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

Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015 No. 169 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY who have suffered enough under this called to order by the President pro LEADER administration already. tempore (Mr. HATCH). The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- f f jority leader is recognized. BURMA f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on PRAYER ENERGY REGULATIONS several occasions this year I have come The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, the to the floor and noted that this year’s fered the following prayer: Obama administration is trying to im- Burmese election would represent a Let us pray. pose deeply regressive energy regula- crucial test for the country’s path to Eternal God, who formed the moun- tions that would eliminate good-paying political reform. The lead-up to this tains and hills, give our Senators jobs, punish the poor, and make it even November’s election was marked by a strength for this season of challenge. harder for Kentuckians to put food on number of discouraging developments: Provide them such wisdom, courage, the table. Their effect on the global the disenfranchisement of the and integrity that they will cause jus- carbon levels? Essentially a rounding Rohingya population and the defeat of tice to roll down like waters. Above the error. Their effect on poor and middle- commonsense constitutional reform noise and din of human voices, may class families? Potentially devastating. proposals back in the summer. Yet, de- they hear the whisper of Your guid- Yet the deep-pocketed leftwingers who spite these setbacks, I am pleased to ance. Inspire them to do what is right increasingly call the shots in the note that last week’s election in as You reveal the right to them. Obama White House don’t seem to care. Burma seems to have been a success. Thank You that Your love and mercy Just like with their decision on Key- I would like to take this opportunity are from everlasting to everlasting. stone last month, the Obama adminis- to congratulate my friend Daw Aung And Lord, continue to bless the people tration is putting facts and compassion San Suu Kyi and her National League of France as they find strength in You. to the side in order to advance their for Democracy party for their over- We pray in Your mighty Name. ideological agenda. whelming victory. It was a truly re- Amen. Higher energy bills and lost jobs may markable achievement. At the same be a mere trifle to some on the left, but time, I would also like to commend f it is a different story for millions of Burmese President Thein Sein for his PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE middle-class Americans in Kentucky gracious remarks following the NLD and across the country. Senators from victory and for his commitment to The President pro tempore led the both parties are saying that we should abide by the results of the election. Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: be standing up for the middle class in- The same should be said of Burma’s I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the stead. That is why we have joined to- commander in chief. He also appears to United States of America, and to the Repub- gether to work toward overturning have accepted the results of the elec- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, tion and has pledged to support the indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. these two-pronged regulations. I am happy to report that the bipar- NLD during the transition. f tisan measures we filed last month to In many ways, the key test for a overturn these regressive regulations young democracy is not the first elec- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME have now been made available for con- tion but the first election in which The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. sideration by the full Senate. The first there is a transfer of power from the PERDUE). Under the previous order, the measure pertains to regulations on ex- ruling power to the opposition. The leadership time is reserved. isting energy sources, while the second transfer of authority in Burma will pertains to regulations on new sources. therefore be pivotal. Accordingly, I f Together they represent a comprehen- would urge both the President and the sive solution. commander in chief to continue on the MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE Senator CAPITO has been a leader in positive course they have charted since VICTIMS OF THE PARIS ATTACKS this effort, and I thank her for her hard the election and to meet with Daw Suu The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under work. That hard work will continue as in the coming days to map out an ap- the previous order, the Senate will now the Senate and House both take up the propriate transition plan. observe a moment of silence for the measures and pass them. That is the The NLD now has a mandate to gov- victims of the Paris attacks. right thing to do for middle-class Ken- ern and has sufficient strength in Par- (Moment of silence.) tuckians and middle-class Americans liament to choose a President and one

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.000 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7974 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 of the two Vice Presidents, although cation that our own Senator BARBARA When Republicans assumed power of Daw Suu herself is prohibited from MIKULSKI will receive the Presidential the Senate in January, some may have these positions. The prohibition itself Medal of Freedom. She is an inspiring expected that their obligation to gov- reflects one of the many challenges figure. She and I came to the Senate ern would bring an end to their ob- that lie ahead. Others include address- together and we will leave the Senate struction, but it didn’t. We all know ing the problem of the military’s quota together. She has been a friend, an what happened last year. We all know of seats in the Parliament, promoting ally, and one of the most articulate they were holding up all nominations reconciliation among ethnic groups, people I have ever served with. She has they didn’t like—not all of them but and healing the divide among those of a way with words that are just BAR- all of those they didn’t like, and that is differing religious faiths. BARA MIKULSKI’s way of speaking. I so most all of them. For now, it is worth acknowledging admire her for that and all the other Something that has been traditional the good news last week in Burma. The things I mentioned. in this country, the National Labor Re- road to bring the bilateral relationship She has spent decades as a leader in lations Board—they refused to allow us to where it stands today has been a Congress, what will be 30 years in the to have a vote. They filibustered every long one indeed. The transition of Senate, and during that period of time one of them, which meant that the Na- power has the potential to be a water- she has done social work, which is tional Labor Relations Board, which is shed in Burma history. It provides an what she did by profession, and has fo- so important to working men and opportunity to reinvigorate the reform cused on the poor, the middle class, women in this country, could not go effort in that country. and the disadvantaged. She has in- forward. They didn’t even have a f spired a generation of women and has quorum. The second highest court— been a mentor to both sides of the some say the most important court in HONORING SENATOR BARBARA aisle. the land—is the DC Court of Appeals. MIKULSKI We are all happy to see this great They refused to allow any votes on Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, woman—and she is a great woman—re- nominees. They filibustered every one President Obama recently announced ceive the recognition she so rightly de- of them. We have five vacancies. the list of individuals he plans to honor serves from the President of the United Well, something had to be done, and with a Presidential Medal of Freedom. States and a grateful country. We it was done. It was done for the right One of them is our colleague from should all congratulate Senator MIKUL- reason, and it was good for the coun- Maryland. I know she was honored by SKI on receiving this great honor. try. Those people have now been con- it. I know that someone she mentioned f firmed. We have a better country as a on the floor yesterday—her great- result of that. grandmother—would feel a similar EXPRESSING OUR CONDOLENCES When the Republicans assumed sense of honor too. This is a woman TO THE PEOPLE OF FRANCE power, they kept talking about how who played an important role in our Mr. REID. Mr. President, at 11 a.m.— they wanted to get the Senate back to colleague’s life, one the Senator speaks a few minutes from now—a number of work. Sadly, we all know that has been of often. She emigrated from Poland us will be down in S–117, which is the an absolute joke. We have had more re- when she was 16 years old with little Foreign Relations Room. At that time, votes than in the history of the coun- more than a few pennies in her pocket. we will receive Ambassador Gerard try during the time they have been in She couldn’t even vote when she ar- Araud, who is the Ambassador from power here. We have done less than any rived. ‘‘She never thought,’’ our col- France to the United States. We are Senate in the history of the country. league said, ‘‘that her own great-grand- going to be there to express our condo- So getting the Senate back to work is daughter would one day be a United lences to the people of France by doing not very honest. States Senator. But then, it is only in what has been done for a long time Sadly, those who were hoping that America where my story would have when these tragedies occur. We will the Republicans would get serious been possible.’’ sign a book of condolences. I look for- about governing have been terribly dis- That is something all of us can ap- ward to doing that, and I hope my col- appointed. Republicans are still doing preciate, and we recognize our col- leagues will join in doing that at some everything they can to block even the league from Maryland, the longest time during the day. most qualified nominees. serving woman in Congress, for the f Many of these nominations are vi- tally important to our national secu- President’s choice to honor her in this NOMINATIONS way. rity. I will list the people who have Mr. REID. Mr. President, for the first been blocked from having a vote in the f 6 years of Barack Obama’s Presidency, Senate—and they have even gone one RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY Republicans have tried to block nearly step further; they are not even holding LEADER every nomination that has come to the hearings to allow them to come to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate. floor. Here are some who we could vote Democratic leader is recognized. From a record backlog of judicial on and we should vote on: The Under nominees to the first-ever filibuster of f Secretary of Defense for Personnel and a Secretary of Defense, Republicans ab- Readiness, the Assistant Secretary of CLEAN POWER PLAN dicated their constitutional responsi- Defense for International Security, Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Clean bility to provide their advice and con- Under Secretary of the Air Force, Sec- Power Plan that has been promulgated sent regarding these nominations. In retary of the Army, Under Secretary of by the President will avoid 3,600 pre- fact, the Republicans have blocked the Army, Under Secretary of Treasury mature deaths, 1,700 heart attacks, President Obama’s nominees more than for Terrorism and Financial Crimes. 90,000 asthma attacks, and 300,000 all the other Presidential nominees in Those positions are unfilled. missed work and school days in just history combined. Think about that. Think about the Secretary of Treas- the next 15 years. It will also lower They have blocked more of this Presi- ury for Terrorism and Financial power bills by reducing wasted energy. dent’s nominations than all the pre- Crimes. They are not even bringing it It is the right thing to do, and the ceding Presidents in the history of our to a vote. As the United States con- President will protect this because it is country. Seventy-one percent of all tinues to fight ISIS and its terrorism, the right thing for the health of Amer- cloture motions filed on nominees dur- shouldn’t we confirm the person in ica. ing the history of the country were for Treasury who is responsible for ter- f President Obama’s nominees. Seventy- rorism and financial crimes? three percent of cloture motions on ju- How about the Secretary of the HONORING SENATOR BARBARA dicial nominees were for Obama nomi- Army—do you think that is important? MIKULSKI nees. Ninety-seven percent of cloture Being disappointed doesn’t go very far Mr. REID. Mr. President, President motions on district court judges were if all my Republican colleagues say is a Obama has announced to our gratifi- for Obama nominees. resounding no. But this is all part of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.006 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7975 the Republican trend of grinding the ator from Pennsylvania told the Huff- moving forward. It is puzzling that nomination process to a halt. ington Post: Senator RUBIO is delaying a judge So far this year the Republican Sen- No, I’m not blocking him. But I’ve got to whom he helped recommend to Presi- ate has confirmed 100 fewer civilian run for this lunch. dent Obama. Without his approval, the nominees than it did during the most The junior Senator from Pennsyl- chairman of the Judiciary Committee comparable Senate session in 2007, for vania couldn’t wait for his lunch, but cannot schedule a hearing on the example. That number also lags well this judge and the people who he is re- Barzee Flores nomination. behind any other recent session. sponsible for taking care of are wait- Even with his busy schedule trav- Judicial emergencies are triple what ing. This Third Circuit is overwhelmed eling around the country—I recognize they were at the beginning of this year. with work. It is a judicial emergency. he doesn’t vote here. He does not like What is a judicial emergency? It means Other judges are doing more work than to be in the Senate. He said so. He does you have a judge who has more work they should be doing. They need him. not like the Senate. That is why I said than he can handle. Jury trials are not So even though he couldn’t wait for he should resign. He talked about other allowed to go forward, especially civil lunch, he is making millions of Ameri- Senators who missed votes. Any Sen- jury trials. Hearings on important cans wait for a judge they desperately ator who ran for President during my issues, restraining orders, and other need. time in the Senate loved the Senate. important issues are not held. In 2007 In July his nomination was finally They may have missed votes, but they at this same stage we had confirmed 34 voted out of committee by voice— never, never denigrated the Senate. judges; this year, 10. meaning there was no controversy— Senator RUBIO has done just that. So Consider the nomination of a man by showing, of course, that it should be even with his busy schedule running the name of Felipe Restrepo for the voted on now, immediately. That was for President and missing votes in the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. He was in July. Remember, that was a year Senate, he should be able to find sec- nominated more than 1 year ago. The after he was nominated. We are now in onds to sign his blue slip that would seat to which Judge Restrepo has been November. Why has a qualified judge’s allow Judge Flores to move forward nominated is a judicial emergency, nomination sat on the floor since July with a hearing. meaning there are more cases than the waiting for a lunch that has never been The junior Senator from Florida sim- judges are able to handle. The seat has completed? ply needs to sign a piece of paper to ad- been vacant since July 2013. Judges It is past time that the Senate con- vance a qualified nominee whom he have said: We may do the work, but we firmed Judge Restrepo. Senator recommended to fill a judicial emer- are not doing it the way we should be TOOMEY should demand and ask the gency in Florida, but like the junior doing it because we are so busy on ev- majority leader to allow us to vote on Senator from Pennsylvania, he refuses erything. That seat, I will repeat, has Judge Restrepo before we leave for to do so. His constituents are paying a been vacant since July of 2013. Thanksgiving—and in the process, sign price, a big price. He is an American success story. He that little piece of paper. We would be Sadly, Republicans’ strategy for the was born in Colombia and came to the happy to work with Republicans to sake of obstruction is by no means lim- United States as a toddler. In 1993 he confirm this good man today. ited—sadly, I say it again—to the jun- became a U.S. citizen. He is eminently Unfortunately, it is not just this jun- ior Senators from Florida and Pennsyl- qualified, having graduated from the ior Senator from Pennsylvania—they vania. University of Pennsylvania—one of the should also confirm Judge Mary Barzee Right now, Republicans are blocking Ivy League schools—and Tulane Uni- Flores to the Southern District of Flor- important State Department nomina- versity Law School. He worked as a ida. Unfortunately, Judge Barzee Flo- tions. public defender and started his own res’s nomination has been held up due The junior Senator from Arkansas is practice focusing on civil rights and to the same delaying tactics that Sen- preventing three Ambassadors from criminal defense issues. Since 2013 he ator TOOMEY used to stall Judge getting their rightful vote on the Sen- has served with distinction as a dis- Restrepo. But this nominee is being de- ate floor. trict judge in the Eastern District of layed by one of the many Republicans The junior Senator from Texas is Pennsylvania. The Senate confirmed running for President, the junior Sen- blocking one of the most qualified him in his current judge position ator from Florida. nominees before the Senate, Gayle unanimously. Senators NELSON and RUBIO jointly Smith. She was nominated 6 months More than a year ago, Senator CASEY signed and recommended that she be- ago as the next Administrator of the and Senator TOOMEY—a Democrat and come a judge in the Southern District U.S. Agency for International Develop- a Republican—jointly recommended of Florida. She was nominated on Feb- ment. With this refugee problem facing Judge Restrepo to the President of the ruary 26, 2015—8 months ago—but since the world, facing our country, wouldn’t United States for this appointment to then the junior Senator from Florida is it be nice if we had someone whose job be a circuit court judge. Senator running for President. He doesn’t have it was to oversee this for our govern- TOOMEY said at the time: ‘‘I believe time to mess with a judicial emer- ment? But, no, there is some extra- [Judge Restrepo] will also make a su- gency. The Miami-based seat is consid- neous issue the junior Senator from perb addition to the Third Circuit.’’ ered another judicial emergency. It has Texas—who is also running for Presi- But despite his public statements of been without a Senate-confirmed judge dent—is more concerned about than support, the Republican Senator from for more than a year. this important Agency. Pennsylvania refused to allow the Ju- Like her counterpart in Pennsyl- I have spoken at length about the ob- diciary Committee to move forward vania, she has an impeccable record. In session of the senior Senator from Iowa with a hearing on his nomination by fact, her nomination won wide praise with blocking more than 20 qualified refusing to turn in something called a in the Florida press. She is a familiar State Department nominees. The nomi- blue slip, as it is blue. It has been tra- face to many in the legal community nees he has blocked are people who dition in the Senate forever that you in South Florida, having served on the have worked as Foreign Service offi- need both Senators to turn in their Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida in cers for a long, long time for different blue slips. He won’t turn his in, which Miami for more than a decade. Prior to periods of time. When it comes time has delayed confirmation of a qualified her judicial service, Judge Flores that they get automatic changes in man who has been recommended to the worked as a public defender for 13 their status, they get a few more dol- President. He could advance Judge years. By any measure, she is well lars and get a different title. He is Restrepo by signing a piece of paper, qualified and deserves a hearing in the blocking these. That is so sad. There is but he has long refused to do so. It is Judiciary Committee. no need for it. kind of baffling when he makes public Senator NELSON indicated his support If Republicans were serious about statements about what a great guy he 8 months ago, but the junior Senator governing, they would change course is. from Florida refuses to sign off on and stop blocking these nominations. After the media started asking ques- Judge Barzee Flores and is the only ob- Every moment that Republicans delay, tions about the delay, the junior Sen- stacle stopping the nomination from they are hurting our country in many

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.008 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 different ways: our justice system, our the void created by the wars in Iraq, Jewish people, and these refugees were foreign policy system, and our ability Syria, and the broader political chaos coming to our shores seeking refugee to respond to the havoc that is taking of the Arab spring. These murderous status. In May of 1939 we turned them place in the Middle East right now. henchmen have conducted the most away. They returned to Europe and Let’s put an end to all of this obstruc- heinous of acts: beheadings, mass rape, over 200 of them died in the Holocaust. tion. Let’s move forward with votes on torture, and the murder of innocents in Since that time the United States these qualified consensus nominees as a sick attempt to intimidate the civ- has taken a different approach to refu- we have done historically. It wasn’t ilized world and to feed their own gees. We have been a country sensitive until this Republican crowd arrived in warped ideology. to the reality that in many parts of the the Senate that they started doing it. I have supported President Obama’s world people are living in fear of death We have never had this before. We may leadership in organizing a global coali- every day and can only find safety on have held somebody up for a while, but tion to defeat ISIS and will continue to our shores. Over the years we have ac- they basically put a stamp of dis- do so. I applaud Secretary Kerry for his cepted 750,000 refugees from Vietnam; approval on anything that President efforts to negotiate an end to the Syr- we have accepted over 500,000 Cuban Obama wants to do. ian civil war, but we must do more. refugees, including the fathers of two We are not going to stand by silently When France is attacked and Presi- U.S. Senators, one who is running for and allow these nominations to linger dent Hollande reaches out to his allies, President; we accepted over 200,000 So- in the Senate. We are going to continue he is reaching out to the North Atlan- viet Jews who were escaping persecu- to demand that they schedule votes on tic Treaty Organization, NATO, of tion in the former Soviet Union; we these qualified, dedicated public serv- which the United States is a member. have accepted refugees from around the ants so they can work on behalf of our He should reach out as well—and we all world—from Somalia, from Bosnia. The great country. should reach out—to Russia which, as I list is long. That is an indication of Mr. President, would the Chair an- mentioned earlier, has been victimized who we are and our values. nounce the business of the day. by this terrorist group in the downing Now, we need to be careful when any f of that aircraft. Then reach out to the refugee comes to the United States. We Saudis and Muslim leaders around the should give them a thorough investiga- MORNING BUSINESS world. Join us in a coalition to destroy tion, but for us to step back and say we The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ISIS, first in their occupied territory are going to stop being a refuge for ref- the previous order, the Senate will be in Syria and in Iraq, and then in their ugees from around the world is a re- in a period of morning business until 11 murderous web of recruitment and hate treat from America’s values. Let us a.m., with Senators permitted to speak around the world. make sure the process for refugees, im- therein for up to 10 minutes each. Several people in the United States migrants, and visitors is the very best. The Democratic whip is recognized. have reacted to the tragedy in France Let us carefully follow through on each f by calling for us to suspend refugees one of them, but let us not turn our coming to this country. Many of these backs on many around the world who TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST people have not reflected on the ref- fear for their lives and are looking for FRANCE ugee situation in our country. Each the safety of the United States. That Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, earlier year, the United States of America ac- has been part of our heritage for over in this session we observed a moment cepts about 70,000 refugees from around 60 years and it should continue. of silence to exhibit our solidarity with the world. These refugees are each What can we do? We know we have an the people of France. I add my voice to carefully investigated, reviewed and obligation to keep America safe, and others here today in sharing my deep- vetted. That process takes anywhere we know ISIS and terrorists like them est condolences and solidarity with the from 18 to 24 months before a refugee are trying to find ways into the United people of that great nation. As a result from any part of the world is allowed States. First, we must acknowledge the of barbaric violence that occurred over to enter the United States. We do ev- obvious. For more than 14 years, with the weekend, we are finding this soli- erything humanly possible and take ex- the exception of the Boston Marathon, darity coming together from across the traordinary efforts to make certain involving lone-wolf terrorists, we have world, standing behind the people of dangerous people do not arrive on our kept America safe. It has been through France in their hour of need. shores. That vetting process must con- the good work of our men and women These events that occurred in Paris tinue and when it comes to suspicious in the intelligence community, the were heartbreaking and infuriating. circumstances, must be doubled in its military, the FBI, and in so many dif- America knows well from the tragic intensity to make certain our Nation is ferent aspects of our government. events of September 11 that this kind safe, but for those who are focusing on So what can we do in the Senate to of savagery is a challenge to the civ- that as the answer to what happened in make sure they are able to do their job ilized world, one which we must collec- Paris, they are very shortsighted. effectively? Why don’t we do our job in tively stand and defeat. One out of four of the refugees com- the Senate. Why don’t we pass the ap- As French President Hollande said to ing to the United States in the last fis- propriations bills for these agencies. a joint session of the French Par- cal year came not from the Middle East Imagine, here we are, over a month liament, when France is attacked in but from Burma. In addition to that, into this fiscal year, and the Senate such a manner, the whole world is at- we find many refugees coming to the has not passed the appropriations for tacked. I agree. United States from Iraq. It turns out the FBI, the appropriations for the De- The people of Russia are also victims that over 3,000 refugees came from partment of Homeland Security. What of such violence in the recent downing Iran. In each and every instance, we are we waiting for? Instead, we have of their airplane departing Egypt, an- should apply the standard of strict vet- vote after revote after revote over old other tragedy for which ISIS has ting and the highest standards of inves- issues that have been resolved on the claimed credit. The people of Lebanon tigation. I certainly stand by that, but floor of the Senate months ago. This and Turkey have suffered horrific those who say we should turn away ref- week, if we want to fight terrorism and bombings in their capitals in the last ugees coming to the United States protect the United States, let us pass few weeks from these same terrorist have forgotten the lesson of history. It the appropriations bills for all of the groups, and the brave reformers in Tu- was May of 1939, a ship docked in Flor- agencies of our government. It is time nisia—one of the few countries to ida. The ship was named the SS St. to do it and to do it now. emerge from the Arab spring with an Louis. On that ship were almost 1,000 Secondly, we need to make sure our inclusive and inspiring democracy— Jews from Europe who were trying to country has the tools to fight ter- have faced similar violence against in- escape persecution. Sadly, the United rorism, the kind of terrorism we have nocent people at their museums and States turned them away and they had seen in Paris, France. We know we tourist destinations. to return to Europe. They were afraid need to change the approach when it The perpetrator of all of these mon- for their lives. The Nazis had engaged comes to the encryption of data and strous attacks is ISIS, which has filled in Kristallnacht and violence against communications so that we have access

