Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

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

Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 No. 143 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was Zika legislation. This will allow us to the American people are in a mood to called to order by the President pro start work so that when we have an listen anymore. tempore (Mr. HATCH). agreement, we will be able to review Health care costs just rose last f and debate it. month by the largest amount in over We all know how important these three decades. Deductibles are out- PRAYER funds are for combating Zika and sup- pacing wages, premiums are spiking by The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- porting our veterans. Let’s continue to double digits just about everywhere fered the following prayer: work quickly so we can eventually pass and could even increase as much as 60 Let us pray. an agreement as soon as possible. percent in some places. This is Our Father, we wait in reverence be- f ObamaCare’s legacy. It is a direct at- fore Your throne. Cleanse us from our tack on the middle class. It is ruining OBAMACARE sins, creating in us clean hearts while lives and making life even harder for renewing a right spirit within us. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on those who struggle already. Help our lawmakers today to discern another matter, my friend the Demo- I have a message for our friends Your voice and do Your will. Give them cratic leader has a favorite saying. He across the aisle: Remember what your the ability to differentiate Your guid- often says that the definition of insan- leader likes to say about doing the ance from all others, permitting You to ity is doing the same thing over and same thing over and over. Stop denying lead them to Your desired destination. over and expecting a different result. I reality, stop pretending this is some- Grant them, O God, minds to know, am not sure his fellow Democrats got body else’s fault, own up to what you hearts to seek You, wisdom to find the memo. have done to the middle class, and then You, and conduct to please You. Speak At a time when ObamaCare is raising work with us to build a bridge away to them through Your Word, guide health costs dramatically and chasing from it. ObamaCare is scary enough for them with Your Spirit, and sustain competition out of the health industry America’s middle class. The last thing them with Your might. and collapsing on itself, Democrats Americans need now is some govern- We pray in Your great Name. Amen. just rolled out a brandnew health care ment-run sequel. f idea to fix the problem that even they f grudgingly admit is plaguing families. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE And what is their answer? More RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY The President pro tempore led the ObamaCare. No, this is not a joke. LEADER Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: Democrats actually introduced legisla- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tion last week calling for ObamaCare Democratic leader is recognized. United States of America, and to the Repub- 2.0, a new government-run health plan. f lic for which it stands, one nation under God, It is not as if this is even a new idea. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It is just a stale leftover from the OBAMACARE f health care debate back in 2009, an idea Mr. REID. Mr. President, my entire many Democrats once deemed so bad caucus got the message. We understand RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY that it was cut from the final Einstein’s definition of insanity is LEADER ObamaCare bill, but now it is their doing the same thing over and over The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hail Mary. again, and the over and over again, my PAUL). The majority leader is recog- It is beyond tone deaf, and there are friend should understand, is the fact nized. good reasons that so many in their own that Republicans have voted 70 times f caucus will not support it. It is insult- to repeal ObamaCare, each time with ing to millions of Americans who con- the same result. My friend should know CONTINUING RESOLUTION tinue to watch their premiums spike that every one of my Senators got the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- after Democrats said they would be memo, as he said. terday the Senate took the next step in lower. It is insulting to the millions of If someone would spend a minute allowing us to eventually pass a con- Americans who continue to watch their each day flipping through the news- tinuing resolution. While negotiations out-of-pocket costs shoot ever higher papers about health care, they would are ongoing, I want to thank col- after Democrats said it would be af- understand that ObamaCare has leagues on both sides for their coopera- fordable. I am sure Democrats will changed America for the better. Twen- tion in voting to proceed to the bill make plenty more promises to sell ty million people now have the oppor- that will be used as a shell for the CR- their latest bad idea; I am just not sure tunity to go to the doctor when they

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

S5913

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.000 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 are sick or to the hospital when they his returns, and he comes up with one Yesterday we learned that his char- are hurt. That wasn’t the way it used excuse after another to not release his ity—they don’t put money in it. He to be, and the American people are be- tax returns. It is a little odd because gets other charities to donate to his ginning to realize that the constant the Donald Trump we are talking charity, and then he goes out and tries carping about ObamaCare from the Re- about is not known for cautionary re- to be a big shot by donating other peo- publicans is wrong. It is wrong for a straint; he is the most unhinged and ple’s money. Even though Trump re- number of reasons. The American peo- reckless Presidential candidate ever. fuses to pay his share of taxes, he is ple are beginning to realize that with Let’s consider just a little bit of his content to use other taxpayers’ hard- just a little bit of help, ObamaCare track record. We have seen Trump refer earned money. could be made even better. A report to women in the most crude and derog- One news outlet has reported that came out yesterday that premiums for atory manner. We have seen Trump over the last three decades Donald ObamaCare are still less than employer call immigrants murderers and rapists. Trump has received $885 million in tax programs. It is about 3 percent lower We have seen Trump fearmonger breaks. Let’s put that in perspective. than the company-run plans. against Muslim Americans, even the In 2014, the entire State of Ohio re- The marketplace is what it is all parents of one of our proud soldiers ceived $686 million in Federal funding about, and that is what is determining who lost his life fighting for our coun- to provide benefits for needy families. what is happening with ObamaCare. try. We have seen Trump mock some- That money helped almost 120,000 peo- The disabled can get insurance, young one with a disability on more than one ple in Ohio. Trump received $885 mil- men and women can stay on their par- occasion. We have seen Trump impugn lion, and the entire State of Ohio re- ents’ insurance until the age of 26. In- a Federal judge. Why? Because his par- ceived only $686 million. There is no surance companies are limited in how ents were Hispanic. We have seen question about it: Donald Trump is a they can punish people, as they did in Trump continue to question President welfare king, but the welfare king the past. They can’t set an arbitrary Obama’s country of origin. We have doesn’t want voters to see that he limit as to how much insurance they seen Trump casually raise the specter doesn’t pay taxes even as he uses a bil- would provide. If somebody was hurt in of an assassination against Hillary lion of taxpayer dollars to keep his a serious accident, they would just ter- Clinton on more than one occasion. bankrupt companies afloat. Trump minate them from the insurance, not This is the Donald Trump we know. doesn’t want Americans to see that he to mention all of the other things. We Donald Trump will do and say any- claims middle-class tax credits. were at their mercy. Obviously Repub- thing regardless of the consequences. This is a report in the New York licans want to go back to that same Why does Trump refuse to produce Daily News: system, and it is not a good system. his tax returns? Why is this the one The flame-throwing Republican contender f time in his life that he exercises cau- for the White House appears to be the only tion? Why does he maintain absolute New York City billionaire who snagged a tax DONALD TRUMP silence on his taxes? The answer is break aimed at middle class homeowners, Mr. REID. Mr. President, I learned a very simple—because Trump’s tax re- raising even more questions about his alleged billions. long time ago here in the Senate that turns would further destroy his Presi- the rules of the Senate do not allow dential candidacy. Production of his Continuing to quote: pictures, graphs, and things of that na- tax returns would again prove that he An analysis of property records for 38 Big ture to go in the CONGRESSIONAL is a fraud. If the American people had Apple billionaires on the ‘Forbes 400’ list conducted by Crain’s New York Business RECORD, and that is really too bad. I access to Donald Trump’s tax returns, found Trump was the only one to receive the wish I had the time this morning—I they would show he is not the billion- STAR tax credit. That credit . . . gives those read the paper this morning—to blow aire he claims to be. Trump wants us entitled to around $300 off their tax bill. up this cartoon by the syndicated car- to believe that in spite of all of his So is he a billionaire? I doubt it. toonist of the Washington Post, Tom bankruptcies and litigations that have Donald Trump, this self-purported Toles. I have talked to him a couple of been going on for decades, he is the in- billionaire, has been falsely claiming a times over the past many decades be- credibly wealthy, successful business- $300 tax break for years. He has done it cause he is really good, and today’s man that he portrays himself to be. for a number of years. Like a sponge, cartoon is about as good as it gets. But he is not, and his tax returns will Donald Trump soaks up all the tax- This is a picture that Tom Toles prove he is far from a wealthy Trump. payer money he can find while at the sketched of Donald Trump. I would like Donald Trump’s tax returns will also same time not paying his fair share of everyone to take a look at it. I wish I prove that he avoids paying his fair taxes. could put it in the RECORD. It is a car- share of taxes. On the rare occasion Remember, the same Donald Trump, toon of Donald Trump, and he is say- that Donald Trump’s tax returns have who once said: ing: ‘‘Maybe we need to start ‘profiling’ been made public—that was on one oc- The problem we have right now, we have a huckster haircuts, beady eyes, casion some time ago—they showed society that sits back and says we’re not blowhard lips, unhealthy orange glow, that he paid nothing in income taxes. going to do anything. And eventually the 50 obvious self-dealing’’—and he has As the Washington Post reported ear- percent cannot carry, and it’s unfair to money pouring out of his pockets— lier this year: them, but cannot carry the other 50 percent. ‘‘overweight, underhanded, ever-shift- The last time information from Donald I think Donald Trump is confused ing positions.’’ And, as Toles always Trump’s income-tax returns was made pub- about who is carrying whom. He is the has in every cartoon, there is a little lic, the bottom line was striking: He paid the one relaxing, playing golf at his golf person down in the bottom generally federal government $0 in income taxes. courses, many of which are largely paid making some snide remark about the Donald Trump is afraid that if his for by taxpayer dollars, and depending cartoon, and what that little person supporters discover that he has avoided at the same time on the American tax- says today is that there is a ‘‘body of paying taxes, they will see him for payer to bankroll his company and his evidence’’—the body of Donald Trump, what he is—someone the IRS should golf game, but Trump doesn’t seem to and he is the one who should be charge with a crime and investigate, or care. In fact, he brags about how he profiled, not the people he wants to at least do something. He deserves all uses other people’s hard-earned money. have profiled. the scrutiny he can get because he Here is what he said yesterday: A little more about Donald Trump— doesn’t want us to see what he has in It’s called OPM: Other people’s money. Mitt Romney and I agree on one thing, his so-called income. There’s nothing wrong with doing things and that is one thing for sure. There Perhaps the most damning evidence with other people’s money. That’s what I do. are other things we would agree on, but of Trump’s tax records would be that How could Speaker RYAN, Senator let’s talk about one thing that Mitt he lives off the American taxpayer. MCCONNELL, and other congressional Romney and I agree on, and that is Donald Trump is a freeloader. Even Republicans endorse this man for that Donald Trump should release his though Trump refuses to pay his share President or endorse him for anything? tax returns. But Trump will not release of taxes, he is content to use other tax- How can they continue to support Don- his tax returns. He refuses to release payers’ hard-earned money. ald Trump as he shuns transparency

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.001 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5915 and refuses to release the most basic fore the committee yesterday to ex- floor and say: And here is what we will information about his taxes and in- plain the situation. He faulted the over replace it with. come? 5,000 employees of Wells Fargo bank, There is a saying in downstate Illi- Hillary Clinton has posted all of her who he said were not honest in their nois—I will clean it up a little bit— tax records for the last four decades for dealings with their customers, and that any mule can kick down a barn the world to see. Donald Trump shows they were dismissed. There were ques- door, but it takes a carpenter to build us nothing. He is afraid to. tions asked of Mr. Stumpf about the re- one. In this situation, the Republicans Mr. Trump, prove to every American sponsibility of the management of can’t wait to kick down the Affordable that you are the wealthy, successful Wells Fargo bank for this terrible mis- Care Act, but they don’t have any man you claim to be. carriage of justice and apparently very plans to build a replacement. Mr. Trump, prove to every American few, if any, managers were held ac- So here is what they want to do. that you have paid your fair share of countable. They want to go back to what they taxes. One particular woman who was in a consider the good old days of health in- Mr. Trump, prove to every American management capacity had been al- surance in America. that you are not mooching off the lowed to leave the bank under ex- Six years ago, let me tell me col- American taxpayer. tremely positive circumstances. She leagues, health insurance in America Mr. Trump, release your tax returns. was given a golden parachute of over was no picnic for most American fami- Prove me wrong. Prove Mitt Romney $100 million when leaving the bank. So lies. Not only was there a steady in- wrong. while 5,300 people, making around $12 crease in premiums year after year, but I dare you to come clean and show us an hour, were being dismissed because health insurance companies were very your tax records. of their lack of ethics, this managing picky about the people they would in- But he won’t. woman was, in fact, rewarded with a sure. If you happened to be the parents Mr. President, I see my good friend, golden parachute of over $100 million of a child who had weathered the storm the Senator from Illinois, the assistant as she left. and survived cancer treatment, your Democratic leader, on the floor. Questions were raised by many of my child had a preexisting condition. If I now ask the Chair to announce the colleagues, including Senator BROWN, you could get health insurance, you business of the day. and even Republican colleagues were paid a lot for it. The same thing was skeptical of this Wells Fargo presen- true if your wife had survived a heart f tation. Senator ELIZABETH WARREN was attack, for example, and was now on RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME particularly poignant in her remarks the mend and doing well. She had a that so many of the lower echelon em- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under preexisting condition. ployees were found morally culpable the previous order, the leadership time So preexisting conditions became the and paid a heavy price, while those at is reserved. basis for discriminating against Amer- the highest ranks, including Mr. ican consumers. Who among us comes f Stumpf himself, were compensated from such a perfect family without any LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPRO- grandly for their leadership during this health record that we can say there are PRIATIONS ACT, 2017—MOTION TO terrible time. It is an indication of no preexisting conditions in my family. PROCEED what it takes to bring real justice to a If you don’t have one today, you might free market system. have one tomorrow. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under I am a person who believes America One of the things about the Afford- the previous order, the Senate will re- is lucky to have the economy it has, able Care Act is, we said health insur- sume consideration of the motion to but I also know that throughout his- ance companies cannot discriminate proceed to H.R. 5325, which the clerk tory, there have been excesses where against people because of preexisting will report. people have had to step in—sometimes conditions. In the bad old days, which The legislative clerk read as follows: the media with disclosure and many the Republicans would return to, they Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 516, H.R. times the government with oversight could. Under the Affordable Care Act, 5325, a bill making appropriations for the and regulation—to right the wrongs they cannot. Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending which occur in runaway, rampant cap- We also said that lifetime limits on September 30, 2017, and for other purposes. italism. We saw it, of course, in the re- health insurance policies were unac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cession that hit our country in 2008. ceptable. So $100,000 may sound like a ator from Illinois. Many of the largest banks in this coun- lot of money until you are diagnosed WELLS FARGO try took advantage of individuals and with cancer, and then you realize the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, every families and businesses. At the end of course of treatment is going to blow morning paper and most of the news- it, many people lost their savings, through that $100,000 before you are ul- casts this morning focused in on a their homes, and their jobs because of timately going to get what the doctor hearing of the Senate Banking Com- the greed of Wall Street, but what we has ordered. So we eliminated the life- mittee yesterday. It was a hearing are talking about in the area of justice time caps on these policies that were, where the President of the Wells Fargo doesn’t just apply to financial institu- in fact, creating poverty among many bank was called on to testify. At issue tions, it applies to health insurance as Americans families because of medical was a recent disclosure that over a pe- well. diagnoses. riod of many years, Wells Fargo bank AFFORDABLE CARE ACT We also eliminated discrimination was enrolling its customers, without Mr. President, on a regular basis based on gender. Why was it that a their knowledge, in the ownership of now, the leadership on the Republican man applying for a health insurance bank accounts and credit cards. Many side of the aisle has come forward to policy was paying less than a woman times they faced penalties and charges condemn the Affordable Care Act. It applying for a health insurance policy? which they did not understand because apparently is a big issue which they That discrimination was allowed under they had not asked to be enrolled in want to take into the election in No- the bad old days of health insurance these programs. The employees at vember. I hope the American people that the Republicans want to return to. Wells Fargo bank did it in an effort to listen carefully to what we have just We went further and said: If you are win favor within their corporate ranks heard from Senator MCCONNELL, the parents and have a young son or daugh- and even to receive bonuses. Republican leader in the Senate. ter, they can stay under your family This defrauding of thousands of Wells Day after day, week after week, health insurance plan until they reach Fargo customers was finally unearthed month after month, and year after the age of 26. Why is this important? by the media and by the Consumer Fi- year, for the last 5 years, Republicans Because kids out of college are still nancial Protection Bureau. As a result, have come to the floor and said: Let’s looking for work. They may not get a a substantial fine of millions of dollars abolish ObamaCare. Let’s end the Af- full-time job, they may not get health was paid by Wells Fargo bank, and the fordable Care Act. I am still waiting care benefits, but families want the President, Mr. Stumpf, was called be- for the first Republican to come to the peace of mind to know they are covered

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.003 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 until age 26, until they can have a there are ways to improve it. I signed State of Washington, who is in a key chance to develop their own health in- on to one of the provisions that Sen- position on the Appropriations Com- surance coverage. Under the bad old ator MCCONNELL took exception to this mittee and the authorizing committee days, that coverage was not there. The morning. It is a provision for us to con- in the area of medical research and is Republicans would like to go back to sider a public option when it comes to totally committed to the effort, and on that. That is a mistake as far as I am health insurance. I am all for private the Republican side Senator BLUNT of concerned. health insurance companies competing, Missouri and Senator ALEXANDER of We also basically said as well that if doing their best, trying to win the sup- Tennessee. Then Senator LINDSEY GRA- you are a senior citizen in America, port and the enrollment of American HAM of South Carolina joined me to co- you are not going to be burdened by families, but what is wrong with cre- chair the NIH Caucus. what was known as the doughnut hole. ating a Medicare-like proposal that is a Here are some things you may not People in Medicare are given a benefit not-for-profit entity providing health know about medical research and how for prescription drugs, but as the law insurance along the style of Medicare? important it is. There was a briefing was originally written, there was a gap Senator MCCONNELL was pretty crit- yesterday on diabetes. I didn’t realize in coverage in that benefit called the ical of that this morning. He hadn’t until I walked into that briefing that doughnut hole. You would be covered asked most Americans what they think one-third of the annual expenditure for for the first few months of the year on about Medicare. He should. Many of Medicare is for the treatment of diabe- expensive drugs; then you would be on them thank God we have it. For many tes. In addition to that, 20 percent of your own to either pay out of your sav- of them, it meant health insurance the annual expenditure for Medicare is ings or not take the drugs for several when they had no place to turn. The for Alzheimer’s. So for two diseases, di- months before coverage started again. creation of Medicare over 50 years ago abetes and Alzheimer’s, more than 50 We are closing the doughnut hole as was liberating to many seniors. Now percent of our Medicare budget is being part of the Affordable Care Act. The they finally have affordable, quality spent each year. If we could develop Republicans would take us back to the health care after they retire. So put- new drugs, new treatments, new ap- days of the doughnut hole, where indi- ting that on as a public option to be proaches that deal with diabetes and vidual retired Americans would face considered by those who are signing up Alzheimer’s, it would not only spare expenses of $2,000 or more for drugs for health insurance would let them the people from the suffering they are each year. We are in the process of shop and let them compete. That to me going through and from the need for closing that doughnut hole. The Repub- is consistent with what we want to medical care, but it would greatly help licans would take us back to the bad achieve when it comes to health care in our Medicare Program to be more sol- old days when we didn’t have that clo- this country. vent for years to come. sure. So we listen time and again to these Is medical research a good invest- They would eliminate the coverage of attacks and critiques of the Affordable ment? I think it is the best investment. health insurance brought on by the Af- Care Act. We have yet to see the Re- We have seen it pay off over and over fordable Care Act for over 20 million publican alternative. The only alter- and over again. Do you remember not Americans—20 million Americans. Sen- native they suggest is going back to too long ago when we were talking about people who were making their ator MCCONNELL would say: Sorry, we the bad old days when health insurance are going back to the bad old days. You cost too much, when health insurance last trek down to Plains, GA, in the hopes that they would see former and your family don’t get health care discriminated against people with pre- President Jimmy Carter for the last coverage. existing conditions, and when health There is something we discovered. insurance was a gamble as to whether time because of his cancer diagnosis? Even families without health insurance you would have it from this year to the Then, do you remember when President Jimmy Carter held a press conference get sick, and when they do get sick next. and, in the worst of circumstances, There are ways to improve the Af- and said: I am cancer-free. It was because of the development of drugs and turn up at the doctor or the hospital, fordable Care Act. I won’t come to medical treatments through medical they are treated, and many times can’t argue and will be the last to say that it research. That has given him back his pay for it. Who pays for that care? Ev- is perfect as written, but in order to life. For many Americans, it is the eryone else. Everyone else who is pay- improve it, we need bipartisan cooperation, which we don’t have. On the Re- same story every day. ing health insurance will pay for it. We may do a lot of things wrong in We think it is better under the Af- publican side of the aisle, there have Washington, but let’s not get medical fordable Care Act. We achieved this: been 60 or 70 votes to abolish it, but not research wrong. Let’s get it right. Let’s More and more Americans have their 1 vote to step up and try to improve it, make it bipartisan, and let’s invest in own health insurance, both for care which I would be happy to join in on a it. I can’t think of a better investment when they are sick as well as for pre- bipartisan basis. That is what the for future generations in this country. ventive care. We provide preventive American people expect of us. I yield the floor. care under the Affordable Care Act, The last point I would like to make I suggest the absence of a quorum. particularly for senior citizens so they on the issue of health care is to state The PRESIDING OFFICER. (Mr. COT- will avoid serious illnesses that get for the RECORD of the U.S. Senate that TON). The clerk will call the roll. very expensive down the line. we had a meeting yesterday on medical The bill clerk proceeded to call the So what has been the net result of research. This is a good news story, and roll. this? Not only are there 20 million there aren’t a lot of them on Capitol Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I more people who have health insurance Hill. But we moved forward on a bipar- ask unanimous consent that the order in America because of the Affordable tisan basis to make substantial infor the quorum call be rescinded. Care Act, but also the fact is, the rate creases in the medical research budgets The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of increase in costs in health care has of the National Institutes of Health. objection, it is so ordered. slowed down—slower than at any time This is the premier medical research Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I in recent records or modern memory. It facility for the world, and we are lucky ask unanimous consent to speak for up has extended the life of Medicare for to have it right here in the Washington to 17 minutes as in morning business. another 12 or 13 years because the cost area. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of health care is not rising as quickly Dr. Francis Collins heads it up. He objection, it is so ordered. as we thought it might. told me years ago that if he could get CLIMATE CHANGE The Republicans would take us back 5-percent real growth in medical re- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I to the bad old days when the cost of search for a number of years, we could am here for the 147th time in my series health care was going up even more make dramatic advances when it of speeches urging the Senate to wake rapidly. I don’t think most Americans comes to medical research and cures up to the consequences of climate would sign up for that. for diseases. I took him up on that, and change and also to the motives of the We also understand that when it I enlisted a joint effort—first with outside forces that lull the Senate into comes to the Affordable Care Act, PATTY MURRAY, my colleague from the persistent somnambulism.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.004 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5917 Outside this Chamber, every major Yet, according to the public affairs guy investigation before any evidence be- scientific society, every one that I at ExxonMobil, the company has sup- comes public. So far, both the subpoe- know of, of my colleagues’ home State ported mainstream climate science for naed attorneys general and the eight universities, all of America’s National decades. Their PR guy said: ‘‘Frankly, organizations have refused to comply Labs, our military and security profes- we made the call that we needed to with those subpoenas. I say, good for sionals, and NOAA and NASA all agree back away from supporting the groups them. If the committee moves to en- on the basic science of climate change that were undercutting the actual force its subpoenas, the matter will and broadly support responsible cli- risk’’ of climate change. Well, that then come before a judge. If that hap- mate action. There may be uncertainty doesn’t actually seem to be true. pens, I hope those attorneys general about exactly what year sea level rise ExxonMobil’s campaign of falsehoods will question whether the committee will hit what floodmark, for instance, has the attention of several attorneys subpoenas reflect a legitimate govern- but on the basic idea that climate general, and in today’s newspaper, it is mental effort or are issued on behalf of change is causing seas to rise and revealed that it also has the attention a private party—indeed, the very pri- floods to come, it is game over. of the Securities and Exchange Com- vate party which is the subject of those NASA reported that August 2016 was mission. Their questions are not unrea- attorney general investigations. The the warmest August in 136 years of rec- sonable: Is ExxonMobil actively ad- law is clear that a legislative com- ordkeeping. August tied July as the vancing the notion that its products mittee may pursue even an unworthy hottest month the world has seen in have little or no effect on the Earth’s legislative purpose, but it is not clear the 136 years we have been measuring. environment, while at the same time that a legislative committee can lend More notable, August marked the 11th suppressing its own internal research itself to a private party. Let the court record-setting month in a row in on the effects of carbon pollution, de- determine whether the House com- NASA’s data set. Why, in the face of all ceiving consumers into buying mittee is acting as the de facto agent of that, does this Chamber slumber? ExxonMobil products based on false of ExxonMobil. Thank the dark influence of the fossil claims? Is the company misleading its What might that court consider? fuel industry. investors about its developable oil re- Well, first, this is a committee whose For years, Big Oil and its allies fund- serves and long-term prospects in a cli- chairman has received nearly $685,000 ed outright denial of manmade climate mate-changed world? It breaks the law in campaign contributions since 1989 change. The Union of Concerned Sci- to knowingly mislead consumers and from the oil and gas industry. The re- entists issued this report last year: shareholders about something mate- maining committee majority have re- ‘‘The Climate Deception Dossiers: In- rial, and climate change is certainly ceived over $2.9 million in campaign ternal Fossil Fuel Industry Memos Re- material to ExxonMobil. contributions. I expect that is admis- veal Decades of Corporate As Senator WARREN and I recently sible evidence. Disinformation.’’ The report docu- wrote in the Washington Post, inves- What else might the court consider? ments how the big polluters contrib- tigations by States attorneys general The committee asserts ExxonMobil has uted to front organizations and paid are making ExxonMobil nervous, and a First Amendment right that it needs scientists to put out junk science con- their Republican friends in Congress to step in to protect. Interestingly, the tradicting what real, peer-reviewed are riding to the rescue. House Science, shoe has been on the other foot when science and even the industry’s own ex- Space, and Technology Committee an attorney general of Virginia was perts knew about how burning fossil chairman LAMAR SMITH and his fellow tormenting a climate scientist—in- fuels affects the environment. committee Republicans have issued deed, tormenting him so badly that the Take ExxonMobil, for example. Ac- subpoenas demanding that the attor- University of Virginia took that attor- cording to the company’s own docu- neys general fork over all materials re- ney general all the way to the Virginia ments, as recently as 2015, ExxonMobil lating to their investigations. Supreme Court to make him stop. The was still funding organizations that I asked the Congressional Research committee took no interest in that. promote climate science Service, and as far as they could find, Theirs is a First Amendment concern disinformation, including the Amer- no committee has ever subpoenaed doc- that only surfaces when the fossil fuel ican Legislative Exchange Council, uments in an ongoing State AG inves- industry is the subject of investigation. which peddled legislation to State leg- tigation. What else might the court consider? islatures that included a finding that Setting aside the federalism problem How about that the entire First human-induced global warming ‘‘may of Congress going after States in a sov- Amendment argument the committee lead to . . . possibly beneficial climatic ereign State function, if they tried this makes is a crock. Ken Kimmell, presi- changes.’’ stuff with our Federal Attorney Gen- dent of the Union of Concerned Sci- At the Hoover Institution, a senior eral, they would be rebuffed. entists, noted that the committee fellow, not a climate scientist, argued The committee subpoenas also tar- ‘‘makes no allegation that UCS vio- that climate data since 1880 supports a geted eight organizations, including lated any laws or regulations, and [the] conclusion that it would take as long the Union of Concerned Scientists, the claim, that providing information to as 500 years to reach a 4-degree centi- Rockefeller Family Fund, and attorneys general infringes on grade of global warming. Greenpeace, ordering them to turn over ExxonMobil’s rights, is nonsense.’’ Mr. At the Manhattan Institute of Policy their internal communications related Kimmell is right. It is well-established Research, a senior fellow writing about to what Chairman SMITH describes as law that there is a clear line between climate change said: ‘‘The science is ‘‘coordinated efforts to deprive fraud and First Amendment-protected not settled, not by a long shot.’’ ExxonMobil of its First Amendment speech. The dean of the Yale Law The CEO of the so-called National rights.’’ School has published an article ex- Black Chamber of Commerce claimed Take a moment to absorb that. plaining this. Mr. President, I ask that ‘‘there has been no global warm- States attorneys general are inves- unanimous consent that this article be ing detected for the last 18 years.’’ Tell tigating whether a fraud has been com- printed in the RECORD. that to NASA. mitted—something State AGs do every There being no objection, the mate- Let’s not forget the Pacific Legal day. As Rhode Island’s AG, that is rial was ordered to be printed in the Foundation, where a senior attorney what I did. Sometimes we would un- RECORD, as follows: attacked EPA’s authority to even regu- cover fraud and sometimes not. Ulti- [From The Washington Post, June 24, 2016] late CO2, in part because it is a ‘‘ubiq- mately, if the evidence warranted it EXXON-MOBIL IS ABUSING THE FIRST uitous natural substance essential to and if the attorney general pursued the AMENDMENT life on Earth.’’ case to trial, the question of fraud (By Robert Post) All of those pronouncements by would be resolved in open court. Global warming is perhaps the single most Exxon-backed organizations, as reports Instead of praising the State AGs for significant threat facing the future of hu- in both InsideClimate News and the doing their jobs within our system of manity on this planet. It is likely to wreak Los Angeles Times have confirmed, run checks and balances, congressional Re- havoc on the economy, including, most espe- counter to what real scientists know. publicans have leapt in to obstruct the cially, on the stocks of companies that sell

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.006 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 hydrocarbon energy products. If large oil protection. But the company nevertheless in- There being no objection, the mate- companies have deliberately misinformed in- vokes the First Amendment to suppress a rial was ordered to be printed in the vestors about their knowledge of global subpoena designed to produce the informa- RECORD, as follows: warming, they may have committed serious tion necessary to determine whether commercial fraud. ExxonMobil has committed fraud. It thus STATE OF MARYLAND, A potentially analogous instance of fraud seeks to foreclose the very process by which OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, occurred when tobacco companies were our legal system acquires the evidence nec- Baltimore, MD, August 11, 2016. found to have deliberately misled their cus- essary to determine whether fraud has been Hon. LAMAR SMITH, tomers about the dangers of smoking. The committed. In effect, the company seeks to Chairman, Committee on Science, Space and safety of nicotine was at the time fiercely use the First Amendment to prevent any in- Technology, Washington, DC. DEAR CHAIRMAN SMITH: We write to express debated, just as the threat of global warming formed lawsuit for fraud. our profound concern with the subpoenas is now vigorously contested. Because tobacco But if the First Amendment does not pre- issued on July 13, 2016 to our colleagues, the companies were found to have known about vent lawsuits for fraud, it does not prevent attorneys general of Massachusetts and New the risks of smoking, even as they sought to subpoenas designed to provide evidence nec- York. Through these subpoenas, which we convince their customers otherwise, they essary to establish fraud. That is why when understand you issued without a vote of the were held liable for fraud. Despite the efforts a libel plaintiff sought to inquire into the Committee, you seek the production of ma- of tobacco companies to invoke First editorial processes of CBS News and CBS terials developed by the attorneys general in Amendment protections for their contribu- raised First Amendment objections analo- the course of their ongoing respective inves- tions to public debate, the U.S. Court of Ap- gous to those of ExxonMobil, the Supreme tigations of potential violations by the peals for the D.C. Circuit found: ‘‘Of course it Court in the 1979 case Herbert v. Lando un- ExxonMobil Corporation of state securities is well settled that the First Amendment equivocally held that the Constitution does and consumer protection laws. You have does not protect fraud.’’ not preclude ordinary discovery of informa- framed this intervention as ‘‘vigorous over- The point is a simple one. If large corporation relevant to a lawsuit, even with respect sight’’ of state attorneys general and their tions were free to mislead deliberately the to a defendant news organization. consuming public, we would live in a jungle The attorneys general are not private investigative work. Such oversight would ex- rather than in an orderly and stable market. plaintiffs. They represent governments, and ceed Congress’ constitutional authority, and ExxonMobil and its supporters are now the Supreme Court has always and rightfully the July 13 subpoenas should therefore be eliding the essential difference between been extremely reluctant to question the withdrawn. Your interference in our colleagues’ work fraud and public debate. Raising the revered good faith of prosecutors when they seek to ignores a ‘‘vital consideration’’ under our flag of the First Amendment, they loudly ob- acquire information necessary to pursue constitutional system of dual sovereignty: ject to investigations recently announced by their official obligations. If every prosecu- the preservation of comity between the fed- attorneys general of several states into torial request for information could be trans- eral government and the states. See Younger whether ExxonMobil has publicly misrepre- formed into a constitutional attack on a de- v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37, 44–45 (1971). ‘‘Comity,’’ sented what it knew about global warming. fendant’s point of view, law enforcement in Justice Black wrote for the Supreme Court The National Review has accused the at- this country would grind to a halt. Imagine in Younger, means ‘‘a proper respect for torneys general of ‘‘trampling the First the consequences in prosecutions against state functions, a recognition of the fact Amendment.’’ Post columnist George F. Will terrorists, who explicitly seek to advance a that the entire country is made up of a has written that the investigations illustrate political ideology. Union of separate state governments, and a the ‘‘authoritarianism’’ implicit in progres- It is grossly irresponsible to invoke the continuance of the belief that the National sivism, which seeks ‘‘to criminalize debate First Amendment in such contexts. But we Government will fare best if the States and about science.’’ And Hans A. von Spakovsky, are witnessing an increasing tendency to use their institutions are left free to perform speaking for the Heritage Foundation, com- the First Amendment to unravel ordinary their separate functions in their separate pared the attorneys general to the Spanish business regulations. This is heartbreaking ways.’’ Id. Any claim of a congressional right Inquisition. at a time when we need a strong First to ‘‘oversee’’ the work of state constitu- Despite their vitriol, these denunciations Amendment for more important democratic tional law enforcement officers in fulfilling are wide of the mark. If your pharmacist purposes than using a constitutional noose their core responsibilities under state law sells you patent medicine on the basis of his to strangle basic economic regulation. ‘‘scientific theory’’ that it will cure your disrupts this comity and tears at the essen- cancer, the government does not act like the Mr. WHITEHOUSE. As the attorney tial fabric of our national Constitution. Spanish Inquisition when it holds the phar- general of New York correctly states, As attorneys general, we each hold offices macist accountable for fraud. ‘‘Fraud is not protected by the First established in our states’ constitutions or The obvious point, which remarkably bears Amendment.’’ statutes. Our offices are critical to the func- repeating, is that there are circumstances A number of high-profile legal schol- tioning of our states’ governments, and they when scientific theories must remain open ars sent a letter last week to Chairman have deep historical roots. Some of us, like and subject to challenge, and there are cir- the attorneys general of Massachusetts and SMITH, condemning the subpoenas as cumstances when the government must act New York, hold offices whose origins precede to protect the integrity of the market, even ‘‘misguided.’’ The letter argues that the founding of our country. The state attor- if it requires determining the truth or falsity the subpoenas are ‘‘invalid and con- ney general has been described by the Flor- of those theories. Public debate must be pro- stitutionally impermissible.’’ It turns ida courts, for example, as ‘‘the attorney and tected, but fraud must also be suppressed. out, according to these scholars, that legal guardian of the people. . . . His duties Fraud is especially egregious because it is the First Amendment actually works pertain to the Executive Department of the committed when a seller does not himself be- the other way: State, and it is his duty to use means most lieve the hokum he foists on an unwitting effectual to the enforcement of the laws, and The Subpoenas, and the threat of future the protection of the people, whenever di- public. sanctions, themselves threaten the First One would think conservative intellectuals rected by the proper authority, or when oc- Amendment—directly inhibiting the rights would be the first to recognize the necessity casion arises.’’ State of Florida v. Exxon of their recipients to speak, to associate and of prohibiting fraud so as to ensure the in- Corp., 526 F.2d 266, 270 (5th Cir. 1976) (quoting to petition state officials without inter- tegrity of otherwise free markets. Prohibi- Attorney General v. Gleason, 12 Fla. 190, 212 ference from Congress. tions on fraud go back to Roman times; no (Fla. 1868)) (holding that Attorney General of sane market could exist without them. A copy of the legal scholars’ letter to Florida had legal authority to pursue federal It may be that after investigation the at- Chairman SMITH can be accessed at the antitrust action against Exxon and other oil torneys general do not find evidence that Yale Law School website at http:// companies without authorization of govern- ExxonMobil has committed fraud. I do not tinyurl.com/yaleletter. ment agencies allegedly injured by conduct prejudge the question. The investigation is Rhode Island attorney general Peter at issue). Several state supreme courts, recognizing the broad discretion conferred on now entering its discovery phase, which Kilmartin and his colleagues have also means it is gathering evidence to determine state attorneys general by state constitu- whether fraud has actually been committed. urged Chairman SMITH to withdraw the tions, have aptly described the office of at- Nevertheless, ExxonMobil and its defenders subpoenas. ‘‘Your interference in our torney general as a ‘‘public trust.’’ See, e.g., are already objecting to the subpoena by the colleagues’ work ignores a ‘vital con- Gleason, 12 Fla. at 214; Attorney General v. attorneys general, on the grounds that it sideration’ under our constitutional Morita, 41 Haw. 1, 15 (Haw. Terr. 1955); Com- ‘‘amounts to an impermissible content-based system of dual sovereignty; the preser- monwealth v. Burrell, 7 Pa. 34, 39 (1847). restriction on speech’’ because its effect is to vation of comity between the federal In fulfilling this public trust, we are each ‘‘deter ExxonMobil from participating in the government and the states.’’ accountable in multiple ways to the people public debate over climate change now and of our states. Most of us were elected di- in the future.’’ It is hard to exaggerate the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- rectly to our offices by the people we serve. brazen audacity of this argument. sent that a copy of the Attorney Gen- State legislatures write and enact most of If ExxonMobil has committed fraud, its eral’s letter to Chairman SMITH be the laws that our offices enforce, including speech would not merit First Amendment printed in the RECORD. securities and consumer protection laws like

