con- I remember one of the first times I to work on legislation that will remove gressman ROB BISHOP. After 18 years of worked with him when ROB was a rel- the waiting period for diseases that service in the U.S. House of Represent- atively new Member of Congress and I meet a set of criteria—no known cure atives, he has decided to hang up his was serving at the time as general with a life expectancy of less than 5 gloves and embark on his well-deserved counsel to then-Governor Jon Hunts- years—while not further jeopardizing retirement. man. At the time, a private fuel stor- the solvency of the disability insurance ROB BISHOP has served Utah’s First age organization was trying to store program. It will be ready for introduc- Congressional District with integrity, spent nuclear fuel rods in above-ground tion soon. tenacity, humility, and humor, and it storage casks along the Wasatch Front My concerns and efforts have not is my high privilege to have worked corridor, just miles from Utah’s major been about waiving the SSDI waiting with him over the last 10 years and, in metropolitan area and just under the period for those who tragically suffer the process, to have become his friend. low-altitude flight path of fighter jets from ALS. I certainly agree that we Born and raised in Kaysville, UT, flying between Hill Air Force Base to ought to improve the time that they ROB has been a lifelong resident of the Utah Test and Training Range. have left. But picking and choosing fa- Utah’s First Congressional District, Out of all of the Members of Utah’s vorites among those with comparable with the exception of the 2-year mis- congressional delegation at the time, conditions is not the right way to go sion where he lived in Germany while all of whom, I would adhere, were simi- about it. The lives of the men and representing the Church of Jesus larly opposed to this proposal to store women who suffer from other very Christ of Latter-day Saints. He grad- spent nuclear fuel in this particular similar conditions are just as valuable, uated from Davis High School with place in this particular way—our con- and we should be a voice for them, too. high honors and later graduated magna gressional delegation was united in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.046 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7171 that regard—but ROB BISHOP stood out make it happen. He was instrumental powerful when he left than it was when as one who was particularly concerned in establishing Falcon Hill, an aero- he came. In all of his time here, he about it and was particularly deter- space research park just outside of Hill sought to put power in Washington mined to prevent such a dangerous idea Air Force Base and a public-private back in the hands of Utahns and back from taking place. partnership between the Air Force, the in the hands of people across the coun- Congressman BISHOP had a full un- State of Utah, and private developers try in their respective States. Just so, derstanding of the problem, and he had that was the first of its kind anywhere in all his time here, he slept on either a complete mastery of the scientific in the country and a model of many an air mattress or on a futon so that he facts of the issue, and he had detailed, more like it to come. wouldn’t get too comfortable, so that helpful ideas about how to address it. ROB has also brought his love of base- he would never feel too ‘‘at home’’ in He also understood the significant and ball with him to Washington. A huge Congress. long-lasting potential ramifications admirer of Mickey Mantle and Ernie Rare is the person who can come to that this plan could have had for Hill Banks, ROB is known to have actual change Washington but not ever be Air Force Base and the Utah Test and dirt from the pitcher’s mound at Yan- changed by Washington. ROB BISHOP Training Range. kee Stadium in his Washington, DC, of- has managed to do just that. He has Thanks to ROB BISHOP’s vision, direc- fice. He has been a long-time supporter made a real difference for the people of tion, and determination, he developed a of the Salt Lake Bees, even cham- Utah and the people of the United strategy and worked hard to imple- pioning the construction of their sta- States of America. ment that strategy and eventually dium while he was in the State legisla- It has been a distinct pleasure to call worked to pass a bill designating the ture, and he is a diehard Cubs fan. him a friend and a colleague, and I area in question as wilderness—cre- Every year, he dons a uniform himself, have to say I am going to miss ROB ating a wilderness curtain around the leading his office in the intramural BISHOP’s service here in Washington. designated storage area—making it im- baseball league on Capitol Hill, with Just the same, we have all benefited possible for the storage plant to be their team name known as the and we will all continue to benefit for completed. ROB BISHOP thus success- ‘‘Raucus Caucus.’’ many decades to come from what he fully prevented spent nuclear fuel rods ROB has brought the same passion he has done here, who he has been here, from coming to Utah and being stored has for baseball to serving his constitu- and what he has stood for here so val- in a particularly unsafe way and in an ents. He has, for years, worked with iantly and consistently and faithfully unsafe place close to Utah’s major pop- the Close Up Foundation to bring high and with such great decency and hu- ulation center. school students to Washington, and he mility. Though relatively new to Congress at has partnered with teachers and stu- Thank you. I yield the floor. the time, ROB was punching way above dents to put on an AP government con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- his weight. Why? Well, because he is ference every year. ator from Oklahoma. awesome and because he was willing to He has famously led constituent and COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT dive into the nitty-gritty details of an student groups on long, expert night- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, there is issue and put in the hard work, not time tours of the Capitol Building. In a rather complicated issue that is out knowing and, frankly, not even caring fact, he is known as the guy who gives the very best Capitol tours in all of there that not many people are aware who got the credit. ROB BISHOP just Washington, and he has consistently of. It emanates from back in 1996 with wanted to get it done. That is who ROB spent hours upon hours late into the the passage of something called the BISHOP is, that is how he serves, and night making personal phone calls to Communication Decency Act. that is why we love him. That has each constituent who writes in to his Just a few weeks before the 2020 elec- characterized ROB BISHOP’s entire time office. tion, Twitter did what was previously in Congress: doggedly, thoughtfully, One of my favorite things about ROB unthinkable: It suppressed a long- and honestly working for Utahns’ best BISHOP is precisely how understated standing, legitimate news outlet—that interests, and never really caring much and down to Earth and often self-depre- was the New York Post—from sharing who got the attention. cating he is. It is a true feat when you an article either publicly or privately He served on the Armed Services have been in Congress as long as he has it deemed unfavorable to Presidential Committee, the powerful House Rules and accomplished as many things as he candidate Joe Biden. Obviously, they Committee, and the Science Com- has. were concerned about Joe Biden, and mittee. As both chair and ranking While he is known for his sharp they were using this act to suppress in- member of the Natural Resources Com- three-piece suits here in Washington, I formation that may not have been fa- mittee, he chaired hearings with his can’t count the number of plane rides I vorable. That is not what is supposed characteristically witty quips and wry have taken with ROB BISHOP where he to happen, what it is supposed to do. To jokes. He has also chaired the Congres- shows up on the plane actually wearing make it worse, they suspended an ac- sional Western Caucus, served on the gym shorts, sandals, and a hoodie. In count of the Post—that is a major news House German Caucus for his whole fact, basically every time, he has given outlet—for over 24 hours. tenure, including for 2 years as chair, me the sage advice not to torture my- While other big tech entities sup- and he helped found the 10th Amend- self wearing a suit while on a 4-hour pressed the story as well, the depths of ment Task Force. plane ride. Twitter’s censorship reached new When Speaker of the House John In fact, just the other day—just this heights, telling users that sharing the Boehner created committees for con- week, as we were flying from Salt Lake article could be ‘‘potentially harmful.’’ gressional reform, ROB BISHOP was City to Washington, DC, he commended There is no criteria to determine what named chairman of the Committee for me for finally having gotten the memo. is potentially harmful; they just de- Procedural Reform and, later on, lead- At least this time, as he noted, I wasn’t cided—it is a liberal mindset, and they er of the Rules group. Under Speaker wearing a suit, although he derided me want to punish people who are not Paul Ryan, he was named chair of the a little bit for not wearing shorts. sharing their mindset. Federalism Committee. ROB did all this But when you have a conversation Contrast that with the refusal to in addition to being a staunch advocate with ROB BISHOP, you never feel that moderate any comments made by for the military and, in particular, for he is trying to advance his own agenda Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Hill Air Force Base. or gain attention or fanfare. As a mat- Khamenei, who called Israel a ‘‘can- One of his proudest achievements was ter of fact, it is quite the opposite. It cerous growth’’ to be ‘‘uprooted and de- getting an extension of the Michaels feels like a real conversation with a stroyed’’ and for the ‘‘elimination of airstrip at the Dugway Proving Ground real goal to fix a problem. He simply the Zionist regime’’ through ‘‘firm, in Tooele County. When he was told tells it like it is—an altogether rare, armed resistance’’ despite having a pol- that there was no funding for it to be refreshing, and much needed quality on icy against hateful conduct and glori- attained at the Federal level, he suc- Capitol Hill. fying violence. That is what they did. cessfully got the Utah State Legisla- When ROB ran for Congress, he said it Those are the words. That is what they ture to appropriate the funding to was his goal to make Congress less did.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.048 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 Yet it proves what President Trump not surprising when you look at the ample, Twitter can’t be held respon- has been talking about for a long pe- employee culture they have in that sible for someone who posts a death riod of time on social media. Look media. threat against me, and I understand what they have done to him over the Here is the problem with section 230. that. That is where we are today. But last 4 years. According to a strict interpretation of they are also protected from what they It is time to make sure that Twitter the 1996 law, that is allowed. Partisan censor even if it is in violation of the and other social media platforms are censorship is allowed. Senator RON First Amendment or it is protected held accountable for engaging in cen- WYDEN even admitted that, when writ- speech. No one else has this shield. No sorship by repealing section 230 of the ten, section 230 wasn’t about neutrality one else in society has this, which is Communications Decency Act. Now, or protecting the free marketplace of why President Trump is right. We need that sounds a little complicated. The ideas on platforms. a total repeal. Communications Decency Act—we Clearly, we need to completely over- If you look at what they had done to know why it was started, but we know haul section 230, and the best way to do President Trump over the last 4 years, times have changed, and now it has it is just repeal it. Repeal the whole you will know exactly what I am talk- turned into a very liberal political or- thing. That is what the President ing about. But the place for repeal is ganization. wants to do. Then you could start over not the Defense authorization bill. For over 20 years, social media plat- again and build up. There is an idea that the Defense au- forms have benefited from protec- Times have changed. The argument thorization bill for 60 years in a row tionism unprecedented in the modern we hear against reforming alone or re- now has passed, and so everybody who era—a complete liability shield pro- pealing would be that any changes to has something that doesn’t pass nor- tecting them from how they moderate section 230 would give social media mally, they try to put it on as an or censor content posted for their platforms like Twitter greater control amendment—having nothing to do with users. To add insult to injury, there is over content on their platforms. They the military and having nothing to do no one to check the partisan censor- are not wrong, but that argument ig- with our defense system for the ensu- ship of these social media platforms. nores the fact that censorship is al- ing year. So that is how this one was Instead, they are coddled by section ready happening for Americans due to decided. They put this on. The problem 230’s ‘‘Good Samaritan’’ provision, their political beliefs, in violation of is, if it had that language repealing it, which allows ‘‘good-faith’’ efforts to re- the First Amendment—it is supposed we would not have a defense bill. So strict objectionable material. But the to protect people—without any trans- there is not a choice in this case. We problem is, they are the ones who de- parency or recourse. need a place for repealing section 230, cide what is objectionable. Others believe in the need to reform and we need to do it. We all know Jesus’s parable of the 230 incrementally, but those solutions The NDAA is about making sure that Good Samaritan. The moral imperative are merely bandaids on a bullet wound. our troops are cared for. It is for our that comes from the parable has guided We have seen the negative impact of kids in the field. They are the ones we many legislative protections for those incremental reforms. They just don’t are supporting. They are the ones who seeking to do good—doctors responding work. A good example: Efforts to hold need us. If we don’t have this Defense to problems with people in midair. I users accountable for information by authorization bill passed by December can remember many times I was in- requiring a ‘‘real name’’ associated 31, our pilots are not going to get flight volved as a volunteer pilot helping to with an account has seen Native Amer- pay; the kids are not going to get haz- ard pay. The whole thing will fall get people medical care. People who icans blocked from platforms for using apart. are trying to do the right thing. We their legal names. Just think about the problems we are know that is significant. We know that Social media platforms and sup- having in the military. One of the big porters of section 230’s last-ditch argu- is what the history was supposed to be problems is—and the Presiding Officer ment is to tell conservative voices to on this section, section 230. It was in- recognizes this because he is on this create their own social media plat- tended to make sure that Twitter could committee—right now, our big problem flag and remove unquestionably harm- forms since they clearly aren’t wel- is how to get more pilots into the Air ful content, like ISIS and their propa- come in those that are existing today. Force, into the services. They can’t do ganda videos. That sounds good, except that the it because of the competition out In the case of the social media plat- problem is that Twitter and others there. We can’t compete with the pri- forms, however, it amounts to nothing have a de facto monopoly on social vate sector. Now, if we take away their more than the fox guarding the hen- media. House Democrats agree. They flight privileges, then it could be good- house. Instead of focusing on modera- wrote a 400-plus page report arguing bye to most of our pilots. tion to protect users from death Big Tech constitutes a monopoly. We just need to get this thing done. threats or harassment and to prevent Just remember the internet, what it It should not be on the Defense bill. I criminal behavior, Twitter is allowed was like back in 1996. In 1996, only 20 want to make this appeal to make sure to determine what is ‘‘otherwise objec- million Americans had access to the that no one has the idea that the Na- tionable’’ and censor it from the plat- internet—only 20 million Americans in tional Defense Authorization Act is the form, with no right to appeal and no 1996. Today, 313 million Americans place to have it. transparency. I mean, where else can have access. So now it is a way of life. I give the President and my col- you go in America and find someone The reality is that section 230 is sim- leagues my commitment that I will do who is totally immune from that type ply outdated for today’s usage and is a everything possible to work toward a of behavior? You can’t. It doesn’t exist. strong case for why all laws should complete repeal of section 230 through This is a case in point. Last year, sunset. One of the problems I have with other means. It has to happen. Presi- they kowtowed to the Chinese Com- laws that are passed is that they can be dent Trump is right. Total repeal is the munist Party by removing the ac- passed, the problem is corrected that only answer if we are going to make counts of more than 100 dissidents caused the laws to be passed, but the sure we get this thing done—not on the ahead of the 30th anniversary of the laws stay on the books. That is exactly bill, not on the Defense authorization Tiananmen Square massacre. I remem- what has happened with this. bill, but in any of the other vehicles ber that well. I remember where I was Section 230 is outdated and needs to that come along. It has to be done. when that happened. But they didn’t be changed. Otherwise, we will find With that, I yield the floor. want people to know that type of thing ourselves here time and again, forced I suggest the absence of a quorum. actually went on, and that was some- to rectify decades-old laws with mod- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The how objectionable. ern technology and ideas. clerk will call the roll. Twitter’s censorship and actions over Let me simplify. Section 230 allows The senior assistant legislative clerk the past few years make it clear it has Twitter and other liberal social media proceeded to call the roll. decided that President Trump is objec- companies to be exempt from liabil- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask tionable, and they decide that they are ity—there is no accountability whatso- unanimous consent that the order for just going to act accordingly. That is ever—for what their users say. For ex- the quorum call be rescinded.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.050 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7173 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 5 years—that would be from 2010 to have to do that, and we have to show objection, it is so ordered. 2015—he knocked down the military our superiority, and we have to make NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT budget by 25 percent. It had never hap- it last. That is what we are doing right Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I think pened before—not since World War II now. It is a very significant time. it is important that we acknowledge anyway. Yet we found ourselves in a I anticipate that we are going to be what is going on right now. What is situation where we couldn’t compete. able to get this done, and I applaud the going on is that the most significant Now, they will argue with you, and President for the time that he has vote of the year is taking place. It is they will say: Well, we spend more spent and the money that he has spent called the Defense authorization bill, money on defense than Russia and on rebuilding our military. You hear the NDAA. It has passed every year for China put together. That is true, but him say all the time that we now have 60 years now. This will be the 60th year there is a big difference, and that is the strongest military that we have it is passed. Nothing else has a record that in Communist countries they ever had and we are in great shape. But like that. don’t care about taking care of their we are still rebuilding. We still have Yet there is always trauma at the troops. Our job is to make sure that areas where our adversaries have bet- tail end, and the reason there is trau- our kids have a prosperous career. ter equipment than we do. ma is that everyone knows it is going They want to defend their country, but So that is what is going on today. to pass—and it is going to pass—so they also have families. They have to That is what is taking place. It is a anything they can’t pass during the take care of their families. very proud time that we can say that normal process of the year, for any Housing has been a huge problem in we are now addressing those things number of reasons, they try to put on the military, so we want to make sure that are the most significant things this as an amendment. Some things are that we have good housing for our going on in Washington today. not acceptable because they have the troops—not just here in the United I suggest the absence of a quorum. effect of killing the bill. States but around the world—and we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Now, we have two people who have are doing that. clerk will call the roll. been working with the committees put- Now, in Communist countries they The senior assistant legislative clerk ting this thing together. I know that give them a gun and say: Go out and proceeded to call the roll. the Presiding Officer knows this, but kill people. They don’t care about the Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask these people have worked an entire troops. They don’t spend any of that unanimous consent that the order for year and many, many more than half money. the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the weekends. People have this idea So the largest expense, the largest objection, it is so ordered. that people don’t work in Washington ticket on running a military operation ORDER OF PROCEDURE on causes. They do on this one. is taking care of the people. So that is John Bonsell in my office has been why it is important that people under- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask the director, the support of the bill, stand this. unanimous consent that notwith- with Liz King on the Democratic side. There is also a document that nobody standing the provisions of rule XXII, They have worked hand in hand to- reads anymore. It is called the Con- the postcloture time on the Waller gether. People talk about how Demo- stitution. You read that and say: What nomination expire at 11:30 a.m. tomor- crats and Republicans fight with each are we supposed to be doing in Wash- row and the Senate vote on confirma- other. Not on this bill. We all support ington? We get involved in so many dif- tion of the nomination; I further ask it. We all want it. We all want to make ferent things. Yet, when you read the that if cloture is invoked on the Hardy sure it is done and it is done right. Constitution, it says that our primary nomination, the postcloture time ex- So we have a defense authorization concern should be to defend against an pire at 1:45 p.m. tomorrow and the Sen- bill. It will be the largest one that we outside enemy, and then other areas— ate vote on confirmation of the nomi- have had in the history of the Defense transportation and a few other areas— nation; finally, that if any of the nomi- authorization bills. It is one that, with- are mentioned. But the No. 1 concern is nations are confirmed, the motions to out it, we are not going to be able to that we have to have a military that is reconsider be considered made and laid take care of our kids in the field. second to none. We want to make sure. upon the table and the President be im- We have to remember that, while Let me say this about our President. mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- there are a lot of hitchhikers on this When he first came into office, Presi- tion. bill on causes that we have determined dent Trump recognized what had hap- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to be worthwhile causes, we don’t do it pened to our military and had recog- objection, it is so ordered. if it is going to be something that will nized that there are things like f take down the bill. So we want to hypersonic—that is a very recent, mod- LEGISLATIVE SESSION make sure that nothing would jeop- ern technology that they are working ardize passing the Defense authoriza- on in China and Russia and other tion bill. places, and we are actually behind MORNING BUSINESS Now, the key is December 31 of this them at this time. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask year. If we don’t have the bill passed by People assume that America has bet- unanimous consent that the Senate December 31 of this year, I mentioned ter everything in the military than proceed to legislative session for a pe- that we have problems, that any of the China has and Russia has, and that is riod of morning business, with Sen- specialist groups—and I talk about the not true. They have artillery systems ators permitted to speak therein for up pilots; I talk about those involved in that are better than the artillery sys- to 10 minutes each. hazard occupations—the SEALs—the tems that we currently have. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without individuals who are out there risking So we have a job that I consider to be objection, it is so ordered. their lives to a greater extent than the most significant job—significant f others do in the military. And they are job for the defense of our country, and out there doing it for this reason, and it is just that: to defend our country. ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE we want to make sure that they are I want to applaud all of these people ACCESS ACT OF 2019 willing to take these risks. We want to who work long hours. We are now to Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I make sure that we are taking good the point where they are what they have an amendment to offset the costs care of people. call turning the page. We are ready to to the Social Security’s disability in- I run into people all the time who pass a bill. We are in the process of get- surance trust fund associated with S. say: You are always so concerned about ting signatures from the committees. 578. Eventhough my amendment did our military. Yet the chief competition There are a lot of people who don’t not gain the 60 vote threshold, I want that we have is with whom: Russia and like the idea of having to sign a bill my colleagues to know that you just China? Russia and China actually, and sign on to a bill, yet they know can’t tap into the Social Security dis- after the last administration—that was that in order to maintain a superior ability trust funds without dire future the Obama administration. In the last position over China and Russia, we consequences.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.052 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 S. 578 waives a waiting period in the ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS from one office serving five counties, disability program for the compelling to seven offices serving 18 counties. Ad- case of patients with ALS. ditionally, SBDC expanded its services There are, of course, other compel- TRIBUTE TO MARK DAVIS from supporting entrepreneurs, to now ling cases. ∑ Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, enabling clients to grow their existing And we have to be mindful of the dis- today I wish to recognize Mark Davis small businesses. ability trust fund which will eventu- on the occasion of his retirement. In her final year as director, Mrs. ally face depletion. Mark dedicated over five decades to Donaldson faced one of her most dif- As the Consortium for Citizens with broadcast journalism, including an im- ficult challenges yet. The COVID–19 Disabilities, which is an umbrella orga- pressive near 37 years with News 8. An pandemic forced her office to work re- nization representing advocates for a award winning-radio news director in motely where they had to quickly ac- number of disabling conditions, puts it: Boston, Mark quickly adapted to TV climate to the ever-changing economic ‘‘Bills that only fix the problem for some news when he arrived in Connecticut. conditions. Under her leadership, the people who meet the strict eligibility stand- Throughout his career, he set an exam- SBDC team worked diligently to help ards for SSDI are likely to lead to interest ple with his honest, unstinting report- small businesses adapt to the pan- groups requesting waiver of wait periods for ing. Mark covered the administrations demic, advising on financial assistance other impairments.’’ of seven Connecticut Governors, al- opportunities available, including the So it is likely that Congress will see ways speaking truth to power. Paycheck Protection Program and more requests for waivers of waiting His thorough, efficient responses to Economic Injury Disaster Loans periods for those afflicted with disabil- stories earned Mark the respect of his through the U.S. Small Business Ad- ities arising from conditions other colleagues. Holding himself to the ministration. This year alone, the cen- than ALS. highest standard, Mark was always a ter has participated in more than 20,000 consummate professional. Mark’s out- Waiting periods in the disability in- consulting hours and facilitated the standing and reliable work leaves a re- surance program were put into law for awards of approximately $50 million in markable legacy in Connecticut jour- various policy reasons. capital to small businesses in her re- When we waive waiting periods for nalism. As chief political correspondent, gion. specific conditions, some of which are Over the years, Mrs. Donaldson has terribly disabling and even fatal, we Mark remained nonpartisan while dem- onstrating tireless grit. He was coura- shown paramount dedication to small change the nature of the disability pro- businesses. She has played a critical gram. geous and never shied away from ask- ing the tough questions. At the same role in the economic growth of north- We change benefits and don’t have east Florida and has nurtured the any offsetting change to the tax that time, Mark had an uncanny ability to put politicians at ease, facilitating dis- American dream. Mrs. Donaldson will funds the disability insurance trust be greatly missed by her colleagues and fund or any offsetting change to other cussions and ensuring he could provide a thoughtful, complete story. Trusted the thousands of business owners she benefits. has assisted throughout her notable ca- However compelling it is to waive by constituents, he was voted our State’s best local TV reporter 2 years reer. I wish her the best of luck in all waiting periods, whenever we do it, we of her future endeavors.∑ accelerate the exhaustion of the dis- in a row by Connecticut Magazine. Mark’s exceptional record as an in- ability trust fund. sightful, driven, and honest reporter f And that affects people with all leaves a historic mark and emphasizes forms of disability. the vital role he and his fellow report- In order to help make Social Secu- RECOGNIZING LUCKY GOAT ers play in keeping people well in- rity combined disability and retire- COFFEE COMPANY formed in Connecticut and across the ment trust funds whole, my amend- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, chairman Nation. His professional partnership ment would offset the cost of the ALS of the Senate Committee on Small with Joe Sferrazza established a model bill. Business and Entrepreneurship, each of unmatched teamwork that will have My amendment simply changes the week I recognize a small business that an impact for years to come. exemplifies the American entrepre- minimum monthly withholding thresh- I applaud his lifetime of tenacious neurial spirit at the heart of our coun- old for recovery of any overpayment of commitment to comprehensive, fair try. It is my privilege to recognize a Social Security benefits to reflect the work focused on uncovering the truth, increase in benefits we have seen since and I know my colleagues will join me family-owned business that invests SSA established the current minimum in thanking Mark for his extraordinary heavily in its customers, employees, of $10 in 1960. contributions to regional reporting.∑ and community. Today, it is my honor My amendment simply changes the to name the Lucky Goat Coffee Com- threshold amount from $10 to 10 per- f pany of Tallahassee, FL, as the Senate cent of the monthly benefit payable, as TRIBUTE TO JANICE DONALDSON Small Business of the Week. is already done in the SSI program. ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chair- In 2010, Ben Pautsch founded Lucky With this change, SSA would recover man of the Senate Committee on Small Goat Coffee Company as a coffee overpayments more efficiently and bet- Business and Entrepreneurship, today I wholesale and distribution company. ter fulfill its stewardship obligations to recognize and honor the career of Jan- Ben, a graduate of Florida State Uni- Social Security’s trust funds, while re- ice Donaldson, Director of the Small versity—FSU—focused on providing taining safeguards for beneficiaries Business Development Center—SBDC— high-quality beans to local coffee cafes. surrounding overpayments. at the University of North Florida, The Tallahassee-based business grew Guardrails to protect beneficiaries to UNF. At the end of this month, she will quickly as orders poured in. Their rep- ensure that collections don’t create retire after serving the small business utation for roasting the best grounds hardships are maintained. community for 31 years. led to the creation of the first Lucky Nothing in my amendment leads to Since 1981, Mrs. Donaldson has sup- Goat coffee shop in 2015. The appealing benefit cuts of even a penny that a re- ported small business owners and en- storefront and large warehouse allowed tiree or disabled worker has earned. trepreneurs in the Jacksonville area. Lucky Goat to spread their knowledge This policy is something that has After graduating from the University and passion for coffee through various been in numerous budgets of the Presi- of Georgia in 1980, Janice joined the classes and tours, strengthening their dent, including President Obama and SBDC at UNF as editor of the office customer relationships in the process. now President Trump. newsletter. After 21 years with the of- Today, Lucky Goat Coffee has grown I urge my colleagues to support my fice, Mrs. Donaldson took over as direc- to include five coffee shops in Tallahas- amendment, to ensure that we protect tor in 2002 and has been a resilient see and a franchise location in Jack- the integrity of Social Security’s trust leader throughout her years of service. sonville. Their Tallahassee-based head- funds while also protecting bene- During her tenure as director, the quarters provides more than 350 whole- ficiaries. center’s service area grew immensely, sale customers across the country with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.014 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7175 premium coffee beans. Ben keeps his EXECUTIVE AND OTHER port of a rule entitled ‘‘Hearings Held by Ad- strong relationship with FSU. Lucky COMMUNICATIONS ministrative Appeals Judges of the Appeals Council’’ (RIN0960–AI25) received during ad- Goat Coffee products are featured on The following communications were campus, and Ben regularly hires FSU journment of the Senate in the Office of the laid before the Senate, together with President of the Senate on November 20, students and alumni. From the start, accompanying papers, reports, and doc- 2020; to the Committee on Finance. Ben has been committed to creating uments, and were referred as indicated: EC–5984. A communication from the Direc- dignified work. He prioritizes career EC–5976. A communication from the Presi- tor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance development and professional growth dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- Programs, Department of Labor, transmit- for his employees, with one-time suant to law, a report relative to the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- baristas moving up to serve in senior issuance of an Executive Order declaring a titled ‘‘Nondiscrimination Obligations of management within the company. national emergency to deal with the threat Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: posed by the People’s Republic of China Procedures to Resolve Potential Employ- Over the years, Lucky Goat Coffee ment Discrimination’’ (RIN1250–AA10) re- has been recognized for its growth and (PRC) increasing exploitation of United States Capital to resource and to enable the ceived in the Office of the President of the remained committed to investing in its Senate on November 12, 2020; to the Com- community. In 2017, then-Governor development and modernization of its mili- tary, intelligence, and other security mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Rick Scott recognized Lucky Goat Cof- apparatuses which continues to allow the Pensions. EC–5985. A communication from the Direc- fee with a Governor’s Business Ambas- PRC to directly threaten the United States tor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance sador Award. As one of the 100 fastest forces overseas, including by developing and Programs, Department of Labor, transmit- deploying weapons of mass destruction, ad- growing companies owned or led by ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- vanced conventional weapons, and malicious Florida State University alumnus, titled ‘‘Nondiscrimination Obligations of cyber-enabled actions against the United Lucky Goat Coffee was named to the Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: States and its people; to the Committee on Seminole 100 in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Ben Procedures to Resolve Potential Employ- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. ment Discrimination’’ (RIN1250–AA10) re- mentors young entrepreneurs inter- EC–5977. A communication from the Direc- ceived in the Office of the President Pro ested in the coffee industry, and Lucky tor of Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Tempore of the Senate; to the Committee on Goat Coffee supports local youth-fo- Insurance Corporation, transmitting, pursu- cused organizations, including local Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–5986. A communication from the Acting Little League teams and Cub Scouts. ‘‘Final Rule - Branch Application Proce- Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Se- They also help Leon County Schools, dures’’ (RIN3064–AF54) received in the Office curity Administration, Department of Labor, donating much-needed school supplies of the President of the Senate on November transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of for students and equipment, including 17, 2020; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- a rule entitled ‘‘Registration Requirements ing, and Urban Affairs. for Pooled Plan Providers’’ (RIN1210–AB94) coffee, for the teachers. EC–5978. A communication from the Sec- Like many Florida small businesses, received in the Office of the President of the retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- Senate on November 17, 2020; to the Com- Lucky Goat Coffee suffered a severe de- ant to law, the six-month periodic report on cline in revenue due to the coronavirus mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and the national emergency with respect to seri- Pensions. pandemic. In April 2020, the U.S. Small ous human rights abuse and corruption that EC–5987. A communication from the Acting Business Administration launched the was declared in Executive Order 13818 of De- Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Se- Paycheck Protection Program, a small cember 20, 2017; to the Committee on Bank- curity Administration, Department of Labor, business relief program that I was ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of EC–5979. A communication from the Sec- proud to author. The PPP provides for- a rule entitled ‘‘Financial Factors in Select- retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- ing Plan Investments’’ (RIN1210–AB95) re- givable loans to impacted small busi- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on nesses and nonprofits who maintain ceived in the Office of the President of the the national emergency with respect to the Senate on November 17, 2020; to the Com- their payroll during the COVID–19 pan- stabilization of Iraq that was declared in Ex- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and demic. A PPP loan gave Lucky Goat ecutive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003; to the Pensions. the support it needed to retain its em- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban EC–5988. A communication from the Board ployees and survive the pandemic. Affairs. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Lucky Goat Coffee is a notable exam- EC–5980. A communication from the Regu- Credit Administration, transmitting, pursu- lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare ant to law, the Administration’s Perform- ple of a small business that provides and Medicaid Services, Department of dignified work to its employees and in- ance and Accountability Report for fiscal Health and Human Services, transmitting, year 2020; to the Committee on Health, Edu- vests in its community. Through their pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled cation, Labor, and Pensions. passion and generosity, Lucky Goat ‘‘CY 2021 Inpatient Hospital Deductible and EC–5989. A communication from the Chair- fuels Floridians every day with its deli- Hospital and Extended Care Services Coin- man, International Trade Commission, cious coffee and supports them through surance Amounts’’ (RIN0938–AU14) received transmitting, pursuant to law, the Commis- community service. in the Office of the President of the Senate sion’s fiscal year 2020 Annual Financial Re- Congratulations to Ben and the en- on November 16, 2020; to the Committee on port (AFR); to the Committee on Homeland Finance. Security and Governmental Affairs. tire team at Lucky Goat. I look for- EC–5981. A communication from the Regu- ∑ EC–5990. A communication from the Direc- ward to your continued success. lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare tor, Office of Acquisition Policy, General and Medicaid Services, Department of Services Administration, transmitting, pur- f Health and Human Services, transmitting, suant to law, the report of a rule entitled pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT ‘‘CY 2021 Part A Premiums for the Uninsured Acquisition Circular 2021–02, Small Entity Aged and for Certain Disabled Individuals Compliance Guide’’ (FAC 2021–02) received in Messages from the President of the Who Have Exhausted Other Entitlement’’ the Office of the President of the Senate on United States were communicated to (RIN0938–AU15) received in the Office of the November 12, 2020; to the Committee on the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- President of the Senate on November 16, Homeland Security and Governmental Af- retaries. 