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.009 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7977 to the communications of terrorists. Carson City, service industry workers ing the same thing: The Cadillac tax Technology is leaping ahead of our ca- on the strip in Las Vegas, and small needs to be fully repealed or our em- pacity. We are told by our agencies of business owners and their retirees ployees will experience massive government that to keep America safe across the State of Nevada. changes to their health care. we have to deal with encryption stand- My colleagues from across the coun- We are talking about three things. ards today. That is the reality of the try have heard the same concerns I We are talking about reduced benefits, challenge to the United States. have: This 40-percent tax will increase we are talking about increased pre- Some would dwell on refugees. I costs, significantly reduce benefits or miums, and we are talking about high- think we ought to be careful on every result in employers getting rid of em- er deductibles. Is this what we want? single refugee that comes to this coun- ployer-sponsored health coverage all All of these lead to more money being try, but there is more we can do. Pass together. Is this what we want? Is this taken out of the pockets of hard-work- the appropriations for the agencies what we voted for? Is this what the ing, tax-paying families. that keep us safe, put in new standards other side voted for? According to the nonpartisan Kaiser so we can deal with the encryption This is precisely why Senator MARTIN Family Foundation, employees who where would-be terrorists are hiding HEINRICH of New Mexico and I have have job-based insurance have wit- their communications from our sur- sponsored the Middle Class Health Ben- nessed their out-of-pocket expenses veillance even under court order. efits Tax Repeal Act of 2015, the only climb from $900 in 2010 to $1,300 in 2015, Third, we need to come together— bipartisan piece of legislation to fully on average. That is almost a 50-percent France, the NATO nations, Russia, repeal this onerous tax. My bill has 19 increase in their insurance coverage in those Muslim countries that abhor this bipartisan cosponsors. the last 5 years. Employees working for extremism that is exhibited by ISIS— Over the summer, when I committed small businesses now have deductibles and wipe ISIS off the map in Iraq and to taking a leadership role to fully re- over $1,800. Kaiser also notes that Syria. We need to rely on local forces peal this tax, I waited for months for a deductibles have risen nearly seven there who have been so effective, like sign that my colleagues across the times faster—seven times faster—than the Kurds, who are willing to fight the aisle would work together to repeal workers’ earnings since 2010. Kaiser’s ISIS troops on the ground and to defeat this tax. There was a lot of talk, but president, Drew Altman, said: them. Eliminating them from Iraq and there was no action. To date there is still little action from these same col- It is quite a revolution. When deductibles Syria is no guarantee they will not are rising seven times faster than wages . . . continue their efforts around the leagues, which is why I ask them once it means that people can’t pay their rent . . . world, but let us have a common again to join me in repealing this bad they can’t buy their gas. They can’t eat. enemy in ISIS and come together in a tax. This shouldn’t be a bipartisan issue. As deductibles rise, another way em- large global coalition to fight them ployers are planning on avoiding and stop their efforts. Yet my colleagues across the aisle have turned it into one. That is why I com- ObamaCare’s massive new tax is by I come to the floor with some emo- eliminating health savings accounts tion today because my wife and I, for mend Senator HEINRICH for joining me in working together in a bipartisan and flexible spending accounts. Over 33 years, have visited France. We consider million Americans use FSAs, or flexi- it to be a wonderful country with great manner to fully repeal this tax, and this repeal needs to happen and happen ble spending accounts, and 13.5 million people. We have had our differences on Americans use health savings ac- foreign policy from time to time, but quickly for the employers to be able to plan for the future. Whether it is counts, or HSAs. They may see these any student of history knows the accounts vanish in the coming years as French stood with us when it came to through our bill or any of the must- pass measures the Chamber takes up in companies scramble to avoid the law’s our Revolution. The French have been 40-percent tax hike. by our side time and again, and we the next 6 weeks before the end of this HSAs and FSAs are used for things have been by their side in both World year—for example, tax extenders—the like hospital and maternity services, War I, World War II, and in so many Cadillac tax needs to be fully repealed. they are used for childcare, they are other theaters. As a member of the Senate Com- used for dental care, physical therapy, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mittee on Finance, this is something I and access to mental health services. ator’s time has expired. have engaged my colleagues on and Access to these lifesaving services Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I will will continue to do so, especially as we could all be gone for tens of millions of conclude by saying, from the birth of hopefully look to move tax extenders Americans if the Cadillac tax is not our Nation to this day, France has al- before the end of this year. This is not fully repealed. ways been one of our closest allies. just something that needs more bipar- America stands arm in arm with the tisan support in the Senate. There are Every day there is a new article in people of France. over 218 cosponsors in the House of the national press talking about how I yield the floor. Representatives—nearly half of them middle-class workers, tax-paying The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- are Democrats—and 83 organizations Americans, are going to be hit by this ator from Nevada. have endorsed our efforts to repeal the tax. Towers Watson, a management Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, like the Cadillac tax. It is very rare these days and consulting firm, did a survey of speaker before me, I rise to offer my to see this much agreement in Wash- large businesses that typically offer condolences to the nation of France. As ington, DC. Organized labor, chambers the most comprehensive coverage. the previous speaker said, she is one of of commerce, local and State govern- They found in 2018 more than half of our oldest allies, and the people of ments, large and small businesses have the employers are planning to signifi- America stand proud with her during come together with a bipartisan group cantly cut what they contribute to in- this tragic time. putting forth a solution to fixing a sure employee spouses and children. The United Parcel Service, UPS, is one f problem affecting so many hard-work- ing, tax-paying Americans. of those companies that have already AFFORDABLE CARE ACT The Cadillac tax doesn’t officially go said they plan on limiting plan eligi- Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I rise to into effect until 2018, but the impact of bility for spouses of employees. share my concerns about the dev- this tax is being talked about more and Shaun O’Brien, assistant policy di- astating impact of the Affordable Care more because employers are starting to rector of the AFL–CIO, said recently Act and, specifically, the Cadillac tax. make major changes today now to that ‘‘employers are coming to the The Cadillac tax is a 40-percent excise their workers’ health care benefits in table asking for cuts in benefits based tax set to take place in 2018 on em- order to limit the impact of the tax or on their preliminary projections ployer-sponsored health insurance avoid the tax altogether. around the 40 percent excise tax.’’ plans. In Nevada, 1.3 million workers I have heard from large companies, I To make matters worse, the chief fi- who have employer-sponsored health have heard from small businesses and nancial officer of a waste and recycling insurance plans will be hit by this Cad- organized labor, such as the culinary company, Action Environmental, re- illac tax. These are public employees in union in Nevada, and they are all say- cently told the Wall Street Journal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.011 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 that his company would consider get- families and children coming back our aggressive U.S. attorney’s office ting rid of its employee coverage alto- from vacation, just as the concert hall was able to make the cases, we need gether because of ObamaCare’s Cad- in France was filled with young people judges to handle those cases. We have illac tax. He said: ‘‘I’d be lying if I said there for the music. They now lie one of the highest caseloads already in we haven’t had that discussion.’’ maimed in hospitals all over Paris or, the country. Delta Airlines expects ObamaCare worse, their families are burying them I appreciate the work of the Judici- will cost it $100 million per year. One in the ground. ary Committee, on a bipartisan basis, reason for the new costs is the 40-per- What can our country do? First, we in bringing this nomination to the cent excise tax on Delta’s employee must have a unified agenda to keep floor. It is one of several that need to health benefits, as if Americans don’t America safe and to stand by our al- get done. Again, these are frontline po- already have enough issues with air- lies. We must do all we can to build sitions—frontline positions dealing di- lines these days. this coalition and to fight this evil at rectly with the terrorism that we are Out of all the news we see from the its root with resolve. We have unprece- talking about. Cadillac tax, none of it—zero—is posi- dented technology that should allow us Finally, we have to fill the State De- tive. The goal of health care reform to fight this fight. We have biometrics. partment positions that are open— should be to help those who do not We have ways that we can assist other USAID, which provides critical assist- have health coverage and lower costs countries. ance to our allies and our friends that for those who already have insurance. Secondly, we must do all we can to are taking on these fights. The fact This tax doesn’t achieve either of these enhance our own security. We know that we don’t have anyone confirmed goals, and everyone knows it. our first responders throughout the in that position is very disturbing. We I will do everything I can to see that last decade have done amazing work in have someone I know Senator CORKER this tax is fully repealed. There is a thwarting attacks. We must continue is supporting that we would like to get real urgency that we get this done. I to support them. If we do more in through and we must get through—Ms. will work with anybody in this Cham- terms of legislation, we must make Smith. ber to see that the Cadillac tax is fully sure that we are doing something that We also have open ambassador posi- repealed by the end of the year. Once will actually make a difference. We are tions—again, noncontroversial nomi- again, whether it is my bipartisan bill having a security briefing with all Sen- nees—in the European continent, in or a year-end package such as the tax ators tomorrow, and we must listen to countries that have not had an ambas- extenders, we need to repeal this very our security and intelligence experts to sador for years. I bring up one nominee bad tax. Fully repealing the Cadillac make sure that what we are proposing from the State of Minnesota, and that tax is an opportunity for Republicans will make a difference. is for the country of Norway, which has and Democrats to join forces and to Third, we must give our first re- been a critical ally. Norway is one of work together to repeal a bad tax for sponders and our military on the front- our country’s strongest and most de- one purpose: to help 151 million work- line the resources they need. I know pendable international allies. It was a ers keep the health care insurance they Senators SHELBY and MIKULSKI are founding member of the NATO alli- like. working hard, with their counterparts ance, an ally we will be relying on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- in the House of Representatives, to heavily as we look at fighting ISIS. Its ator from Minnesota. craft a budget bill. We must take up military has participated in operations f that bill as soon as it is completed. Of with the United States in the Balkans course, we have had some positive suc- and in Afghanistan. Norwegians have TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST cess in reaching a budget that didn’t worked alongside Americans in stand- FRANCE make deep cuts into our military or ing up the Ukraine, and they have Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I our homeland security capabilities. worked with us in countering ISIS. rise today to join all of our Senate col- That was positive. Now we must bring Yet we have not had an ambassador leagues in sending our deepest condo- it home with the budget. for over 2 years. I recognize part of this lences to the families and loved ones of The fourth and final action I will is because the initial nominee ended up the victims in the attacks in Paris. Our mention today as part of this unified withdrawing—someone put forward by hearts go out to the people of France. agenda to keep our country safe and to this administration. That happened. The United States stands firmly and support our allies is to make sure we Now we have a noncontroversial nomi- united in solidarity with France, just have our own frontline positions filled. nee, along with a nominee for the coun- as France—our Nation’s oldest ally— As was mentioned earlier, this includes try of Sweden. The nominee for Nor- has stood in solidarity with us. We the Treasury Under Secretary for Ter- way, Sam Heins, from the State of must work to find those responsible for rorism and Financial Crimes, a posi- Minnesota, has gotten through the those attacks and bring them to jus- tion that must be filled, and military Foreign Relations Committee and was tice. positions, including positions within approved by voice vote. No one raised We remain steadfast as a country, our own Army. any questions about the qualifications and talking to people in my own State, We have a judiciary that has to take of Mr. Heins for this position. I know this. We remain steadfast in our on these terrorism cases. I can’t com- Given that Europe is on the frontline resolve to defeat ISIS, to root out this ment about what is going on in every of these ISIS attacks, we must join evil. From those planning these at- jurisdiction in the country, but I know with Europe and make sure that we not tacks in Belgium to those training Minnesota has one of the highest case- only have our military positions filled, camps in Syria, our military—our loads. We have a well-qualified appli- our State Department positions filled, strong and mighty U.S. military—has cant named Wilhelmina Wright, a our USAID positions filled, and our ju- already provided critical leadership former prosecutor, who passed through diciary at home with the nominees be- with France in escalating the air- the Judiciary Committee without dis- fore the Senate so that we can have a strikes in Syria and Iraq, and we must sent, thanks to the good work of the strong, united front, but we also have continue to do that. In the coming chair of this committee, Senator to make sure we fill the positions for months we must focus on building this GRASSLEY, and Senator LEAHY. Her these ambassadors. international coalition against ISIS, as name is one that is coming up before Again, I am not pushing controver- well as providing critical intelligence the Senate. sial nominees. These are people who in going after these perpetrators. Given that we have 15 indictments will be serving in these positions for Just yesterday Russia announced out of Minnesota alone—and that num- the remaining year. But I ask that the that it was in fact a bomb that brought ber growing—against ISIS, home-grown Senate take up these nominations, as down the plane over Egypt. Not all the terrorists, and people who were trying well as get the budget done, which we facts are known yet, but ISIS has to fight for ISIS abroad and given that are well on our way to do, as well as claimed responsibility. There is no our great law enforcement in Min- come together on commonsense solu- limit to what these people will do. nesota on the Federal and the local tions for our own security, as well as That plane was filled with innocent level were able to track them down and making sure that we put together and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:00 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.013 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7979 lead, in America and with our allies, an isting coal plant rule. We have had a A new study by NERA, a respected international coalition to root out lot of discussion about this. It affects economic analysis firm, of the final ISIS. all of our States differently, but I rule found that electricity prices in I yield the floor. think it is important to talk not just West Virginia would increase between I suggest the absence of a quorum. about what this does to our individual 13 and 22 percent, but certainly West The PRESIDING OFFICER. The States but what this is going to do to Virginia will not be alone, as we are clerk will call the roll. us as a country. going to hear through this debate, in The senior assistant legislative clerk If the administration’s proposed enduring higher energy prices and job proceeded to call the roll. Clean Power Plan moves forward, hard- loss. NERA projects that all of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ship will be felt all across the country. lower 48 States will see their elec- ask unanimous consent that the order Fewer job opportunities, higher power tricity prices go up under the Clean for the quorum call be rescinded. bills, and less reliable electricity will Power Plan. As many as 41 States The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. result. West Virginia and other coal- could see electricity prices increase by FLAKE). Without objection, it is so or- producing States, such as Kentucky at least 10 percent. That is just from dered. and Wyoming, are feeling the pain of this regulation. I am sure my colleague prior EPA regulations. Nearly 7,000 from North Dakota represents one of f WARN notices, or notifications to em- those affected states. Twenty-eight CONCLUSION OF MORNING ployees—let me ask, does everybody States would see electricity prices that BUSINESS know what a WARN notice is? If you would increase by at least 20 percent. What does that mean for our econ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning have gotten one, you will never forget it because basically what a WARN no- omy? The National Rural Electric Co- business is closed. operative Association found that a 10- The majority leader. tice says to that employee is that you could be laid off within the next 60 percent increase in electricity prices f days. could mean a loss of 1.2 million jobs across the country. Half a million of PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL In West Virginia, 7,000 of those no- tices have gone out to West Virginia those jobs would be in rural commu- DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUB- nities in rural States such as West Vir- MITTED BY THE ENVIRON- families, West Virginia coal miners, in the year 2015, and more than 2,600 of ginia and North Dakota. MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY The National Black Chamber of Com- those were just issued last month Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, merce found that the Clean Power Plan alone. Our neighboring State of Ken- pursuant to the provisions of the Con- would increase poverty among blacks tucky—the State of the majority lead- gressional Review Act, I move to pro- by 23 percent and poverty among His- er—lost more than 10 percent of its ceed to S.J. Res. 24, a joint resolution panics by 26 percent. Affordable energy coal jobs during the first quarter of providing for congressional disapproval matters, especially to those living on this year. fixed incomes. Households earning less of a rule submitted by the EPA. Kentucky’s coal employment now than $30,000 a year spend an average of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The stands at the lowest level since the 23 percent of their income on energy clerk will report the motion. 1920s. The Energy Information Admin- costs. These families, these children, The senior assistant legislative clerk istration’s most recent annual coal re- these workers, these elderly are the read as follows: port for 2013 showed that the average ones who will suffer most under this Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 294, S.J. number of coal mine employees administration’s policy. Res. 24, a joint resolution providing for con- dropped by roughly 10 percent in other gressional disapproval under chapter 8 of Energy reliability also matters. Coal title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- coal-producing States, such as Ala- is the source of our baseload genera- mitted by the Environmental Protection bama, Utah, and Virginia. tion, and the administration wants to Agency relating to ‘‘Carbon Pollution Emis- According to the Mine Safety and replace coal with intermittent sources. sion Guidelines for Existing Stationary Health Administration, coal mining What does that mean? That means that Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.’’ employment nationally has dropped by on a hot day, when the air-conditioner The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- a massive 31 percent in just the last 4 is running and factories are operating, tion is not debatable. years. If you travel to the State of we could be confident that a coal-fired The question occurs on agreeing to West Virginia—particularly our coal powerplant will be supplying the en- the motion. area—it does not take you long to see ergy needed to cool our homes and The motion was agreed to. that. The impact of this war on coal keep our businesses running. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The extends far beyond the coal industry. In the cold winter of 2014, when the clerk will report the joint resolution. These regulations are affecting all as- demand for electricity surged, coal was The senior assistant legislative clerk pects of Americans’ lives. Last month, the energy source utilities relied on to read as follows: West Virginia’s Governor announced keep people warm. Renewable sources— A joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) providing that most State agencies would have to and we want more. We want more vari- for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 endure 4 percent cuts, largely because able ones and more frequent ones. Re- of title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- of shrinking energy tax revenues. For newable sources are an important part mitted by the Environmental Protection the first time in many years, the Gov- of our country’s energy mix, but there Agency relating to ‘‘Carbon Pollution Emis- ernor cut our education budget in the are always going to be days when the sion Guidelines for Existing Stationary State of West Virginia because of this wind isn’t blowing and the Sun isn’t Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.’’ war on coal. That means less money for shining, and it is critical we preserve The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant roads, for schools, and for health care more reliable energy resources to meet to the Congressional Review Act, there services, but the terrible impact that the demand of powering our economy. will now be up to 10 hours of debate, prior regulations have had on West Vir- Where I would like to see us go is in- equally divided, between those favoring ginia and the Nation would get far novation. Innovation, not across-the- and opposing the joint resolution. worse if the EPA’s Clean Power Plan board regulations, should be our focus, The Senator from West Virginia. goes into effect. but these regulations will not spur in- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise to The Clean Power Plan is the most ex- novation. The Clean Power Plan sets a speak in support of my resolution of pensive environmental regulation the standard for new plants that cannot be disapproval under the Congressional EPA has ever proposed on our Nation’s met by the most commercially avail- Review Act against EPA’s greenhouse power sector. Compliance spending is able technology we have today. That gas regulation targeting existing power estimated to total between $29 billion not only flies in the face of the Clean sources. and $39 billion per year. Household Air Act but also makes gradual im- I am so proud to be here with my col- spending power—the money American provements in technology that would league from North Dakota Senator families have in their pockets—will be improve our environment impossible HEIDI HEITKAMP. We have 47 cosponsors reduced by $64 billion to $79 billion by implement. The effect will be to in- on this bipartisan effort to stop the ex- this rule. stead choke off our most reliable and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.014 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 affordable source of energy and dev- world is watching to see whether the to tell, I believe, a story that involves astate the livelihoods of many folks United States will foolishly move for- lignite, which isn’t the coal that is around this country. ward with costly regulations that will mined in West Virginia, but it cer- Prior to this administration, our do virtually nothing to protect our en- tainly, for those of us in the center of country did a laudable job of pro- vironment. the country, has become an important tecting and improving our environment Under the Congressional Review Act, fuel source for a generation of elec- while promoting economic growth. the Senate now has the chance to take tricity for generations. Last week marked the 25th anniversary a real up-or-down vote on whether the When you look at it and you think of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, EPA’s Clean Power Plan can and about where we are with fuel sources, which were signed into law by Presi- should move forward. This is a legal you remember that there was a period dent George H.W. Bush and supported binding resolution that if successful of time when utility companies in this by Senators across the political spec- will prevent the Clean Power Plan or a country were told you cannot use nat- trum. Our air is now the cleanest it has similar rule from taking effect. ural gas to generate electricity and, as been in decades. We continue, and we Passing this resolution will send a a result, billions of dollars of invest- must continue, to reduce harmful pol- clear message to the world that a ma- ment were deployed to find a way to lutants such as sulfur dioxide as our jority of the Congress does not stand have a redundant, reliable, and afford- energy consumption increases and our behind the President’s efforts to ad- able source of energy, and that redun- population grows. dress climate change with economi- dant, reliable, and affordable source of Since 2005, U.S. carbon dioxide emis- cally catastrophic regulations. Passing energy was coal. Now things have sions have fallen by 13 percent. Accord- this resolution will also demonstrate transitioned. North Dakota is truly all ing to the EIA, West Virginia has emit- to the American people that the Senate of the above as it relates to our energy ted 19 percent less carbon dioxide since understands the need for affordable and resources in this country and providing the year 2000. We should continue on reliable energy. Congress should pass the electricity and the reliability of this track. We should continue to pro- this resolution and place this critical our electricity in the region. tect our environment but not at the ex- issue squarely on the President’s desk. When we look at where we are right pense of our families, our communities, America’s economic future is at stake, now, we have created an incredible and our economy. I am serious when I and it is time to send a clear signal level of uncertainty for utility compa- say, if you come to West Virginia, you that enough is enough. nies in this country. What do I mean will easily see this. I am very privileged to be offering by that? If you are sitting as a member With this rulemaking, the EPA is at- this resolution with Senator HEITKAMP of the board of directors in a utility tempting to impose the same type of from North Dakota. She has been a company right now and know you are cap-and-trade system that Congress re- champion on this issue. She has a dif- going to have baseload growth moving jected 5 years ago. Having failed at its ferent energy mix in her State and dif- forward, how do you build out your re- attempt at cap and trade, the adminis- ferent energy concerns, but I think it sources to meet the demand, which is tration has taken a second bite at the goes to the heart of North Dakotans required by our regulatory environ- apple by claiming authority under the and West Virginians about the eco- ment? Now you are told: Look, by this Clean Air Act to impose a regulatory nomic impact of such a very far-reach- year, those of you in North Dakota cap-and-trade program. That is not the ing and untried regulation in an area have to reduce your CO2 output by 45 way it should be. This raises an obvi- that is so far-reaching. I thank the percent. Guess what. The original rule, ous question. If EPA had cap-and-trade Senator for her steadfast support. It as drafted, had an 11-percent reduction, authority, as the administration is as- has been my pleasure to be working and now we are up to 44 percent. In serting now, why did the administra- with Senator HEITKAMP. what world is that an appropriate leap tion go to such lengths to try to pass The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- as we move forward in terms of looking cap-and-trade legislation? The answer ator from North Dakota. at compliance with this new regula- is clear. The Clean Air Act does not au- Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I tion? The EPA is not authorized to thorize a mandatory cap-and-trade pro- want to express my great thanks to my issue rules that are impossible. The gram. With its Clean Power Plan, EPA colleague from West Virginia, Senator baseline and fundamental principle of ignores 40 years of history and prior CAPITO, who has been absolutely a both the Clean Air Act and the Clean regulations that consistent with the champion on this issue, but also a Water Act is about using the best law, always based standards on con- champion on looking at new tech- available technology—what is actually trols installed at an existing plant. nologies and a champion to actually there and commercially available in Let me be clear. In the 40-year his- see what we can do moving forward that space. I have sat down with people tory of the Clean Air Act, EPA has with the great innovation that is the who run utility companies in my State, never issued an existing plant program history of this country and the history and they have told me it is virtually quite like this. As one EPA official of coal country. impossible. Not only do we have a rule summed it up to the New York Times, If you look over the life of the Clean that is impossible, but we have an issue ‘‘The legal interpretation is chal- Air Act, you will see literally billions that I think the good Senator from lenging. This effectively hasn’t been of dollars of investment in cleaner en- West Virginia talked about that is even done.’’ ergy, billions of dollars of investment more serious. We have one agency of Rather than regulating existing in pollution control, billions of dollars the Federal Government not empow- plants using the best technology, EPA of commitment to the environment by ered by any law in this country basi- is instead attempting to regulate the the industries we represent, whether it cally controlling our energy deploy- entire energy grid. This has not been is a utility industry that has an inter- ment, our electrical deployment. We done before because the Clean Power esting resource mix that includes coal have ignored FERC, and we have ig- Act does not authorize EPA to do this. or whether it is those facilities that nored all the other agencies that are Both States and the private sector are utilize the energy looking at energy ef- responsible for the transmission of doing what they can to fight back over ficiency. electricity. this overreach. The numbers that Senator CAPITO If you look at the history of this West Virginia is 1 of 27 States that gave you in terms of America’s country and compare our history with has filed lawsuits to block this rule. achievement on reduction of CO2 hap- many of our competitors across the Additionally, 24 national trade associa- pened without any involvement or any world, the one thing we do better than tions, 37 rural electric cooperatives, 10 interference by the Environmental our competitors is our reliable elec- major companies, and 3 labor unions Protection Agency. tricity. No matter what time of the representing over 800,000 employees are North Dakota’s situation is unique as day it is, you can reach over and turn challenging the EPA’s final Clean it relates to the Clean Power Plan on a light switch in the United States Power Plan. rules, and that is why North Dakota of America and the lights come on. In less than 2 weeks, international filed its own separate piece of litiga- If you are building a new manufac- climate negotiations will begin. The tion because we have a different story turing facility and need new energy,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:00 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.015 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7981 that energy is made available to you. I particularly have great respect for plants. Senator CAPITO has introduced Having electricity deployed at the end our majority leader. Senator MCCON- that legislation that would block the of the mile in my State, which can be NELL has the power to bring anything Clean Power Plan for existing power- as remote as another 20, 30 miles away before the body that he chooses. That plants from going into effect. This is from anyone else is a miracle. That is is his right, and he has done that. But dangerous. It is dangerous because we really a miracle of the commitment we I must question this—given what hap- would be throwing out the first rules to have made to make sure we have power pened in Paris and the need to keep reduce carbon pollution for power- in America. This rule jeopardizes that America safe: Why are we going after plants that emit 31 percent of our Na- commitment. This rule is wrongheaded the Clean Air Act today? It doesn’t tion’s total carbon emissions. If we are and it is a dramatic change from the make sense. We should be moving to ever going to attack the problem of too draft rule, especially as it relates to the omnibus budget agreement. We much carbon pollution, we have to go the State of North Dakota. This rule should be looking at every part of that to use our powerplant side, and I com- represents an attitude that says: We budget to make America safe. mend the President for his courage and don’t care what the law says. We don’t For example, in the EPA budget, we for doing the right thing. care that you have rejected cap and could look at ways to improve chem- I have heard colleagues say that the trade. We don’t care that you have re- ical safety and how to protect our res- process wasn’t good. What more do you jected a carbon tax. We are going to ervoirs. We could look at the Depart- want? The process used to develop unilaterally adopt those public policies ment of Homeland Security and how these rules was extremely open and in- as public policies in America. I don’t we can step up security at our ports, clusive. The EPA met with State offi- think any of that should happen. I airports, border checkpoints, and rail- cials and a broad range of stakeholders. think it is time that we push back at roads. We could look at funding bio- They held 600 meetings for the Clean all levels. metrics, which could help us fight Power Plan alone. How many more As I said many times on the floor, against homeland terrorism. meetings do they want—1,000? The EPA whether it is the waters of the United In the State Department, we could received more than 6 million comments States or the Clean Power Plan rule, look at ways to enhance security at from the public on both the existing the challenge we have is trying to do our embassies and consulates. There is powerplant rule and the new power- what this Congress is responsible for a lot of talk about Benghazi, Benghazi, plant rule. doing, which is to legislate. It is not to Benghazi, but the Republican budget Senator MCCONNELL’s resolution to have a fight about whether we like the cut embassy security. How about look- block the standards for new power- EPA or not. It is not to have a fight ing at that? Why don’t we look at the plants and Senator CAPITO’s resolution, about whether this rule is right or not. Office of Personnel Management and which we are talking about now, to It is about the appropriate public pol- look at ways we could boost our cyber block the Clean Power Plan would not icy. When we simply leave it to the defenses after one of the largest data only toss out these extensive outreach regulatory agencies, we end up with breaches in our government’s history. efforts, but the hubris of this is that litigation and uncertainty for those The Department of Justice needs to this resolution would prohibit the En- people sitting in the boardroom who make sure the FBI and local law en- vironmental Protection Agency from have a critical responsibility for deliv- forcement have the resources they need ever undertaking similar rulemakings, ering power in the United States of to keep our families safe. leaving no plan in place to address car- America. I compliment everyone who came to bon pollution from this source. Let me I gladly join my colleague from West the table and got a universal agree- repeat that. Not only does this resolu- Virginia as we pursue this matter. I ment on the budget for the next 2 tion toss out this rule that would clean think we all know that this legislation years. Why are we looking at repealing our skies, but they say that we can will likely pass. We also know what the a Clean Power Plan rule instead of tak- never do it again. This is an attack on likely outcome will be once it reaches ing up that budget agreement and the American people. the President’s desk. We need to con- looking—in a bipartisan way—at every I remind my colleagues that the EPA tinue to have these conversations. We single agency that we fund to make is setting these carbon pollution stand- need to continue to talk about what sure they are doing everything to keep ards not because they decided one day the consequences are, not just for the America safe? to go after the coal companies. They coal miners in West Virginia and North I was talking to one of my colleagues did not. They are doing it because Dakota but for the redundant, reliable, from New York, and he pointed out under the Clean Air Act, they have to and affordable delivery of electricity in that the terrorists have been after us do it. It is an authority they have that our country. since 9/11. So we know we have been has been confirmed by the Supreme With that, I yield the floor. doing something right. Let’s look at Court. I don’t know if my colleagues The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- what we are doing right and see if want to hear this, but I am sorry, be- ator from California. there is anything we are not doing cause I will repeat it: In the Massachu- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I lis- right. Let’s beef it up and make sure setts v. EPA case, the Supreme Court tened to every word as my friend that our refugee policy is the right pol- found very clearly that carbon pollu- spoke, and I respect the words from my icy. We have a lot of work to do, but, tion is covered under the Clean Air colleague from West Virginia very no, here we go again. Act. George W. Bush fought it for 8 much, but I just want to be clear. I Just 2 weeks ago Senate Republicans years. He fought it for 8 years, but the could not disagree with them more. led an attack on one of our Nation’s Supreme Court wrote the following in Why would the majority leader and my landmark environmental laws, the their decision: ‘‘Because greenhouse friends push for the overturning of a Clean Water Act, and we defeated gases fit well within the Clean Air Clean Power Plan rule that will, in them. Now they are back again, and Act’s capacious definition of ‘air pol- fact, save lives—that is a fact because this time they are against clean air. lutant,’ we hold that EPA has the stat- when the air gets cleaner, you save They are attacking the Clean Air Act utory authority to regulate the emis- lives—and will also protect our planet and the President’s commonsense pro- sions of such gasses.’’ from the ravages of climate change? I posals to address dangerous climate All that talk about how the EPA is don’t know why they would take that change. Of course, most of them don’t overreaching and that carbon isn’t dan- stand. I really don’t. When we are even believe climate change is hap- gerous and you don’t have to fix it is so sworn in here, above all we are sup- pening. They say: Well, we are not sci- much baloney. The Court found it posed to protect the health and safety entists. That is right; you are not. So straightforwardly in Massachusetts v. of the people of our Nation, not protect why not listen to the 98 percent of sci- EPA in 2007. Following that decision, one utility over the other. That is the entists who know this is happening? the Obama administration issued an private sector. We are here to protect The Senate is considering at least endangerment finding showing that lives and to protect the planet. I am one Congressional Review Act resolu- current and future concentrations of going to go into depth as to why I feel tion, and the one we are talking about carbon pollution are harmful to public this is very wrongheaded. now has to do with existing power- health and welfare.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:45 Nov 17, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.017 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 Once that decision is made, we have They don’t want to see these rules GreenLatinos, Hispanic Association of Col- to act. We can’t make believe this overturned. leges and Universities, IDEAS for Us, Latino planet isn’t endangered. We can’t make Appalachian Voices, Arkansas Public Coalition for a Healthy California, League of Policy Panel, Center for Biological Di- United Latin American Citizens, MANA—A believe pollution from powerplants Latina Organization, Mi Familia Vota, Na- does not cause problems for our people. versity, Clean Air Task Force, Clean tional Hispanic Medical Association, Na- We have to act. The administration is Water Action, Climate Parents, Con- tional Latino Evangelical Coalition, well within its rights. If they did not servation Voters for Idaho, Conserva- PolicyLink Center for Infrastructure Equity, act, they would be sued, and they tion Voters for South Carolina, Defend- Sachamama, SolarFour, Voces Verdes. would lose because they have to pro- ers of Wildlife, Earth Justice, Elders ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS tect the people from too much carbon Climate Action, Environment America 350.org, ActionAid USA, Alliance of Nurses pollution. It is required under the and 24 State affiliates, and Environ- for Healthy Environments, Appalachian Clean Air Act and was sustained by the mental Advocates of New York. It goes Voices, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Cen- ter for Biological Diversity, Clean Air Task Supreme Court in 2007. Not only do the on. Force, Clean Water Action, Climate Action Republicans oppose standards for old These groups whose names I am read- Alliance of the Valley, Climate Law & Policy plants, but they even oppose standards ing oppose this action by my Repub- Project, Climate Parents, Conservation Vot- for newly constructed plants. Both of lican friends because they want clean ers for Idaho, Conservation Voters of South these resolutions—both of them—are air, they want to protect their fami- Carolina, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, harmful to public health and the envi- lies, and they want to fight climate Elders Climate Action, Environment Amer- ronment, and many groups oppose change. ica and 24 state affiliates, Environmental Environmental Justice Leadership Advocates of New York, Environmental In- them. vestigation Agency, Environmental Justice So I am going to show my colleagues Forum, Environmental Law Policy Leadership Forum on Climate Change, Envi- some of the groups that oppose this Re- Center, Health Care Without Harm, ronmental Law and Policy Center, Environ- publican resolution, and America can Interfaith Power & Light and 28 State mental and Energy Study Institute, Environ- decide whom it wants to stand with. affiliates, League of Conservation Vot- mental Defense Action Fund, Health Care The Republicans want to overturn the ers and 7 State affiliates, Maine Con- Without Harm, Interfaith Power & Light and Clean Air Act rule, or these people. servation Voters, Montana Environ- 28 state affiliates, International Forum on mental Information Center, Natural Globalization. How about public health groups—the KyotoUSA, League of Conservation Voters Allergy and Asthma Network, the Resources Defense Council, New Vir- and 7 state affiliates, League of Women Vot- American Lung Association, the Public ginia Majority, PDA Tucson, ers, Maine Conservation Voters, Montana Health Association, the Thoracic Soci- PennEnvironment, Physicians for So- Environmental Information Center, Natural ety, the Asthma and Allergy Founda- cial Responsibility, Protect Our Win- Resources Defense Council, New Virginia tion of America, Children’s Environ- ters, Rachel Carson Council, Sierra Majority, PDA, Tucson, PennEnvironment, mental Health Network, Health Care Club, Southern Environmental Law Physicians for Social Responsibility and 4 Center, Southern Oregon Climate Ac- state affiliates, Polar Bears International, Without Harm, Trust for America’s Protect Our Winters, Rachel Carson Council, Health. That is as American as apple tion Now, Union of Concerned Sci- Sierra Club, Southern Environmental Law pie. These are the people who stand up entists, Virginia Organizing, Voices for Center, Southern Oregon Climate Action and protect our health and the health Progress, Western Organization of Re- Now, The Climate Reality Project, Union of of our families. Whom do we want to source Councils, Wisconsin Environ- Concerned Scientists, Virginia Organizing, stand with—the Republicans, who are ment, World Wildlife Fund. Voices for Progress, WE ACT for Environ- pushing this on us on a day when we Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- mental Justice, Western Organization of Re- should be making America safe from sent that a list of groups that oppose source Councils, Wisconsin Environment, World Wildlife Fund. the terrorists, or these groups? this rule change be printed in the Business groups: the American Sus- RECORD. Mrs. BOXER. So we can see clearly— tainable Business Council, Business for There being no objection, the mate- and I think the letter from the Amer- Innovative Climate and Energy Policy, rial was ordered to be printed in the ican Sustainable Business Council makes a very important statement: and Environmental Entrepreneurs. RECORD, as follows: History shows that smart clean energy Consumer groups: Center for Acces- GROUPS THAT OPPOSE S.J. RES. 23 AND 24 sible Technology, Citizens Action Coa- policies are good for our environment, our PUBLIC HEALTH GROUPS economy, and business. We urge you . . . to lition, Greenlining Institute, National Allergy and Asthma Network, American oppose both resolutions to disapprove the es- Consumer Law Center, Ohio Partners Lung Association, American Public Health tablished safeguards. for Affordable Energy, Public Citizen, Association, American Thoracic Society, Another letter from many of these TURN, the Utility Reform Network, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, leading public health organizations— Children’s Environmental Health Network, Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, quote: the Washington State Community Ac- Health Care Without Harm, Trust for Amer- ica’s Health. Please make your priority the health of tion Partnership, and A World Insti- your constituents and vote No on these Con- BUSINESS GROUPS tute for a Sustainable Humanity. gressional Review Act resolutions. . . . American Sustainable Business Council, Latino groups—why do they care? Be- I find it very hard to comprehend cause a lot of times they live in com- Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), Environmental Entre- that a majority of this Senate, led by munities that suffer from filthy air. preneurs. my Republican friends, would side with The abc Foundation Green Forum, CONSUMER GROUPS the special interests above the people Citizens Energy, the City Project, who simply want to breathe clean air, Common Ground for Conservation/ Center for Accessible Technology, Citizens Action Coalition, Citizens Coalition, who simply want to see us dedicated to America. There are more Latino Greenlining Institute, Low-Income Energy the fight against climate change. groups. It goes on an on: Emerald Cit- Affordability Network, National Consumer These groups understand the impor- ies Collaborative, GreenLatinos, Ideas Law Center, NW Energy Coalition, Nuclear tance of taking action to reduce carbon For Us, Latino Coalition for a Healthy Information and Resource Service, Ohio pollution. When we reduce that dan- California, National Hispanic Medical Partners for Affordable Energy, Public Cit- gerous pollution from powerplants, the Association, National Latino Evan- izen, Public Utility Law Project of New Clean Power Plan will deliver impor- gelical Coalition, solar Four. York, TURN—The Utility Reform Network, tant health benefits. I will just mention a few environ- Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, WA This is what I hope the American State Community Action Partnership, A mental groups: Alliance of Nurses for World Institute for a Sustainable Humanity people will understand. This is science. Healthy Environments. (A W.I.S.H). By the year 2030, if we defeat this Re- Could I just say, if we were to ask LATINO COMMUNITY GROUPS publican effort, here is what will hap- people ‘‘Whom do you trust more—the The *Abc Foundation Green Forum, Cit- pen to our communities: We will pre- Senate or the nurses?’’ dare I say the izen Energy, The City Project, Common vent up to 3,600 premature deaths, we results? I would guess it would be 99 Ground for Conservation/America Verde, will prevent up to 1,700 heart attacks, percent in favor of nurses as opposed to Dewey Square Group/Latinovations, EcoRico we will prevent up to 90,000 asthma at- us. And why don’t we listen to them? Entertainment, LLC, Emerald Cities, tacks in children, and we will prevent