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.001 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5919 the ones that give rise to the investigations interests of both State and National Govern- was supported by my predecessor who in New York and Massachusetts that you ments, and in which the National Govern- was also from Acadiana. With Nicole’s have proposed to ‘‘oversee.’’ Moreover, we ment, anxious though it may be to vindicate help, we shocked the entire State that are accountable to the courts of our states, and protect federal rights and federal inter- year, winning with over 50 percent of which, on innumerable occasions over the ests, always endeavors to do so in ways that course of our states’ histories, have ruled will not unduly interfere with the legitimate the vote in the primary, forgoing the both for and against us and our predecessors activities of the States.’’ Younger, 401 U.S. need for any runoff and winning on issues of federal and state constitutional at 44. Your proposed oversight of state con- Acadiana against a Cajun candidate— law, on issues of statutory interpretation, stitutional officers cannot be squared with and Nicole was a big, important part of and on other issues. these essential principles of federalism, nor that victory. ‘‘[O]ur Constitution establishes a system of can your attempt to oversee the resolution Nicole and her husband Tommy and dual sovereignty between the States and the of alleged constitutional issues arising from Nicole’s parents Lynne and Joey Durel Federal Government.’’ Gregory v. Ashcroft, the ongoing investigative activities of state were all incredibly helpful then and 501 U.S. 452, 457 (1991). Under that system, attorneys general undertaken under state the federal government is one of limited law. We therefore urge you to withdraw your ever since then in helping me navigate powers, and, under the Tenth Amendment, subpoenas, refrain from attempting to exer- the region and have always made me— ‘‘[t]he powers not delegated to the United cise further oversight, and allow state attor- as a guy from southeast Louisiana— States by the Constitution, nor prohibited neys general and state courts to perform feel right at home in that important by it to the States, are reserved to the their constitutionally prescribed roles. part of the State. States respectively, or to the people.’’ It is Sincerely, Nicole, Tommy, and Lynne have all fundamental to our system of dual sov- Brian E. Frosh, Maryland Attorney Gen- been on my staff at one point or an- ereignty that, as the Supreme Court has eral; George Jepsen, Connecticut At- said, ‘‘States are not mere political subdivi- other, and all of them were just great torney General; Douglas Chin, Hawaii at helping me loosen up, take off my sions of the United States.’’ New York v. Attorney General; Jim Hood, Mis- United States, 505 U.S. 144, 188 (1992). Indeed, sissippi Attorney General; Peter F. tie, and relax. They were also great at ‘‘State governments are neither regional of- Kilmartin, Rhode Island Attorney Gen- helping explain the Boudreaux and fices nor administrative agencies of the Fed- eral; Kamala D. Harris, California At- Thibodaux jokes that everyone was eral Government. The positions occupied by torney General; Karl A. Racine, Dis- laughing so hard at and I could barely state officials appear nowhere on the Federal trict of Columbia Attorney General; Government’s most detailed organizational even understand them. Janet T. Mills, Maine Attorney Gen- chart. The Constitution instead ‘leaves to In Acadiana politics, you are nobody eral; Ellen F. Rosenblum, Oregon At- the several States a residuary and inviolable unless you are invited to a supper torney General; William H. Sorrell, sovereignty.’ ’’ Id. (quoting The Federalist hosted by somebody named Trey, T- Vermont Attorney General; Mark R. No. 39). boy—or something like that, and I Herring, Virginia Attorney General; In light of our nation’s commitment to the Bob Ferguson, Washington Attorney can’t even count how many of those in- preservation of a system of dual sovereignty, General. formal suppers I have been to and en- it is not surprising that, despite centuries of joyed with Nicole and her family. I will investigative and prosecutorial activity by Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Congressional in- state attorneys general in which constitu- vestigations and hearings have a tell you, I have experienced some of tional objections have been raised, you have unique ability to focus a nation’s at- the best food in the world at those not identified a single valid precedent, from tention and bring facts of public impor- great events—boudin, crawfish pie, any period of our country’s history, for the tance to light. These subpoenas, how- etouffe, and alligator sauce piquante— ‘‘vigorous oversight’’ of state attorneys gen- ever, appear intended to impede lawful and, of course, all the festivals in eral that you are now proposing to under- Acadiana. I have been on so many pick- take. Difficult enough are cases where Con- State investigations. They do not advance the First Amendment, they up trucks and firetrucks—including an gress proposes to regulate subject matters infamous one that broke down in the arguably reserved to the states, and where trample on it. there may be some analytical difficulty en- Senator WARREN and I offered a sug- mud—for all of those Acadiana fes- tailed in drawing ‘‘distinction[s] between gestion to the House committee in our tivals: the Rice Festival, the Sugar what is truly national, and what is truly Washington Post piece: Festival, the Frog Festival, the Craw- local.’’ United States v. Morrison, 529 U.S. If this House Committee is so concerned fish Festival, and the Shrimp and Pe- 598, 617 (2000). Your investigation, though, about the First Amendment rights of troleum Festival. The fun list goes on would go further. The stated purpose of your ExxonMobil, call a hearing, invite and on. investigation is to oversee state constitu- ExxonMobil executives to testify, and give Even though it is technically work, I tional officers themselves and the manner in them the opportunity to speak. What better certainly enjoyed all that time with which they fulfill their responsibilities under way to protect a person’s right to speak free- Nicole and the Hebert family, and often state law. Who oversees state officials is a ly than to give that person a forum to speak, found myself with a stomach cramp matter ‘‘of the most fundamental sort for a right here in Congress? sovereign entity,’’ because it is ‘‘through the when I left the region, not because I structure of its government’’ that ‘‘a State They can come in, say whatever they ate or drank too much—although that defines itself as sovereign.’’ Gregory v. want to say, and answer questions. I happened too—but because I was al- Ashcroft, 501 U.S. at 460 (holding that Con- know I would love to hear what they ways laughing so hard in their com- gress could not, through laws prohibiting age have to say. pany. discrimination, regulate the retirement age Mr. President, I yield the floor. Nicole and Tommy, their parents, for state judges). Our national Constitution The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and their two girls Hannah and Mere- and our respective states’ constitutions nei- ator from Louisiana. ther anticipate nor tolerate a structure dith, whom I have really enjoyed TRIBUTE TO DAVID DOSS AND NICOLE HEBERT under which Congress arrogates to itself the watching grow up, have all been a huge authority to oversee investigations con- Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise to part of our Vitter family life. Wendy ducted by state attorneys general. honor two of my longest serving staff and I count them as dear friends, and Your proposed ‘‘vigorous oversight’’ does members who have been tremendous we certainly will keep up with them not merely interfere with our work and the team leaders in our office: David Doss, through the rest of our lives. work of our colleagues. You also purport to my State director, and Nicole Hebert, David Doss, our State director, was supplant the role of state legislatures and my deputy State director. They are one of my earliest hires when I was state courts. We cannot understand on what basis you seem to assume, for example, that both, sadly, departing the Senate later first elected to the U.S. House. He is state courts in Massachusetts will be unable this month to start exciting new ca- my State director and before that to resolve the constitutional objections that reers. served as my district director in the ExxonMobil, through skilled counsel, has al- Nicole Hebert started with our team U.S. House. I know all of our col- ready lodged there. State courts, not Con- when I was first running for the U.S. leagues here can attest to the fact that gress, are the appropriate arbiters of any Senate in 2004. Nicole is a Lafayette having a great State director on top of state law claims brought by the attorneys native and a native of the Acadiana re- things, really managing the State of- general of Massachusetts and New York gion—or, Cajun country, as it is fices properly, is a key element of suc- against ExxonMobil and of any constitu- known—which was a key battleground tional objections that ExxonMobil might as- cess in any Senate office. sert. in our election in 2004, in part because State directors are on the frontlines The Constitution establishes ‘‘a system in we were running against a local Cajun of everything. They always have to which there is sensitivity to the legitimate candidate in our jungle primary who know what is on constituents’ minds

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.002 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 and what is happening around the thank Nicole and David for their won- erence, in 1961 Kennedy was President, State, and David has proven one of the derful service to Louisiana and for a gallon of gas cost 31 cents, and Roy great State directors in the country. their friendship. We wish them all the Orbison was in Billboard’s top five. We have dealt with more than our best again as they start new parts of In every economic recovery since share of disasters in Louisiana, and their careers. They are great individ- that time, the American economy grew there is no one else I would have guid- uals, they are great team leaders, and an average of 3.7 percent per year. ing our office through all that than they are also great representatives of a Since 2009, however, this growth has David. Following Katrina, he organized wonderful State staff. averaged a mere 2.1 percent per year. a mobile office so our State staff could I mentioned before we have seven of- This year, it slowed to just 1 percent. get around to impacted areas. That fices around Louisiana. Each office has Last quarter, the economy grew by a continued following other disasters. a strong presence in their regions and pitiful 1.2 percent. Again, things are After the BP oilspill, David organized their communities. I think our State not getting better quickly enough. an incredibly effective and efficient staff, in that presence, has created the There are some real obstacles before casework operation to help assist peo- gold standard for constituent service, us. The share of Americans in the ple with those important claims. in part because of David and Nicole’s workforce has fallen below 63 percent. David does it all. He has never been leadership, but we have also built a That is nearly three percentage points above any task, from seeing casework great team, without exception, in all below where we were when the recov- all the way through to the best pos- seven of those offices. To me, success ery began. Another concern is the sible outcome, to answering phones, to in Congress is not measured by how growing number of expensive and bur- sorting through the mail when nec- many bills or amendments you intro- densome regulations. Rulemaking essary, even to helping drive and get- duce or pass but how many people you under the Obama administration has ting me around the State. help and impact in a positive way. And skyrocketed. Federal regulations cost David manages our seven State of- our staff has countless success stories an estimated $1.9 trillion per year. fices—which, by the way, is more than through their important casework— That is more than $15,000 for each any other Senator from our State has really important casework wins—which American household. These figures are ever had. We have an office in the sometimes actually changes people’s worrisome. seven biggest metropolitan locations lives in a major way for the better. It Here is one that should truly be around the State. So that is no easy is because of this gold standard that frightening for us. At the same time, we have seen our national debt reach a task for him to manage. He has to co- our great State staff has developed staggering $19.5 trillion. Just last year, ordinate our staff’s driving schedule that we decided to memorialize what the United States spent $223 billion, or from New Orleans to Lake Charles, to we have collected as best practices in 6 percent of the Federal budget, to pay Shreveport, to Monroe—all that in the terms of constituent service. We are interest on that national debt. This same day sometimes—to get me to putting that into a guidebook related year, the nonpartisan Congressional every parish, every Congress, for town- to constituent service, and I will be Budget Office estimates that our def- hall meetings, a pledge I made when I sending that guidebook to all of the icit will be $590 billion. This means first ran for the Senate in 2004. major candidates who are running to that we are going to be spending al- Others have chosen to fly on private fill this Senate seat. In the guidebook, most $600 billion more than we take in. jets to get around the State, but David we will go through those best practices If we don’t change course, the CBO always organized for us to drive each on constituent casework, on helping estimates that these deficits are going leg of each journey to save taxpayer people and organizations in the State to skyrocket over the next decade, dollars and so we can see what is really navigate the Federal process applying reaching $1 trillion in 2024, and they happening on the ground in every par- for grants and the like. As to the im- will only continue to grow from there. ish of our great State. Sometimes portant need of being open and acces- These numbers paint us a very dark David would be doing that driving him- sible, how a Senate office can do that picture, but I do have some good news. self. effectively, and maintaining constant There is still time for us to change There was one time, of course, when lines of communication with our fellow course. In fact, this body has taken we had to take away David’s driving Louisiana citizens, all of those best several good steps. privileges for a while after he backed practices and good ideas will be going Since taking office, I have worked into a street sign with me in the car, into this guidebook that will be avail- with my colleagues to reduce some but don’t worry, no injuries—except able to my successor. wasteful spending and some burden- possibly to David’s pride for a while. Again, I want to thank David and Ni- some regulations. In 2015, I introduced Other than that minor accident, I cole and our entire State staff team for the Grants Oversight and New Effi- would describe David’s leadership of their years of dedicated service and ciency Act, or the GONE Act. This bill, our State staff as really steady—a success serving, really going above and which was signed into law in January, great leading, guiding influence, al- beyond in serving the people of Lou- will save millions of dollars by closing ways a steady hand, always has an isiana. expired grant accounts and increasing open line of communication, always I yield the floor. oversight over Federal grant programs. listens well, always leads with that re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- I have also introduced and pushed for assuring, steady hand. LIVAN). The Senator from Nebraska. votes on several waste-cutting amend- There are very few community meet- THE ECONOMY ments during the appropriations proc- ings, ribbon cuttings, or luncheons, or Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise ess, including one to wind down an out- events all around our State where we today to call attention to a very trou- dated and ineffective stimulus-era pro- don’t have our State staff in attend- bling issue, and we hear about it often. gram. These are good steps, and here ance, and David has really helped build Sadly, there is a lack of leadership are a few others. We passed a highway and run that well-oiled State staff ma- from the executive branch with regard bill, which will provide much needed chine and that well-oiled constituent to it. I am talking about the state of certainty for States, businesses, fami- service machine. the American economy. Many families lies, and the traveling public. By I have often said, the most fulfilling across Nebraska and across our Nation prioritizing our infrastructure, we are parts of my career are the relation- are worried. Whether they are hard- investing in our economy’s ability to ships and friendships Wendy and I have working parents trying to make ends grow. built, including with our great staff. meet or grandparents who are con- In the same vein, last week, we Wendy and I often consider staff an ex- cerned about their grandchildren’s fu- passed the Water Resources Develop- tension of our family. That is abso- ture, there is no shortage of anxiety. ment Act. This is another key infra- lutely true for David and his wife Anne As many of my colleagues have structure bill that will enable our Mary and their daughters Julie and pointed out, the economy is not recov- economy to grow by modernizing our Jennifer. ering quickly enough. In fact, we are ports and our waterways. So we do We wish them all the best as they slogging through the slowest economic have tools available for us to meet start an exciting part of their lives. I recovery since the 1960s. By way of ref- these fiscal challenges.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.009 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5921 We have to exercise restraint, and we believe the United States is at its best The United States is at war in Yemen have to exercise that restraint among when it is a global leader. We can and today. The United States is at war in ourselves. The appropriations process we should be a force for good and for Yemen today, and this Congress has is a critical way for us to do this. It is peace in the world. not debated that engagement. This I also believe, quite frankly, that the only way that our citizens can Congress has not debated that war. It truly hold their elected representatives peace comes through strength. I don’t apologize for the size of our military is yet another unauthorized U.S. mili- accountable for this spending. It allows tary engagement overseas. the American people to see the true budget, nor do I think it would be wise priorities of their elected representa- for this Congress to give up this coun- But the scope of this disaster for the tives. try’s massive military edge over every purposes of U.S. security interests is There is one last point before I close. global adversary and friend. Having the not just the radicalization of the Reducing the national debt does not world’s biggest, baddest military keeps Yemen people against the United mean that we stop investing. It simply us safe, and, frankly, it keeps a lot of States or the thousands of people who forces us to make smarter choices. our friends safe as well. have been killed but also the fact that My last stipulation before I talk Some things we need to prioritize, and this war has given ground—an oppor- we know what those are. We need to about the resolution would be this: I also believe there are times when we tunity for Al Qaeda and ISIS to grow— keep our families and our communities grow by leaps and bounds. safe. We must invest in infrastructure should use that military power. There to promote commerce and grow this are times when war or military action Let’s be honest. Our first responsi- economy. We must reduce wasteful is just. If you want to provide safe har- bility here is to protect this country spending and prioritize prudent spend- bor for terrorists who plan a massive from attack, and the most likely arm ing. We must reduce the national debt. attack against this country, such as of Al Qaeda that would have the means We must get government out of the the Taliban in Afghanistan, then they or the inclination to attack the United can expect a visit from the U.S. Army. way so opportunities can be created for But increasingly we all have to rec- States is the branch that exists inside our families and for our young people, oncile with the fact that there are Yemen. Their recruitment has grown but we have to be responsible stewards more and more limitations on the ef- by multiples over the course of this of taxpayer money. We must make fectiveness of U.S. military power. conflict. For a period of time, AQAP those responsible choices. Today, our adversaries and our enemies was able to use this conflict to grab I believe that our very best days as a practice something we call asymmetric control of a major port city inside nation are before us, and that is be- warfare, which means they concede our Yemen, which radically changed the cause of my unwavering faith in the conventional military advantage and fundamental goodness, tenacity, and ability of AQAP to recruit and to grow use other means and methods to exert the creativity of the American people. their capacity to do harm outside of I yield the floor. power and project strength. China does Yemen, because they had control of re- I suggest the absence of a quorum. it through economic aid, Russia does it sources and taxation inside this city. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The through bribery and the extension of One would think that if the United clerk will call the roll. its natural resources to its neighbors, The legislative clerk proceeded to and ISIL does it through terror and States was providing all of these recall the roll. through the perversion of religion. Yet sources to the Saudi-led coalition, that Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I ask this country and this Congress con- some of them would be used to try to unanimous consent that the order for tinue to believe that most conflicts push back on ISIS’s growth or AQAP’s the quorum call be rescinded. around the globe can be solved with growth inside Yemen, but the exact op- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without just a little bit more American mili- posite has happened. None of the Saudi objection, it is so ordered. tary hardware. bombs are dropping on AQAP; they are f That is what brings us here today to all dropping on Houthi targets and ci- MOTION TO DISCHARGE—S.J. RES. talk about this arms sale to Saudi Ara- vilian targets. So we are arming the 39 bia, particularly in the context of the Saudis to fight an enemy—the ongoing conflict inside Yemen—a civil Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, on be- Houthis—whom we have not declared war inside Yemen in which the United half of Senator PAUL and pursuant to States has become a participant. war against, and the Saudis are not the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, I This is a picture from war-ravaged using those weapons to fight our sworn move to discharge the Foreign Rela- Yemen—an ongoing humanitarian dis- enemy whom we have declared war tions Committee from further consid- aster. We don’t have the full extent of against: Al Qaeda. So the civilian cas- eration of S.J. Res. 39, relating to the the numbers, but there have already ualties mount, ISIS and Al Qaeda grow, disapproval of the proposed foreign been thousands of civilians killed. If we yet this is the first time we have had military sale to the Government of talk to Yemenis, they will tell us that the opportunity to discuss the wisdom Saudi Arabia. this is perceived inside Yemen as not a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- of this engagement. Saudi-led bombing campaign, which it tion is now pending. We begged the Saudis to change their Under the previous order, there will is broadly advertised as in the newspapers, but as a U.S. bombing cam- conduct. We have asked them to target be 3 hours of debate on the motion, di- Al Qaeda. To the extent that Al Qaeda vided between the proponents and op- paign or, at best, a U.S.-Saudi bombing campaign. is shrinking a bit, it is not because the ponents, with the Senator from Ken- There is a U.S. imprint on every ci- Saudis have targeted them, it is be- tucky controlling 30 minutes of pro- vilian death inside Yemen which is cause other players in the region—the ponent time and the Senator from Con- radicalizing the people of this country Emirates—have targeted them. We necticut controlling 15 minutes of pro- against the United States. Why is this? begged the Saudis to stop bombing ci- ponent time. Well, it is because, while the conflict The Senator from Connecticut. vilians. Yet in a 72-hour period earlier Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I ask inside Yemen started as a civil war— this summer, the Saudi-led coalition unanimous consent that the time dur- the Houthis overrunning the govern- bombed another Doctors Without Bor- ing quorum calls on the motion be ment inside Sana’a—the Saudis and a ders facility, a school, and the prin- coalition of other Gulf States have en- equally divided between the proponents cipal’s house next door. We give them tered the conflict, largely through air and the opponents. targets that they should stay away The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without operations, to try to push the Houthis back, and they have asked for our as- from because they are key parts of objection, it is so ordered. routes to bring humanitarian relief in Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I am sistance, which we have given, and we going to speak briefly in support of the have given it in substantial means and a country that is ravaged by famine, resolution. Senator LEE, a cosponsor of methods. We provide the bombs, we and they still hit those targets even this resolution, is on the floor, and he provide the refueling planes, and we after we told them to stay away. We will speak after I do. provide the intelligence. There really begged the Saudis to change their be- Let me say at the outset that I be- is no way this bombing campaign could havior inside this war, and they lieve in a strong U.S. global presence. I happen without U.S. participation. haven’t listened.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.010 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 But it is not the only time they to eight times the number of arms to governable space for groups that want haven’t listened. The fact is, if you are Saudi Arabia than the last administra- to attack the United States. serious about stopping the flow of ex- tion did, and the Saudis do listen. They Said another way, is this really the tremist recruiting across this globe, do pay attention to what we say here. right moment for the United States to then you have to be serious about the They don’t like the fact that there are be sending record numbers of arms into very real fact that the Wahhabi- Republicans and Democrats critiquing the Middle East? Salafist branch of Islam that is spread this relationship. They will not like Do we have any evidence from past around the world by Saudi Arabia and the fact that there will be votes conflicts in Afghanistan or the Iran their Wahhabi allies is part of the prob- against this arms sale. So even if it ul- and Iraq wars that more U.S. weapons lem. timately doesn’t become law—which is end up in less, rather than more, blood- In 1956, there were 244 madrassas in unlikely, given the fact that even if it shed—an abbreviated rather than an Pakistan; today there are over 24,000. passes, the President could veto it— elongated war? These schools are multiplying all over this could impact both of these ques- It is time for the United States to the globe. Conservative Salafist imams tions, the conduct of the war in Yemen press pause on our arms sales to Saudi and mosques are spreading all across and the conduct of the export of Arabia. Let’s make sure that the war the world. Don’t get me wrong, these Wahhabism around the globe. in Yemen doesn’t continue to spiral schools and Mosques by and large don’t Lastly, let me make the case that re- downward, jeopardizing U.S. national teach violence directly. They aren’t jecting or voting against this arms sale security interests. Let’s press the the minor leagues for Al Qaeda and is not going to end or even perma- Saudis to get serious about spending ISIS, but they do teach a version of nently damage our relationship with more time as firefighters and less time Islam that leads very nicely into an Saudi Arabia. We are allies. We will as arsonists, as they say, in the global anti-Shia, anti-western militancy. We continue to be allies. Our common fight against terrorism. begged the Saudis to stop setting up bond was forged during the Cold War Let’s ask ourselves whether we are these conservative Wahhabi operations when American and Saudi leaders comfortable with the United States in parts of the Middle East, in the Bal- found common ground in the fight getting slowly, predictably, and all too kans, in Indonesia. Again, they haven’t against communism. The Saudis helped quietly dragged into yet another war in listened. ensure that the Russians never got a the Middle East. What will it take for Just take the example of Kosovo. meaningful foothold in the Middle this country to learn its lesson? Kosovo 10 years ago would never have East. Today, this unofficial detente I thank the Presiding Officer and the been a place that ISIS would have gone that exists between Sunni nations and body for the time, and I yield back. to recruit people into the fight inside Israel in the region is part of the prod- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Syria, but today it is one of the hot- uct of Saudi-led diplomacy. There have ator from Minnesota. beds of recruitment. It is not a coinci- been many high-profile examples of Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I dence that during the same period of deep U.S.-Saudi cooperation in the thank Senator MURPHY, Senator PAUL, time the Saudis and Wahhabis spent fight against ISIL and Al Qaeda, not- and Senator LEE for their leadership on millions of dollars there, trying to con- withstanding these critiques. More this very important issue. vert Muslims to their brand of reli- generally, our partnership with Saudi Since the Saudi-led coalition started gion—a brand of religion that essen- Arabia, the most powerful and richest a bombing campaign in Yemen in 2015, tially says that everybody who doesn’t country in the Arab world is an impor- there has been an average of 13 civilian believe what we believe is an infidel, tant bridge to the Islamic commu- casualties each day, according to the that the crusades never ended, and that nity—a testament to the fact that we Office of the United Nations High Com- the obligation of a true Muslim is to can seek cooperation and engagement missioner for Human Rights. This find a way to fight back against any with governments in the Middle East means that thousands of civilians have brand of the religion that doesn’t and people worldwide, which is a direct been killed or wounded in the U.S.- match ours. So for those who are going to vote for rebuttal to this idea the terrorists backed war in Yemen. This is unac- this arms sale, who are essentially spread that asserts we are at war with ceptable. People all across this country going to endorse our current state of Islam. have been outraged at how the Saudis This is not an either-or question, but the relationship with Saudi Arabia and have conducted this war and believe we are strategic allies, which is dif- our Gulf State allies, just ask your- that the United States should not ac- ferent from being a values-based alli- selves if we can really defeat terrorism quiesce or support such conduct. if we remain silent on the primary pro- ance. That means that when our stra- Over the last decade, the United genitor of this brand of Islam that tegic goals occasionally depart from States has sold the Saudis over $100 bil- feeds into extremism. How can you say one another, then we shouldn’t be obli- lion in arms. The United States has you are serious about strangling ISIL gated to continue our cooperation on also supported the Saudi-led coalition when the textbooks that are produced that particular front. The Saudis’ guid- with air-to-air refueling sorties, intel- inside Saudi Arabia are the very same ing foreign policy goal is to gain re- ligence sharing, and military advisory textbooks that are handed out to regional supremacy over Iran. We cer- assistance. That kind of support should cruit suicide bombers? tainly prefer a Middle East with more not go along with acceptance of the If we really want to cut off extre- Saudi friends than Iranian friends; Saudi disregard for innocent human mism at its source, then we can’t keep there should be no doubt about that. lives and innocent civilian lives. closing our eyes to the money that But our guiding foreign policy goal in The legislation we will be voting on flows out of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf that region is not for the Saudis to win later today is a disapproval resolution States into this conservative Salafist the broadening proxy war with Iran; it regarding a $1.15 billion arms sale. The missionary movement around the is to protect our country from attack very fact that we are voting on it world. by terrorist groups that are metasta- today sends a very important message This arms sale is relevant to both of sizing in Syria, Iraq, and now at wor- to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that these questions—changing the war in- rying rates inside Yemen. we are watching their actions closely side Yemen and sending a message that Today, our participation in the war and that the United States is not going this export of the building blocks of ex- inside Yemen is making us more vul- to turn a blind eye to the indiscrimi- tremism cannot continue. Why? Be- nerable by attacks from AQAP and nate killing of men, women, and chil- cause the main part of this arms sale is ISIS, not less vulnerable. Our bombs, dren. a replacement of battle-damaged our intelligence, our spotters, and our Again, I would like to thank Sen- tanks—tanks that were likely in part refueling planes are certainly helping ators MURPHY, PAUL, and LEE for their damaged in the conduct of this war. It the Saudis project power in the region, leadership, and I urge my colleagues to represents a piece of a very long ramp- but it is fueling an arms race between support this important piece of legisla- up of arms sales into Saudi Arabia. Shia and Sunni nations that has no tion. The numbers are pretty staggering. logical end other than mutual destruc- Thank you, Mr. President. This administration has sold about six tion, increasing chaos, and more un- I yield the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.012 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5923 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- foreign governments when it is in our But alas, in recent years, Congress, ator from Utah. interest to do so. I certainly am not in general, and the Senate, in par- Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I rise today categorically opposed to selling arms ticular, have happily taken a back seat to lend my support and urge my col- to the Saudi Government. Saudi Arabia to the executive branch in debating, leagues to lend theirs to S.J. Res. 39, has long been an American ally in a developing, and defending to the public offered by my friend Senator RAND very volatile region of the world, and I our Nation’s foreign policy and grand PAUL of Kentucky. The purpose of this believe strengthening that alliance strategy in the Middle East. That ex- particular resolution is to reconsider should be a priority for our foreign and plains how it is possible that our mili- the billion-dollar arms sale between military policy in the Middle East, but tary has actively supported the Saudi the United States and Saudi Arabia the fact that Saudi Arabia is an ally military’s intervention in Yemen, in- that was negotiated by the two govern- with whom we have a track record of cluding hundreds of air-to-air refueling ments earlier this year. selling arms is not in and of itself a sorties at a time when our military Under U.S. law, any arms sale ap- sufficient reason to endorse this par- leaders unanimously contend that they proved by the State Department will ticular deal. It is not a reason that this are suffering from readiness and per- go into effect within 30 days after that deal should move through, should take sonnel shortfalls. It explains how it is deal has been finalized, absent passage effect without so much as a whimper possible that the U.S. military would of a resolution of disapproval to pre- from Members of Congress who might be actively involved in the civil war in vent it from taking effect. That is ex- feel the need to raise possible con- Yemen, even though many security exactly what Senator PAUL’s resolution cerns—concerns that relate to our own perts point out that by supporting aims to do. If passed by the Senate and national security. Saudi Arabia in Saudi Arabia’s fight the House, the resolution would raise Yes, we want our allies to be strong. against the Houthis, we could be unin- formal objections to the sale of $1.15 Yes, we want our allies to be capable of tentionally assisting Al Qaeda in the billion worth of weapons and military defending themselves. Yes, sometimes Arabian Peninsula and ISIS affiliates equipment to the Government of Saudi this means that we should offer them in Yemen. Arabia. assistance in times of need. But the I urge my colleagues today to sup- Notice that there are Senators from first and most fundamental responsi- port this resolution of disapproval. Let both sides of the aisle working to pass bility of the U.S. Government is not to us pause our intervention in this for- this resolution of disapproval, sup- satisfy the requests of our allies reflex- eign conflict and show the country— porting it in speeches and voting on it ively, unflinchingly, and without ask- show our country—that the legislative hopefully later today. It was intro- ing acute questions; rather, the funda- branch can fulfill its obligations to the duced by a fellow Republican, and I am mental responsibility—the first job of American people faithfully, that we proud to join three of my Democratic the U.S. Government—is to protect the can openly and thoughtfully evaluate colleagues as original cosponsors: Sen- lives and liberties of the American peo- our interventions abroad, and that we ator CHRIS MURPHY from Connecticut, ple. That is where we need to be fo- are focused on protecting the security, from whom we heard just moments cused. safety, and interests of the American ago; Senator AL FRANKEN of Min- Now, the Government of Saudi Ara- people above all others. nesota, from whom we heard after we bia clearly believes that intervening in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. heard from Senator MURPHY; and Sen- this civil war in Yemen and partici- ERNST). The majority leader. ator MARTIN HEINRICH of New Mexico. pating in the decades-long sectarian Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Some might call us strange bed- conflict underlying that civil war in today the Senate will consider a mo- fellows—two conservative Republicans Yemen is in the best interest of the tion to discharge a resolution of and three liberal Democrats working Saudi people. I don’t doubt that, and it disproval from the Foreign Relations together to achieve the same goal. But is not my place to question it, even if Committee. I oppose that motion be- this observation misses the point en- I did doubt it. cause I believe it would harm our Na- tirely. Each one of us may have their That is why the Saudi military has tion’s long-term strategic interests in own unique justification for supporting been fighting in Yemen since it first the Persian Gulf and in the broader this resolution, but there is nothing launched its intervention in March Middle East. strange about that; it simply proves 2015. But can the same be said of the It would further damage our alliance that there are many reasons to con- U.S. Government? Is intervening in and our partnership with the Kingdom sider and to reconsider this deal with this civil war a national priority for of Saudi Arabia at a time when our Saudi Arabia. the American people? Is intervening in moderate Sunni Arab allies are ques- One of those reasons and the basis for that civil war in our national security tioning whether our Nation is able to my support of Senator PAUL’s resolu- interest? Is it something that is going meet our traditional commitment to tion is that there is no conclusive evi- to make the American people safer? the region. The resolution would also dence that the Saudi arms deal will in Astoundingly, these are questions ignore the shared interests we have fact advance the strategic and security that have never been fully discussed with Saudi Arabia in combating Al interests of the United States. In fact, and certainly have never been fully de- Qaeda and ISIS. there is evidence that points in the op- bated in this institution—an institu- Were this resolution of disapproval posite direction. We know that Saudi tion that likes to call itself and loves ever to be adopted, it would further Arabia is heavily involved in the civil to be referred to as the world’s greatest convince the world that the United war that is raging at this moment in deliberative body. States is retreating, not only from its Yemen—a conflict that has left a hu- This is more of an abdication of re- commitments but also as the guar- manitarian crisis of staggering propor- sponsibility by Congress. It is more antor of the international order we tions in its wake and continues to do than just that. It is a national security worked to create after the Second so. We know that the Saudi military hazard. It is not just that we are abdi- World War. will use the equipment included in this cating. It is not just that we are not I will move to table this motion and deal—everything from machine guns to doing something we are supposed to do. encourage all of my colleagues to sup- grenade launchers to armored vehicles We are making things more dangerous port the motion. We are nearing the and tanks—to increase its own engage- than we need to. end of the Obama administration. The ment in that seemingly intractable The Framers of our Constitution next President will have a stark choice conflict. What we don’t know is exactly gave important and exclusive foreign upon assuming office—whether to con- how America’s involvement in the civil policy powers to the legislative branch tinue the drawdown of America’s con- war in Yemen serves our national secu- because our Framers believed that the ventional military power across the rity interests and protects the Amer- process of defining America’s national globe or to restore our warfighting ca- ican people. interests and developing a foreign pol- pabilities to both renew our alliances I have no problem in principle with icy to pursue those interests must in- and restore America to its position as the United States approving the sale of volve the participation of the people’s the guarantor of the international se- weapons and military equipment to representatives in Congress. curity order.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.013 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 After nearly 8 years, the President’s Instead, they were called ‘‘free rid- bility and to deliver humanitarian re- approach to foreign policy has become ers,’’ and Saudi Arabia’s concerns with lief to the people of Yemen. So let us all too clear—to end the war on terror, what a Muslim Brotherhood govern- also remember that denying the sale of to draw down our conventional forces ment in Cairo, instability in Libya, and Abrams tank structures will simply and capabilities, and to deploy special the slaughter of Sunnis within Syria lead some of our allies to pursue weap- operations forces in economy-of-force would mean for the region were com- ons systems from other countries. train-and-assist missions across the pletely ignored. The Obama adminis- Let me say that again. The Saudis globe. tration has sounded an uncertain trum- don’t have to buy this equipment from The essence of this foreign policy was pet, but the words that resounded in us. They can buy it from somebody captured in his speech at West Point in Saudi Arabia and across the region else. So this motion comes at a sin- May of 2014. In that speech, the Presi- were the commitment to our allies— gularly unfortunate time and would dent described a network of partner- that in negotiating with Iran to end its serve to convince Saudi Arabia and all ships from South Asia to the Sahel, to nuclear weapons program, no deal is other observers that the United States be funded by a $5 billion counterterror better than a bad deal. does not live up to its commitments. partnership fund for which Congress Well, this proved not to be true. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- has yet to receive a viable plan. In administration accepted the bad deal, ator from Arizona. those cases where indigenous forces and in its negotiation with Iran, the Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, let’s prove insufficient and a need for direct administration made concession after be clear about what the arms sale is all action arises, the President announced concession after concession: allowing about. It is about giving a nation that his intention to resort to the use of Iran to retain a nuclear enrichment is under attack by an Iranian-spon- armed unmanned aerial vehicles for program, allowing for the retention of sored militia the arms that it needs to strikes, as has been done in Yemen and working centrifuges and a research and defend its people and its territory. Somalia. development program, providing finan- The Houthi militia, which is Iran’s So by deploying special operations cial relief and support, and lending le- proxy in Yemen, is attacking Saudi forces for train-and-equip missions, the gitimacy to the world’s chief state Arabia’s southern border. It has carried President hoped to manage the diffuse sponsor of terror. out hundreds of cross-border raids into threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Ara- Under any net assessment, Iran has Saudi Arabia and has fired numerous bian Peninsula, Boko Haram, terrorist emerged from the nuclear deal with the missiles deep into Saudi territory. networks inside of Libya that now Obama administration stronger— Make no mistake, this aggression is threaten Egypt, the al-Nusra Front, stronger than before the deal. The fueled by the Iranians. the Taliban, ISIL, and other terrorist funds derived from the lifting of sanc- Earlier this year, the United States groups. tions enable Iran to invest in proxy seized a shipment of arms bound for The concept of operations allowed forces and conventional capabilities, the Houthi militia. Have no doubt that the President to continue the force such as advanced air defense systems, the Houthi militia are the clients and structure cuts to the conventional and to threaten Israel and Saudi Ara- the stooges and the agents of Iran, forces and sought to manage the threat bia. which is attempting to take over con- from global terrorism. He envisioned Even more consequential is the fact trol of Yemen, which is an important no need to reverse the harmful damage that the Obama administration’s sin- nation, particularly because of its geo- of defense sequestration, to rebuild our gle-minded pursuit of achieving and graphic location on the Straits of conventional and nuclear forces, or to preserving the deal has held the other Hormuz. accept that leaving behind residual elements of our foreign policy toward Have no doubt about what the situa- forces in Iraq and Afghanistan was a Iran hostage. Iran is free to harass tion would be strategically if the Ira- means by which this Nation preserves American vessels within the Persian nian-sponsored Houthis controlled the strategic gains that we have made Gulf, to test ballistic missiles, and to Yemen. Have no doubt about the threat through sacrifice. that it is to the United States of Amer- The threat of some of these Al Qaeda fund proxy forces. ica and to freedom of navigation. affiliates, associated groups, or inde- After agreeing to the Joint Com- Houthi aggression against Saudi Ara- pendent terrorist organizations has prehensive Plan of Action, the Presi- bia has displaced over 75,000 Saudis and outpaced the President’s economy-of- dent gathered the leaders of the Gulf killed hundreds of civilians. If militias force concept. In some cases, the host Cooperation Council at Camp David. At were attacking our borders and launch- nation’s military which we had trained that meeting, our President made coming missiles into our territory and our and equipped had proven inadequate to mitments to those allies that we would defeat the insurgency in question, as help them in building their respective friends refused to help us defend our- was the case with AQAP, the Taliban, defense capabilities. selves, we would certainly question the or ISIL. A vote in support of this resolution value of that friendship. This is why The Obama administration never an- today undermines that commitment this sale is more important than just a swered the question: What was to be made by the President to help the sale. It is a message. done when the host nation’s force we Saudis. Our allies in the region, espe- The sale will give Saudi Arabia tanks trained for counterterrorism was in- cially Saudi Arabia and the United it has used to defend its own country capable of counterinsurgency—Iraq, Arab Emirates, came to understand from Houthi attacks. The United Libya, Yemen? The efforts of the De- that after the fall of the Mubarak gov- States has no evidence that Saudi Ara- partment of Defense to train a mod- ernment, the decapitation of the gov- bia has used the tanks outside of Saudi erate Syrian opposition never provided ernment in Libya, and civil war in territory. In fact, 20 of the tanks in the sufficient reasons for the President to Syria, they must act in pursuit of their case would be intended to replace those rethink the basic strategy. own sovereign interests, whether the damaged by Houthi artillery while the The President’s concept of operations United States would lead or not. tanks were on Saudi territory, de- countenanced a persistent, enduring The specific foreign military sale in ployed in defensive positions to terrorist threat from AQAP, the question here is for Abrams tank struc- counter offensive Houthi cross-border Taliban, and other groups in those tures to Saudi Arabia. We have been raids. These tanks will be reviewed and countries where insufficient ground selling ground combat equipment to monitored like all U.S.-origin defense combat power could be generated by Saudi Arabia for decades—for decades. articles to ensure they are used in the the force that we trained. There is no evidence—none—that the manner intended or consistent with In Riyadh, our traditional long- Saudis have used the Abrams tanks in legal obligations and foreign policy standing ally Saudi Arabia warned of ground combat within Yemen. These goals and values. Iran’s efforts to arm and support Shia systems have been used along the I say to my colleagues that blocking proxies in Syria, in Yemen, and in Leb- Saudi Arabia border to defend against this sale of tanks will be interpreted by anon and to foment unrest across the Houthi incursions. our gulf partners—not just Saudi Ara- region, all of which was lost on the The United States is actively work- bia—as another sign that the United White House. ing to improve Saudi targeting capa- States of America is abandoning our