2020; to the Committee on Finance. fairs. EC–5982. A communication from the Regu- EC–5991. A communication from the Direc- f lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare tor, Office of Acquisition Policy, General and Medicaid Services, Department of Services Administration, transmitting, pur- EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED Health and Human Services, transmitting, suant to law, the report of a rule entitled pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal In executive session the Presiding Of- ‘‘Medicaid Program; Medicaid and Children’s Acquisition Circular 2021–02, Technical ficer laid before the Senate messages Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) Managed Care Amendments’’ (FAC 2021–02) received in the from the President of the United (CMS–2408-F)’’ (RIN0938–AT40) received in Office of the President of the Senate on No- States submitting sundry nominations the Office of the President of the Senate on vember 12, 2020; to the Committee on Home- which were referred to the November 16, 2020; to the Committee on Fi- land Security and Governmental Affairs. nance. EC–5992. A communication from the Direc- apppropriate committees. EC–5983. A communication from the Regu- tor, Office of Acquisition Policy, General (The messages received today are lations Writer, Office of Regulations and Re- Services Administration, transmitting, pur- printed at the end of the Senate pro- ports Clearance, Social Security Administra- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled ceedings.) tion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- ‘‘Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.020 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 202–002, Removal of Obsolete Definitions’’ function provided by individuals with years the size of the Supreme Court of the United (RIN9000–AO05) received in the Office of the of experience sailing on the largest fresh- States; and be it further President of the Senate on November 12, water sea in the world. Pilots are charged Resolved, That copies of this resolution be 2020; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- with the safety of the vessel and boating transmitted to the President of the United rity and Governmental Affairs. public as well as protection of infrastructure States Senate, the Speaker of the United EC–5993. A communication from the Chair- and the environment; and States House of Representatives, and the man of the Board, Farm Credit System In- Whereas, The Straits of Mackinac, an envi- members of the Michigan congressional dele- surance Corporation, transmitting, pursuant ronmentally sensitive area of great impor- gation. to law, the Corporation’s consolidated report tance to the entire Great Lakes ecosystem, addressing the Federal Managers Financial is an undesignated water. The Straits are POM–255. A resolution adopted by the Sen- Integrity Act (FMFIA or Integrity Act) and often congested with commercial and rec- ate of the State of Louisiana urging the the Inspector General Act of 1978 (IG Act); to reational vessel traffic. Additionally, the United States Congress to take necessary ac- the Committee on Homeland Security and area has restricted visibility, narrow water- tions to review and enact federal law to fully Governmental Affairs. ways, and important infrastructure includ- protect developmentally or physically dis- EC–5994. A communication from the Direc- ing the Mackinac Bridge and pipelines con- abled federal benefit recipients from sexual tor, Office of Acquisition Policy, General tributing to the unique navigational chal- and physical exploitation or abuse by payees Services Administration, transmitting, pur- lenges that exist in the Straits of Mackinac; and fiduciaries; to the Committee on Fi- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled now, therefore, be it nance. ‘‘Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case Resolved by the House of Representatives, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 51 That we urge the President and the Congress 2019–002, Recreational Services on Federal Whereas, the Social Security Administra- of the United States to declare the waters of Lands’’ (RIN9000–AN85) received in the Office tion, through its Representative Payment the Straits of Mackinac as ‘‘designated’’ for of the President of the Senate on November Program, appoints family, friends, or other purposes of Great Lakes commercial ship pi- 12, 2020; to the Committee on Homeland Se- individuals to serve as payees’ representa- lotage; and be it further curity and Governmental Affairs. tives for beneficiaries who are incapable of EC–5995. A communication from the Assist- Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United managing their Social Security or Supple- ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative mental Security Income (SSI) payments due Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States to age, developmental disability, physical ting, pursuant to law, four (4) reports rel- disability, or mental disability; and ative to vacancies in the Department of Jus- House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and Whereas, the United States Department of tice, received in the Office of the President Veterans Affairs, through its Fiduciary Pro- of the Senate on November 16, 2020; to the the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. gram, appoints family, friends, or other indi- Committee on the Judiciary. viduals to serve as fiduciaries and receive EC–5996. A communication from the Assist- payments for veterans who are physically or POM–254. A resolution adopted by the Sen- ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative mentally incapable of managing their vet- ate of the State of Michigan discouraging Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- erans benefit payments due to physical in- the United States Congress from expanding ting, pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Uni- jury, disease, or age; and formed Services Employment and Reemploy- the size of the Supreme Court of the United Whereas, recent medical testimony before ment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) Quarterly States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. the Louisiana Senate Select Committee on Report to Congress; Fourth Quarter of fiscal HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 323 Women and Children revealed that develop- year 2020’’; to the Committee on Veterans’ Whereas, For over 150 years, there have mentally or physically disabled patients Affairs. been nine seats on the Supreme Court of the were being sexually and physically exploited f United States. While the country has grown and abused by caregivers who were also pay- and changed during that period, the Supreme ees; and PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS Court has repeatedly demonstrated its abil- Whereas, studies have shown that children The following petitions and memo- ity to fulfill its constitutional role as the na- are more likely to be abused if they are liv- rials were laid before the Senate and tion’s highest court and remain an inde- ing with certain caregivers, and disabled were referred or ordered to lie on the pendent arbiter of the law without addi- adults with developmental disabilities are tional justices; and more likely to be abused compared to the table as indicated: Whereas, In recent months, there have POM–253. A resolution adopted by the general population; and been calls to increase the number of justices Whereas, the Social Security Administra- House of Representatives of the State of on the Supreme Court in an effort to gain po- tion and the United States Department of Michigan urging the President of the United litical advantage. The number of justices on Veterans Affairs both have programs to as- States and the United States Congress to de- the Supreme Court has been fixed by federal sess and review the suitability of payees and clare the waters of the Straits of Mackinac law since 1869 and efforts to expand the size fiduciaries; and as ‘‘designated’’ for purposes of Great Lakes of the Supreme Court in the century and a Whereas, the Senate finds that greater ef- commercial ship pilotage; to the Committee half since have been met with significant re- forts must be made to protect develop- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. sistance from the American people; and mentally or physically disabled federal ben- HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 244 Whereas, The legitimacy of the Supreme efit recipients from exploitation and abuse Whereas, The Great Lakes are integral to Court is its most valuable asset. The Su- by certain caregivers who are payees or fidu- Michigan’s environment, economic develop- preme Court’s ability to issue rulings which ciaries; and ment, and recreation; and are followed nationwide rests on the Amer- Whereas, Social Security recipients, SSI Whereas, The federal Great Lakes Pilotage ican people’s respect for the institution’s recipients, and veterans are entitled to Act of 1960 established two distinct cat- independence and separation from day-to- health care benefits through Medicare, Med- egories of pilotage on the Great Lakes—des- day politics; and icaid, and veterans health benefits; and ignated waters and undesignated waters— Whereas, The federal judiciary, particu- Whereas, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans and authorized the President of the United larly the Supreme Court, must remain insu- health benefits cover an annual wellness States to determine designated waters. In lated from partisan disputes. Politicizing the visit or routine medical examination with a 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower de- Supreme Court by adding seats for the pur- primary care physician or other health care clared designated waters on the Great Lakes, pose of generating an ideological shift would provider; and including all United States waters of the St. be enormously detrimental for the public’s Whereas, the Senate of the Legislature of Marys River, the Soo Locks, and approaches faith in the judicial branch as an inde- Louisiana finds that it would further protec- thereto. There have been no significant pendent and impartial branch of govern- tion efforts to require developmentally or changes in designated waters since that ment. The framers of the U.S. Constitution physically disabled recipients of Social Secu- time; and envisioned a system in which Supreme Court rity, SSI, or veterans benefits to undergo an Whereas, The act requires both United justices and federal judges would serve life- annual medical examination with their pri- States and foreign-flagged vessels sailing in time appointments, ensuring that the judici- mary care physician outside of the view of a designated waters to be under the naviga- ary would not experience the kinds of polit- caregiver so as to eliminate or minimize the tional direction of a United States or Cana- ical pressures that are present in the elected possibility of sexual or physical exploitation dian registered pilot to ensure marine safety branches; and or abuse from their caregiver who is also a and effective use of navigable waters. Fur- Whereas, Subjecting the Supreme Court to payee or fiduciary. Therefore, be it ther, foreign-flagged vessels operating in un- major structural changes as a consequence of Resolved, That the Senate of the Legisla- designated waters on the Great Lakes must shifting partisan control of the executive ture of Louisiana memorializes the Congress have a United States or Canadian registered and legislative branches would bring the ju- of the United States to take necessary ac- pilot on board to direct the navigation of the diciary into the political fray in a way that tions to review and enact federal law to fully vessel or be available to assist in navigation would harm its ability to fulfill its critical protect developmentally or physically dis- if necessary; and role in our system; now, therefore, be it abled federal benefit recipients from sexual Whereas, Pilotage of foreign-flagged ves- Resolved by the House of Representatives, and physical exploitation or abuse by payees sels on the Great Lakes is an important That we discourage Congress from expanding and fiduciaries; and be it further,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:39 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.017 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7177 Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution Whereas, tens of thousands of students in pollution if the tanks and drums are dam- shall be transmitted to the secretary of the Louisiana are dependent on internet service aged through the dislocation and could also United States Senate, the clerk of the to go to school, thousands of Louisianans are be the cause of marine accidents when they United States House of Representatives, and reliant on internet services for telemedicine, are located in waterways where boat cap- to each member of the Louisiana delegation and small businesses depend on online sales tains do not expect to find such hazards; and to the United States Congress. more than ever; and Whereas, initial efforts to locate and iden- Whereas, the restoration of communica- tify equipment displaced by a hurricane in- tion service after a natural disaster is para- POM–256. A concurrent resolution adopted clude an attempt to identify the owner of the mount to relief efforts and Louisianans re- by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana equipment, notify the owner that their turning to their normal lives; and urging the Louisiana Attorney General and equipment has been found, and request that all appropriate federal agencies, including Whereas, the Louisiana legislature has re- ceived more than one hundred complaints the owner remove their equipment from an- but not limited to the Federal Communica- other person’s property; and tions Commission, to investigate whether about Suddenlink engaging in deceptive Altice USA or Suddenlink Communications trade practices, charging fees for services Whereas, the second step in attempting to has violated state or federal law in its deal- that are not delivered, providing poor cus- address the dislocated equipment is the Lou- ings with the citizens of Louisiana; to the tomer service, failing to communicate about isiana Department of Environmental Quality Committee on Commerce, Science, and key events including hurricanes, and engag- (LaDEQ), the Louisiana State Police, and Transportation. ing in various other problematic and poten- the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office tially illegal behaviors; and (LOSCO) working in cooperation with the HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Whereas, a joint commerce committee United States Coast Guard and, under the Whereas, internet connectivity has become hearing examined how Suddenlink has been auspices of FEMA, working to remove any a more essential service in the light of failing to meet its obligations to reconnect tank or drum that could be the source of pol- COVID–19; and customers to essential communication lution in the marsh or could be the cause of Whereas, tens of thousands of students in equipment, has been charging customers for marine accidents involving boats and dis- Louisiana are dependent on internet service services it has not delivered, and has lagged placed tanks or drums; and to go to school, thousands of Louisianans are behind its peers in assisting in recovery. Whereas, after sources of pollution and im- reliant on internet services for telemedicine, Therefore, be it and small businesses depend on online sales Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana mediate hazards are removed by LaDEQ, more than ever; and does hereby urge and request the Louisiana State Police, and LOSCO, the Louisiana De- Whereas, the restoration of communica- Attorney General to use the powers granted partment of Transportation and Develop- tion service after a natural disaster is para- to him under the Unfair Trade Practices and ment and the Louisiana National Guard, mount to relief efforts and Louisianans re- Consumer Protection Law to investigate again under the auspices of the FEMA, iden- turning to their normal lives; and Altice USA and Suddenlink Communications tify the location and nature of additional Whereas, the Louisiana legislature has re- and whether they have been engaging in ac- tanks, drums, and other oilfield equipment ceived more than one hundred complaints tions that are prohibited under Louisiana dislodged by the hurricane so removal plans about Suddenlink engaging in deceptive law, and be it further can be developed; and trade practices, charging fees for services Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana Whereas, plans for removal of dislodged that are not delivered, providing poor cus- does hereby urge and request any appro- equipment that is neither hazardous nor pol- tomer service, failing to communicate about priate federal agencies, such as the Federal luting include a development of a timeline key events including hurricanes, and engag- Communications Commission, to investigate and an assessment of the potential damage ing in various other problematic and poten- whether Altice USA and Suddenlink Commu- to the marsh that could occur as a result of tially illegal behaviors; and nications have engaged in a violation of fed- removal efforts versus the damage that the Whereas, a joint commerce committee eral law in their dealings with the people of hearing examined how Suddenlink has been item may cause by its relocation to the spot; Louisiana, and be it further and failing to meet its obligations to reconnect Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be customers to essential communication transmitted to the Louisiana Attorney Gen- Whereas, because the process is a bifur- equipment, has been charging customers for eral, the presiding officers of the Senate and cated process, requiring removal of haz- services it has not delivered, and has lagged the House of Representatives of the Congress ardous or polluting items first and then re- behind its peers in assisting in recovery: of the United States of America, and to each moval of the remainder of the equipment, Therefore, be it member of the Louisiana congressional dele- many times a situation arises that results in Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana gation. a displaced tank being bypassed on the way does hereby urge and request the Louisiana to remove a hazardous or polluting tank Attorney General to use the powers granted POM–258. A concurrent resolution adopted when removing all the equipment at the to him under the Unfair Trade Practices and by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana same time would be more efficient, more Consumer Protection Law to investigate urging the United States Congress and the cost-effective, and require less overall time Altice USA and Suddenlink Communications Louisiana Congressional delegation to take to remove all the dislodged equipment; and and whether they have been engaging in ac- such actions as are necessary to require the Whereas, the FEMA practices and proce- tions that are prohibited under Louisiana Federal Emergency Management Agency dures do not allow the removal of nonhaz- law; and be it further (FEMA) to more efficiently coordinate the Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana ardous, non-polluting items prior to or at removal of dislocated oilfield equipment the same time as removal of other displaced does hereby urge and request any appro- after natural disasters in Louisiana; to the priate federal agencies, such as the Federal oilfield tanks, drums, and other equipment, Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- thereby elongating the process and increas- Communications Commission, to investigate ernmental Affairs. whether Altice USA and Suddenlink Commu- ing the damage to the private property lo- nications have engaged in a violation of fed- HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 cated in the marshes of coastal Louisiana; eral law in their dealings with the people of Whereas, hurricanes that blow through therefore be it Louisiana; and be it further coastal Louisiana, particularly those that Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be come ashore as a Category 3 or higher, such does hereby memorialize the United States transmitted to the Louisiana Attorney Gen- as Hurricane Rita in 2005 and particularly Congress to take such actions as are nec- eral, the presiding officers of the Senate and Hurricane Laura in 2020, leave behind de- essary to require the Federal Emergency the House of Representatives of the Congress struction and dislocation of people, homes, Management Agency to more efficiently co- of the United States of America, and to each and equipment; and ordinate the removal of dislocated oilfield member of the Louisiana congressional dele- Whereas, Hurricane Laura is estimated to equipment after natural disasters in Lou- gation. have caused between $4 billion and $12 billion isiana; and be it further in damages mostly to Louisiana and mostly in the coastal areas of Southwest Louisiana; Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be POM–257. A concurrent resolution adopted transmitted to the presiding officers of the by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana and Whereas, a component of that damage in- Senate and the House of Representatives of urging the Louisiana Attorney General and volves the dislocation of equipment from the the Congress of the United States of America all appropriate federal agencies, including oil and gas industry located in coastal Lou- and to each member of the Louisiana con- but not limited to the Federal Communica- isiana, including storage tanks, drums, pipe gressional delegation. tions Commission, to investigate whether segments, and other equipment used in the Altice USA or Suddenlink Communications oil patch, equipment that is picked up by the has violated state or federal law in its deal- wind and water of the hurricane and dropped POM–259. A concurrent resolution adopted ings with the citizens of Louisiana; to the elsewhere in the coast; and by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana Committee on Commerce, Science, and Whereas, nearly eighty percent of the land urging the United States Congress and the Transportation. in coastal Louisiana is privately-owned land, Louisiana Congressional delegation to take HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 so much of the dislocated oil and gas equip- such actions as are necessary to require the Whereas, internet connectivity has become ment lands on privately-held property; and Federal Emergency Management Agency a more essential service in the light of Whereas, some of the dislocated oilfield (FEMA) to more efficiently coordinate the COVID–19; and equipment contains materials that can cause removal of dislocated oilfield equipment