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:00 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.018 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7983 300,000 missed workdays and school- people; it goes against where the Amer- climate pollution to 1990 levels by 2020, days. ican people are. As I said, 83 percent of just 5 years from now. That is required Why on Earth does anyone want to Americans, including 61 percent of Re- in our State—AB 32. By the way, Big vote to repeal a rule that will prevent publicans, say reduce these emissions. Oil and big polluters tried to overturn 3,600 premature deaths, 1,700 heart at- We have to stop climate change. We al- it on the ballot, and the people said: Go tacks, 90,000 asthma attacks, and ready see the ravages around us. We al- home. We are happy. We like this. We 300,000 missed workdays and school- ready see climate refugees. We already embrace it. And they turned back the days? Why? The answer is special eco- see extreme weather. It is desta- millions of dollars spent by Big Dirty nomic interests. That is the answer. It bilizing. It is dangerous. Oil, and we won. Clean air won. is a disgrace, a total and complete dis- According to the same poll, 74 per- We are on the path to achieving our grace. We should be fighting for our cent of Americans say the Federal Gov- ultimate goal of reducing emissions by families, not for the special interests. ernment should be taking substantial 80 percent by 2050. Imagine. During the These are the cobenefits of reducing steps to combat climate change. Yes, first year and a half of my State’s car- carbon. A lot of times we will hear my the President has listened and he has bon reduction program called cap and colleagues say: Carbon isn’t dangerous. put forward these rules that are sub- trade, we added 491,000 jobs. So all this We breathe it out. It is not dangerous. stantial steps because the emissions fearmongering about jobs lost is so The fact is, when we make these im- come from these powerplants—31 per- much fearmongering because, guess provements to the powerplants to re- cent of the carbon emissions. So in- what, look at my State—491,000 jobs duce carbon pollution, there are co- stead of just standing up here and added. And that job creation actually benefits. These are the cobenefits. demagoguing and saying this is hor- outpaces the national growth rate of They are, in fact, articulated. rible and frightening the American jobs. California has been a leader in re- The Clean Power Plan will cut emis- people, why not join hands with us and ducing its carbon footprint, and the sions from existing plants 32 percent do this right? United States must take steps to ad- below 2012 levels by 2030. My State is a leader in clean energy. dress this threat. The other thing is it is going to save We are creating jobs hand over fist. We I am just going to go back and read $85 a year on utility bills. So everyone are doing great in California because to my colleagues the main prediction who says that this is terrible and that we care about climate and we care of mainstream scientists made many it is going to raise our energy bills about jobs, and those things go hand in years ago about what would happen if doesn’t know the facts. hand. When we install a solar rooftop, we weren’t aggressive on climate. The Clean Power Plan also includes we can’t outsource that job, we have to One, temperature extremes, they help to low-income Americans through hire someone in our State. That is why said, would be more frequent. NOAA the Clean Energy Incentive Program, we have so much strong support in our scientists predicted that 2015 would be which prioritizes early investment in State, because we see the results of the hottest year since recordkeeping energy efficiency projects in low-in- pushing forward aggressively for clean began and it will displace 2014. So the come communities. So if we reduce our energy. People are happy about it. first prediction by the scientists that use of energy because we are con- temperature extremes would be more serving energy, we are using less en- They are proud of it. They are doing frequent has been proven true—2015 ergy, we are cleaning the environment, well. Climate change is real. We have to take reasonable steps to will be the highest year on record, and and our bills go down. That is what we reduce carbon pollution, as with the before that 2014 was the hottest year on call low-hanging fruit—conservation. The American people support efforts Clean Power Plan. And all we see from record. Secondly, they told us when I took to reduce dangerous carbon pollution. our Republican friends, God bless over the chair of the EPW committee— According to a League of Conservation them—I am very close with a lot of which I regretted having to hand over Voters poll in August, 60 percent of them—is attack after attack after at- the gavel to my friend Senator INHOFE, voters support the Clean Power Plan, tack on the environment, attacks but I did hold it for about 6 years, if my while just 31 percent oppose it. against the Clean Water Act, attacks So I have to ask my colleagues, my against the Clean Air Act, attacks memory is correct. A little over 6 years friends whom I constantly fight with against the Safe Drinking Water Act. I had the gavel, but who is counting. on this, why do you side with the spe- These resolutions that are coming The fact is, we called the scientists be- cial interests against the people—the before us ignore the long and successful fore the committee. They said tem- people who will benefit from longer history of the Clean Air Act. We heard perature extremes would be more fre- lives, fewer sick days, fewer schooldays the same arguments against the origi- quent. That has proven out. They said lost, and fewer asthma attacks? Why? nal Clean Air Act that we are hearing heat waves would be more frequent. And why do you turn against 60 percent today. In the 40 years since the Clean That has proven out. They said areas of the voters who support the Clean Air Act was enacted, our GDP—our affected by drought will increase, and Power Plan? The only answer I can gross domestic product—has risen not Lord knows the West knows that has come up with is they are not really 100 percent but 207 percent. If we go been proven. Wildfires would be bigger thinking about the majority of the back to those debates—and I have gone and more frequent, they said. We know American people; they are thinking back to them—we would hear the very in the West that is true. Tropical about the special interests who call same voices coming from the very storms and hurricanes will be more in- here all the time and push us to do same side of the aisle decrying the tense. Just ask New Jersey and New things to help them. Clean Air Act: Oh, this is going to be a York. There will be more heavy pre- There was another report in January disaster. Well, it not only wasn’t a dis- cipitation and flooding events. We have of 2015 by Stanford University. We have aster, it was a resounding success. And seen that with our own eyes. We have all heard of Stanford University. It is where we export our ideas to the world, seen cars floating down the streets in pretty well thought of. A lot of my col- clean energy is an area where we are Texas. Polar sea ice will shrink. That leagues went there and graduated from exporting those ideas. is a fact. Sea levels will rise. That is a there. The Stanford University poll Supporting the Clean Air Act makes fact. All of these predictions by cli- found that 83 percent of Americans, in- good fiscal sense. The benefits of this mate experts have become a reality cluding 61 percent of Republicans, say landmark law, the Clean Air Act, today. that if nothing is done to reduce emis- amount to more than 40 times the cost So I ask my friends, Why are you sions, climate change will be a serious of regulation. Let me say that again. willing to gamble? Why are you willing problem in the future. It also found For every dollar we have spent com- to take this gamble and walk away that 74 percent of Americans say the plying with the Clean Air Act, we have from trying to reduce the ravages of Federal Government should take sub- gotten more than $40 of benefits in re- climate change? That is immoral in stantial steps to combat climate turn. the face of what we know from the sci- change. As I mentioned, my State—I am so entists and with what we know from Look, all of this furor against these very proud of it—we are on a path to reality in the States. We see all the rules doesn’t go with the American meet or exceed our goals of reducing predictions coming true. The fact is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.020 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 that climate change endangers the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Last Thursday he said, ‘‘I don’t think health of our families and our planet. ator from Indiana. [the Islamic State] is gaining We cannot delay action to reduce car- TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST FRANCE strength’’ and saying ‘‘we have con- bon pollution. Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I do agree tained them.’’ I thank President Obama for his lead- we should be debating what is hap- What will it take for this President ership on this critical issue. These pening in the world, particularly on to wake up and see what is happening rules are an essential element of the the issue of ISIS and its impact not around the world as a result of the leadership on climate change. There is only on America, not only on Europe ever-expanding threat of ISIS ter- no doubt about it. At the end of this but on the world, and that is what I in- rorism? The President did say yester- month President Obama and other tend to do. day that if people have other ideas to leaders will gather to reach an agree- We have all witnessed the horrific at- bring them forward. So what I would ment on how all of the nations will tacks in Paris and this unprecedented like to do is offer a few suggestions for work to reduce carbon pollution that is form of evil that we have seen disrupt the President to consider. In fact, I ac- causing climate change. Nearly 160 na- the lives of free people. All Ameri- tually brought forward suggestions tions have reduced their plans. cans—Republicans, Democrats, Inde- over a year ago, but of course none of I ask my Republican colleagues that pendents—all Americans stand in soli- them have been accepted or acted upon if you don’t like President Obama’s darity with Paris and the French peo- by the President that I am aware of. plan, don’t just repeal it, tell us how When I first addressed this subject in ple. This isn’t just an attack on Paris. the summer of 2014, I outlined several you would reduce harmful carbon pol- This is an attack on the free world, the lution. Tell us how you are going to areas in which urgent action was re- civilized world. quired. First, and more important, I save all these lives. Tell us how. Ex- Don’t just take my word for this con- called for the administration imme- plain to us how you are going to pre- clusion because ISIS has already made diately to articulate a comprehensive vent 3,600 premature deaths, 1,700 heart such a declaration; that is, we are com- plan to defeat ISIS. We have a problem attacks, 90,000 asthma attacks in kids, ing after you. We are coming after all out there. Put a plan together to ad- and 300,000 missed workdays and those who don’t abide by our messianic dress the problem and do it in a com- schooldays. Where is your plan? Don’t message of our purpose in the world to prehensive way so we have a goal to just get up there and say it is going to destroy you because you don’t agree achieve and a strategy to work out to cost more for electricity, because the with us. achieve that goal. This comprehensive fact is, we have a special part of this Sadly, the tragedy we have seen in plan has been entirely absent from this rule that addresses the costs and will Paris reinforces that the battle against Congress and from the American peo- actually save money for consumers be- terrorism and extremism will not only ple. What we have seen instead are in- cause we will push the low-hanging be fought in the Middle East. The cremental responses—responses that fruit of energy efficiency. United States and Western nations are contradict what the President had ear- These resolutions will take us back- dealing with escalating security chal- lier said—to events that have taken ward, prevent us from acting to avert lenges that cannot be resolved through place behind the curve, not ahead of the worst impacts of climate. This Re- diplomacy and are not being resolved the curve, too little and too late. I publican initiative is going to endanger by the current strategy of this White called for efforts to reach out to na- the health of millions of our children House. tions across the globe to work together and families from dangerous carbon A headline today in the Wall Street to defeat ISIS, including working with pollution and will stop the cobenefits Journal is: ‘‘Pressure Grows for Global Islamic states and communities to op- to them from going into effect. Response.’’ We, the United States, need pose this outrageous ISIS perversion of I know we are going to have a robust to show the world that threats to our the Islamic faith. debate. As I said at the start, I think principal freedoms are entirely unac- I want to say that, again, for those we ought to be debating the omnibus ceptable. Unfortunately, President who simply say this is a decision that budget agreement. I think we ought to Obama continues to fail to provide the affects America only, all we are calling be debating how to keep America safe American people with the leadership for are our boots on the ground, that is from the terrorists instead of figuring we so desperately need. entirely wrong. The President should out ways to repeal a law that if you are Consider his response yesterday to know it, and I think he does know it. I, successful, will in fact mean adverse the tragic events in Paris versus the among many, have called for efforts to health consequences for our people. We response of the French President. The reach out to nations across the globe should be debating how to keep Amer- French President, Francois Hollande, to work together to defeat ISIS, in- ica safe today. We are not debating said: France is at war. We are in a war cluding working with Islamic states that. I am very sorry about that, and I against jihadist terrorism, which is and communities to oppose the out- agree with my colleagues on both sides threatening the entire world. rageous ISIS perversion of the Islamic of the aisle who say they know the end I want to repeat that: France is at faith. result of this. Yes, there is a majority war. We are in a war against jihadist I called for a diplomatic effort to per- of people here who are going to vote to terrorism, which is threatening the suade Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, repeal these clean power rules. We whole world. and other regions to join with us to re- know that. Yes, we know that will go Virtually at the same time, Presi- sist more forcefully ISIS aggression. to the President and, yes, we know the dent Obama, in a shockingly dismissive Last year I called for much greater se- President will veto that and, yes, we tone, doubled down on his so-called curity assistance for our potential know when that comes back we are strategy to deal with this global partners in the fight against ISIS. The going to sustain the President. We threat. What has his strategy to date United States should move quickly to know the outcome. accomplished? Well, ISIS has expanded provide more arms, training, and other Why not get to work on keeping into more than half a dozen countries. requested assistance to Iraqi America safe? Go to this omnibus They are not contained as the Presi- Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces—proven budget resolution, look throughout the dent said. Ask the people in Paris if fighters who are willing to stand up budget and see ways we can make sure ISIS is contained. Ask the people who and confront ISIS. They needed our our people are kept safe from terrorists have been subjected to attacks inspired support. They needed weapons from us. and, for goodness’ sake, while we are at by ISIS across the world: Is ISIS con- They needed training and guidance it, keep them safe from pollution. That tained? I don’t think so. from us, but they were ready to engage is something we have in our hands. Time after time, the President has in the fight. I said we also needed to What is before us today will not keep shown he simply doesn’t get it. In 2012, find effective ways to support and di- them safe from pollution, and I look he boasted Al-Qaeda was on the path to rectly arm the reliable, vetted Sunni forward to this being rejected at the defeat. In 2014, he dismissed the Islamic tribes and Sunni leaders in Iraq who end of the day. State as the ‘‘JV team,’’ saying that are essential partners in combatting I thank the Presiding Officer, and I ISIS ‘‘is not a direct threat to us nor ISIS extremism that ultimately are yield the floor. something that we have to wade into.’’ Sunni Islam’s greatest threat.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.021 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7985 It is true, the question of where have Let me talk about that for a mo- tion, comprehensive coalition. It can they been, where are they. We need ment. The current Visa Waiver Pro- play a vital role in dealing with this more than just sending a check to gram allows citizens from several terrorist threat. cover payment for somebody else to dozen nations to travel to the United We need a comprehensive, realistic, fight a proxy war. We need their en- States without a visa. They are citi- articulate plan if we are going to de- gagement. They are in the crosshairs of zens of these nations. In order to expe- stroy ISIS, and NATO action should be ISIS. Why haven’t they stepped up? dite the travel process, we entered into part of that plan, whether or not Where is the flocking to the center the Visa Waiver Program. That works France invokes the article 5 collective square of town saying enough is fine if you don’t have a situation like defense provision of the NATO treaty— enough? Where are the imams saying the one that exists today, with ISIS which I think they should do, and per- that this is a perversion of our reli- and other forces—Al-Qaeda and oth- haps they will do—which requires all gion? Where are the people in the ers—trying to bring people into the NATO nations to come to the support crosshairs of ISIS simply rising up to- United States, to plant people here to of and do what is necessary to address gether and saying we need to address carry out evil acts against American a threat to one of the nations. If one of this? people. the NATO nations is threatened, we all As I said, we also need to find effec- My bill would amend the Visa Waiver stand together to deal with it. tive ways to support the Sunni tribes Program by tightening existing pre- Former NATO Commander ADM and Sunni leaders. Those efforts have travel clearance procedures and mak- James Stavridis issued his own six-step been slow, indirect, and insufficient. I ing them more focused on counterter- plan for NATO engagement and leader- called for us to provide lethal assist- rorism efforts. We have to now recog- ship to destroy ISIS, and we should ance to the Free Syrian Army. The ad- nize the reality that exists here in look at that and take it seriously. He ministration’s effort in this regard was terms of abuse of the Visa Waiver Pro- suggests NATO should assign one of an absurd $500 million, multiyear effort gram or the possibility of abuse and in- the major alliance commands to lead to train and arm 40 fighters, most of serting terrorists into the United the operational planning for forceful whom were promptly killed or cap- military efforts against ISIS in both tured. Yes, I called for increased spe- States. The bill would ensure stricter com- Syria and Iraq and bring all the alli- cialized military action by our own pliance with information sharing ance resources to bear. In addition, he Armed Forces. I, with many others, am agreements by those countries that suggests our NATO allies should be willing to stand here and say enough. I participate in the Visa Waiver Program joined in this effort by other non- have called for increased specialized and suspend their participation if they member European states, such as Swe- military action by our own Armed den and Finland, which are similarly Forces—intelligence, surveillance, re- do not come into compliance at a 100- threatened by ISIS terrorism. Most im- connaissance, and special forces—not a percent level. We can’t afford any massive invasion. This has to be a glob- glitches. We cannot afford 99 percent. portantly, he said NATO must work al effort, as I just talked about. It has We have to go all the way. creatively to bring in the regional pow- The bill would also authorize the to include Sunni nations. It has to in- ers, such as the Kurdish Peshmerga, Secretary of State to revoke any pass- clude Muslims who believe their faith Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states in and their culture is being brutally per- port issued to a U.S. citizen who is sus- a broad coordinated effort against ISIS verted by ISIS. pected of engaging in terrorist activi- under NATO leadership. It is clear ISIS cannot be defeated ties and would update the definition of This is the mechanism and this is an without U.S. participation. Nations of ‘‘treason’’ to include support of ter- organization that is trained, has the the world look to the United States to rorist organizations. equipment, has the capability, and can either have their backs or to work with When introducing this, I remember form the coalition necessary with our them to stand side by side. We have ca- the response: Oh, that is too tough. Arab friends and neighborhoods—the pabilities and capacity that other na- Nothing is too tough these days to Saudis, the Sunnis and others—that tions don’t have. Coalitions cannot be keep Americans safe. We need to imple- need to be a part of this if we are going formed without our engagement. Our ment these provisions that I intro- to be successful. bombing campaign—this strategy of duced many months ago, because I be- NATO’s efforts against ISIS, Admiral bombing against ISIS targets—has lieve it is a solution that addresses the Stavridis says, should also include as- been far from adequate. There have real and growing threat of terrorist at- sistance to Turkey—after all, Turkey been an average of just a handful a day, tacks carried out by individuals with is a NATO member—to better secure many of which have planes turning Western passports. their borders against the flow of around and landing back at the airfield Unfortunately, these things I have jihadists in and out of Syria. This is with bombs still attached to their mentioned and have introduced earlier NATO at its best and is something I wings because they simply haven’t had have not been adopted in any meaning- think should be seriously considered by the kind of targeting and directing to ful way. Now, a year and a half later, this White House as a way of moving ensure that the rules of combat are we are in a much more difficult posi- forward to develop a coalition to ad- confirmed. tion, with ISIS stronger and expanded dress the great threat we are facing. Contrast this anemic bombing cam- to new areas and new countries. The Let me now say one other thing, be- paign with the bombing campaign be- threat to us all is comprehensive, cause Admiral Stavridis also suggests fore the first Gulf War, which was sev- multifaceted, and nearly global. It de- the possibility of forming some type of eral thousand sorties a day. In Bosnia mands a global, comprehensive re- a coalition with Russia. We are seeing it was several hundred a day. Clearly, sponse. a strong Russian response today—last our anemic air strategy is not defeat- So I would urge the President to seri- evening—once it was determined and ing ISIS. Frankly, military history ously consider these and other pro- proven the Russian airliner was shows that air action only cannot posals, and I would like to mention one brought down by a bomb and by ISIS. achieve the goal of defeating an enemy. other proposal this morning. In addi- ISIS has taken credit for it, and ISIS Lastly, I called on the Obama admin- tion to what I have previously stated, I will receive the wrath of the Russian istration and Congress to reassess our believe it is now time to consider military as a result, in direct contrast border security and do whatever is nec- whether NATO should take on a vital to what we have done for attempts on essary to make us stronger. One ele- new mission. NATO responded in Bos- our own people. ment of that effort is legislation I in- nia in 1994 and brought about peace. It I am not a big fan of Putin. I am not troduced earlier this year, a bill that can do so again. a big fan of the current Russia govern- would enact changes to the Visa Waiv- When I served as ambassador to Ger- ment. I spoke out strongly about Rus- er Program and provide additional many for 4 years, I had direct contact sia’s invasion of the Ukraine and the tools to enhance border security— with NATO and NATO nations, and I annexation of Crimea, and have strong- changes that, in my opinion, are abso- know the accumulation of resources, of ly advocated for Russia’s diplomatic lutely necessary to fill and plug a gap- training, of capability that is available isolation. In fact, I so strongly advo- ing hole in our border security. through NATO, and it is a multi-na- cated for it that Russia put me on a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.022 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 list of seven people who are banned Mr. President, I yield the floor. will never become law. It is just a big from entering Russia for life. Well, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- exercise in time-wasting. have been to Russia, and I don’t need ator from Rhode Island. While the smoke is still clearing over to go back. So it is no big deal. Appar- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, it Paris, we are still engaged in this big ently it was a big deal to them. But is a pleasure and privilege to follow the exercise in time-wasting. Why? To send now we are facing an emergency situa- distinguished Senator from Indiana. a signal. To send a signal to the big tion. His concerns for national security are coal interests, the big oil interests, the Russian forces are deployed in Syria. well established, and I enjoy working Koch brothers, and the tea partiers Russian efforts need to be coordinated with him, particularly in the area of that ‘‘We are with you.’’ The American with NATO efforts, if we go the NATO cyber security. But I would note, in the public isn’t with you. Even Repub- route. We are already coordinating in wake of his eloquent remarks about licans aren’t with you. If we look at re- terms of some of our flights. As we our national security situation, that cent polling, other than the tea party— learned in 1941, national emergencies we are not here on the floor to discuss and by the way, 70 percent in the tea can create strange bedfellows. national security. We are here on the party thinks global warming isn’t hap- Whatever option is considered, the ir- floor right now because the Republican pening—isn’t happening. I don’t know reducible minimum is real: determined leadership is taking a run at the Presi- whom they are talking to. They are U.S. leadership. This tragic civil war dent’s Clean Power Plan. not talking to fishermen in my State. and escalating terrorist threat have Paris has not recovered from the dev- They are not talking to foresters out continued and grown much too long astation of the other day, and we have West. They are not talking to farmers without an effective American re- important bills that the chairman of in the Midwest. It is happening. We sponse. Oh, yes, we have had a re- the Committee on Appropriations has might go further as to discussing what sponse—mostly rhetorical—but clearly worked very hard on to get ready and to do about it, but the tea party is so a strategy that has not succeeded, and that would improve the capacity of our irresponsible that they think, in a clearly something that is not deterring Department of Justice, our FBI, and strong majority, it is not even hap- ISIS from growing stronger and spread- our Department of Homeland Security pening. But they are not the ones we ing further. It simply has not been ef- to address this threat. Are we on those should be listening to because 83 per- fective. So whether it is through bills? No. The majority leader has de- cent of Americans—including 60 per- NATO, whether it is through a coali- cided we are going to take a run at a cent of Republicans—and by the way, tion of the willing, vigorous American climate regulation. with the November elections coming leadership is absolutely essential for Now, with ISIS and terrorism being up, 86 percent of Independents say that the future of all of us. the issue of the day, one might think: if nothing is done to reduce emissions, In conclusion, let me say this. In OK, I can understand why we are going global warming will be a very or some- 2014, the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al- to climate change. We have known for what serious problem in the future. So Baghdadi, said: years that our intelligence community, we are now going against what 83 per- Our last message is to the Americans: Soon our defense leaders, and the men and cent of Americans, including 61 percent we will be in direct confrontation, and the women in uniform we count on to pro- sons of Islam have prepared for such a day. of Republicans and 86 percent of Inde- So watch, for we are with you, watching. tect us have said climate change breeds pendents, would direct us to do, in This is the enemy we are dealing terrorism. It creates the conditions— order to keep the faith with the big with. This is not some vague threat; the Quadrennial Defense Review and coal and oil and Koch brothers indus- this is a direct threat. We have seen the intelligence reports have said—that tries that fund so much of this oper- how they carry out their direct spawn the kind of despair that leads to ation here. threats, and we stand in the crosshairs. terrorism. It is a catalyst of conflict. So 56 percent of Republicans—and 54 And, yes, it is very possible and prob- So one might say: OK, sure, it makes percent of conservative Republicans— ably very true that they are with us sense we should address climate change say that the climate is changing and here now, watching, waiting, planning, because it is a catalyst for conflict. that mankind is contributing a lot or contriving for another Paris, for an- And we would find voices—I think the probably a little to the change. A ma- other Baghdad, for another attack— distinguished Senator from Indiana jority of Republicans now believe there hopefully none, but something that mentioned Admiral Stavridis. We love is solid evidence of global warming— could be possibly much greater than Admiral Stavridis in Rhode Island be- again, 56 percent. When we look at what we saw in Paris. They have cre- cause he has been associated with the young Republicans, this is where it ated their homeland in Syria, but they Naval War College. He has said that gets very interesting. Young Repub- have told us what we don’t want to the cascading interests and broad im- licans—under the age of 35—think cli- hear, but which is probably true, that plications stemming from the effects of mate denial by politicians in Congress they are here and they are watching climate change should cause today’s is ‘‘ignorant, out of touch or crazy.’’ and they are waiting. global leaders to take stock, and he has That is where young Republicans are So the question is, does President said many other eloquent things on cli- on this. Obama grasp what we are up against? mate change too. But we are not here Yet the majority leader has brought Last year he laid out the goal of de- to do something about climate change us here to interrupt any conversation feating ISIS, but President Obama still and help reduce it as a catalyst of con- we might be having over national secu- has not put forward the comprehensive flict. What the majority leader has rity, slowing down any progress on the strategy to accomplish that goal, and brought us here to do is to undo Amer- domestic security appropriations bills yesterday he doubled down on the same ican leadership in this area. that might go forward, against the in- policies that have led to our current One might say: OK, they have a bet- terests of young Republicans and ev- foreign policy failures. The effort to ter plan. The Republicans have a plan erybody else virtually across the coun- defeat ISIS will be successful only with they think is better than the Clean try, all to help out Big Coal, Big Oil, leadership from the President of the Power Plan, and therefore they want to the Koch brothers, and to cater to this United States. Let me say that again. foul up the Clean Power Plan so they small, little tea party contingent, 70 The effort to defeat ISIS will be suc- can put a clean power plan of their own percent of whom don’t even believe cli- cessful only with the leadership from in place. There is no such thing. There mate change is happening. There is a the President of the United States. is no Republican strategy to deal with point where you can’t take views seri- So, President Obama, as Republicans, climate change. In fact, a majority of ously. Frankly, if this group by 70 per- as Democrats, as Independents, as my colleagues on that side can’t even cent thinks it is not even happening, Americans, we desperately need for you admit that it is real. there is a point where we have to say: to provide that leadership at this crit- So that is where we are. We are on a Run along, fellows; we want to play ical time. President Obama, are you up measure that clearly won’t pass under with the grownups here who under- to the job or do we have to wait an- the Congressional Review Act, clearly stand what is going on. other year to put a leader in the White will go to the President and be vetoed So here we are on this bill. I will say House? and be sustained on the veto. So this that I like to do a little research when

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.024 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7987 there is somebody speaking on the Sen- our winter flounder fishery. We are los- MANCHIN for 10 minutes; that following ate floor. I thought the Senator from ing our lobster fishery. We are getting Senator MANCHIN’s remarks, the Sen- Indiana was going to talk about cli- clobbered, and we can’t deny this stuff. ate recess until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly mate change, so I did home State Indi- The effect carbon has on the oceans conference meetings, and that the time ana, university, and climate change, to can be replicated in a high school in recess count against the majority see what comes up. What came up was science lab. Ramp up the carbon diox- time on the CRA. an article published by the University ide in saltwater and seawater and it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there of Indiana that says ‘‘Indiana Univer- turns acidic. The ocean is turning acid- objection? sity experts comment on climate ic at the fastest rate ever since human- Without objection, it is so ordered. change report.’’ That is the headline. kind has been on this planet. Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, it is The No. 1 lead under it is ‘‘Changing Go to the western coast and look at fascinating to listen to my colleague climate will affect Midwest crops, for- a little tiny sea snail called the pter- and friend from Rhode Island because I ests, public health.’’ That is the lead, opod, the sea butterfly. God’s evolution have the National Journal Daily print- Indiana University. The second lead is has metamorphosed this little snail to ed today. It has back-to-back pages ‘‘Report signals need to move away having a foot that is actually a wing talking about the terror, the horror in from fossil fuels.’’ So they get it at the that swims it through the ocean. It is Paris. Obviously the thoughts and University of Indiana. one of the core species. If we had good heartfelt condolences of the people of Here is the quote: ‘‘Climate change, ocean sense here, everybody would this country continue to go out to our once thought to be a problem for future know what a pteropod was. It is all friends in France, who have stood by generations, ‘has moved firmly into the over the place. It is a huge food source. us, and we will stand by them. present. . . . ’ ’’ That was an article It is the bottom floor of the food pyr- One page talks about how President from May 6, 2014, more than a year ago, amid. Obama has continued to underestimate and still we are on the floor fighting In the study just done, more than 50 ISIS. This is in today’s paper, quoting about vain and doomed-to-failure ef- percent of the pteropods in the Pacific President Obama, saying: ‘‘The anal- forts to attack the only climate change from California north had severe shell ogy we use around here sometimes, and plan that is out there. damage—more than half of the species I think is accurate, is if a JV team puts I invite my Republican colleagues: If had severe shell damage from acidifica- on Lakers uniforms, that doesn’t make you have a better plan than the cli- tion of those seas. People in Oregon them Kobe Bryant.’’ mate plan the President has put for- and Washington have had their oyster The President has continued to un- ward, let’s hear it. But I am here to say farms wiped out as the acidified water derestimate ISIS. they have nothing—nothing—zero. So came in and ate away the shells of The other side of the page: ‘‘ISIS vs. bring up that subject if you want. these little creatures. You do not sur- Climate Change.’’ It talks about the Highlight for the American people that vive long in an environment in which Democratic debate Saturday night— this is a party in tow to coal and oil you are soluble, and that is the predic- national television—after the tragic and Koch brothers’ interests. Highlight ament we are creating for these of events in Paris the night before. The for the American people that you are God’s species. moderator asked one of the leading running in direct opposition to what Pope Francis said something very Democrats running for President—run- the American people believe, to what simple: We don’t have that right. We ning second in the polls now—if that even young Republicans believe. I don’t don’t have that right. Those pteropods candidate had a chance to back off on get it, but have fun with it. aren’t this generation’s species. They his claims that climate change is the The last thing I will mention is this. are God’s species. They are the Earth’s greatest security threat facing the I am from the Ocean State. I am about species. It is not for us to tell our country. That candidate said: ‘‘In fact, to be followed by my distinguished col- grandchildren and our great-grand- climate change is directly related to league and friend from Wyoming. children: We don’t care. Go ahead, die the growth of terrorism.’’ That is the Rhode Island has a little bit of a dif- right out. We are going to protect our position I just heard from the Senator ferent situation. We are on the ocean. big industry friends. That is just from Rhode Island. It is a position we This denial business really doesn’t wrong. hear from a leading candidate for work for us. We can go down to Narra- We should not be on this bill. This is President on the Democratic side of gansett Bay and measure that the bay a time-waster. This is a disgrace. This the aisle. I would wonder how many is 3 to 4 degrees warmer, mean water has no business being here. The Amer- Americans believe that who—if they temperature, than it was 30 years ago. ican people know better, and that may heard that statement, believe that is That is not just a statistic; that signals be the reason we are trying to get off it true. the end of the winter flounder fishery as quickly as we can. But I am here to That is why I come to the floor today in Rhode Island. We used to catch win- say it is not enough to get off trying to to talk about President Obama’s ter flounder. It was a robust crop. It is knock down our one plan for dealing plans—his plans to tear down the gone, more than 90 percent wiped out, with climate change; we ought to be American energy reliability, American largely because that warming has thinking about how we enhance wind energy stability, things that are impor- changed the ecosystem in which the and solar in Texas, wind and solar in tant for our national security, because winter flounders grew. So it is gone. Wyoming, protect the great forests of he wants to remake energy into a form We paid a price for that. this country, protect the great shores he prefers. The President has a strat- We can go to Naval Station Newport of this country, and protect the species egy to do it. He has made it clear. He and look at the tide gauge. It is up 10 offshore. We are changing their world said that when he was running for inches since the hurricane of 1938 came on them by making the oceans more President in 2008. He bragged that his through. Google ‘‘Hurricane of 1938, acidic than they have been in the life- plan—he said if it went through, that Rhode Island.’’ Take a look at the im- time of our species. ‘‘electricity rates would necessarily ages. We got smashed by that hurri- I know the Senator from Wyoming is skyrocket.’’ And ever since then, Presi- cane, and now there are 10 inches more here to rebut everything I have said, dent Obama has been pushing to make water that can stack up with storm but he has that right. that happen, even though he couldn’t surge into an even bigger cocked fist I yield the floor. get it passed. When he tried to get part against my State. That is directly re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of his plan through Congress, even the lated to the warming oceans—unless ator from Wyoming. Democrats rejected it. They knew that somebody wants to repeal the law of ORDER OF PROCEDURE the American people didn’t want it and thermal expansion around here. But I Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask that the American economy couldn’t don’t think we get to do that in the unanimous consent that I be recog- afford it. Senate. That is one of God’s laws. That nized for 10 minutes, followed by Sen- Did President Obama listen to the is one of the laws of nature. ator SHAHEEN for 10 minutes, Senator American people? Absolutely not. Did So our seas are warming, and our CORNYN for 10 minutes, Senator NELSON he accept the overwhelming judgment seas are rising. We have virtually lost for 10 minutes, and finally Senator of Congress—a bipartisan approach—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.026 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 that his extreme attacks on American likely the result of ‘‘a process that is ference need to understand that these energy were a bad idea? No, he didn’t inexplicable, arbitrary, and devoid of a rules will not stand up in court. listen to that, either. The President is reasoned process.’’ President Obama’s ego is writing much more interested in the opinion of All of these rules are suffering from checks that his administration can’t far-left, extreme environmentalists the same kinds of problems. The cash. Any climate deal based on these than he is in the opinion of hard-work- Obama administration, once again, has flawed rules is simply not worth the ing Americans. He has done everything been acting far beyond its own author- paper it is printed on. It is time for he can to give his plans the effect of ity and far beyond anything that is ra- President Obama to be honest about law without asking Congress to actu- tional or appropriate for our Nation. what he can and cannot do. If he will ally pass them as laws. He has had his The same day that President Obama not admit that, then Congress is going Environmental Protection Agency put out the new rule on his so-called to have to make it clear so that every- draw up regulations—regulations that Clean Power Plan, 26 States filed law- one understands. The American people would shut down American energy pro- suits in Federal court to stop the disas- do have a voice. They will not allow ducers and damage our own economy. trous rule. Twenty-three States sued to these reckless and destructive regula- That is what the President’s own En- block the rule on new powerplants. tions to shut down American energy ergy Information Administration has Twenty-seven States have sued to production. said. The agency put out a report—a block the rule on existing powerplants. I yield the floor. report that found that the EPA’s new I believe these States are going to win The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rule on carbon dioxide emissions would in court because the rules are so ex- ator from New Hampshire. close coal-fired powerplants, would treme and this administration is so out Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise raise electricity prices, and would re- of control. today to speak in support of the Clean duce the gross domestic product of our President Obama doesn’t really care Power Plan and against the efforts by Nation. about any of that. He thinks he still the majority to undermine the plan. That is just one of many rules this wins even when he loses in court. He The Clean Power Plan is vital to the administration has been pushing into thinks if he can drag it out long environmental and economic well- force without legal support. Every one enough, businesses will have to spend being of both New Hampshire and this of these rules will mean hard-working the money and comply anyway. country. It is an important and his- Americans will lose their jobs and That is actually what the President’s toric step that will mitigate the effects hard-working families will be paying EPA chief said before the last regula- of climate change by reducing carbon higher electric bills. Put it all to- tion got rejected by the Supreme pollution from our Nation’s dirtiest gether, and the price tag could reach Court. She went on television a few powerplants. hundreds of billions of dollars. days before the decision and said that Powerplants account for nearly 40 Who is asking President Obama to do it didn’t matter what the Supreme percent of all U.S. carbon emissions. this? Who is asking to pay more in Court said. She said that it didn’t mat- That is more than every car, every their electric bill every month? People ter if the administration loses because truck, and every plane in the United don’t want it, and the President the rule has already been in place for 3 States combined. If we are to be suc- doesn’t have the authority to do it. years. cessful in addressing climate change, That is why he is not asking Congress That is exactly what the Obama ad- we have to reduce the amount of pollu- to weigh in on his plans. That is why ministration is counting on this time tion that is coming from this sector, he is pushing these rules by unelected, as well. That is why it is so important and we cannot delay. unaccountable bureaucrats instead of that Congress act today to block these My home State of New Hampshire is going to the people and their represent- rules from taking effect. We are debat- doing its part to reduce carbon emis- atives. The American people do have a ing the two measures that will do that. sions by making smart investments in voice, and they are making their voice The measure by Senator MCCONNELL renewable energy and energy effi- heard through us today. and Senator MANCHIN—this is bipar- ciency, but we do need a Federal plan We are here talking about two rules tisan—would block the rule for new to make sure our country moves for- in particular. These are the restric- powerplants, and the second measure ward together. tions on existing powerplants and on by Senator CAPITO and Senator As Senator WHITEHOUSE and Senator new powerplants, plants that haven’t HEITKAMP—again, a Republican and BOXER have said so eloquently, the ver- even been built yet. These are the core Democrat working together—would dict on climate change is in. It is a re- of what the President calls his Clean block the rule for existing powerplants. ality that must be addressed. Study Power Plan. These are bipartisan resolutions of after study reinforces the over- We are here to say today that these disapproval under the Congressional whelming consensus that global tem- rules go too far. The Obama adminis- Review Act. They are our chance for peratures are steadily rising and con- tration has tried this before. It has Congress to stand up for the people tributing to more extreme weather pushed through other regulations that that we represent. America can’t afford events and changes in our environ- people didn’t want and can’t afford. these illegal rules to go into effect and ment. The administration has said that it be there for 3 years before the Court We are seeing that firsthand in New gets to decide what is best, that it gets tosses them out. Hampshire, where climate records show to decide what people should do. The There is another reason that Con- a steady increase in yearly tempera- courts legitimately have said: not so gress needs to vote to strike down tures and annual precipitation fast. these expensive, burdensome regula- amounts continue to grow. As a result, This summer, the Supreme Court re- tions immediately. Later this month, climate change is affecting New Hamp- jected a different EPA rule because the the President will be participating in shire’s tourism and outdoor recreation administration never bothered—this is the international talks on climate economy, which are really so impor- what the Court said—to take into ac- change. This is a meeting of about 200 tant to our State. Tourism is the sec- count the costs of the rule. The Su- countries from around the world to ond largest industry in New Hamp- preme Court said: ‘‘One would not say limit the amount of carbon dioxide and shire. Each year hundreds of thousands that it is even rational’’—this is the other emissions that each country can of sportsmen and wildlife watchers Supreme Court talking about the produce. come to New Hampshire to enjoy our President’s rules; it isn’t even ration- The President desperately wants his natural resources. Hunting, fishing, al—‘‘never mind ‘appropriate,’ to im- so-called Clean Power Plan so people and outdoor recreation contribute pose billions of dollars of economic will say he is leading on the issue. nearly $4.2 billion to the New Hamp- costs in return for a few dollars in Without these illegal regulations, he shire economy each year. But rising health or environmental benefits.’’ has nothing to offer. Congress needs to temperatures are affecting our fall foli- Two courts have blocked the EPA’s make clear that the American people age season, which has just ended. We rule on waters of the United States. do not support these regulations. For- are seeing fewer snow days, which im- One of the courts said that the rule was eign diplomats at the climate con- pacts skiing and snowmobiling, and ice