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.015 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5925 commitment to the region and is an Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I enemy of Israel, has been provided up unreliable security partner. That is ask unanimous consent that the order to 300 new missiles with precision-guid- what this vote is all about. The nations for the quorum call be rescinded. ed technology by the Iranians to in the region already have that impres- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without threaten the Jewish State. Assad sion because President Obama has objection, it is so ordered. wouldn’t last 5 minutes without Ira- reneged on his promise made at the Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I nian support. They have disrupted all U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting wish to speak for 10 minutes, and I re- of our gains inside of Iraq. They are in- at Camp David in May of 2015 to fast- quest that the Presiding Officer let me fluencing Baghdad in a very bad way. track arms transfers. know when that time expires. When it comes to Yemen, when it As we support the Saudis in the de- This body, the Senate, is going to comes to Iraq, and when it comes to fense of their territorial integrity, we have a vote in a couple of hours about Syria, Iran is creating havoc. do not refrain from expressing our con- whether we should approve an arms This body has a choice. We are talk- cern about the war in Yemen and how sale to our friends in Saudi Arabia. I ing about a $1 billion package of arma- it is being conducted. We remain con- use the term ‘‘friends’’ because that is ments that will upgrade the Saudis’ ca- cerned by the high number of casual- what I think they are when it comes to pability to fight common enemies such ties resulting from the fighting. We the efforts to win the war against ter- as Al Qaeda and ISIL more aggres- have repeatedly expressed our deepest ror. sively, and it will give them the mili- concern about the ongoing strikes that Internal problems in Saudi Arabia tary capability to challenge the in- have killed and injured civilians, the are real. They need to modernize the creased threats to the region from of heavy toll paid by the Yemeni people, way they do business. They have had Iran. and the urgent and compelling need for double-dealing in the past of helping If we say no to the Saudis, not only humanitarian assistance. There has terrorist organizations. At the end of will that be seen as a sleight by the been some progress, including the es- the day, the Mideast is a very com- Saudis, they will buy their arms some- tablishment of the Joint Incident As- plicated place, but here is what is not where else. sessment Team, a commission to inves- complicated: Saudi Arabia has shared And if you want to talk about a body tigate civilian casualties. intelligence with us that has made that would have things ass backwards, But we cannot forget that an Iranian- Americans safe. They have allowed us this would be the moment in history backed, Houthi-controlled Yemen will to use their air bases in times of con- where you will be seen in history as be a chaotic, unstable place ripe for ex- flict. They are all in against ISIL, and not understanding the world. There are ploitation not only by Iran but also by they are great allies against the ambi- some of my colleagues on the other Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and tions of the Iranians. When you add up side who are worried about how the ISIL. That is why it must be our goal the pluses and the minuses of the rela- Saudis are using military force inside and the goal of the international com- tionship with Saudi Arabia, in my of Yemen to protect their borders from munity to arrive at a political solution view, it is not close—the pluses out- an Iranian intrusion that is being basi- to bring stability and security back to weigh the minuses. cally carried forward by the Houthis. Yemen. Saudi Arabia has been seeking To those who wish to sever this rela- There is an effort to bring about peace such a solution. tionship, be careful what you wish for. in Yemen, but Iran has empowered the Houthis to displace a pro-American, The Saudis were cooperative and par- Saudi Arabia is the center of gravity of pro-Western government, creating ticipated in good faith in the peace ne- the Islamic world. Most holy sites in havoc for the Saudis. They have gotiations in Kuwait before those Islam are in Saudi Arabia. I have met dropped bombs on civilians. There is no talks, unfortunately, broke down over with the King, the Crown Prince, and way to conduct war without mistakes Houthi intransigence. They have shown the Deputy Crown Prince. They have being made. We are trying to sell them considerable restraint in not respond- shown a willingness to work with us at new equipment, precision-guided weap- ing with airstrikes to Houthi cross-bor- a time when we need partners. If you ons that will lessen civilian casualties der attacks, which continue. drive this good partner, Saudi Arabia, away, you will one day regret it. when Saudi Arabia has to defend them- In the meantime, we must continue This is what is going on in the Mid- selves. to support an important regional part- east. Iran is marching through the I think it would be pretty odd for ner against Iran’s destabilizing behav- Mideast with terror. They are desta- Members on the other side of the aisle, ior in Yemen and beyond. bilizing the entire region. The Saudi who almost unanimously supported the I say to my colleagues, this vote is Kingdom is not perfect, but they are Iranian nuclear agreement, to give more important than the sale of tanks. aligned with us on the big issues when sanctions relief to an Ayatollah who on This vote is a message to our friends it comes to terrorism and pushing back the day of the vote said he hopes to de- and our enemies alike. This message is against Iran. stroy Israel in 25 years and deny a that we will continue the commitment The Iranian regime is controlled by a weapons sale to somebody who is in the President Obama made at a meeting in radical Ayatollah who openly chants fight with you. Talk about ass-back- 2015 with the nations in the region that and tweets that the State of Israel wards: flush the Iranian regime with we would expedite arms sales to them, must be destroyed. This regime is in capabilities they have dreamed of to not prohibit them. This is a message the hands of a religious Nazi. The Aya- pursue a nuclear deal that I think is a that one of the strongest forces against tollah in Iran controls everything. nightmare for the region, and in the Al Qaeda in the region and other ter- There are no moderate voices left same context, within a matter of rorist organizations is going to be al- there. months, start denying Arab allies who lowed to acquire weapons with which Since the deal with Iran has been are willing to fight the capability to to defend their sovereign nation. signed regarding their nuclear pro- fight. This vote will resonate throughout gram, they have test-fired four missiles If you want to send a signal to the the entire Middle East. That is why I in violation of U.N. resolutions. One of Ayatollah that America is out of the hope my colleagues will understand the missiles basically had in Hebrew fight and we no longer are a reliable that the importance of this vote tran- ‘‘Israel must be destroyed.’’ They con- ally, stop helping Saudi Arabia and the scends anything to do with military stantly threaten our ally Israel. They Gulf Arab States, who have been help- equipment. I urge my colleagues to have taken over four Arab capitals. ing us, as imperfect as they may be. vote against this resolution, and I urge The Houthis, who threw out a pro- What a world we live in, where this my colleagues to vote overwhelmingly. American government in Yemen by body wants to be tough on Saudi Ara- Madam President, I suggest the ab- force of arms, is being supplied arms by bia because they are in a shooting war sence of a quorum. the Iranians. in Yemen, sponsored by the Iranians, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The $150 billion the Iranian regime right on their border, that we want to clerk will call the roll. will receive in sanctions relief is find- cut off military aid to them because of The bill clerk proceeded to call the ing its way into the hands of terrorist human rights violations, when the peo- roll. organizations. Hezbollah, a mortal ple on the other side are watching Iran

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.016 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 destroy the Mideast, threaten us, and called us the Great Satan—and if they have no permanent allies. In the Sen- create the possibility of a second holo- could, they would destroy us—and have ate, he said, you have no permanent caust for the Jewish people. Not one killed American soldiers by providing enemies. person on the other side has risen their radical groups inside of Iraq with IEDs I believe what he meant by that was hand to say: You know, maybe we that have killed hundreds of American that on a case-by-case basis, people should revisit sanctions on Iran based soldiers. Talk about a body and an idea who come from different regions of the on what they have done since we signed that is ass-backwards, this is one for country, different States with different the deal. the ages. interests, will work together where So here is the answer. The Iranians To my friends inside of Saudi Arabia, their interests are aligned, and when have test-fired four ballistic missiles, I will push you to do better, and you they are not, they are going to differ— after signing the Iranian nuclear agree- need to look in the mirror about who respectfully, I would hope—but they ment with us, in violation of U.N. reso- you are, but I understand there are are not going to always do the same lutions, and our response is to cut off more pluses than there are minuses. To thing or see the world in exactly the weapons to Saudi Arabia. We haven’t our enemies in Iran—who are not the same way. That doesn’t mean we are done a damn thing to send a signal to Iranian people, it is the Ayatollah—as enemies. That doesn’t mean we are ad- the Ayatollah: Hey, man, you are going long as I am here with my colleagues, versaries. That is just the way it to pay a price if you keep doing this. we are going to push back against you works. The Iranians are shipping weapons to more, not less, we are going to help our As I think about our relationship the Houthis, who have destroyed a pro- Arab allies more, not less, as long as with countries such as Saudi Arabia— American government, creating havoc you are doing what you are doing. but it is not just Saudi Arabia, it is all in the region inside of Yemen, and our To those who want to vote today to of our international relationships—we response is to cut off weapons to the suspend this aid to Saudi Arabia, peo- are going to agree with them on mat- Saudi Arabians. ple in Iran will cheer you on. ters of principle when our interests are If you want to change the Mideast I yield the floor. aligned. We are. And certainly in the forever, do this. If you really want to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- case of this arms sale, our interests are tell everybody who has fought with ator from Texas. perfectly aligned. America you are no longer a reliable Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a very ally, do this. If you want to tell the while he is still on the floor, I just rough neighborhood, subjected to vio- Russians we are going to cede author- want to tell the Senator from South lence and war perpetrated by Iran, fre- ity and power to them, do this. The Carolina how much I appreciate his re- quently through proxy groups such as Russians are pulling for us. The Rus- marks. I agree with virtually every- Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other sians would like nothing better than thing he said. He is one of the most forces, but it is very much in the U.S. for America to cut off arms sales and knowledgeable and articulate Members interest that Iran not continue to alliances with the Gulf Arab States, of the Congress on national security dominate the whole region in the Mid- particularly Saudi Arabia, because matters. He knows whereof he speaks dle East. Obviously, they have made that would give them the opportunity and he speaks the truth. great strides in dominating and influ- of a lifetime. If you care about the JUSTICE AGAINST SPONSORS OF TERRORISM ACT encing Iraq. American homeland, you better put Madam President, I have come to the Unfortunately, as a result of the mis- Iran in a box as soon as you can. floor a few times this last week to talk guided nuclear deal negotiated by the Here is my belief about the Iranians. about another piece of legislation White House, Iran is now on a pathway Not only are they trying to take over called the Justice Against Sponsors of toward a nuclear weapon. One can four Arab capitals—and they have— Terrorism Act, known as JASTA. This imagine what our other allies, such as they are developing ballistic missiles might as well be known as the justice Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf to deliver something. They are not for the 9/11 families bill. States, are thinking. If our No. 1 adver- going to put the Ayatollah in space, I support the position articulated by sary in the region is going to get a nu- though I would like to do that myself. the Senator from South Carolina and clear weapon, we may need to defend They are going to put something on will vote against the resolution of dis- ourselves. By what? Well, by getting top of that missile and I know exactly approval to block the Saudi arms sale. nuclear weapons. That makes the what it is and all the Arabs know what I believe that is the same position ar- world a much more dangerous place. it is and the Israelis know what it is. ticulated by the distinguished chair- My point is, when it comes to rela- So at a time of great and clear con- man of the Committee on Armed Serv- tionships between Senators from dif- flict—and it is clear to me the Iranians ices, Senator MCCAIN, and the majority ferent States, representing different re- are the bad guys and our allies in the leader, Senator MCCONNELL, and I find gions and different interests, even Arab world, though imperfect, are still myself in agreement with each of though we sometimes agree with each our allies—that we are going to send a them. Some might say: Well, how can other, sometimes disagree with each signal to the radical regime in Tehran you agree to maintain the relationship other, that is just the way the Senate that we are going to roll back sup- with Saudi Arabia when it comes to works, and that is the way I believe the porting our allies and do nothing about providing them with the necessary world works. When our interests are their provocative behavior would be a arms they need in order to fight this aligned with countries such as Saudi mistake for the ages. proxy war by Iran against the Gulf Arabia, we will stand with them, and I wish the body would have a dif- State allies and at the same time sup- we hope they will stand with us. When ferent debate than we are having port this Justice Against Sponsors of they diverge, we are going to take a today. I wish somebody would come Terrorism Act, which some say may be little different approach. and talk about reimposing sanctions on focused on the Saudis. I would like to I believe it is absolutely imperative the Iranians. They have captured explain that. we override the forthcoming veto of American sailors and humiliated them. First of all, let me just say that when the Justice Against Sponsors of Ter- They are allies of Bashar Assad, who I think about the Senate, I am re- rorism Act so the families who suffered has butchered 450,000 of his own people. minded of the comments made by Rob- so much and lost so much on 9/11 can They are empowering Hezbollah, the ert Byrd, the distinguished Senator go to court and make the case, if they mortal enemy of Israel. They are from West Virginia who is no longer can, to hold whoever was responsible humiliating every force of good, and with us. He wrote books on Senate pro- accountable. That is just as basic as our response is to stand up and under- cedure. He wrote a history of the anything in our system of justice. That cut an ally. United States Senate. He was truly a is not for us to decide. We are not a What a world we live in, where the remarkable man. He was also former court of law. The rules of procedure United States Senate is considering majority leader of the Senate and a and the rules of evidence don’t apply stopping selling arms to somebody who force to be reckoned with. When I came here. Sometimes I wish they did. In would fight with us at a time when we to the Senate, Senator Byrd said, court, you can’t just introduce hearsay are doing nothing to a country that has among other things: In the Senate, you or conspiracy theories and not back

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.018 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5927 them up. They have to be based upon lims and his opposition to Sunni Mus- keep efforts to improve military and reliable testimony as determined by a lims, he essentially joined common veterans mental health services and judge. cause with Iran. Now we find ourselves suicide prevention efforts at the top of That is what the 9/11 families are in the unenviable position, as U.S. our to-do list in the Senate. going to get, is the opportunity to military forces that are training and Despite gridlock in Congress, this is make their case, if they can. I don’t assisting Iranian security forces—as an issue where we have solid bipartisan know if they are going to be successful, they march forward to Mosul to take consensus. I have seen it firsthand, but I do believe one of the most funda- that back from the Islamic State, we working year after year with my col- mental things about our system of gov- are literally going to be fighting side leagues, Republicans and Democrats, ernment is the opportunity to try. If by side with Iranian militias directed to work to improve military mental you think you have a case to make, by the No. 1 state sponsor of terrorism. health care. present it to the judge and try to make It is outrageous that we find ourselves In 2014, my bipartisan Jacob Sexton your case. You may win. You may lose. in this situation. Military Suicide Prevention Act was I spent 13 years of my adult life as a I encourage our colleagues to vote signed into law. The Sexton act, named trial judge and on an appellate court, against the resolution of disapproval. for a young Hoosier whom we lost far the Texas Supreme Court. Maybe I just This bill would keep the United States too soon, established for the first time became too familiar with how courts from supporting Saudi Arabia in ways a requirement that every servicemem- operate. Maybe I have more confidence that benefit our country strategically. ber—Active, Guard, and Reserve—re- in the ability of the courts to sift As we have heard, that includes tanks ceive an annual mental health assess- through these matters and get to the and other equipment to help the Saudis ment. bottom of them than some of my other maintain control of their border in a Building on the success of the Sexton colleagues do, but I have confidence, by very dangerous and tumultuous part of act, last year we had provisions of my and large, in the Federal judiciary, and the world and most importantly to bipartisan Servicemember and Vet- I believe under the oversight of a good help them protect themselves from an erans Mental Health Care Package Federal judge, they are going to enter emboldened Iran that is awash in cash signed into law, which helped expand the appropriate sort of protective or- as a result of the President’s mis- access to quality mental health care ders necessary to protect people sued guided, bad nuclear deal in lifting sanc- for servicemembers and delivered men- against overreaching and fishing expe- tions on the Iranians. tal health care in a way that meets the ditions when it comes to discovery, for In the long run, I think voting for unique needs of servicemembers and example. The judge is going to make this bill would actually help Iran and veterans, whether through the Depart- sure everybody plays by the rules and strengthen its hand, and I certainly ment of Defense or civilian providers does not take unfair advantage. cannot and will not support that. right in our home communities. So enough about that. But I believe, Madam President, I yield the floor. While passing these laws is a step in unlike a few of my colleagues whose I suggest the absence of a quorum. the right direction, it will take a con- comments I have read about, the Jus- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sistent, concerted effort to bring the tice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act clerk will call the roll. number of servicemember suicides does not target a specific country. As I The bill clerk proceeded to call the down to zero. We need to ensure that have mentioned time and time again, roll. the laws we have passed, including the we don’t even mention a specific coun- Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I Sexton act and the care package, are try in the legislation. All it does is ex- ask unanimous consent that the order implemented correctly so the services tend a law dating back to 1978—the for the quorum call be rescinded. reach the troops and the veterans who Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without need them the most. We need to keep and it says that in a narrow set of objection, it is so ordered. working on smart legislation that facts, you may be able to sue a foreign SUICIDE PREVENTION streamlines access and strengthens the government. In this case, if you spon- Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I quality of mental health care. sor or facilitate a terrorist attack on rise today in recognition of suicide pre- This has been a top priority for me American soil, you will have been vention, to continue to shine a light on since I first introduced the Sexton act deemed by law to have waived your the impact of suicide and to discuss the in 2013—my first bill as a U.S. Senator. sovereign immunity and you will be importance of efforts to strengthen It remains a top priority for me today. held accountable in court. mental health care. Sadly, too many This year, the final provision of my Again, I have read the 28 pages that Hoosiers and Americans are taken from bipartisan care package passed the remain classified from the 9/11 report. I us by suicide, shattering families and Senate as part of the national defense have read other responses from our law communities. Today, I want to talk bill. It expands the ability of physician enforcement and intelligence authori- about suicide prevention as it relates assistants to provide mental health ties. I can’t talk about that here. I will to our servicemembers, our veterans, care evaluations and services for serv- not talk about that here. and their families. icemembers and their families. The bill I believe the families do deserve an Last year, sadly, for the fourth establishes a pilot program to expand opportunity to make their case, and I straight year, more U.S. troops were the use of physician assistants special- trust that we will override the Presi- lost to suicide than in combat. In 2015, izing in psychiatric care to help ad- dent’s veto once it arrives here after 475 servicemembers took their own dress the mental health care provider Friday. But it is absolutely imperative lives. Prior to that, we lost 443 service- shortage. that we keep our promises to our allies members in 2014, and 474 servicemem- This legislation can help make a dif- like Saudi Arabia, particularly where bers in 2013. We are painfully aware of ference for our servicemembers in Indi- it serves our own national security in- the statistic that an estimated 20 vet- ana and across the entire country. I terests. They live in the region. They erans a day take their own lives. urge Congress to come together on a are working as a counterbalance and a These numbers allude to hundreds final defense bill that can be sent to check on Iranian hegemony. As the upon thousands of individual tragedies the President and signed into law. Senator from South Carolina noted, that have rocked our families, our There is no single solution that ends Iran is the biggest troublemaker, not communities, and our Nation. These suicide. We may never fully understand only in the Middle East but maybe on numbers represent sons and daughters, the internal battles that lead to an in- the planet. They have been trying to brothers and sisters, and husbands and dividual taking his or her own life. wipe Israel off the map using proxy wives who have dedicated their lives to However, this much is clear: We must forces like Hezbollah and Hamas. Obvi- the service of this Nation and have suc- do more to help prevent military and ously, they have been working their cumbed to invisible wounds. These veteran suicides. Throughout Sep- mischief in Iraq. After Saddam Hussein numbers illustrate the simple, terrible tember, we will recognize Suicide Pre- was deposed, President al-Maliki was fact that we are losing too many of our vention Month, but this issue demands put in place, but unfortunately because servicemembers and veterans to sui- our attention and our efforts every sin- of his favoritism toward the Shia Mus- cide. These numbers demand that we gle day of the year.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.019 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 To our servicemembers and veterans Boeings, GEs, and Caterpillars of the I said: If you want to have a debate, struggling with mental health chal- world. move the nominee to the floor and let’s lenges and to your loved ones, we are That totally ignores how American have a debate. You don’t want to have here for you, and we will not stop manufacturing is done. American man- a debate because you could lose. working until you receive the care you ufacturing is done in small shops all They don’t want to have a debate be- deserve and the support you need. We across this country, small businesses cause they will, in fact, lose in this will be there with you every step of the that have been a part of that supply body if that nominee comes up. way. chain for decades and have relied on I recognize there is support for reg- Mr. President, I yield back. the corporate innovation and selling of ular order, if we can call it that. To I suggest the absence of a quorum. large aircraft, large construction me, regular order means getting your The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. equipment, and large gas turbines and job done. It doesn’t mean stalling out TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. generators. and stopping American innovation and The bill clerk proceeded to call the Do you know what is going to happen American exports. roll. when those manufacturers or assem- Let’s say we go to regular order. Now Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I ask blers do not have export financing? we are working on trying to change the unanimous consent that the order for Guess what they do. They say: I have quorum rule so that people can actu- the quorum call be rescinded. to move someplace else where I can get ally make a decision and move these The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it. If I am going to sell my products in credits forward and get Americans objection, it is so ordered. the global market, I have to be able to back to work and get us back to ex- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK qualify for export financing, and that porting. Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, you means I have to move those manufac- Where are we right now? Well, we wouldn’t think that I would have to turing jobs—manufacturing gas tur- read in the press that once again the keep coming here to talk about how it bines or manufacturing small parts—to outsized—for their political support— is our responsibility to do everything France, where there is an environment interest groups in this town are saying: in our power to grow American manu- Don’t do it. and government that understands the facturing jobs, keep manufacturing American manufacturing is hurt, and importance of providing this important jobs, and make sure American manu- American manufacturing is calling and facturers are competitive in the global trade resource. saying: We must do it, and we can’t As we sit here today collectively wor- economy. wait until the end of the year. We can’t ried about the middle class and Amer- When young people come to my office wait to do this credit. to talk about the future, the one thing ica’s competitiveness in manufacturing The last time I came here, I brought I tell them—and it is critical that you and trying to grow our global presence what I call a payloader, a front-end never forget this—is that 95 percent of and our global exports, we take one loader. I brought a loader here, and I all potential consumers in the world critical piece of trade infrastructure talked about the manufacturing of that today do not live in this country. If and say: Can’t use it. It is not because piece of equipment in my State. I you want to be successful in the future, people here don’t think so or because talked about a huge credit and a huge you are going to have to be competi- the American people don’t think that deal we could do that involved inter- tive and you are going to have to be in- is a good idea. national credit with a dealership, novative and do everything you can to When you talk about this with the which would include manufacturers in grab that market share. That is how American people, they say: That is Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota—all our economy is going to grow. It is crazy. Something that returns dollars American jobs. It obviously didn’t in- what brings new wealth to our country, to the Treasury and provides this re- fluence anyone or we would have got- and that gives us the opportunity to source to grow American jobs and we ten it done. advance an economic and political are not going to do it? So now I am asking that everybody agenda that will move our country and And I say: We are not going to do it who says they are for American work- the values we have in this democracy because the conservative think tanks ers, American progress, and American forward. in Washington, DC, whose influence is exports to call leadership. This is What do we do? We stall out by say- outsized from their ideas and political something we have to do. It is bipar- ing that even though 90 or 80 other support, decided it is not a good idea— tisan and it is nonpartisan. I know the countries have export credit agencies whether it is Club for Growth, the Her- Democrats have put it on their list of that can assist in financing those man- itage Foundation, CATO, or whichever asks, but it shouldn’t be a Democratic- ufacturing jobs and those purchases, one comes forward and says it is not a Republican issue. I have good allies on we, the United States of America, are good idea. the other side of the aisle who want to going to tie the hands of a 70-year-old We are talking about American jobs move this forward as well. When we institution that has functioned incred- and American manufacturing, and we can’t move a piece of legislation and an ibly well to bring jobs and wealth to can do something about it with a sim- idea that has supermajority support, our country. We are going to do it not ple act, which in this CR we have to do that is when the American public says: because the will of this body and this because we can’t move on the nominee Guess what. This is a broken institu- Congress hasn’t been expressed—in who would give us a quorum on the Ex- tion. This is an institution that doesn’t fact, it is the opposite. Im Bank, and that is what is holding us function for the American people. When we reauthorized the Export-Im- up. The Ex-Im Bank operates like a lot When American jobs and when Amer- port Bank, we were able to secure al- of banks. It has a board of directors. ican workers get pink slips because we most 70 percent of the Senate and over When that board of directors doesn’t aren’t doing our job here, that is a sad 70 percent of the House. It sounds like have a quorum, they can’t make deci- day for the Congress, and it is a sad a mandate to me. It sounds like an un- sions on credits over $10 million. We day for what we do here. derstanding that most of the people in have $20 billion worth of business we Standing on principle is one thing. this institution understand the impor- could be doing internationally that is You fought the fight and the Bank was tance of a credit export agency. Guess held up by the lack of a quorum. reauthorized. Let’s get the Bank fully what. We have now told our export I get it. We are about regular order, functioning. Let’s get a resolution and agency: We are not going to give you right? I don’t know what regular order a provision in the continuing resolu- the structure or the power to function. says about not sending a nominee out tion that actually provides for reviving If you want to do a deal that is more of a committee so we can vote him up and moving the Ex-Im Bank forward. than $10 million, we won’t be there. We or down. This is the argument I get: We As I have said before in this very will not be there to provide assistance have never had a debate. Really? I spot, I don’t go to bed worried about or guarantees, and we will not be able can’t tell you how many times I have the CEOs of major companies. They to help American businesses be com- stood in this spot debating the Ex-Im have options. They can move those jobs petitive internationally. Bank and the values and importance of overseas. They will function just fine. A lot of people will say: Well, those the Export-Import Bank, but they say They are a part of multinational busi- are just the big guys. Those are the we haven’t had a debate. nesses. I go to bed worried about that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 21, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.021 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5929 worker who has to come home with a weaponry listed here. By the way, they have to gear up again for operations in pink slip because there is no longer the already own tanks like this already, other countries, we rely upon these al- opportunity to sell what is being man- and they can go someplace else to pur- liances. So what other countries do in ufactured. Don’t think that is not hap- chase them. purchasing equipment from us is they pening right now in the United States Let me start out by saying that we keep those lines and keep those em- of America because it is. Those pink had a huge debate in the Senate about ployees and keep that technology slips are on us. Those pink slips are the Iran nuclear deal. We ended up in building in such a way that it is useful happening because we have an institu- different places. Fifty-eight people de- for us in the future. tion that does not function in a major- cided they didn’t like it, but I think ev- Again, I cannot identify a single pol- ity fashion and for the people of this eryone probably has concerns about icy objective we can achieve by block- country and certainly for the middle Iran and what they are doing in the ing a sale to someone who has been an class. Middle East. ally. Although not perfect, they are an Everybody who says they are for the During that timeframe, the adminis- ally. They are helping us with the bal- middle class, why don’t we just quit en- tration met at Camp David with Saudi ance of power. They are helping us in gaging in lipservice and start taking Arabia and some of our other Arab the fight against some of the efforts action that tells American manufac- friends in the region and mentioned that are underway with Iran now in turers, American workers, and Amer- that in order to counter the nefarious Yemen—we are not involved in that di- ican business that we are going to activities Iran is involved in—and I rectly; they are helping us with that— stand with them as they innovate, ex- think everyone in this body would and they are a country that again is port, and grow the economy of this agree they are involved in nefarious ac- willing to buy U.S.-made equipment country? tivities; they are a country we stated is that helps us keep in place the infra- When everybody says our economic a state sponsor of terrorism—in order structure that is necessary for us over growth is sluggish, I look at them and to counter that, we would expedite time to protect our country. say: Do you know how we can amp it sales to friends like Saudi Arabia and I am glad we are having this debate. up? By exporting. Do you know why we the UAE and other countries in the re- I hope we table this motion overwhelm- are not exporting $20 billion worth of gion, and this is a part of that. In es- ingly to send a message that again we goods in this country? Because we do sence, for us to back away from this see no good policy objective in car- not have a fully functioning Ex-Im would be saying we do not want to rying out the blocking of this sale. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to Bank. counter the nefarious activities of ter- address the issues at the heart of S. J. There is no way anyone could look at rorism Iran is conducting in the region. Res. 39, the resolution introduced by this logically and say this is good pub- I understand my friend from Ken- Senators PAUL, MURPHY, LEE, and lic policy. tucky has heartfelt concerns about FRANKEN regarding the sale of $1.15 bil- I couldn’t be more distraught or some of the aid we have provided other lion in military equipment to the Gov- more sympathetic about what is hap- countries, and we have had very responsible discussions. Again, this is not ernment of Saudi Arabia. pening to American workers. It is time Despite obvious differences in our aid. This is an ally we are utilizing in we all work together. systems of government and concerning our alliance as a balance of power I know the Presiding Officer is very the rights of women and other issues, against what Iran is doing in the re- interested in moving the Bank forward the United States and Saudi Arabia gion. In essence, by not following as well, and we all need to make sure have a longstanding partnership that we get this problem taken care of be- through on sales to friends like Saudi has benefitted both countries. For fore we leave in October. Arabia and other countries, what we roughly six decades, security coopera- With that, I yield my time. are really saying is, we want to under- tion has been an important part of the I yield the floor and suggest the ab- mine the balance of power that is cre- relationship, fueled by military sales sence of a quorum. ated there in the region. to Saudi Arabia under both Republican Let me say something else. I have no- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and Democratic administrations. For ticed in this body that people are far clerk will call the roll. its part, the Government of Saudi Ara- The legislative clerk proceeded to less willing to want to commit U.S. bia has pledged to work with the call the roll. troops in foreign places. There is a United States in countering terrorism Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, I ask range of feelings about that, but I in the region. unanimous consent that the order for would say, generally speaking, I don’t But what has been unfolding in the quorum call be rescinded. think there is any question that Amer- Yemen since the spring of 2015 should The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without icans are far less willing to commit concern all Senators. There have been objection, it is so ordered. massive ground troops to efforts in the frequent, credible reports of Saudi Ara- Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, I rise to Middle East. If we know that to be the bian armed forces indiscriminately at- speak about the vote that is going to mood of the public today, the last tacking civilian-populated areas, tar- take place at 2:15 p.m., and I urge my thing we would want to do is to not geting civilians, and otherwise mis- colleagues to vote to table this motion. provide the armaments necessary for using U.S.-origin weapons; of humani- The motion itself would keep us from countries that might be willing to tarian access being impeded; and of a being able to follow through on a sale counter terrorism in the region. lack of serious investigations of, and of arms to Saudi Arabia. Again, to me, this is one of those accountability for, those who have al- It is my belief that the appropriate cases where I think the sponsors of the leged to have caused civilian casual- policy here is to table this motion, and legislation and those who are advo- ties. let me take a few moments to share cating for it are well-meaning people, I am not opposed to training and why I feel that way. but it is a case where I think we are equipping our allies or selling them the First of all, this is not a subsidized cutting our nose off to spite our face. I weapons they require to combat ter- sale; this is a sale where a country is don’t understand any policy objective rorism. But the conditions under which trying to buy U.S. weaponry with its we can be achieving by saying we have we provide such support must include a own money. This is not the United a country that wants to buy our equip- commitment to avoid civilian casual- States giving foreign aid to another ment with their money—no foreign aid ties and to ensure that if egregious country. This is a situation where an involved whatsoever—and we are un- harm is done to the civilian population ally that is certainly an imperfect willing to sell it to them. there are thorough investigations, pun- ally—they are very aware they have Let me make one last point. We have ishment if warranted, and assistance is public relations issues within our own an infrastructure in our country that is provided to the victims. We should also country for lots of reasons, but they utilized to protect us in tough times. be confident that the strategy and tac- are an ally nonetheless—has looked These are lines of building equipment tics of our allies are achieving goals around and decided and feels it is the that we utilize if we ever have to gear that we share. best thing for them to do relative to up, and I hope that is not the case Since the earliest reports of harm in- the purchase of the tanks and other again in the near future. If we ever flicted by Saudi forces on the civilian