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.023 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 after natural disasters in Louisiana; to the oilfield tanks, drums, and other equipment, By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- thereby elongating the process and increas- MERKLEY): ernmental Affairs. ing the damage to the private property lo- S. 4946. A bill to counter Saudi Arabia’s HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 cated in the marshes of coastal Louisiana. possible pursuit of weapons of mass destruc- Therefore, be it tion, and for other purposes; to the Com- Whereas, hurricanes that blow through Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana mittee on Foreign Relations. coastal Louisiana, particularly those that does hereby memorialize the United States By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mrs. come ashore as a Category 3 or higher, such Congress to take such actions as are nec- HYDE-SMITH, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. CRUZ, as Hurricane Rita in 2005 and particularly essary to require the Federal Emergency Mr. CORNYN, and Mr. WICKER): Hurricane Laura in 2020, leave behind de- Management Agency to more efficiently co- S. 4947. A bill to amend the Outer Conti- struction and dislocation of people, homes, ordinate the removal of dislocated oilfield nental Shelf Lands Act to require annual and equipment; and Whereas, Hurricane Laura is estimated to equipment after natural disasters in Lou- lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico region of have caused between $4 billion and $12 billion isiana; and be it further the outer Continental Shelf, and for other in damages mostly to Louisiana and mostly Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be purposes; to the Committee on Energy and in the coastal areas of Southwest Louisiana; transmitted to the presiding officers of the Natural Resources. and Senate and the House of Representatives of By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. Whereas, a component of that damage in- the Congress of the United States of America BLUMENTHAL): volves the dislocation of equipment from the and to each member of the Louisiana con- S. 4948. A bill to provide funds for address- oil and gas industry located in coastal Lou- gressional delegation. ing COVID–19 conditioned on requiring the isiana, including storage tanks, drums, pipe use of face coverings in public, and for other segments, and other equipment used in the POM–260. A petition from a citizen of the purposes; to the Committee on Health, Edu- oil patch, equipment that is picked up by the State of Texas relative to the manufacturing cation, Labor, and Pensions. wind and water of the hurricane and dropped of personal protective equipment (PPE); to By Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. elsewhere in the coast; and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, BROWN): Whereas, nearly eighty percent of the land and Pensions. S. 4949. A bill to require the Secretary of Health of Human Services to publish guid- in coastal Louisiana is privately-owned land, f so much of the dislocated oil and gas equip- ance for States on strategies for maternal ment lands on privately-held property; and REPORTS OF COMMITTEES care providers participating in the Medicaid WHEREAS, some of the dislocated oilfield program to reduce maternal mortality and The following reports of committees severe morbidity with respect to individuals equipment contains materials that can cause were submitted: pollution if the tanks and drums are dam- receiving medical assistance under such pro- aged through the dislocation and could also By Mr. BARRASSO, from the Committee gram; to the Committee on Finance. be the cause of marine accidents when they on Environment and Public Works, with an By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself, are located in waterways where boat cap- amendment in the nature of a substitute: Mr. RISCH, Mr. CRAPO, and Mr. tains do not expect to find such hazards; and S. 4897. A bill to reestablish United States DAINES): Whereas, initial efforts to locate and iden- global leadership in nuclear energy, revi- S. 4950. A bill to improve the process for tify equipment displaced by a hurricane in- talize domestic nuclear energy supply chain awarding grants under certain programs of clude an attempt to identify the owner of the infrastructure, support the licensing of ad- the Department of Agriculture to certain equipment, notify the owner that their vanced nuclear technologies, and improve counties in which the majority of land is equipment has been found, and request that the regulation of nuclear energy, and for owned or managed by the Federal Govern- the owner remove their equipment from an- other purposes. ment and to other units of local government other person’s property; and f and Tribal governments in those counties, Whereas, the second step in attempting to and for other purposes; to the Committee on address the dislocated equipment is the Lou- EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. isiana Department of Environmental Quality COMMITTEE By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself (LaDEQ), the Louisiana State Police, and and Mr. DAINES): The following executive reports of S. 4951. A bill to improve the process for the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office nominations were submitted: (LOSCO) working in cooperation with the awarding grants under certain programs of United States Coast Guard and, under the By Mr. WICKER for the Committee on the Department of Transportation to certain auspices of FEMA, working to remove any Commerce, Science, and Transportation. counties in which the majority of land is tank or drum that could be the source of pol- *Daniel Huff, of Massachusetts, to be an owned or managed by the Federal Govern- lution in the marsh or could be the cause of Assistant Secretary of Commerce. ment and to other units of local government marine accidents involving boats and dis- *Gregory Autry, of California, to be Chief and Tribal governments in those counties, placed tanks or drums; and Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and and for other purposes; to the Committee on Whereas, after sources of pollution and im- Space Administration. Commerce, Science, and Transportation. mediate hazards are removed by LaDEQ, *Nathan A. Simington, of Virginia, to be a By Ms. ERNST: State Police, and LOSCO, the Louisiana De- Member of the Federal Communications S. 4952. A bill to establish a grant program partment of Transportation and Develop- Commission for a term of five years from to expand the domestic production of certain ment and the Louisiana National Guard, July 1, 2019. medical supplies; to the Committee on again under the auspices of the FEMA, iden- *Nomination was reported with rec- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. tify the location and nature of additional ommendation that it be confirmed sub- By Mr. CASSIDY: tanks, drums, and other oilfield equipment S. 4953. A bill to prohibit data brokers from ject to the nominee’s commitment to selling, trading, licensing, or otherwise pro- dislodged by the hurricane so removal plans respond to requests to appear and tes- can be developed; and vide for consideration lists of vulnerable Whereas, plans for removal of dislodged tify before any duly constituted com- populations to any individual or commercial equipment that is neither hazardous nor pol- mittee of the Senate. entity; to the Committee on Commerce, luting include a development of a timeline f Science, and Transportation. and an assessment of the potential damage By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. to the marsh that could occur as a result of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND MARKEY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and Mr. removal efforts versus the damage that the JOINT RESOLUTIONS SANDERS): item may cause by its relocation to the spot; S.J. Res. 81. A joint resolution proposing The following bills and joint resolu- an amendment to the Constitution of the and tions were introduced, read the first Whereas, because the process is a bifur- United States to prohibit the use of slavery cated process, requiring removal of haz- and second times by unanimous con- and involuntary servitude as a punishment ardous or polluting items first and then re- sent, and referred as indicated: for a crime; to the Committee on the Judici- moval of the remainder of the equipment, By Mr. BOOKER: ary. many times a situation arises that results in S. 4944. A bill to amend title XI of the So- a displaced tank being bypassed on the way cial Security Act to improve access to care f to remove a hazardous or polluting tank for all Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries when removing all the equipment at the through models tested under the Center for SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND same time would be more efficient, more Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and for SENATE RESOLUTIONS cost-effective, and require less overall time other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- The following concurrent resolutions to remove all the dislodged equipment; and nance. Whereas, the FEMA practices and proce- By Mr. BLUMENTHAL: and Senate resolutions were read, and dures do not allow the removal of nonhaz- S. 4945. A bill to improve end-of-life care; referred (or acted upon), as indicated: ardous, non-polluting items prior to or at to the Committee on Health, Education, By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. the same time as removal of other displaced Labor, and Pensions. VAN HOLLEN):

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.033 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7179 S. Res. 782. A resolution honoring the life, GILLIBRAND), the Senator from Massa- lina (Mr. TILLIS) was added as a co- achievements, and distinguished public serv- chusetts (Ms. WARREN), the Senator sponsor of S. 3812, a bill to amend title ice of the Honorable George Pratt Shultz; to from Vermont (Mr. LEAHY), the Sen- 38, United States Code, to expand eligi- the Committee on the Judiciary. ator from Connecticut (Mr. bility for hospital care, medical serv- By Ms. ROSEN (for herself, Mr. BAR- LUMENTHAL RASSO, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mrs. FISCH- B ), the Senator from Oregon ices, and nursing home care from the ER): (Mr. WYDEN) and the Senator from Department of Veterans Affairs to in- S. Res. 783. A resolution designating No- Massachusetts (Mr. MARKEY) were clude veterans of World War II. vember 2020 as ‘‘National Hospice and Pallia- added as cosponsors of S. 2006, a bill to S. 4113 tive Care Month’’; considered and agreed to. amend title 18, United States Code, to At the request of Mr. BENNET, the By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself and Ms. prohibit certain conduct relating to name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. COLLINS): the use of horses for human consump- KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. Res. 784. A resolution supporting the tion. goals and ideals of American Diabetes 4113, a bill to amend the Communica- Month; considered and agreed to. S. 2054 tions Act of 1934 to provide grants to By Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the States and Indian Tribes to deploy af- CARDIN, and Mr. BRAUN): names of the Senator from Michigan fordable, high-speed broadband to S. Res. 785. A resolution expressing support (Mr. PETERS) and the Senator from unserved and underserved areas. for the goals of Stomach Cancer Awareness Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) were S. 4138 Month; considered and agreed to. added as cosponsors of S. 2054, a bill to By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the KING): posthumously award the Congressional name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. S. Res. 786. A resolution designating De- Gold Medal, collectively, to Glen HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. cember 19, 2020, as ‘‘National Wreaths Across Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher 4138, a bill to amend title 5, United America Day’’; considered and agreed to. Stevens, and Sean Smith, in recogni- States Code, to make permanent the By Mr. BLUNT (for himself, Ms. KLO- tion of their contributions to the Na- authority of the United States Patent BUCHAR, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. tion. and Trademark Office to conduct a LANKFORD, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. INHOFE, S. 2561 telework travel expenses program. Mr. BOOZMAN, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. COTTON, Mrs. CAPITO, At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 4258 Mr. MORAN, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. the name of the Senator from Wash- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the BRAUN, Mr. LEE, Mr. WICKER, Mr. ington (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a name of the Senator from Massachu- RISCH, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. THUNE, Mr. cosponsor of S. 2561, a bill to amend the setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- HAWLEY, Mr. SCOTT of South Caro- Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to clar- sponsor of S. 4258, a bill to establish a lina, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, ify provisions enacted by the Captive grant program for small live venue op- Mr. DAINES, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. ROBERTS, Wildlife Safety Act, to further the con- Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. ROUNDS, Ms. BALD- erators and talent representatives. WIN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. BROWN, Mr. servation of certain wildlife species, S. 4429 CASEY, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mrs. FEIN- and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, STEIN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. KING, Mr. S. 2948 the name of the Senator from New MANCHIN, Mr. PETERS, Ms. ROSEN, At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added Ms. SINEMA, Ms. SMITH, Mr. VAN HOL- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. as a cosponsor of S. 4429, a bill to direct LEN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Secretary of Defense to conduct a WYDEN): S. Res. 787. A resolution expressing support 2948, a bill to direct the Secretary of study regarding toxic exposure by for the goals of National Adoption Month Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot members of the Armed Forces deployed and National Adoption Day by promoting na- program for work therapy using service to Karshi Khanabad Air Base, Uzbek- tional awareness of adoption and the chil- dog training. istan, to include such members in the dren waiting for adoption, celebrating chil- S. 3004 open burn pit registry, and for other dren and families involved in adoption, and At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the purposes. encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. S. 4600 for all children; considered and agreed to. WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the 3004, a bill to protect human rights and name of the Senator from Delaware f enhance opportunities for LGBTI peo- (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS ple around the world, and for other of S. 4600, a bill to amend title 10, S. 1342 purposes. United States Code, to improve the re- sponses of the Department of Defense At the request of Mr. PETERS, the S. 3072 name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. At the request of Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, to sex-related offenses, and for other purposes. PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of the name of the Senator from Ohio S. 1342, a bill to require the Under Sec- (Mr. PORTMAN) was added as a cospon- S. 4647 retary for Oceans and Atmosphere to sor of S. 3072, a bill to amend the Fed- At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the update periodically the environmental eral Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. sensitivity index products of the Na- prohibit the approval of new abortion BRAUN) was added as a cosponsor of S. tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- drugs, to prohibit investigational use 4647, a bill to amend the Packers and ministration for each coastal area of exemptions for abortion drugs, and to Stockyards Act, 1921, to establish a the Great Lakes, and for other pur- impose additional regulatory require- cattle contract library, and for other poses. ments with respect to previously ap- purposes. S. 2006 proved abortion drugs, and for other S. 4659 purposes. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the names of the Senator from Connecticut S. 3753 name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. MURPHY), the Senator from New At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator from name of the Senator from Tennessee of S. 4659, a bill to require a determina- Wisconsin (Ms. BALDWIN), the Senator (Mrs. BLACKBURN) was added as a co- tion as to whether crimes committed from Delaware (Mr. COONS), the Sen- sponsor of S. 3753, a bill to direct the against the Rohingya in Burma ator from New Hampshire (Mrs. SHA- Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure amount to genocide. HEEN), the Senator from California that certain medical facilities of the S. 4708 (Mrs. FEINSTEIN), the Senator from Department of Veterans Affairs have At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator physical locations for the disposal of name of the Senator from Georgia from New Mexico (Mr. UDALL), the Sen- controlled substances medications. (Mrs. LOEFFLER) was added as a cospon- ator from Delaware (Mr. CARPER), the S. 3812 sor of S. 4708, a bill to establish a com- Senator from Maryland (Mr. VAN HOL- At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the mission to review certain regulatory LEN), the Senator from New York (Mrs. name of the Senator from North Caro- obstacles to preparedness for, response

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.043 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 to, and recovery from the Coronavirus ing information on the Government of tiate negotiations to reduce long-range stra- SARS–CoV–2 pandemic and other Azerbaijan’s human rights practices tegic nuclear arms; pandemics, and for other purposes. pursuant to section 502B(c) of the For- Whereas, during his tenure as Secretary of State, Shultz had a strong and mutually sup- S. 4717 eign Assistance Act of 1961. portive relationship with the career Foreign At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the S. RES. 755 Service, which he relied upon heavily to ad- name of the Senator from Wisconsin At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the vance key international initiatives and at- (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- names of the Senator from Wisconsin tain the foreign policy achievements of the sor of S. 4717, a bill to amend title XIX (Ms. BALDWIN) and the Senator from Reagan Administration; Whereas Shultz recognized the need to bet- of the Social Security Act to stream- Maine (Ms. COLLINS) were added as co- ter prepare a new generation of diplomatic line enrollment of certain Medicaid sponsors of S. Res. 755, a resolution re- service officers, whether Foreign or Civil providers across State lines, and for questing information on the Govern- Service, and ensured the creation of what be- other purposes. ment of Turkey’s human rights prac- came the George P. Shultz National Foreign S. 4746 tices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Affairs Training Center (NFATC), thus ex- At the request of Mr. DAINES, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. panding short-term skills training to hun- name of the Senator from West Vir- dreds of ever more diverse Department of f State and Federal Government personnel; ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Whereas, upon returning to private life in sponsor of S. 4746, a bill to permit re- 1989, Shultz became a Distinguished Fellow enrollment and establishment by re- at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, tiree beneficiaries of monthly enroll- wrote and edited several books, and received SENATE RESOLUTION 782—HON- ment fee payment for TRICARE Select the Presidential Medal of Freedom, along ORING THE LIFE, ACHIEVE- at any time during 2021, and for other with more than a dozen other awards and MENTS, AND DISTINGUISHED purposes. prizes; PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE HONOR- Whereas, in his later years, Shultz passion- S. 4792 ABLE GEORGE PRATT SHULTZ ately advocated for a world without nuclear At the request of Mr. MORAN, the weapons; name of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Mr. Whereas Shultz recently called for the ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. VAN HOLLEN) submitted the following strengthening and modernization of the pro- 4792, a bill to extend the availability of resolution; which was referred to the fessional education and training of our ca- Coronavirus Relief Fund payment Committee on the Judiciary: reer diplomats: Now, therefore, be it funds for States or governments that S. RES. 782 Resolved, That the Senate— (1) honors the life, achievements, and dis- Whereas, on December 13, 1920, the Honor- use such funds to respond to the tinguished public service of the Honorable able George Pratt Shultz was born in New COVID–19 public health emergency in George Pratt Shultz; York City as the only child of Margaret Len- accordance with a qualifying economic (2) recognizes Shultz on the occasion of his nox and Birl Earl Shultz; development plan. 100th birthday and expresses its thanks and Whereas, upon graduating cum laude from commendations to his family; S. 4838 Princeton University with a major in eco- (3) celebrates the statesmanship that has At the request of Mr. MORAN, the nomics and a minor in public and inter- consistently characterized Shultz’s life; national affairs in 1942, Shultz joined the name of the Senator from New Hamp- (4) acknowledges Shultz’s published con- Marines and nobly served his country as a shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- cern for rebuilding and strengthening United captain with a Marine anti-aircraft unit de- sponsor of S. 4838, a bill to direct the States diplomacy and its home institution, ployed with the United States Army’s 81st Secretary of Defense to carry out a the Department of State, and his call for the Infantry Division to the Pacific for the bit- creation of a school of diplomacy at the Na- grant program to increase cooperation terly fought Battle of Angaur in the Palau tional Foreign Affairs Training Center; and on post-traumatic stress disorder re- Islands; (5) commends to future generations search between the United States and Whereas, following the war, Shultz earned Shultz’s example as a patriot and public Israel. a doctorate in industrial economics from the servant both in war and in the pursuit