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.027 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7989 out on our lakes is happening earlier ready the tailpipe. New England is the pledging to support new initiatives each year. tailpipe of the central part of the coun- that may emerge from the global con- We heard Senator WHITEHOUSE talk- try. So all of the pollution that is ference on climate change in Paris in ing about the impact on fisheries in being created in the Midwest by those December. America’s Clean Power Plan Rhode Island. We have seen that in powerplants that are spewing out fossil is a powerful demonstration of our New Hampshire as well, where cod fuels is coming on the air currents to global leadership on climate change, stocks in the North Atlantic and the New Hampshire and to New England. and it will allow the United States to Gulf of Maine have been reduced so pre- I am proud to say that Granite lead with credibility and authority at cipitously that it has devastated New Staters have recognized the effects of the Paris conference. Hampshire’s fishing industry. climate change, and New Hampshire We all know—or at least those people We are also seeing changes in our has been a leader in reducing pollution. who are willing to acknowledge what State’s maple syrup industry. New We are one of nine Northeastern States the research shows—that climate Hampshire produces more than 100,000 that are part of the Regional Green- change represents an enormous chal- gallons of maple syrup annually. It is house Gas Initiative. As a result, New lenge, but solutions are within reach if the third largest maple producer in the Hampshire has already reduced its we put in place policies that allow for New England States. Maple syrup pro- power sector carbon pollution by 49 action. We have a responsibility to help duction is entirely dependent on percent since 2008. Because of the ini- protect our children and our grand- weather conditions. Any change, no tiative of the State and local commu- children from the severe consequences matter how slight, can throw off pro- nities, New Hampshire is on track to of global warming by taking action duction and endanger the industry. meet the Clean Power Plan’s carbon re- now. It is time to move forward with Trees require warm days and cold duction goals 10 years early. We are the Clean Power Plan without delay. It nights to create the optimal sugar con- going to be there by 2020, rather than is time to stop short-circuiting efforts tent and sap production. The changing 2030. to reduce carbon pollution in this climate is putting more stress on sugar In addition, New Hampshire is invest- country. maples, affecting syrup production. ing in clean energy, using proceeds I urge my colleagues to stop standing According to a report by the New from emissions permits sold at RGGI in the way of this important effort to Hampshire Citizens for a Responsible auctions. The Regional Greenhouse Gas reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Energy Policy, ‘‘current modeling fore- Initiative is a cap-and-trade system THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- casts predict that maple sugar trees that is working in the nine North- jority whip. eventually will be completely elimi- eastern States. In 2012, New Hampshire Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask nated as a regionally important species invested 94 percent of those funds from unanimous consent that the Senator in the northeastern United States.’’ the program in energy efficiency and from Alabama be recognized to speak If we look at this chart, we can see renewable energy programs that di- and that following his remarks, I be the red here is elm, ash, and cotton- rectly benefit New Hampshire resi- permitted to speak. wood. We see the green is oak and pine dents. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there and oak and hickory. This is 1960 to I had a chance last week to visit the objection? 1990. This is a current look at what is western part of the State and a town Without objection, it is so ordered. happening with our trees in New Hamp- named Peterborough. Actually, ‘‘Our TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST FRANCE AND shire and New England. This darker red Town,’’ the play by Thornton Wilder, is SYRIAN REFUGEES that we see here, which is almost all of written about Peterborough. They have Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, the ter- New Hampshire, is maple, beech and built the largest solar array in New rorist attacks that rocked the city of birch trees. That is what things look Hampshire, and they are using it to Paris and the entire world on Friday, I like today. By 2070, you can see there power their wastewater treatment. believe we all agree, were horrific and are no more maple trees left in New Selling excess power into the grid and unthinkable. The people of France Hampshire and all of New England. reducing the town’s other energy costs, stood by our side after the horrendous There are very few elm, ash, and cot- they are saving between $25,000 and events of September 11, 2001, and the tonwoods. There is a little bit in New $50,000 a year. American people will stand by them York. They have all moved to the West What is so exciting to me is that during this tragic time. Cowardly and and the North. when this project came up at a town barbaric acts of violence against inno- If we fail to act on climate change, meeting for a vote, it passed unani- cent civilians absolutely should not be we are going to lose these trees, lose mously. Yesterday I had a chance to tolerated anywhere in our society, and the industry, and lose our fall foliage visit Middleton, NH. I went to we must take any and all steps avail- because maples are so important to the Lavalley/Middleton Lumber. It is a able to prevent a similar attack from fall foliage. Climate change is also a sawmill that produces pine boards for occurring right here in the United threat to our wildlife and their habi- Diprizio Lumber. In 2006, they installed States. tats. a very large wood-fired boiler. They are Early reports from the terrorist at- In New Hampshire, the moose is a able to use the byproducts from the tacks in Paris on Friday indicate that vital part of our State’s culture, and sawmill to fire the boiler, using com- the refugee programs in Europe al- yet, as a result of climate change, we bined heat and power. Not only are lowed at least one of the attackers to have seen a 40-percent decline in the they able to heat their complex, but enter France. In light of these reports, moose population. It is hard to see. they are also able to provide the gen- the United States should take notice. You can see that this moose looks very eration that they need for power to run We are now faced with an opportunity distressed, as does this one. What looks the mills. As a result of this, they are to make a commonsense, responsible like little knobs on this moose’s tail saving $700,000 a year on their power decision that would put Americans at are ticks. Those ticks are there be- bills. ease and put an end to the risk of rad- cause with the warmer winters, insects New Hampshire has shown that we ical Islamic terrorists infiltrating our and ticks are not dying off. They in- can take advantage of moving to re- Nation through the refugee resettle- fested our moose population, which is newable energy sources. We can make ment program. I believe we simply can- down 40 percent. smart energy choices that benefit the not trust this administration to put in Climate change is also impacting the environment and yet strengthen our place the rigorous vetting system need- health of New Hampshire’s families. economy. Nationally, the Clean Power ed to ensure that the refugees who New Hampshire has one of the highest Plan is projected to cut carbon emis- enter our Nation will not be future childhood asthma rates in the country. sions by millions of tons per year and threats to our people in our own home- Rising temperatures increase smog lev- generate tens of billions of dollars a land. It is, without a doubt, in the best els. They heighten the effects of al- year in health and climate benefits. interest of the American people and lergy season. All of those things im- It is good for the economy. That is our national security to immediately peril the health of vulnerable popu- why 81 major companies, including four halt any plans to allow Syrian refugees lations in New Hampshire, which is al- in New Hampshire, have signed a letter to resettle in the United States.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.029 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 We know we live in an increasingly 20,000 core and foreign fighters that tecting our homeland and keeping the dangerous world, and I believe the have continued to murder their way American people safer is the first order Obama administration’s lack of leader- across Syria and Iraq, decimating pop- of business. With the latest public ship on foreign policy has exacerbated ulations there and elsewhere as their threat from ISIS yesterday directed at the problem. We cannot continue to let influence and power grows. Over the us here in the United States, we must President Obama’s ill-conceived poli- last year, the administration’s paral- remain vigilant against the ongoing cies put Americans at risk. This ad- ysis over how to defeat this terrorist threat that may come from those al- ministration is either asleep or out of threat has plunged Syria deeper and ready inside our country. touch with the danger lurking in the deeper into violence and chaos. What The attack in Paris has drawn atten- world. started as a civil war in Syria back in tion to the degree to which law en- I ask the American people today: 2011 has now cost the lives of roughly 1 forcement and intelligence officials are What is it going to take to wake up million Syrians. Millions of people able to track, surveil, and apprehend this administration? Will it take an- have been internally displaced within potential threats before they turn other horrific attack on our own soil Syria and outside of its borders into deadly, but with changing technology and our own people? surrounding countries, such as Turkey, and damaging intelligence leaks, that I believe it is more than time to put Jordan, Lebanon, and elsewhere, and is becoming increasingly challenging. an end to relocating Syrian refugees in now we are seeing that wave of refu- In that same House hearing in Octo- our country, and that is why I will gees extend to Europe, and, indeed, ber, the Director of the National Coun- work tirelessly with my colleagues in some have now made their way to our terterrorism Center noted that poten- the Senate to reverse President shores. tial homegrown threats were finding Obama’s extremely dangerous position By allowing ISIS to take over such a ways to communicate ‘‘outside of our that threatens the American people large portion of territory, President reach’’ and therefore, off our radar. and our homeland. Obama has neglected one of the key As law enforcement officials have I yield the floor. recommendations of the 9/11 Commis- noted, this includes the use of Internet The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- sion, which advised the U.S. Govern- service providers outside the United jority whip. ment following that fateful day on Sep- States as well as the increasingly wide- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, on Fri- tember 11, 2001, to ‘‘identify and spread use of encryption capabilities day we all watched in horror the tragic prioritize actual or potential terrorist and new technologies. Yet, as the events that unfolded in the city of sanctuaries.’’ Instead, the President threat of ISIS evolves and intensifies, Paris. We saw radical Islamic terrorists has stood and watched like a spectator the world is looking toward the United brutally target innocent civilians in while this terrorist army, over the States as an example of strength. So I places that no one should feel unsafe— course of many months, has carved out propose in the wake of this deadly at- a soccer stadium, a concert hall, and a its own safe haven right in the heart of tack that our administration and the cafe. These attacks on our Nation’s the Middle East, and in doing so, has Federal Government do three things. oldest ally have struck us here at home erased the border between Syria and First, the President needs to hit the to our very core. Iraq where they control large swaths of pause button on Syrian refugee reset- We know what it is like to be at- territory. tlement until the Department of Home- tacked in our homeland, and therefore The capture of these swaths of terri- land Security can verify with certainty we know what the French people are tory and the spread of the violent, ex- that our processes are enhanced to en- going through. As we continue to keep tremist ideology has not been the only sure that applicants do not have ties to the French people in our thoughts and consequence. The civil unrest in Syria ISIS or any other terror groups. prayers, we should do everything in our has fueled the influx of nearly one-half Secondly, the President needs to lay power to assist them. As the facts un- million refugees who have flooded out a clear strategy for destroying per- fold and if, indeed, ISIS did plan and Eastern Europe and elsewhere. haps the best resourced, best armed execute these attacks as they have Under questioning in the House Com- terrorist group on the planet. This is claimed, then the United States and mittee on Homeland Security last long overdue, and his failure to do so is our allies have an obligation to join month, FBI Director James Comey was one of the reasons we find ourselves France in responding swiftly and force- asked about the security precautions where we are today. It is in the best in- fully. the Federal Government was taking terest of the Syrian people to stay in These attacks are a tragic reminder when screening refugees. Director Syria if they can, but with cir- that the threat of ISIS stretches well Comey confirmed what many of us cumstances being what they are, we beyond the Middle East. ISIS is not a have feared, and that is if a Syrian ref- can understand from a human perspec- JV team, nor have they been contained ugee was not already known to law en- tive why they would seek a safe haven as the President of the United States forcement and intelligence officials, it wherever they can find it. This refugee has claimed. More than a year ago, I is difficult, if not impossible, for us to crisis is directly related to the Presi- stood here on the Senate floor and said vet that individual’s background for dent’s failure to have any effective that we would not vote to give the potential terror ties to various ter- strategy to deal with the situation on President a blank check in Syria with- rorist groups. He explained it by say- the ground in Syria. It is destabilizing out a clear strategy with achievable ing: ‘‘If someone has never made a rip- governments in the region, which have objectives to defeat the terrorist ple in the pond in Syria in a way that huge refugee populations and which threat. Nevertheless, over the course of would get their identity or their inter- have to deal with the economic and this last year, the President has failed est reflected in our database, we can other challenges of dealing with that to come up with any sort of coherent query our database until the cows situation. It is important to see the strategy to deal with this threat. What come home but . . . there will be noth- refugee crisis—including the 10,000 Syr- we have seen and heard are speeches, ing . . . because we will have no record ian refugees who appeared in New Orle- interviews, and vague assurances that on that person.’’ ans just this last week—is a result of a have attempted to distract the Amer- I am proud of our history of opening failure of any strategy to deal with ican public from the stark reality that our doors to innocent people fleeing vi- this conflict in Syria. the President’s so-called strategy olence or religious persecution. That is There are suggestions that have been against ISIS is not achieving his stated part of who we are as a country. But made that I think bear some consider- objective of degrading and ultimately following Friday’s attack, we should ation, such as having safe zones and destroying ISIS. This whole idea that pause our Syrian refugee program until no-fly and no-drive zones enforced by you can, through bombing attacks, de- we can be sure that the individuals are the international community. Before I feat a threat like ISIS and, once the being fully vetted for potential terror spoke, I believe the Senator from Indi- threat is cleared, hold that real estate ties so we can ensure the public safety ana suggested maybe this would be an or hold that land is just a pipe dream. of all Americans, which is our first re- appropriate mission for NATO. Maybe The United States and our partners sponsibility. Compassion for those ref- so. We ought to talk about and reach are facing a robust enemy of more than ugees is important, as I said, but pro- some decisions about that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.030 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7991 Finally, the President of the United gence of activity here in the United space industry for many years into the States has the obligation to explain to States. For example, just 10 years ago, future—an industry of vital economic, the American people how he is going to there was only one American commer- scientific, and national security impor- defend our interests and keep our peo- cial space launch, compared at that tance. ple safe here at home. time to eight launches from Russia and Mr. President, I yield the floor. As I said, one of the biggest threats five from Europe. Last year there were The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- is homegrown terrorists radicalized 11 American commercial launches, ac- ator from West Virginia. over social media and the Internet. counting for nearly half of the world- Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I Perhaps even more concerning to me wide commercial launches and earning thank all of my colleagues who have than the threat of a potential attacker $1.1 billion in revenue—more than both worked with me on these resolutions to entering the United States is a self- Russia and Europe for the very first stop the EPA’s destructive new regula- radicalized attacker that is already time. Much of this growth has been tions such as the new source perform- here. This homegrown threat, I believe, seeded by a commercial industry sup- ance standards. They are truly unreal- poses a much more imminent danger to porting the needs of our space program; istic and unreasonable and threaten our people—a sad fact we learned the in particular, the International Space our security and prosperity. hard way at Fort Hood, TX, in 2009, and Station. Folks just do not realize that I have always said we are all entitled in Garland, TX, earlier this year. we have an International Space Sta- to our opinion and our views, we are In conclusion, all indications from tion up there right now that is as long just not entitled to our own facts. As I the White House are the President will as from one goalpost on a football field go through this presentation, I will not change a thing. He is going to stay all the way to the other goalpost. That show my colleagues the facts that we the course in spite of the gathering is how big this is. There are six human will not be able to give us the energy risk and danger of terrorist attacks beings up there on orbit right now. Two we need if we go down this destructive being exported or being incited within American companies are now supplying path. our own borders. Now, more than ever, the International Space Station with The CRA resolution I have intro- the Nation needs the kind of strong critical cargo and supplies, along with duced with Senate Majority Leader leadership that is commensurate with our international partners. Soon, U.S. MITCH MCCONNELL will disapprove and the challenges we are facing. That is companies will begin launching NASA stop the EPA’s rule for emissions from the kind of leadership that the Amer- astronauts and international partner new coal-fired powerplants. I thank my ican people expect and the kind of lead- astronauts to the space station. colleague from West Virginia Senator ership that they deserve. That is why this bill is so important. CAPITO and the Senator from North Da- I yield the floor. It paves the way for NASA to begin kota Senator HEITKAMP for joining me The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. launching government astronauts on in this fight by introducing a separate WICKER). The Senator from Florida. American-made commercial rockets so resolution to disapprove the EPA’s rule Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I will we do not have to depend on our crews for emissions from existing coal-fired have more to say about the refugee cri- getting to and from the space station powerplants. It is time for Congress to sis and the necessity of the consider- just on the very proven and reliable step in and stop these rules from harm- able vetting of those refugees, as well Russian Soyuz. ing not only hard-working West Vir- as any other refugees, as we protect Commercial companies are also mak- ginians but the American consumer. I ourselves here at home. I will have ing great use of the space station for am pleased these measures are being more to say about that later. medical research, and one company is brought to the floor for a vote today. U.S. COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH even 3D-printing tools right now on the Never before has the Federal Govern- COMPETITIVENESS ACT space station. So the bill extends the ment forced an industry to do some- Mr. President, I want to bring to the operations of the International Space thing that is technologically impos- attention of the Senate that last night Station to provide certainty to indus- sible—until now. I have always said the House passed a bill we modified— try and to the international commu- that if a regulation is not obtainable, the U.S. Commercial Space Launch nity that the station will be around not it is unreasonable, and that is the fact Competitiveness Act. It will now go to just to 2016, not just to 2020 but now, as we have in front of us. the President to be signed into law. we put it in the bill, at least to 2024. I The EPA has based its final rule for This bill contains the language we think we will see efforts later on that new coal-fired powerplants in the helped to negotiate as a compromise it will even be extended beyond 2024. It United States largely on a still-devel- between two different bills that had is fitting that I mention that because oping powerplant unit in Canada, passed the House and the Senate ear- this month we are celebrating the 15th which is called the Boundary Dam CCS lier this year. anniversary of continuous human pres- Project. The EPA asserted in the final This bipartisan legislation, which ence aboard the ISS—15 years we have rule that the Boundary Dam facility passed the Senate unanimously, is a had humans up there on an around-the- has been operating full carbon capture major effort that recognizes the tre- clock basis. sequestration successfully at a com- mendous growth of the commercial The commercial space sector is also mercial scale since October 2014. That space industry. It is an industry that revitalizing old government infrastruc- is found to be totally untrue. Canadian now represents more than 75 percent of ture such as the historic launch pads press reports have recently disclosed the $330 billion global space economy— that lined Florida’s space coast. It has that the Boundary Dam project has $330 billion. It is an industry here in been a privilege for me to spend some failed to operate successfully at full the United States that will continue to time there at the Cape and at the Ken- CCS for any meaningful period of time. grow as more companies enter into new nedy Space Center. It is an amazing The reports also identify the CCS and exciting space ventures, such as transformation of Cape Canaveral into system of the demonstration plant as launching thousands of small satellites a bustling space port, but I have seen being a key issue in the delays for get- that will provide worldwide Internet how challenging it can be for commer- ting the plant up and running. After 1 access, such as recovering valuable re- cial companies to get to do business year of operation, the project was sources from distant asteroids, and out there on the Air Force territory. forced to replace certain important such as sending tourists on incredible That is why this bill requires the features at a cost of $60 million. There journeys that one day may even in- FAA, NASA, and the Air Force to work have always been nearly $23 million in clude overnight stays in space hotels. together to reduce the administrative nonperformance penalties and lost rev- These are the innovative kinds of burden on industry operating on gov- enues. commercial space activities this little ernment property and to do that by The plant’s management company, country boy dreamed about years ago streamlining the Federal launch re- which is SaskPower, has acknowledged when I had the privilege of helping pass quirements and processes. these recent reports and are now push- the first Commercial Space Launch This bill is a major update to our ing back the project’s operational date Act way back in 1984. It is an industry commercial space legislation. It will to the end of 2016, but there are no where we are starting to see a resur- encourage the growing commercial guarantees this will prove true either.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.032 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7992 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 SaskPower is also claiming that the Although the Energy Information RECESS project will need at least a year of sta- Administration—the EIA—within the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ble operation to prove the technical op- Department of Energy still projects 37 the previous order, the Senate stands eration and the economics of the percent of electricity generation will in recess until 2:15 p.m. project, which would aid in deter- come from coal in 2040—I remind you, Thereupon, the Senate, at 1:17 p.m., mining commercial viability. this administration that has put to- recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- SaskPower has announced it will not gether rules that are unattainable and bled when called to order by the Pre- be able to make an informed decision unreasonable is saying they are still siding Officer (Mr. PORTMAN). about carbon capture sequestration going to need 37 percent of the elec- until 2018. Yet the EPA here in the tricity this country will need by 2040 f United States of America is demanding from coal. The currently operating PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL that all U.S. coal-fired generation in- plants, without new additions, will av- DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUB- dustry implement this technology now. erage 65 years of age by that time. If MITTED BY THE ENVIRON- That is what I have said all along: If it nothing is done, these plants are aver- MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY— is not obtainable, which it has not aging 65 years of age to produce the Continued been—we have not spent the money type of power this country needs. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- trying to develop this technology, and history of coal plant operations al- it hasn’t worked—shouldn’t we at least ator from Arizona. ready tells us coal plants at that age Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask make sure it works before we force a will not achieve the levels of hours of complete overhaul of the system or unanimous consent to address the Sen- reliable operation required to meet the ate as in morning business and that I people to meet standards that are 2040 forecast. unobtainable. be allowed to speak without a time The coal industry must be allowed to limit. These recent revelations prove that add the new coal-fired powerplant addi- CCS is still technically unproven and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tions, such as the ultra-supercritical, objection, it is so ordered. still potentially damaging in a power- which we know is technology that plant application. Therefore, it is fool- The Senator from Arizona is recog- works. We know it works, but this is nized. ish for this administration to require it not the direction they are going. They ISIL now for new U.S. coal plants. are putting something that is unat- Last week I wrote a letter to Admin- tainable in place. That is why we need Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, it has istrator McCarthy about these reports to block this plan, the Clean Power been more than 1 year since President because forcing coal to meet standards Plan, that the President has brought Obama spoke to the Nation about the when experts know that the required before us because it cannot be attained threat posed by ISIL and escalated U.S. technology is not adequately dem- military operations against it. The onstrated on a commercial scale makes and we are going to be in a deficit. There is no doubt this President’s goal at that time, the President said, absolutely no sense at all. Instead, I agenda has already had a crushing im- was to degrade and destroy ISIL. One believe the EPA should scrap this im- pact on my State of West Virginia and year ago, the goal was to degrade and possible-to-meet rule or amend it to re- other energy States around the coun- destroy ISIL. It is impossible to look quire advanced technology that has ac- try. We have to say enough is enough. at where we are today and claim that tually been implemented which would the President’s strategy is succeeding offer improved environmental perform- In West Virginia we want clean air, we want clean water, and we are doing ev- or that it is likely to succeed on any- ance and is commercially viable. thing approaching an acceptable time- For the administration, this rule is erything humanly possible. We have cleaned up the environment more in table and level of risk. more about desirability rather than No one should take this as a criti- feasibility, with little regard for rising the last two decades than ever before. If you look around the world, there is cism of the men and women in uniform, consumer prices, the effects on jobs, as well as their civilian counterparts in and the impact on the reliability of our more coal being burned than has ever been burned before. The United States the field, who are doing the best they electric grid. can under the strategic and operational This administration thinks the coun- burns less than 1 billion tons of coal a constraints they face, especially in the try can do without coal. I will simply year. Over 7 billion tons of coal are face of the White House’s desire to re- tell my colleagues this: They are in being burned elsewhere in the world, visit the Vietnam war tactics and to total denial. They might not like it, with 4 billion tons being burned just in micromanage the military’s campaign. they might not want it, but it is built China. I would venture to say nobody is It is not that we have done nothing into the plan for the next 20 to 30 meeting the standards that we are re- years. They have flat out ignored their quired to here for the technology that against ISIL; it is that there is no com- own data that says that coal will is going to be needed to be attained. pelling reason to believe anything we produce more than 30 percent of our I will continue to explore all avail- are doing will be sufficient to destroy electricity through 2040. able options to prevent these unattain- ISIL. Thousands of airstrikes against It is completely contradictory that able regulations from impacting the ISIL’s targets have conjured the illu- the EPA continues to impose unreason- State of West Virginia and the United sion of progress, but they have pro- able and unattainable rules in an at- States. duced little in the way of decisive bat- tempt to regulate coal into extinction. I would ask the President—this ad- tlefield effects. The people who suffer are hard-working ministration—to work with us to find I noted with some interest that we West Virginians and consumers across and develop the technology that would provided some targeting for the this great country. If these regulations allow us to use a product that we have French, who carried out airstrikes. I go into effect, no new coal plants could in abundance in this country—which is wonder why we hadn’t done any of that begin new operations, more Americans coal—in the cleanest fashion. We can in the last year. would lose their jobs, and economic un- then export that technology around ISIL continues to dominate Sunni certainty would grow. the world to clean up the overall envi- Arab areas in the world, in both Iraq The Nation’s coal-fired powerplants ronment and to help the environment and Syria, and efforts to reclaim major currently have an average age of 45 around the globe. population centers in those areas, such years, the average age of all coal plants Right now Congress needs to move as Mosul, have stalled, to say the least. in America today, which produce close forward to stop these rules that are Meanwhile, ISIL continues to expand to 40 percent of our power. Many will crippling our energy production, jeop- globally. It is now operating in Afghan- need to be replaced in the near future, ardizing the energy grid, and putting istan, Yemen, Libya, Lebanon, and and regulations that prohibit building our workers out of good-paying jobs. I Egypt, and other radical Islamist new coal-fired powerplants can soon be- urge all my colleagues to support these groups, such as Boko Haram in Nigeria come a serious issue for the Nation’s resolutions that are put forward today and al-Shabaab in Somalia, have electricity grid and the reliability we when we vote. pledged allegiance to ISIL. This ap- all depend upon. Thank you. pearance of success only enhances