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:58 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.023 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 population in Yemen, I have repeatedly and their families who have sacrificed of being alone with a man. You see, it raised this issue with the Department their lives. They deserve to have the is the woman’s fault because women of State. Although the Department and country debate when and where we don’t get to testify. The testimony Saudi officials have offered assurances should be at war. It should never be comes from her attackers, and the that effective steps are being taken to something that we slide into. woman of Qatif was given 7 years in avoid civilian casualties and to inves- Now, some will say: No, we are debat- prison and 200 lashes. tigate when they occur, the attacks ing over whether to sell arms to Saudi There is a poet who was writing in and casualties have continued. Efforts Arabia. Yes, but I would also argue Indonesia who is Saudi Arabian and by the UN High Commissioner for that we are at war in Yemen. Whether who was picked up by Interpol and Human Rights to conduct an inde- or not we sell arms to Saudi Arabia for taken home to be given the death pen- pendent investigation into war crimes the war in Yemen is something that alty for possible criticism of the state in Yemen have to date been rebuffed by should be debated because it is not just religion. the Saudi Government. There is scant about selling arms. It is about whether There was a young 17-year-old man evidence that the assurances reflect a we will be complicit in a war in Yemen. who is a Shia, a minority, who was a meaningful change in strategy or tac- If there is no debate in Congress, if protester at a rally. I think he is 21 now. He has been in prison for 4 years. tics or that the Saudi military oper- there is no debate in the public, are we His uncle was beheaded by the govern- ations in Yemen are achieving their ready to spend lives, money, and treas- ment 1 month or 2 ago and was, by all goals. ure on another war in Yemen? People That is why I cannot support the pro- will say: Oh, no big deal, we are not appearances, a religious leader, not a collaborator, not an espionage perpe- vision of military equipment, particu- really at war in Yemen. Well, yes, we trator. The man is now 21, has been in larly on this scale, to any country as are. We are refueling Saudi bombers prison for 4 years, and faces beheading long as legitimate concerns regarding that are dropping bombs in Yemen. There is said to be over 3,000 innocent in Saudi Arabia. the manner in which such equipment is You might say: Well, human rights people who have died in Yemen from being used remain unaddressed. It is in- just aren’t important. We need to do Saudi bombs. What do you think hap- consistent with the laws of war, and it what is right for us in the region. We pens to those families when 100 people implicates, at least indirectly, the have given Saudi Arabia $100 billion die in a wedding in Yemen? What do United States. I need to be convinced worth of weapons—$100 billion. OK, we you think happens to those families? that the Saudi Government is taking didn’t give it to them; we sold it to Do you think they have a warm, fuzzy effective steps to reduce civilian cas- them. But you know what. I think the ualties, to address the harm caused by feeling for Saudi Arabia and the United taxpayer owns our weaponry. We have its operations, and to support the States, which is helping to pick the an ownership interest in our weaponry. unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to targets and fuel the planes? Don’t you This is not the free market. The weap- those in need. think we as a country ought to have a onry was developed with taxpayer Therefore, I will support the resolu- debate before we go to war? Don’t you money and with explicit reservations tion and oppose the motion to table. think we ought to read the Constitu- that we in Congress can control who it Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, I sug- tion? is sold to. So we do need to ask, and it gest the absence of a quorum. Our Founding Fathers had a signifi- is an important debate, and we should The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cant, detailed, and explicit debate over be having it here in this body instead clerk will call the roll. war. They explicitly took the power to of leaving it up to the President. Let’s The legislative clerk proceeded to declare war, and they gave it to the have the debate. call the roll. legislature. Madison wrote that the ex- Is Saudi Arabia a good ally? Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I ask unan- ecutive is the branch most prone to Well, we have had this war in Syria imous consent that the order for the war. Therefore, with studied care, the for some time now. It is a messy war, quorum call be rescinded. Constitution took the power to declare a sectarian war. Most of the rebel The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without war and vested it in the legislature. groups are Sunni Muslims and the gov- objection, it is so ordered. This is repeated throughout the Fed- ernment is more allied with the Shi- Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, today the eralist papers. It is repeated by all of ites. In this war, there have been hun- Senate will discuss questions of war our Founding Fathers that the power dreds and hundreds of tons of weap- and peace. Today the Senate will do its to initiate war was too important to ons—some by us, but maybe 10-fold constitutional duty for a change. Let’s place in the hands of one individual. more by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. There be very clear, though. The Senate does But over the last decade and a half, has been public report after public re- this under duress. we have been at war in Libya without port after public report saying that The Senate has abdicated its role in the permission of the American people these weapons that are being poured foreign policy for too long. We have or Congress. We have been at war in into the country by Saudi Arabia have been at war nearly continuously for 15 Syria and Iraq without the permission been given indiscriminately. They have years and the initiation, conclusion, of the American people. Now we are at been weapons about which some would and resumption of war has not had de- war in Yemen without the approval of say: Oh, they are being given to the bate in this body. The last time we Congress or the American people. pro-Americans. One group said that voted on whether we should be at war So this is a twofold debate today. It when they were done with Assad, they was the Iraq war, which was a very is a debate over whether the United would go after Israel. It doesn’t sound emotional vote. It is a war that has States should be at war without a vote like people who are necessarily our long been over. of Congress. I think our Founding Fa- friends. There is now a new war in Iraq and thers were clear on this. It is abso- According to public reports, many of Syria, but there has been no congres- lutely certain that it was supposed to these weapons that Saudi Arabia has sional authorization. Therefore, it is il- be a prerogative of Congress, but there bought from us and channeled into legal and unconstitutional. are also practical concerns. Syria have gone to al-Nusra, an off- Today’s debate will attempt to de- Some have come to the floor and branch of Al Qaeda. They used the jus- bate whether or not we should initiate said: Well, Saudi Arabia is an imper- tification to go to war in Syria—the 9/ war in Yemen. It is an indirect vote be- fect ally. Well, I would go a little bit 11 justification that said we would go cause they won’t allow a direct vote. In further. Saudi Arabia has often done after those who attacked us. I thought fact, they would not have allowed this things that have not been good for that was Al Qaeda. Are we now giving debate had I and several others not America, have not been in our national arms to Saudi Arabia, which is giving forced it. But this is a bipartisan coali- interest, and have not been consistent arms to Al Qaeda and al-Nusra? There tion that has brought this issue to the with our understanding of human have been some reports that the arms floor and said: We should debate issues rights. have gone directly to ISIS. of war. Let’s give a few examples. The girl of I think it has been indiscriminate, I know young men who have lost Qatif was raped by seven men. Saudi inexcusable, and not in our national in- limbs in the war. I know young men Arabia put her in prison for the crime terest.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.033 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5931 How do we know what is in our na- I am not apologizing for Iran, by any needs to be evidence that Saudi Arabia tional interest? We have to have a de- means, but Iran, to my knowledge, has changed their behavior. This evi- bate. Instead, Congress wants to be a does not fund madrassas in our coun- dence needs to be that they quit fund- lap dog for an imperial Presidency— try. Saudi Arabia does. Saudi Arabia ing madrassas that preach hate; that Republican or Democrat, funds madrassas around the world that they come into the modern world and rubberstamped. Here you go—not even teach hatred of America, hatred of the quit beheading people when they don’t a rubberstamp. There is no vote, no West, and hatred of Christianity. By like what they say; that they quit discussion, nothing. We are forcing this the way, if you are a Christian, don’t beating and imprisoning the victims of debate against the wishes of both par- bother trying to go to Saudi Arabia. rape. ties, because both parties are complicit You are not allowed in Mecca, you are I think we should think long and in this. This is not a Republican versus not allowed in Medina, and God forbid hard about war. I think war should al- Democrat issue. This is a bipartisan you bring a Bible into their country. ways be the last resort, not the first re- foreign policy consensus that says that This is whom we want to send more sort. I don’t think it should be easy to we should always give weapons without weapons to? go to war. I think our Founding Fa- conditions, indiscriminately. It is $100 What of the Yemen war? What hap- thers understood that. They did not billion of weapons to Saudi Arabia— pens as the weapons pour into Yemen? want to give one man or one woman more than any other President. Presi- Is it possible that ISIS and Al Qaeda in the power to declare war, the power to dent Obama has given more. the Arabian Peninsula sit by laughing initiate war. That power was specifi- You say: Why does he do this? Well, and rubbing their hands, watching the cally and explicitly given to Congress. because we released about $100 billion war between the Houthis and the There is something to be said about worth of Iranian assets, and the Saudis Salafis, and then step into the breach? the corrupting influence of power. Lin- bug him and say: Well, Iran is getting It is what happened in Syria. coln said: If you want to test a man, all this money. We need weapons, too. Are we not to learn the lessons of the give him power. The true test is wheth- So it fuels an arms race over there. Middle East? Are we to completely er a man can resist the allure of power. But here is the great irony of this. It stick our heads in the sand and say: We I think this President has, on many oc- is something that is so ironic that this must always give weapons, and if we casions, failed that allure, whether it is body cannot overcome it. Unani- don’t give weapons, that is isola- privacy or whether it is issues of war. mously, this body voted to let 9/11 vic- tionism. That is, literally, what people President Obama once was a defender tims sue Saudi Arabia. Now, why would are saying. It is isolationism not to of privacy and once was a defender of we let them do that unless the people send $1 billion worth of weapons. To the Constitution, but for some reason, who voted unanimously actually be- send $1 billion less would somehow be the power of the office has caused him lieve that there is a possibility Saudi isolationism. Well, perhaps it would to forget the constitutional restraints Arabia had something to do with 9/11? send a message. that disallow even him from creating, So the body that voted unanimously There have been people who have de- causing, engaging in war without our that there is a possibility that Saudi scribed Saudi Arabia as both arsonists permission. Arabia had something to do with 9/11 is and firefighters—throwing fuel and But there is blame to go around. For now going to vote overwhelmingly to adding fuel to the flames and at times partisan reasons, we want to blame the send weapons to the country they being our friend and being helpful, other party sometimes, but if you look think might have had something to do maybe giving us some information or at the blame and who is to blame, with 9/11? Is Saudi Arabia an ally or an enemy? some intelligence. there is a great deal of blame to go As to the Syrian civil war, nothing I sometimes call them ‘‘frenemy.’’ I am around—the President for taking us to good has come from that civil war. not arguing that they never do any- war without our permission, but even thing that is good for us. They do on Arms have been plowed into that coun- more so, Congress for its abdication of occasion. They also do many things try from both sides, and there is noth- our role, our responsibility. that aren’t good for us. As we look ing good. But one concrete thing has The last vote on going to war was for through the list of things and we look come from the Syrian civil war—mil- the Iraq war in 2002. We have not voted to the arms that have been channeled lions of refugees, millions of displaced to go back to war. We have abdicated into this region, we wonder: Will we be people. They have flooded Europe, and our responsibility. better off? Will our national security they are wanting to come to America There is a young man in the military be better off or worse off? also. currently who is actually suing over an For example, as to the weapons that What do you think will happen in order he was given to go to war because Saudi Arabia poured into Syria, they Yemen if we put more weapons in he said it is not constitutional for him pushed back Assad, and there occurred there? What do you think happens in to go to war without the permission of a vacuum in the Syrian civil war. Yemen if we put more arms into Congress. The President once under- Guess who came to occupy that vacu- Yemen? More or less refugees? There stood this. um? Guess who grew stronger and will be millions of refugees coming. This is a proxy debate over whether stronger in the absence of Assad and in They will be flooding out of Yemen, if Congress has a role, whether we are the chaos of the civil war? ISIS. they can get out of there, as the war relevant in foreign policy, and whether In Yemen, you have several factions accelerates. we will stand up and do our duty. We fighting. It is maybe not quite as com- Does Saudi Arabia help with the refu- should be debating on this floor with plicated as Syria, but you have Salafis, gees? Does Qatar help? Do any of the every Member present whether the people who believe in the primitive, in- Gulf States take any refugees? Zero. President will be authorized to fight a tolerant form of Islam that Saudi Ara- Saudi Arabia has taken zero refugees. war in Syria and Iraq. bia practices. These people are allied So while they fan the flames, while We should also have that same de- with Saudi Arabia. They are fighting they send arms into Syria and arms bate on Yemen because we are involved against rebels they call the Houthi into Yemen and bombs into Yemen, in the war in Yemen, and everyone who rebels. The Houthi rebels are allied they take zero refugees from Yemen or loses their life there believes that it is with Iran and in all likelihood are sup- from Syria. Somehow it always seems not only Saudi Arabia that is bombing plied by Iran. They fight each other. It to be America’s responsibility to pay them, they believe it is us. We are re- is somewhat of a proxy war between for everything and to absorb the brunt fueling the bombers in midair, we are Saudi Arabia and Iran. of the civil wars throughout the Middle helping to choose the targets, and we You say: Don’t we hate Iran so much East. have people embedded within this war that we have to be involved everywhere I think there is another answer. I am zone. So make no mistake, we are at to stop Iran? I don’t know. Saudi Ara- not saying that we can’t be allied with war in Yemen. We are at war illegally bia funds hatred around the world. Saudi Arabia, but I am saying that and unconstitutionally and without Does Iran fund madrassas in our coun- they need a significant message sent to the permission of Congress. try? That is a really good question. I them. I am saying they need to change We should immediately stop every- don’t think I heard anybody ask it. their behavior, and I am saying there thing we are doing and debate a use of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.027 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 authorization of force for the Middle exercising itself. I am glad that is oc- Had they not done that, the country East. Everybody says they are for it on curring. I just think it is cutting our would have fallen into their hands, no both sides, yet it never happens be- nose off to spite our face to block a question. cause it is messy. It is messy also be- sale—a sale. This is not being sub- Mr. MCCAIN. Could I ask again the cause I think the American people sidized. chairman of the Foreign Relations might wake up to the facts. They Saudi Arabia is not a perfect ally, Committee: Suppose that, unimpeded, might wake up to the fact that ISIS but they have chosen to pursue and the Houthis, the clients of the Ira- grew in the midst of a Syrian civil war. purchase U.S. equipment versus Rus- nians, had taken over the country of They might wake up to the fact that sian equipment or Chinese equipment Yemen. What would that do? Would our involvement in the Yemen war or some other equipment. This is a sale that, indeed, pose a threat to the may well make Al Qaeda stronger, may that benefits us. It benefits our coun- Straits of Hormuz, where they are al- well make ISIS stronger. try in a number of ways. If I may, I ready harassing American naval ves- This is a twofold debate. It is a de- will lay those out one more time. sels? bate over whether you can go to war No. 1, one of the things that have oc- Mr. CORKER. It creates greater in- without the authority of Congress, but curred with the Iran deal is that we stability in a region that already has it is also a debate over selling arms and have upset, to a degree, perceptually had tremendous amounts of it. But no whether that will be in our national in- the balance of power in the Middle question—I mean, it borders the terest. I think we still do own these East. Even the President, who brought Straits. Again, it puts more of that in arms. Those arms are not privately forth the Iran deal that I opposed and Iranian hands, no question. owned by a company. We paid for the the majority of people on the floor op- Mr. MCCAIN. Would it be accurate to research for them. They are owned by posed, realized that was going to be a state that your committee has held the taxpayer, and by law there are re- problem. He convened Saudi Arabia hearings on human rights, your com- strictions as to where they can be sold. and the UAE and some of our other mittee has advocated improvements of I don’t believe Saudi Arabia is an Arab allies at Camp David and sug- human rights in Saudi Arabia, and it is ally we can trust. The fact is, they con- gested that we would expedite sales to the thinking of almost all of us that we tinue to support schools in our coun- these countries in order to push back want to see more progress in that di- try—schools that preach hatred of our against the nefarious activities that we rection? But at the same time, isn’t it country, preach hatred of Israel, and know Iran is conducting. All of us true that when we look at what Bashar preach hatred of civilization, as far as agree with that. They are a state spon- al-Assad is doing, when we look at the I am concerned. I just don’t see how we sor of terror. slaughter of 400,000 people in Syria, 6 send them the correct message by say- So, in essence, if we block a sale to a million refugees, would one assume ing: You can have unlimited arms from country that we have agreed, in order that maybe this priority of the spon- us. to strengthen our alliance with them sors of this amendment might be a lit- Some say this is too far. I say this is and to counter what Iran is doing—all tle bit misplaced? too little. But I think there will be we are doing is cutting our nose off to Mr. CORKER. Look, I was speaking something that occurs today. It will spite our face. earlier about this issue, which no one occur despite what the majority wants. Mr. MCCAIN. Will the Senator yield knows more about than the Senator This is a debate, but this is not the end for a question? from Arizona, but one of the basic na- of the debate. If we lose the battle on Mr. CORKER. Yes. tional interests that we have in the the vote, we will have begun the debate Mr. MCCAIN. Is it correct that in Middle East is the balance of power. over whether Congress is relevant. Yemen, the Houthis are a proxy for As you know well, people in our Whether or not we go to war without Iran? country have been far more reticent to the permission of Congress, this is the Mr. CORKER. No question. have our own men and women on the beginning of the debate. Part of the Mr. MCCAIN. It is true that weapons ground in the Middle East. I mean, victory is that we are having this de- supplies from Iran have been inter- that is just a fact. We know that. If bate, but mark my words—we are hav- cepted? that is the case, then if you have a ing this debate only because it has Mr. CORKER. We have interdicted country like Saudi Arabia that is will- been forced upon Congress. No one on them several times. ing to push back against these efforts either side of the aisle wants this de- Mr. MCCAIN. Is it true—would you which, again, further Iran, it seems to bate. If they could, this would be shuf- estimate, given your knowledge of the me that we would want to allow them fled under the rug. It has occurred only issue, that if Saudi Arabia had not in- to buy equipment to be able to do that. because the law mandates that they tervened in Yemen, it would now have So it helps us with the balance of allow it to occur. But this should be oc- become a client state and would have power. It helps us with an ally. It helps curring on moments of war, on issues been taken over basically by the Ira- us push back against Iran, and the of war, and I regret that we don’t do it. nians? thing I know you care so much about is I hope in the future this will be a les- Mr. CORKER. I don’t think that is our own readiness in the United States. son to the American people and to the even debatable. It also keeps the lines of building Senate that it is our duty, and there is Mr. MCCAIN. So you agree—— equipment open. That could be very no duty above our duty to decide when Mr. CORKER. That is correct. useful to us down the road. So I don’t and where we go to war. Mr. MCCAIN. Isn’t it true that in all understand what policy objective could The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. conflicts—one of the great tragedies of possibly be achieved by blocking this FISCHER). The Senator from Tennessee. conflicts is that innocent civilians are sale. Mr. CORKER. Madam President, I slaughtered? Mr. MCCAIN. May I ask one more have respect for my friend from Ken- Mr. CORKER. No question. As a mat- question concerning the so-called 28 tucky. We have had numbers of con- ter of fact, we have actually pages that recently have been declas- versations about this. I think he is demarched, in some ways, Saudi Arabia sified? Isn’t it true that information aware that I am holding up, as chair- because we felt in some ways, using implicates individual Saudis as having man of the Foreign Relations Com- what we might call ‘‘dumb bombs,’’ been responsible for 9/11? Isn’t it true mittee, subsidies going to Pakistan in that civilians were being killed in inap- that no one disagrees with that? their purchase of F–16s. I do so because propriate ways. They have moved to Mr. CORKER. That is correct. I don’t believe we should be subsidizing using other weaponry, smart bombs, Mr. MCCAIN. But isn’t it also true a country that has been so duplicitous and other kind of things to move away that the Government of Saudi Arabia with us in so many ways. from that. has not been implicated by these so- So there are some issues we agree So we don’t think Saudi Arabia has called 28 pages that were going to re- with, including the fact that I am glad been perfect in Yemen. No doubt civil- veal the vast conspiracy that the Gov- to be having this debate. I do think ians have been killed. But the facts ernment of Saudi Arabia allegedly for Congress is playing a role today. Re- that you are stating about pushing years had—the adversaries, shall I say, gardless of how you vote, Congress is back against an Iranian proxy are true. had alleged that somehow the Saudi

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.029 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5933 Government was involved in? Isn’t it hope, on both sides of the aisle. I thank was told it was her fault for being true that the 28 pages show they were the Senator. alone with the man. She was publicly not? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- whipped. Mr. CORKER. That is right. One ator from Kentucky. Poets have been picked up around the thing that is sad about this in some Mr. PAUL. Madam President, there world and brought back to Saudi Ara- ways is that everything you have said is probably no greater issue before Con- bia to be whipped for what they write. is true. But in addition to that, there gress at any time in our lives or any Do you trust Saudi Arabia to do the are some intelligence community affi- time in our service than whether we right things with your weapons? These davits that go on top of these and ex- should go to war. I think it is a mis- weapons are owned by the American plain even more fully that that is the take to slide into war. I think it is a taxpayer. We built them. We did the re- case. Yet those documents, because mistake to allow the power to declare search into them. Private companies they are classified, likely will not be war to default to one person. Our make money off of them, but it isn’t made available to the U.S. public. But Founding Fathers were very clear about them making money. It isn’t I have seen them, you have seen them, throughout the Federalist Papers, ex- about them getting to sell the weapons and others here have seen them. There plicitly in the Constitution, that the instead of Russia selling the weapons. is a huge misunderstanding, if you will, power to declare war shouldn’t go to It is about our national security. about what these 28 pages contain. one person; that the power to declare Saudi Arabia’s indiscriminate place- Then, what has come after that by war should be determined by a vote of ment of weapons into the Syrian civil other intelligence agencies within our Congress. We have abdicated that role, war has led to the rise of ISIS. ISIS own country further state with even and the vote today is a vote over grew stronger as Saudi Arabia was fly- greater strength some of the things whether we should try to reclaim that ing weapons to al-Nusra, Al Qaeda, and that you just said. There is just no evi- power. likely some of them to ISIS. dence. Some will say: Well, it is just arms, We now have a war in Yemen. Yes, and if we don’t sell them, somebody Mr. MCCAIN. So, if this proposal or we are directly involved in the war. this piece of legislation were passed, I else will. Yes, this is a vote not just about weap- Well, you know, I don’t think of na- would ask my friend: What message is ons, this is a vote about whether we tional security as a jobs program. I sent? What message would be sent, sup- should be at war in Yemen. We are re- don’t think of whether we create jobs posing that we voted in favor of this fueling the Saudi bombers in midair. here at home. I think about the young misguided resolution that we are now Our military planes are, in a sophisti- man who lives down the road from me cated fashion, refueling their planes. debating? who lost both legs and an arm, OK? I Mr. CORKER. I think it sends—— Do you think the Yemenis think: Oh, think about the human toll of war. I Mr. MCCAIN. Not only to Saudi Ara- no big deal. You know, 3,000 citizens think about whether there is a na- bia—— have died. When you go to a wedding in tional security interest, but I think Mr. CORKER. Yes. Yemen and you get a bomb dropped on nothing at all about whether any jobs No, I think it sends a signal. you from Saudi Arabia, do you think Look, I don’t think anybody can de- are created. If we make weapons and we have a you have warm, fuzzy feelings for our bate—we have had these discussions in weapons industry, that is good for our great ally, Saudi Arabia? our Foreign Relations Committee. I country when we make them for our- Absolutely, we should be telling know you have had them in Armed selves, but when we are selling weapons Saudi Arabia what to do. These are our Services, where you are the distin- around the world, by golly, we weapons. Do you know when they are guished chairman. shouldn’t sell weapons to people who willing to listen? It is when we argue I think everyone on both sides of the are not putting them to good purpose. from a position of strength. aisle understands what a blow to our What we have found is that Saudi Ara- Do you know what is the ultimate credibility—this is not a pejorative bia is an irresponsible ally. weakness? Give them what they want. statement—has occurred to us since One of the great ironies that nobody Giving the arms industry what they August–September of 2013. People un- here can quite explain is that this body want is the ultimate weakness. We derstand in the region and in the world has voted unanimously to let the peo- look weak, and we look bowed before our credibility has diminished over the ple of 9/11 sue Saudi Arabia. So we are and cowed before the Saudi Arabians. redline. This is just sending a signal to going to let the person who we think As they sit back in their long robes people even more fully that we cannot might have had something to do with sipping tea, refugees bob about the be counted upon; that the objectives we Saudi Arabia have more weapons? Mediterranean. People are starving and lay out to achieve a balance of power, What kind of signal is that to Saudi displaced in Yemen. Not one of them to help our friends, to counter the ne- Arabia? will come to Saudi Arabia, not one of farious activities that everyone ac- Would Saudi Arabia be bereft of them will be allowed in the country. knowledges Iran is conducting cannot weapons if we held $1 billion out? No. Yes, this is a debate about war, and be conducted. It is another stake in the We have already sold them $99 billion this is a debate about whether you heart about what we value most about worth. They have enough to blow up want to be at war in Yemen. It is not our Nation; that is, our credibility to the Middle East 10 times over. I think just a debate about sending and selling others. it might send them a message. another $1 billion of weapons, it is I hope this is defeated. Do you know what. Stop the sale, about should we be at war in Yemen. It I appreciate my friend from Ken- send them a message. Do you know is about should we be at war anywhere tucky and his feelings about this par- what the message might be? Quit fund- without the permission of Congress. ticular issue. I don’t look at this as a ing madrasas that teach hate in our This is not a small occurrence. This proxy for some other issue relative to country. Don’t tell us you are going to is not a small happening. This is a big the declaration of war. That, to me, is stop doing it. deal. This is the most important vote a stretch. This is about a direct rela- Saudi Arabia, tomorrow, stop fund- that any legislator will ever have. tionship and other relationships that ing madrasas in America that teach Should we be at war or shouldn’t we be you are referring to and—basically— hatred, that teach intolerance. Stop at war? demonstrating that we as a nation can- putting Christians to death. Stop put- Those who want to make this about a not be counted upon. ting people who convert to Christianity jobs program, about we are going to Mr. MCCAIN. I thank the Senator, to death. Stop beheading protesters. get some sales of tanks—no, it is not a the chairman of the Foreign Relations The one young man who is a jobs program. It is about young men Committee, for his stewardship of the protestor in Saudi Arabia is scheduled and women dying in a war. It is about Foreign Relations Committee, for his to be beheaded and crucified. Does that whether it is in our national interests. indepth knowledge and advocacy for a sound like somebody who is a great It is about whether we are going to be strong America and strong alliances. ally with a great human rights record? safer. Shouldn’t we have a debate over I think the voice you have added to The young woman who was raped by whether the war in Yemen is making this debate should have an effect, I seven men—she was put in prison. She us safer?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.030 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 We certainly should have had a de- way to read the war in Yemen as in our sale, a purchase—an arm’s length pur- bate about the war in Libya. Did that national security interests. There is no chase—between two countries that we make us safer? Once Qadhafi was gone, way to understand how the growth of have said, as a national policy, would chaos ensued. ISIS controls one-third Al Qaeda and ISIS inside Yemen, as a help strengthen our own U.S. national of Libya after the war as a result of the result of a bombing campaign that is interests. war. funded by the United States, is in our If we will remember, the President We are now bombing in Libya. We are national interests. actually convened—by the way, in a bi- bombing the replacement to the gov- I hope we have a good vote because I partisan way, we supported this—con- ernment we bombed. So we bombed Qa- think it will send a strong message to vened these countries to share with dhafi into oblivion. We don’t like the the Saudis that their behavior has to them that we were going to be willing people who replaced him either so we change, but I hope we are able to find to expedite the sale of arms to counter are bombing them. Does anybody think other ways where Republicans and Iranian influence in the region and to that maybe it is a mistake? Democrats can come together to talk continue to have the balance of power This is what this debate is about. about these issues because Senator that is on the ground. What should American foreign policy PAUL is right. We are not doing our Again, I think, today, based on just be? Should Congress lie down and be a constitutional duty. We are not per- the conversations I have had, Repub- lapdog for the President—let him do forming our constitutional responsi- licans and Democrats are going to whatever he wants? That is what a vote bility when we acknowledge multiple come together overwhelmingly to table on this will mean if you let the Presi- conflicts in the Middle East that are this motion that is definitely, from my dent have what he wants, if you let the unauthorized today—when we don’t standpoint, not in U.S. national inter- arms industry have what they want become to the floor of the Senate and do ests. I do think what they are speaking cause they can make a buck selling what we used to do, which is debate to is going to occur. My sense is, there tanks into a war that is a catastrophe. matters of war and peace. is going to be an overwhelming vote to In the Wall Street Journal, Simon Maybe war looks different today than table this because people realize that Henderson wrote that the chaos and vi- it did 20 years ago or 50 years ago or 100 while the optics of it—you know, Saudi olence in Yemen is such that it would years ago, when conventional armies Arabia, people are wondering about be an improvement to call it a civil marched against each other, but this them, which is true—at the end of the war. smells, this looks, and this sounds like day, a vote for this resolution, again, It is hard to know who is friend and war. We are providing the ammunition. cuts our nose off to spite our face. foe. Even our former Ambassador to We are providing the targeting assist- We are here to do those things that Syria has said, in Syria, it is almost ance. The planes couldn’t fly without are in our own country’s national in- impossible to know friend from foe. U.S. refueling capacity. terest, and I hope today we will bind People have repeatedly written that We may not be—American pilots may together and continue to do that by ta- Saudi weapons in Syria have gone to not actually be pulling the trigger to bling this motion. the wrong people. It is not like: drop the bombs, but we are pretty With that, I suggest the absence of a Whoops, Saudi Arabia is sometimes much doing everything else that is nec- quorum. wrong, and they are not that bad. They essary for this war to continue. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. The have a horrific human rights record. sounds like we should have a say, as a clerk will call the roll. There are people who believe them to coequal branch, as the article I institu- The senior assistant legislative clerk be complicit in 9/11. This body voted tion, as to whether this is in U.S. na- proceeded to call the roll. unanimously to let the 9/11 victims sue tional security interests. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, them, and now this body wants to give At the very least, by saying it is time I ask unanimous consent that the order them weapons? Does no one sense the to put a pause on these arms sales— for the quorum call be rescinded. irony? which, by the way, are happening at a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without As we move forward on this vote, ev- pace that is unprecedented. There are objection, it is so ordered. eryone should understand that this is a unprecedented levels of arms sales, not Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, proxy vote for whether we should be at just to Saudi Arabia but to the region I move to table the motion to dis- war in the Middle East because neither at large. By saying it is time to put a charge and ask for the yeas and nays. side—the leadership on neither side— pause on arms sales, we send a strong The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a will allow a vote on whether we should message to our ally, Saudi Arabia, that sufficient second? authorize force. Neither side will let if the conduct of this war doesn’t There appears to be a sufficient sec- the constitutional debate occur on change inside Yemen, if their contin- ond. whether we should be at war. ued export of Wahhabism to the world The question is on agreeing to the I see my colleague from Connecticut. doesn’t change, then we all have to motion to table. Would he like to have the last word? rethink this partnership. The clerk will call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Friends occasionally disagree. I The senior assistant legislative clerk ator from Connecticut. think this is a moment of important called the roll. Mr. MURPHY. I thank the Senator. disagreement. This doesn’t fracture the Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator Madam President, I do think this is partnership with Saudi Arabia. Ulti- is necessarily absent: the Senator from an important moment. As I said in my mately, it may make our partnership South Dakota (Mr. THUNE). opening remarks, I don’t think a vote stronger. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the in favor of this resolution fundamen- I thank Senator PAUL for leading us, Senator from Virginia (Mr. KAINE) is tally breaks the alliance with Saudi and I encourage my colleagues to sup- necessarily absent. Arabia. port this resolution. I further announce that, if present They remain an incredibly important The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and voting, the Senator from Virginia partner. We will still cooperate with ator from Tennessee. (Mr. KAINE) would vote ‘‘yea.’’ them with respect to other counterter- Mr. CORKER. Madam President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. rorism measures. We understand the think it would be wonderful to debate TOOMEY). Are there any other Senators importance of the role they play in the many of the things, at any time, that in the Chamber desiring to vote? Middle East with respect to providing any Senator wishes to debate, but to The result was announced—yeas 71, some sort of detente between Sunni na- use this as a proxy for something to- nays 27, as follows: tions and Israel, but friends also have tally unrelated, to me, is a most un- [Rollcall Vote No. 145 Leg.] the ability to part ways. Friends have usual way of approaching the other the ability to call each other out when issues that have been discussed. YEAS—71 their friend isn’t acting in their inter- This has nothing to do with a dec- Alexander Boozman Carper Ayotte Brown Casey ests. laration of war. This has nothing to do Barrasso Burr Cassidy As we have talked about over the with any of those things. This is about Bennet Capito Coats course of the last few hours, there is no whether we want to consummate a Blunt Cardin Cochran

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.031 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5935 Collins Hoeven Reed on the U.S. Advisory Commission on judgment to serve on that Commis- Coons Inhofe Risch Public Diplomacy. This is probably a sion—people like Doug Wilson. Corker Isakson Roberts Cornyn Johnson Rounds Commission that most people don’t I am disappointed that this nomina- Cotton King Rubio even know exists, and yet Mr. Wilson tion of someone so eminently quali- Crapo Lankford Sasse has been on hold since June 13, when fied—someone who has support on both Cruz Manchin Schumer his nomination was referred to the sides of the aisle and from the Repub- Daines McCain Scott Donnelly McCaskill lican Vice Chairman of that Commis- Sessions floor. He actually was nominated by Enzi McConnell Shaheen the President in March. sion, Mr. Hybl—continues to remain on Ernst Menendez Shelby He is eminently qualified. He is a hold before this body. I don’t know Feinstein Merkley Fischer Mikulski Sullivan noncontroversial nominee. The Repub- why. For some reason someone has ob- Flake Moran Tillis lican Vice Chairman of the Commis- jected to this moving forward. We don’t Gardner Murkowski Toomey sion, William Hybl, has urged the Sen- know who that is. We don’t know what Graham Nelson Vitter Grassley Perdue Warner ate to confirm Mr. Wilson, and yet his their objections are. Hatch Peters Whitehouse confirmation remains blocked for rea- That is one of the challenges we have Heitkamp Portman Wicker sons that seem completely unrelated to in this body that needs to change if NAYS—27 the nominee or his qualifications. government is going to operate the Baldwin Heller Paul I believe it is time for the Senate to way the people of this country expect. Blumenthal Hirono Reid confirm Mr. Wilson so that the Com- So I am going to keep coming to the Booker Kirk Sanders mission can be fully constituted to floor. I am going to keep trying to Boxer Klobuchar Schatz carry out its important mission. Sure- move Doug Wilson’s nomination, as I Cantwell Leahy Stabenow Durbin Lee Tester ly, these days when there are so many have since June. I am hopeful that at Franken Markey Udall hotspots around the world, when there some point the majority will hear Gillibrand Murphy Warren is so much going on, it would be helpful these concerns and agree that we Heinrich Murray Wyden to have the Advisory Commission on should approve him and make sure that NOT VOTING—2 Public Diplomacy in place and fully this Commission is fully functioning. Kaine Thune staffed up to be able to help advise on I yield the floor. The motion was agreed to. so many of the conflicts that we see The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator from Georgia. f going on in the world. Doug Wilson has had a distinguished Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPRO- career of more than three and a half unanimous consent that I be recog- PRIATIONS ACT, 2017—MOTION TO decades in the public and private sec- nized, and following my remarks, Sen- PROCEED—Continued tor. After graduating from Stanford ator CASEY from Pennsylvania be rec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- University and the Fletcher School of ognized, followed by Senator SANDERS ator from Florida. Law and Diplomacy, Doug became a from Vermont, followed by Senator Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I ask Foreign Service officer serving in posts WARREN from Massachusetts, and fol- unanimous consent that I be given 1 throughout Europe and later with sen- lowed by Senator ALEXANDER from minute so I can give a short speech. ior positions with the U.S. Information Tennessee. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Agency. During the Clinton adminis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. tration, he served as Deputy Assistant objection, it is so ordered. NASA LEGISLATION Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1878 Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, we just under Secretary Cohen. Most recently, Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, this is passed a NASA bill in the Commerce from 2010 to 2012, he was Assistant Sec- somewhat of an unorthodox way to ask Committee, and we are going to Mars. retary of Defense for Public Affairs, for a UC, but we are going to go We are going to Mars in the decade of serving as a principal adviser to the through a process this afternoon talk- the 2030s with humans, and the bill sets Secretary of Defense. ing about a bill called the Pediatric the goal of having a colonization of He is a three-time recipient of the Rare Disease Priority Review Voucher other worlds. This is a new and excit- Department of Defense Distinguished Act, which expires on September 30 of ing time in our Nation’s space explo- Public Service Award, the Pentagon’s this year. ration program and particularly now highest civilian honor. Since 2013, he All of those names I just mentioned with the human exploration program. I has been a senior fellow and chair of have a stake in this particular debate thought that would be good news for the board of advisers at the Truman and I am going to lead it off. Then, I the Senate. National Security Project. In 2009, he am actually going to refer to my col- I yield the floor. was the founding chair of the board of league from Pennsylvania, Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- directors at Harvard’s Public Diplo- CASEY, my friend and coauthor of this ator from Tennessee. macy Collaborative. I think there is no legislation for the purposes of the UC Mr. ALEXANDER. I suggest the ab- question that Doug Wilson is ex- motion, and then we will go from sence of a quorum. tremely qualified. He has worked in a there. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bipartisan way over the years. Mr. President, I fell in love with my clerk will call the roll. I have had the great pleasure of wife in 1968 and married her 48 years The senior assistant legislative clerk knowing Doug for more than 30 years. ago. We have had a great marriage. But proceeded to call the roll. When I first met him, he was a foreign in 2004, I fell in love with Alexa Rohr- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask policy adviser to then-Senator Gary bach, the young lady to my left who unanimous consent that the order for Hart. He worked in that role again you can see on the screen here. the quorum call be rescinded. when Senator Hart ran for President in Alexa had neuroblastoma, an incur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 1984. able cancer of the brain. She came to objection, it is so ordered. The fact is that the work of the U.S. Washington, DC, lobbying us to try to NOMINATION OF DOUGLAS WILSON Advisory Commission on Public Diplo- accelerate the research into rare dis- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am macy has never been more important eases for children and to try to find on the floor today to raise my concern and urgent. One of the great foreign cures for them. I got interested, and I about another nominee who has been policy challenges of our day is coun- went to the Children’s Hospital of on hold in this body for months. I am tering the poisonous ideology of vio- Pittsburgh, PA, where Senator CASEY sad to say that this has been an ongo- lent extremist groups. Another is coun- is so active. I am active in children’s ing issue with the Senate. People have tering Russian propaganda and Russian health care in Atlanta, and I saw many been nominated—good people who are meddling in Europe and central Asia. of the breakthroughs for cancer and very well qualified—and then their The Commission plays an important other diseases of children. BOB CASEY nomination doesn’t get acted upon. role in helping our Nation address and I got very interested in seeing One of those people is Douglas Wil- these challenges, and we need people what we could do to further the devel- son, who has been nominated to serve with the right experience and the right opment of new drugs coming into the