of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology, S. 4860 more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative where he taught in the Department of Eco- At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the world order. nomics and at the Sloan School of Manage- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. ment until taking leave to serve on Presi- f MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of dent Eisenhower’s Council of Economic Ad- SENATE RESOLUTION 783—DESIG- S. 4860, a bill to exempt payments visors; NATING NOVEMBER 2020 AS ‘‘NA- made from the Railroad Unemploy- Whereas Shultz then went on to join the TIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIA- ment Insurance Account from seques- University of Chicago as Dean of the Grad- TIVE CARE MONTH’’ tration under the Balanced Budget and uate School of Business from 1962 until 1968; Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Whereas Shultz left academia to honorably Ms. ROSEN (for herself, Mr. BAR- serve his country in a number of critical eco- RASSO ALDWIN ISCHER S. 4898 , Ms. B , and Mrs. F ) nomic positions, including as Secretary of submitted the following resolution; At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the Labor, the country’s first Director of a mod- which was considered and agreed to: name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. ernized Office of Management and Budget S. RES. 783 SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. (OMB), and Secretary of the Treasury; 4898, a bill to amend title VI of the So- Whereas, during his time at the Depart- Whereas hospice and palliative care serv- cial Security Act to extend the period ment of the Treasury, Shultz co-founded the ices can empower individuals to live as fully as possible, surrounded and supported by during which States, Indian Tribes, and ‘‘Library Group’’, which helped coordinate follow-up to the abolishment of the gold family and loved ones, despite serious ill- local governments may use standard and the Bretton Woods system and nesses or injuries; Coronavirus Relief Fund payments. develop what would eventually become the Whereas the coronavirus disease 2019 S. 4909 ‘‘Group of Seven’’ or the ‘‘G–7’’, an impor- (COVID–19) pandemic public health emer- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the tant forum that has strengthened inter- gency has— (1) led to a sudden and unexpected increase name of the Senator from New Mexico national economic and security policy by regularly bringing together the world’s ad- in the number of individuals facing a serious (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor illness or injury, which has brought atten- of S. 4909, a bill to amend title 38, vanced economies to assess global trends and tackle pervasive and crosscutting issues; tion to the need for better understanding and United States Code, to prohibit the col- Whereas Shultz served as Secretary of use of— lection of a health care copayment by (A) hospice; State from 1982 until 1989 and was directly (B) palliative care; and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from involved in bringing Russian President Mi- (C) advance care planning; a veteran who is a member of an Indian khail Gorbachev and President Reagan to- (2) disproportionately impacted residents Tribe. gether through a process based upon mutual of nursing homes and other long-term care and verifiable trust, thereby allowing them S. RES. 754 facilities; and to reach agreement on the Intermediate- (3) restricted access to family caregivers At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (the INF Trea- who play a critical role in hospice and pallia- name of the Senator from Wisconsin ty), which eliminated ground-launched bal- tive care for their loved ones; (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- listic and cruise missiles with ranges of be- Whereas ensuring access to hospice and sor of S. Res. 754, a resolution request- tween 500 and 5,500 kilometers, and to ini- palliative care for all individuals in the

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United States in need, regardless of age, S. RES. 784 (A) leave many vulnerable communities at race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, is Whereas, according to the Centers for Dis- a heightened risk for diabetes; and important; ease Control and Prevention (referred to in (B) limit access to health care resources Whereas hospice and palliative care aims this preamble as the ‘‘CDC’’)— that are needed to effectively prevent the to bring patients and family caregivers high- (1) 34,200,000 individuals in the United onset, and to manage the condition, of diabe- quality care delivered by an interdiscipli- States have diabetes; and tes. nary team of skilled health care profes- (2) an estimated 88,000,000 individuals in f sionals, including— the United States who are 18 years of age or (1) physicians; older have prediabetes; SENATE RESOLUTION 785—EX- (2) nurses; Whereas diabetes is a serious chronic con- PRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE (3) social workers; dition that affects individuals of every age, GOALS OF STOMACH CANCER (4) therapists; race, ethnicity, and income level; AWARENESS MONTH (5) counselors; Whereas the CDC reports that— Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mr. CARDIN, (6) health aides; (1) Hispanic Americans, African Ameri- (7) spiritual care providers; and cans, Asian Americans, and Native Ameri- and Mr. BRAUN) submitted the fol- (8) other health care professionals; cans are disproportionately affected by dia- lowing resolution; which was consid- Whereas there is a need to increase train- betes and develop the disease at much higher ered and agreed to: ing opportunities for health care profes- rates than the general population of the S. RES. 785 sionals to receive interdisciplinary team- United States; and based training in hospice and palliative care; Whereas stomach cancer, also known as (2) an estimated 21.4 percent of individuals gastric cancer, is one of the most difficult Whereas hospice focuses on quality of life with diabetes in the United States have not through pain management and symptom cancers to detect in the early stages of the yet been diagnosed with the disease; disease, which contributes to high mortality control, caregiver assistance, and emotional Whereas, in the United States, more than and spiritual support, with the goal of allow- rates; 10.5 percent of the population, including 26.8 Whereas stomach cancer occurs when can- ing patients to live fully until the end of life, percent of individuals who are 65 years of age surrounded and supported by loved ones, cer cells develop in the lining of the stom- or older, have diabetes; ach; friends, and caregivers; Whereas, of the 17,400,000 veterans in the Whereas trained hospice and palliative Whereas stomach cancer is the fifth most United States, 8,800,000 who are 65 years of common type of cancer in the world; care professionals, during a time of trauma age or older, and 1 in 4 overall, are receiving and loss, can provide grief and bereavement Whereas, in 2020, an estimated— care for diabetes from the Department of (1) 27,600 cases of stomach cancer will be support services to individuals with a serious Veterans Affairs; illness or injury, the family members of diagnosed in the United States; and Whereas the risk of developing diabetes at (2) 11,010 people in the United States will those individuals, and others; some point in life is 40 percent for adults in Whereas palliative care is a patient and die from stomach cancer; the United States; Whereas the estimated 5-year survival rate family-centered approach to care that— Whereas, according to the American Diabe- (1) provides relief from symptoms and for stomach cancer is only 32 percent; tes Association, the United States spent an Whereas, in the United States, stomach stress; estimated $237,000,000,000 on direct medical (2) can be complementary to curative cancer is more prevalent among racial and costs for cases of diagnosed diabetes in 2017, ethnic minorities; treatments; and and out-of-pocket costs for insulin have (3) improves the quality of life of the pa- Whereas increased awareness of, and edu- grown significantly in recent years for many cation about, stomach cancer among pa- tient and their family; patients; Whereas, in 2018, more than 1,550,000 indi- tients and health care providers could im- Whereas the American Diabetes Associa- prove timely recognition of stomach cancer viduals in the United States living with a se- tion reports that care for people with diag- rious illness or injury, and the families of symptoms; nosed diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 health care Whereas more research into early diag- those individuals, received care and support dollars spent in the United States; from hospice programs in communities nosis, screening, and treatment for stomach Whereas the cost of health care is esti- cancer is needed; and across the United States; mated to be 2.3 times higher for individuals Whereas volunteers continue to play a Whereas November 2020 is an appropriate in the United States with diabetes than month to observe Stomach Cancer Aware- vital role in supporting hospice care and op- those without diabetes; erations; and ness Month: Now, therefore, be it Whereas, as of November 2020, a cure for di- Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas hospice and palliative care pro- abetes does not exist; viders encourage all patients to learn more (1) supports the goals of Stomach Cancer Whereas there are successful means to re- Awareness Month; about their options for care and to share duce the incidence, and delay the onset, of their preferences with family, loved ones, (2) supports efforts to increase awareness type 2 diabetes; of, and education about, stomach cancer and health care professionals: Now, there- Whereas, with proper management and fore, be it among the general public of the United treatment, individuals with diabetes live States; Resolved, That the Senate— healthy and productive lives; and (1) designates November 2020 as ‘‘National (3) recognizes the need for additional re- Whereas individuals in the United States search into early diagnosis, screening, and Hospice and Palliative Care Month’’; and celebrate American Diabetes Month in No- (2) encourages the people of the United treatment for stomach cancer; and vember: Now, therefore, be it (4) encourages States, territories, and lo- States— Resolved, That the Senate— (A) to increase their understanding and calities of the United States to support the (1) supports the goals and ideals of Amer- goals of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. awareness of— ican Diabetes Month, including— (i) care for hospice patients with a serious (A) encouraging individuals in the United f illness or injury; and States to fight diabetes through public SENATE RESOLUTION 786—DESIG- (ii) the benefits of integrating palliative awareness of prevention and treatment op- care early into the treatment plans for pa- NATING DECEMBER 19, 2020, AS tions; and ‘‘NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS tients with a serious illness or injury; (B) enhancing diabetes education; (B) to recognize the care and dedication of (2) recognizes the importance of awareness AMERICA DAY’’ family caregivers, hospice and palliative and early detection, including awareness of Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. care volunteers, and hospice and palliative symptoms and risk factors such as— KING) submitted the following resolu- care providers; and (A) being— (C) to observe ‘‘National Hospice and Pal- tion; which was considered and agreed (i) older than 45 years of age; or to: liative Care Month’’ with appropriate activi- (ii) overweight; and ties and programs. (B) having— S. RES. 786 (i) a particular racial and ethnic back- Whereas 29 years before the date of adop- f ground; tion of this resolution, the Wreaths Across (ii) a low level of physical activity; America project began with an annual tradi- SENATE RESOLUTION 784—SUP- (iii) high blood pressure; tion that occurs in December, of donating, PORTING THE GOALS AND (iv) a family history of diabetes; or transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam IDEALS OF AMERICAN DIABETES (v) a history of diabetes during pregnancy; fir veterans’ remembrance wreaths on the MONTH (3) supports decreasing the prevalence of graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arling- type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in ton National Cemetery; Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself and Ms. the United States through research, treat- Whereas, in the 29 years preceding the date COLLINS) submitted the following reso- ment, and prevention; and of adoption of this resolution, more than lution; which was considered and (4) recognizes the importance of addressing 10,100,300 wreaths have been sent to various agreed to: systemic barriers to health care that— locations, including national cemeteries and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.053 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 veterans memorials in every State and over- SENATE RESOLUTION 787—EX- search, and monitoring to help eliminate seas; PRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE barriers to adoption and find permanent fam- Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across GOALS OF NATIONAL ADOPTION ilies for children; America project, to ‘‘Remember, Honor, and MONTH AND NATIONAL ADOP- Whereas, every day, loving and nurturing Teach’’, is carried out in part by coordi- families are strengthened and expanded when TION DAY BY PROMOTING NA- committed and dedicated individuals make nating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 TIONAL AWARENESS OF ADOP- States and overseas, including at— an important difference in the life of a child TION AND THE CHILDREN WAIT- through adoption; (1) Arlington National Cemetery; ING FOR ADOPTION, CELE- Whereas the coronavirus disease 2019 (2) veterans cemeteries; and BRATING CHILDREN AND FAMI- (COVID–19) pandemic has presented unprece- dented challenges to the United States, the (3) other memorial locations; LIES INVOLVED IN ADOPTION, foster care system, prospective adoptive par- Whereas the Wreaths Across America AND ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO SE- ents, and the children awaiting permanency; project carries out a week-long veteran’s pa- Whereas the President traditionally issues rade between Maine and Virginia, stopping CURE SAFETY, PERMANENCY, an annual proclamation to declare the along the way to spread a message about the AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL CHIL- month of November as National Adoption importance of— DREN Month, and the President has proclaimed No- (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the Mr. BLUNT (for himself, Ms. KLO- vember 2020 as National Adoption Month; Whereas National Adoption Day has been United States; BUCHAR, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. LANKFORD, celebrated as a collective national effort to (2) honoring those who serve; and Mr. CRAMER, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. BOOZMAN, find permanent and loving families for chil- (3) teaching the next generation of children Mrs. LOEFFLER, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. dren in the foster care system; and about the service and sacrifices made by our COTTON, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. MORAN, Mrs. Whereas the Saturday before Thanksgiving veterans and their families to preserve free- FISCHER, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. LEE, Mr. has been recognized as National Adoption doms enjoyed by all in the United States; WICKER, Mr. RISCH, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. Day since at least 2000, and, in 2020, the Sat- Whereas, in 2019, approximately 2,200,000 THUNE, Mr. HAWLEY, Mr. SCOTT of urday before Thanksgiving is November 21: Now, therefore, be it veterans’ remembrance wreaths were deliv- South Carolina, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. Resolved, That the Senate— ered to 2,200 locations across the United HYDE-SMITH, Mr. DAINES, Mr. YOUNG, (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- States and overseas, including more than Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. ROUNDS, tional Adoption Month and National Adop- 13,300 wreaths placed at the American Ceme- Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. BROWN, tion Day; teries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Mr. CASEY, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mrs. FEIN- (2) recognizes that every child should have in remembrance of some of those lost during STEIN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. KING, Mr. a permanent and loving family; and World War II; MANCHIN, Mr. PETERS, Ms. ROSEN, Ms. (3) encourages the people of the United Whereas, in December 2019, the tradition of SINEMA, Ms. SMITH, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, States to consider adoption during the escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. WYDEN) sub- month of November and throughout the wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arling- mitted the following resolution; which year. ton National Cemetery will be continued f by— was considered and agreed to: S. RES. 787 (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND Whereas there are far too many PROPOSED (2) other patriotic escort units, including— unparented children in the United States; SA 2689. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. GRASS- (A) motorcycle units; Whereas the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Report on LEY) proposed an amendment to the bill S. (B) law enforcement units; and fiscal year 2019 foster care and adoption pop- 578, to amend title II of the Social Security (C) first responder units; ulation characteristics indicates that, in the Act to eliminate the five-month waiting pe- Whereas hundreds of thousands of individ- United States— riod for disability insurance benefits under uals volunteer each December to help lay (1) there are approximately 424,000 children such title for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. veterans’ remembrance wreaths; in the foster care system, approximately SA 2690. Mr. LEE proposed an amendment Whereas the trucking industry in the 122,200 of whom are waiting for adoption; (2) 65 percent of the children in foster care to the bill H.R. 1044, to amend the Immigra- United States will continue to support the tion and Nationality Act to eliminate the Wreaths Across America project by pro- are 10 years of age or younger; (3) the average length of time a child per-country numerical limitation for em- viding drivers, equipment, and related serv- spends in foster care is approximately 20 ployment-based immigrants, to increase the ices to assist in the transportation of months; per-country numerical limitation for family- wreaths across the United States to more (4) during fiscal year 2019, approximately sponsored immigrants, and for other pur- than 2,200 locations; 20,400 youth ‘‘aged out’’ of foster care by poses. Whereas the Senate designated December reaching adulthood without being placed in a SA 2691. Mr. INHOFE (for Mr. SULLIVAN) 14, 2019, as ‘‘Wreaths Across America Day’’; permanent home; and proposed an amendment to the bill S. 496, to and (5) during fiscal year 2019, the number of preserve United States fishing heritage Whereas, on December 19, 2020, the Wreaths children who— through a national program dedicated to Across America project will continue the (A) achieved permanency through adop- training and assisting the next generation of proud legacy of bringing veterans’ remem- tion increased for the fifth year in a row; commercial fishermen, and for other pur- brance wreaths to Arlington National Ceme- and poses. (B) entered foster care decreased for the tery: Now, therefore, be it f third year in a row; Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas, still, for many foster children, TEXT OF AMENDMENTS (1) designates December 19, 2020, as ‘‘Na- the wait for a loving family in which they tional Wreaths Across America Day’’; are nurtured, comforted, and protected SA 2689. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. (2) honors— seems endless; GRASSLEY) proposed an amendment to (A) the Wreaths Across America project; Whereas a survey conducted in 2019 showed the bill S. 578, to amend title II of the (B) patriotic escort units, including— that— Social Security Act to eliminate the (i) motorcycle units; (1) 21 percent of respondents had consid- five-month waiting period for dis- (ii) law enforcement units; and ered or were considering adoption; ability insurance benefits under such (iii) first responder units; (2) about 1⁄2 of respondents viewed adoption through the foster care system favorably; title for individuals with amyotrophic (C) the trucking industry in the United lateral sclerosis; as follows: States; and and (3) of the respondents who had not consid- Insert the following after section 2: (D) the volunteers and donors involved in ered adoption— this worthy tradition; and SEC. 3. INCREASING THE OVERPAYMENT COL- (A) 20 percent believed that they could LECTION THRESHOLD FOR OLD-AGE, (3) recognizes— not afford adoption; and SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSUR- (A) the service of veterans and members of (B) 18 percent believed that they would ANCE BENEFITS. the Armed Forces; and be unprepared for the emotional or health (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 204(a)(1)(A) of the (B) the sacrifices that veterans, their fam- needs of an adopted child; Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 404(a)(1)(A)) is ily members, and members of the Armed Whereas the Children’s Bureau, an office of amended— Forces have made, and continue to make, for the Administration for Children and Fami- (1) by striking ‘‘With respect to’’ and in- the United States, a great Nation. lies within the Department of Health and serting ‘‘(i) Subject to clause (ii), with re- Human Services, supports programs, re- spect to’’; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.047 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7183 (2) by adding at the end the following new U.S.C. 1151 et seq.), the following rules shall natives who are beneficiaries of approved but clause: apply: backlogged petitions for immigrant status ‘‘(ii) For purposes of clause (i), if the Com- (A) During the first nine fiscal years after under such section. Such visas will be made missioner of Social Security determines that the effective date, certain visas will be re- available by the following priority ordering: decreasing a payment under this title to an served within the immigrant visas made (i) Derivative dependents described in sec- individual by 100 percent would defeat the available under each of paragraphs (2) and (3) tion 203(d) of the Immigration and Nation- purpose of this title, the Commissioner may of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(d)) who seek to join decrease such payment by a smaller amount, tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)). a principal beneficiary of a petition for an provided that such smaller amount is not (B) With regard to immigrant visas made immigrant visa under paragraphs (2) and (3) less than 10 percent of the amount of such available under paragraphs (2) and (3) of sec- of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- payment.’’