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.034 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7993 ISIL’s ability to radicalize, recruit, and I guess Michael Morell, former Dep- cause that would militarize the con- grow. uty Secretary of the CIA, was just flict. He was wrong. He said he would In the past month, ISIL has com- ‘‘popping off’’ when he said recently not intervene militarily in Iraq or menced a new stage in its war on the that ‘‘the downing of the Russian air- Syria. He was wrong. He said he would civilized world by unleashing a wave of liner, only the third such attack in 25 not put boots on the ground in Syria. terrorist attacks around the globe. In years, and the attacks in Paris, the He was wrong. Now he says that his Ankara, ISIL detonated two bombs largest in Europe since the Madrid strategy is working, that all it needs is outside a train station, killing 102 peo- bombings in 2004, make it crystal clear time, and that no further changes are ple and injuring over 400 more. In the that our ISIS strategy is not working.’’ required despite ISIL’s campaign of skies over Egypt, ISIL destroyed a That comes from Michael Morell, the terror. Now, get this straight. After the Russian civilian airliner with a bomb former deputy head of the CIA under bombing in Paris, after the Russian that killed all 224 passengers aboard. In this President. airliner, after the other acts of terror, Beirut, ISIL conducted 2 suicide bomb- I guess Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN, he needs time—he needs time—and no ings that killed 43 people and injured vice chair of the Senate Select Com- further changes are required. Does any- 239 more. In Baghdad, ISIL bombs mittee on Intelligence, was just ‘‘pop- body believe him anymore? killed 26 people and wounded more ping off’’ when she said that ‘‘ISIL is What the President has failed to un- than 60 others. Finally, in the streets not contained, ISIL is expanding’’ and derstand for nearly 5 years is that un- of Paris last week, as we all know, gun- that we need new military strategy and less and until he leads an international men wearing suicide belts attacked in- tactics. effort to end the conflict in Syria and nocent civilians at restaurants, bars, a I guess GEN Jack Keane, one of my Iraq, the costs of this conflict will con- soccer stadium, and a concert hall, heroes and architect of the successful tinue to mount. Those consequences killing at least 129 and wounding 352 surge strategy in Iraq, was just ‘‘pop- have grown steadily, from mass atroc- other people. ping off’’ when he said, ‘‘We are, in ities and hundreds of thousands of dead The American people have experi- fact, losing this war. Moreover, I can in Syria, to the repeated use of weap- enced this kind of terror before, and we say with certainty that this strategy ons of mass destruction, to the rise of stand together with the people of Tur- will not defeat ISIS.’’ This strategy the world’s largest terrorist army and key, Russia, Lebanon, Iraq, France, will not defeat ISIS. That comes from its rampage across Syria and Iraq, to and nearly 20 other nations whose citi- the author of the surge which suc- destabilizing refugee flows that have zens were murdered by these brutal ceeded, which the President, by with- shaken the stability of Syria’s neigh- atrocity committers. These attacks re- drawing all troops, allowed to go com- bors and are now potentially changing veal nothing new about ISIL’s char- the character of European society. Now acter. ISIL is the face of evil in our pletely to waste, and the lives of brave we see the latest manifestation of this world today. It has crucified its en- young Americans were wasted. I guess Hillary Clinton, the Presi- threat: global terrorist attacks di- emies, beheaded innocent journalists, dent’s former Secretary of State and rected and inspired by ISIL that killed burned a Muslim pilot alive in a cage, desired successor, was just ‘‘popping hundreds around the world. and it has condemned women and chil- off’’ when she declared her support for The Paris attacks, obviously, should dren and girls to slavery and torture be a wake-up call for all Americans, and unspeakable sexual abuse. And a no-fly zone in Syria to ‘‘stop the car- most of all for the President. If we stay when waging war on the living has nage on the ground and from the air.’’ I guess GEN David Petraeus was just the course, if we don’t change our failed to satisfy its savagery, ISIL has ‘‘popping off’’ when he testified to the strategy now, we will be attacked. I desecrated and destroyed many of the Committee on Armed Services that the don’t know where, when, or how, but it monuments to civilization that remain President’s strategy has failed to cre- will happen. Do we need to wait for across the Middle East. ISIL’s latest attacks also reveal ate the military conditions to end the more innocent people to die before we nothing new about its intentions. Ev- conflict in Syria and that ISIL will not address the reality that is right before erything that ISIL is doing is what be defeated until we do so. us? ISIL has said it intends to attack their leaders have long said they would I guess James Jeffrey, a career for- Washington, DC. Do we not take them do. They have stated their aims explic- eign officer and the President’s Ambas- at their word? Do we think they are itly and clearly. All we have to do is sador to Iraq, was just ‘‘popping off’’ not capable of it? Do we think time is listen to their words. Indeed, as one au- when he wrote in the Washington Post on our side? It is not. Time is not on thor put it, ISIL has ‘‘toiled mightily today that the President needs to send our side. to make their projects knowable.’’ thousands of ground troops to destroy The lesson of the September 11 at- What these attacks have dem- ISIL. tack was that mass murderers cannot onstrated and what now should be clear What all of these national security be permitted safe havens. They cannot is that ISIL is at war with us whether leaders recognize is the reality that is be permitted safe havens from which to or not we admit we are at war with staring us right in the face. It is the plot our destruction. Do we really have them. What should now be clear is that President who is once again failing to to pay that price again through the ISIL is determined to attack the heart grasp it. He fails to understand even blood of our citizens? of the civilized world—Europe and the now that wars don’t end just because For nearly 5 years, we have been told United States—that it has the intent he says they are over, that our ter- there is no military solution to the to attack us, the capabilities to attack rorist enemies are not defeated just be- conflict in Syria and Iraq, as if anyone us, and the sanctuary from which to cause he says they are, that the threat believes there is. In fact, one of the plan those attacks. What should now posed by ISIL is not contained because things that is most frustrating about be clear is that our people and our al- he desires it to be so, and that maybe, the President’s rhetoric is that he sets lies will not be safe until ISIL is de- just maybe, the growing group of his up straw men. He says we either should stroyed—not just degraded but de- bipartisan critics might just be right. do nothing or the Republicans or crit- stroyed, and not eventually but as soon And why won’t he listen to them? Why ics—now Democrats as well—are want- as possible. won’t he listen to these people of expe- ing to send in 100,000 troops. We do not. Unfortunately—unfortunately— al- rience and knowledge and background? We do not. We believe and I am con- most tragically, President Obama re- Whom does he listen to? Whom does vinced that we can send in a force com- mains as ideologically committed as the President listen to? He couldn’t be posed of Sunni Arabs, of Egyptians, of ever to staying the course he is on and listening to anybody knowledgeable Turks, and Americans—about 10,000— impervious to new information that and then make the comments he made establish the no-fly zone, allow the ref- would suggest otherwise, as he made at that press conference. ugees a sanctuary, and make sure that quite clear during his incredible press The President has had to go back on no barrel bombing will be allowed in conference yesterday in Turkey. Ac- everything he said he would not do to those areas. We can succeed. ISIS is cording to the President of the United combat the threats now emanating not invincible. The United States of States, anyone who disagrees with him from Syria and Iraq. He said he would America and our allies are far stronger. is ‘‘popping off’’—popping off. not arm moderate Syrian rebels be- We are the strongest Nation on Earth.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.036 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7994 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 To say we can’t defeat ISIL—it is a negotiated solution that favors U.S. in- leaves but it is a matter of when, when matter of will, not a matter of whether terests. Russia and Iran have entirely the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of or not it is a capability. different goals than the United States Staff and then-Secretary of Defense So I say to my colleagues and the of America in Syria. Russia wants to testified before our committee that it American people, we can defeat ISIS keep Bashar Assad or his stooge in is inevitable that Bashar Assad will go, and we can wipe them off the face of power, they want to keep their major when the President of the United the Earth, but we have to have a strat- influence in the region, and they want States continuously said time after egy, and this President has never had a to protect their base there. The United time that we have a strategy and it is strategy. States of America has none of those in- not anything to worry about, when we For nearly 5 years we have been told terests. They want to prop up the guy get out of Iraq and we draw redlines in that there is no military solution; that who has killed 240,000. Syria and don’t do it, when we don’t there are no good options; that our in- I appreciate the outpouring of con- take any action after the redline is fluence is limited, as if that is not al- cern of all my colleagues and all Amer- crossed, when his national security ways the case; that we won’t succeed icans about these refugees. The refu- team, composed of Secretary of State overnight, as if our problem is one of gees are the result of a failure of Presi- Clinton, Secretary of Defense Panetta, time, not policy; and that we can’t dential and American leadership. They and then-Director of CIA David solve every problem in the Middle are not the cause of it. The cause of Petraeus all recommended training and East, as if that absolves us of our re- these hundreds of thousands or mil- arming the Free Syrian Army, he re- sponsibility to make the situation bet- lions of refugees is because our policy jected it. ter where we can. This isn’t a question failed. Bashar al-Assad slaughtered So now we find ourselves with 240 of our capacity, our capabilities, or our them with barrel bombs, and we are thousand dead in Syria and more Syr- options. We have always had options to now faced with the threat, in some re- ian children in school in Lebanon than address this growing threat. But the spects, of a possibility that one or Lebanese children. Jordan, one of our longer we wait, the difficulty and risk more of these refugees, having gone best friends, has their very fabric and cost increase. through Greece, now are or possibly threatened and unstable because of the Four years ago, LINDSEY GRAHAM and could be—as the Director of the CIA huge number of refugees. We find a I came to this floor and said: We need said yesterday—in ongoing operations very unstable Middle East, and we find to have a no-fly zone and we need to to try to orchestrate attacks on Amer- ISIL spread now to Libya, Lebanon, arm and train the Free Syrian Army, ica. Yemen, and other nations. ISIL has once Bashar al-Assad crossed the red- It is often said that America doesn’t now even established a foothold in Af- line. We could have done it then, and it go abroad in search of monsters to de- ghanistan, and the Iranians are doing would have been one heck of a lot easi- stroy. But that doesn’t mean there are the same. er. But this President didn’t want to do no monsters in the world that seek to It is not too late. It is not too late. it, and we are faced with a more com- destroy us. The longer we wait to ac- We have to take up arms. We have to plex situation. Tens of thousands or a cept this reality, the greater is the cost tell the American people what is at couple hundred thousand Syrians dead we will pay. stake here. We have to inform the and millions of refugees later, the One of my great heroes and role mod- American people that what happened President of the United States still els, as is the case with many of our col- in Paris can happen here. Mr. won’t act. He still believes, as he stat- leagues, is Winston Churchill. I would Baghdadi, who was once in our prison ed in his press conference yesterday, never compare myself to Winston camp at Camp Bucca for 4 years in that, somehow, everything is going Churchill in any possible way, except Iraq, when he left said: ‘‘I’ll see you fine—what delusion. that I do sometimes have empathy guys in New York.’’ He was not kid- After the attack on France, article 5 with Winston Churchill, who, during ding. There is no doubt that what ISIL of NATO’s founding treaty should be the 1930s, came to the floor of the Par- has just proved is that contrary to invoked, which states that an attack liament and made comments and what this President believed, contrary on one is an attack on all. That is what speeches that were very, very moving, even to what our intelligence told us, we did after 9/11. The United States but no one paid any attention to him. they have a reach. They have had a should work with our NATO allies and In fact, he was ridiculed. In fact, reach to make sure that a Russian air- our Arab partners to assemble a coali- LINDSEY GRAHAM and I have been ridi- liner was destroyed. They have a reach tion that will take the fight to ISIL culed from time to time because of our to Paris. They have a reach to Beirut. from the air and on the ground. My assessment of the situation and what They have a reach in northern Africa friends, air attacks only will not suc- needed to be done. and other places in the world. There is ceed. It will not succeed. I am sorry to Winston Churchill, after the crisis no reason why we should not suspect tell you. I apologize ahead of time. We had been resolved to some degree and that they have a reach to the United need boots on the ground—not 100,000 the people of Britain and the world had States of America. It is time we acted. but about 10,000, with the capabilities awakened, said—and there is a parallel It is time the United States of Amer- that are unique to American service between the situation 4 years ago and ica, acting with our allies, takes out men and women. We can defeat ISIL. what Winston Churchill had to say: ISIL. We must go both to Iraq and to We have to step up the air campaign When the situation was manageable, it was Syria and take them out. Their total by easing overly restrictive rules of en- neglected, and now that it is thoroughly out defeat is the only thing that will elimi- gagement. At the same time, we have of hand we apply too late the remedies which nate this threat to the United States of to recognize that ISIL will only be de- then might have effected a cure. There is America. feated by ground combat forces. Those nothing new in the story. It is as old as the Yes, after they are destroyed there is don’t exist today. We must recognize Sibylline Books. It falls into that long, dis- a lot to do. Yes, there are things such that our indirect efforts to support our mal catalogue of the fruitlessness of experi- as building economies and free soci- ence and the confirmed unteachability of partners on the ground—the Iraqi Se- mankind. Want of foresight, unwillingness to eties and all of that. But there is only curity Forces, the moderate Syrian op- act when action would be simple and effec- one thing that Mr. Baghdadi and his le- position force, the Kurdish Peshmerga, tive, lack of clear thinking, confusion of gions understand, and that is that we and the Sunni tribal forces—are insuf- counsel until the emergency comes, until kill them and that we counter with ev- ficient to outpace the growing threat self-preservation strikes its jarring gong— erything we can this spread of this per- we face. these are the features which constitute the verted form of an honorable religion As I mentioned, the United States endless repetition of history. called Islam. This is radical Islamic must therefore work to assemble a coa- I say to my colleagues, we are ob- terrorism, whether the President ever lition and ground force with a commit- serving the endless repetition of his- wants to say it or not. ment on the order of 10,000 U.S. troops. tory—what once upon a time was a There is one additional point. The In Syria, we must hasten the end of manageable situation. When the Presi- refugees are a huge problem. Obvi- the civil war. We must accept that dent of the United States said that it is ously, we have to pause until we are Russia and Iran are not interested in a not a matter of when Bashar al-Assad sure that nobody is doing exactly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.037 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7995 what—apparently, at least—one of the dramatically. The facts on the ground directed at an enemy that is a threat terrorists who attacked Paris did, and in the Middle East have changed dra- to our security; this mission warrants that is, to go through Greece and into matically. Russia is intervening mili- its own authorization because we want France. But at the same time, we need tarily on behalf of Bashar al-Assad in it to succeed. We want the world to to understand that the refugee problem Syria. Hundreds of thousands of Syr- know that the United States speaks is an effect of a failed policy, not the ians left their homes and their country with one voice. cause of it. to escape ISIL and Assad, precipitating Nearly a year ago, the Senate For- Finally, I would say the President a massive humanitarian crisis that has eign Relations Committee pressed the should do two things: One, call to- brought the European Union under administration to come forward with a gether the smartest people that we great strain. draft AUMF against ISIL. When it did know. I named some of them: General In addition to the deployment of U.S. not do so, the committee proceeded Petraeus, General Keane. There are a Special Forces in Syria, news reports with its own AUMF, which spurred the number of people. There is General indicate that the United States will in- administration to take action. Two Maddox, General Kelly, Bob Kagan. crease supplies and military weapons months after that exercise, the admin- The names are familiar to many of us to U.S.-backed Syrian rebels fighting istration sent up its own draft AUMF. who follow national security. These ISIL. That was more than 8 months ago. But people are the ones who made the surge For all the changes that we have seen efforts to produce an AUMF here in succeed. Call them together over at the over the past year, one thing has not Congress have since stalled. In an ef- White House and say: Give me your ad- changed: The Congress of the United fort to break the gridlock, as I men- vice. He must do that. What he has States has not voted to authorize the tioned, the Senator from Virginia, Mr. been listening to and what he is doing use of military force against ISIL. KAINE, and I introduced a resolution is failing. That needs to change. That is why I that we think represents a good com- I know that my friend and partner, have come to the floor today. The Sen- promise. It may not be perfect. It may LINDSEY GRAHAM, knows more about ator from Virginia, Mr. KAINE, who will represent only a starting point. But we these issues than any other Member of speak in a moment, has come as well. need a starting point here, and we need this body—certainly anybody who is We need an authorization for the use of to move forward. This issue is far too running for President of the United military force. important not to try to get an agree- States. We will go over. We would be The President maintains that the ment to move ahead. glad to go over and sit with the Presi- legal underpinnings of his authoriza- I urge my colleagues to consider the dent. I want to cooperate with him. I tion come from an AUMF provided to importance of this operation against want to work with him. We need to do our previous President in the 107th ISIL and the implications to foreign that. I offer up my services and my ad- Congress, back in 2001. The 2001 AUMF policies for many years ahead—specifi- vice and counsel, and anybody else on allowed the President the authority to cally, the implications to this body, the Congress of the United States and this side of the aisle. use ‘‘all necessary and appropriate This is a threat to the lives of the force’’ against those he determined the U.S. Senate. If we are not even men and women who are living in this ‘‘planned, authorized, committed, or willing to weigh in and authorize the Nation. They deserve our protection, aided the terrorist attacks that oc- use of force here, what does that say to and they deserve a bipartisan approach curred on September 11, 2001, or har- our adversaries? What does that say to our allies? What does that say to the and a bipartisan action in order to stop bored such organizations or persons.’’ troops who are fighting on our behalf? that. More than 10 years later, two provi- So I stand ready. But right now, I sions of the massive Fiscal Year 2012 How much longer can we go without an have not been more concerned. National Defense Authorization Act ex- authorization for the use of force? I wish to yield time to my colleague, I leave my colleagues with two fun- panded the 2001 AUMF to include ‘‘as- sociated forces’’ of Al Qaeda and the the Senator from Virginia. damental facts: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- No. 1, there are now more refugees in Taliban. This is the expansion from ator from Virginia is recognized. the world than at any time since the which the administration derives its Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I thank end of World War II. No. 2, there are authority for today’s actions to go my colleague from Arizona for working now more crises in the world than at after the Islamic State in Iraq and so closely. This does not have to be a any time since the end of World War II. Syria. partisan issue. In fact, it should not be We cannot sustain the failed policies I am not standing here today to de- a partisan issue. My sense is that in that have led us to the situation that bate the merits of the administration’s this Congress, in both Houses, 80-plus America and the world are in today. argument as to whether they have the percent of the Members believe strong- I yield the floor. legal authority. That is not what is at ly that the United States should be en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- issue right here. What is at issue is the gaged in military action under some ator from Arizona. ease with which Congress happily de- circumstances against this horrible AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE fers to old statutes and abdicates its threat of ISIL. Yet, despite that over- AGAINST ISIL authority to weigh in on what history whelming consensus and despite the Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, over the will record as a long, complex, brutal clear constitutional command in arti- weekend France suffered the worst at- conflict. This conflict has been going cle I that we should not be at war with- tack that it has seen since World War on for more than a year with very out a vote of Congress, there has been II. The day before that, Beirut was mixed results, and the consequences a strange conspiracy of silence about rocked by two suicide bombs per- will change the geopolitical landscape this in the legislative branch for the petrated by ISIL that killed more than in that region for decades. last 16 months. 40 civilians. We just had confirmation Ten American servicemembers have The Senator from Arizona and I in- that the Russian plane flying over died supporting Operation Inherent Re- troduced a resolution in January to au- Sinai was taken down by a terrorist solve—one of them recently killed in thorize military force, building upon bomb. Again, ISIL has claimed credit. action. Five others have been wounded. previous efforts in the Foreign Rela- These attacks have followed on the With thousands of servicemembers in tions Committee, the President’s sub- heels of an announcement 2 weeks ear- support of Operation Inherent Resolve mitted authorization. We did it know- lier by the President that he has au- and attacks happening all over the ing that it is not perfect, knowing that thorized deployment of up to 50 Special world, the notion that a 14-year-old not everyone would agree with every Forces in Syria. They will be there to statute aimed at another enemy is any word, but we did it to show that we can support U.S.-backed Syrian rebels in kind of a substitute for congressional be bipartisan and stand up against a the campaign against ISIL. authorization is insufficient. Operation threat such as ISIL. More than 1 year after the announce- Inherent Resolve warrants its own au- As the Senator did, let’s review what ment of Operation Inherent Resolve, a thorization not just because of its size has happened since August 8, 2014. The mission to ‘‘degrade and ultimately de- and duration, because Americans are President on that day started air- feat’’ ISIL, this conflict has escalated dying in pursuit of it, or because it is strikes against ISIL and said he was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.040 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 doing it for two reasons: first, to pro- I think the events of last week— weeks—the attacks that happened in tect American personnel who were Egypt, Beirut, Paris—demonstrate that Paris, the bombing of a plane, the jeopardized at a consulate in Erbil, and the voice of Congress is needed. The other suicide bombings that have oc- second, to provide humanitarian sup- voice of Congress is needed to fulfill curred—our commitment of new re- port for members of a minority reli- our article I responsibility. The voice sources will convince us all that it is gious sect, the Yazidis, who were basi- of Congress is needed, as the Senator time to act here in Congress. cally being hemmed in by ISIL in from Arizona mentioned, because we With that, I yield the floor. Sinjar in northern Iraq. Those were the send a message by our voice to our al- Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I thank two reasons. lies, to the adversary, and to our the Senator from Arizona for joining At that point in August of 2014, ISIL troops. The voice of Congress is also together in this important area. and their activities were limited to needed because it has the effect of solv- I had a sad epiphany on Friday as I Iraq and Syria. Sixteen months later, ing some of the problems Senator was thinking about this. I think Sen- we have lost four American hostages MCCAIN mentioned earlier. To the ex- ator FLAKE and I have children who are who have been executed by ISIL. We tent that the administration’s strategy about the same age. I was thinking have lost 10 American service men and is not what we would want it to be, about young people—looking at our women who were deployed to that the- they have to present a strategy to Con- pages here, thinking about young peo- ater. We have about 3,600 American gress. We ask tough questions of the ple. Like many, when the attacks hap- troops who are deployed thousands of witnesses, and we refine it and it gets pened Friday, my first thoughts were, miles from home, risking their lives better. We do that all in the view of the whom do I know in Paris? A lot of folks every day. We have spent $5 billion—$11 American public so they can be edu- have relatives or have family or co- million a day—in the battle against cated about what is at stake. When you workers or former coworkers who were ISIL. We have flown nearly 6,300 air- don’t have the debate, you don’t put in Paris. strikes with American aircraft against Like a lot of people, I got on the ISIL—ISIL, which was at first limited before the American public the reasons for the involvement, and that is des- phone and I got on text to try to track to Iraq and Syria and now has presence down my niece. I have a niece who is a in Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and So- perately needed. With that, I thank my colleague from student at law school, a third-year law malia. They have undertaken attacks student. She is in Paris for a semester that they claim credit for in the Sinai Arizona. I would like to say a few words at the end about why this is a studying at the Sciences PO. She was in Egypt and in Lebanon. in the restaurant area where the shoot- This threat is mutating and growing. matter of emotional significance to ings occurred so close that she could At the end of last week, on Friday the me. hear them. She was not immediately 13th, we saw the horror of ISIL with I now defer to my colleague. affected, but she and her friends had to the grim assassination of innocents as The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- barricade themselves in the restaurant they were enjoying dinner or going to ator from Arizona. for a while, wondering what was going music concerts or watching soccer Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I thank on. games in Paris. ISIL put out a video a my colleague from Virginia. Let me say that we both mentioned We were able to determine that Eliz- few days ago threatening similar at- abeth was fine. She assured all the tacks on Washington. ISIL is not going the importance of the message that family and the people who wanted to away. This is a threat. needs to be sent from the U.S. Con- The President started military ac- gress, the article I branch, the message send her a plane ticket to come home tion for a narrow and limited reason, to our troops who are fighting on our that, no, she was fine. But over the but the threat has mutated. Like a behalf and the message to our adver- weekend I started to think about how cancer, it has grown, and it is now af- saries. They need to know that we are fine she really is, how fine our young fecting nations all over the world. The resolved, that we speak with one voice. people really are. Elizabeth was a question is, How long will Congress Let me talk for a second about the Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon a continue to be silent about this? I will message to our allies. An authorization few years ago. After she came home, say that I think this is a malady you for use of force will dictate and will set the village she lived in was essentially can lay at the feet of both parties in the parameters for that use of force. wiped out by Boko Haram. The next both Houses. Congress has seemed to Our allies need to know if we are all in door neighbor, who was her protector prefer a strategy of criticizing what or whether there are certain limita- and the protector of all the Peace the President is doing. And look, I am tions. If we decide—if the Congress de- Corps volunteers who came before, was critical of some of the things the Presi- cides there are certain limitations to killed, along with a lot of her other dent is doing. In an earlier speech, the that use of force, our allies need to friends. Boko Haram has now pledged senior Senator from Arizona laid out know that. They need to know their allegiance to ISIL. some challenges with this strategy. role and what they are required to do. She had the experience of losing But it is not enough for this body that That will be useful. If there are limita- friends in a terrorist attack in Cam- has a constitutional authority in mat- tions, we need to spell them out. If eroon, and now she has had the experi- ters of war to just criticize the Com- there aren’t, we need to let our adver- ence of being near a terrorist attack in mander in Chief. What we have done is saries know that as well. Paris. It started to work on my con- sat on the sidelines and criticized, but But whatever the case, we need to de- science a little bit that this for her is we have not been willing either to vote bate this. We need to authorize this use now a norm. For me, at age 57, these to authorize what is going on, vote to of force. We have waited long enough. events are not the norm. They are the stop what is going on, or vote to refine Frankly, we have waited far too long. extreme. But for Elizabeth or for my or revise what is going on. It is easy to We have asked the President for lan- children—I have three kids, one in the be a critic. It is easy to sit in the guage. The President sent up language. military, and they all came of age after stands and watch a play and say: Well, I think that it is lacking in a few 9/11—we are living in a world that for why didn’t the coach call a different areas. I like some parts of it. But it so many of our young people, the norm play? But we are not fans here, We are needs to be debated here. If we asked is not peace and safety and compla- the owners of the team. We are the ar- the President for that language, then cency; the norm is war or terrorist at- ticle I branch, and we are not supposed we need to take it up and actually do tacks all over the globe. If that can be to be at war without a vote of Con- something with it. It is our responsi- said about America’s young people, it gress. bility. We are the article I branch. We is certainly the case for young people I will hand it back to my colleague are the branch that is supposed to de- in France and young people in Syria from Arizona, and then perhaps I can clare war. We need to do that here. and all over the region. say a few concluding words that would Again, I invite my colleague from I hate that we are living in a world be more about the kind of emotional Virginia to close. I thank the President where young people are starting to rather than the legal side of this as we and say that it is time—it is well past think this is the norm rather than the are thinking about the challenges in time that we move on this. Hopefully exception. It seems to me as an adult, Paris. the events of the past couple of as somebody in a leadership position,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.042 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7997 that a part of what we need to do is Montana, and it is stifling investments nately, President Obama’s out-of-touch rather than just allow us to drift with- that could lead to innovations to make regulations take us in the opposite di- out taking a position into the world coal even cleaner here in the United rection, and the people who can afford where this is more and more normal, States. President Obama calls it the it the least will be impacted the great- while acknowledging that we are hum- Clean Power Plan. It is not named cor- est. ble people and we can’t completely rectly. It should be called the I urge my Senate colleagues to join control our destiny, we have to take unaffordable energy plan. President in this bipartisan effort to stop the charge of a situation and not stand by Obama’s unaffordable energy plan will President’s job-killing regulations on and lob in criticism but try to shape it have a negligible impact on global coal affordable energy and join us in stand- to the best of our ability. I think that demand and global emissions, but it ing up for American energy independ- was the genius of the drafters of the will lead to devastating consequences ence. With what we have seen happen Constitution. for affordable energy and these good- in the world in the last week, our na- James Madison, a Virginian who paying union and tribal jobs. tional security and energy independ- drafted many of these provisions, was Here are the facts: The United States ence are tied together. Stand up for trying to do something incredibly rad- mines just 11 percent of the world’s American jobs. Stand up for hard- ical. At the time, war was for the King coal and consumes about 10.5 percent of working American families. or the Monarch or the Emperor, and the world’s coal. Said another way, ap- I thank the Presiding Officer. Madison and the others who drafted proximately 90 percent of all the coal Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there is the American Constitution, said: We that is mined and consumed occurs a desperate need for the Senate to ad- are going to take that power to initiate outside of the United States. Global de- dress one of the greatest national secu- war away from the Executive. Nobody mand for coal-fired energy will not dis- rity and public health risks we face as else has really done this, and we are appear even if the United States were a country, something that has the abil- going to put the power in the hands of to shut down every last coal mine and ity to affect up to 3.4 percent, or $260 the people’s elected representatives so coal-fired plant. billion, of U.S. economic output annu- that they will debate and soberly ana- Coal use around the world has grown ally. What is this threat? It is climate change. lyze when you should take that step of four times faster than renewables. In its 2010 and 2014 Quadrennial De- authorizing military action where, There are plans for 1,200 coal plants in fense Reviews, the Department of De- 59 countries. Let me say that again: even under the best of circumstances, fense identified climate change as a 1,200 coal plants are planned in 59 coun- horrible things can happen and people risk that must be incorporated into the tries, about three-quarters of which can lose their lives. Nation’s future defense planning. Last Well, we have allowed this war to go will be in China and India. year, I held a hearing on this issue as on long enough without putting a con- China alone consumes 4 billion tons chairman of the Defense Appropria- gressional fingerprint on it. For our of coal each year. Compare that to the tions Subcommittee. young people, for our troops, for our al- United States, which is at 1 billion Pentagon experts explained the far- lies, and for our adversaries, it is my tons. In other words, China’s coal con- ranging effects of this threat . . . put- prayer that we in Congress will now sumption is four times greater than ting the U.S. at risk around the world take up that leadership mantle and try that of the United States. In fact, . . . changing the landscape and vege- to shape this mutating and growing China will be building a new coal plant tation of training areas . . . accel- threat to the greatest degree we can. every 10 days for the next 10 years. erating regional tensions and conflict. With that, I yield the floor and again Look at Japan, for example. After This summer, the Department issued a thank my colleague from Arizona. the great earthquake in Japan, they new report outlining in even greater The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. lost their nuclear power capability. detail the threats we face. It states, LANKFORD). The Senator from Mon- Japan is currently building 43 coal- ‘‘The Department of Defense sees cli- tana. fired plants. mate change as a present security 1 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, the By 2020, India may have built 2 ⁄2 threat, not strictly a long-term risk.’’ Obama administration’s war on energy times as much coal capacity as the It goes on to say that climate change is isn’t just a war on coal, it is a war on United States is about to lose. introducing ‘‘shocks and stressors’’ in American jobs, American families, and The Obama administration’s reckless the Artic, the Middle East, Africa, our national security. That is why it is war on energy will have little impact Asia, and South America. no surprise that the President’s anti- on global emissions, but here is what it The report argues that global warm- energy agenda is gaining opposition will do: It will devastate significant ing has had ‘‘measurable impacts’’ on from both sides of the aisle. I am parts of our economy. It will cause en- vulnerable areas and regional conflicts, thankful for the bipartisan leadership ergy bills to skyrocket. It will be a loss like Syria. Due to these impacts, mili- demonstrated by leader MCCONNELL, of tax revenues for our schools, roads, tary leaders are now forced to include Senator CAPITO, two Republicans, as and teachers. And it is going to destroy ways to respond to the risks and chal- well as Senator MANCHIN, Senator family-wage union and tribal jobs. lenges of climate change in their plan- HEITKAMP, two Democrats, in standing If this rule moves forward, countless ning. up against the President’s harmful reg- coal-fired plants like the Colstrip pow- So if our Nation’s senior military ulations on our Nation’s coal-fired erplant in Montana will likely be shut- leaders are doing their part to address plants. I am proud to have joined them tered, thereby putting thousands of climate change, isn’t it about time as a cosponsor of the two bipartisan jobs at risk. It will also make new coal- that we did the same? Well, we can resolutions to stop the EPA from im- fired plants incredibly difficult to start by supporting the Environmental posing its anti-coal regulations. build. Protection Agency’s efforts to limit The Congressional Review Act reso- The bottom line is this: Coal keeps carbon pollution from power plants— lution of disapproval we are consid- the lights on in this country, and it which account for over 40 percent of ering today will block the Obama ad- will continue to power the world for U.S. carbon pollution emissions. The ministration’s regulations on existing decades to come. In fact, in my home rules would cut carbon pollution from coal-fired plants. We are also seeing State of Montana, it provides more power plants by over 30 percent and re- strong opposition from more than half than half of our electricity. duce emissions of the pollutants that of the States in the country, including I have told my kids—we have 4 chil- cause soot and smog by 25 percent. my home State of Montana, which dren—when they plug in their phones, That is equivalent to removing over 160 through three different lawsuits have odds are it is coal that is powering that million cars from the road—or almost requested an initial stay on the rule. phone. Rather than dismissing this re- two-thirds of U.S. passenger vehicles. The Obama administration’s reckless ality, the United States should be on The rules will also drive new invest- agenda is shutting down coal-fired pow- the cutting edge of technological ad- ment in clean energy generation and erplants across the United States. It is vances in energy development. We energy efficiency technologies while killing family waged jobs for union should be leading the way in powering growing the economy, shrinking house- workers and for tribal members in the world, not disengaging. Unfortu- hold electricity bills, and putting the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.043 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 U.S. on a pathway to lead the world in your plan to make sure we leave future cational opportunities for young chil- creating new clean energy jobs. In ad- generations with a brighter, cleaner fu- dren. We won’t vote on ways to keep dition, EPA’s rules would lead to cli- ture? How do you propose we address our government—of the people, for the mate and health benefits worth up to the threat of climate change? And people—open. Rather, we are sum- $54 billion annually, including avoiding what is your plan to make sure that moned to heed the call of pressure 3,600 premature deaths; 90,000 asthma America leads the world in creating groups, wealthy corporations, and attacks in children; and up to 3,400 the well-paying, green jobs of the fu- moneyed interests and vote on a reso- heart attacks and hospital visits. This ture? Denying the harmful effects of lution of disapproval that denies the is a win-win for America. greenhouse gas emissions, as these res- impact and the causes of climate The State of Illinois has already olutions do, is shortsighted and de- change. These challenges under the started taking steps to reduce its emis- clares war on science and on public Congressional Review Act fail to recog- sions by adopting laws that promote health. So I hope my colleagues will nize the true cost of carbon pollution. the use of renewable energy and energy vote ‘‘no’’ on the resolutions of dis- The Clean Power Plan sets clear and efficiency. approval from Senator MCCONNELL and flexible rules that signal to the mar- Our ‘‘community choice aggrega- Senator CAPITO. ketplace that we cannot continue to tion’’ law allows Illinoisans to choose The evidence is clear: we need to get spew harmful carbon pollution without their energy providers. Since the pro- serious about addressing the causes limit. It finally puts an end to the free gram was started, more than 90 com- and effects of climate change. America lunch for the fossil fuels industry. munities have chosen to use 100 per- has the resources and the inventiveness These rules offer commonsense solu- cent renewable electricity sources for to create a new energy system that can tions that will not only address cli- their residential power. protect our environment and economy mate change, but will protect Ameri- cans’ health with cleaner air. They will Illinois’s Renewable Portfolio Stand- and allow us to continue to choose our also unleash the creativity and inven- ard requiring the State to use 25 per- own destiny. But we can only do it by tiveness of American entrepreneurship cent renewable electricity resources by focusing on policies that address both and support investments in new tech- 2025 is one of the strongest in the coun- the economic and environmental chal- nology. They will further set the stage try. lenges facing the country by sup- And State law also requires utilities for our vibrant and job-rich energy fu- porting critical, sustainable infrastruc- to reduce Illinois’s energy demand by 2 ture. The flexibility in these rules ture. And we need to do it soon—our percent each year through efficiency means that States and companies will improvements. generation has a moral obligation to be able to decide the best ways to re- With the support of these laws, Illi- leave the world in as good of shape as duce their carbon emissions, whether nois now employs approximately what we inherited from our parents through gains in efficiency and new 100,000 people in the clean energy in- and grandparents. technologies or through an increased Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, there is dustry—and meeting EPA’s new tar- use of natural gas or renewable fuels. gets would put even more Illinoisans to irrefutable evidence, with more accu- Vermonters are encouraged by these work designing, manufacturing, and in- mulating all the time, that humans rules and about the Clean Power Plan— stalling clean energy systems. Most have altered not just the weather of a not only because together these pro- importantly, EPA’s rules will allow the region, but the climate of our entire posals move the country forward to fi- U.S. to face the challenge of climate planet. nally address climate change, but also change head on instead of ignoring the From flooding felt across the country because the plan and rules recognize problem until it is too late. to extreme temperatures from north to the important work that Vermont and Leading scientists warn that the south and east to west, these severe other Northeast States have been doing world is running out of time to make events are happening more and more for the last decade through the Re- the cuts in carbon emissions that are frequently. Droughts are proliferating, gional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, needed to prevent irreversible damage wildfires are bigger, and more expen- RGGI, to cap carbon emissions and to the Earth’s climate. According to sive, tropical storms and hurricanes offer credits to cleaner producers. In the United Nations’s Intergovern- are more intense. You can look no fur- Vermont, we can breathe easier know- mental Panel on Climate Change, at ther than the damage wrought in ing that under these rules, we will have least half the world’s energy supply Vermont in the wake of Tropical less pollution blowing into the State needs to come from low-carbon sources Storm Irene—a storm that had greatly from power plants in the Midwest. such as wind, solar, and nuclear by 2050 weakened since first making landfall, The majority in the Senate would if we are going to avoid catastrophic but still so powerful as to deliver hun- rather roll back some of the most climate changes. That gives us just 35 dreds of millions of dollars in damage meaningful environmental initiatives years to save the planet for future gen- to our small State. It was enough to of our time, rather than help to im- erations. convince many Vermonters of the re- prove the health of Americans across This may seem like a long time, but ality of climate change as they the country. The science is clear: Fail- we have a lot to do. We need to start watched roads washed away and iconic ing to address climate change will lead now, and EPA’s rules are a great first covered bridges yanked out of the foot- to more dangerous and costly extreme step. ings that had supported them for gen- weather events and threaten the health But I know some of my colleagues erations. and well-being of our families and our are opposed to the EPA’s plan and any- The science and the data by now are communities. We must stop putting thing this administration does to ac- clear that human activities are a fac- the interests of polluters above public knowledge the existence of climate tor in the climate change that is un- health. It is time to stop putting the change. So they have introduced two folding all around us and in every cor- future of our planet and of generations resolutions of disapproval to prevent ner of the globe, but common sense to come in danger and to act now to EPA from listening to over 97 percent alone should tell us, as we look about halt the devastating effects of climate of climate scientists and acting to re- us and see all of the carbon and pollu- change. Let us move beyond the energy duce greenhouse gas emissions. If the tion that is being pumped into our thin policies of the last two centuries and resolutions were to become law, they and fragile atmosphere, that all of move forward toward America’s energy would prohibit EPA from proposing these human activities are contrib- future. any new regulations that are ‘‘substan- uting factors. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, strong tially the same’’ as their current rules We must address the root causes of clean air protections remain very im- for new and existing power plants. climate change, and that is what the portant for our health and environ- But even supporters of these resolu- administration’s Clean Power Plan, ment. I have voted previously to pro- tions have to admit that we have a re- bolstered by the rules for new and ex- tect the EPA’s ability to take action to sponsibility to be good stewards of our isting power plants, will do. reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and I planet. Today, we won’t vote about how to will oppose the two resolutions of dis- So I have to ask, if you don’t like support our roads and bridges. We approval under the Congressional Re- what the President is doing, what is won’t vote to further advance edu- view Act which would permanently