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Nor I think is it the debate to develop a new program that would nies develop breakthroughs, we that we need research and development research neuroblastoma and would cor- shouldn’t do it, is a bogus argument. to get us a cure of cancer, to get us a rect it so that Alexa Rohrbach could I will be glad to debate anybody, any- cure of Alzheimer’s disease, to get us a sit by me today. place, anywhere if you are talking cure of diabetes, and so many other Five years after I met her, Alexa about a philosophical difference, but by diseases that are shortening the lives Rohrbach died, but my passion for try- golly, I will not debate them about de- of people in our country and around ing to meet the request that Alexa had laying something that can expedite a the world. We must work together to lobbied for did not go away. It actually cure being developed in the United make that happen. burned brighter. So Senator CASEY and States of America for a disease that In my view, if we understand that it I got together and developed the FDA kills children. is imperative that we try to come up Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review So when BOB CASEY and I ask for with cures to these terrible diseases, Voucher Act, and passed it 5 years ago. unanimous consent today to approve there is no debate, I would hope, that That bill provided, as an incentive for the bill, it is only approving an exten- the U.S. Government and institutions companies to develop breakthrough sion for 5 years of a bill that is in place like the National Institutes of Health drugs, a priority review voucher for fu- and has worked. It doesn’t cost the and the Food and Drug Administration ture drugs that would incentivize them American taxpayer a dime but may must play, as they have historically to work harder to develop new drugs. save the life of an American taxpayer done, a major role in finding cures for Such has been the case in a number of and their children. That is a good thing these diseases, easing suffering and ex- things that have happened, and I am for us to be here for. That is the reason panding life expectancy. I don’t think very proud that took place. I am still here today at age 71. It is to there are too many people here who But that program is expiring Sep- would disagree with that. see to it that I make some contribution tember 30. I want to see to it that it is But in order to do that, it is clear to the furtherance of health and the extended. It is an incentive that that we are going to require a well incentivizes the right thing to happen quality of life for every child in Amer- funded National Institutes of Health for the right people for it to happen ica. and a well-funded Food and Drug Ad- for, and it doesn’t cost the taxpayer It is my hope that at some point in ministration. I must say, it is beyond any money, but saves lives and it time in this debate before we get to the my comprehension that year after makes their quality of life better. end of the year, those who have adver- year, my Republican colleagues appear There will be objections that you will sarial reasons to object to a unanimous to work overtime to provide tax breaks hear from Senator SANDERS and Sen- consent for an extension of 5 years will to billionaires yet refuse to adequately ator WARREN and maybe others about come to the reality that we are doing fund the NIH or the Food and Drug Ad- this—that or the other, in terms of the right thing for the right reasons. It ministration. What set of priorities can pharmaceutical companies or in terms is not partisan. It is not political. It is anyone have that makes sense to any- of trying to do a package of bills to- practical, and it is right. body in this country that says: Yes, we gether—but there is no reason whatso- I publicly want to thank Senator BOB are going to give tax breaks to billion- ever to object to a unanimous consent CASEY from Pennsylvania for being my aires and large corporations. But no, to adopt the extension for 5 years for partner throughout this development, no, we are not going to adequately fund this proven program. and I encourage every Member in the the major institutions in this country Some of those who will object have Chamber, when they have the oppor- that are leading the effort to find cures written letters to the FDA encouraging tunity, to vote for the health of our of the terrible diseases that impact our programs like this to exist—one of children, to vote for the extension of children, our seniors, and everybody in them being Senator WARREN from Mas- their lives, to vote for the development this country. sachusetts, who on the April 15 of this of new cures coming through and the I would hope that my Republican col- year signed this letter to the FDA, urg- research and development and incen- leagues listen to the American people ing the acceleration of development of tives to cause that to happen. and get their priorities right. Poll after a breakthrough drug for Duchenne dis- With that said, I yield to Senator poll says no more tax breaks for the ease. By the way, on Monday of this CASEY. rich. Let’s invest in health care. Let’s week the Sarepta Therapeutics com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- invest in cures for the children’s dis- pany in Boston, MA, was approved by ator from Pennsylvania. eases that Senator ISAKSON talked the FDA for the development of a new Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I want to about—cancer, Alzheimer’s, and all the drug that is the first drug to treat thank my colleague from Georgia for rest. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a dis- his good work to advance the process. I Second of all, just ironically and co- ease that affects 1 in 3,500 boys who are offer the following consent request: incidentally, I just asked through my born, limits the quality of their life, I ask unanimous consent that the Web site for the American people to and, in many cases, causes death. That Senate proceed to the immediate con- send me information on what is going process was developed through the sideration of Calendar No. 415, S. 1878; on in their lives with regard to pre- work of a company. We want to make that the committee-reported substitute scription drugs. Every so often, we do sure that companies are incentivized to amendment be agreed to; that the bill, that. We sent out an email, and we do make those types of breakthroughs as amended, be read a third time and Facebook so they can tell me what is again. There are so many companies passed; and that the motion to recon- going on with regard to their life and where, if given the right incentive and sider be considered made and laid upon prescription drugs. Not surprisingly, the right opportunity, breakthroughs the table with no intervening action or the vast majority of the comments we can be developed. Lives can be saved, debate. received—and we received about 1,000 and the quality of life can be better. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there comments from people all over this We will hear all kinds of arguments objection? country—are from people who are out- about pharmaceutical companies, and Mr. SANDERS. Reserving the right raged by the high costs of prescription you will hear arguments about this, to object, Mr. President. drugs in this country—a cost that is that, and the other. The facts of this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- going up every single day. matter are clear. This bill is an incen- ator from Vermont. People are walking into their phar- tive that for 5 years has incentivized Mr. SANDERS. Thank you, Mr. macies today and seeing the price of the development of new breakthrough President. medicines that they have had for 20 drugs to cure diseases and ailments Mr. President, it goes without say- years double, for no explanation other that affect children in America. It is an ing, to pick up on Senator ISAKSON’s than the fact that the drug companies incentive that is right, it is not an in- point, that there is nobody in this body can do it and are doing it so they can centive that is wrong, and it works. who does not want to see cures as make outrageous profits.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.038 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5937 In this country, we pay the highest sessions to make ends meet so we can buy ward with cures for children’s diseases prices in the world for prescription food. and diseases that impact so many drugs. Senator ISAKSON talked about Jerry from Lincoln, NE, cannot af- Americans of all ages, but we are going the terrible diseases facing our kids. He ford Gabapentin for shingles. It was to have to have the courage to start is right, but do you know that every $35, and it is now $75. taking on the pharmaceutical industry year there are thousands of people in Trish from New Jersey stopped tak- and representing the American people. this country who are dying because ing her breast cancer medication be- So I am offering an amendment, along they cannot afford to pay the highest cause it went from $25 to $225 for a 3- with Senator WARREN, which I hope prices in the world for prescription month supply. Is anyone concerned will pass, which will extend this pro- drugs, while last year the pharma- about that? gram, which is going to expire at the ceutical industry made $50 billion in Of course we want new drugs to cure end of September, to the end of the profit? The top five companies made diseases, but those new drugs won’t do year. That will give us an additional 3 $50 billion in profit. anybody any good if people can’t afford months to work together to come up One out of five people in this coun- them. with some serious legislation that ad- We have seen scandal after scandal in try, Senator ISAKSON, when they go to dresses not only children’s issues but the last few months and years. Gilead the doctor’s office and they get a pre- the health care and needs of millions of sold Sovaldi, a drug for hepatitis C, for scription, you know what, they can’t Americans in general. $1,000 a pill. Mylan raised EpiPen afford to fill that prescription. Talk to I look forward to working with my prices by 500 percent over the last sev- the doctors in Georgia. Talk to the friends on the other side to come up eral years, to more than $600. Martin doctors in Tennessee. This is what they with a good solution to protect the Shkreli raised the price of Daraprim, a will tell you: We write the prescrip- American people from the outrageously lifesaving AIDS medication, by 5,000 tions, but working class people can’t high cost of prescription drugs in this percent. Are we concerned about that? afford to fill them. We have received country. I hope some of us are. letters from oncologists all over this Reserving the right to object, would Above and beyond the fact that the the Senator modify his request to in- country who tell us their cancer pa- pharmaceutical industry is ripping off tients cannot afford the outrageously clude the Sanders amendment which is the American people, the FDA itself at the desk? high costs of the medicines people need tells us that this voucher approach to stay alive. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there doesn’t work. The Government Ac- objection to the modification? Maybe, just maybe, it might be time countability Office released a report in for the Senate to stand up to the phar- The Senator from Tennessee. March that found that there is no evi- Mr. ALEXANDER. Reserving the maceutical industry and all of their dence this program works to right to object, as chairman of the Sen- lobbyists here and all of their cam- incentivize drug development. Not only ate Health Committee, I will object, paign contributions and say: We are does the program not work, it actually but I will work with the Senators from going to stand with the American peo- slows down the review time of drugs Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, ple who are sick and tired of being that are clinically important. When and Vermont to do what we need to do ripped off by the drug companies. one of these vouchers is used, that during the rest of the day so that the Let me read just a few—I am not means FDA staff must take time away Senate will be able to adopt an exten- going to read 1,000 letters, just a few— from reviewing priority medication in sion of this important program to the to give an indication of what is going order to review drugs that have bought end of the year, which I think we on in America. a pass to the front of the line. By mov- Mark from Plainville, CT, wrote to should be able to do. ing one drug faster, more important I will reserve the remainder of my re- us and said that his drug for Crohn’s drugs may move slower. marks until the Senator from Massa- disease went up from $75 a month to What we do know is that these chusetts has a chance to speak. $700 a month. Is anyone here concerned vouchers sell for hundreds of millions I object. about that? He is worried that he may of dollars. One recent example from The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- die. This is what he writes to me: last year is that a drug company, tion is heard to the modification. I am no longer treating my Crohn’s dis- United Therapeutic, sold a priority re- Is there objection to the original re- ease. I am in a lot of pain and will eventually view voucher to another major drug quest? develop colorectal cancer and die. I am 39 company, AbbVie, for $350 million. Mr. SANDERS. Yes, I object. with a wife and two daughters. We simply While nearly one in five Americans The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- cannot afford this medication any longer. I cannot afford to fill their prescriptions, tion is heard. have had to leave my job and I am now try- the top five drug companies made a The Senator from Massachusetts. ing to freelance from home with no success Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I rise for 4 months. Our home is about to be fore- combined $50 billion in profits last closed. Is that of interest to my Republican year. in support of Senator SANDERS’ objec- friends or is that not important? There are many reasons why we pay tion and amendment. Massachusetts is Amanda from Bartlesville, OK, such outrageous prices, but one reason home to many of the Nation’s best sci- shared this story of her husband’s gout is we continue passing laws written by entists and most innovative biomedical medication: the pharmaceutical industry and their companies. I believe we have a moral lobbyists year after year after year. I imperative to save money and save He pays more than $300 a month for a med- believe the American people should icine that was $4 in 2010. lives by expanding medical innovation know that the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. Maybe someone can explain to me has spent more than $3 billion on lob- I have been here for almost 4 years. I how a medicine that was $4 in 2010 is bying since 1998. How is that? Democ- have spent nearly the entire time $300 a month now. racy at work. Drug companies charge working both publicly and privately to He is now disabled because he cannot af- us the highest prices in the world, and try to fix the broken medical innova- ford the medicine he needs. the pharmaceutical industry spent $3 tion system in this country. I will be Heather in Taos, NM, cannot afford billion on lobbying. They are all over blunt: It has been maddening because her EpiPen. We have heard a whole lot this place, high-priced lobbyists trying we know what we need to do to fix this about the high price of EpiPens. She to get us to pass pharma legislation. problem. We know that medical cures said: Just last year the pharmaceutical income from taxpayer investments in I basically haven’t had one in years that is dustry spent $250 million on lobbying basic research, followed by private in- not expired. Just hope I don’t get stung or I and campaign contributions and em- dustry making its investments to turn will die. ployed some 1,400 lobbyists. Maybe the that research into viable treatments. John in Anchor Point, AK, cannot af- working families of this country need Nobody in Congress seriously disputes ford his insulin, which jumped from some protection against these lobby- that. $1,400 to $1,600. He said: ists. Every single person I have talked to I skip buying groceries when picking up I certainly want to do everything I here says they support increasing fund- meds. Went home and scraped by. Sold pos- can to see that this country comes for- ing for the National Institutes of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.040 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 Health. Yet for over a decade Congress I want cures, and to get them, we they don’t like billionaires, and they has decimated the NIH’s budget. It has need to put more money into the NIH asked the question: Well, is anybody effectively been cut by nearly 25 per- so that we can cure more diseases. We listening? cent. Those cuts are singlehandedly need to put more money into the FDA I am listening. Whom do we care choking off support for the projects so they can approve everything that is about? Let’s talk about these 7,800 chil- that could lead to the next major worth approving as quickly as possible. dren at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. breakthrough against ALS, Alz- Senate Democrats have made their These are children who are very sick. heimer’s cancer, and rare pediatric dis- position clear. Whatever our views on Many of them will die prematurely. eases. Those cuts are driving scientists these individual policies, we do not Every single one of them has free care out of the country or out of research support moving piecemeal bills with- at St. Jude’s Hospital thanks to the entirely. Those cuts are discouraging a out a real, bipartisan agreement on contributions of many people. whole generation of brilliant young renew investments. Every Democrat on This is what the doctors at St. Jude’s searchers who see no path to launch the HELP Committee has cosponsored Hospital say about the proposal Sen- the work that could save millions of a serious proposal to provide $50 billion ator ISAKSON and Senator CASEY have lives. Only in Washington can every in new mandatory NIH and FDA fund- made that has been in the law since single elected official say they are ing. Republicans have put no proposal 2012 and received 20 votes in our com- committed to fix something and then on the table—nothing. Chairman ALEX- mittee against the two votes of the do nothing. ANDER said publicly that he understood Senators who are on the floor. Newt Gingrich and I do not agree on the importance of getting this done, St. Jude’s doctors who are taking much of anything, but we teamed up but it has been months and we have care of these very sick children say: last year to plead with Congress to ad- seen nothing. Priority vouchers (PRVs) provide a very dress this travesty. Newt Gingrich The supporters of this expiring powerful incentive to stimulate drug devel- said: ‘‘To allow research funding to voucher program want to extend it to opment in rare pediatric diseases. languish at a time of historic oppor- the end of December. I am willing to do Does anybody care about these chil- tunity when you could be saving lives that. I will join Senator SANDERS in dren in Memphis— and saving money takes a special kind that. These aren’t some people in Wash- of stupidity that is reserved for this I believed Chairman ALEXANDER’s ington, in bureaucracies. These are city.’’ I agree. promise to work in good faith on a bi- doctors caring for dying children. The doctors continue: For 2 years, Republicans in the Sen- partisan package that will actually fix ate have claimed loudly that they want medical innovation in this country. De- These conditions often lack the market op- to do something about this. For a year portunity to attract significant investment, spite months of silence, I still believe or may present other significant develop- they talked to Democrats about a com- it. I want to give him every oppor- ment obstacles and costs that may deter in- prehensive, bipartisan package that tunity to keep that promise. vestment from biopharmaceutical compa- would include investments in NIH and If Republicans want to ignore the nies. FDA. Then one day they stopped talk- real problems here and play political We may not like drugmakers, but if ing and instead started pushing a games instead, if they want to cyni- we need new drugs for dying children, bunch of small, piecemeal bills through cally use sick children and desperate who is going to make the drugs if the the committee, all without a single moms in the runup to an election as a drugmakers don’t make them? Some dime of new money for medical re- political football to avoid actually bureaucrat in Washington? Some com- search, and then declared themselves doing the right thing by these families, mittee member of the Senate? No, no— the conquering heros of medical inno- I cannot stop them, but I will not play someone who knows how to make vation. along. drugs. Now, look, I support some of these We are losing an entire generation of This proposal that has been on the bills. I helped write some of these bills. scientists and researchers because Con- books for 5 years says that we will pro- Others, like the Advancing Hope Act, I gress will not face the hard fact that vide an incentive to help these chil- have serious concerns about. But with- medical research takes money. We are dren. It has worked. We voted 20 to 2 in out new funding for medical research, forfeiting cures and treatments that our committee—which is about equally this bundle of bills will not move the could help people all across this coun- composed of Democrats and Repub- needle on medical innovation. The Ad- try because Congress will not make the licans—in favor of extending it. It is vancing Hope Act is an example. I sup- investments in basic research. We are important for the American people to port getting more transformative cures losing our mothers, our fathers, our know that. for pediatric rare diseases, but the Ad- sons, and our daughters because Con- According to the doctors at St. vancing Hope Act doesn’t put a dime of gress plays politics with people’s lives. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis—remem- additional money into medical re- I will not play along, and I will do ber, they have 7,800 very sick children search or approval—not one dime. This every single thing I can to get the they are caring for today. They say: bill just hands drug companies vouch- funding we need to support real med- We have witnessed strong evidence that ers so they can jump to the front of the ical innovation in this country. the programs are working. line at the FDA. The drug companies I yield the floor. The Isakson-Casey bill is working. love it. Most of them have turned The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Continuing: around and sold off their vouchers, ator from Tennessee. Support for the Voucher Program is key to sometimes for hundreds of millions of Mr. ALEXANDER. First, Mr. Presi- facilitating access to new agents important dollars. But the FDA has said there is dent, I congratulate Senator CASEY and to improving outcomes in pediatric cancers. no evidence this program is effective at Senator ISAKSON for doing a terrific job We have considered this the way U.S. incentivizing drug development for of being excellent Senators and coming Senators are supposed to. We brought rare pediatric diseases. up with legislation a couple of years it up in our committee. We debated it. Who knows what breakthrough can- ago that has helped children. We had amendments when they were cer or Alzheimer’s treatment now We have now heard from the only two offered. We voted on it, and we voted 20 takes longer to approve because some U.S. Senators in the whole body, so far, to 2. giant drug company uses a voucher to who have voted against this bill this The House of Representatives has move something more lucrative but year. We have 22 members on our also considered this legislation. It has less important to the head of the line. HELP Committee—Health, Education, enacted this. This would be part of our I am not opposed to these vouchers Labor, and Pensions. We voted to ex- 21st century cures legislation that we under any circumstances, but without tend this bill another few years be- hope the entire Congress will approve more, these vouchers cynically ask cause it has been so successful. The before we leave at the end of the year, people with diabetes and people with vote was 20 to 2. but the bill expires at the end of this breast cancer to fight the parents of You just heard from those very elo- month so we need an extension. children with rare pediatric diseases quent Senators. They don’t like Repub- Every day we delay creates more un- over who gets approved first. licans, they don’t like drug companies, certainty in the marketplace and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.041 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5939 makes it less likely that some maceutical companies—spends nearly 7,800 children who are very sick at St. drugmaker is going to create a new as much on biomedical research as all Jude’s Hospital and receiving free care. drug to help these children. Now, we of Europe, all of Japan, and all of Their doctors have told us that if we may not like drugmakers, some of us; China combined. don’t pass the Isakson-Casey legisla- we may not like markets, some of us; Let me say that again. tion for several more years, we are we may not like Republicans, some of According to the New England Jour- going to make it less likely that these us; we may not like billionaires, some nal of Medicine, the United States of children will live—less likely that they of us, but if the drugmakers don’t America—publicly and privately— will live. That is what we are talking make the drugs to help these children, spends nearly as much on biomedical about. who will do it? When we have an entire research as all of Europe, all of Japan, We could have a big debate about committee that has worked through and all of China, combined. In addition drug companies. We can raise taxes on this, I think it is very unfortunate that to that, I think the number is about $32 billionaires. We can talk about Repub- we don’t take the time to extend this billion that we now spend through the licans and Democrats. Let’s do that an- for a period of time to create the kind National Institutes of Health, mostly other day. Let’s get back to business. of certainty we need. on biomedical research at major uni- Let’s do our quiet work in a bipartisan On the 21st century cures legislation versities. way, which is the way we try to do it the Senator from Massachusetts, a dili- I try not to spend my time talking in our committee and we have done it. gent Senator and a good member of the about Democrats. I notice my friends We have had 45 hearings. Forty-one of committee, talked about, apparently, on the other side often say Republican, them have been bipartisan hearings she is not paying much attention to Republican, Republican. I get a little where we have agreed on the witnesses. the work we are doing on the bill. It tired of that because we are working We get more results than about any- has been my top priority. I have together to get something done, but we body, but we don’t get results by mak- worked on it daily with Senator MUR- do have a Republican majority. Last ing speeches about each other and year, it was under the Republican ma- RAY, the ranking Democrat. I have making speeches about subjects that worked with the President and with jority that we added $2 billion to the aren’t the real subject of the day. The the Vice President. We have a bill that National Institutes of Health. real subject of the day is 7,800 very sick Senator BLUNT led that, but I want the President of the United States children at St. Jude’s Hospital. to give credit to Senator MURRAY, who would like us to pass because it ad- Their doctors are telling us that if we is the ranking Democrat on that com- dresses precision medicine, his top pri- don’t continue incentives that are al- mittee, because without Senator MUR- ority. ready working, according to these doc- RAY and Senator BLUNT, it wouldn’t This same bill addresses the Cancer tors, if we don’t provide more incen- have happened. But give Senator MoonShot, the Vice President’s top tives to drugmakers to make the drugs BLUNT credit for it, he happens to be a priority. The Speaker of the House of for rare diseases that will keep these Republican, if we are being partisan Representatives is turning somersaults children alive, then we aren’t doing our about it. How much money is that? to try to find a way for us to be able to job. That is $20 billion over the next 10 find the money for that, as well as I thank Senators ISAKSON and CASEY. years. opioids and other important projects This year, the same committee, Sen- By the end of the day, I hope we have accepted Senator SANDERS’s motion to we would like to fund. The majority ator BLUNT of Missouri and Senator extend the program until the end of the leader of the Senate has said that if we MURRAY of Washington, added another are able to agree on this bill, it will be $2 billion for the National Institutes of year. the most important bill we will pass Health. Over the next 10 years, that is What I also hope is, when we come this year. $20 billion more dollars. We are up to back in November, we will have an We are doing a very good job in our $38 billion of new money for the Na- agreement—as we are perfectly capable committee of getting to the point tional Institutes of Health over the of doing—that begins to move treat- where we can actually turn something next 10 years. ments and drugs through the FDA into law that the President, the Vice If anybody has been paying attention more rapidly so they can get into the President, the Speaker of the House, to anything I have said over the last 6 medicine cabinets and the doctors’ of- and the majority leader would all like months or any of the discussions I have fices at a lower cost and more quickly; to see happen. I thank Senator CASEY been having with the President, the that we will have several more billion and Senator ISAKSON for their help in Vice President, and the House of Rep- dollars of funding for the National In- doing this. My hope is that we can resentatives in our committee, we have stitutes of Health; that we will focus work together, finish our work on this, been talking about $6 billion, $7 billion, on the President’s Precision Medicine and pass it shortly after we come back or $8 billion additional dollars for Can- Initiative with some of that money, on in November. cer MoonShot, for precision medicine, the Vice President’s Cancer MoonShot My last point, regarding doing noth- for the BRAIN initiative, for regenera- with some of that money, on the ing on funding, is that I don’t know tive medicine, and for a number of BRAIN Initiative with some of that what budgets people are reading. Let’s things that need to be done. This is the money; and that we will give each stop and talk about this a little bit. most exciting time in biomedical re- other a little bit of a pat on the backs Let’s talk about the Food and Drug Ad- search we have had. What I just added for this past year, appropriating $20 ministration. up was $20 billion, plus $18 billion, plus billion more over the next 10 years for According to Mercatus, in 2000, the $6 billion or $7 billion. That adds up to NIH and putting another $20 billion in FDA was funded at a little over $1 bil- $44–$45 billion of new dollars for the appropriations bills this year. lion. In 2015, that number is $4 billion. National Institutes of Health over the I look forward to the end of the day, We are about to look into a series of next 10 years. when hopefully Senator SANDERS’ mo- agreements next year, which we will While it took bipartisan cooperation, tion will be adopted and the Isakson- have a chance to vote on, that will add let’s say it: We do have a Republican Casey program, which has worked so billions of new funding to the FDA. majority in the U.S. Senate, and that successfully for these children, will be In our 21st century cures legislation, is our agenda. That is what we want to extended for long enough to create there are provisions to allow the Com- do. We just don’t talk about it in a par- enough certainty in the marketplace so missioner of the FDA to recruit and tisan way because we usually get bet- drugmakers will make rare drugs to hire more of the talented experts he ter cooperation and better results when help these children live. Thank you. needs—another reason we need to pass we give credit to the other side, which I yield the floor. that bipartisan legislation. I am pleased to do. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. What about funding for research in Maybe you don’t like drug compa- GARDNER). The Senator from Vermont. the United States? According to the nies. Then who is going to make the Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, let me New England Journal of Medicine, drugs? say to Chairman ALEXANDER, I cer- today the United States—both through We are not talking about drug com- tainly look forward to working with the government and through our phar- panies today. We are talking about him over the next several months to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.042 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 come up with a package that makes ‘‘profit’’ yet. That is what a market- gram, which has already helped enor- certain we do everything we can to place allows. Now, in marketplaces mously to advance that first cause. We cure childhood illnesses, which other- there can be abuses. My point of view are in agreement to extend that until wise would be fatal, but that we also is that, generally, what you want to do the end of the year. That is a bipar- understand it is not just 7,800 beautiful is have the most amount of competi- tisan agreement. We will work out the kids in that hospital, but there are mil- tion in the marketplace possible, and details for that, and we will keep work- lions of people in this country who are that is what we can talk about as we go ing on these issues when we get back. suffering today because they cannot forward. Mr. President, I yield the floor. even afford the medicine that is on the I don’t think we gain much when we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- market at the same time as five drug give these speeches about Republicans ator from Minnesota. companies—it is not a question of dis- and Democrats. I don’t think people Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I ask liking drug companies. It is a question like to hear it; maybe they do. I don’t unanimous consent that the Democrats of fact. Five drug companies made $50 give them, but I am doing it today just control the next 30 minutes and the Re- billion in profits last year, charging because I have heard so much of it publicans control the following 30 min- our people, by far, the highest prices in from the other side. I don’t like it, utes. the world for medicine. One out of five frankly; I don’t like it at all. I mean, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Americans who are sick cannot afford never got a result by talking about my objection? the medicine they need. opponents’ political party. I never Without objection, it is so ordered. An example, one small example, this moved an education bill through with- ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA, STABBINGS is the chart of drug prices in the out giving credit to the other side, and Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I rise United States versus Canada, with a genuine amount of credit. today to discuss the Central States EpiPen, which is on the front pages I didn’t mention that the President Pension Fund crisis and a proposal to today. In the United States, it is $620; himself, with whom I am working on address that, but before I do, I want to in Canada, it is $290. 21st century cures, proposed in his take a moment to talk about the hor- Why are we paying twice as much for budget to cut the National Institutes rific events that unfolded in St. Cloud, the same product as a country 50 miles of Health by $1 billion. I could come MN, this past weekend. away from where I live? down here and say that. I could have The investigation is ongoing, but we Crestor, for high cholesterol, is $730 gone to the committee hearing and know that last Saturday evening a in the United States, $160 in Canada. said that. I never mentioned it in the man dressed in a security guard uni- Premarin, for estrogen therapy, is $421 hearing because my goal was not to form took to the Crossroads Mall in St. in the United States, $84 in Canada. embarrass the President or make a po- Cloud, MN, and senselessly stabbed Look, I have been around the country litical point. My goal was to see if we nine people. Fortunately, they have all in the last year, and there are few could find some consensus to move been treated and discharged. This was Americans—very few—who do not un- ahead at the most exciting time of bio- a heinous attack, and I hope that all derstand that the greed of the pharma- medical education. And 20 of the 22 of the victims and their families know ceutical industry is causing terrible us voted for this bill. that Minnesotans are thinking of health problems for millions of people. So I would like to ratchet down the them. I read some examples. There are people partisan rhetoric. If people want to Mr. President, I also want to com- who are dying because they can’t af- point out the difficulties with drug mend the actions of Jason Falconer, ford the medicine they need. People are companies and with the marketplace the off-duty police officer who bravely cutting their pills in half, which should and with Republicans and billionaires, stopped the attacker before he could not be done. there is a time and place for that. But hurt anybody else. If it weren’t for So I do look forward to working with today we are talking about these chil- him, we could have seen many more in- Senator ALEXANDER in the next couple dren—the 7,800 children at St. Jude juries and even the loss of life. of months to see how we can, in fact, Hospital. Doctors have told us that if I also want to thank the St. Cloud come up with legislation that begins to we extend the Isakson-Casey bill for a police force and the police chief, Wil- address one of the great health care period of time to give enough certainty liam Blair Anderson, who set an exam- crises facing this country, and that is so that drug makers will make more ple of how to lead during a crisis. I also the high cost of prescription drugs and drugs to deal with rare diseases, these thank the first responders and the doc- the need to make medicine available to children will live longer. And 20 of the tors and the nurses for taking care of all of our people at an affordable price. 22 of us agreed with that, and we would the victims. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- like to see it move forward. This event has shaken the city of St. ator from Tennessee. So I am delighted to work with the Cloud and our entire State. Such sense- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I Senator from Vermont and the Senator less and hate-filled acts have no place see other Senators on the floor who from Massachusetts. I am glad we have in our society. Minnesota law enforce- wish to speak, and I will let them do a temporary solution that will take us ment and the FBI are investigating that. Maybe Senator CASEY wishes to through the end of the year, but that is this event to see whether there were conclude. not the best solution because it still connections between the suspect and I look forward to working with Sen- provides a lot of uncertainty and will terrorist groups and what the motiva- ator SANDERS. He and I have some dif- not do as good a job as the doctors say tions of the attacker were. We are ferent points of view, which I guess is we should do. going to get to the bottom of what hap- obvious, but we can talk about drug I thank the Chair, and I yield the pened. companies. We can talk about the fact floor. CENTRAL STATES PENSION FUND that one drug company has spent $3 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Now, Mr. President, I am pleased to billion since 1989 on Alzheimer’s and is ator from Pennsylvania. be joined by my colleagues to highlight about to offer to the American people a Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, first of a very important issue, the multiem- way, for the first time really, to pre- all, I want to thank my colleagues for ployer pension system, which is facing vent the progression of Alzheimer’s, we being here today to debate these issues. severe funding shortfalls, and what hope. This is public information cur- I appreciate Senator ISAKSON’s work that means for hundreds of thousands rently in clinical trials. Another drug with us—Senators SANDERS, WARREN, of retirees who will get their pensions company is about to offer, hopefully, and ALEXANDER. cut if these funds fail. medicine that may actually help Alz- I think we agree on two things, be- Over the last year, a number of my heimer’s before the symptoms are lieve it or not. No. 1, both sides of the colleagues came to the Senate floor to shown, which would be terrifically im- aisle here want to make progress as it talk about protecting the pensions of portant in terms of the grief that we relates to curing rare pediatric dis- the United Mine Workers of America, will avoid for Americans and the cost eases. That is No. 1. I think there is the miners who toiled for years in that terrible disease is causing. But agreement on that. No. 2, there is dark, dirty, and dangerous mines to that is $3 billion spent without any agreement to extend the existing pro- power our country. I am pleased the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.043 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5941 Committee on Finance has now taken stock their fund has held for a year— sense of safety was shattered that action to begin moving a bill to address stock bought with their investors’ evening. There were 10 victims. At first that issue. money—is sold for a profit. The man- they thought there were 9 victims, but But today we are here to talk about ager gets a percentage of the profit, a video showed there were 10. One is a another group of retirees who face but they pay capital gains on that in- pregnant woman who was nine months drastic pension cuts. The Central come even though they didn’t risk any along. By some grace of God, no one States Pension Fund provides pensions of their money. was seriously injured, and no one died. for 22,000 blue-collar workers in Min- People who worked hard—like those It was terror that I don’t think any nesota and nearly 400,000 nationwide. truck drivers—were guaranteed their of us can imagine. People were there However, it faces a funding shortfall pensions would be there. It is up to us with their families shopping, and this that means those retirees, including el- to keep faith with those people by clos- happened. The first thing we know is derly workers and widows and the dis- ing this loophole. Again, no one de- that the mayor and the chief—Mayor abled, could face draconian cuts in less fends this. Kleis, whom I have worked with for than a decade if Congress fails to act. Let’s not forget what happened on many years, a former Republican legis- Mr. President, those who work hard Wall Street less than a decade ago. lator who has been a very strong leader and are promised retirement security Risky bets by hedge funds, private eq- of this town, and Chief Anderson, who ought to be able to retire with dignity. uity funds, and big banks caused the has been the chief there for many That is a promise Congress made in biggest financial crisis of our lifetimes. years—have shown that kind of 1974 when it enacted a law that guaran- And when that happened, Congress strength in leaders that you would teed pensions would not be reduced, bailed out the banks with $700 billion like. Immediately, they came out and and that is what workers thought they of taxpayer money. explained to the community what hap- could count on after years of hard Today, those banks and private eq- pened and told them the honest truth— work. But now that promise may be uity funds are back to business as that they were still gathering the broken. usual, but retirees from funds like Cen- facts. They got the FBI involved, and If we break that promise, workers tral States, which was fully funded be- this is being investigated as a potential like Ken Petersen of South St. Paul, fore the financial crisis, haven’t re- act of terrorism. We still do not know MN, will face spending the rest of their ceived the same support. Instead, they all the facts. We hope to have them lives in poverty. Ken spent 30 years are going to be facing devastating cuts soon. Mostly, they were able to bring driving trucks as a Teamster before he at times in their lives when they can some calm to the community. They retired in 2003. If the Central States least afford them. were shopping at the mall—I talked to fund is allowed to fail, Ken and his The hypocrisy is clear, but so far, my the mayor last night—to show their wife’s retirement plans will be shat- colleagues on the other side of the aisle citizens that they are not going to let tered and they will face financial un- haven’t been willing to propose real so- this act of violence bring down their certainty for the rest of their lives. lutions to fix the pension crisis. In- town. It is wrong for us to abandon the stead, they are offering paper solutions We are well aware that ISIS sent out blue-collar Americans who earned a that put the burden entirely on bene- a statement claiming some responsi- modest retirement after a lifetime of ficiaries or simply kick the can down bility. We do not know if that is true. work, and I am not going to stand idly the road. We do know that the FBI is inves- by while those workers have their re- We need a real solution, and that is tigating any terrorist connections that tirement and their dignity taken away going to require us to take a good look this man has had, and we await the from them. at our priorities. Do we want to con- outcome of this investigation. My approach would be to close a tax tinue to subsidize Wall Street or do we The one thing we do know is that due loophole that no one defends. It is want to help the hard-working men and to the courageous actions of the off- called carried interest and allows Wall women who dedicated their lives to duty officer, Jason Falconer, lives were Street bankers and private equity fund driving our trucks, keeping us safe, and saved. Because of the good work of the managers to pay lower tax rates than maintaining our roads? first responders and the reaction of most of the Central States Pension I think we need to acknowledge that those present at the mall, lives were Fund members who drive trucks for a Federal funds are going to be needed to saved and no one died. This particular living pay. Again, to be clear, no one keep the promises made to our retirees. officer was there off-duty and had the defends this loophole—not Democrats, Our Tax Code is riddled with loopholes presence of mind to come to the rescue not Republicans, and neither of their that could be closed to fix this prob- of all these people, and we thank him Presidential candidates. And closing it lem, but let’s start with the most obvi- for that. is one way we could help make sure our ous and absurd tax loophole. We should The last thing I would say about this retirees get the pensions they have close the carried interest loophole that is, talking to the mayor and having earned. helps private equity fund managers and been in the community, I know how According to the Joint Committee on hedge fund managers, and invest that hard they have been working to bridge Taxation, this loophole will cost tax- money in the hardworking Americans divides. There was a beautiful picture payers $15.9 billion over the next 10 whose retirement is being threatened. in the Star Tribune, and I am sure in years. That is enough to make sure I yield to Senator KLOBUCHAR. the St. Cloud paper as well, about the Central States’ retirees are able to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rally of unity that they had in the have a secure retirement, and I think ator from Minnesota. community. They have now had two. is a much better use of that money Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I One was in the college, and the Somali than giving an indefensible tax break rise today to also speak about the Cen- community spoke and strongly con- to a relatively small group of already tral States Pension Fund, and I ac- demned this violence in a way that was very wealthy people. knowledge my other colleagues speak- very heartfelt. Here is how carried interest works. ing on it, Senator FRANKEN and Sen- This community is an important part When most workers, such as those in ator BROWN as well as Senator WYDEN. of the fabric of life in our State and an the Central States fund, earn a pay- I appreciate your being here, as well as important part of the fabric of life, as check, their income is subject to tax at the ranking member on the Finance Senator FRANKEN knows, in St. Cloud. ordinary income tax rates. But private Committee. We will continue to work with them. equity fund managers have been claim- ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA, STABBINGS We thank the mayor, the chief, Officer ing their income is different simply be- Mr. President, before I address that, I Falconer, and all those involved for cause their job involves managing also want to address the horrific act of their leadership. money. As a result, they pay taxes at violence that occurred at the Cross- CENTRAL STATES PENSION FUND the special low rate reserved for cap- roads Center mall in St. Cloud. This is Mr. President, back to the issue of ital gains even if they are risking no a mall that I have been to many times. the Central States Pension Fund, I was money of their own. The same is true It is a thriving mall. A lot of people in pleased to see that the Finance Com- for managers of hedge funds if, say, a that area go there, and, in fact, their mittee addressed some retirement and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.064 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 pension issues today in their markup. proposal, which would have resulted in I yield the floor. We must also address the Central benefit cuts for over 270,000 retirees The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- States Pension Fund. I believe that and workers. In May, the workers and ator from Oregon. promises made are promises kept. retirees narrowly avoided these cuts Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, how The promise made to the workers in when the Treasury Department—after much time remains on the Franken- the multiemployer pension plans like going around the country listening to Klobuchar request to speak on this those in the Central States Pension the workers and looking at the plan— issue? Fund is simple; that is, the pension rejected the proposal because they felt The PRESIDING OFFICER. Ten min- that they have earned through their it did not meet the test under the act. utes remain. decades of hard work will be there That doesn’t mean this is over. It is Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I will be when they retire. far from over. The Central States Pen- very brief. I know Senator BROWN feels Saving for retirement is often de- sion Fund still faces insolvency by 2025. very strongly about this, as well, so I scribed as a three-legged stool—Social The current and future retirees could am going to make a few remarks and Security on one leg, a pension on one still face cuts. I voted against the act leave time for him. I want to commend leg, and personal savings on another. A because I was concerned that under Senator FRANKEN and Senator KLO- stable and secure retirement relies on this act we might see exactly the kind BUCHAR, who have talked to me about all three legs being strong, but some of cuts that were proposed. What we this issue many times. Today in the Finance Committee, multiemployer pension plans are facing saw were deep benefit cuts to our work- with a significant bipartisan vote, we funding challenges that could weaken ers and retirees, and what we saw was were able to pass the miners legislation one of those legs. that the size of the potential cuts for to address the health care and retire- Over 10 million Americans partici- the workers, retirees, and beneficiaries ment needs of those miners. As my two pate in a multiemployer pension plan was not fairly distributed. colleagues have pointed out, at its and rely on these benefits for a safe Retirees who are 80 and older and dis- heart, this is the same emergency. and secure retirement. Multiemployer abled individuals were protected. That Today it is the mine workers. Tomor- plans are set up as part of a collective was the right thing to do. For everyone row it could be the truckers. The next bargaining agreement between workers else, the possible cuts would leave day it could be the construction work- and many employers generally in one them with a pension that did not reers and the woodworkers in my part of industry. ward their years of work. While many the United States. As my colleagues The Central States Pension Fund is faced cuts of 30 percent, 40 percent, or have said, the reason that is the case is such a plan. It was established in 1955 even 50 percent, I think people would that for generations of Americans, get- to help truckers save for their retire- be shocked to learn that over 44,000 ting a good-paying job came with a ment. Today, the Central States Pen- people faced pension cuts of over 60 simple bargain: You worked hard, you sion Fund includes workers from the percent and nearly 2,500 people faced earned a wage and benefits, and those carhaul, tankhaul, pipeline, warehouse, possible cuts of over 70 percent. I do not believe that when my col- benefits wouldn’t be taken away. construction, clerical, food processing, leagues voted for this, they thought Today, bit by bit, that bargain is dairy, and trucking industries. they were actually voting for 70-per- crumbling. There are two points that I About 70 multiemployer pension cent pension cuts, but that actually is would touch on so that Senator BROWN plans are facing funding challenges and the result of that proposed plan. While can have some time, if his schedule do not have sufficient plan assets to we understand that there may be permits. I think Senator KLOBUCHAR pay all of the benefits promised. The changes and that there may be more has made a very good point about how Multiemployer Pension Relief Act was cuts, or some cuts, there must be a bet- important it is that Congress address added to the Consolidated and Further ter way to do this than what was pro- this issue because, with respect to Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, in posed. troubled systems like Central States, the House. I voted against the Multi- I heard from people across my State Congress is partially responsible for employer Pension Relief Act because I who were trying to figure out how they creating the problem. was concerned that this bill would lead were going to make ends meet as they As Senator KLOBUCHAR noted, 2 years to severe pension cuts for our retirees faced these drastic cuts. Michael from ago Congress passed a bill—a bill that and, in fact, disproportionately impact Shoreview wrote to me about how he I was very much opposed to—the Multi- certain workers in certain States, in- was facing a possible cut of 40 percent. employer Pension Reform Act. It was cluding Minnesota. Thomas from Sandstone is 71 years old slipped into a must-pass government I believe we need to work together to and, after paying into the Central funding package, and it gave a green find solutions that maintain the sol- States plan for 30 years, was facing a 60 light to slashing benefits in a lot of vency of these multiemployer pension percent cut. Steve from Maple Grove struggling multiemployer plans. In ef- plans without severely penalizing cur- wrote me to let me know that he is 69 fect, for a generation of workers, it rent retirees, active employees, and years old and is unable to return to said: Sorry, times have changed. The beneficiaries. I, too, am in favor of work, but his pension would be cut by benefits that you earned are no longer closing the carried interest loophole, 37 percent. going to be protected, and the weight and I appreciate my colleague’s work Those are a few examples. Many of of this economic transformation in on this particular solution. these people are in their 60s and 70s, America is going to fall on you. Hundreds of thousands of partici- and they should be able to secure in It wasn’t fair and it wasn’t practical. pants in the Central States Pension their retirement what they have I certainly share the view of my col- Fund still face the real possibility that worked for their entire lives. While we leagues who said it was a good thing their hard-earned pensions could be re- temporarily averted this with the pro- Treasury rejected the proposal that duced. As I noted, they are mostly in posal being rejected, we know it is not would have cut benefits earlier this the Midwest. That is why it is called going to go away. The Central States year. Obviously we are going to have to the Central States plan. This affects Pension Fund filed its petition to re- take more steps to shore up the Pen- workers and retirees from these States: duce pension benefits. Since then, an sion Benefit Guaranty Corporation, nearly 34,000 workers and retirees in additional eight plans have also filed which is a financial lifeline for 10 mil- Ohio, nearly 31,000 in Michigan, over petitions. lion workers, and we are going to have 21,000 in Minnesota, over 18,000 in Wis- Congress needs to work together to to look at a variety of approaches. consin, and nearly 1,500 in North Da- find a bipartisan solution to help pen- I very much share the views Senator kota. In fact, seven of the top States in sioners across Minnesota and our coun- FRANKEN spoke about, which Senator the Central States are Midwestern try—people who depend on their pen- KLOBUCHAR supports as well, when he States. sions being there for them in their talked about this rotting economic car- In September, 2015, Central States golden years. We owe it to all Ameri- cass known as the Federal Tax Code submitted a proposal to the Treasury cans who played by the rules and and how unfair it is to working fami- to reduce pension benefits for workers worked hard throughout their lives for lies. My colleagues have just pointed and retirees. Treasury reviewed the a secure pension. out one example.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.065 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5943 Let me say that at the heart of the where at least we began the long push promised they would earn over a life- bipartisan tax reform proposals I have to pension reform with a successful bi- time of hard work. Just ask Rita written over the last decade is my partisan effort on miners, but, as my Lewis. She is a friend of mine from sense that we now have a tax code that colleagues have said, this work has just Westchester, OH, in southwest Ohio. really represents a tale of two systems. begun. She knows a thing or two about hard If you are influential and well con- I thank Senator FRANKEN and Sen- work. Her husband Butch worked as a nected, you can pretty much decide ator KLOBUCHAR for their commitment trucker for 40 years with the promise what kinds of taxes you are going to and their eloquence. that the pension he earned would be pay and when you are going to pay I yield the floor. there to care for his family after he re- them. A fortunate few basically have Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I sug- tired. When the pension came under that kind of opportunity. But the peo- gest the absence of a quorum. threat, he worked to protect it for him- ple my colleagues have been talking The PRESIDING OFFICER. The self, his beloved Rita, and hundreds of about—for example, truckers—don’t clerk will call the roll. thousands of other Teamsters. Rita has have a tax code like that. Once or The senior assistant legislative clerk been left to continue Butch’s fight twice a month, those truckers have proceeded to call the roll. alone. He passed away on New Year’s taxes extracted from their paychecks. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Eve due to a stroke, which some have They see it on their paychecks. There unanimous consent that the order for attributed, at least in part, to the are no loopholes or anything that the quorum call be rescinded. stress he faced in fighting for his states about whether it is carried in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Teamster brothers and sisters in sup- terest or derivatives or half a dozen objection, it is so ordered. port of their pensions. other things; they just have their taxes Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Butch told us that the cuts being extracted and there are no writeoffs or unanimous consent to speak for up to forced on retirees amount to a war any kind of figuring out what you are 10 minutes as in morning business. against the middle class and the Amer- going to pay and when you are going to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ican dream, and he was right. That war pay it. It comes right off your pay- objection? has already claimed enough victims. check. Without objection, it is so ordered. We used to have a compact in this We have a lot of heavy lifting to do. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, it has country that promised that if you work Today, it seems to me that Congress now been 4 months since the U.S. hard, play by the rules, and do what began the task. I can tell my col- Treasury did the right thing and re- people expect you to do, you will be leagues that there is so much work to jected the Central States Teamsters able to spend time with your grand- do to modernize these pension and re- pension fund plan to cut the premiums children and not worry about how to tirement systems. they had earned through a lifetime of make ends meet. Workers have more Chairman HATCH agreed to a proposal hard work. That was a win for all of us than held up their end of the bargain. that I made today to allow people to who urged Treasury to reject these It is time for both parties to come to- contribute to their IRAs after they are cuts. Most importantly, it was a win gether and hold up our end before we 701⁄2 years old. That proposal was for the thousands of retirees who leave town. adopted, as Senator FRANKEN may worked so hard to protect what they This Senate, as we have heard repeat- know, sometime in the early 1960s. I had earned. However, that win did not edly, has not done its job. Under Lead- won’t pretend to be anywhere near as solve the underlying issue. It was not er MCCONNELL, this Senate has been in humorous as my colleagues, but I fi- even close to the end of this fight. It session less than any Senate in the last nally said—I thanked Chairman HATCH was the first necessary step. The Cen- 60-plus years. It is simply not doing its for adopting my proposal that let’s tral States Pension Fund is still in the job. We are not doing what we should people over 701⁄2 contribute to their red and on a path where in a few short on Zika. We are not doing what we IRAs because people are living longer years it will be unable to pay out the should on the coal miners’ pension. We and feeling better. It doesn’t seem that benefits it owes to our retirees. are not doing what we should on Cen- it makes much sense to have so many If a pension fund is in bad shape, it is tral States. We are not doing what we Senators and working Americans our job to fix it, not to break promises should to confirm a Supreme Court younger than the retirement laws that to Americans who have worked their Justice. It will be the longest time were adopted for a different time. whole lives to earn those pensions. since the Civil War that a Supreme We have a lot to do. First and fore- This is retirement security these Court spot has been vacant. most, we have to shore up Central Teamsters have worked for, fought for, We owe it to our constituents on this States. We will be looking at a variety and sacrificed raises for. one and on others not to leave town of approaches on how to do that, and, I remind my colleagues—especially but to support a bipartisan, long-term as both of my colleagues have said, a those who spend much of their effort solution to protect the benefits they fundamental part of what we are going here fighting organized drives for earned and they were promised. This to have to do is fix this broken tax sys- unions, oppose any effort to strengthen fix needs to be sustainable from now tem. unions, and attempt to pass legislation into the future, not the piecemeal plan When I start talking about the Tax to weaken unions—that at the negoti- that addresses problems with current Code as a rotting economic carcass, my ating table time and time again since policy but does nothing to solve the wife always says: Will you just stop the Wagner Act passed 75 years ago, underlying issues. there, dear, because you are fright- workers have given up wages in order Our Teamsters and their families ening the children? We have small chil- to fund pensions and health care in need the peace of mind to know this dren. The reality is, this Tax Code is their later years. That is good for nightmare is finally behind them. We infected with loopholes and the inver- them, it is good for their families, it is need a plan that is bipartisan so we can sion virus. It just goes on and on. good for their communities, and it is get this done. As my colleagues have said, it is not good for our society because it means I was encouraged this morning when right for working families—particu- they are prepared in their older years we held a markup on a plan to deal larly those who are depending on Cen- and won’t rely on the State to keep with the mine workers’ pension, which tral States pensions—to sort of hang in them going. Of course, they still get is also under threat. We have had some suspended animation, hoping that Social Security and all of that, but good bipartisan work to find possible somehow there is going to be a piece of they are prepared because they have solutions to this crisis. We need the legislation that will pass through here given up wages today for benefits in same spirit of cooperation on behalf of so that they will get something resem- the future. We should applaud them in- our Teamsters. bling what they were promised—a dig- stead of criticizing the UAW, the My wife and I live in Cleveland, OH, nified retirement based on the pension Teamsters, and the steelworkers for in ZIP Code 44105. The ZIP Code where they earned. their ‘‘legacy costs.’’ my wife and I live, in 2007, had more I commend my colleagues for doing These are pensions that they gave up foreclosures in the first half in 2007 this. This comes at the end of the day health care packages for and were than any ZIP Code in the United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.067 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 States. I drive through this neighbor- workers’ widows who might lose their U.S. Constitution and our Bill of hood and there are still far too many pensions because the Republican leader Rights, and making sure we are all liv- homes boarded up, still far too many in this body doesn’t like unions and he ing up to that document that is the families dislocated, still far too many doesn’t like the mine workers and he cornerstone of our country. children just pulled from one school has blocked us from doing this. This is So the Supreme Court matters. What district to another. not personal. I was just on the stage happens matters. The pages sitting here—I assume with Senator MCCONNELL. He is a nice Years ago, in 1937—I don’t think any most of them have pretty stable lives, man. I like him, but he is not doing his of us were here; if we were, we weren’t where they are able to go to school job. The Senate is not doing its job to very old at that time—but there was a year after year with the same friends, take care of these workers who have case called West Coast Hotel v. Par- same classrooms, same schools, same huge numbers of veterans among the rish. It happened in 1937. Elsie Parrish teachers, but think about it. What we Teamsters, a lot more than there are worked as a maid in Washington State all do on this floor we are all paid well veterans in the U.S. Senate. and she sued to be paid the $14.50 a for. We have good benefits. For some We have a lot of work to do, and we week she was owed under the Wash- reason, we don’t think other Ameri- shouldn’t be leaving here without ington State law. Her case made it all cans should have the same health care doing our jobs. the way to the Supreme Court, and it benefits we do, and that is a whole I suggest the absence of a quorum. was settled in a 5-to-4 decision. Obvi- other issue. We don’t think enough The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ously, it was a very close vote, and about people who struggle, who might clerk will call the roll. without that majority, we wouldn’t have their house foreclosed on, who The senior assistant legislative clerk have a minimum wage today. That was might have been evicted. We don’t proceeded to call the roll. decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in a think about those kids who go from Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask 5-to-4 decision. Today we all understand that everyone school district to another. We unanimous consent that the order for body who works hard every day ought don’t think about these Teamsters the quorum call be rescinded. to be able to be above the poverty line. families. You are 65 years old and you The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). I certainly believe that, and we cer- are retiring. You have planned your Without objection, it is so ordered. tainly have much to do to make sure life in a way that your Social Secu- NOMINATION OF MERRICK GARLAND our minimum wage keeps up, but if we rity—$1,100, $1,200 $1,300 a month—your Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, it didn’t have that case, people would retirement pension from the Team- has been 189 days since President have a much lower standard of living. sters, from Central State, you have cal- Obama nominated a distinguished ju- rist, Merrick Garland, to the U.S. Su- We wouldn’t necessarily have a min- culated that. You know you are not imum wage that sets a floor for every- going to be rich, but you are going to preme Court. I know there are a lot of issues on one’s wages in America, as well as ad- be comfortable enough, and you start dresses equal pay as it relates to wages having sleepless nights thinking about people’s minds every day because they are working hard and taking the kids across the country. what is going to happen to your pen- There are so many ways in which the to school and putting food on the table sion. Court impacts our lives. We have had and all of the hard work that goes on Lincoln used to say he wanted to get multiple health care decisions, cer- every day for families, and sometimes out of the White House. Staff said: tainly, as it relates to the Affordable talking about the Supreme Court may Stay here. Win the war. Free the Care Act and whether we will have seem a little abstract to people. I want slaves. Lincoln said: No, I have to get competitive health exchanges so people out of the White House and get my to speak a little bit about why Ameri- can purchase insurance at lower rates, public opinion baths. Pope Francis ex- cans should care, beyond the fact that and whether we are all in this together horted his parish priests to go out and we all care about the fact that we have so that if we all have insurance, then smell like the flock, with all the Bib- three branches of government under we are able to have important policies lical connotations of that. our Constitution, and we need them all fulfilled, such as no preexisting condi- In this body, we don’t think very fully functioning. tions, so that if you have cancer or much. We don’t go enough to a labor That was the point of our Founding your child has diabetes or you have had hall or to a church basement or to a Fathers, to make sure we had three a heart attack or some other chronic veterans hall and just sit there and lis- functioning branches, and right now we disease, you can purchase health insur- ten to people’s problems. have one that is not fully functioning. ance. This is all tied up in implications The person who sat at this desk right In fact, when they sit, starting October from Court decisions that relate to before I did was Jay Rockefeller, the 3, there is going to be a vacant chair health care, and multiple other deci- Senator from West Virginia. He used to because we will not have fulfilled the sions that relate to health care, and go out by himself with no media and responsibility of the U.S. Senate of whether 20 million people who now 1 spend 2 ⁄2 hours speaking to the miners confirming someone for that ninth have health care in our country would in West Virginia. He said: I learned to seat. be having health care if it were not for listen to them with soft nods and soft Why does that matter to people? a Supreme Court decision or decisions eyes, to really listen and look in their Well, over our lifetimes, great debates as it relates to health care policy. eyes and pay attention to what their have gone on about quality education So workers and families across Amer- lives were like. He was a Rockefeller and equal access to schools regardless ica need nine Supreme Court Justices. and had no financial struggles, but he of where a child lives. It is very impor- We need to make sure that when Octo- recognized he needed to talk to people tant not only for children and for fami- ber 3 comes along and the picture is who did. lies but for an economy that can func- taken of the U.S. Supreme Court, there That is whom I want my colleagues tion and a country that can function. is not a vacant seat here. to think about, not to go to another Very important decisions have been We have heard Justice Kagan, for ex- fundraiser at a fancy restaurant or made that affect every neighborhood in ample, who said: A tie does nobody any spend their time at a country club in America, every family in America. We good. Presumably, we are here for a Dallas or wherever they live but in- have seen issues related to equality in reason. They are there to resolve cases stead start thinking about what these the workplace and in housing and ac- that need deciding and answer hotly Teamsters’ lives are like, when they cess to credit, if you want to buy a contested issues that need resolving. expected this pension and are not get- house or you want to start a business. They can’t do that with a tie vote. ting it. Think about these widows of We have seen a whole range of issues The fact is, unfortunately, the Re- mine workers, understanding that that directly affect all of us. Frankly, publican majority is refusing to even mine workers are more likely to die the third branch of government, as we give Judge Garland a hearing despite younger from illness or from dangerous know, is a check on us, a check on Con- the fact that he has been praised over work or from injury than most workers gress, and on the Presidency to make the years by Members on both sides of in this country and certainly younger sure we have the watchdog looking at the aisle for his integrity and his com- than Senators. Think about those mine what we are doing from the lens of the mitment to the judiciary. It makes one