. tion 203(b) of the Immigration and Nation- tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)). ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) for the first nine (ii) Immigrants who seek to enter the SA 2690. Mr. LEE proposed an amend- fiscal years after the effective date, visas United States as new arrivals and who have ment to the bill H.R. 1044, to amend will be reserved for immigrants native to not resided or worked in the United States the Immigration and Nationality Act countries other than the two states with the at any point in the four-year period imme- largest aggregate number of natives who are diately preceding the filing of their petition to eliminate the per-country numerical beneficiaries of approved but backlogged pe- for an immigrant visa under section 203(b) of limitation for employment-based im- titions for immigrant status under section the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 migrants, to increase the per-country 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality U.S.C. 1153(b)). numerical limitation for family-spon- Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)), as follows: (iii) Other immigrants who meet the cri- sored immigrants, and for other pur- (i) For the first fiscal year after the effec- teria of this subparagraph. poses; as follows: tive date, 30 percent of the immigrant visas (D) The two states with the largest aggre- made available under paragraphs (2) and (3) gate numbers of natives who are bene- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- ficiaries of approved petitions referred to in sert the following: tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall be allot- subparagraphs (B) and (C) are the two states SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ted to immigrants who are natives of a for- with the largest aggregate number of ap- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Fairness for eign state or dependent area that is not one proved cases awaiting visa number avail- High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020’’. of the two states with the largest aggregate ability for immigrant visas under section SEC. 2. NUMERICAL LIMITATION TO ANY SINGLE numbers of natives waiting for immigrant 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality FOREIGN STATE. status. Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)), as identified by adding (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 202(a)(2) of the (ii) For the second fiscal year after the ef- the numbers associated with aliens awaiting Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. fective date, 25 percent of the immigrant employment-based immigrant status in the 1152(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows: visas made available under paragraphs (2) most recent and available Count Of Approved ‘‘(2) PER COUNTRY LEVELS FOR FAMILY-SPON- and (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration Employment-Based Immigrant Petitions SORED IMMIGRANTS.—Subject to paragraphs and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall With Priority Dates On Or After the State (3) and (4), the total number of immigrant be allotted to immigrants who are natives of Department’s Visa Bulletin from the Depart- visas made available to natives of any single a foreign state or dependent area that is not ment of Homeland Security and such num- foreign state or dependent area under section one of the two states with the largest aggre- bers in the most recent Annual Report of Im- 203(a) in any fiscal year may not exceed 15 gate numbers of natives waiting for immi- migrant Visa Applicants in the Employment- percent (in the case of a single foreign state) grant status. Based Preferences Registered at the National or 2 percent (in the case of a dependent area) (iii) For the third fiscal year after the ef- Visa Center from the Department of State of the total number of such visas made avail- fective date, 20 percent of the immigrant (or successor publications). able under such section in that fiscal year.’’. visas made available under paragraphs (2) (E) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 202 and (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration through (D), for each of the seven fiscal of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152) is amended— and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall years after the effective date, not fewer than (1) in subsection (a)— be allotted to immigrants who are natives of 4,400 of the immigrant visas made available (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘both sub- a foreign state or dependent area that is not under paragraph (3) of section 203(b) of the sections (a) and (b) of section 203’’ and in- one of the two states with the largest aggre- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. serting ‘‘section 203(a)’’; and gate numbers of natives waiting for immi- 1153(b)) and not reserved by subparagraphs (B) by striking paragraph (5); and grant status. (B) and (C) shall be allotted to immigrants (2) by amending subsection (e) to read as (iv) For the fourth fiscal year after the ef- who are described in section 656.5(a) of title follows: fective date, 15 percent of the immigrant 20, Code of Federal Regulations (or a suc- ‘‘(e) SPECIAL RULES FOR COUNTRIES AT visas made available under paragraphs (2) cessor regulation) and are seeking admission CEILING.—If the total number of immigrant and (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration to the United States to work in an occupa- visas made available under section 203(a) to and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall tion described in that section. natives of any single foreign state or depend- be allotted to immigrants who are natives of (F) Family members described in section ent area will exceed the numerical limita- a foreign state or dependent area that is not 203(d) of the Immigration and Nationality tion specified in subsection (a)(2) in any fis- one of the two states with the largest aggre- Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(d)) who are accompanying cal year, immigrant visas shall be allotted to gate numbers of natives waiting for immi- or following to join a principal beneficiary such natives under section 203(a) (to the ex- grant status. seeking admission under subparagraph (E) tent practicable and otherwise consistent (v) For the fifth and sixth fiscal years after shall be entitled to an unreserved visa in the with this section and section 203) in a man- the effective date, 10 percent of the immi- same status and in the same order of consid- ner so that, except as provided in subsection grant visas made available under paragraphs eration as such principal beneficiary, but (a)(4), the proportion of the visas made avail- (2) and (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigra- shall not be counted against the 4,400 immi- able under each of paragraphs (1) through (4) tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) grant visas allotted under that subpara- of section 203(a) is equal to the ratio of the shall be allotted to immigrants who are na- graph. total visas made available under the respec- tives of a foreign state or dependent area (2) PER-COUNTRY LEVELS.— tive paragraph to the total visas made avail- that is not one of the two states with the (A) RESERVED VISAS.—The number of visas able under section 203(a).’’. largest aggregate numbers of natives waiting reserved under each of clauses (i) through (c) COUNTRY-SPECIFIC OFFSET.—Section 2 of for immigrant status. (iv) of paragraph (1)(B) and each of clauses (i) the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 (8 (vi) For the seventh, eighth, and ninth fis- through (iii) of paragraph (1)(C) made avail- U.S.C. 1255 note) is amended— cal years after the effective date, 5 percent of able to natives of any single foreign state or (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘(as de- the immigrant visas made available under dependent area in the appropriate fiscal year fined in subsection (e))’’; paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 203(b) of the may not exceed 25 percent (in the case of a (2) by striking subsection (d); and Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. single foreign state) or 2 percent (in the case (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub- 1153(b)) shall be allotted to immigrants who of a dependent area) of the total number of section (d). are natives of a foreign state or dependent such visas. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments area that is not one of the two states with (B) UNRESERVED VISAS.—Not more than 85 made by this section shall take effect on the the largest aggregate numbers of natives percent of the immigrant visas made avail- first day of the second fiscal year beginning waiting for immigrant status. able under each of paragraphs (2) and (3) of after the date of enactment of this Act, and (C) 5.75 percent of the immigrant visas section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- shall apply to that fiscal year and each sub- made available under paragraphs (2) and (3) tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) and not re- sequent fiscal year. of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- served under paragraph (1), for each of the (e) TRANSITION RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT- tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall be re- first nine fiscal years after the effective BASED IMMIGRANTS.— served annually for the first nine fiscal years date, may be allotted to immigrants who are (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraphs (2) after the effective date for immigrants who natives of any single foreign state. through (4), and notwithstanding title II of are native to countries other than the two (3) SPECIAL RULE TO PREVENT UNUSED the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 states with the largest aggregate number of VISAS.—If, with respect to first nine fiscal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.050 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 years after the effective date, the applica- ‘‘(II) the education, training, or experience in the general fund of the Treasury in a sepa- tion of paragraphs (1) and (2) would prevent qualifications for the position; rate account, which shall be known as the the total number of immigrant visas made ‘‘(III) the salary or wage range and em- ‘H–1B Administration, Oversight, Investiga- available under paragraph (2) or (3) of section ployee benefits offered; tion, and Enforcement Account’ and shall re- 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality ‘‘(IV) the location(s) at which the non- main available until expended. Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) from being issued, such immigrant(s) will be employed; and ‘‘(ii) The Secretary of the Treasury shall visas may be issued during the remainder of ‘‘(V) the process for applying for a posi- refund amounts in such account to the Sec- such fiscal year without regard to para- tion; and’’. retary of Labor for salaries and related ex- graphs (1) and (2). SEC. 4. H–1B EMPLOYER PETITION REQUIRE- penses associated with the administration, (4) RULES FOR CHARGEABILITY AND DEPEND- MENTS. oversight, investigation, and enforcement of ENTS.—Section 202(b) of the Immigration and (a) WAGE DETERMINATION INFORMATION.— the H–1B nonimmigrant visa program.’’. Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(b)) shall apply Section 212(n)(1)(D) of the Immigration and (e) ELIMINATION OF B–1 IN LIEU OF H–1.— in determining the foreign state to which an Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(D)) is Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Na- alien is chargeable, and section 203(d) of the amended by inserting ‘‘the prevailing wage tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended by Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. determination methodology used under sub- adding at the end the following: ‘‘(12)(A) Unless otherwise authorized by 1153(d)) shall apply in allocating immigrant paragraph (A)(i)(II),’’ after ‘‘shall contain’’. law, an alien normally classifiable under sec- visas to dependents, for purposes of this sub- (b) NEW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.—Sec- tion 101(a)(15)(H)(i) who seeks admission to section. tion 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nation- the United States to provide services in a (5) EFFECTIVE DATE DEFINED.—In this sub- ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended by specialty occupation described in paragraph section, the term ‘‘effective date’’ means the inserting after subparagraph (G)(ii) the fol- (1) or (3) of subsection (i) may not be issued first day of the second fiscal year beginning lowing: a visa or admitted under section 101(a)(15)(B) after the date of enactment of this Act. ‘‘(H)(i) The employer, or a person or entity for such purpose. SEC. 3. POSTING AVAILABLE POSITIONS acting on the employer’s behalf, has not ad- vertised any available position specified in ‘‘(B) Nothing in this paragraph may be THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF construed to authorize the admission of an LABOR. the application in an advertisement that alien under section 101(a)(15)(B) who is com- (a) DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WEBSITE.—Sec- states or indicates that— ing to the United States for the purpose of tion 212(n) of the Immigration and Nation- ‘‘(I) such position is only available to an ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended by individual who is or will be an H–1B non- performing skilled or unskilled labor if such adding at the end the following: immigrant; or admission is not otherwise authorized by ‘‘(6) For purposes of complying with para- ‘‘(II) an individual who is or will be an H– law.’’. graph (1)(C)— 1B nonimmigrant shall receive priority or a SEC. 5. INVESTIGATION AND DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST H–1B EM- ‘‘(A) Not later than 180 days after the date preference in the hiring process for such po- PLOYERS. sition. of the enactment of the Fairness for High- (a) INVESTIGATION, WORKING CONDITIONS, Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020, the Sec- ‘‘(ii) The employer has not primarily re- AND PENALTIES.—Section 212(n)(2)(C) of the retary of Labor shall establish a searchable cruited individuals who are or who will be H– Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. internet website for posting positions in ac- 1B nonimmigrants to fill such position. 1182(n)(2)(C)) is amended by striking clause cordance with paragraph (1)(C) that is avail- ‘‘(I) If the employer, in a previous period (iv) and inserting the following: able to the public without charge, except specified by the Secretary, employed one or ‘‘(iv)(I) An employer that has filed an ap- that the Secretary may delay the launch of more H–1B nonimmigrants, the employer plication under this subsection violates this such website for a single period identified by shall submit to the Secretary the Internal clause by taking, failing to take, or threat- the Secretary by notice in the Federal Reg- Revenue Service Form W–2 Wage and Tax ening to take or fail to take a personnel ac- ister that shall not exceed 30 days. Statements filed by the employer with re- tion, or intimidating, threatening, restrain- ‘‘(B) The Secretary may work with private spect to the H–1B nonimmigrants for such ing, coercing, blacklisting, discharging, or companies or nonprofit organizations to de- period.’’. discriminating in any other manner against velop and operate the internet website de- (c) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR NEW H–1B an employee because the employee— scribed in subparagraph (A). PETITIONS.— ‘‘(aa) disclosed information that the em- ‘‘(C) The Secretary shall promulgate rules, (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 212(n)(1) of the ployee reasonably believes evidences a viola- after notice and a period for comment, to Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. tion of this subsection or any rule or regula- carry out this paragraph.’’. 1182(n)(1)), as amended by subsection (b), is tion pertaining to this subsection; or (b) PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT.—The Sec- further amended by inserting after subpara- ‘‘(bb) cooperated or sought to cooperate retary of Labor shall submit to Congress, graph (I), the following: with the requirements under this subsection and publish in the Federal Register and in ‘‘(J)(i) If the employer employs 50 or more or any rule or regulation pertaining to this other appropriate media, a notice of the date employees in the United States, the sum of subsection. on which the internet website required under the number of such employees who are H–1B ‘‘(II) An employer that violates this clause section 212(n)(6) of the Immigration and Na- nonimmigrants plus the number of such em- shall be liable to the employee harmed by tionality Act, as established by subsection ployees who are nonimmigrants described in such violation for lost wages and benefits. (a), will be operational. section 101(a)(15)(L) does not exceed 50 per- ‘‘(III) In this clause, the term ‘employee’ (c) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by cent of the total number of employees. includes— subsection (a) shall apply to any application ‘‘(ii) Any group treated as a single em- ‘‘(aa) a current employee; filed on or after the date that is 90 days after ployer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of ‘‘(bb) a former employee; and the date described in subsection (b). section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of ‘‘(cc) an applicant for employment.’’. (d) INTERNET POSTING REQUIREMENT.—Sec- 1986 shall be treated as a single employer for (b) INFORMATION SHARING.—Section tion 212(n)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Na- purposes of clause (i).’’. 212(n)(2)(H) of the Immigration and Nation- tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(C)) is (2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(H)) is amended amended— subparagraph (J) of section 212(n)(1) of the to read as follows: (1) by redesignating clause (ii) as subclause Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. ‘‘(H)(i) The Director of U.S. Citizenship and (II); 1182(n)(1)), as added by paragraph (1), may be Immigration Services shall provide the Sec- (2) by striking ‘‘(i) has provided’’ and in- construed to prohibit renewal applications or retary of Labor with any information con- serting the following: change of employer applications for H-1B tained in the materials submitted by em- ‘‘(ii)(I) has provided’’; and nonimmigrants employed by an employer on ployers of H–1B nonimmigrants as part of (3) by inserting before clause (ii), as redes- the date of enactment of this Act. the petition adjudication process that indi- ignated by paragraph (2), the following: (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment cates that the employer is not complying ‘‘(i) except in the case of an employer fil- made by this subsection shall take effect on with visa program requirements for H–1B ing a petition on behalf of an H–1B non- the date that is 180 days after the date of en- nonimmigrants. immigrant who has already been counted actment of this Act. ‘‘(ii) The Secretary may initiate and con- against the numerical limitations and is not (d) LABOR CONDITION APPLICATION FEE.— duct an investigation and hearing under this eligible for a full 6-year period, as described Section 212(n) of the Immigration and Na- paragraph after receiving information of in section 214(g)(7), or on behalf of an H–1B tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)), as amended noncompliance under this subparagraph.’’. nonimmigrant authorized to accept employ- by section 3(a), is further amended by adding SEC. 6. LABOR CONDITION APPLICATIONS. ment under section 214(n), has posted on the at the end the following: (a) APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS.— internet website described in paragraph (6), ‘‘(7)(A) The Secretary of Labor shall pro- Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Na- for at least 30 calendar days, a description of mulgate a regulation that requires appli- tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended, each position for which a nonimmigrant is cants under this subsection to pay an admin- in the undesignated matter following sub- sought, that includes— istrative fee to cover the average paperwork paragraph (I), as added by section 4(b)— ‘‘(I) the occupational classification, and if processing costs and other administrative (1) in the fourth sentence, by inserting ‘‘, different the employer’s job title for the po- costs. and through the internet website of the De- sition, in which the nonimmigrant(s) will be ‘‘(B)(i) Fees collected under this paragraph partment of Labor, without charge.’’ after employed; shall be deposited as offsetting receipts with- ‘‘Washington, D.C.’’;