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.069 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7999 block EPA from limiting carbon pollu- I have had the opportunity to meet ‘‘could be deleterious from the point of tion from existing and new fossil fuel in the field with some of the world’s view of human beings.’’ fired powerplants. foremost climate scientists. I have And as far back as 1956, the New York Finalized on August 3, 2015, the Clean traveled to Norway and to Alaska Times reported early evidence con- Power Plan sets the first national lim- where I saw the dramatic loss of sea ice necting climate change with green- its on carbon pollution from existing cover and the retreating Arctic gla- house gases from fossil fuel combus- fossil fuel fired powerplants, the Na- ciers. In Barrow, AK, on the shores of tion. That prescient article concluded tion’s single largest stationary source the Arctic Ocean, I saw telephone poles with a sad commentary: ‘‘Coal and oil of greenhouse gas emissions. According leaning over because the permafrost are still plentiful and cheap in many to EPA estimates, the Clean Power was melting, and I talked with native parts of the world, and there is every Plan will reduce carbon dioxide emis- people who told me that they were see- reason to believe that both will be con- sions from the electric power sector by ing insects that had never before been sumed by industry as long as it pays to 32 percent, from 2005 levels, by 2030. this far north. I returned from this trip do so.’’ The final plan includes additional flexi- believing that U.S. leadership to slow Today, decades later, we not only bility and provides States with more climate change would be vitally impor- have even more scientific evidence of time to submit plans and to achieve tant—in order to prevent the worst ex- climate change, we are actually seeing compliance with the requirements. The treme weather events, shifts in agricul- the real-world consequences of inac- standards to limit carbon dioxide for tural production and disease patterns, tion. new, modified, or reconstructed power- and more air pollution. This past September was the planet’s plants were also finalized on August 3. For Maine, climate change poses a warmest September in the 136-year his- On November 4, 18 States, including significant threat to our vast natural tory of weather records. The last 5 Maine, and several cities asked a Fed- resources, from working forests, fish- months in a row all set world records eral court to allow them to defend the ing, and agricultural industries, to for hottest average temperatures. Clean Power Plan against legal chal- tourism and recreation, as well as for Last year was the planet’s hottest re- lenge. corded year, and the last two decades I am encouraged that the emissions public health. With heat waves, more include the 19 hottest years on record. targets under the Clean Power Plan for extreme weather events, and sea level Global sea levels rose 7 inches in the Maine are more realistic than were rise, the greenhouse gasses that drive originally proposed in recognition of climate change are a clear threat to last century. And since the beginning the fact that Maine already ranks first our way of life. As a coastal State, of the industrial era, the acidity of the in the Nation in the percentage reduc- Maine is particularly vulnerable to oceans has increased by 26 percent, tion in greenhouse gases due to the storm surges and flooding, and unpre- which could destabilize the food chain. State’s participation in the Regional dictable changes in the Gulf of Maine My own home State of California is Greenhouse Gas Initiative, RGGI. threaten our iconic fisheries. Climate seeing firsthand the effects of higher Through RGGI, Maine has already changes also raise significant public temperatures and changing precipita- made substantial progress in reducing health concerns for Maine’s citizens, tion patterns. We are in the midst of an carbon emissions, increasing energy ef- from asthma to Lyme disease. Maine epic drought, which scientists say has ficiency, spurring the adoption of clean has one of the highest and fastest been made 15 to 20 percent worse due to energy technologies, and improving air growing incident rates of Lyme dis- human-induced changes in the climate. quality and public health. By contrast, ease, and its spread has been linked to This has made a drought into a dis- the EPA’s original proposal would have higher temperatures that are ripe for aster. unfairly disadvantaged and asked more deer ticks and their hosts. Sitting at The Sierra snowpack, which accounts of States that took action early than it the end of the air pollution tailpipe, for a third of the State’s drinking would have from States that had not Maine also has some of the highest water, is down to 5 percent of its usual yet acted to reduce their emissions. rates of asthma in the country. levels, the lowest in 500 years. The final rule represents a considerable The Clean Air Act remains vital for The wildfires in California are made improvement in this regard. protecting our health and the environ- even more terrifying by the hot, dry I continue to have some concerns, ment, and I will continue to support re- conditions. And the fire season now however, with the Clean Power Plan’s sponsible and realistic efforts to reduce lasts 75 days longer than just 10 years treatment of renewable biomass en- harmful pollution that affects us all. ago, resulting in more and larger fires. ergy. Biomass energy is a sustainable, Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I Southern California and the Central responsible, renewable, and economi- wish to speak in favor of the Clean Valley have the worst air pollution in cally significant energy source. Many Power Plan. This plan shows real the country, home to six of the top States, including Maine, are relying on American leadership when it comes to seven regions of worst ozone smog pol- renewable biomass to meet their re- climate change, proof that we are tak- lution. This is made worse by hotter newable energy goals. Because the final ing responsibility for the world we conditions. rule places the onus on States to dem- leave to our children. But this is just the beginning. Unless onstrate the eligibility of biomass for The debate over the Clean Power we dramatically change course, chil- the Clean Power Plan, this approach Plan is a question of whether we should dren born today will witness calami- will lead to more regulatory uncer- take any action at all on climate tous changes to the world’s climate tainty. The EPA must appropriately change, a shocking question consid- systems in their lifetimes. recognize the carbon benefits of forest ering how long we have known about Sea levels will rise another 1 to 4 feet bioenergy in a way that helps States, the ways we are harming the planet. this century based on thermal expan- mills, and the forest products industry A recent report by Inside Climate sion of the oceans and continued melt- and recognizes the carbon neutrality of News shows that Exxon scientists were ing of land-based ice. This would inun- wood. I will continue to seek regu- warning the company’s leadership date Miami Beach, the Ports of Los An- latory certainty and clarity on this about climate change as early as 1977. geles and Long Beach, and 85 percent of issue. The Exxon scientists wrote: ‘‘There is New Orleans. Climate change is a significant general scientific agreement that the In addition, a portion of the west threat both here in the United States most likely manner in which mankind Antarctic ice sheet large enough to and around the world. It is a challenge is influencing the global climate is raise global sea levels by 4 feet has that requires international coopera- through carbon dioxide release from begun an irreversible collapse. We have tion, including from large emitters like the burning of fossil fuels.’’ to slow down this process as much as China and India, to reduce greenhouse Even before that, scientific advisers possible and make sure the same gas pollution worldwide. The upcoming first cautioned the President about cli- doesn’t happen to the rest of Antarc- climate summit in Paris provides a mate change in 1965—50 years ago this tica or Greenland. new opportunity for international ef- month—explaining that carbon dioxide By midcentury, ice-free summers in forts to curb greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels would ‘‘almost cer- the Arctic Ocean could be routine. The in countries around the globe. tainly cause significant changes’’ and global volume of glaciers is projected

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.046 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 to be reduced by up to 85 percent this keystone of America’s national climate clusive. According to the Department century. And massive numbers of spe- ambitions, helping convince the world of Commerce, environmental laws in- cies will go extinct because many plant that we will be the leaders we promise cluding the Clean Air Act have made species cannot shift their geographical to be in combatting climate change. the U.S. the largest producer of envi- ranges quickly enough to keep up with The Senate shouldn’t be considering ronmental technologies in the world, the rate of climate change. a rejection of the Clean Power Plan. supporting close to 1.7 million jobs and This future is unacceptable. We can- Our real responsibility is to find ways $44 billion in exports annually. not leave future generations a planet to be even more ambitious. The Clean Power Plan will build on in such terrible disrepair. Today’s vote changes nothing. If Con- this progress and help accelerate the I will not see California become a gress were to pass this resolution to development of renewable energy, cre- desert State, with aquifers overrun by disapprove of the Clean Power Plan, ating thousands of jobs in the clean en- salt water and coastal cities over- the President’s veto would not be over- ergy sector. whelmed by storm surges. My col- ridden. The Clean Power Plan will be The Energy Information Administra- leagues must understand that we will implemented. tion, EIA, finds that the Clean Power never relent in the fight to save the I believe the Clean Power Plan will Plan will increase the use of renewable planet. not only reduce greenhouse gas emis- energy, leading to thousands of clean I understand some States are afraid sions, but that process won’t be nearly energy jobs across the country, includ- of an economy without fossil fuel ex- as difficult as some now fear. The ing in my home State of Rhode Island. traction. But I assure you that Clean Power Plan will be seen as one of The 2015 Rhode Island Clean Energy transitioning to a new economy will be the many important steps we took to Jobs Report states that Rhode Island’s easier than coping with the dev- stabilize global temperatures. clean energy economy currently sup- astating effects of global warming. I truly think we are making headway ports nearly 10,000 jobs and suggests That brings me to the issue we are in the fight against global warming. that the State is expected to add ap- debating today: the Clean Power Plan. Environmentally conscious individuals proximately 1,600 new clean energy Although the final rules were only re- are marking changes in their own lives, jobs over the next year. cently completed by the EPA, the Su- and those are driving changes in the Renewables, like wind and solar, are preme Court set us on this path 8 years economy and in State policies. Those already generating power reliably and ago when they found in effect that the changes spurred reform on the national cost-effectively across America. Wind Clean Air Act compelled the regulation level, and now, we are seeing real ac- power is already showing it can be in- of greenhouse gases. tion on the global stage. tegrated onto the grid at a large scale It puts us on a path to cut national Today’s ‘‘show vote’’ on the Clean while ensuring reliability. emissions from the electricity sector Power Plan won’t diminish those suc- Wind power plays an important role by 32 percent over the next 15 years, cesses. in Clean Power Plan compliance, with using tools that each State can tailor Thank you. wind electricity generation capacity to its own unique situation. It is a re- Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I more than tripling over 2013 levels by markably flexible regulatory approach join many of my colleagues in opposing 2040, according to the EIA. that will harness the ingenuity of the S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res 24. This is why in Rhode Island we are American people to confront and roll These measures are an attack on the building the first offshore wind farm, back the effects of climate change. Clean Power Plan’s carbon pollution which is projected to increase energy I know this approach can work be- protections for new and existing power capacity for the residents of Block Is- cause I have seen it work in California. plants. land. In the last 10 years, the State has im- Not only would these measures undo Our commitment to clean energy is plemented a number of changes: an the health and economic benefits of the not only cost-effective, but vital to economywide cap-and-trade program to Clean Power Plan, they would also bar supporting our Nation’s health. Cli- return statewide emissions back to the EPA from issuing any standards in mate change is impacting air pollu- their 1990 levels by 2020; a renewable the future that are substantially simi- tion, which can cause asthma attacks, portfolio standard requiring 50 percent lar. cardiovascular disease, and premature renewable electricity by 2030; regula- The Clean Power Plan is an impor- death, and fostering extreme weather tions to double energy efficiency by tant step in reducing carbon pollution patterns such as heat and severe 2030; a low carbon fuel standard to re- and taking action on climate change. storms, droughts, wildfires, and flood- duce greenhouse gas emissions from It seeks to protect public health, cut ing that can harm low-income commu- transportation fuels at least 10 percent energy costs for consumers, and create nities disproportionately. by 2020; and a program to reach 1 mil- jobs in the clean energy economy. Ad- The Clean Power Plan makes Amer- lion zero-emission vehicles by 2020. ditionally, these reductions—the first ica healthier by improving the well- Here is the thing: even though Cali- of its kind in our country for carbon being and productivity of our children, fornia is making these changes, the pollution from power plants—are vital workforce, and seniors through such State continues to grow. The economy to meeting the commitments the benefits as reducing asthma attacks in grew by 2.8 percent last year, with a 1.3 United States has made to lowering children, lowering the rate of hospital percentage point reduction in the un- emissions. Our country is not alone in admissions, and reducing the number employment rate. Both of those figures making these commitments. China and of missed school and work days. are better than the national average. other nations are also doing so—as will Action is needed to protect not just As a result, California is already on be discussed and hopefully furthered at our economy’s growing renewable en- track to meet or exceed the Clean the climate negotiations taking place ergy field, but also our public health. Power Plan’s targets. And more impor- next week in Paris. Because pollution This is why I stand with my colleagues tantly, California’s leadership is show- crosses borders, protecting air quality in supporting the Clean Power Plan. ing others just how much we can ac- is a globally shared responsibility. We must make clean air a priority. complish. Let me also emphasize that EPA has I urge my colleagues to support the Internationally, California’s cap-and- the legal authority to set standards on Clean Air Act and vote ‘‘no’’ on both trade program was used as a model for carbon pollution. In 2007, the Supreme S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res 24. China’s cities and provinces. Now, Court ruled that the Clean Air Act au- Thank you. President Obama has leveraged the am- thorizes the EPA to regulate green- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- bition of the Clean Power Plan to con- house gas emissions from sources in- ator from Massachusetts. vince the Chinese to combine their re- cluding power plants. SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS gional cap-and-trade programs into a Despite criticism from the opposi- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, on Fri- national carbon strategy. tion, we have seen, since the enact- day, ISIS terrorists massacred 129 peo- This is how bold leadership achieves ment of the Clean Air Act 45 years ago, ple in Paris. Just the day before, ISIS results. And this December in Paris, that economic growth and environ- terrorists massacred 43 people in Bei- the Clean Power Plan will serve as the mental protection are not mutually ex- rut. While these are merely the latest

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.043 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8001 in a series of horrific attacks launched I met with the mayor of Lesbos, who tunity for themselves and their fami- by ISIS over the last few years, these described how his tiny Greek island of lies. They were seeking a safe refuge twin tragedies have riveted the atten- 80,000 people has struggled to cope with from ISIS, just like the rest of us. tion of the world. those refugees who wash ashore—more The most heartbreaking cases are the These events test us. It is easy to than 100,000 people in October alone. unaccompanied children. These boys proclaim that we are tough and brave Refugees are processed in reception and girls are separated from the other and good-hearted when threats feel far centers on the island before boarding refugees in a fenced-in outdoor dor- away, but when those threats loom ferries to Athens, but Greece plainly mitory area. I met a young girl in that large and close by, our actions will lacks the resources necessary to handle fenced-in area—younger than my own strip away our tough talk and reveal these enormous numbers. Refugees pile granddaughters, sent out on this per- who we really are. We face a choice—a into the reception centers, overflowing ilous journey alone. When I asked how choice either to lead the world by ex- the facilities and sleeping in parks or old she was, she shyly held up seven ample or to turn our backs to the beside the road. Last month, a volun- fingers. I wondered, What could pos- threats and the suffering around us. teer doctor in Lesbos was quoted as sibly possess parents to hand a 7-year- Last month Senator SHAHEEN, Senator saying: ‘‘There are thousands of chil- old girl and a wad of cash to human DURBIN, Senator KLOBUCHAR, and I dren here and their feet are literally smugglers? What could possibly possess traveled to Europe to see the Syrian rotting, they can’t keep dry, they have them to send a beloved child across the refugee crisis up close. I come to the high fevers, and they’re standing in the treacherous seas with no more protec- Senate floor today to speak about what pouring rain for days on end.’’ Re- tion than a pool floatie? What could I saw and to try to shed some light on cently, the mayor told a local radio make them send a child on a journey the choice we face. program that the island had run out of knowing that crime rings of sex slav- Over the past 4 years, millions of peo- room to bury the dead. ery and organ harvesting prey on these ple have fled their homes in Syria, run- Greece’s overwhelmed registration children? What could possess them to ning for their lives, searching for a fu- system is not only a humanitarian cri- send a little girl out alone with only ture for themselves and their families. sis but also a security risk. In meeting the wildest, vaguest hope that she Official estimates indicate that 2 mil- after meeting, I asked Greek officials might make it through alive and find lion Syrians are now living in Turkey, about security screening for these mi- something—anything—better on the more than 1 million in Lebanon, and grants, and time after time I heard the other side? more than one-half million in Jordan. same answer. It was all Greece could do Today, we all know why parents The true numbers are probably much simply to fingerprint these individuals would send a child on a journey alone. larger. and write down their names before The events of the last week in Paris The crisis has put an enormous eco- sending them off to Athens, and from and in Beirut drive it home. The ter- nomic and political strain on those there, to somewhere else in Europe. rorists of ISIS—enemies of Islam and of countries. In late 2014, I traveled to Now Greece’s Interior Minister says all modern civilization, butchers who Jordan where I visited a U.N. refugee that fingerprints taken from one of the rape, torture, and execute women and processing center. I also met with Jor- Paris attackers may match someone children, who blow themselves up in a dan’s Foreign Minister, U.N. represent- who registered as a refugee at a Greek lunatic effort to kill as many people as atives, and American military per- island entry point in early October. possible—these terrorists have spent sonnel stationed in Amman. Even a Whether this ultimately proves to be years torturing the people of Syria. year ago, it was clear that the humani- true, there is no question that a And what about the Syrian Govern- tarian crisis was straining these host screening system that can do no more ment? President Bashar al-Assad has countries and that there was no end in than confirm after the fact that a ter- spent years bombing his own people. sight. rorist entered Europe is obviously not Day after day, month after month, In recent months, the crisis has ac- a screening system that is working. year after year, Syrian civilians have celerated. The steady stream of refu- The burden of dealing with Syrian been caught in the middle, subjected to gees fleeing Syria has become a flood, refugees cannot fall on Greece alone. suicide attacks, car bombings, and and that flood has swept across Europe. Greece and the other border countries hotel bombings at the hands of ISIS or Every day refugees set out on a jour- dealing with this crisis need money and Assad or this faction or that faction— ney of hundreds of miles from Syria to expertise to screen out security each assault more senseless than the the Turkish coast. When they arrive, threats. Europe needs to provide that last. Day after day, month after they are met by human smugglers who assistance as quickly as possible, and if month, year after year, mothers, fa- charge $1,000 a head for a place on a we are serious about preventing an- thers, children, and grandparents are shoddy, overloaded, plastic raft that is other tragedy like the one in Paris, the slaughtered. floated out to sea, hopefully in the di- United States must help. We must In the wake of the murders in Paris rection of one of the Greek islands. build adequate procedures to make and in Beirut last week, people in I visited one of those islands last sure that refugees, especially those America, in Europe, and throughout month. Lesbos is only a few miles from who have entered Europe through this the world are fearful. Millions of Syr- the Turkish coast, but the risks of slipshod screening process, can enter ians are fearful as well, terrified by the crossing are immense. The water is the United States only after they have reality of their daily lives, terrified rough, the shoreline is rocky, and these been thoroughly vetted and we are that their last avenue of escape from overcrowded, paper-thin rafts are dan- fully confident that they do not pose a the horrors of ISIS will be closed, and gerously unsteady. Parents do their risk to our Nation or our people. terrified that the world will turn its best to protect their children. Little The security threat is real and it back on them and their children. ones are outfitted with blowup pool must be addressed, but on our visit to Some politicians have already moved floaties as a substitute for lifejackets Lesbos, we also had the chance to meet in that direction, proposing to close in the hope that if their rafts go down, with refugees processed at the Moria our country for people fleeing the mas- a $1.99 pool toy will be enough to save reception center to see who most of sacre in Syria, but with millions of the life of a small child—and the rafts them really are. From the outside, Syrian refugees already in Europe, al- do go down. According to some esti- with its barbed wire and guard towers, ready carrying European passports, al- mates, more than 500 people have died Moria looks like a prison. At the en- ready able to travel to the United crossing the sea from Turkey to Greece trance, the words ‘‘Freedom For All’’ States—and with more moving across so far this year. are etched into the concrete encircling Europe every day—that is not a real Despite the risks, thousands make the facility, but speaking with refugees plan to keep us safe, and that is not the trip every day. Greek Coast Guard inside feels more like a 21st-century who we are. We are a country of immi- officials told us that when refugees see Ellis Island. We met doctors, teachers, grants and refugees, a country made a Coast Guard ship, they may even civil engineers, and college students. strong by our diversity, a country slash holes in their own rafts just so We met young, educated, middle-class founded by those crossing the sea, flee- they will not be turned back. Syrians seeking freedom and oppor- ing religious persecution and seeking

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.048 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 religious freedom. We are not a nation ate Foreign Relations Committee and reasonable, they are critical, and they that delivers children back into the the Senate leadership met today with will make a difference to restricting hands of ISIS murderers because some the French Ambassador to say to him emissions from new and existing pow- politician doesn’t like their religion, that we stand together with him erplants. Some in the Senate have ar- and we are not a nation that backs against these murderous thugs. gued these proposals do too much and down out of fear. Mr. President, today, because we are others argue they don’t do enough, but Our first responsibility is to protect on this resolution of disapproval, we instead of rolling up our sleeves and de- this country. We must embrace that are discussing the issue of climate veloping a comprehensive energy and fundamental obligation, but we do not change and global warming. It is one of climate strategy of our own, we are make ourselves safer by ignoring our our greatest challenges and we have a here today voting on a Republican res- common humanity and turning away choice. We can deny the reality. We olution of disapproval of the Clean from our moral obligation. can ignore the danger to our planet, to Power Plan rules. What a waste of our ISIS has shown itself to the world. our economy, and to our security—that time, the American people’s time, and We cannot and we will not abandon the is one choice—or we can move forward. the time we have left to seriously ad- people of France to this butchery, we We can work together. We can find dress this very important problem. cannot and we will not abandon the common ground with a diversified en- I started this speech talking about people of Lebanon to this butchery, ergy portfolio that includes clean en- choices and again we are making the and we cannot and we must not aban- ergy, with an energy policy that makes wrong one. We are wasting time when don the people of Syria to this butch- sense, that creates jobs, that protects we should be working together and de- ery. The terrorists in Paris and in Bei- the environment, and that will keep veloping proposals that would address rut remind us that the hate of a few our Nation strong. That is the choice global warming and help push forward can alter the lives of many. Now we we should make, that is the choice we clean energy jobs. There are now more have a chance to affirm a different must make and, once again, that is the solar jobs in the United States than message—a message that we are a cou- choice we are failing to make. coal jobs. There are currently more rageous people who will stand strong in This year is almost over. It will like- than 98 solar companies in New Mexico, the face of terrorism. We have the ly be the warmest year on record. The employing 1,600 people. Renewable en- courage to affirm our commitment to a current record holder is last year—2014. ergy jobs and solutions are in abun- world of open minds and open hearts. The impact is clear. People are seeing dance in New Mexico, and this is true This must be our choice—the same it all over the world, with rising sea for many other States. A renewable choice that has been made over and levels and increased droughts. electricity standard, which I have long over again by every generation of The Southwest is at the eye of the fought for, would create 300,000 jobs. Americans. This is always our choice. storm. In New Mexico, temperatures Most of these jobs are high-paying, It is the reason the people of Syria and are rising 50 percent faster than the local, and cannot be shipped overseas. Congress could be using this time people all around this world look to us global average, not just this year or moving forward. Our country can lead for hope. It is the reason ISIS despises last year but for decades. This has the world in a clean energy economy. us, and it is the reason we will defeat strained my State with terrible We have the technology, we have the them. droughts and wildfires. When the rain resources, and we need the commit- Thank you, Mr. President. does come, it often brings floods as The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- well. In 2011, we had the largest fire in ment. Instead, the Republican leader- ator from New Mexico. our State’s history—the Las Conchas ship in Congress is doubling down, try- ing to overturn the President and de- Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, let me fire. Then, in 2012—just a year later— railing the progress we are making. thank my colleague Senator WARREN we had an even larger wildfire. The They do so knowing they will fail, for those very eloquent remarks. She Whitewater-Baldy fire burned 259,000 knowing the President will veto it, and and the Senators she traveled with acres. We have seen massive droughts. knowing the votes aren’t there to over- have taught us a lot. We have heard Our crops and natural resources are at ride the veto. Once again, this is a lot her comments, and she is right. Our risk. of sound, a lot of fury, and a lot of values in the United States of America Through all of this, Congress has wasted time. It makes a false claim are accepting and open to refugees who failed to act. There have been many at- that support for climate action does flee violence and persecution, and that tempts in the past. We have had many not exist in the United States, and it is the country we are. bipartisan bills introduced in the Sen- does so ahead of the Paris Climate Con- So I thank very much the Senator ate, including the McCain-Lieberman ference, where 153 countries, it is my from Massachusetts for her remarks. cap-and-trade proposal, the Bingaman- understanding at this point, are going As I have said, we all have learned very Specter cap-and-trade proposal, the to gather and sign on to positive cli- much from her and the trip she took Cantwell-Collins cap-and-dividend pro- mate proposals. and from what she shared with us. posal, the Lieberman-Warner bill, the Action on climate change is under at- TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST FRANCE Kerry-Graham bill, and others. In the tack in the U.S. Senate. That is true, Mr. President, before I begin my re- House of Representatives, I had my make no mistake about it, but also marks today, in addition to the com- own bipartisan bill with Representa- make no mistake that all of these at- ments I have just made, I wanted to tive Tom Petri. In 2005, over half the tacks will fail. first pause for just a moment and say a Senate voted on a resolution affirming I have led the charge in our Appro- few words about the Paris attacks last the need to implement mandatory re- priations Committee, on the sub- Friday. ductions of greenhouse gas emissions committee of which I am the ranking The people of New Mexico and the in the United States. Each and every member, to fight against dangerous en- people the world over are grieving for time Congress failed to make it to the vironmental riders. I will continue to those who were killed and injured in finish line—failed to pass comprehen- fight them, and they will fail. the horrific attacks that have just been sive legislation in both Houses to curb My colleagues and I are here today in spoken about by Senator WARREN and our greenhouse gas emissions. Mean- opposition to this resolution of dis- others who have come to the floor while, the clock is ticking. Time is approval and we also are here to ask today. Earlier today, we had a moment growing short, and we are going from that we move on, to ask that we work of silence to recognize them. I just bad to worse. together and face the very real threat want to say that our thoughts are with So the President and the EPA have of climate change. the French people, and we are united in used their authority under the Clean We will go to Paris next month, and our resolve to fight the murderous Air Act to implement restrictions and we will get a solid, strong agreement thugs of terrorism who thrive on hate, to control the pollution. They have from the international community. intolerance, and fear. done what needs to be done with the The United States will continue to lead I met today with the French Ambas- support of many of us in Congress and, on this issue even if our Republican sador to give him New Mexicans’ heart- as we know, with the support of the colleagues continue to fight it each felt condolences. All of us on the Sen- American people. The proposals are step of the way.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.049 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8003 With that, I yield the floor to my and prevent thousands of premature more than a political Kabuki theater. good friend from Massachusetts Sen- deaths. The climate and health benefits Instead of wasting time tilting at legis- ator ED MARKEY, who has been an in- of this rule are estimated to be $34 to lative windmills, we should be passing credible champion in terms of working $54 billion every year by the year 2030. tax extenders to help build more wind legislation and who had a big part a With the Clean Power Plan, we can turbines and more solar panels in the Congress or two ago getting climate create wealth and health for our coun- United States of America. That is what change legislation out of the House of try. In Massachusetts, we know first- we should be debating out here on the Representatives. hand that by cutting carbon pollution, floor of the Senate today. I yield the floor. we can grow our economy and save If the Republicans don’t like the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- families money. It is a formula that Clean Power Plan, then I ask them ator from Massachusetts. works. We did it through the Regional what is their plan to prevent climate Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I thank Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, change, expand energy, and create jobs. the Senator from New Mexico for his which is a model for the Clean Power That is the real question we should be historic leadership on these issues. Plan. Since the program went into ef- debating on the Senate floor today. The consequences of climate change fect in 2009, the program has added on The reality is that they have no plan. are evidenced around the world. Tem- the order of $3 billion worth of eco- The reality is that as a party they are peratures are increasing, sea level is nomic value to participating States in denial that the planet is dangerously rising, glaciers are receding, rainfall is and it has saved consumers more than warming. The reality is that they want changing, and people’s health is suf- $1.5 billion. to keep the wind and solar tax breaks fering. These impacts can worsen the Massachusetts now has nearly 100,000 off of the books, giving incentives for tensions that are fueling terrorism and people working in the clean energy sec- Americans to innovate in this area. conflicts around the world. The Pen- tor in our State. It is the fastest grow- The reality is that the fossil fuel indus- tagon and the CIA have both issued re- ing job-creation sector in our economy. try is still driving the agenda of the ports that found that instability from All of this has happened just over the Republican Party here in Congress. changes in the climate can contribute last 10 years. That is the reality. That is why we are to conditions that breed insurgencies. As a nation, we have a choice: We can having this vote here on the floor of As we look around the world, we can continue to pump harmful carbon pol- the Senate today, because the Repub- see how climate change is a threat lution into our skies and foreign oil lican Party is siding with Big Coal and multiplier and a catalyst for conflict into our cars or we can pump new life Big Fossil Fuel in order to keep us on today. That is why partnering with de- into our economy, creating jobs and a pathway that does not allow us to un- veloping countries so they can grow saving Americans money on their en- leash this renewable energy revolution. The green generation—the young their economies in a climate-smart ergy bills. generation in our country—wants to be way is a crucial part of our foreign pol- Climate deniers call this plan a war the leaders. They are innovators and icy. That is why we need to support the on coal, but it is really a war on carbon they can find investors to help them Green Climate Fund and other financ- pollution. The Clean Power Plan is a with their new technology. They are ing and aid programs that will help signal to the marketplace to invest in professors and they are producers who countries increase their resiliency in clean energy, and it is a signal to the want to work together in order to un- the face of climate change impacts, be- world that America will lead the global leash this revolution. cause those impacts are very real, and effort for climate action and be the The next generation already did this scientists agree that it is humans who global leader. You cannot preach tem- with telecommunications. They moved are causing them. perance from a bar stool. If we want to us from a black rotary dial phone to an The year 2014 was the hottest year in be a leader, we have to stand up and iPhone in about 8 years. The tech- a global record that stretches back to say: Here is what we are going to do. nology was locked up. There was no in- 1880. The first half of this year is now By reducing U.S. carbon pollution, novation that was possible. The utility the hottest January to June in that the United States will be the leader industry that was the telephone indus- same record. As temperatures continue and not the laggard in the inter- try had a stake in everyone still rent- to soar upwards on land, our seas are national climate negotiations begin- ing a black rotary dial phone. The util- getting hotter as well. ning at the end of this month in Paris. ity industry, which is the electrical While we have to deal with the con- U.S. leadership has helped secure cli- generating industry, has a stake in sequences of climate change that are mate pledges for Paris from more than slowing down the pace at which we already gripping our Nation and our 150 countries. We now have the oppor- move to wind and solar and to new planet, there is still time to prevent fu- tunity to forge an international cli- technologies of the 21st century that ture catastrophes. That is why Presi- mate agreement that includes all coun- are the match for the iPhone in the dent Obama has been using the tool he tries doing their fair share for a global telecommunications sector. That is has in the Clean Air Act to reduce car- solution to global warming. what we are debating on the floor—the bon pollution. He has used it to further We aren’t tackling climate change path to the future. That is what we are increase the fuel efficiency of Amer- alone. Efforts are underway in legisla- debating on the floor—the 19th-century ica’s cars and trucks. tures around the world to develop laws technologies versus the 21st-century He has released the historic Clean and develop national responses to cli- technologies. Power Plan, but Republicans want to mate change. But without the Clean That is what we are debating on the undo that plan with the Congressional Power Plan, America would not be able floor—the status quo or an innovation Review Act. Undoing the Clean Power to have any credibility in Paris in 21⁄2 economy where young people are able Plan would be bad for our economy, for weeks in saying: We are going to re- to move into these new sectors and in- our national security, and for our duce our greenhouse gases. You must, vent these new technologies and ex- health. The Clean Power Plan captures as another sovereign country, reduce ploit them around the planet. We did the scientific urgency and the eco- your greenhouse gases. that in telecommunications. It is nomic opportunity needed to avoid the Coal companies, the Koch brothers, branded Google, eBay, Amazon and worst consequences of climate change. and other allies of the fossil fuel indus- YouTube, around the planet. We did it The Clean Power Plan provides flexi- try may oppose the United States and in the blink of an eye once we un- bility to the States to find solutions to the world acting on climate, but sci- leashed the potential. We can do the reducing carbon pollution that work entific facts, economic opportunity, same in the green energy sector, but best for their situations. The Clean and history are not on their side. defeating the Clean Power Plan vote Power Plan will be at the heart of a su- Today we are debating a resolution the Republicans brought out on the percharged renewables renaissance in to overturn the Clean Power Plan, and floor is the key to unleashing this po- every single State in the Union. It will should it pass, the President will veto tential not only in our own country but create jobs and save consumers billions it and Republicans won’t have the across the planet. on their electricity bills. It will avert votes to overturn the veto. What the I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this historic set almost 100,000 asthma attacks a year Republicans are doing today is nothing of regulations that President Obama is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.050 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 putting on the books. It is what will Globally, 14 of the 15 warmest years on eration or some past generation but give us credibility when he goes to record have all occurred in the last 15 with all of us right now. This resolu- Paris in the beginning of December in years. They have all occurred in this tion to try to torpedo the most effec- order to negotiate this historic deal. century, and 2014 was the warmest year tive measure America has ever adopted Mr. President, I yield back the re- ever on a global basis. This year, 2015, in the past or in the present is, in fact, mainder of my time. is on course to be even warmer yet. deeply, deeply misguided. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- This translates into damage to our Let’s turn back to the test President ator from Oregon. rural economy not only in terms of our Theodore Roosevelt put before us when Mr. MERKLEY. Thank you very forestry, our fishing, and our farming, he said that there is no more impor- much, Mr. President. but also in terms of the economic im- tant mission than leaving this land I rise today to oppose the Congres- pact that occurs from the damage. The even a better land for our descendants sional Review Act to derail the Clean damage we see today is going to only than it is for us. Our children and our Power Plan. get worse in the years ahead. These children’s children are counting on us It was Theodore Roosevelt who said, rural industries will suffer, and Amer- to act. They are counting on us to save ‘‘Of all the questions that can come be- jobs, to save lives, and to save our fore this nation, short of the actual ican livelihoods will suffer. It is irresponsible to continue busi- planet. We must not fail this test. preservation of its existence in a great ness as usual. We need to dramatically I yield the floor. war, there is none which compares in change course. We need to pivot from a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- importance with the great central task fossil fuel energy economy to a renew- ator from Hawaii. of leaving this land even a better land able energy economy. Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I rise to for our descendants than it is for us.’’ The Clean Power Plan sets achiev- speak in support of the administra- Theodore Roosevelt was at the core tion’s Clean Power Plan. I think the of the conservation movement in the able standards to reduce carbon dioxide first thing that must be said—and said Republican Party. It is a Republican emissions by 32 percent of 2005 levels over and over, especially this week, Party far removed from the party it is by the year 2030—strong but achievable with so many critical issues facing our today. Roosevelt’s determination to standards. We have the technology country, with appropriations bills ‘‘leave this land a little better’’ has today, but do we have the political pending, with the transportation bill been replaced by complete abdication will? Or is this body going to be en- pending, with perhaps a motion to go of responsible leadership for the stew- snared by the powerful lobbying of the to conference on the education reau- ardship of our planet. Koch brothers and the fossil fuel indus- The Clean Power Plan that this reso- try, which have announced they are thorization—is that we are wasting lution concerns is the single most sig- going to spend $1 billion in the next floor time, that this piece of legisla- nificant step this country has taken election to make sure their policies are tion has no chance. The threshold now or in the past to combat climate the ones adopted in this room and that under the Congressional Review Act is change. Many citizens do not know their policies will guide our future. 51 votes, and while it is very likely the that over the past few decades we have Well, how about this? How about we threshold will be met, let’s take this seen the carbon pollution rise in the have policies that are the policies re- through the legislative process. atmosphere, and it is now in the upper lated to the welfare of American citi- This will eventually, if it passes the level of 400 parts per million. As that zens, related to the welfare of our House—when it passes the House— carbon dioxide concentrates and comes farmers, our fishing industry, and our reach the President’s desk. Can you to a higher level, it traps the heat, and forest industry? How about we fight for imagine that President Obama is going that heat is producing profound con- rural America instead of being led to enact legislation that overturns his sequences. We haven’t had this level of astray by the Koch brothers and the signature and environmental achieve- carbon pollution for 3 million years— fossil fuel industry? ment? Whether you agree or not with long before humans walked this planet We know the Clean Power Plan will the Clean Power Plan, the idea that he and when sea levels were as much as 80 have a powerful, positive impact that is going to sign this into law is prepos- feet higher than they are today. So will provide significant public health terous. So it faces a veto. So then the this is no ivory tower issue; it is very benefits, reducing premature deaths only question is this: Can you get 67 real, not only in the measurement of from powerplant emissions by nearly 90 votes in the Senate? And the answer is pollution in the air but in the facts on percent, and that will avoid 3,600 pre- a resounding no. the ground. mature deaths, will lead to 90,000 fewer So let’s put this in context. This is In my home State of Oregon, we are asthma attacks for children, and will an important debate, but this is not seeing impacts on our forests. We see prevent 300,000 missed work and school likely to result in any kind of legisla- impacts of pine beetles spreading and days. We know this plan will create tion one way or the other. But here is creating a big red zone of dead trees. tens of thousands of jobs while driving what this is about. The Clean Air Act We see it in impacts in terms of fiercer new investments in cleaner, more mod- requires the EPA—it doesn’t authorize forest fires and a longer forest fire sea- ern, and more efficient technologies. the EPA; it requires the EPA—to regu- son—a season that has grown 60 days in We know it will save the American late airborne pollutants. So it doesn’t 40 years. We see it in terms of the di- family nearly $85 on their annual en- allow the EPA to pick among airborne minishing snowpack in the Cascades, ergy bill. pollutants and place limits; it requires which not only makes our trout Fewer deaths are a good thing. More that any airborne pollutant have lim- streams warmer and smaller, but it de- jobs are a good thing. Saving families its. creases the water we have for agri- money is a good thing. So let’s fight In 2007 the Supreme Court of the culture, and we have a massive drought for good things. Let’s not follow the United States determined that CO2— year after year. The three worst ever path my Republican colleagues are pro- carbon—was in fact an airborne pollut- droughts have been in the last 15 years posing, in which they are saying no to ant, which is kind of intuitive and con- in the Klamath Basin in the south. We reducing bills for families, they are sistent with what every expert in the see it in terms of our sea production— saying no to creating good-paying jobs, field understands. So the only question our oysters, which are struggling to they are saying no to improving public is this: Do you believe in the Clean Air create shells when they are small be- health, and they are saying no to sav- Act? Do you believe there should be an cause the Pacific Ocean is 30 percent ing lives. Well, let’s say yes. exception in the Clean Air Act for car- more acidic now than it was before the It has been said that we are the first bon pollution? Do you disagree with industrial revolution. generation to feel the impacts of global the consensus among scientists that Carbon pollution is really a war on warming and the last generation that carbon is a pollutant? That is what we rural America. It is a war on forestry, can do something about it. This is a are voting on today. So carbon is a pol- our fishing, and our farming, and that moral challenge to our generation of lutant, and this is a pretty straight- cannot be allowed to stand. humans on this planet—on our beau- forward policy issue, and it is a pretty There is no question that we have tiful blue-green planet. This responsi- straightforward scientific issue. The conclusive evidence of global warming. bility rests not with some future gen- EPA must regulate emissions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.052 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8005 Let’s also understand how CRA I am not exactly sure why people fear I was a stranger in your land did you works. This vehicle is to overturn the the clean energy future so much. I un- take me in? Clean Power Plan. The way the statute derstand we need to make a transition. When I hear of the prospect of a runs is that it doesn’t give the admin- The State of Hawaii depends on low- thousand or so Syrian refugees coming istration—or any future administra- sulfur fuel oil for the vast majority of to this country this year—and more tion—any flexibility to do a different its electricity. I understand we can’t next year—I think of the desperate version of the same thing. It prohibits make that transition overnight, and I plight of people who are trying to es- the administration from doing any- understand there is going to be disrup- cape the hellacious situation in Syria thing that is ‘‘substantially similar.’’ tion and there is going to be difficulty and who have been living, in some So the difficulty, of course, is that as we make a transformation of this cases months or years, in refugee hasn’t actually been tested too many magnitude, but we are going to have to camps. What kind of moral imperative times in court. But the assumption make this transformation. It doesn’t do we have with respect to them? What most attorneys on both sides of this have to be a bad thing. It can create in- kind of moral imperative? What kind question are operating under is that it novation jobs, it can attract invest- of moral imperative do we have at the would not just invalidate this Clean ment capital, and it can be a new same time to ensure that the folks we Power Plan but prohibit the EPA from American economy. allow to come in as refugees to this regulating carbon on a going-forward This is already happening. This is not country—that we are going to protect basis. pie in the sky any more. This is al- those of us who live here from possible So if you have a specific concern, if ready underway. The majority of new threats that might be caused by that you have a specific objection to the power generation in the United States immigration? way this thing is administered, that is is clean energy. Let’s keep the momen- This week I learned a few things I fair enough, but you don’t have the tum up. Let’s support the Clean Power didn’t know before. There is a lot more ability to tell EPA to go and do this Plan. I have to learn. Among the things I again and submit it again. It will actu- I yield the floor. have learned this week is that when ally be illegal under a CRA. So CRA is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- refugees—whether in Turkey or some- an extremely blunt instrument. It is an ator from Louisiana. place else in that or the other side of extremely radical thing to do, and that Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask the world, in Pakistan or any other is what we are contending with. unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 place—seek to come to this country, So why, if all of that is true, is there minutes. they don’t get to just come. It is not a CRA vote this week? My instinct is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without like they say: I am applying under ref- that it is designed to create confusion, objection, it is so ordered. ugee status to come to the United to kick up dust, and to raise the possi- The Senator from Louisiana is recog- States, and I would like to come this bility that the American government nized. week or this month or even this year. does not stand behind the Clean Power Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I first The average wait for folks in refugee Plan as we go into the final throes of want to thank very much the Senator status trying to get someplace out of a the Paris climate talks. from Delaware for his courtesy in this refugee camp—and it could be here, but Now, we have an opportunity here. regard. especially here, the average wait for We have 160 countries for the first time (The remarks of Mr. VITTER per- refugees is not a week, it is not a in history committing to different taining to the introduction of S. 2284 month, it is not a year. It is 1.5 years. versions—all executed from within are printed in today’s RECORD under For those of Syrian descent, the wait their own governmental systems, but ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and could be even longer. they are all committing to different Joint Resolutions.’’) I am not going to go through all the versions—of emissions reductions. Mr. VITTER. I yield the floor. hurdles folks have to go through, but it Some of them have cap and trade, some The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- is a screening process that begins not have incentives, some of them have ator from Delaware. with the Department of Homeland Se- regulations, some have financing pro- SYRIAN REFUGEES curity in this country. It is a screening grams, but all of them are committing Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I come process that begins way before that to various programs to reduce carbon to the floor to address the issue of cli- with the U.N. High Commissioner for emissions. This is a significant inter- mate change, but I am inclined to fol- Refugees. They first register refugees, national achievement. low up on comments by our friend from they gather biometric data, and they In previous climate negotiations, Louisiana who has just spoken. gather other background information. folks who opposed international cli- As the Presiding Officer knows, I am Only those who pass the U.N. assess- mate action would actually go to these no longer the chairman of the home- ment are ever referred to the United negotiations to create confusion, to land security committee, but I am the States for possible resettlement. Where imply the American government was senior Democrat. I have served on the they are looking to accept maybe 1,000 somehow not going to stand by its committee for about 15 years. The Syrian refugees this year, the U.N. commitments. That is why I wanted to issue of the security of our homeland, High Commissioner for Refugees may go through how the CRA works and whether from cyber attacks or terror- interview 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 refugees, or what the inevitable outcome of this ists or any other of number of threats, more, to come up with a list of 1,000 piece of legislation will be, which is is something I care a whole lot about. that we would even consider. Those ref- that it will be vetoed and that veto will I am sure all of us recall when we had ugees are interviewed not when they be sustained. a special visitor who addressed a joint get off a plane here, but overseas, be- The hope, I think, among people who session of the Congress on the other fore they ever get on a plane. Before oppose international climate action is side of the Capitol. His name is they ever get on a plane, they go that there is enough confusion going Francis, and he is the Pope. It was a through multiple background checks into Paris that someone can point to Papal visit. He addressed a joint ses- and vetting and use biographical America’s national legislature and say: sion of Congress. I am not Catholic, but checks conducted by the State Depart- Well, there is no consensus. That is I was moved, and I know a lot of our ment, security advisory opinions from true. There is no political consensus. colleagues were moved, especially intelligence and other agencies for cer- But there is no practical way to over- when he invoked the Golden Rule in tain cases, National Counterterrorism turn the Clean Power Plan, and there front of a national television audience, Center checks with intelligence agen- is no going back. I mean that is the when he called on all of us to treat cies for support, the Department of most important aspect of this. This other people the way we would want to Homeland Security and the FBI bio- year, 2015, of all the new power genera- be treated, and also when he invoked metrics checks, and the Department of tion in the United States, the majority the words of Matthew 25: When I was Defense biometric screening. of it was clean energy. The majority of hungry did you feed me, when I was Then, after going through all of that, new power generation in the United naked did you clothe me, when I was if they get here, they have the oppor- States was clean energy—how exciting. thirsty did you give me to drink, when tunity to be interviewed again face-to-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:56 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.053 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 face by the Department of Homeland and then he would milk his cow and he in terms of generating capacity, is up Security folks who are trained to inter- would let us milk his cow. Mr. Meaders to about 30 percent. Nuclear is still in view people alleging to be refugees. didn’t make his living off the milk there at about 20, adding a couple nu- They could be something else. Then, if from that cow. He made his living as a clear plants in the next few years, they get approved to stay here as a ref- coal miner. And he wasn’t the only per- maybe building some smaller, modular ugee, we continue to monitor them for son in West Virginia who made their plants. We are generating ever more an extended period of time. living mining coal. There are still a electricity from wind, a bit more from A year or so ago there was great con- number of people in West Virginia solar and from geothermal and hydro. cern with Ebola. We had a lot of people whose income is derived from mining But coal is down from 40 to maybe 30 coming across the border from Mexico, coal. percent, and the projection is that and they were going to have Ebola and West Virginia is one of the top five maybe by 2030 it will be down from 30 infect us all and a lot of people were coal-producing States in the country, percent to as low as 20 or 25 percent. going to die. Not one American died among Wyoming, Kentucky, Illinois, That is going to create some hardship from Ebola contracted here. and Pennsylvania. The number of peo- for the folks in those States, including So I would have us take a deep ple employed in the coal mining busi- my native State. Is there some way breath, try to gather the facts, and ness in each of those States today—as that we can actually help them while really understand what somebody has opposed to when I my sister and I were at the same time helping those of us to go through as a refugee to get here. little kids running out with Mr. who aren’t from those five States? It is not overnight; it is not a 1-week or Meaders to milk his cow—has come For as long as I can remember, I have a 1-month deal. If I were a bad guy down a whole lot. But for these people, heard people, including from this floor, wanting to come here and create mis- these are good-paying, life-sustaining for many years talking about Robert chief, I sure wouldn’t go as a refugee. I jobs for their families. Byrd, who was the former majority wouldn’t cool my jets for a year and a So we try to figure out—not just in leader, dean of the Senate, and maybe half, trying to get through that proc- Delaware, not just in America, but the longest-serving person in the House ess. I would find another way. around the world—how do we reduce and Senate in the history of our coun- Mr. President, that is not what I the threat from high levels of carbon in try. He was a big champion of clean wanted to talk about. I want to talk a our atmosphere? Is there a way to do coal technology. Since approximately bit about one of our favorite subjects, that? Is there a way to do that that is 1997, we have pursued clean coal, car- climate change and global warming. also respectful of the needs of people in bon capture, and sequestration. I am I will start off with a map here of Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsyl- told that just in this last decade we New Jersey, Maryland, Philadelphia. In vania, Illinois, and Kentucky, who are have spent about $20 billion, since between Philadelphia and the Del- trying to make a living and all they maybe 2005—something like that, in marva Peninsula is my State, the want to do is mine coal? That is what the last decade—and we have a success State of Delaware. This is probably they have done maybe all their lives story. We have had a lot of disappoint- hard to see from up there or on tele- and want to be able to continue to do ments, but we have a success story. I vision, but the outline of this map is that. The Golden Rule—again, is there want to share that with our colleagues Delaware today. A couple hundred a way we can somehow adopt a policy today. years from now, if we don’t continue to or policies that are mindful of their The success story on U.S. clean coal make progress in reducing carbon diox- needs to be able to sustain and support is a project in Southwest Texas, in ide, Delaware will not look like the their own families, and at the same Houston, where there is NRG, a big outline of that map. It is not going to time to make sure in doing that, they utility company. That project is a look like the green. It will be some- don’t endanger the rest of us? That is clean-coal project generating elec- where between the outline of that map the dilemma we are in. We have a tricity. It is going to come online and the green that we see here that de- moral imperative to look out for the sometime next year. There are other picts Delaware. For us, this is real. coal miners and their families in those projects under way, and we are con- These are our homes, these are our States I mentioned, and we have a tinuing to invest a lot of money in farms, the places we live and raise our moral imperative to look out for every- clean-coal technology. We need to con- families. So for us, this is something body else, including the folks here and tinue to do more. that is serious. up and down the east coast and west The last thing I want to say is this. Long before I ever moved to Dela- coast, and others whose lives are going We face many threats to our Nation ware, I served as a naval flight officer to be changed if we don’t continue to these days. ISIS is certainly one of in the Navy during the Vietnam war make progress. We want to continue to those. There are also other terrorist and served in Southeast Asia and other make progress with respect to reducing threats. Cyber security is certainly a places. Long before I ever did that, the amount of carbon in our air. threat we face. We have an obligation long before I went to Ohio State to I think we can try to at least address to our grandchildren and their grand- study economics, long before I moved both moral imperatives—to try to children to be able to make sure we ad- to Virginia, I was born in West Vir- make sure the folks who for genera- dress those threats. ginia. I was born in a coal mining tions have mined coal can continue to This is not a battle that the United town. My dad, coming out of Shady do that in a way that is not just eco- States can win alone on those fronts— Spring High School in Beaver, WV, was nomically sustainable but environ- nor with respect to our climate change for a short while a coal miner. Even mentally sustainable, and do so in a concerns. It is going to take a coalition after my sister and I had grown up and way that actually looks out for the le- of many nations, and we are one of left West Virginia—she after being in gitimate interests of a whole lot of us those nations. We are one of the na- the third grade and I in the second who come from States where we don’t tions that put as much CO2 in the air grade—we would come back and visit mine coal. as anybody else. We have an obligation my mom’s parents, my grandparents, One of the biggest sources of carbon to try to figure out how to reduce that in Beaver, WV, right outside of Beck- dioxide in our atmosphere continues to amount and how to reduce the threat. ley. A coal miner named Mr. Meaders be coal-fired plants. We generate elec- We need to be a leader and not just say lived next door to my grandparents. He tricity. It used to be that about 40 per- to other nations that they should do had a big field of about 2 to 4 acres cent of the electricity in the United this but also that they follow our ex- right next to my grandparents’ house. States came from coal-fired plants, ample. What we are trying to do is to He would come home from work at maybe another 20 percent or so from lead by our example. about 4 or 5 in the afternoon. He al- nuclear powered plants, another 20 per- At our church, our pastor sometimes ways had his coal mining clothes on. cent or so from natural gas-fired will say: I am preaching to the choir, He had mined coal for decades. He also plants, and the rest from hydroelectric, but even choirs need to be preached to. owned a cow, and he kept his cow in a solar, wind, and so forth. That mix has The other thing he will say from time shed on that 3-, 4-, 5-acre field. When he changed a little bit. Today, coal is to time is this: I would rather see a ser- would come home, he would clean up, down to about 30 percent. Natural gas, mon than hear a sermon. For the rest