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.068 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5945 wonder why it is that this seat is being The legislative clerk proceeded to Wissam hurried toward Captain Breen left open. There can be really only one call the roll. to assist. Wissam was beloved by her conclusion, and that is that the seat is Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask American comrades, always cheerful being left open for the Republican unanimous consent that the order for and always willing to help. She lis- nominee, even though Republican col- the quorum call be rescinded. tened to the man and said that he was leagues are stepping away at every The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without warning of an IED on the main road. turn from the comments made by the objection, it is so ordered. Captain Breen later said: ‘‘A trusted nominee and distancing themselves. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM interpreter can be the difference be- They are basically saying: We think Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I tween a successful patrol and a body the Republican nominee should make have come to the floor today to once bag.’’ He noted that every night he and that appointment. Even though he has again urge that we extend the Special his fellow soldiers would hunker down no respect for the judiciary, they be- Immigrant Visa Program for Afghan in their heavily guarded perimeter, but lieve he should be appointing the new interpreters who put their lives on the Wissam would leave the compound and Supreme Court Justice. That can be line while serving alongside Americans go home. One evening after she left the the only conclusion as to why we would in Afghanistan. Unless we act, Con- American compound, three gunmen see the majority waiting right now. I gress is going to let this program lapse ambushed her car. She was killed—one realize it makes no sense. We will see in just a matter of months. We will more interpreter who paid the ultimate the third branch of government effec- abandon thousands of Afghans who price for serving the American mission. tively go for a year, maybe more, with- helped our men and women on the Captain Breen later said: One day out being able to fully function because ground during the long conflict in Af- there will be a granite monument with of people not being willing to do their ghanistan. It is no exaggeration to say the names of all the American service- job because they are waiting to have that this is a matter of life and death. members who died in Iraq and Afghani- Mr. Trump fill that seat. I find that Afghan interpreters who served the stan. Wissam deserves to have her embarrassing and extremely con- U.S. mission are being systematically name on that monument because she cerning for all of us. hunted down by the Taliban, and we took great risks and gave her life while It is time for Senate Republicans to must not abandon them. serving the United States. do their job. It is very simple. We all The United States promised to pro- As many of our colleagues know, the have a job to do. None of us would be tect these Afghans, who served our SIV Program allows Afghans who sup- able to just tell our employer that a mission with great loyalty and at such ported our mission and faced grave major part of our job is something that enormous risk. It would be a stain on threats as a result to seek refuge in we just don’t feel like doing for a year, America’s national honor to break this America. To be eligible, new applicants so we are not going to do it. We could promise. It would also carry profound must demonstrate at least 2 years of say that, but when I talk to people strategic costs. U.S. forces and dip- faithful and valuable service on the about that, they say: Yeah, chances are lomats have always relied on local peo- ground with Americans. To receive a I would be fired. I certainly wouldn’t be ple to help us accomplish our mission. visa, they must also clear a rigorous paid if I didn’t do my job. Yet here, de- We continue to need this assistance in screening process that includes an spite our constitutional responsibility Afghanistan. We need the support in independent verification of their serv- to fill that spot, the Senate Republican other places in the future. So we have ice and then an intensive interagency majority is not doing its job. to ask why anyone would agree to help security review. Doing our job doesn’t mean we have the United States if we abandon those A typical example is an Afghan inter- to vote yes. We can vote yes; we can who have assisted us in the past. That preter who served with U.S. forces from vote no. You can vote yes or no in a is exactly why the former commander 2008 to 2015. Because he is in danger, I hearing, yes or no on the floor. But we of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, GEN am not going to use his name. Last De- have a constitutional responsibility to David Petraeus, and his predecessor, cember, he was gravely wounded in an consider a nominee from the President, GEN Stanley McChrystal, have pleaded IED attack that robbed him of one eye to meet with him, to consider his with Congress to extend the Afghan and it destroyed his vision in the other. record, to ask questions, to have a SIV Program. He applied for a special immigrant visa hearing, to have a vote, and then peo- In a recent letter to Congress, more after being wounded, and he is in the ple can vote yes or no. You can vote than 30 prominent generals, including early stages of the interagency vetting yes or no, but we do have an obligation Gen. John Allen, the former com- process. But unless Congress acts, to vote. mander in Afghanistan; GEN George there may not be a visa available for From my perspective, there is no way Casey, the former commander in Iraq; him once he completes that vetting. I can explain to people back home in and two former Chairmen of the Joint We know that the service of these in- Michigan why that seat has been left Chiefs of Staff, GEN Richard Myers and dividuals has been critical to our suc- open for any valid reason, unfortu- GEN Hugh Shelton, also urged the Con- cesses in Afghanistan. In some cases nately, other than politics, and that is gress to extend the program. recipients of special immigrant visas just not good enough when it comes to In addition, our soldiers and marines have continued to serve the U.S. mis- fulfilling our job and making sure the are very interested in protecting the sion after arriving in this country. One third branch of government can fully interpreters who served with them in promptly enlisted in the U.S. Armed do its job. Afghanistan. Many of them owe their Forces and later worked as a cultural Mr. President, I am calling on the lives to the interpreters who went into adviser to the military. Another grad- Republicans to hold a hearing. We still combat with them. uated from Indiana University and have time to hold a hearing, and we In recent years, I have gotten to Georgetown. He has worked as an in- can hold a vote before we leave. This is know former Army CPT Michael Breen. structor at the Defense Language Insti- a choice by the majority—a conscious He is a Granite Stater who served with tute. A third, who worked as a senior choice—but there is time to hold a the infantry in Iraq and led para- adviser in the U.S. Embassy, now hearing and there is time to have a troopers in Afghanistan. He speaks serves on the board of a nonprofit, vote so that when October 1 comes, with admiration about one interpreter working to promote a safe and stable there will be the full nine U.S. Su- in particular, an Iraqi woman in her Afghanistan. preme Court Justices sitting, ready to early twenties named Wissam. On one These many contributions help ex- do their job. occasion, Captain Breen and his sol- plain why senior U.S. commanders and Do your job. That is what we need to diers were at a small forward operating diplomats have urged Congress to ex- have happen. base in Iraq. A man approached them, tend the Afghan SIV program. Appear- Thank you, Mr. President. frantically pointing to his watch and ing last week at a Senate Armed Serv- I yield the floor. indicating an explosion with his hands. ices Committee hearing, Army Chief of I suggest the absence of a quorum. The Americans didn’t speak Arabic, so Staff GEN Mark Milley added strong The PRESIDING OFFICER. The they couldn’t tell if the man was try- support. Speaking of Afghan inter- clerk will call the roll. ing to warn them or threaten them. preters he said: ‘‘Those are brave men

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.070 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 and women who have fought along our tegrity. . . . Breaking our word directly vio- lice Danny Langloss of the Dixon Po- side and there are American men and lates these values. Many of us can point to a lice Department, who is leading an in- women in uniform who are alive today moment when one of our foreign allies saved novative effort with the Lee County because a lot of those Afghans put our lives—often by taking up arms against Sherriff’s Department to address this our common enemies. . . . Since our first their lives on the line.’’ days in boot camp, we accepted and prac- problem. At that same hearing, Marine Corps ticed the value: ‘‘leave no one behind.’’ Keep Chief Langloss told me that the town Commandant Gen. Robert Neller also our word. Don’t leave anyone behind. had experienced a spike in opioid over- stressed the importance of the program If we fail to extend the SIV program, dose deaths, which was quite uncom- and the need for Congress to extend it. Congress will have one more oppor- mon for the area. As a result, the Their view is shared by our senior dip- tunity and only one more opportunity Dixon Police Department launched a lomats. this year. That opportunity will come new plan, one that was unconventional Ambassador Ryan Crocker, who in the session following the election. for law enforcement, but had proven to served in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012 We must seize this opportunity to do be effective in other parts of the coun- recently wrote: the right thing for our country and for try. They started the Safe Passage Initia- Taking care of those who took care of us is the Afghan interpreters whose lives are tive, a program that promotes treat- not just an act of basic decency; it is also in at risk. We would never leave an Amer- our national interest. American credibility ment alternatives to arrest and incar- ican warrior behind on the battlefield. matters. Abandoning these allies would tar- ceration. The police department put Likewise, we must not leave behind the nish our reputation. the word out that, if residents suffering Afghan interpreters who served side by Well, I agree. Indeed, I think there is from addiction came forward for help side with our warriors and diplomats. overwhelming bipartisan support in and turned in their drug paraphernalia, We made a solemn promise to these both houses of Congress for extending they would be assisted in finding addic- brave people. I am going to do every- the Afghan SIV program. Yet, because tion treatment rather than being ar- thing I can to ensure that we keep this of the opposition of a handful of Mem- rested, so long as they did not have promise. bers, Congress, by default, could allow outstanding warrants. This program is I urge my colleagues, when Congress this program to expire in a matter of a model for other communities. It em- returns in November, to join me on a months. This would put in jeopardy the bodies the public health approach to bipartisan basis for a program that has lives of thousands of Afghans who have this epidemic that views substance had bipartisan support. We can extend served alongside our fighting forces. abuse as a disease and not purely a the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Make no mistake, it would also jeop- criminal matter. Program. We must do that. It is in our ardize our reputation as a country that Well, what has happened? Imme- national security interests to keep this keeps its promises and stands by those diately after the announcement, the promise that we have made. who assist our missions. In past years, police department had dozens of resi- I yield the floor. Senators have overwhelmingly sup- dents come forward, asking for help. I suggest the absence of a quorum. ported the authorization of additional They were provided with social services The PRESIDING OFFICER. The special immigrant visas for Afghan in- and rehabilitation options. Since the clerk will call the roll. terpreters. program’s initiation, the Dixon Police The legislative clerk proceeded to On both sides of the aisle, we have Department has helped to place more call the roll. agreed that it is important to make than 100 individuals into treatment. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- good on our promise to these Afghan This is quite the cause for celebration, mous consent that the order for the allies. But sadly, this year has been dif- especially in a small, rural community quorum call be rescinded. ferent. Several Members have objected. where it can be incredibly difficult to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. It is evident to me that the anti-immi- find open treatment slots. Months TILLIS). Without objection, it is so or- gration passions that have been stoked later, many of these local residents are dered. during this Presidential campaign by now clean and on the path toward re- Donald Trump have contributed to this f covery. impasse. MORNING BUSINESS What else has happened? Crime is The irresponsible rhetoric about im- down, and the jail cells are not nearly migrants is offensive to American val- Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- as full as they once were. Rather than ues and it ignores what makes America mous consent that the Senate be in a arresting addicts for petty crimes that great. Across nearly four centuries, im- period of morning business, with Sen- feed their addictions, they are being migrants have brought their energy ators permitted to speak therein for up steered towards long-term help. and talents to our country, building to 10 minutes each. Today I would like to celebrate the 1- the most successful and dynamic econ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without year anniversary of this program and omy on Earth. objection, it is so ordered. commend the Dixon Police Depart- Our Nation has always been wel- f ment, Chief Danny Langloss, and their coming to immigrants. In fact, all of us partners in the treatment and advo- here are immigrants, unless we are Na- DIXON POLICE DEPARTMENT SAFE cacy community who have helped to tive Americans. We should be espe- PASSAGE INITIATIVE make this program a success. The pro- cially welcoming to those who served Mr. DURBIN. In the last 2 years, I gram has now expanded to multiple alongside American soldiers and ma- have spoken with so many Illinoisans neighboring counties, including rines in combat and have been so essen- about the heroin and prescription Whiteside County and Livingston tial to carrying out our mission in Af- opioid epidemic. I have heard many dif- County. When we talk about this ghanistan. ferent perspectives, including those opioid epidemic and the need for all The Iraq and Afghan Veterans of from law enforcement, health care pro- stakeholders to step up and do their America and other organizations rep- viders, criminal justice systems, the part, the Safe Passage Initiative is a resenting hundreds of thousands of vet- pharmaceutical industry, Federal over- worthy effort that is helping to turn erans of the U.S. Armed Forces re- sight agencies, parents, loved ones, and the tide. cently addressed a letter to Members of recovering addicts. Today there is a network of more Congress. In that letter, they respect- I have learned that there is no town than 145 police departments and 300 fully but forcefully urged Congress to too small and no suburb too wealthy to treatment centers that are taking this reauthorize the special immigrant visa avoid this crisis of addiction and over- commonsense approach to addressing program. dose. Opioids and heroin are affecting the opioid crisis. I want to quote from this letter, be- communities all across the country. It is true that real barriers remain. I cause I think it reflects the words of Last November, I travelled to Dixon, know that the Dixon Police Depart- these American veterans: IL, to learn about their work to comment struggles at times to find avail- Military service instills in a person certain bat the scourge of prescription opioid able beds for individuals that come for- values: Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Honor. In- misuse. That is where I met chief of po- ward to their program. And that is why

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:49 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.072 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5947 I am working to expand access to ad- Chicago in 1999 after receiving degrees New England. Twilight, and his beloved diction treatment by removing an old from Northeastern Illinois University Orleans County Grammar School, have Medicaid rule, known as the IMD ex- and Roosevelt University. become a symbol of these times. clusion, which will help more people Before he picked up a microphone, The recent move of the schoolhouse get the care they need. I am also work- Mr. Jordan served our Nation as a sur- by the pulling of a team of oxen, ing to increase funding for treatment gical assistant in the U.S. Army. He coaxed on by area children as they centers and have succeeded in changing continues to serve through his role on walked beside the team, would surely Federal regulations so that more indi- the boards of several community orga- have delighted Mr. Twilight. I ask viduals can receive effective treatment nizations. unanimous consent that an August 2, services. With retirement providing some free 2016, article from The Burlington Free Across our Nation, there are an aver- time on the weekends, Mr. Jordan said Press, ‘‘1823 school to move by oxen to age of 77 drug overdose deaths each he plans to go to fun events with his original site,’’ be printed in the day. In Illinois, we experienced ap- wife, Sharon, that he missed out on RECORD. proximately 1,700 heroin and prescrip- while working. He is also going to con- There being no objection, the mate- tion opioid overdose deaths in 2014, a 29 tinue his work with the Greater Illi- rial was ordered to be printed in the percent increase from 2010. With the nois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Asso- RECORD, as follows: leadership of the Dixon Police Depart- ciation on a unique program called the [From the Burlington Free Press, Aug. 2, ment and the dedication of its part- Memory Preservation Project. Mr. Jor- 2016] ners, we will help make a difference for dan interviews people who are newly 1823 SCHOOL TO MOVE BY OXEN TO ORIGINAL those suffering from addiction. I con- diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for the SITE gratulate them on the 1-year anniver- project and creates a video of cherished (By Sally Pollak) sary of the Safe Passage Initiative and family memories before the wretched An 1823 schoolhouse will be returned to its look forward to greater success and ex- disease robs victims of their ability to original site Monday when 40 oxen pull the pansion across the State in the future. recall events in detail. With a new per- Orleans County Grammar School one-third of a mile down Hinman Settler Road in f son being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds, there are many fami- Brownington. The journey by oxen will take the school from Brownington village to a TRIBUTE TO ROBERT JORDAN lies affected by this terrible disease. neighborhood of historic and educational sig- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Sunday, Mr. Jordan has promised to turn up nificance. September 25 marks the end of an era. from time to time when WGN needs The school will return to its place near the After 43 years of covering the news in him to fill in for a colleague, but Sun- Old Stone House Museum, a four-story build- Chicago, Robert Jordan will officially day is truly the end of an era in Chi- ing that was constructed in 1836 to be the anchor his last newscast on ‘‘Chicago’s cago journalism. school dormitory. The granite dormitory, Very Own’’ WGN 9. Mr. Jordan, an At- I wish a happy retirement to one of called Athenian Hall, was built by Alexander lanta native, is unique in journalism. ‘‘Chicago’s Very Own,’’ Robert Jordan. Twilight, who served as the school’s headmaster from 1829 until a stroke in 1855. Twi- Instead of moving from market to mar- f light died two years later. ket, he landed with WGN in 1973 just 3 Twilight, who was black, grew up in Cor- VERMONT PRIDE RETURNS AN years into his career and never left the inth and graduated from Middlebury College city. Outside of a 2-year stint as a Mid- ICONIC BUILDING HOME in 1823. He was the first African American west correspondent for CBS, Mr. Jor- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, person to graduate from a college or univer- dan was a WGN fixture. Vermonters have long believed that the sity in this country, according to Middlebury Mr. Jordan has enjoyed a reputation preservation of our history, from build- and other sources. ‘‘Alexander Twilight actually imagined of being a serious anchor and reporter ings to manuscripts to celebratory tra- that this was going to become a big center of while maintaining a sense of humor for ditions, inform the present and future learning,’’ said Peggy Day Gibson, director the lighter moments. Since 1995, Mr. as much as they honor the past. Last of the Old Stone House Museum. ‘‘When he Jordan has been coanchoring the week- month, the people of Orleans County, built the Old Stone House as a dorm in 1836, end newscasts with Jackie Bange. in Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom, I think he envisioned that this was the first Video of their secret handshakes dur- came together to restore an historic big building. He felt that a central school, a ing commercial breaks has gone viral, school house to its original location. really good institution in every county, was with one such clip earning more than 7 What makes this story all the more re- the way to go.’’ million views on YouTube. markable is that the physical journey The school fell into disuse after the Civil War, the school’s account book indicates. It In 2014, Mr. Jordan was named as the to return the schoolhouse was under- appears the school did not operate from 1865 first journalist-in-residence for the taken by a team of 40 oxen assembled until 1870, Gibson said. By then, it had University of Chicago’s Careers in by residents and chapters of the 4–H. moved from its location at Prospect Hill into Journalism, Arts, and Media program. It was Alexander Twilight’s vision, as the village center, Gibson said. At the time of announcement, Mr. Jor- headmaster of the school, to have a ‘‘It was more convenient’’ to have the dan told an industry reporter that he central school in every Vermont coun- school in the village, Gibson said. The relo- was ‘‘eager to work with young jour- ty that would bring together and education was in keeping with a trend to de-cen- nalists and help guide them at this cate Vermont’s students from neigh- tralize education, a movement that was opposed by Twilight when he served in the challenging time in our profession.’’ boring towns. Vermont Statehouse, according to Gibson. There is no doubt those students had a Born and raised in Corinth, VT, Alex- Twilight’s election to the Vermont Legis- tremendous opportunity to learn from ander Twilight studied at Middlebury lature in 1836, representing Brownington, one of the best, but those students College and became the first African made him the nation’s first black elected of- weren’t the first to learn from Mr. Jor- American known to have graduated ficial. dan. His daughter Karen followed in his from a U.S college or university. An ‘‘Alexander Twilight thought education is footsteps and now is a news anchor at active community member, Twilight better served if you have a very high quality WLS 7 in Chicago. Mr. Jordan’s son-in- was not only an educator, but also central school,’’ she said. But local towns, including Barton, law Christian Farr is a reporter at served as a local minister and politi- Craftsbury, Derby and Glover, began to es- WMAQ 5, so delivering the news to mil- cian. tablish their own schools. ‘‘One by one these lions of viewers in Chicago truly has In Vermont, we take great pride in towns got their own schools,’’ Gibson said. become the family business. being a forward-thinking State. This ‘‘They took back their kids and their tax Mr. Jordan’s work in education was a progressive nature dates back to the money.’’ natural fit for a man who earned a mid-1800s, pre-American Civil War, STUDENTS FROM BROWNINGTON AND BEYOND Ph.D. in philosophy of education with a when the town of Brownington in Orle- In Twilight’s life, Orleans County Gram- minor in ethics from Loyola University ans County was an intellectual hub in mar School educated students from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:58 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.058 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 Brownington, surrounding farm towns, and ‘‘If the oxen can pull it up the road, it will tion is available to the full Senate, I Quebec. The dormitory housed 50 students, be smooth as silk,’’ she said. ‘‘This is per- ask unanimous consent to have printed boys and girls. Twilight and his wife, Mercy formance art.’’ in the RECORD the notifications which Twilight, housed 11 female students on the f have been received. If the cover letter top floor of their house across the way. Students moved to the grammar school S.J. RES. 39 references a classified annex, then such after attending one room schoolhouses in Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, despite annex is available to all Senators in their villages through eighth grade. Under my longstanding concerns about Saudi the office of the Foreign Relations Twilight’s direction, Orleans County Gram- Arabia’s record on human rights, and Committee, room SD–423. mar School taught students from grades nine political and religious liberties, this There being no objection, the mate- through the first two years of college. The rial was ordered to be printed in the school offered classes in Greek, Latin, trigo- resolution of disapproval would under- RECORD, as follows: nometry, physics, chemistry and other sub- mine America’s relationship with a key jects, Gibson said. security partner in the Middle East DEFENSE SECURITY As its curriculum expanded, Twilight saw while doing nothing to address critical COOPERATION AGENCY, the need for a dormitory—a building that threats in the region. The Obama ad- Arlington, VA. bears a striking resemblance to Painter Hall Hon. BOB CORKER, ministration’s disastrous nuclear deal Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, at Twilight’s alma mater. The building, and ransom payments to Iran have which opened as a museum in 1925, has Twi- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. light’s signature on the back of a fourth- emboldened the regime’s leaders to sow DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- floor door. discord and instability in the Middle porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of Twilight was a teaching principal who also East, undermining the trust of our the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, served as minister of the Brownington Con- Sunni Arab partners, including Saudi we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. gregational Church. Services were held on Arabia. In its quest for regional hegem- 16–46, concerning the Department of the Air the second floor of the school before a church ony, Iran is attempting to encircle Force’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- was built in 1841. The church and the school Saudi Arabia by supporting operations ceptance to the Government of Japan for defense articles and services estimated to cost (in its original site) were on either side of in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen; the town green. $1.9 billion. After this letter is delivered to Moving the school back to this place will yet this resolution does not address your office, we plan to issue a news release enable the historical society to tell the story Iran’s role in any of these conflicts, in- to notify the public of this proposed sale. of a region more fully and accurately, Gibson cluding Yemen, where Houthi elements Sincerely, said. have forced the elected government JAMES WORM ‘‘There has always been this desire of the from Yemen’s capital. This conflict is (For J.W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, Orleans County Historical Society—which hindering our ability to combat ISIS USN, Director). owns and manages the museum—to try to and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Enclosures. get the neighborhood back to its (original) I urge the Saudi-led coalition to TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–46 configuration,’’ Gibson said. ‘‘To tell the Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of story, the history, it will be great to have make every effort to protect civilians Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the the school back here.’’ in Yemen, and I urge the Obama ad- The enclave of historic buildings in ministration to continue assisting the Arms Export Control Act, as amended Brownington includes the former home of coalition in limiting civilian casualties (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Samuel Read Hall, a colleague of Twilight’s through targeting and other measures. Japan. at Orleans County Grammar School. Hall (ii) Total Estimated Value: But Iran must cease its direct and indi- Major Defense Equipment* $1.5 billion. taught at the school and was, according to rect support for those causing chaos Gibson, the country’s first teacher-educator. Other $0.4 billion. Hall founded the first teacher training and instability in Yemen. Rather than Total $1.9 billion. school, which was in Concord. He was the au- empowering our partners and standing (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- thor of the first training manual for teachers up to our enemies, this resolution tities of Articles or Services under Consider- published in this country, ‘‘Lectures on would send the wrong message at a ation for Purchase: The Government of School Keeping,’’ Gibson said. Hall suc- time when our partners are already Japan requested the sale of four (4) KC–46 ceeded Twilight as headmaster. doubting American commitment and aerial refueling aircraft. Each aircraft is (The museum purchased Hall’s house in powered by two (2) Pratt & Whitney Model 2005, and restored it in 2008. It is used for a resolve. 4062 (PW4062) Turbofan engines. The sale in- variety of events, including on Monday a f cludes one (1) additional spare PW4062 en- barbecue for the oxen teamsters.) VOTE EXPLANATION gine. Each aircraft will be delivered with ‘‘This was a really happening, intellectual Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capa- vibrant neighborhood, all built during the Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I was bility and defensive systems installed plus 1820s and 1830s,’’ Gibson said. ‘‘It was a cen- necessarily absent for the rollcall vote spares, to include: Raytheon’s ALR–69A ter of progressive education in New England. on passage of H.R. 5985 due to my ap- Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Raytheon’s This was the main road, the stage route, be- pointment by President Obama as rep- Miniaturized Airborne GPS Receiver 2000 tween Boston and Montreal, and this is what resentative to the 71st Session of the (MAGR 2K) to provide GPS Selective Avail- was happening.’’ General Assembly of the United Na- ability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) capa- TOWN GIVES SCHOOL TO HISTORICAL SOCIETY bility, and Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ– tions. I am in full agreement with the 24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Counter- Last year at Town Meeting, the people of Senate’s unanimous approval to extend Brownington voted to give the grammar measures (LAIRCM) Nemesis (N) system. school to the Orleans County Historical So- expiring authorities of the Department Each LAIRCM system consists of the fol- ciety, according to Gibson and the town of Veterans Affairs. Had I been present, lowing components: three (3) Guardian Laser clerk. I would have joined my colleagues in Terminal Assemblies (GLTA), six (6) Ultra- Terms of the gift include the building’s voting yea. Violet Missile Warning System (UVMWS) Sensors AN/AAR–54, one (1) LAIRCM System continued function as a community gath- f ering place. The Brownington Grange, for ex- Processor Replacements (LSPR), one (1) Con- ample, has met on the second floor of the ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION trol Indicator Unit Replacement, one (1) building since 1874, and will continue to do Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, section Smart Card Assembly, and one (1) High Ca- pacity Card. so at the new site, Gibson said. 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act With the addition of the school, Orleans Major Defense Equipment (MDE): County Society Historical Society now owns requires that Congress receive prior no- Four (4) KC–46 Aircraft including one (1) seven historical buildings in Prospect Hill, tification of certain proposed arms spare PW4062 turbofan engine. built from 1823 to 1841. The Brownington sales as defined by that statute. Upon Twelve (12) MAGR 2K–GPS SAASM Receiv- neighborhood is on the National Register of such notification, the Congress has 30 ers. Historic Places, Gibson said. calendar days during which the sale Five (5) AN/ALR–69A RWR Systems. The 40 animals that will move the school may be reviewed. The provision stipu- Sixteen (16) GLTA AN/AAQ–24 (V)N; in- Monday come from 4–H groups in Randolph lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- cludes four (4) spares. Thirty-six (36) UVMWS AN/AAR–54; in- and North Haverhill, New Hampshire, and tion of proposed sales shall be sent to from local residents, Gibson said. cludes twelve (12) spares. Messier House Moving from East Montpe- the chairman of the Senate Foreign Eight (8) LSPR AN/AAQ–24(V)N; includes lier will move the building onto the road. Relations Committee. four (4) spares. The oxen will get hitched to the old school, In keeping with the committee’s in- Non-MDE: Twelve (12) AN/ARC–210 U/VHF and start walking. tention to see that relevant informa- Radios, six (6) APX–119 Identification Friend