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(2) in the fifth sentence, by striking ‘‘only (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), ‘‘(n) ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR EMPLOY- for completeness’’ and inserting ‘‘for com- by striking ‘‘a condition of paragraph (1)(B), MENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS.— pleteness, clear indicators of fraud or mis- (1)(E), or (1)(F)’’ and inserting ‘‘a condition ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An alien who has status representation of material fact,’’; of paragraph (1)(B), (1)(E), (1)(F), (1)(H), or under section 214, other than an alien de- (3) in the sixth sentence, by striking ‘‘or 1(I)’’; and scribed in subsection (c) (as remedied by sub- obviously inaccurate’’ and inserting ‘‘, pre- (B) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘$1,000’’ section (k), as amended by the Fairness for sents clear indicators of fraud or misrepre- and inserting ‘‘$3,000’’; High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020) or sub- sentation of material fact, or is obviously in- (2) in clause (ii)(I), by striking ‘‘$5,000’’ and paragraph (B) or (C) of section 101(a)(15), and accurate’’; and inserting ‘‘$15,000’’; any eligible dependents of such alien, who (4) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘If (3) in clause (iii)(I), by striking ‘‘$35,000’’ has filed a petition or on whose behalf a peti- the Secretary’s review of an application and inserting ‘‘$100,000’’; and tion has been filed for immigrant status pur- identifies clear indicators of fraud or mis- (4) in clause (vi)(III), by striking ‘‘$1,000’’ suant to subparagraph (E) or (F) of section representation of material fact, the Sec- and inserting ‘‘$3,000’’. 204(a)(1), may file an application with the retary may conduct an investigation and (e) INITIATION OF INVESTIGATIONS.—Section Secretary of Homeland Security for adjust- hearing in accordance with paragraph (2).’’. 212(n)(2)(G) of the Immigration and Nation- ment of status if such petition was approved (b) ENSURING PREVAILING WAGES ARE FOR ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(G)) is amended— not less than two years before the date on AREA OF EMPLOYMENT AND ACTUAL WAGES (1) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘In the case of which the application for adjustment of sta- ARE FOR SIMILARLY EMPLOYED.—Section an investigation’’ in the second sentence and tus is filed, regardless of whether an immi- 212(n)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nation- all that follows through the period at the grant visa is immediately available on that ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(A)) is amended— end of the clause; date. For any dependent child who files an (1) in clause (i), in the undesignated matter (2) in clause (ii), in the first sentence, by application under this subsection, that indi- following subclause (II), by striking ‘‘and’’ at striking ‘‘and whose identity’’ and all that vidual may continue to qualify as a depend- the end; follows through ‘‘failure or failures.’’ and in- ent child for purposes of the application re- (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at serting ‘‘the Secretary of Labor may conduct gardless of the individual’s age or whether the end and inserting ‘‘, and’’; and an investigation into the employer’s compli- the principal beneficiary is deceased at the (3) by adding at the end the following: ance with the requirements under this sub- time an immigrant visa becomes available. ‘‘(iii) will ensure that— section.’’; Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs ‘‘(I) the actual wages or range identified in (3) in clause (iii), by striking the second (3), (4), and (5), an alien who files an applica- tion under this subsection shall be eligible clause (i) relate solely to employees having sentence; for work authorization and travel permission substantially the same duties and respon- (4) by striking clauses (iv) and (v); on the same terms as an alien who files an sibilities as the H–1B nonimmigrant in the (5) by redesignating clauses (vi), (vii), and application under subsection (a). geographical area of intended employment, (viii) as clauses (iv), (v), and (vi), respec- ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY.—An adjustment of sta- considering experience, qualifications, edu- tively; tus application filed pursuant to paragraph cation, job responsibility and function, spe- (6) in clause (iv), as so redesignated— (1) may not be approved until the date on cialized knowledge, and other legitimate (A) by striking‘‘clause (viii)’’ and inserting which an immigrant visa becomes available. business factors, except in a geographical ‘‘clause (vi)’’; and An admissible alien who has properly filed (B) by striking ‘‘meet a condition described area there are no such employees, and such an application shall have the same sta- in clause (ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘comply with ‘‘(II) the prevailing wages identified in tus as an alien who files under subsection the requirements under this subsection’’; clause (ii) reflect the best available informa- (a). tion for the geographical area within normal (7) by amending clause (v), as so redesig- ‘‘(3) DUTIES, HOURS, AND COMPENSATION.— commuting distance of the actual address of nated, to read as follows: The terms and conditions of a qualifying em- employment at which the H–1B non- ‘‘(v)(I) The Secretary of Labor shall pro- ployment position offered to an alien who immigrant is or will be employed.’’. vide notice to an employer of the intent to has filed a petition or on whose behalf a peti- (c) PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATION AND conduct an investigation under clause (i) or tion has been filed, for immigrant status DISPOSITION.—Section 212(n)(2)(A) of the Im- (ii). pursuant to subparagraph (E) or (F) of sec- migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. ‘‘(II) The notice shall be provided in such a tion 204(a)(1), including duties, hours, and 1182(n)(2)(A)) is amended— manner, and shall contain sufficient detail, compensation, during the period following (1) by striking ‘‘(2)(A) Subject’’ and insert- to permit the employer to respond to the al- the filing of an application for adjustment ing ‘‘(2)(A)(i) Subject’’; legations before an investigation is com- under paragraph (1) and before a visa be- (2) by striking the fourth sentence; and menced. comes immediately available, must be com- (3) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(III) The Secretary is not required to mensurate with the terms and conditions ap- ‘‘(ii)(I) Upon receipt of a complaint under comply with this clause if the Secretary de- plicable to the employer’s similarly situated clause (i), the Secretary may initiate an in- termines that such compliance would inter- United States workers in the area of employ- vestigation to determine whether such a fail- fere with an effort by the Secretary to inves- ment. If the employer does not employ and ure or misrepresentation has occurred. tigate or secure compliance by the employer has not recently employed more than two ‘‘(II) The Secretary may conduct— with the requirements of this subsection. similarly situated U.S. workers in the area ‘‘(aa) surveys of the degree to which em- ‘‘(IV) A determination by the Secretary of employment, the employer nevertheless ployers comply with the requirements under under this clause shall not be subject to judi- remains obligated to attest that the terms this subsection; and cial review.’’; and conditions of the alien’s employment are ‘‘(bb) subject to subclause (IV), annual (8) in clause (vi), as so redesignated, by commensurate with the terms and condi- compliance audits of any employer that em- striking ‘‘An investigation’’ in the first sen- tions of employment for other similarly situ- ploys H–1B nonimmigrants during the appli- tence and all that follows through ‘‘the de- ated United States workers in the area of cable calendar year. termination.’’ in the second sentence and in- employment. ‘Similarly situated United ‘‘(III) Subject to subclause (IV), the Sec- serting ‘‘If the Secretary of Labor, after an States workers’ includes United States retary shall— investigation under clause (i) or (ii), deter- workers performing similar duties, subject ‘‘(aa) conduct annual compliance audits of mines that a reasonable basis exists to make to similar supervision, and with similar edu- each employer that employs more than 100 a finding that the employer has failed to cational backgrounds, industry expertise, full-time equivalent employees who are em- comply with the requirements under this employment experience, levels of responsi- ployed in the United States if more than 15 subsection, the Secretary shall provide inter- bility, and skill sets as the alien in the same percent of such full-time employees are H–1B ested parties with notice of such determina- geographic area of employment as the alien. nonimmigrants; and tion and an opportunity for a hearing in ac- The duties, hours, and compensation of such ‘‘(bb) make available to the public an exec- cordance with section 556 of title 5, United aliens are ‘commensurate’ with those offered utive summary or report describing the gen- States Code, not later than 60 days after the to United States workers employed by the eral findings of the audits conducted under date of such determination.’’; and employer in the same area of employment this subclause. (9) by adding at the end the following: when the employer can show that the duties, ‘‘(IV) In the case of an employer subject to ‘‘(vii) If the Secretary of Labor, after a hours, and compensation are consistent with an annual compliance audit in which there hearing, finds that the employer has violated the range of such terms and conditions the was no finding of a willful failure to meet a a requirement under this subsection, the employer has offered or would offer to simi- condition under subparagraph (C)(ii), no fur- Secretary may impose a penalty pursuant to larly situated United States employees. ther annual compliance audit shall be con- subparagraph (C).’’. ‘‘(4) ENFORCEMENT.—A principal applicant ducted with respect to such employer for a SEC. 7. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR EMPLOY- applying for adjustment pursuant to para- period of not less than 4 years, absent evi- MENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS. graph (1) shall file a Confirmation of Bona dence of misrepresentation or fraud.’’. (a) ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR EMPLOY- Fide Job Offer or Portability with any re- (d) PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.—Section MENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS.— quest for an employment authorization docu- 212(n)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nation- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 245 of such Act (8 ment. Any employment authorization docu- ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)) is amended – U.S.C. 1255) is amended by adding at the end ment issued to such a principal applicant (1) in clause (i)— the following: shall expire after three years, and another

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.051 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 Confirmation of Bona Fide Offer or Port- (2) This section shall continue in effect cial fishermen, and for other purposes; ability shall be filed with any request for a with respect to any alien who has filed an as follows: renewal of employment authorization. No application under this section any time prior Strike all after the enacting clause and in- final decision on an application under para- to the date on which this section otherwise sert the following: graph (1) may be issued without a filing of a ceases to have effect. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Port- SEC. 8. LIMIT ON ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FROM This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Young Fish- ability by the principal applicant received H–1B NONIMMIGRANT OR H–4 NON- ermen’s Development Act’’. within 12 months of such decision. A prin- IMMIGRANT TO EB IMMIGRANT. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. cipal applicant shall provide sufficient infor- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 245 of the Immi- In this Act: mation to verify compliance with paragraph gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1235), (1) SEA GRANT INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘Sea (3), and an indication that the filing is to en- as amended by section 7, is further amended Grant Institution’’ means a sea grant college sure compliance for an adjustment applicant by adding at the end the following: under this subsection, when the applicant ‘‘(o) LIMIT ON ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FROM or sea grant institute, as those terms are de- files a Confirmation. A principal applicant H–1B NONIMMIGRANT OR H–4 NONIMMIGRANT fined in section 203 of the National Sea shall also provide a signed letter from his or TO EB IMMIGRANT.— Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1122). her current or prospective employer attest- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In applying this section (2) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘Trib- ing that the terms and conditions of the to an alien who is (or has been during the al organization’’ has the meaning given the alien’s employment are commensurate with most recent 2-year period) a nonimmigrant term ‘‘tribal organization’’ in section 4 of the terms and conditions of employment for described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), or to the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- other similarly situated United States work- the spouse or any minor children of such cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). ers in the area of employment. If a required alien who is (or has been during the most re- (3) YOUNG FISHERMAN.—The term ‘‘young Confirmation is not timely received by cent 2-year period) an H–4 nonimmigrant— fisherman’’ means an individual who— United States Citizenship and Immigration ‘‘(A) the number of such aliens (including (A) desires to participate in the commer- Services, the underlying Application to Ad- the spouses and children of such aliens) cial fisheries of the United States, including just Status filed under paragraph (1), includ- granted an adjustment of status to that of an the Great Lakes fisheries; ing the applications for eligible dependents, immigrant described in section 203(b) or oth- (B) has worked as a captain, crew member, shall be denied. In adjudicating the Applica- erwise issued an immigrant visa under this or deckhand on a commercial fishing vessel tion to Adjust Status, when an immigrant Act in a fiscal year— for not more than 10 years of cumulative visa becomes available, United States Citi- ‘‘(i) during the period beginning on the service; or zenship and Immigration Services shall re- date of enactment of this subsection and (C) is a beginning commercial fisherman. quest the filing of a Confirmation of Bona ending on the date on which the ninth fiscal SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. Fide Job Offer or Portability if a Confirma- year after the effective date ends, may not The Secretary of Commerce, acting tion of Bona Fide Job Offer or Portability exceed 70 percent of the total number of em- through the National Sea Grant Office, shall has not been filed within the previous 12 ployment-based immigrants admitted in establish a program to provide training, edu- months and may consider the validity of any such fiscal year; and cation, outreach, and technical assistance Confirmation filing that has not already ‘‘(ii) after the date on which the ninth fis- initiatives for young fishermen, to be known been reviewed and found satisfactory. If the cal year after the effective date ends, may as the ‘‘Young Fishermen’s Development most recent Confirmation filing or prior fil- not exceed 50 percent of the total number of Grant Program’’ (referred to in this section ings not previously found satisfactory do not employment-based immigrants admitted in as the ‘‘Program’’). warrant a finding of compliance with section such fiscal year; and SEC. 4. GRANTS. 204(j) or paragraph (3), United States Citizen- ‘‘(B) the limitations set forth subparagraph (a) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the Pro- ship and Immigration Services shall issue a (A) shall not apply to any such alien (or the gram, the Secretary shall make competitive Notice of Intent to Deny the underlying Ap- spouse or children of such alien) if such grants to support new and established local plication to Adjust Status providing an op- alien— and regional training, education, outreach, portunity for further evidence to be sub- ‘‘(i) has graduated from medical school and and technical assistance initiatives for mitted on such deficiency after which any will be performing services in the United young fishermen, including programs, work- applicant that does not meet his or her bur- States as a member of the medical profes- shops, and services relating to— den of proof shall receive a denial of the un- sion; or (1) seamanship, navigation, electronics, derlying Application to Adjust Status and ‘‘(ii) has been granted a national interest and safety; the applications of eligible dependents. waiver by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (2) vessel and engine care, maintenance, ‘‘(5) LIMITATION ON WORK AUTHORIZATION.— Services under section 203(b)(2)(B). and repair; An alien who was neither authorized to work ‘‘(2) EFFECTIVE DATE DEFINED.—In this sub- (3) innovative conservation fishing gear en- nor eligible to request work authorization at section, the term ‘effective date’ means the gineering and technology; the time an application was filed under para- first day of the second fiscal year beginning (4) sustainable fishing practices; graph (1) shall not be eligible to receive work after the date of enactment of this sub- (5) entrepreneurship and good business authorization pursuant to paragraph (1) or section.’’. practices; section 274a.12(c)(9) of title 8, Code of Federal (b) UNUSED EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT (6) direct marketing, supply chain, and Regulations. VISAS.—Any immigrant visas reserved under traceability; ‘‘(6) CONFIRMATIONS OF BONA FIDE JOB OFFER section 203(b) of the Immigration and Na- (7) financial and risk management, includ- OR PORTABILITY FEE.— tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) for employ- ing vessel, permit, and quota purchasing; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.— Notwithstanding any ment-based immigrants that are not needed (8) State and Federal legal requirements other provision of law, the Secretary of for an employment-based immigrant may be for specific fisheries, including reporting, Homeland Security shall charge and collect issued to aliens described in subparagraph in monitoring, licenses, and regulations; a fee in the amount of $2,000 for each Con- section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration (9) State and Federal fisheries policy and firmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Port- and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. management; ability filed under this subsection. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)). (10) mentoring, apprenticeships, or intern- ‘‘(B) DEPOSITS.—The fees collected under SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON ADMISSION OR ADJUST- ships; and subparagraph (A) shall be deposited and used MENT OF STATUS OF ALIENS AFFILI- (11) any other activities, opportunities, or as follows: ATED WITH THE MILITARY FORCES programs, as the Secretary determines ap- ‘‘(i) Fifty percent of such fees shall be de- OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF propriate. CHINA OR THE CHINESE COM- (b) ELIGIBILITY.— posited into the Immigration Examinations MUNIST PARTY. Fee Account established by section 286(m) (1) APPLICANTS.—To be eligible to receive a The Secretary of Homeland Security shall grant under the Program, a recipient shall and available as provided in this subsection. not adjust status of any alien affiliated with ‘‘(ii) Fifty percent of such fees shall be de- be a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or re- the military forces of the People’s Republic gionally based network or partnership of posited into the Treasury as miscellaneous of China or the Chinese Communist Party, as public or private entities, which may in- receipts.’’. determined by the Secretary of Homeland clude— (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.— Section Security, in consultation with the Secretary (A) a Sea Grant Institution; 245(k) of the Immigration and Nationality of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attor- (B) a Federal or State agency or a Tribal Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(k)) is amended by adding ney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, organization; ‘‘or (n)’’ after ‘‘pursuant to subsection (a)’’. and the Director of National Intelligence. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— (C) a community-based nongovernmental (1) This section and the amendments made SA 2691. Mr. INHOFE (for Mr. SUL- organization; by this section— (D) fishermen’s cooperatives or associa- LIVAN) proposed an amendment to the (A) shall take effect one year after the date tions; of enactment of this Act; and bill S. 496, to preserve United States (E) an institution of higher education (in- (B) except as provided in paragraph (2), fishing heritage through a national cluding an institution awarding an associ- shall cease to have effect as of the date that program dedicated to training and as- ate’s degree), or a foundation maintained by is nine years after that date of enactment. sisting the next generation of commer- an institution of higher education; or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.051 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7187 (F) any other appropriate entity, as the Senate on Wednesday, December 2, tion 200302 of title 54, United States Code, in- Secretary determines appropriate. 2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. cluding data on— (2) PARTICIPANTS.—All young fishermen (A) the method used for the acquisition; and COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC seeking to participate in the commercial (B) the type of interest acquired; WORKS fisheries of the United States and the Great (2) not later than 1 year after the date of en- Lakes are eligible to participate in the ac- The Committee on Environment and actment of this Act, and annually thereafter, tivities funded through grants provided for Public Works is authorized to meet submit to Congress a report describing the infor- in this section, except that participants in during the session of the Senate on mation collected under paragraph (1); and such activities shall be selected by each Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 9:45 (3) develop guidance to ensure that land ac- grant recipient. a.m., to conduct a hearing. quisition data collected under paragraph (1) is (c) MAXIMUM TERM AND AMOUNT OF entered correctly and properly coded in the data COMRNITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS GRANT.