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In the State of Oklahoma, every What we are trying to do over the power plan. time I hear a figure that talks about next 15, 20 years is to reduce our CO2 Right now we have 27 States, 24 na- trillions or billions of dollars, I find emissions since 2005 by about 30 per- tional trade associations, 37 rural elec- out how many families in my State of cent and leave it up to the States—not tric co-ops, 10 major companies, and 3 Oklahoma paid Federal income tax, EPA calling shots and not microman- labor unions representing just under 1 and I do the math. This would cost aging—to figure out what works best in million workers. They are now chal- somewhere around $3,000 a family—an their States and to help them help us lenging the final rule in court. This average family in Oklahoma. You cou- meet that national target. Thirty per- chart shows you the States that are ple that with the fact that nothing is cent reduction from 2005 to 2030—that challenging the rule in court. A lot of happening only here. If you believed in is the deal. That is the goal. My hope these entities have requested a judicial all the dangers that you hear about stay, which would likely put these is that we will do our part. We will pro- with CO2 emissions, if you really be- vide the leadership that is needed, not rules on hold until early next year. lieve that to be true, that would not be by what we say but by what we do. While the courts work through the nu- true in terms of what we are talking I yield the floor. merous other challenges, time is going about now. The first Administrator of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- to go by and time is certainly not their the EPA who was supported by Presi- jority leader. friend. dent Obama when asked the question if I was listening carefully to what my ORDER OF PROCEDURE we were to pass this regulation or pass friend from Delaware was saying. One Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the legislation on cap and trade, would observation I have is that the people ask unanimous consent that at 5:30 this have the effect of reducing CO have caught on. In 2002 it was very 2 p.m. today, all time on S.J. Res. 24 be emissions worldwide, said no, it lonely standing here at this podium in considered expired and the Senate vote wouldn’t because it would only affect this Chamber, and no one else wanted on passage of S.J. Res. 24; further, that the United States of America. If that is to be a part of that discussion. Yet, at following the disposition of S.J. Res. that time, the ranking of people, inso- the case, then it is not going to affect 24, the majority leader be recognized to far as what they thought about the le- the other countries. make a motion to proceed to S.J. Res. In fact, you can carry it one step fur- gitimacy of the argument that the 23; that if the motion to proceed is ther. If we have very tight restrictions world was coming to an end because of in this country where our manufac- agreed to, then all time under the Con- global warming, was either No. 1 or No. turing base is forced to go to other gressional Review Act be considered 2. I am talking about the polls that countries, and then there are countries expired and that the Senate vote on were across the nation at that time. passage of S.J. Res. 23. Now that same poll last March that that don’t have any emission require- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there said that global warming was the No. 1 ments at all, it has the effect of in- objection? concern back in 2002 is now No. 15. Peo- creasing, not decreasing, the emissions. Without objection, it is so ordered. ple have caught on. They realize that We had a hearing in the Environment The Senator from Oklahoma. the cost is going to be exorbitant, and and Public Works Committee, which I Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask they realize it is not going to accom- chair, and we had as one of the wit- unanimous consent that I be recog- plish anything. I don’t have any doubt nesses Harry Alford. Harry Alford is nized for such time as I shall consume. that once the courts assess the merits the President of the National Black The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of these challenges, the Obama admin- Chamber of Commerce. He talked objection, it is so ordered. istration’s power plan will not survive about how any type of a cap-and-trade Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, at 5:30 judicial scrutiny. scheme is unfair to very poor people. p.m. today, two votes are going to take President Obama and Administrator He estimated that the Obama power place on the two CRAs—one by Senator McCarthy are equally aware of their plan would result in an estimated job CAPITO and one by Senator MCCONNELL, legal vulnerabilities, which is why loss of nearly 200,000 jobs for Black as he just referred to. Obama’s Agency deliberately slow- Americans and more than 300,000 jobs The Congressional Review Act is walked the implementation process to for Hispanics. The increased energy something really good that has come try to prevent any CRAs or negative cost undermines global competitive- along for a reason. A lot of people don’t court rulings prior to the International ness for American small business and understand that the bureaucracy gets Climate Conference in December. It energy-intensive industries. These out of hand sometimes. I was listening has already been done over there. It is companies will ultimately shut down very attentively to my friend from going to get very active here in a mat- here at home where the electricity bill Delaware. When I see some of the regu- ter of just a few days. becomes unaffordable and create jobs lations that come through, I am won- POLITICO had an article a week ago instead for our competitors, such as dering: How in the world could this that reported that the administration China. happen? These are things that we have has asked the DC Circuit to postpone I can remember talking to China at voted on over and over, as with the decisions until after December 23. What the various meetings such as the Inter- case of cap and trade, which is what we does that tell you? It tells you that national Climate Conference meeting are talking about now. Our first one they don’t want to go over to the Inter- that is coming up at the end of next was the McCain-Lieberman act of 2003, national Climate Conference for the month. They are hoping that some- then again in 2005, and then the War- big show and then walk in and find out thing will happen where we are going ner-Lieberman act of 2008. And Wax- that nothing is going to happen over to restrict our manufacturing base be- man-Markey didn’t even come to the here in this country and where the peo- cause they are the beneficiaries of Senate floor because they knew they ple are in terms of this issue. that. didn’t have the votes for it. Each one of The Agency’s lack of legal authority The EPA has consistently acknowl- these was rejected by the elected Mem- is not the only reason for bipartisan edged this. The former Administrator, bers of the Senate and by a larger mar- opposition to the administration’s car- Lisa Jackson, says that U.S. action gin each year. bon regulations. The President’s power alone is not going to have any reduc- It is interesting what this President plan alone would cost $292 billion, re- tion. Her job didn’t last too long after has done. He has taken the things that sulting in double-digit electricity price she made that statement. people don’t want and has said: Well, if increases in 46 States. That is conserv- The current Administrator, Gina we can’t do it through legislation, we ative. We have documentation from McCarthy, testified that the Presi- will do it through regulation. MIT and from many of the organiza- dent’s power plan is not about pollu- We have seen time and again that he tions saying that the cost of this type tion control but rather about sending a has followed this. It is really going to of cap and trade is somewhere in the signal to the rest of the world that the come to a screeching halt this time be- range of between $300 billion and $400 United States is serious about address- cause there are some things that are billion a year. ing global warming. The minuscule

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These are the the Paris attacks, he called them a have available to us, the CRA—the States that are currently anticipating ‘‘setback.’’ Based on the number of cas- Congressional Review Act. There are a the process of putting together legal ualties and population of France, this lot of people who are of liberal nature, action to stop this outcome. It is a attack was the equivalent of a 9/11. I and they like overregulation. They very important vote this afternoon. would hardly call such an attack a don’t mind it a bit. I am talking about I yield the floor. mere ‘‘setback.’’ When it comes to the Senators and House Members now. I suggest the absence of a quorum. U.S. strategy against ISIS, one thing is They go back to their States, and they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clear: ISIS cannot simply be contained. get hit by all the business communities clerk will call the roll. ISIS must be defeated. that say: We can’t compete because of The senior assistant legislative clerk From what we have learned so far, the overregulation of EPA. The re- proceeded to call the roll. most of the terrorists involved in last Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask sponse is always this: Well, I have week’s Paris attack were individuals unanimous consent that the order for nothing to do with that; the unelected who already resided in France and Bel- the quorum call be rescinded. gium. That means these are individuals bureaucrats are doing that. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. That is not true. You need to carry who became radicalized at home, re- AYOTTE). Without objection, it is so or- this message back with you. The CRA ceived training or support from ISIS, dered. is there so that a person cannot tell and in some cases traveled to Iraq or TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST FRANCE AND the people at home that he is opposed Syria for training and then returned to SYRIAN REFUGEES to regulations that he is really sup- Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I France to carry out these attacks. porting, because what is going to hap- wish to begin by echoing the condo- Since ISIS first occupied territory in pen tonight—I can tell you right now— lences shared by millions around the Iraq and Syria and began recruiting is that both of them are going to pass. world regarding last week’s attacks in foreign fighters, the possibility of these But they are not going to pass them by Paris. Our thoughts and prayers go out combatants returning home has been a a two-thirds margin. That means that to the families and loved ones of those concern to the United States and to they will go to the House, and they will who died. As a nation, we remain com- our allies, and this attack in Paris pass them. They will go to the Presi- mitted to supporting and defending the demonstrates the validity of that con- dent’s desk, and he will veto them. people of France in whatever way we cern. As a nation we must remain vigi- Therefore, it is going to take two- can. lant in defending our homeland against thirds to override a veto. They will The attacks in Paris last week re- this type of attack by radicalized indi- come back for a vote. Those individ- mind us again of the dangerous world viduals holding U.S. or European pass- uals who always rejoice in not having in which we live. Although Paris has ports. to vote and getting on record are going become the focus of attention, the day I also wish to speak for a moment to have to vote on them. That is a neat before the attacks in France, two ISIS about the Syrian refugee crisis because deal. It is going to happen. You are suicide bombers in Beirut blew them- it ties into everything that has hap- here in on it right now. selves up, killing 40 people in a bus- pened in that region of the world. As That reminds me a little bit about tling urban area. Our thoughts and we are all aware, the regime of Bashar Copenhagen, back in 2009. I remember prayers go out to the people in Beirut al-Assad is responsible for the civil war so well that they were all going over and to all those who have suffered loss in Syria that allowed ISIS to gain a there. That was back when the Demo- at the hands of this horrific terrorist foothold and to expand. Assad used crats controlled the House, the Senate, organization. chemical weapons on his own people and the White House. They made it a ISIS remains one of the most brutal and hundreds of thousands of lives have real issue. They put on quite a show and indiscriminate terrorist organiza- been lost as a result of the conflict he over there. President Obama went over. tions in recent history. Its campaign of created. It is completely understand- PELOSI went over. John Kerry went violence is not limited to a specific re- able that the peace-loving people of over. They all talked about the 192 na- gion, nationality or religion. As the that country want out. tions that were there and how we were events in Paris have shown us, the Just this week, several of my col- going to pass cap and trade as legisla- threat posed by ISIS reaches well be- leagues sent a letter to President tion. This is 2009. I went over at the yond the borders of Iraq and Syria. If it Obama expressing concerns about the very last conference and told them can, ISIS will spread its campaign of possibility of ISIS infiltrating the Syr- they were telling the truth. We are not violence to innocent people all over the ian refugee population and asking what going to pass it. In fact, there weren’t world. is being done to thoroughly vet these 30 votes in the Senate that would pass The United States, as a champion of refugees. Over half the Governors in it at that time. Of course, that is what freedom and democracy, has a duty to this Nation have stated they don’t ended up being the case. stand up against ISIS’s brand of radical want Syrian refugees resettled in their There is a real setback that happened Islam and stomp it out wherever it ex- States. I share their concerns. The 6 days ago. You may have noticed that ists. ISIS represents a clear and United States should not accept Syrian Secretary of State Kerry made the pub- present danger to the American people refugees as long as there is a threat lic statement that nothing would be and our allies and it must be stopped. posed by ISIS. If we cannot be 100 per- binding on the United States that came President Obama, when asked about cent certain that additional refugees out of the International Climate Con- ISIS the day before the Paris attacks, from Syria do not put Americans at ference. Immediately, the President of made the following statement. He said: risk, the President’s plan to accept up France and all the others were out- I don’t think they’re gaining strength. . . . to 10,000 additional refugees this year raged, saying that he must have been From the start our goal has been first to should be rejected. If the President confused. They used the word ‘‘con- contain, and we have contained them. tries to act unilaterally, Congress fused.’’ ‘‘We have contained them.’’ Those should cut off funding to prevent the Right now the big fight that is going were his words. Unfortunately, ISIS President from taking any action that on is not Republican or conservatives does not appear to be contained. My would put the American people at risk. and liberals. It is between those par- colleague from California, the ranking If we are going to be serious about ticipants who are all for restrictions on member of the Intelligence Committee, solving the Syrian refugee crisis, the emissions. That is what is going on responded this week by saying: answer is not deciding which countries now. I think the vote this afternoon is I’ve never been more concerned. I read the are accepting how many refugees, the going to be a very important one. I can intelligence faithfully. ISIL is not contained. answer is to defeat ISIS and remove assure you that anyone who wants to ISIL is expanding. Basher al-Assad from power so the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.061 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8009 peace-loving people of Syria can return by having the strongest possible secu- portant responsibility, which is to keep home. rity screening measures for those who America safe and keep Americans safe. On that point, I want to speak about enter our country. We will do that by We need to do everything we can, a realistic strategy for defeating ISIS. enhancing our intelligence-gathering whether it is going after terrorists or So far the United States has relied al- capacity not only here in the United protecting our homeland, to make sure most entirely on airstrikes. Prior to States because we have taken major Americans are kept safe. the attacks in Paris, France was al- steps since the attack on our country Madam President, shortly we will be ready the coalition partner conducting on September 11, but we need a seam- voting on the Congressional Review the second greatest number of air- less system with our allies in Europe Act, the regulatory review act which strikes against ISIS. Those airstrikes and our global partners to share timely will allow us to vote on two regula- have been ramped up in recent days, information so we can track those who tions on the Clean Power Plan rules but this is not a fundamental shift in want to do harm to us and so we can that have been promulgated by the ad- our strategy. Airstrikes are important, apprehend foreign-trained fighters who ministration. I urge my colleagues to but ultimately they cannot be a solu- have joined the terrorists and then go reject these resolutions that would pre- tion in and of themselves. back to Europe or try to enter the vent these regulations from going for- It was President Obama’s politically United States. We need to know where ward. In other words, I urge my col- motivated decision to withdraw troops they are, apprehend them, and get leagues to allow these regulations to from Iraq that ultimately led to ISIS them out of our community. go forward that deal with the Clean expanding into Iraq to begin with. Let me mention a couple of issues Power Plan rules. President Obama stated yesterday that that have come to light just recently; There are four reasons I say that. boots on the ground would be a mis- that is, our policies with regard to ref- First and foremost is the public health take, but it was his decision to with- ugees. I want to make it clear that we reason. We have a responsibility for the draw U.S. troops that is partially re- have to have the most stringent secu- public health of the people of this Na- sponsible for creating this problem, rity screening, so that when we are set- tion, and clean air is critically impor- and now we are at a point where re- tling refugees, we don’t allow anyone tant. The number of children who suf- taking territory from ISIS will require with any association to terrorist orga- fer from asthma will go up dramati- ground forces. There is no way around nizations to be able to enter the United cally if we don’t clean up our air. Pre- it. If President Obama is going to be re- States. mature deaths will go up. There is a di- alistic about defeating ISIS, he needs I also think it is important that we rect cost to our public health as a re- to form a coalition capable of taking understand the current procedures and sult of ignoring what we can do for the war to ISIS on the ground. That processes that are in place and how it cleaner air in America. does not require the United States differs dramatically from Europe. In Clean air has an effect on our econ- committing ground troops, but it does Europe, they literally have millions of omy. When a parent can’t go to work require the United States leading by refugees who are fleeing Syria and who because they have a child suffering example and forming a coalition capa- get into Europe. They usually get in at from asthma because the air is not ble of fighting both in the air and on a border country to the Middle East, clean to breathe, that is a day lost the ground. The President needs to over water, and then of course enter from work. It affects our economy. We stop talking about containment and Europe and can travel throughout that also know that if we rely more on clean start acting on a strategy that will continent. There is virtually no screen- energy and renewable energy sources, root out and defeat ISIS wherever it ing. that is stronger for economic growth. can be found. In the United States, before we will It creates more jobs. So for the sake I thank the Presiding Officer and resettle a refugee under the auspices of not just of our health but for the sake suggest the absence of a quorum. the United Nations, there is a require- of our economy, it is important that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ment for an in-person interview, bio- we take the appropriate steps to make clerk will call the roll. graphic checks, interagency checks, bi- sure we have clean air. The senior assistant legislative clerk ometric screening, including Yes, there is also the issue of our en- proceeded to call the roll. fingerprinting, initial case review by vironment. Climate change is real. We Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I ask the Department of Homeland Security should follow the recommendations of unanimous consent that the order for before an in-person interview, and it the experts, not necessarily the politi- the quorum call be rescinded. goes on and on and on. cians. The experts tell us that our ac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without My constituents and the Presiding tivities on Earth are affecting the rate objection, it is so ordered. Officer’s constituents want to make of change in climate, that they affect Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I ask sure that those security screenings are the stability of the world in which we to speak as in morning business. strong enough to make sure terrorists live, and that we can do something The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without can’t get into the United States, and about it for a more positive outcome. objection, it is so ordered. we have a responsibility to make sure The extreme weather conditions that Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I that in fact is the case, but I also point we have seen all too often—I could talk have the honor of being the ranking out that millions travel to the United about what has happened in my own Democrat on the Senate Foreign Rela- States freely through our borders be- State of Maryland and the impact it tions Committee, and earlier today I cause it is a small world and people has had on the Chesapeake Bay. We had a chance to be with the other travel. They travel here for vacation, know that. Scientists are telling us Members of the Senate and the Ambas- and they travel here for family. We that. It is because the carbon emissions sador from France to express our soli- have relationships with many coun- are accelerating as a result of our ac- darity, our condolences about those tries, a program known as the Visa tivities on Earth. Scientists say we can who lost their lives in the attack last Waiver Program, where individuals can do something about it. Scientists have Friday night, and to express America’s travel to the United States without ob- told us we can do better in the way we resolve to work with our French part- taining a visa. It is interesting that if generate power in reducing carbon ners to root out ISIL. a person has a French passport, they emissions. That is not a heavy lift; it is Let it be clear, our policy is to de- can enter the United States without a something we can do. grade, defeat, and destroy ISIL wher- visa. So we need to make sure that Shortly, the world will meet in Paris ever it may be, any place in the world. anyone who attempts to come to Amer- to come together, I hope, on a way that We will retake the properties and lands ica, we know that; that if they are dan- we can join, as an international global they currently control, and we will de- gerous, we have that information, and community, in a strategy to reduce our stroy their operation. That is our com- as a result we can prevent them from carbon emissions. The United States mitment, and that is what we must do. entering our country. must exercise leadership. President We will protect U.S. citizens, our I say all of this because I hope that Obama has done part of that leadership homeland. That is one of our most sol- what happened in France will energize by the promulgation of these power emn responsibilities. We will do that us in unity to carry out our most im- plan rules.