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.014 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5949 or Foe (IFF) transponders, initial spares and tional security posture as a key U.S. ally. nals to a specific threat, and alert the air- repair parts, consumables, support equip- This proposed sale will provide Japan a need- crew through the RWR System display. The ment, technical data, engineering change ed capability to a close ally and support U.S. system consists of external antennae mount- proposals, publications, Field Service Rep- security interests in the region. ed on the fuselage and wingtips. The ALR– resentatives, repair and return, depot main- The proposed sale of this equipment and 69A is based on a digitally-controlled tenance, training and training equipment, support does not affect the basic military broadband receiver that scans within a spe- contractor technical and logistics personnel balance in the region. cific frequency spectrum and is capable of services, U.S. Government and contractor The principal contractors on the sale are adjusting to threat changes by modifications representative support, Group A and B in- Boeing Corporation as the aircraft manufac- to the software. In Country Reprogramming stallation for subsystems flight test and cer- turer, supported by Raytheon Company, Wal- RWR capability will not be provided as part tification, and other related elements of lo- tham, MA, as the manufacturer of ALR–69A of this export. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. gistics support. The total program cost is es- and the MAGR 2K. Northrop Grumman Cor- Software is SECRET. Technical data and timated at $1.9 billion. poration, Rolling Meadows, IL, will also sup- documentation to be provided are SECRET. (iv) Military Department: Air Force (X7–D– port the sale as producer of the AN/AAQ– 4. Miniature Airborne Global Positioning SAJ). 24(V)N LAIRCM system. Final assembly and System Receiver 2000 (MAGR 2K) with Selec- (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None. delivery of the KC–46A takes place at tive Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (vi) Sales Commission, Fee. etc.. Paid. Of- Boeing’s production facility in Everett, (SAASM). The MAGR 2K design is a GPS Re- fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. Washington. At this time, there are no ceiver Applications Module based open sys- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained known offset agreements proposed in connec- tem architecture that is modular in design in the Defense Article or Defense Services tion with this potential sale. and incorporates modem electronics. The Proposed to be Sold: See Annex attached. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing MAGR 2K is a form, fit, and function back- (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: these aircraft into its armed forces. ward compatible replacement of the MAGR, September 21, 2016. There is no adverse impact on U.S. defense and provides enhancements including im- * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms readiness as a result of this proposed sale. proved acquisition and GPS solution per- Export Control Act. TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–46 formance, all-in-view GPS satellite tracking POLICY JUSTIFICATION Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of and GPS integrity monitoring. Government of Japan—KC–46A Aerial Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the 5. If a technologically advanced adversary Refueling Aircraft Arms Export Control Act were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the infor- The Government of Japan requested the Annex Item No. vii mation could be used to develop counter- sale of four (4) KC–46 aerial refueling air- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: measures or equivalent systems which might craft. Each aircraft is powered by two (2) 1. The AN/AAQ–24(V)N Large Aircraft In- reduce system effectiveness or be used in the Pratt & Whitney Model 4062 (PW4062) Tur- frared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) is a self- development of a system with similar or ad- bofan engines. The sale includes one (1) addi- contained, directed energy countermeasures vanced capabilities. tional spare PW4062 engine. Each aircraft system designed to protect aircraft from in- 6. This sale is necessary in furtherance of will be delivered with GPS capability and de- frared-guided surface-to-air missiles. The the U.S. foreign policy and national security fensive systems installed plus spares, to in- system features digital technology and objectives outlined in the Policy justifica- clude: Raytheon’s ALR–69A Radar Warning micro-miniature solid-state electronics. The tion. Moreover, the benefits to be derived Receiver (RWR), Raytheon’s Miniaturized system operates in all conditions, detecting from this sale, as outlined in the Policy Jus- Airborne GPS Receiver (MAGR) 2000 (2K) to incoming missiles and jamming infrared- tification, outweigh the potential damage provide GPS Selective Availability Anti- seeker equipped missiles with aimed bursts that could result if the sensitive technology Spoofing Module SAASM capability, and of laser energy. The LAIRCM system con- were revealed to unauthorized persons. Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ–24(V) Large sists of multiple Ultra-Violet Missile Warn- 7. All defense articles and services listed in Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures ing System (UVMWS) Sensor units, Guard- this transmittal are authorized for release (LAIRCM) system. Each LAIRCM system ian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA), and export by the U.S. Government to the consists of the following components: three LAIRCM System Processor Replacement Government of Japan. (3) Guardian Laser Terminal Assemblies (LSPR), Control Indicator Unit Replacement (GLTA), six (6) Ultra-Violet Missile Warning (CIUR), and a classified High Capacity Card f System (UVMWS) Sensors AN/AAR–54, one (HCC), and User Data Modules (UDMs). The 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE (1) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements HCC is loaded into the CIUR prior to flight. INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA (LSPR), one (1) Control Indicator Unit Re- When the classified HCC is not in use, it is placement, one (1) Smart Card Assembly, removed from the CIUR and placed in on- Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, today and one (1) High Capacity Card. board secure storage. LAIRCM Line we recognize the 25th anniversary of The Major Defense Equipment (MDE) Replicable Unit (LRU) hardware is classified Armenia’s independence. On this day items are the aircraft and engines, MAGR 2K SECRET when the HCC is inserted into the each year, we come together to cele- with SAASM, ALR–69A RWR, GLTA, CIUR. LAIRCM system software, including brate the strength and indomitable UVMWS, and LSPR. The total MDE cost, Operational Flight Program is classified SE- spirit of the Armenian people. with spares, is estimated at $1.5 billion. CRET. Technical data and documentation to The following non-MDE items will be in- be provided are UNCLASSIFIED. For the last 25 years, Armenia has cluded with the purchase of the four (4) x 2. The set of UVMWS Sensor units (AN/ been a key friend and trusted ally of KC–46A airframes: twelve (16) AN/ARC–210 AAR–54) are mounted on the aircraft exte- the United States. It is an alliance be- UHF Radios, six (12) APX–119 Identification rior to provide omni-directional protection. tween our two nations that will only Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders, initial The UVMWS Sensors detect the rocket continue to deepen in the years ahead. spares and repair parts, consumables, sup- plume of missiles and send appropriate data Armenia has come a long way to free port equipment, technical data, engineering signals to the LSPR for processing. The itself from terror and tyranny—from change proposals, publications, Field Service LSPR analyzes the data from each UVMWS the Soviet Union and from the horrors Representatives’ (FSRs), repair and return, Sensor and automatically deploys the appro- depot maintenance, training and training priate countermeasure via the GLTA, The of genocide. This journey continues equipment, contractor technical and logis- CIUR displays the incoming threat. today, with our shared responsibility tics personnel services, U.S. Government and a. The AN/AAR–54 is a small, lightweight, to ensure that the Armenian people are contractor representative support, Group A passive, electro-optic, threat warning device able to build their own independent and B installation for subsystems, flight test used to detect surface-to-air missiles fired at and prosperous future. It is our duty to and certification, and other related elements helicopters and low-flying fixed-wing air- continue to stand with Armenia and of logistics support. The total program cost craft and automatically provide counter- with all Armenian people around the is estimated to be $1.9 billion (includes all measures, as well as audio and visual warn- MDE and non-MDE values and above and ing messages to the aircrew. The basic sys- globe as they continue this fight. below the line charges. tem consists of multiple UVMWS Sensor We must keep pushing for truth and This proposed sale contributes to the for- units, three GLTAs, a LSPR, and a CIUR. never allow the forces of denial to suc- eign policy goals and national security ob- The set of UVMWS units (each KC–46 has six ceed in suppressing our collective jectives of the United States by meeting the (6)) are mounted on the aircraft exterior to memory. We have a responsibility to legitimate security and defense needs of an provide omni-directional protection. Hard- ensure that the evil that was per- ally and partner nation. Japan continues to ware is UNCLASSIFIED. Software is SE- petrated upon the Armenian people is be an important force for peace, political CRET. Technical data and documentation to never concealed nor denied. We must stability, and economic progress in the Asia- be provided are UNCLASSIFIED. Pacific region. 3. The AN/ALR–69A Digital Radar Warning heed the words of Pope Francis that it The proposed sale increases Japan’s capa- Receiver (RWR) is the latest in RWR tech- is our duty to continue to honor the bility to participate in Pacific region secu- nology, designed to detect incoming radar memory of those Armenians who per- rity operations and improves Japan’s na- signals, identify and characterize those sig- ished in the Armenian genocide.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:28 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.018 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 I am proud to stand with my col- cation. In 1991, he was named the 618th pathway to employment, and strength- leagues in the Senate to commemorate of President George H. W. Bush’s 1,000 ened a talent pipeline that returns ca- Armenia’s independence and continue Points of Light. reer-ready servicemembers to commu- to support the Armenian people. The Geiger family and their company nities across America. It was the first f advance the Maine business tradition redesign and comprehensive review of of service to others by supporting a the Transition Assistance Program in 200TH EDITION OF THE FARMERS’ wide range of civic and charitable en- the 20-plus years since it became law. ALMANAC deavors, from the arts to health care to At every turn, Dr. Kelly sought to Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, since homeless youth. The New Beginnings ensure that the Transition Assistance the first edition in 1818, the Farmers’ Ann Geiger Center in Lewiston, ME, Program is not only effective but also Almanac has become an American in- named in honor of Peter’s mother, pro- efficient. Dr. Kelly implemented a stitution, an informative and enter- vides vital education and skills-devel- stronger oversight of program budg- taining mix of weather, agriculture, opment opportunities for homeless and etary processes and sought to use humor, and common sense. With the neglected youth. Ray Geiger Elemen- smarter, more efficient processes in re- 2017 issue now in print, it is a pleasure tary School in that same city recog- designing the Transition Assistance to recognize the 200th edition of this nizes the family’s many contributions. Program. Dr. Kelly has also led several venerable publication and to celebrate The special 200th edition of the changes to prevent unnecessary redun- Maine’s remarkable Geiger family that Farmers’ Almanac includes a dancy within the Department, includ- makes it possible. celebratory section of vintage articles ing relying on existing assets for cer- For its first 137 years, the Farmers’ that take readers through nearly two tified financial planners, educational Almanac was published in Morristown, centuries of American lore, from how counselors, and resiliency trainers. In NJ. In 1955, Ray Geiger, who became to quiet a fussy baby with molasses addition to eliminating redundancies, the almanac’s sixth editor in 1934, and feathers to the art of kissing and this has fostered collaboration with moved operations to Lewiston, ME, be- maintaining household tranquility. other Department of Defense agencies lieving—quite correctly—that my Just as important, it stands as proof and, for this work, was recognized in State’s New England heritage better that hard work, an entrepreneurial 2015 as a finalist in the management reflected the publication’s guiding spirit, and a commitment to giving excellence category for the Samuel J. ethic of sustainable, simple living. back are the key ingredients of suc- Heyman Service to America Medal, Ray Geiger led the Farmers’ Alma- cess. I congratulate the Geiger family which honors stars of the Federal Gov- nac for 60 years, its longest serving edi- and the Farmers’ Almanac for this ernment’s workforce. tor. Upon his passing in 1994, his son milestone achievement and wish them Dr. Kelly’s work on behalf of the Peter took the reins after 15 years as all the best in the years to come. Transition to Veterans Program Office, associate editor. That same year, Sandi f the Department of Defense, and, most Duncan was named managing editor, TRIBUTE TO DR. SUSAN S. KELLY importantly, our Nation’s servicemem- the first woman almanac editor in bers demonstrates her dedication to American history. Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I the cause of changing the culture with- Under this leadership team, circula- wish to pay special tribute to an excep- in the Department to better help our tion has grown from 86,000 in the 1930s tional Federal civil servant of the Nation’s veterans succeed. With Dr. to more than 4 million today. In addi- United States of America, Dr. Susan S. Kelly’s guidance, this dramatic and tion, the almanac’s timeless qualities Kelly, the director of the Transition to sweeping transformation of the Transi- have stepped into the age of technology Veterans Program Office, Office of the tion Assistance Program has been im- with an engaging, interactive website Under Secretary of Defense for Per- plemented throughout the Department and a Facebook page with more than 1 sonnel and Readiness. Dr. Kelly is re- of Defense, enabling the Department to million followers. tiring from the Federal Government on ensure that today’s veterans are better Readers enjoy the Farmers’ Almanac September 30, 2016, after 33 years of dis- equipped than ever to handle an ever- for its humorous essays, trivia, and ad- tinguished service to our Nation. Many changing labor market every bit as vice on everything from gardening to of us on Capitol Hill have enjoyed the well as they were able to handle the relationships, but the long-range opportunity to work with Dr. Kelly on ever-changing challenges of the battle- weather forecasts remain its hallmark. a wide variety of defense issues and field. The time-tested, highly secret mathe- programs, and it is my privilege and As Dr. Kelly concludes her 33-year matical and astronomical formula pro- honor to recognize her many accom- career as a public servant and leader in duces 16-month forecasts for seven dif- plishments. a highly demanding department, she is ferent U.S. climate zones with a sig- Dr. Kelly has an extensive history of to be recognized this day as a most dis- nificant record of accuracy. In fact, the helping organizations successfully tinguished American for her exemplary CEO of a major airline recently con- transform, and I want to focus on her leadership, commitment, managerial firmed that Farmers’ Almanac fore- exceptional work since she took over talent, and vision. casts are factored into his company’s as the director of the Transition to On behalf of the Congress and the winter contingency planning. Veterans Program Office in June 2012. United States of America, I thank Dr. From the first edition to today, She has been instrumental in the ambi- Susan S. Kelly and her entire family Farmers’ Almanac editors have worn tious effort to revitalize the Depart- for the commitment, sacrifices, and the honorary title of Philom—for ment of Defense Transition Assistance contributions they have made through- Philomath, a lover of learning. That is Program, which ensures that service- out her honorable service. Congratula- an apt title for readers as well as edi- members transitioning to civilian life tions on completing an outstanding tors, as every edition of the almanac is are provided with the information and and successful career. a mini-encyclopedia of American his- training needed to effectively pursue tory, natural science, and a host of their civilian career goals. In imple- f other disciplines. menting the sweeping redesign of the ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS It is a particularly apt title for Peter Transition Assistance Program, she Geiger, a great champion of education has helped the military move away who founded the Adopt-A-School move- from viewing transition as an end-of- REMEMBERING BRIAN SCOTT ment in Maine in 1988 and who career activity, instead making GAMROTH launched a successful program with postmilitary preparation a careerlong ∑ Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, Wyo- Maine elementary and middle schools process that servicemembers plan for ming has lost a true giant. On Sep- to encourage and develop young writ- throughout their military life cycle. tember 18, 2016, Brian Scott Gamroth ers. His company provides college She has also helped to transform the lost his life in a tragic motorcycle ac- scholarships to Maine students, and Department’s views on transition, em- cident. It is hard to think of a more fa- Peter serves as a member and former phasized the essential skills that make miliar and friendly voice in Wyoming chairman of our State’s board of edu- the all-volunteer force an attractive than Brian Scott’s. For the past 23

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.061 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5951 years, the Casper community woke up coordinator for the Southern Pine Bee- in Columbia, Dean Payne has left his and went to work with the smiling tle Program. mark on the student population, re- voice of Brian Scott filling the air- He became a professor and head of search programs, and faculty members. waves on the K2 Morning Show. While entomology at Virginia Polytechnic Student enrollment in the college in- his voice has been silenced, his impact Institute and State University. creased by 44 percent. Student partici- on Wyoming will live on. In the midnineties, Tom was ap- pation in study abroad programs in- Brian didn’t stop at just reporting pointed as associate vice president for creased 50 percent. He contributed to about the community, he lived it and agricultural administration and asso- making the Bond Life Sciences Center loved it every day. If there was a chari- ciate dean for research at the Ohio a reality. Plant and animal sciences table event in Casper or anywhere in State University’s College of Food, Ag- continued to enhance its programmatic Wyoming, Brian was either emceeing it riculture, and Environmental Sciences. strength, so it is now ranked among or letting everyone in the Cowboy He was also the director of the Ohio the 15 best programs in the world. And State know how they can help. Agricultural Research and Develop- he oversaw the hiring of more than half Through his talents as an entertainer, ment Center. of the college’s current faculty. master of ceremonies, and a commu- He then moved to the University of Again I say, Dean Payne has left big nity leader, Brian has raised millions Missouri, Columbia and further solidi- shoes to fill. of dollars for local and State charities. fied his leadership in research and aca- In his retirement, I am confident Brian’s love for Wyoming was only demics. In addition to serving as vice Dean Payne will play more golf, but I eclipsed by his love for his family. He chancellor and dean of the MU College am not certain it will improve his is survived by his wife, Tracy, and of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Re- game. He might even do some more three sons: Josh and his wife, Heidi; sources, he also became the director of hunting and fishing. I hope he will con- Kyle and his wife, Whitney; and Corey. the Missouri Agricultural Experiment tinue to be a resource for those in agri- Brian cherished his four grandchildren, Station. The Missouri Agricultural Ex- culture, especially agriculture research Lucy, Sarah, Reagan, and Owen. periment Station is a network of cen- and education. Brian Scott Gamroth was a friend to ters conducting research in agri- Missourians wish Dean Tom Payne ∑ everyone. He has changed many lives culture, animal science, natural re- all the best in his retirement. for the better, and Wyoming will feel sources, and forestry. f his loss for a long time. Bobbi and I are Of course, Dean Payne is an over- REMEMBERING DALE FREEMAN achiever. He is the author and co- blessed to have called him our friend. ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today ∑ author of more than 130 publications We will miss him dearly. I wish to honor the life of Lawrence and is founding coeditor of the Journal f County Judge Dale Freeman of Portia, of Insect Behavior. He is a recipient of AR, who passed away on Saturday, TRIBUTE TO TOM PAYNE numerous awards including the Alex- ∑ September 17, 2016. Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, earlier ander von Humbolt Prize and Missouri Judge Freeman was a Lawrence this year, I got the news that my good Future Farmers of America Associa- County native who loved his neighbors friend, Dean Tom Payne, had an- tion Distinguished Service Award. If and community with evident passion. nounced that he would be retiring from all that wasn’t enough, Dean Payne has Dale graduated from Southern Baptist the MU College of Agriculture, Food, been a member of the World Agricul- College and worked at Burlington and Natural Resources and vice chan- tural Forum’s Board of Advisors, Dan- Northern Railroad, where he retired cellor for Agriculture. Needless to say, forth Plan Sciences Center’s Board of after 36 years of service. He also had a I had mixed emotions. Advisors, Agriculture Future of Amer- desire for public service and went on to I am happy that Tom will get to ica’s Board of Directors, and a board become mayor of Portia, AR, and even- spend more time with his beautiful member of the Entomological Founda- tually was elected judge of Lawrence wife, Alice, and his children, Joanna tion. County in 2010. and Jacob, and Jacob’s wife, Jennifer. There are few people who are able to Judge Freeman once told a reporter, Of course, I am also happy that Caro- figure out what they love to do and ‘‘the only job I ever wanted was to be line and Jack, his grandchildren, will make such a successful career out of the judge in Lawrence County.’’ When get to see him more. doing just that. However, Dean Tom the people of Lawrence County gave However, his retirement also made Payne is one such person who has had him that opportunity, he made the me think that someone will have big a career doing what he loves, but in ad- most of it. He was a tireless advocvate shoes to fill because Dean Payne has dition, have a tremendous impact on for citizens and was known to put in set high standards throughout the students, peers, and all those that long hours conducting the business of years and exceeded them. know him. the county. His ultimate goal was to Dean Thomas L. Payne has served as Dean Payne has had a career pre- leave the county better than when he vice chancellor for Agriculture and paring, showing, teaching, and leading took office, and based on the results, it dean of the MU College of Agriculture, students and faculty. I am confident is fair to say that he achieved that Food, and Natural Resources since Jan- that there are many individuals who aim. uary 1, 1999. Back then he knew that would credit Dean Payne for their in- Judge Freeman was injured in a car the College of Agriculture at the Uni- terest in agriculture, especially agri- accident in August of this year and was versity of Missouri in Columbia was a culture research. He has always had a being treated at a hospital in Little leader in agriculture research and edu- passion for what he does—and not mat- Rock. While he had been making cation. Today under Dean Payne’s ter what, he always has his wit and progress toward a recovery, unfortu- leadership, the MU College of Agri- humor. nately, his health rapidly declined, and culture is at the forefront. I have seen his wit and humor bring he passed away as a result of his inju- Dean Payne was born in Bakersfield, tears and laughter. I have also seen in- ries. He is survived by his wife, Mary, CA. He received his B.A. in zoology dividuals nervous as they waited to daughters, Tonya, Candi, and Michelle, from the University of California, hear Dean Payne speak, wondering and son, Jeff. Santa Barbara, and his M.S. in ento- what zingers he might say. I can prom- I deeply admire Judge Freeman’s mology and Ph.D. in entomology and ise you, he knows how to hold his audi- dedication to serving his lifelong home physiological psychology from the Uni- ence’s attention—students or career of Lawrence County. I know his leader- versity of California, Riverside. professionals. ship, dedication, and commitment to Payne took his talents to Texas A&M My friend, Dean Tom Payne, has al- the community will be missed by University’s departments of ento- ways provided insight and leadership at many. I join with them in praying for mology and forest science. He started each institution he worked, committee comfort for Judge Freeman’s family, his track record in leadership, aca- seat he held, and board on which he friends, and loved ones. Today we demics, and research. served. I know that at the College of honor him as his community grieves The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture, Food, and Natural Re- his loss and reflects on his life and selected him to serve as the research sources, at the University of Missouri service.∑

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:28 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.059 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 AMALGAMATED SUGAR’S CEN- TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA ‘‘CINDY’’ lion meals to 150,000 hungry Hoosiers at TURY OF IDAHO SUGAR PRODUC- HUBERT 321 mobile pantry sites; and nearly 1 TION ∑ Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, million meals at 50 school-based pantry today I wish to recognize and honor the sites. ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my col- extraordinary service of Cynthia Cindy’s integrity and tireless efforts league Senator JIM RISCH joins me ‘‘Cindy’’ Hubert, a dedicated Hoosier, have helped to make Indiana a better today in recognizing Amalgamated who has played a critical role in feed- place to live, work, and raise a family. Sugar’s 100 years of sugar production ing the hungry in Indiana. We are incredibly grateful for Cindy’s in the Magic Valley of Idaho. On September 24, 2016, Cindy will re- leadership and service, and we wish her With roots that stretch back to 1897, tire following more than 6 years of well in retirement with her husband, Amalgamated Sugar, a grower-owned service to Gleaners Food Bank of Indi- Steve, and daughter Stacey.∑ cooperative, has been a member of the ana. f Indiana has benefitted greatly from Magic Valley community for 100 years. REMEMBERING EWING MARION Cindy’s tireless leadership, and she has Amalgamated Sugar opened its Twin KAUFFMAN Falls factory on October 22, 1916, fol- helped oversee and successfully lead ∑ Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I lowed a year later by the Paul factory several hunger relief organizations in ask the Senate to join me today in on October 28, 1917. Throughout the central Indiana at critical time periods honoring the 100th birthday celebra- years, Amalgamated Sugar’s growers in each organization’s history. Her ef- tion of Ewing Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman and employees have navigated the forts have ensured hundreds of thou- was a Kansas City and Missouri icon twists and turns of a more than chal- sands of food-insecure Hoosiers are fed who lived a life that would make all lenging market with sensibility, deter- with dignity and hope, giving these Americans proud. From founding a mination, and innovation. Through its families the chance to lead happier, pharmaceutical empire, to bringing partnership with Amalgamated Re- healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Major League Baseball back to Kansas search, Inc., ARi, a research and devel- Cindy moved to Indianapolis, IN, City, to establishing a philanthropic opment company owned by Amal- after a successful 25-year career with foundation that continues to change gamated Sugar, Amalgamated Sugar First Union National Bank in Con- necticut. After arriving in Indiana, lives to this day, Mr. Kauffman built a has pioneered the use of innovative Cindy first led Horizon House, a multi- legacy that is deserving of all of our re- fractal separation technology and is a service center for the homeless. She spect. leader in processing efficiency. Amal- then went on to lead three of the most On June 1, 1950, Mr. Kauffman opened gamated Sugar has also expanded its critical and impactful organizations in Marion Laboratories. ‘‘Mr. K’’ operated marketing to reach throughout the Indiana that feed hungry children, sen- this company from the basement of his United States through its partnership ior citizens, military veterans, and home and used his middle name as the with National Sugar Marketing. The families. company name so that people wouldn’t past 100 years of innovation have Prior to her transformational leader- know they were dealing with a small, helped Amalgamated Sugar grow from ship at Gleaners, Cindy was president one-man operation. As he built this processing 3,078,000 tons of sugarbeets and CEO of Second Helpings, Inc., a humble company into an industry lead- into 925,000 100-pound bags of sugar in leading provider of meals to more than er, he did so with two guiding philoso- 1917, to the estimated 6,636,000 tons of 80 nonprofits in central Indiana. Cindy phies: No. 1, share the rewards with sugarbeets into 21,058,000 100-pound oversaw one of Second Helpings’ most those who produce, and No. 2, treat bags in 2016. significant periods of change and others the way you wish to be treated. The cooperative’s focus on precision growth, and it celebrated its 10 mil- Profit sharing wasn’t an industry prac- production and agronomic advance- lionth meal distributed this July. tice at the time, but it was vital to the ments has grown it into the second During her time at Second Helpings, company’s success and an example of largest beet sugar producer in the U.S., Cindy also launched a collaborative Mr. Kauffman’s generosity. By the producing 12 percent of the Nation’s program known as the Indy Hunger time the company was sold in 1989, it sugar on 182,000 acres, according to sta- Network, where key nonprofit, govern- had provided jobs for 3,400 associates, tistics from Amalgamated Sugar. The ment, donor, and support organizations showed a $227 million profit, and made cooperative’s accomplishments result leverage their unique abilities, com- 300 Marion Labs associates instant mil- from the teamwork of its approxi- bine resources, and talent and impact lionaires. mately 750 growers and more than 1,600 hunger together. Cindy’s idea has In 1968 Mr. Kauffman said, ‘‘Kansas Idaho employees who produce quality grown into a highly effective reality City has been good to me, and I want to sugarbeets, transport them from the and a key part of the hunger relief net- show I can return the favor.’’ It was fields to the factories, and refine high- work in central Indiana. that year that he and Kansas City were quality sugar products, nutritional In her role as president and CEO of awarded a Major League Baseball ex- supplements, and animal-feed products. Gleaners, she has supported one-third pansion franchise—the Kansas City Amalgamated Sugar is a substantial of Indiana’s food-insecure population Royals were born. However, having a part of our Nation’s economy. across 21 counties, working through team was not enough for Mr. K; the hundreds of local agencies. During her team needed to win and win a lot. Dur- Amalgamated Sugar’s contributions 6 years at Gleaners, three core pro- ing his time as owner, the Royals won include approximately $800 million in grams have tripled in size: Backsacks six division titles, two American revenues to Idaho’s economy, which is for Kids, the School Pantry Program, League pennants, and the 1985 World evident in the lives of the generations and the Mobile Pantry Program. Cindy Series Championship; yet even that of its growers and employees, in its re- helped Gleaners launch important new was not enough for him to ‘‘return the lationships with local suppliers and programs, including summer meals for favor’’ to Kansas City. Mr. Kauffman, vendors, and in the more than $283 mil- children in need and a new initiative worried that a new owner would move lion in Idaho’s sugarbeet production es- feeding senior citizens. She also opened the franchise out of Kansas City upon timated by the Idaho State Depart- an on-site food pantry at the Gleaners his death, set up an imaginative strat- ment of Agriculture. distribution center and, over time, egy to ensure that didn’t happen. Congratulations, Amalgamated worked to increase the food pantry Namely, the profit of the sale by a new Sugar growers and employees, on a physical’s size to six times the original owner would have to go to local Kansas century of accomplishments. You and space. Under her leadership, 75 Glean- City charities, essentially ensuring the your predecessors have much to be ers employees and tens of thousands of franchise would stay in Kansas City. proud of for prevailing over more than volunteers each year distribute 27.5 Because of this forward thinking, I am a 100 years of challenges and contrib- million meals; 10,400 backsacks to chil- sure Mr. K was smiling down as ap- uting significantly to job opportunities dren for weekends; 135,000 summer proximately 800,000 Kansas Citians and U.S. production. We wish you all meals at 54 sites; more than 328,000 celebrated at the Royals 2015 World Se- the best for continued success.∑ meals to senior citizens; over 2.4 mil- ries Championship Parade.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:28 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.045 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5953 Even with all that he did during his During World War II, he served his solidarity, and identity. This is all the life, his most lasting legacy will be es- country in defense of freedom by join- more true given the Royals’ success— tablishing the foundation that bears ing the U.S. Navy. When the war ended, they have won six American League his name and continues to effect Ewing Kauffman became a salesman West titles, two pennants, participated change to this day: the Kauffman for a pharmaceutical company. A born in four World Series, and won two Foundation. Mr. Kauffman regarded his salesman, by the end of his second World Series championships in 1985 and education and ability to be an entre- year, he is said to have earned more in 2015. preneur to be pivotal in his life. For commissions alone than the salary of Second, in 1966, he founded the Ewing that reason, the Kauffman Foundation the president of the company he Marion Kauffman Foundation, a phil- focuses its grant making on those two worked for. anthropic organization committed to areas, giving people the resources need- In 1950, Mr. Kauffman struck out and helping people through education and ed to be self-sufficient and make posi- started his own pharmaceutical com- entrepreneurship and changing the tra- tive change in their community. pany: Marion Laboratories. jectory of their lives. Reflecting on his philanthropy, Mr. A few things to note about Marion Always cognizant of the need to cre- Kauffman said, ‘‘All the money in the Laboratories. First, there was no lab. ate more and better paying jobs, world cannot solve problems unless we Ewing Kauffman founded this startup Kauffman saw education and entrepre- work together. And, if we work to- in his basement. Second, in a field that neurship as two ends of a continuum. gether, there is no problem in the requires huge amounts of capital in sci- As such, he directed the foundation’s world that can stop us, as we seek to entific research, Mr. Kauffman’s ‘‘re- mission to be one that helps individ- develop people to their highest and search division’’ consisted of him read- uals attain economic independence by best potential.’’ Words that are as true ing medical journals. As one biog- advancing educational achievement today as they were during his life. rapher noted: ‘‘He was in a business and entrepreneurial success. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate that was rooted in science and fueled Today the Kauffman Foundation is join me in honoring the 100th birthday by research, and he had only a smat- among the largest private foundations celebration and the life and achieve- tering of the former and could not af- in the U.S., with an asset base of approximately $2 billion, and it sponsors ments of one of Kansas City and the ford the latter.’’ State of Missouri’s finest citizens, What Mr. Kauffman had in spades, dozens of fundraisers every year to sup- ∑ Ewing Marion Kauffman. however, was an innate understanding port other nonprofits, funding organi- ∑ Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, over the zations that accelerate positive change of marketing and an ability to sell a last several years, when Missourians where it is needed most. product. Lastly, I want to highlight some- and people across the country open Why call his new startup ‘‘Marion their newspapers or watch the news, thing really unique. In 1988, Mr. Laboratories?’’ Kauffman went to Kansas City West- they are bombarded with reports that He used his middle name to suggest port High School—the school he grad- make them feel anxious about the di- that it wasn’t a one-man operation. uated from in 1934—to launch Project rection of our Nation and the future How good a salesman was he? our children and grandchildren will in- Choice. In its first year, Marion Labs made By the late 1980s, Westport High herit. $36,000 in sales. By the time he sold the At times like these, when we are School was plagued with a 30-percent company in 1989, it made $1 billion in filled with anxiety and uncertainty, it dropout rate, and the disadvantaged sales and employed over 3,400 people. is important to remind ourselves of the students who attended had to contend Ewing Kauffman’s philosophy in life good done by great Americans in their with the scourge of serious drug and al- can be summed up in three basic prin- communities. One man or woman can cohol abuse. Project Choice was a deal ciples he adhered to: make a tangible difference to improve Mr. K struck with 250 eighth graders First, treat others as you want to be the lives of many. who were about to attend Westport Today I want to recognize one such a treated. High School. great American, as well as Missouri na- Second, share life’s rewards with Ewing Kauffman offered the stu- tive, Ewing Marion Kauffman, on the those who make them possible. dents—with the involvement of their 100th anniversary of his birth. Third, give back to society. parents—a 4-year scholarship to the Residents of Kansas City knew and Actions speak louder than words, and college, university, or vocational still know Ewing Marion Kauffman it is easy to find examples of Mr. school of their choice, including costs well. They are reminded of his lasting Kauffman’s actions that support the of tuition, books, fees, and room and legacy every time they see the work of principles by which he lived. board. What was the catch you might the Kauffman Foundation or when they A popular boss who treated all his ask? Each child must graduate from visit Kauffman Stadium—‘‘The K’’—to employees with dignity and respect, his high school in 4 years, have regular at- see the Kansas City Royals. employees affectionately took to sim- tendance, no serious disciplinary prob- However, Mr. Kauffman is perhaps ply calling him Mr. K. In terms of shar- lems, and abstain from drugs and alco- best known for his vision that a qual- ing life’s rewards, he offered his em- hol. Additionally, their parents had to ity education is the foundation for self- ployees a profit-sharing plan, stock op- agree to meet regularly with their chil- sufficiency, and he used philanthropy tions, and education benefits. By 1968, dren’s teachers, coaches, and coun- to help foster a society of economically 20 of Marion’s employees had become selors and participate in school activi- independent individuals who are ac- millionaires—and reportedly, hundreds ties. tively engaged in their communities. had become millionaires by 1989. When asked why he was taking this Indeed, Mr. Kauffman’s vision has left But what really makes Ewing initiative, Mr. K responded: ‘‘We have an indelible mark on the lives of so Kauffman stand out was his commit- racial discrimination now. We have many. ment to his third principle: Giving economic discrimination now . . . the By way of background, Ewing Marion back to society. answer to social and economic injus- Kauffman was born on September 21, There is not enough time to recount tice is education.’’ 1916, on a farm in Garden City, MO. The all of the work Mr. K did for Kansas He later expanded Project Choice to son of John and Effie May, the City. He was passionate about improv- other schools across the Kansas City Kauffman family moved to Kansas City ing lives and helping to make Kansas area. when Ewing was just a boy—a place he City a better place to live and work. I In 2001, after learning from both suc- called home the rest of his life. want to take a moment to highlight cesses and challenges with Project Ewing Kauffman was from the gen- just a few of his contributions. Choice, the Kauffman Foundation up- eration that weathered the Great De- First, in 1968, he brought Major dated the program to emphasize col- pression. As a boy, he helped his family League Baseball back to Kansas City. lege access, college preparation, and make ends meet by selling eggs and The unique thing about this is that he college graduation as part of its magazines door to door, even diving acquired the team for the benefit of the Kauffman Scholars Program. into muddy underwater burrows to city. The Kansas City Royals provided In short, through its many programs, catch catfish so he could sell them. the community with a sense of pride, initiatives, and grants, the Kauffman