— system of the Bureau of Land Management. (1) IN GENERAL.—A grant under this section The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the ses- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask shall— unanimous consent that the com- (A) have a term of no more than 3 fiscal sion of the Senate on Wednesday, De- years; and cember 2, 2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a mittee-reported substitute amendment (B) be in an amount that is not more than hearing nominations. be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, $200,000 for each fiscal year. be considered read a third time and SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE (2) CONSECUTIVE GRANTS.—An eligible re- passed; that the committee-reported cipient may receive consecutive grants The Select Committee on Intel- amendment to the title be agreed to; under this section. ligence is authorized to meet during and that the motion to reconsider be (d) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—To be eligible the session of the Senate on Tuesday, considered made and laid upon the to receive a grant under this section, a re- December 2, 2020, at 2 p.m., to conduct table. cipient shall provide a match in the form of a closed briefing. cash or in-kind contributions from the re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS AND cipient in the amount equal to or greater objection, it is so ordered. MANAGEMENT SUPPORT than 25 percent of the funds provided by the The committee-reported amendment grant. The Subcommittee on Readiness and in the nature of a substitute was (e) REGIONAL BALANCE.—In making grants Management Support of the Com- agreed to. under this section, the Secretary shall, to mittee on Armed Services is authorized The bill (S. 434), as amended, was or- the maximum extent practicable, ensure ge- to meet during the session of the Sen- dered to be engrossed for a third read- ographic diversity. ate on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at ing, was read the third time, and (f) COOPERATION AND EVALUATION CRI- 9:15 a.m., to conduct a hearing. TERIA.—In carrying out this section and in passed. developing criteria for evaluating grant ap- SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL SPENDING The committee-reported amendment plications, the Secretary shall consult, to OVERSIGHT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT to the title was agreed to as follows: the maximum extent practicable, with— The Subcommittee on Federal Spend- Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A bill to (1) Sea Grant Institutions and extension ing Oversight and Emergency Manage- require the collection of certain data relat- agents of such institutions; ment of the Committee on Homeland ing to Bureau of Land Management land ac- (2) community-based nongovernmental Security and Governmental Affairs is quisitions, and for other purposes.’’. fishing organizations; authorized to meet during the session f (3) Federal and State agencies, including of the Senate on Wednesday, December Regional Fishery Management Councils es- REPUBLIC OF TEXAS LEGATION 2, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct a hear- tablished under the Magnuson-Stevens Fish- MEMORIAL ACT ery Conservation and Management Act (16 ing. U.S.C. 1851 et seq.); f Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask (4) institutions of higher education with unanimous consent that the Com- fisheries expertise and programs; and PROVIDING FOR A REPORT ON mittee on Energy and Natural Re- (5) partners, as the Secretary determines. THE MAINTENANCE OF FEDERAL sources be discharged from further con- (g) PROHIBITION.—A grant under this sec- LAND HOLDINGS UNDER THE JU- sideration of H.R. 3349 and the Senate tion may not be used to purchase any fishing RISDICTION OF THE SECRETARY proceed to its immediate consider- license, permit, quota, or other harvesting OF THE INTERIOR ation. right. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. The SEC. 5. FUNDING. unanimous consent that the Senate The Secretary of Commerce shall carry out clerk will report the bill by title. this Act using amounts made available to proceed to the immediate consider- The senior assistant legislative clerk the Department of Commerce for fiscal years ation of Calendar No. 349, S. 434. read as follows: 2022 through 2026. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The A bill (H.R. 3349) to authorize the Daugh- f clerk will report the bill by tile. ters of the Republic of Texas to establish the The senior assistant legislative clerk Republic of Texas Legation Memorial as a AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO read as follows: commemorative work in the District of Co- MEET A bill (S. 434) to provide for a report on the lumbia, and for other purposes. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I have 7 maintenance of Federal land holdings under There being no objection, the com- requests for committees to meet during the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Inte- mittee was discharged, and the Senate today’s session of the Senate. They rior. proceeded to consider the bill. have the approval of the Majority and There being no objection, the Senate Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- Minority leaders. proceeded to consider the bill, which sent that the bill be considered read a Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph had been reported from the Committee third time and passed and that the mo- 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- on Energy and Natural Resources, with tion to reconsider be considered made ate, the following committees are au- an amendment to strike all after the and laid upon the table. thorized to meet during today’s session enacting clause and insert in lieu The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the Senate: thereof the following: objection, it is so ordered. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND S. 434 The bill (H.R. 3349) was ordered to a FORESTRY Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- third reading, was read the third time, The Committee on Agriculture, Nu- resentatives of the United States of America in and passed. trition, and Forestry is authorized to Congress assembled, f meet during the session of the Senate SECTION 1. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 10 LAND ACQUISITION DATA. FALLEN JOURNALISTS MEMORIAL a.m., to conduct a hearing. The Secretary of the Interior (acting through ACT the Director of the Bureau of Land Manage- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask ment) shall— TRANSPORTATION (1) collect centralized data on land acquired unanimous consent that the Com- The Committee on Commerce, for administration by the Bureau of Land Man- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- Science, and Transportation is author- agement using amounts from the Land and sources be discharged from further con- ized to meet during the session of the Water Conservation Fund established under sec- sideration of H.R. 3465 and the Senate

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:05 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02DE6.054 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE S7188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 2, 2020 proceed to its immediate consider- pacities to manage the coastal region, and grants to support new and established local ation. for other purposes.’’, do pass with an amend- and regional training, education, outreach, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment. and technical assistance initiatives for objection, it is so ordered. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I move young fishermen, including programs, work- The clerk will report the bill by title. to concur in the House amendment and shops, and services relating to— The senior assistant legislative clerk I ask unanimous consent that the mo- (1) seamanship, navigation, electronics, read as follows: tion be agreed to; and that the motion and safety; (2) vessel and engine care, maintenance, A bill (H.R. 3465) to authorize the Fallen to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. and repair; Journalists Memorial Foundation to estab- (3) innovative conservation fishing gear en- lish a commemorative work in the District The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. gineering and technology; of Columbia and its environs, and for other (4) sustainable fishing practices; purposes. f (5) entrepreneurship and good business There being no objection, the com- YOUNG FISHERMEN’S practices; mittee was discharged, and the Senate DEVELOPMENT ACT (6) direct marketing, supply chain, and proceeded to consider the bill, which traceability; Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask was reported from the Committee on (7) financial and risk management, includ- unanimous consent that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources. ing vessel, permit, and quota purchasing; proceed to the immediate consider- (8) State and Federal legal requirements Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- ation of Calendar No. 394, S. 496. for specific fisheries, including reporting, sent that the bill be considered read a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The monitoring, licenses, and regulations; third time and passed and the motion clerk will report the bill by title. (9) State and Federal fisheries policy and to reconsider be considered made and The senior assistant legislative clerk management; laid upon the table. read as follows: (10) mentoring, apprenticeships, or intern- ships; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A bill (S. 496) to preserve United States objection, it is so ordered. fishing heritage through a national program (11) any other activities, opportunities, or The bill (H.R. 3465) was ordered to a dedicated to training and assisting the next programs, as the Secretary determines ap- third reading, was read the third time, generation of commercial fishermen, and for propriate. and passed. other purposes. (b) ELIGIBILITY.— (1) APPLICANTS.—To be eligible to receive a f There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, which grant under the Program, a recipient shall NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE had been reported from the Committee be a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or re- PROGRAM AMENDMENTS ACT OF on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- gionally based network or partnership of 2020 public or private entities, which may in- tation. clude— Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask the Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- (A) a Sea Grant Institution; Chair to lay before the Senate the mes- sent that the Sullivan substitute (B) a Federal or State agency or a Tribal sage to accompany S. 910. amendment at the desk be agreed to organization; The Presiding Officer laid before the and that the bill, as amended, be con- (C) a community-based nongovernmental Senate the following message from the sidered read a third time. organization; House of Representatives: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (D) fishermen’s cooperatives or associa- tions; Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. objection, it is so ordered. (E) an institution of higher education (in- 910) entitled ‘‘An Act to reauthorize and The amendment (No. 2691) in the na- cluding an institution awarding an associ- amend the National Sea Grant College Pro- ture of a substitute was agreed to, as ate’s degree), or a foundation maintained by gram Act, and for other purposes.’’, do pass follows: an institution of higher education; or with an amendment. (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) (F) any other appropriate entity, as the Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I move Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Secretary determines appropriate. to concur in the House amendment, sert the following: (2) PARTICIPANTS.—All young fishermen and I know of no further debate on the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. seeking to participate in the commercial motion. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Young Fish- fisheries of the United States and the Great ermen’s Development Act’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Lakes are eligible to participate in the ac- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. tivities funded through grants provided for further debate? In this Act: in this section, except that participants in Hearing none, the question is on (1) SEA GRANT INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘Sea such activities shall be selected by each agreeing to the motion to concur. Grant Institution’’ means a sea grant college grant recipient. The motion was agreed to. or sea grant institute, as those terms are de- (c) MAXIMUM TERM AND AMOUNT OF Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask fined in section 203 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1122). GRANT.— unanimous consent that the motion to (1) IN GENERAL.—A grant under this section (2) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘Trib- reconsider be considered made and laid shall— upon the table. al organization’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘tribal organization’’ in section 4 of (A) have a term of no more than 3 fiscal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- years; and objection, it is so ordered. cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (B) be in an amount that is not more than $200,000 for each fiscal year. f (3) YOUNG FISHERMAN.—The term ‘‘young fisherman’’ means an individual who— (2) CONSECUTIVE GRANTS.—An eligible re- DIGITAL COAST ACT (A) desires to participate in the commer- cipient may receive consecutive grants under this section. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask the cial fisheries of the United States, including Chair to lay before the Senate the mes- the Great Lakes fisheries; (d) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—To be eligible sage to accompany S. 1069. (B) has worked as a captain, crew member, to receive a grant under this section, a re- or deckhand on a commercial fishing vessel cipient shall provide a match in the form of The Presiding Officer laid before the for not more than 10 years of cumulative Senate the following message from the cash or in-kind contributions from the re- service; or cipient in the amount equal to or greater House of Representatives: (C) is a beginning commercial fisherman. than 25 percent of the funds provided by the Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. grant. 1069) entitled ‘‘An Act to require the Sec- The Secretary of Commerce, acting retary of Commerce, acting through the Ad- through the National Sea Grant Office, shall (e) REGIONAL BALANCE.—In making grants ministrator of the National Oceanic and At- establish a program to provide training, edu- under this section, the Secretary shall, to mospheric Administration, to establish a cation, outreach, and technical assistance the maximum extent practicable, ensure ge- constituent-driven program to provide a dig- initiatives for young fishermen, to be known ographic diversity. ital information platform capable of effi- as the ‘‘Young Fishermen’s Development ciently integrating coastal data with deci- Grant Program’’ (referred to in this section (f) COOPERATION AND EVALUATION CRI- sion-support tools, training, and best prac- as the ‘‘Program’’). TERIA.—In carrying out this section and in tices and to support collection of priority SEC. 4. GRANTS. developing criteria for evaluating grant ap- coastal geospatial data to inform and im- (a) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the Pro- plications, the Secretary shall consult, to prove local, State, regional, and Federal ca- gram, the Secretary shall make competitive the maximum extent practicable, with—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:42 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02DE6.057 S02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with SENATE December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7189 (1) Sea Grant Institutions and extension made and laid upon the table, all en TION FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2023, VICE AN- THONY FRANK D’AGOSTINO, TERM EXPIRED. agents of such institutions; bloc. (2) community-based nongovernmental The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without PUBLIC BUILDINGS REFORM BOARD fishing organizations; objection, it is so ordered. GINO D. CAMPANA, OF COLORADO, TO BE CHAIRPERSON (3) Federal and State agencies, including OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS REFORM BOARD FOR A TERM The resolutions (S. Res. 783, S. Res. OF SIX YEARS. (NEW POSITION) Regional Fishery Management Councils es- 784, S. Res. 785, S. Res. 786, and S. Res. tablished under the Magnuson-Stevens Fish- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ery Conservation and Management Act (16 787) were agreed to en bloc. The preambles were agreed to en MELANIE J. BEVAN, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED U.S.C. 1851 et seq.); STATES MARSHAL FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLOR- (4) institutions of higher education with bloc. IDA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE WILLIAM fisheries expertise and programs; and (The resolutions, with their pre- BENEDICT BERGER, SR., TERM EXPIRED. (5) partners, as the Secretary determines. ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD IN THE ARMY ROHIBITION (g) P .—A grant under this sec- under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT tion may not be used to purchase any fishing f IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE TO THE GRADE license, permit, quota, or other harvesting INDICATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPOR- ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, TANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., right. SECTION 601: SEC. 5. FUNDING. DECEMBER 3, 2020 To be general The Secretary of Commerce shall carry out Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask this Act using amounts made available to unanimous consent that when the Sen- GEN. PAUL J. LACAMERA the Department of Commerce for fiscal years IN THE NAVY 2022 through 2026. ate completes its business today, it ad- journ until 10 a.m., Thursday, Decem- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT The bill was ordered to be engrossed ber 3; further, that following the pray- IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED for a third reading and was read the WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND er and pledge, the morning hour be RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: third time. deemed expired, the Journal of pro- Mr. INHOFE. I know of no further de- To be admiral ceedings be approved to date, the time bate on the bill, as amended. ADM. JOHN C. AQUILINO for the two leaders be reserved for their The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY use later in the day, and morning busi- is no further debate, the bill having ness be closed; further, that following RICKY RODEN, OF ALABAMA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE been read the third time, the question BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AU- leader remarks, the Senate proceed to THORITY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING is, Shall the bill pass? MAY 18, 2021, VICE JAMES R. THOMPSON III. The bill (S. 496), as amended, was executive session to resume consider- ation of the Waller nomination, under UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE passed. COMMISSION Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- the previous order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without WILLIAM PATRICK JOSEPH KIMMITT, OF VIRGINIA, TO sent that the motion to reconsider be objection, it is so ordered. BE A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL considered made and laid upon the TRADE COMMISSION FOR A TERM EXPIRING JUNE 16, 2029, table. f VICE F. SCOTT KIEFF, TERM EXPIRED. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. DEPARTMENT OF STATE objection, it is so ordered. TOMORROW ELDON P. REGUA, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE REPRESENTA- TIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE ASSO- f Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, if there CIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS, WITH THE RANK AND STATUS OF AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY is no further business to come before AND PLENIPOTENTIARY. the Senate, I ask unanimous consent Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask that it stand adjourned under the pre- unanimous consent that the Senate f vious order. now proceed to the en bloc consider- There being no objection, the Senate, ation of the following Senate resolu- at 7:17 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, CONFIRMATIONS tions, which were submitted earlier December 3, 2020, at 10 a.m. Executive nominations confirmed by today: S. Res. 783, S. Res. 784, S. Res. the Senate December 2, 2020: 785, S. Res. 786, and S. Res. 787. f There being no objection, the Senate NOMINATIONS THE JUDICIARY proceeded to consider the resolutions KATHRYN C. DAVIS, OF MARYLAND, TO BE A JUDGE OF Executive nominations received by THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS FOR A en bloc. the Senate: TERM OF FIFTEEN YEARS. Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION sent that the resolutions be agreed to, CORPORATION the preambles be agreed to, and the KYLE HAUPTMAN, OF MAINE, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE WILLIAM S. JASIEN, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE A DIRECTOR NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION BOARD FOR motions to reconsider be considered OF THE SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORA- A TERM EXPIRING AUGUST 2, 2025.

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