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.044 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 Foundation embodies Mr. K’s prin- community through a research-based We could use more role models like her ciples. Through its research and pro- approach continues today through the everywhere today. grams, the foundation continues to innovative work of the Ewing Marion Dr. Macauley spent her time dedi- work to increase the percentage of stu- Kauffman Foundation. The foundation cated to becoming a better leader and dents who achieve successful academic continues to focus on advancing edu- raising those around her up as well. and life outcomes—to create the self- cation and entrepreneurship opportuni- She put forth so much effort to make reliant human capital necessary for en- ties through strategic partnerships and sure that the work she was doing had trepreneurial success. inclusive dialogue among all pertinent the greatest possible influence. She Ewing Kauffman saw himself as a private and public parties. In June, the tried to bring good to this world common man who did uncommon foundation announced its 100 Acts of through her award-winning journal ar- things. He constantly challenged those Generosity campaign to encourage the ticles, her time spent testifying in around him to reach their full poten- public to participate in community front of Congress, and educating the tial and improve the lives of their fam- service efforts to honor Mr. Kauffman’s next generation of changemakers. Dr. ilies and communities. He built a last- legacy, while awarding a $1 million Macauley will be remembered in Balti- ing legacy in Kansas City. grant to the Kansas City Royals’ Urban more especially for the love she had for Each one of us is capable of doing the Youth Academy to serve 800 to 1,000 our city. She chose to commute to D.C. same if we live by his principles: to young people with free baseball and each day because she couldn’t bear to treat others as you would like to be softball clinics and instruction. leave Baltimore for too long. She never treated, to share life’s rewards with Mr. Kauffman also brought Major let anyone forget their ties to Balti- those who make them possible, and to League Baseball back to his hometown, more either. Even if they moved away, give back to society. founding the Kansas City Royals in she sent Baltimore’s world-famous That philosophy is perhaps his great- 1968. Under Kauffman’s leadership, the Berger cookies and treats to remind est legacy, and it is a legacy this body organization sold more than 2 million them of home. should recognize because those prin- tickets per season during 11 different Her passing has been a shock to our ciples—combined with a commitment seasons and won six division titles, two community, to have such an upstand- to education and entrepreneurship—are American League pennants, and the ing and valued member of it so brutally what make good citizens great.∑ 1985 World Series Championship. Mr. attacked. I know the community will ∑ Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, today I Kauffman also developed innovative be there for each other as we come to wish to honor the 100th birthday of measures to ensure the Royals would terms with her tragic loss. I ask that Ewing Marion Kauffman, an exception- remain in Kansas City long after his my colleagues join me in expressing ally successful Kansas City business- death in 1993. sympathy to Dr. Macauley’s family and man who also cared deeply about the In reflection of Mr. Kauffman’s phil- friends as they mourn the loss of this community he lived in. anthropic mission, I conclude my re- remarkable woman and remember the Mr. Kauffman was an entrepreneur marks with a statement by Mr. impact she had on our Nation.∑ working out of the basement of his Kauffman himself: ‘‘All of the money f modest Kansas City home when he in the world cannot solve problems un- founded Marion Laboratories in June less we work together. And, if we work REMEMBERING DR. RAYMOND C. of 1950. By 1965, he had grown his small together, there is no problem in the BUSHLAND pharmaceutical business into a pub- world that can stop us, as we seek to ∑ Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I licly traded company and introduced develop people to their highest and wish to commemorate the life and an innovative profit-sharing model so best potential.’’∑ work of Dr. Raymond C. Bushland, a that all of his associates would reap f native of South Dakota. the financial benefits of his company’s Dr. Bushland, along with his col- accomplishments. His lifelong focus on REMEMBERING DR. MOLLY league Edward F. Knipling of Texas, enabling others to succeed has bene- MACAULEY made tremendous scientific advance- fitted generations of Kansans and all in ∑ Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ments in eradicating and suppressing the Kansas City community. would like to take a moment to note the threat posed by pests to the live- By 1989, Marion Laboratories merged the sad and untimely passing of a won- stock and crops that contribute to the with Merrell Dow to form Marion derful pillar of our Baltimore commu- world’s food supply. Dr. Bushland will Merrell Dow, which provided jobs for nity, Dr. Molly Macauley. This is a be posthumously honored with the 3,400 associates. Marion Merrell Dow very sad time not only for the Roland Golden Goose Award for his and Dr. became the fifth largest drug company Park neighborhood of Baltimore where Knipling’s research on the screwworm in the United States in terms of sales. Dr. Macauley lived, but also for the fly. The Golden Goose Award recog- Leading Mr. Kauffman to this success Johns Hopkins community and Re- nizes scientists who have made signifi- were two guiding philosophic prin- sources of the Future, where Dr. cant contributions to society through ciples: No. 1, share the rewards with Macauley gave so much of her time and unique federally funded projects. those who produce and No. 2, treat oth- energy. Bushland was raised in Clearlake, ers as you wish to be treated. His prin- Molly Macauley was widely admired SD, and graduated from South Dakota ciples continue to serve as a model of by her family, friends, and colleagues State University in 1932 with degrees in professional culture to new businesses for her determination to impact the entomology and zoology. After earning across a wide variety of industries, and world. Originally from northern Vir- his masters in 1934, he began working oftentimes, these new businesses are ginia, she graduated from William and at a laboratory for the U.S. Depart- started by former associates of Mr. Mary in 1979 and came to Baltimore to ment of Agriculture in Dallas, TX, Kauffman’s company and its affiliates. study at Johns Hopkins University. where he met Dr. Knipling. The two Following Mr. Kauffman’s success in She received her master’s in 1981 and shared a fascination with the business, he used his considerable re- her doctoral degree in economics in screwworm fly, a rampant and aggres- sources to do good, establishing the 1983. Dr. Macauley was a visiting pro- sive pest that primarily targeted cat- Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in fessor at Johns Hopkins for 20 years. tle. The screwworm fly could decimate 1966. The foundation sought to address She also joined the think tank ‘‘Re- herds in a matter of weeks and was systemic issues within underserved sources for the Future,’’ eventually be- nearly impossible to prevent. communities around Kansas City—no- coming vice president for research. Dr. Through their research, Bushland tably focused on improving the quality Macauley was considered an expert in and Knipling hypothesized that sci- of education in the area and promoting environmental economics, leading the entists could combat the pest by con- and fostering entrepreneurship as a way into the future in space research trolling its population, an approach means of empowerment and oppor- and renewable energy. She also served that was met with great skepticism. tunity for individuals. on committees involved in science, Regardless, Bushland successfully de- Mr. Kauffman’s legacy addressing space, and medicine, finding common vised the ‘‘sterile insect technique,’’ a fundamental challenges in the local ground and moving all of us forward. revolutionary method in controlling

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.050 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5955 pest populations. The hypothesis was technological improvement to ensure Southern Mississippi. She earned her soon confirmed. the company would stay afloat. bronze medal in the 200-meter, her sil- By preventing regular reproduction, It wasn’t until the 1980s that Morris ver in the 100-meter, and her gold in they began seeing results immediately, & Dickson Co. grew exponentially and the 4x100-meter relay. and in 1982, the screwworm fly was de- became a nationally recognized com- Another track-and-field star, Sam clared completely eradicated in the petitor. At the time, Morris & Dickson Kendricks, also made news headlines U.S. Since this breakthrough, the U.S. Co. was working out of the same build- for both his bronze medal in pole vault Department of Agriculture has ing it had first moved into in 1905. and a powerful moment of patriotism. partnered with countries throughout Nearly eight decades later, they were During the qualifying round, the sec- the Western Hemisphere to continue still transporting goods in a manual ond lieutenant in the Army Reserve eradicating screwworm flies and pre- freight elevator and used a dumbwaiter stopped sprinting during his pole vault venting reinfestation. or rope bucket to send orders upstairs. attempt to stand at attention when he The technique pioneered by Bushland Claudius’s son Markham Allen Dickson heard ‘‘the Star-Spangled Banner.’’ and Knipling saved the cattle industry recognized that major changes had to Sam is from Oxford and attended the an estimated $20 billion since its imple- be made and, much like his prede- University of Mississippi. mentation and has been applied to var- cessors, had an immense respect for Gulfport native Brittney Reese made ious insect species since. Today, sci- technology’s growing influence. M. Al- history at the 2012 London games, entists are using the same technique to len’s foresight and ingenuity allowed where she became the first American combat the spread of the Zika virus. the family-owned business to grow to woman to win a gold medal in long This feat is lauded as one of the most become the region’s leading wholesale jump in more than 20 years. She did important developments in pest con- drug distributor. He moved the com- not leave Rio empty-handed. The six- trol, as well as one of the first peaceful pany out of downtown Shreveport and time world champion and Ole Miss uses of nuclear radiation. utilized the early use of computers. alumna earned a silver medal in her Bushland’s work represents a pin- Under his leadership, Morris & Dickson third Olympics. nacle of scientific achievement that Co. exploded on the national wholesale Rounding out Mississippi’s roster was helped pave a new era of food security pharmaceutical scene. By 2013, Morris Ricky Robertson of Hernando, a former and public health. His curiosity, perse- & Dickson Co. was the fourth largest track-and-field star at the University verance, and ingenuity continue to be a pharmaceutical distributor in the Na- of Mississippi who competed in high source of inspiration for students in tion. jump at his first Olympics. South Dakota and across the country. Still driven by the 175-year-old ambi- For 10 other athletes, the road to Rio For his commitment to science, edu- tion to elevate the standard of patient went through Mississippi. These tal- cation, and society, we thank him.∑ care for their neighbors and commu- ented individuals have made our State f nity, today Morris & Dickson Co. is run home as alumni, students, or coaches by M. Allen’s son, Paul Dickson. Mor- at our universities. Congratulations RECOGNIZING MORRIS & DICKSON ris & Dickson Co. has a well-earned are in order for Gwen Berry, Mateo Ed- CO. LLC reputation for persevering through ward, Marta Freitas, Antwon Hicks, ∑ Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, often- many hardships by embracing innova- Anaso Jobodwana, Mariam Kromah, times the truest test of a small tion in order to harness the power of an Brandon McBride, Raven Saunders, business’s strength is its longevity. In ever-changing economy and increas- Khadijah Suleman, and Michael Louisiana, our small businesses have ingly technology-driven world. Tinsley. worked through countless challenges Today, Morris & Dickson Co. pro- Following the Olympics, Mississip- and survived for generations to im- vides operational and logistic innova- pians again turned to Rio to cheer for prove the lives of their neighbors and tion support for independent phar- our local all-stars in the 2016 make substantial contributions to the macies. This includes everything from Paralympic Games. Charlie economy. In honor of their 175th anni- ontime delivery of pharmaceutical in- Swearingen from Gulfport competed on versary, I would like to present Morris ventory to inventory management soft- the sitting volleyball team, which fin- & Dickson Co. LLC of Shreveport, LA, ware. With Morris & Dickson Co.’s ished eighth. He joined two-time with the Senate Small Business Legacy help, independent pharmacies in 14 Paralympians Joey Brinson from Flor- Award for the important achievements States can focus on supporting and im- ence and Shaquille Vance from Hous- of this Louisiana-based small business proving the health of their local com- ton, who had earned a silver medal in success story. munities, while also remaining finan- 2012. Joey finished ninth in his cat- In 1841, John Worthington Morris cially solvent. egory of wheelchair fencing, and opened J. W. Morris & Co., an inde- This Shreveport-based family-run Shaquille finished fourth in the men’s pendent pharmacy in downtown business is a great example of the T42 200-meter run. Shreveport, LA. Working out of a sin- American Dream in action, and compa- The Olympics and Paralympics are gle riverfront warehouse, J.W. first re- nies like Morris & Dickson certainly an inspiring showcase of international ceived goods by steamboat from New serve as role models for the next gen- goodwill and sportsmanship. These Orleans and, with the help of his broth- eration of entrepreneurs. I congratu- Mississippians have represented us well er, Thomas Henry, ran his namesake late the hard-working folks at Morris on the world stage, and I have no doubt small business until his death 12 years & Dickson Co. LLC on 175 years in busi- they will continue to succeed in their later. A second generation of the Mor- ness and for the well-deserved honor of future endeavors.∑ ris family continued J.W.’s legacy until the Senate Small Business Legacy f Claudius Dickson bought the business ∑ Award. MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE in 1899, renaming it to be Morris & f Dickson Co. Claudius worked with At 12:02 p.m., a message from the members of the Morris family to grow TRIBUTE TO MISSISSIPPI’S House of Representatives, delivered by their wholesale pharmaceutical busi- OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, ness. As technology improved, with ∑ Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, today I announced that the House has passed new railway lines and gasoline-powered wish to congratulate the Mississippians the following bills, in which it requests trucks, Morris & Dickson Co. embraced who competed in the Olympics and the concurrence of the Senate: the revolutionary improvements to dis- Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. H.R. 670. An act to amend title XIX of the tribute their pharmaceuticals in Lou- They have indeed made us proud. Social Security Act to extend the Medicaid isiana and the surrounding States. One of our Olympic all-stars—Tori rules regarding supplemental needs trusts In order to survive the Civil War, the Bowie—came home with a complete set for Medicaid beneficiaries to trusts established by those beneficiaries, and for other Great Depression, as well as the day- of medals, earning bronze, silver, and purposes. to-day struggles of running a success- gold in track-and-field events. Tori is H.R. 3937. An act to designate the building ful business, the leaders of Morris & from Sandhill, a community in Rankin utilized as a United States courthouse lo- Dickson Co. took advantage of each County, and attended the University of cated at 150 Reade Circle in Greenville,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G21SE6.047 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 North Carolina, as the ‘‘Randy D. Doub lished by those beneficiaries, and for other *Nomination was reported with rec- United States Courthouse’’. purposes; to the Committee on Finance. ommendation that it be confirmed sub- H.R. 4887. An act to designate the facility H.R. 3937. An act to designate the building ject to the nominee’s commitment to of the United States Postal Service located utilized as a United States courthouse lo- respond to requests to appear and tes- at 23323 Shelby Road in Shelby, Indiana, as cated at 150 Reade Circle in Greenville, the ‘‘Richard Allen Cable Post Office’’. North Carolina, as the ‘‘Randy D. Doub tify before any duly constituted com- H.R. 5150. An act to designate the facility United States Courthouse’’; to the Com- mittee of the Senate. of the United States Postal Service located mittee on Environment and Public Works. f at 3031 Veterans Road West in Staten Island, H.R. 4887. An act to designate the facility New York, as the ‘‘Leonard Montalto Post of the United States Postal Service located INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Office Building’’. at 23323 Shelby Road in Shelby, Indiana, as JOINT RESOLUTIONS H.R. 5309. An act to designate the facility the ‘‘Richard Allen Cable Post Office’’; to the The following bills and joint resolu- of the United States Postal Service located Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- tions were introduced, read the first at 401 McElroy Drive in Oxford, Mississippi, ernmental Affairs. and second times by unanimous con- as the ‘‘Army First Lieutenant Donald C. H.R. 5150. An act to designate the facility Carwile Post Office Building’’. of the United States Postal Service located sent, and referred as indicated: H.R. 5356. An act to designate the facility at 3031 Veterans Road West in Staten Island, By Mr. HATCH: of the United States Postal Service located New York, as the ‘‘Leonard Montalto Post S. 3366. A bill to streamline the R–1 reli- at 14231 TX–150 in Coldspring, Texas, as the Office Building’’; to the Committee on gious worker visa petition process; to the ‘‘E. Marie Youngblood Post Office’’. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 5591. An act to designate the facility fairs. By Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. BEN- of the United States Postal Service located H.R. 5309. An act to designate the facility NET, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BURR, Ms. COL- at 810 N US Highway 83 in Zapata, Texas, as of the United States Postal Service located LINS, Mr. DAINES, Mr. GARDNER, Mrs. the ‘‘Zapata Veterans Post Office’’. at 401 McElroy Drive in Oxford, Mississippi, GILLIBRAND, Mr. KAINE, Mr. KING, Mr. H.R. 5612. An act to designate the facility as the ‘‘Army First Lieutenant Donald C. MARKEY, Mr. NELSON, Mr. PETERS, of the United States Postal Service located Carwile Post Office Building’’; to the Com- Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. at 2886 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, Geor- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- TESTER, Mr. TILLIS, and Ms. WAR- gia, as the ‘‘Marine Lance Corporal Squire mental Affairs. REN): ‘Skip’ Wells Post Office Building’’. H.R. 5356. An act to designate the facility S. 3367. A bill to authorize the Secretary of H.R. 5676. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major of the United States Postal Service located at 14231 TX–150 in Coldspring, Texas, as the medical facility leases of the Department of at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago, Il- ‘‘E. Marie Youngblood Post Office’’; to the Veterans Affairs; to the Committee on Vet- linois, as the ‘‘Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Of- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- erans’ Affairs. fice Building’’. ernmental Affairs. By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. H.R. 5687. An act to eliminate or modify H.R. 5591. An act to designate the facility ISAKSON): certain mandates of the Government Ac- of the United States Postal Service located S. 3368. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- countability Office. at 810 N US Highway 83 in Zapata, Texas, as cation Act of 1965 to improve college access H.R. 5690. An act to ensure the Government the ‘‘Zapata Veterans Post Office’’; to the and college completion for all students; to Accountability Office has adequate access to Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, information. ernmental Affairs. and Pensions. H.R. 5785. An act to amend title 5, United H.R. 5612. An act to designate the facility By Mr. MCCAIN (for himself, Mr. COR- States Code, to provide for an annuity sup- of the United States Postal Service located NYN, Mr. COTTON, Mr. BURR, Mr. GRA- plement for certain air traffic controllers. at 2886 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, Geor- HAM, and Mr. SESSIONS): H.R. 5889. An act to designate the facility gia, as the ‘‘Marine Lance Corporal Squire S. 3369. A bill to amend section 2709 of title of the United States Postal Service located ‘Skip’ Wells Post Office Building’’; to the 18, United States Code, to clarify that the at 1 Chalan Kanoa VLG in Saipan, Northern Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- Government may obtain a specified set of Mariana Islands, as the ‘‘Segundo T. Sablan ernmental Affairs. electronic communication transactional and CNMI Fallen Military Heroes Post Office H.R. 5676. An act to designate the facility records under that section, and to make per- Building’’. of the United States Postal Service located manent the authority for individual terror- H.R. 5944. An act to amend title 49, United at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago, Il- ists to be treated as agents of foreign powers States Code, with respect to certain grant linois, as the ‘‘Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Of- under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance assurances, and for other purposes. fice Building’’; to the Committee on Home- Act of 1978; to the Committee on the Judici- H.R. 5957. An act to include disabled vet- land Security and Governmental Affairs. ary. eran leave in the personnel management sys- H.R. 5889. An act to designate the facility By Mr. WHITEHOUSE: tem of the Federal Aviation Administration. of the United States Postal Service located S. 3370. A bill to restrict confidentiality agreements that prohibit the disclosure of ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED at 1 Chalan Kanoa VLG in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, as the ‘‘Segundo T. Sablan information relating to hazards to public At 12:56 p.m., a message from the safety or health, and for other purposes; to House of Representatives, delivered by and CNMI Fallen Military Heroes Post Office Building’’; to the Committee on Homeland the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, Security and Governmental Affairs. By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Ms. STA- announced that the Speaker has signed BENOW, Mr. BENNET, Mr. NELSON, and f the following enrolled bills: Mr. BROWN): S. 3371. A bill to amend titles II, XVIII, and H.R. 5936. An act to authorize the Sec- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES XIX of the Social Security Act to improve retary of Veterans Affairs to enter into cer- The following reports of committees the affordability and enrollment procedures tain leases at the Department of Veterans were submitted: of the Medicare program, and for other pur- Affairs West Los Angeles Campus in Los An- poses; to the Committee on Finance. geles, California, to make certain improve- By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on By Mr. CASSIDY: ments to the enhanced-use lease authority of Homeland Security and Governmental Af- S. 3372. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- the Department, and for other purposes. fairs, without amendment: enue Code of 1986 to provide for a partial ex- H.R. 5985. An act to amend title 38, United S. 2849. A bill to ensure the Government clusion from the excise tax imposed on heavy States Code, to extend certain expiring pro- Accountability Office has adequate access to trucks sold at retail for alternative fuel visions of law administered by the Secretary information (Rept. No. 114–356). trucks; to the Committee on Finance. of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. f By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. The enrolled bills were subsequently EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF MORAN): signed by the President pro tempore COMMITTEE S. 3373. A bill to amend the Federal De- (Mr. HATCH). posit Insurance Act to ensure that the recip- The following executive reports of rocal deposits of an insured depository insti- f nominations were submitted: tution are not considered to be funds ob- MEASURES REFERRED By Mr. ALEXANDER for the Committee tained by or through a deposit broker, and The following bills were read the first on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. for other purposes; to the Committee on *Thomas G. Kotarac, of Illinois, to be a Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. and the second times by unanimous Member of the Railroad Retirement Board By Mr. NELSON: consent, and referred as indicated: for a term expiring August 28, 2017. S. 3374. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 670. An act to amend title XIX of the *Constance Smith Barker, of Alabama, to enue Code of 1986 to provide a reduced excise Social Security Act to extend the Medicaid be a Member of the Equal Employment Op- tax rate for portable, electronically aerated rules regarding supplemental needs trusts portunity Commission for a term expiring bait containers; to the Committee on Fi- for Medicaid beneficiaries to trusts estab- July 1, 2021. nance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.004 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5957 By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself and Mr. (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- establishing a floor for the area wage PETERS): sor of S. 689, a bill to provide protec- index applied with respect to certain S. 3375. A bill to amend the Small Business tions for certain sports medicine pro- hospitals. Investment Act of 1985 to enhance the Small fessionals who provide certain medical S. 2873 Business Investment Company Program and provide for a small business early-stage in- services in a secondary State. At the request of Mr. HATCH, the vestment program; to the Committee on S. 1539 name of the Senator from Montana Small Business and Entrepreneurship. At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the (Mr. DAINES) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. COTTON (for himself, Mr. LEE, name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. of S. 2873, a bill to require studies and and Mr. GRAHAM): HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. reports examining the use of, and op- S. 3376. A bill to ensure the integrity of 1539, a bill to amend the Richard B. portunities to use, technology-enabled laws enacted to prevent the use of financial collaborative learning and capacity instruments for funding or operating online Russell National School Lunch Act to casinos are not undermined by legal opinions establish a permanent, nationwide building models to improve programs not carrying the force of law issued by Fed- summer electronic benefits transfer for of the Department of Health and eral Government lawyers; to the Committee children program. Human Services, and for other pur- on the Judiciary. S. 1945 poses. By Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mrs. At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the S. 2912 SHAHEEN): name of the Senator from North Caro- At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the S. 3377. A bill to increase the participation name of the Senator from Colorado of women in foreign security forces, specifi- lina (Mr. TILLIS) was added as a co- (Mr. GARDNER) was added as a cospon- cally the military and police, with United sponsor of S. 1945, a bill to make avail- States foreign assistance; to the Committee able needed psychiatric, psychological, sor of S. 2912, a bill to authorize the on Foreign Relations. and supportive services for individuals use of unapproved medical products by By Mr. BURR (for himself and Mr. with mental illness and families in patients diagnosed with a terminal ill- TILLIS): mental health crisis, and for other pur- ness in accordance with State law, and S. 3378. A bill to amend the Intermodal poses. for other purposes. Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of S. 2927 1991 to designate certain parts of United S. 2067 At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the States Route 264 and the Eastern North At the request of Mr. WICKER, the Carolina Gateway Corridor as future parts of name of the Senator from Oklahoma name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. the Interstate System, and for other pur- (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- LEE) was added as a cosponsor of S. poses; to the Committee on Environment and sor of S. 2067, a bill to establish EURE- 2927, a bill to prevent governmental Public Works. KA Prize Competitions to accelerate discrimination against providers of By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. NEL- discovery and development of disease- health services who decline involve- SON, Mrs. FISCHER, and Mr. BOOKER): modifying, preventive, or curative ment in abortion, and for other pur- S. 3379. A bill to improve surface transpor- poses. tation and maritime security; to the Com- treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and S. 2932 mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- related dementia, to encourage efforts tation. to enhance detection and diagnosis of At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the name of the Senator from North Da- f such diseases, or to enhance the quality and efficiency of care of individuals kota (Ms. HEITKAMP) was added as a co- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS with such diseases. sponsor of S. 2932, a bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect S. 388 S. 2216 to the provision of emergency medical At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the At the request of Mrs. MCCASKILL, services. name of the Senator from California the name of the Senator from New S. 2941 (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added of S. 388, a bill to amend the Animal as a cosponsor of S. 2216, a bill to pro- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the Welfare Act to require humane treat- vide immunity from suit for certain in- name of the Senator from New York ment of animals by Federal Govern- dividuals who disclose potential exam- (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a cospon- ment facilities. ples of financial exploitation of senior sor of S. 2941, a bill to require a study on women and lung cancer, and for S. 540 citizens, and for other purposes. other purposes. At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the S. 2341 S. 2953 name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. At the request of Mr. BENNET, the At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. name of the Senator from Montana 540, a bill to amend the Richard B. Rus- NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. DAINES) was added as a cosponsor sell National School Lunch Act to re- 2341, a bill to designate a portion of the of S. 2953, a bill to promote patient- quire the Secretary of Agriculture to Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wil- centered care and accountability at the make loan guarantees and grants to fi- derness. Indian Health Service, and for other nance certain improvements to school S. 2420 purposes. lunch facilities, to train school food At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 3006 service personnel, and for other pur- the name of the Senator from Hawaii poses. At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the (Ms. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. S. 569 of S. 2420, a bill to amend the Food and MORAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the ex- 3006, a bill to provide for the exchange name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. ception to the work requirement. of certain National Forest System land HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2595 and non-Federal land in the State of 569, a bill to reauthorize the farm to At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the Alaska, and for other purposes. school program, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Louisiana S. 3023 S. 574 (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mrs. MCCASKILL, At the request of Mr. SCOTT, the of S. 2595, a bill to amend the Internal the name of the Senator from New name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added DONNELLY) was added as a cosponsor of extend the railroad track maintenance as a cosponsor of S. 3023, a bill to pro- S. 574, a bill to amend the Internal credit. vide for the reconsideration of claims Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employ- S. 2832 for disability compensation for vet- ers a credit against income tax for em- At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the erans who were the subjects of experi- ployees who participate in qualified ap- name of the Senator from Tennessee ments by the Department of Defense prenticeship programs. (Mr. CORKER) was added as a cosponsor during World War II that were con- S. 689 of S. 2832, a bill to amend title XVIII of ducted to assess the effects of mustard At the request of Mr. THUNE, the the Social Security Act to ensure fair- gas or lewisite on people, and for other name of the Senator from Oklahoma ness in Medicare hospital payments by purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.008 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S5958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 21, 2016 S. 3065 COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. ty Organization in the event the At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the 3270, a bill to prevent elder abuse and United Nations Security Council name of the Senator from Massachu- exploitation and improve the justice adopts a resolution that obligates the setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- system’s response to victims in elder United States or affirms a purported sponsor of S. 3065, a bill to amend parts abuse and exploitation cases. obligation of the United States to re- B and E of title IV of the Social Secu- S. 3285 frain from actions that would run rity Act to invest in funding preven- At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the counter to the object and purpose of tion and family services to help keep name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban children safe and supported at home, to HATCH) was added as a cosponsor of S. Treaty. ensure that children in foster care are 3285, a bill to prohibit the President S. RES. 527 placed in the least restrictive, most from using funds appropriated under At the request of Mr. UDALL, the family-like, and appropriate settings, section 1304 of title 31, United States name of the Senator from Michigan and for other purposes. Code, to make payments to Iran, to im- (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. HATCH, the pose sanctions with respect to Iranian of S. Res. 527, a resolution recognizing name of the Senator from Mississippi persons that hold or detain United the 75th anniversary of the opening of (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor States citizens, and for other purposes. the National Gallery of Art. of S. 3065, supra. S. 3296 S. RES. 535 S. 3073 At the request of Mr. MCCAIN, the At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the name of the Senator from South Caro- name of the Senator from New Hamp- name of the Senator from New Hamp- lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- sor of S. 3296, a bill to amend the Inter- sponsor of S. Res. 535, a resolution ex- sponsor of S. 3073, a bill to establish a nal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an pressing the sense of the Senate re- commission to ensure a suitable ob- exemption to the individual mandate garding the trafficking of illicit servance of the centennial of the pas- to maintain health coverage for indi- fentanyl into the United States from sage and ratification of the Nineteenth viduals residing in counties with fewer Mexico and China. Amendment to the United States Con- than 2 health insurance issuers offering S. RES. 570 stitution providing for women’s suf- plans on an Exchange. At the request of Mr. MURPHY, the frage, and for other purposes. S. 3297 name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. S. 3101 At the request of Mr. COTTON, the PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the S. Res. 570, a resolution recognizing the name of the Senator from West Vir- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of importance of substance abuse disorder ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- S. 3297, a bill to amend the Internal treatment and recovery in the United sponsor of S. 3101, a bill to amend the States. Public Health Service Act to limit the Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an ex- liability of health care professionals emption to the individual mandate to f who volunteer to provide health care maintain health coverage for certain AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO services in response to a disaster. individuals whose premium has in- MEET creased by more than 10 percent, and S. 3198 for other purposes. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND At the request of Mr. HATCH, the FORESTRY S. 3304 names of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask COLLINS), the Senator from Utah (Mr. At the request of Mr. THUNE, the unanimous consent that the Com- LEE) and the Senator from Massachu- name of the Senator from Arkansas mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and setts (Mr. MARKEY) were added as co- (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor Forestry be authorized to meet during sponsors of S. 3198, a bill to amend title of S. 3304, a bill to direct the Secretary the session of the Senate on September 38, United States Code, to improve the of Veterans Affairs to improve the Vet- 21, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room SR–328A of provision of adult day health care serv- erans Crisis Line. the Russell Senate Office Building, to ices for veterans. S. 3308 conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The U.S. S. 3244 At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the Department of Agriculture and the At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the name of the Senator from Mississippi Current State of Farm Economy.’’ name of the Senator from New Hamp- (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- of S. 3308, a bill to amend title XVIII of objection, it is so ordered. sponsor of S. 3244, a bill to amend title the Social Security Act to prohibit pre- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND XXVII of the Public Health Service Act scription drug plan sponsors and MA– TRANSPORTATION to clarify the treatment of pediatric PD organizations under the Medicare Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask dental coverage in the individual and program from retroactively reducing unanimous consent that the Com- group markets outside of Exchanges es- payment on clean claims submitted by mittee on Commerce, Science, and tablished under the Patient Protection pharmacies. Transportation be authorized to meet and Affordable Care Act, and for other S. 3328 during the session of the Senate on purposes. At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, September 21, 2016, at 10 a.m., in room S. 3253 the name of the Senator from New SR–253 of the Russell Senate Office At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a Building. name of the Senator from Nebraska cosponsor of S. 3328, a bill to amend The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (Mr. SASSE) was added as a cosponsor title 38, United States Code, to reform objection, it is so ordered. of S. 3253, a bill to require the Occupa- the rights and processes relating to ap- COMMITTEE ON FINANCE tional Safety and Health Administra- peals of decisions regarding claims for Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask tion to provide notice and comment benefits under the laws administered unanimous consent that the Com- rulemaking for the revised enforce- by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, mittee on Finance be authorized to ment policy relating to the exemption and for other purposes. meet during the session of the Senate of retail facilities from coverage of the S. 3355 on September 21, 2016, at 10 a.m., in process safety management of highly At the request of Mr. COTTON, the room SD–215 of the Dirksen Senate Of- hazardous chemicals standard under names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. fice Building. section 1910.119(a)(2)(i) of title 29, Code RISCH), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of Federal Regulations, and for other BLUNT) and the Senator from Nebraska objection, it is so ordered. purposes. (Mr. SASSE) were added as cosponsors COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS S. 3270 of S. 3355, a bill to prohibit funding for Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the the Preparatory Commission for the unanimous consent that the Com- name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Trea- mittee on Indian Affairs be authorized

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21SE6.010 S21SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE September 21, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5959 to meet during the session of the Sen- SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND deemed expired, the Journal of pro- ate on September 21, 2016, in room SD– INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE ceedings be approved to date, and the 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask time for the two leaders be reserved for ing, at 2 p.m. unanimous consent that the Com- their use later in the day; further, that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mittee on Banking, Housing, and following leader remarks, the Senate objection, it is so ordered. Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Na- be in a period of morning business, tional Security and International with Senators permitted to speak SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE Trade and Finance be authorized to therein for up to 10 minutes each until Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask meet during the session of the Senate 11 a.m.; that following morning busi- unanimous consent that the Select on September 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., to ness, the Senate resume consideration Committee on Intelligence be author- conduct a hearing entitled, ‘‘Terror Fi- of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325, ized to meet during the session of the nancing Risks of America’s $1.7 Billion postcloture; further, that notwith- Senate on September 21, 2016, at 1 p.m., Cash Payments to Iran.’’ standing the provisions of rule XXII, in room SH–219 of the Hart Senate Of- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without all postcloture time on the motion to fice Building. objection, it is so ordered. proceed to H.R. 5325 expire at 11 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without f tomorrow; finally, that if the motion objection, it is so ordered. to proceed is agreed to, Senator PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR MCCONNELL be recognized to offer a SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, WATER, AND Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I ask substitute amendment. WILDLIFE unanimous consent that Sarah Thom- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask son, a member of my staff, be granted objection? unanimous consent that the Sub- floor privileges for the day. Without objection, it is so ordered. committee on Fisheries, Water, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without f Wildlife of the Committee on Environ- objection, it is so ordered. ment and Public Works be authorized ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. f to meet during the session of the Sen- TOMORROW ate on September 21, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, Mr. LEE. Mr. President, if there is no in room SD–406 of the Dirksen Senate SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 further business to come before the Office Building, to conduct a hearing Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- Senate, I ask unanimous consent that entitled, ‘‘Reviewing the Proposed Re- mous consent that when the Senate it stand adjourned under the previous visions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife completes its business today, it ad- order. Service Mitigation Policy.’’ journ until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Sep- There being no objection, the Senate, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tember 22; that following the prayer at 6:31 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, objection, it is so ordered. and pledge, the morning hour be September 22, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

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