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So for all of those reasons, I urge my ministrator in charge of issuing the We can produce more energy with colleagues to reject the resolution that new carbon dioxide rule. We directly better environmental stewardship, but would prevent these regulations from communicated our State’s opposition the way to do it is not by shutting going forward. to the rule. We also called on the EPA down powerplants and destroying jobs I just want to give by way of example to provide greater flexibility by recog- as well as raising costs on hard-work- what is happening in my own State of nizing the investments and advances ing families and small businesses. In- Maryland. Maryland is well underway made by industry in reducing CO2 lev- stead, we need to create a business en- in complying with these rules. We are els and North Dakota’s unique coal and vironment that will attract more in- there. We will be there. We have shown geographic resources. vestments so that the industry can de- that we can make these types of in- As a result of the meeting, EPA offi- velop and deploy new technologies that vestments, and by the way, we would cials agreed to provide flexibility for help us produce more energy more de- create more jobs in doing this. Cre- the State to submit its State imple- pendably and more cost-effectively ating clean power generation will help mentation plan, its SIP. Essentially, while at the same time promote better our economy. As I said earlier, it instead of requiring a plan in 1 year, we environmental stewardship. That is the will be able to provide a draft plan in 1 helped Maryland’s economy. So we right way to do it. That is the way we year, with 3 years to submit the final have been able to move forward in ag- are doing it in North Dakota. gressive steps for clean energy produc- SIP. We also received a commitment Thank you, Madam President. tion. But Marylanders breathe air that from the EPA to send technical staff to With that, I yield the floor. is polluted by the generation of power North Dakota so that the Agency can The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- hear firsthand from North Dakota reg- in other States. We need a national ator from Wyoming. ulators and officials about the chal- policy. It can’t be done just by a State. Mr. ENZI. Madam President, I rise lenges in complying with the Agency’s We need a national policy, and that is today to speak about this battle and mandate. regulatory war being waged by the En- what these clean power rules do. Also, here in the Senate, I am work- I urge my colleagues to follow the vironmental Protection Agency. ing with colleagues on several legisla- best science. Allow America to con- Just 2 weeks ago, the Senate consid- tive efforts to halt and repeal this rule. tinue to be the world leader. Do what is ered two measures aimed at rolling As a member of the Senate Appropria- right for the public health, for our back ill-thought-out rules by the tions Committee, I worked to include EPA—the waters of the United States economy, for our environment, for our language in the fiscal year 2016 interior future, and reject these efforts that rule. The body did the right thing in and environmental funding bill to stating our bipartisan resolve against would block these rules. block the EPA from implementing this With that, I yield the floor. the rule. rule. We are working to include this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Unfortunately, here we are again, an- priority in the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus ator from North Dakota. other week, another proposed rule to appropriations bill that Congress will Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I massively expand the EPA’s power, and take up in the coming weeks. rise to speak in opposition to the Envi- another attempt by this administra- I have also joined with Senator CAP- ronmental Protection Agency’s new tion to stomp out America’s coal in- ITO of West Virginia to introduce a bi- rules on carbon dioxide, which I believe partisan bill, the Affordable Reliable dustry. That is exactly what the Clean need to be rescinded. Energy Now Act, or the ARENA Act. Power Plan is—a miscalculated regula- On August 3, 2015, the EPA released This legislation would empower State tion aimed at keeping coal in the its so-called Clean Power Plan. This Governors to protect ratepayers from ground at any cost. final plan will impose a 32-percent re- increases and ensure the reliability of This latest travesty of a rule, known duction nationwide in CO2 emissions in the electric grid. At the same time, it as the Clean Power Plan, requires the existing electric power sector com- would prevent the EPA from man- States to develop and implement plans pared with 2005 levels. This is an in- dating unproven technology or with- to reduce carbon emissions between crease from a 30-percent reduction out- holding highway funds from States not 2022 and 2030 in order to accomplish in- lined in last year’s proposed rule. in compliance with the rule. terim and final emission goals estab- North Dakota’s mandated reductions, Further, I am cosponsoring the reso- lished by the EPA. Let me clarify that. however, far exceed those levels. The lutions of disapproval under the Con- This is actually not one rule but three EPA originally proposed an 11-percent gressional Review Act to repeal the separate rules which, taken together, reduction, but then in the final rule new EPA regulation which we are con- would be more aptly named the ‘‘No that went from 11 percent to a 45-per- sidering on the Senate floor right now Power Plan.’’ The Clean Power Plan in- cent reduction. Let me repeat that. For and which we will be voting on in a lit- cludes a final rule to revise carbon pol- our State, the EPA put out a proposed tle more than half an hour. The Con- lution standards for new, modified, and rule and said North Dakota has to re- gressional Review Act, or CRA, author- reconstructed power plants; a final rule duce by 11 percent. Then, without re- izes Congress, by a majority vote, to to revise carbon pollution standards for issuing a new proposed rule or any- repeal actions by a Federal agency existing power plants; and thirdly, a thing else, EPA said in the final rule, after they are formally published and Federal plan for enactment and en- no, it is not an 11-percent reduction in submitted to Congress. forcement of the other two rules. Sim- the State of North Dakota, it is a 45- In North Dakota, we have success- ple, right? No. percent reduction. Not only does that fully adopted an ‘‘all of the above’’ ap- Under the guise of flexibility and co- create real problems in real terms as proach to energy development, and we operation, the CPP requires States to far as our industry addressing that have demonstrated that we can utilize choose between two types of plans, de- level of reduction, but I think it raises our natural resources to do it with bet- scribed by the EPA as an ‘‘emission real questions as to whether EPA fol- ter environmental stewardship. EPA’s standards’’ approach or a ‘‘state meas- lowed the law and regulation in pro- new rules on carbon dioxide neither re- ures’’ approach. Some States, such as mulgating the rule. flects our State-led approach nor ac- my home State of Wyoming, will have It is critical to communicate the im- counts for the significant investment some terrible choices to make under pacts this rule will have on our State our industry and workers have already the CPP. Under the final rule, by the and across the country, especially in made to improve the way electricity is year 2030, Wyoming’s carbon emissions our electricity generation and mining generated in our State, and that is true will have to be 44 percent lower than in sectors. People need to know that across the country. 2005, which is the baseline year the

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EPA uses for the plan. That is more CO2 and use the waste heat from any its current form, and that is exactly than double the 19-percent reduction power plants and help feed America at what these joint resolutions of dis- the EPA imposed upon Wyoming in the the same time. We need to be more in- approval will do. proposed rule, which was released novative in what we are doing instead Congress has provided billions of dol- about 18 months ago, in June of 2014. of just trying to put businesses out of lars in incentives for solar and wind en- As Wyoming’s Governor Matt Mead business because we don’t like the busi- ergy. Wyoming produces a lot of solar said recently when my home State ness. and wind—primarily solar, because joined 23 others in suing the EPA to As I said, under the Clean Power Denver is the Mile High City and you strike down the rule, ‘‘The fact that Plan, Wyoming will have to reduce its have to go uphill to get to Wyoming. the agency more than doubled the dam- carbon emissions by 44 percent. That There are high plateaus across the age to Wyoming in the final rule shows isn’t just a problem for Wyoming or southern part of the State. The first arbitrary and capricious action.’’ the 27,000 people employed in the coal wind turbines that went in Wyoming Not only that, this plan puts the industry and the ripple effect it has on had to be redesigned because the wind onus on the States to figure out how people who work with the things that blew so hard that it blew the rotors off. they are going to do it, and that is so people in the coal industry use. If you At 80 miles an hour, the rotors on wind the EPA can avoid a cost-benefit anal- represent Illinois or Missouri, you turbines will not stand up. They will ysis that they are required to do. But should be worried about CPP, too, be- generate a tremendous amount of not if they force the States to do it! cause in 2013 each of those States re- power. Most of that power goes out of But, of course, if the States don’t do it, ceived more than 10 percent of Wyo- State, and other States use it but then the EPA will have to do it, which ming’s coal. Wisconsin, Kansas, Arkan- claim offsets from their wind power be- means the agency should have done a sas, and Michigan each got 5 percent of cause it doesn’t carry any of these bad cost-benefit analysis to begin with. But Wyoming’s coal. Wyoming’s coal was connotations from the EPA. Wyoming the EPA doesn’t have a very good distributed to Georgia, Alabama, Colo- has to claim all of carbon emissions track record on cost-benefit analyses. rado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ari- from the coal and the coal-fired power One of the regulations, the mercury zona. If I didn’t list your State, don’t plants, though most of the electricity air toxins rule, is going to provide think this issue doesn’t affect you. produced is sent out of State. So Wyo- ming gets no credit for the energy it about $500 million in benefits over a 10- More than a dozen other States and provides, but we get all the disadvan- year period. It is hard to determine foreign entities got smaller amounts of what those benefits are or how the tages associated with providing energy. Wyoming coal in 2013. General Electric wanted to build a EPA did the calculations. None of it is According to the National Mining As- test facility in Wyoming to figure out transparent. But the compliance cost sociation, which commissioned the re- better ways to burn coal. They went for that $500 million in benefits is up to port on the Clean Power Plan after it through all the permitting process to $43 billion a year. Couldn’t we was released, the plan would cost $366 the point of building it. Then they said: incentivize somebody to come up with billion and bring double-digit electric Wait a minute. Under this President, a better system for a whole lot less rate increases to 43 States. That is who is trying to get rid of coal, who than $43 billion a year, to save $500 mil- more than a 10-percent increase to 43 would we sell our product to? So they lion over 10 years? That is another ex- States. All this because of the adminis- postponed the project. ample of an arbitrary and capricious tration’s vendetta against coal and I have spoken of why this rule is bad action. power plants that burn it and provide for my home State of Wyoming and So how does Wyoming wind up with energy. why it is bad for any State that con- such a huge burden under the Clean Just this week the EPA held a hear- sumes fossil fuels, but I would be re- Power Plan? Because the Clean Power ing in Denver and received public com- miss if I didn’t address the reasons the Plan supposes it will achieve carbon ments on the proposed Federal plan to Clean Power Plan is bad for the United emission reductions from electricity implement the Clean Power Plan. That States. At the end of this month, the generating units that burn fossil is right. Even though 26 States are President is going to send his team of fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas. States suing the EPA to block the plan’s im- environmental experts and negotiators that produce these fuels are the hard- plementation, the Agency is going to the U.N. Climate Summit in Paris. est hit. Wyoming is the largest coal- ahead with a rule to implement it. At That summit aims to map out a global producing State in the Nation. Wyo- that hearing, Mickey Shober, a county accord to limit greenhouse gas emis- ming produces 40 percent of the Na- commissioner from Campbell County, sions. The emissions goals described in tion’s coal, and coal represents almost WY, also known as the energy capital CPP, which have been rejected by in- 40 percent of the electricity generated of the Nation, had a chance to speak. dustry and rejected by almost half the in this country. It is abundant, afford- Campbell County has 11 surface mines States, are at the heart of this admin- able, clean and, most important, it is that produce over 340 million tons of istration’s plan to contribute to the stockpilable. If the power plants that coal every year, the majority of which overall global emissions reduction. To produce energy from fossil fuels like is delivered by train to about 30 States make commitments to our allies based coal are forced to shutter their doors across the country for electricity gen- on the plan which doesn’t have the sup- to make dramatic structural changes, eration. All in all, Campbell County port of the American public is nothing it will have tangible negative impacts coal provides about one-quarter of the short of irresponsible and disingen- on fossil fuel consumers. If that doesn’t Nation’s electricity every year. That is uous. We are living in a dangerous, alarm you, it should, because according one county. So when a Campbell Coun- complicated, frightening world—a to the National Mining Association, ty commissioner gets up to talk about world that forces our Nation to rely every person in America uses 20 pounds power generation, everyone should pay daily on its friends for priceless assets, of coal a day. attention. such as shared intelligence and safe ha- Of course, when we are talking about As Commissioner Shober pointed out, vens at which to strategically position CO2, we are also breathing CO2, and the coal industry has historically our military troops around the globe. plants need CO2. There is an inter- stepped up and dealt with every new The very least America can give our al- esting invention in Wyoming. A guy regulation and challenge the Federal lied partners in return is our candor. figured out how to grow plants Government has thrown at it, but the Incidentally, I heard the comments vertically, and Whole Foods has some new technology and innovation—the about the growing cases of asthma. of his mechanisms to be able to do type that will have to be utilized, if There has been a reduction in the that, and you can actually cut your there is any way for new and existing amount of CO2, so why would these own vegetables while you are in the power plants to comply with this rule— coal-fired power plants be elevating store. I asked him why he isn’t doing takes time and takes money. As the that health problem? One problem that greenhouses with this. He said: Not commissioner said, America’s energy we have out West is called regional enough CO2. Yes, plants rely on CO2 to industry always rises to the challenge, haze here, but we call it smoke from live. I suggested that he locate near a but the EPA isn’t fighting fair this forest fires. This summer we had tre- power plant, where they can absorb the time. This rule needs to be scrapped in mendous smoke from forest fires and it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.066 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 wasn’t just smoke, it was ash as well. Franken Menendez Schumer Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators There hasn’t been a power plant put- Gillibrand Merkley Shaheen are necessarily absent: the Senator Heinrich Mikulski Stabenow ting out ash in decades, but when we Hirono Murphy Tester from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and don’t do the proper stewardship of our Kaine Murray Udall the Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO). forests, we let them burn. If we allowed King Nelson Warner Further, if present and voting, the Kirk Peters some of that to be cut into boards for Warren Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO) Klobuchar Reed Whitehouse Leahy Reid houses, it could reduce the cost of Wyden would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Markey Sanders housing, and the CO2 would be trapped The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there forever, not burned up and released McCaskill Schatz any other Senators in the Chamber de- into the air and blamed on coal. NOT VOTING—2 siring to vote? I am hoping my colleagues will come Graham Rubio The result was announced—yeas 52, together today to show our constitu- The joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) nays 46, as follows: ents where we and the world stand on was passed, as follows: [Rollcall Vote No. 307 Leg.] the Clean Power Plan. S.J. RES. 24 YEAS—52 Madam President, I yield the floor. Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- Alexander Fischer Paul I suggest the absence of a quorum. resentatives of the United States of America in Barrasso Flake Perdue The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Blunt Gardner Portman Congress assembled, That Congress dis- Boozman Grassley clerk will call the roll. approves the rule submitted by the Environ- Risch Burr Hatch Roberts The senior assistant legislative clerk mental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Car- Capito Heitkamp Rounds proceeded to call the roll. bon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Exist- Cassidy Heller Sasse Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, ing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Gen- Coats Hoeven Scott Cochran Inhofe erating Units’’ (published at 80 Fed. Reg. Sessions I ask unanimous consent that the order Corker Isakson 64662 (October 23, 2015)), and such rule shall Shelby for the quorum call be rescinded. Cornyn Johnson have no force or effect. Sullivan The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cotton Lankford The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Crapo Lee Thune objection, it is so ordered. Tillis jority leader. Cruz Manchin Mr. ALEXANDER. I yield back our Daines McCain Toomey remaining time. f Donnelly McConnell Vitter Enzi Moran Wicker The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL Ernst Murkowski is yielded back. DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUB- NAYS—46 The joint resolution was ordered to MITTED BY THE ENVIRON- be engrossed for a third reading and MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Ayotte Gillibrand Peters was read the third time. Baldwin Heinrich Reed Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Bennet Hirono Reid The PRESIDING OFFICER. The joint move to proceed to S.J. Res. 23. Blumenthal Kaine Sanders resolution having been read the third Booker King The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Schatz time, the question is, Shall it pass? Boxer Kirk Schumer clerk will report the motion. Brown Klobuchar Mr. ALEXANDER. I ask for the yeas Shaheen The legislative clerk read as follows: Cantwell Leahy Stabenow Cardin Markey and nays. Tester Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 293, S.J. Carper McCaskill The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Udall Res. 23, a joint resolution providing for con- Casey Menendez Warner sufficient second? gressional disapproval under chapter 8 of Collins Merkley There appears to be a sufficient sec- Coons Mikulski Warren title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- Whitehouse ond. mitted by the Environmental Protection Durbin Murphy Feinstein Murray Wyden The clerk will call the roll. Agency relating to ‘‘Standards of Perform- Franken Nelson The legislative clerk called the roll. ance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators New, Modified, and Reconstructed Sta- NOT VOTING—2 are necessarily absent: the Senator tionary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Graham Rubio Units.’’ from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and The joint resolution (S.J. Res. 23) the Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO). The PRESIDING OFFICER. The was passed, as follows: question is on agreeing to the motion. Further, if present and voting, the S.J. RES. 23 Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO) The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ resentatives of the United States of America in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. clerk will report the joint resolution. Congress assembled, That Congress dis- GARDNER). Are there any other Sen- The legislative clerk read as follows: approves the rule submitted by the Environ- ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? A joint resolution (S.J. Res. 23) providing mental Protection Agency relating to The result was announced—yeas 52, for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 ‘‘Standards of Performance for Greenhouse nays 46, as follows: of title 5, United States Code, of a rule sub- Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Re- mitted by the Environmental Protection constructed Stationary Sources: Electric [Rollcall Vote No. 306 Leg.] Agency relating to ‘‘Standards of Perform- Utility Generating Units’’ (published at 80 YEAS—52 ance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fed. Reg. 64510 (October 23, 2015)), and such Alexander Fischer Paul New, Modified, and Reconstructed Sta- rule shall have no force or effect. tionary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Barrasso Flake Perdue f Blunt Gardner Portman Units.’’ Boozman Grassley Risch The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under MORNING BUSINESS Burr Hatch Roberts Capito Heitkamp Rounds the previous order, all time is yielded Cassidy Heller Sasse back. Coats Hoeven Scott The joint resolution was ordered to TRIBUTE TO GEORGE J. KATIS Cochran Inhofe Sessions Corker Isakson be engrossed for a third reading and ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, today I Shelby Cornyn Johnson was read the third time. wish to recognize and honor George J. Sullivan Cotton Lankford The PRESIDING OFFICER. The joint Katis, an exceptional community lead- Crapo Lee Thune Cruz Manchin Tillis resolution having been read the third er and businessman in New Hampshire. Daines McCain Toomey time, the question is, Shall it pass? George Katis cares deeply about the Donnelly McConnell Vitter Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas well-being of children in New Hamp- Enzi Moran Wicker and nays. shire, and he has an exemplary record Ernst Murkowski The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a of advocacy on their behalf, especially NAYS—46 sufficient second? through his leadership with the Nashua Ayotte Boxer Casey There appears to be a sufficient sec- Goes Back to School program. This ini- Baldwin Brown Collins ond. tiative helps provide free backpacks Bennet Cantwell Coons Blumenthal Cardin Durbin The clerk will call the roll. stocked with school supplies to Nash- Booker Carper Feinstein The bill clerk called the roll. ua’s neediest schoolchildren. Since

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.067 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8013 helping found the program in Nashua, women of the 341st Missile Wing at As school leadership states, ‘‘The George also helped start Manchester Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana success of Washington Elementary can- Goes Back to School, which serves who proudly defend our Nation by en- not be attributed to one person, pro- more than 4,000 Manchester kids and suring safe, secure, and effective nu- gram, or initiative. Rather it is the their families each year. clear forces and combat ready airmen. collective effort of all the outstanding George has generously devoted his They are the best of the best. people involved—the students, staff, time and energy to programs that build During the fifth Global Strike Chal- parents, and community members who homes for wounded warriors, and he is lenge, the 341st Missile Wing ‘‘brought continue to strive for excellence each also a strong supporter of athletics in home’’ the coveted Blanchard trophy and every day.’’ It is through this dedi- our local communities. A baseball con- for Best Intercontinental Ballistic Mis- cation that the school provides access noisseur, he has served on the board of sile, ICBM, Wing in the Air Force. to a reading pilot program that en- directors of the Ted Williams Museum Additionally, the members of the hances reading and language skills, a and Foundation since 2003. George wing earned the following awards dur- math and science curriculum supple- started and continues to fund several ing the competitions: Best Security mented by STEM activities, and his- Ted Williams Museum Scholarships, in- Forces M240 Crew; Best Helicopter tory courses that emphasize creativity cluding the Johnny Pesky Scholarship, Search and Rescue Team; Best ICBM and flexibility in teaching. the Ben Topkin Scholarship, and the Missile Handling Team; Best Missile The Valley City Public Schools mis- Ted Williams Scholarship for deserving Communication Maintenance Team; sion statement reads, ‘‘Together we are students. George serves on the Granite Best Facilities Maintenance Team; building a legacy of excellence, one State Baseball Dinner committee, Best Missile Munitions Team Trophy, student at a time.’’ This mission em- which has raised more than $1.28 mil- Blackburn Trophy, Best ICBM Mainte- bodies all that Washington Elementary lion since 2007 for several charitable or- nance; Klotz Trophy, Best ICBM and is working to accomplish by looking at ganizations—including the Children’s Helicopter Operations; Neary Trophy the needs of each individual student as Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the Best Emergency War Order Crew; and well as providing a safe and respectful Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Innovation Trophy. learning environment that breeds suc- The citizens of Montana and this Na- Cats Foundation. cess. I wish the very best to the com- tion are proud of the great warriors In addition to his dedication to phil- munity of Valley City and congratula- stationed in Great Falls at the 341st anthropic efforts, George is a leader in tions to all engaged at Washington Ele- Missile Wing who daily ensure our New Hampshire’s business community mentary for achieving this high honor. country and our allies are safe from and has helped support the region’s Thank you for your commitment to nuclear attack.∑ economy and provide good-paying jobs. our children and leaders of tomorrow.∑ f As a dedicated and engaged citizen, f George has made tremendous contribu- RECOGNIZING WASHINGTON REMEMBERING MELVIN HANCOCK tions to our State, and I am pleased to ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ∑ recognize his tireless efforts to make a ∑ Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish positive difference in the lives of chil- want to congratulate the students, fac- to recognize with tremendous pride the dren in New Hampshire.∑ ulty, and parents of Washington Ele- life and legacy of a very dear friend and f mentary School, located in Valley an extraordinary West Virginian, Roy Melvin Hancock. Melvin was an inspi- RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS AT City, ND, on being awarded the 2015 Na- tional Blue Ribbon School Award. ration to so many because of his deep- ARKANSAS HOSPICE AT CHI ST. rooted passion for the city of Beckley. VINCENT HOSPITAL Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes It is a privilege to formally recognize ∑ Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I hereby public and private elementary, middle, the impact that Melvin had on south- recognize the military veterans cur- and high schools where students per- ern West Virginia through his dedica- rently residing at the Arkansas Hos- form at very high levels or where sig- tion and determination to building a pice at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Lit- nificant improvements are being made stronger community. tle Rock, AR, as well as the caregivers, in students’ academic achievement. A There was truly no one who loved staff, and volunteers at CHI St. Vin- National Blue Ribbon Schools flag Beckley more than Melvin. Throughout cent who also served their country in overhead has become a mark of excel- his life, Melvin had a persistent calling uniform, and their families who have lence in education recognized by every- to make Raleigh County a better place. made their own sacrifices in support of one from parents to policymakers in His love of Beckley even earned him our troops. thousands of communities. Since the the title of ‘‘Mr. Beckley.’’ These men and women put their lives program’s founding, the U.S. Depart- It was through the YMCA of South- on the line in defense of our freedom ment of Education has bestowed this ern West Virginia that Melvin and our values. They have kept Amer- coveted award to just over 7,500 of launched his lifelong mission of com- ica safe. They have defended our Con- America’s best schools. munity improvement. After graduating stitution and our freedom. They have Washington Elementary School from Woodrow Wilson High School and saved lives. They have gone abroad and serves nearly 265 students in grades 4 Marshall University, Mel returned to waged war not to conquer, loot, and through 6 and was the only school in Beckley in 1970 and started his remark- pillage, but to liberate and to secure ‘‘a North Dakota to receive the honor of able 25-year career at the YMCA. just, and a lasting peace’’ with our fel- exemplary high-performing school in Melvin’s meaningful contributions low man, in the words of the President 2015. Receiving recognition as a Na- and achievements during his career at who commanded over our most awful tional Blue Ribbon School signifies the the YMCA are truly immeasurable. As war. hard work and dedication of the edu- a leader at the YMCA, Melvin wanted Our veterans served their country cators, students, and parents involved, to make sure that Beckley’s finest resi- with courage, pride, and distinction. and I have no doubt its students are on dents were recognized for their inspira- We owe them a debt of gratitude that a path to success. At Washington Ele- tional work in the community; there- we can never fully repay. Now, as many mentary, every staff member under- fore, he created the Spirit of Beckley of the veterans at CHI St. Vincent are stands that every student, regardless of Award. For the past 29 years, this an- approaching their final moments of background, is important and deserv- nual award has been given to those who life, let us honor them and the cause ing of the best. To support its students, strive to make Beckley a better place. for which they fought.∑ the school provides access to a reading This year, Melvin was posthumously f program that has been vital in ensur- honored with the award. There is truly ing targeted assistance for those stu- no one more deserving. RECOGNIZING THE 341ST MISSILE dents who require additional support. Because of Melvin’s leadership and WING Through this program and others, the guidance, there are numerous YMCA ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I school continues to excel and surpass programs that still exist today. Melvin wish to pay tribute to the men and necessary benchmarks. understood that, in order to create a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:20 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.001 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 stronger community, it is critical to forever be grateful for Melvin’s unwav- with our international allies, helping inspire our young ones. That is why he ering leadership and for his countless them address transnational organized concentrated many of the Y’s programs years of service. Melvin’s memory will crime, while addressing substance use on expanding opportunities for our continue to serve as inspiration for me disorders and other public health kids. He grew the organization’s pro- and so many others to dedicate our- issues. grams, camps, and tournaments in a selves to the betterment of our commu- I thank the Congress for its contin- variety of sports, and he established nities.∑ ued support of our efforts. I look for- the Biddy-Buddy Basketball Tour- f ward to joining with them and all our nament, the Annual Invitational Swim local, State, tribal, national and inter- Meet, the YMCA Day Camps, and the MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT national partners to advance this im- YMCA Pre-School. He was also instru- A message from the President of the portant undertaking. mental in the development of the Paul United States was communicated to BARACK OBAMA. Cline Memorial Soccer Complex facil- the Senate by Mrs. Neimann, one of his THE WHITE HOUSE, November 17, 2015. ity. secretaries. f In addition to his efforts to promote f MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE Beckley’s youth, Melvin also was the organization’s lead fundraiser, estab- PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE At 3:44 p.m., a message from the lishing the annual international din- House of Representatives, delivered by ner, coordinating the membership Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- drive, and raising the funds for the cur- 2015 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL nounced that the House has passed the rent YMCA facility that serves local STRATEGY—PM 32 following bills, without amendment: families. The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- S. 799. An act to address problems related There is no doubt that the YMCA of fore the Senate the following message to prenatal opioid use. S. 2036. An act to suspend the current com- Southern West Virginia would not be from the President of the United what it is today without the dream and pensation packages for the chief executive States, together with an accompanying officers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and devotion of Melvin Hancock. He went report; which was referred to the Com- for other purposes. above and beyond in creating opportu- mittee on the Judiciary: The message also announced that the nities for Beckley residents through House has passed the following bills, in the YMCA and in reaching the goals he To the Congress of the United States: which it requests the concurrence of wanted to accomplish for the organiza- I am pleased to transmit the 2015 Na- the Senate: tion and for the area’s families and tional Drug Control Strategy, my Ad- kids. ministration’s 21st century approach to H.R. 1073. An act to amend the Homeland After ending a purposeful career at drug policy that works to reduce illicit Security Act of 2002 to secure critical infra- structure against electromagnetic threats, the YMCA, Melvin went on to lead the drug use and its consequences in the United States. This evidence-based and for other purposes. fundraising efforts at Mountain State H.R. 1317. An act to amend the Commodity University. There, he helped fulfill plan, which balances public health and Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange many university development projects, public safety efforts to prevent, treat, Act of 1934 to specify how clearing require- including the Robert C. Byrd Library, and provide recovery from the disease ments apply to certain affiliate transactions, Carter Hall, the Max Lewin Bell Tower, of addiction, seeks to build a healthier, and for other purposes. the John W. Eye Conference Center, safer, and more prosperous country. H.R. 1338. An act to require the Secretary the gymnasium, and the dormitories. Since the release of my Administra- of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on matters relating to the burial of unclaimed The university flourished under his di- tion’s inaugural National Drug Control Strategy in 2010, we have seen signifi- remains of veterans in national cemeteries, rection. and for other purposes. Melvin continued his great work cant progress in addressing challenges H.R. 1384. An act to amend title 38, United after leaving Mountain State Univer- we face along the entire spectrum of States Code, to recognize the service in the sity through fundraising efforts at drug policy—including prevention, reserve components of certain persons by Friends of Coal, the Fellowship of early intervention, treatment, recov- honoring them with status as veterans under Christian Athletes, and Ronald Blue ery support, criminal justice reform, law. and Associates. law enforcement, and international co- H.R. 1478. An act to provide for notice to, and input by, State insurance commissioners After his retirement, he continued to operation. However, we still face seri- ous drug-related challenges. Illicit when requiring an insurance company to be an active member of the community serve as a source of financial strength or by pushing for the renovation of the drug use is a public health issue that when the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- Bobby Pruett Stadium and through jeopardizes not only our well-being, but tion places a lien against an insurance com- substitute teaching in Raleigh and also the progress we have made in pany’s assets, and for other purposes. Fayette County schools. He especially strengthening our economy—contrib- H.R. 2583. An act to amend the Commu- loved the little ones in pre-K, kinder- uting to addiction, disease, lower stu- nications Act of 1934 to provide for greater garten, special education and physical dent academic performance, crime, un- transparency and efficiency in the proce- employment, and lost productivity. dures followed by the Federal Communica- education. The students loved ‘‘Mr. tions Commission, and for other purposes. Mel.’’ Therefore, we continue to pursue a H.R. 3032. An act to amend the Securities Melvin was dedicated to giving back drug policy that is effective, compas- Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal a certain re- to the Beckley community until his sionate, and just. We are working to porting requirement of the Securities and very final days. His last endeavor was a erase the stigma of addiction, ensuring Exchange Commission. special project for the Women’s Re- treatment and a path to recovery for H.R. 3144. An act to require consultation source Center to help those who have those with substance use disorders. We with the Aviation Security Advisory Com- been victims of domestic abuse. continue to research the health risks of mittee regarding modifications to the pro- Melvin not only loved his commu- drug use to encourage healthy behav- hibited item list, require a report on the Transportation Security Oversight Board, nity, but he was devoted to his fam- iors, particularly among young people. and for other purposes. ily—his wife, children, and the many We are reforming our criminal justice H.R. 3996. An act to provide an extension of members of his extended family. He system, providing alternatives to in- Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor was active in his church, he loved his- carceration for non-violent, substance- carrier safety, transit, and other programs tory, he was passionate about antique involved offenders, improving re-entry funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and automobiles, he enjoyed being out- programs, and addressing unfair sen- for other purposes. doors, he was loyal to his alma maters, tencing disparities. We continue to de- The message further announced that and, of course, he loved to dance. vote significant law enforcement re- the House has agreed to the following It is such an honor to celebrate sources to reduce the supply of drugs concurrent resolution, without amend- Melvin’s life and recognize his many via sea, air, and land interdiction, and ment: accomplishments that have helped to law enforcement operations and inves- S. Con. Res. 24. Concurrent resolution au- shape the Beckley community. I will tigations. We also continue to partner thorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.002 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8015 the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling matters relating to the burial of unclaimed titled ‘‘Amitraz, Carfentrazone-ethyl, of the marble bust of Vice President Richard remains of veterans in national cemeteries, Ethephon, Malathion, Mancozeb, et al.; Tol- Cheney on December 3, 2015. and for other purposes; to the Committee on erance Actions’’ (FRL No. 9935–01) received The message also announced that the Veterans’ Affairs. in the Office of the President of the Senate on November 10, 2015; to the Committee on House has agreed to the following con- H.R. 1384. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize the service in the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. current resolution, in which it requests reserve components of certain persons by EC–3512. A communication from the Chair- the concurrence of the Senate: honoring them with status as veterans under man, Farm Credit System Insurance Cor- H. Con. Res. 93. Concurrent resolution au- law; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. poration, transmitting, pursuant to law, the thorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in H.R. 1478. An act to provide for notice to, Corporation’s draft strategic plan for fiscal the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to and input by, State insurance commissioners years 2016 through 2021; to the Committee on commemorate the 150th anniversary of the when requiring an insurance company to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. ratification of the 13th Amendment. serve as a source of financial strength or EC–3513. A communication from the Sec- when the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- retary of the Commodity Futures Trading The message further announced that Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the House has passed the following bill, tion places a lien against an insurance com- pany’s assets, and for other purposes; to the the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Membership in with amendment, in which it requests Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban a Registered Futures Association’’ (RIN3038– the concurrence of the Senate: Affairs. AE09) received in the Office of the President S. 599. An act to extend and expand the H.R. 2583. An act to amend the Commu- of the Senate on November 9, 2015; to the Medicaid emergency psychiatric demonstra- nications Act of 1934 to provide for greater Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and tion project. transparency and efficiency in the proce- Forestry. EC–3514. A communication from the Under dures followed by the Federal Communica- The message also announced that the Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- tions Commission, and for other purposes; to House has agreed to the amendment of nology and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and the Senate to the bill (H.R. 639) to ant to law, the quarterly exception Selected Transportation. Acquisition Reports (SARs) as of September amend the Controlled Substances Act H.R. 3032. An act to amend the Securities with respect to drug scheduling rec- 30, 2015 (OSS–2015–1808); to the Committee on Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal a certain re- Armed Services. ommendations by the Secretary of porting requirement of the Securities and EC–3515. A communication from the Under Health and Human Services, and with Exchange Commission; to the Committee on Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- respect to registration of manufactur- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. nology and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- ers and distributors seeking to conduct H.R. 3144. An act to require consultation ant to law, a report of a delay in submission clinical testing. with the Aviation Security Advisory Com- of a report relative to Department of Defense mittee regarding modifications to the pro- The message further announced that 2015 purchases from foreign entities; to the hibited item list, require a report on the Committee on Armed Services. the House has agreed to the amend- Transportation Security Oversight Board, EC–3516. A communication from the Presi- ment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. and for other purposes; to the Committee on dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- 2262) to facilitate a pro-growth environ- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. suant to law, a report on the continuation of ment for the developing commercial f the national emergency with respect to Iran space industry by encouraging private that was declared in Executive Order 12170 sector investment and creating more MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME on November 14, 1979; to the Committee on The following bill was read the first Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. stable and predictable regulatory con- EC–3517. A communication from the Asso- ditions, and for other purposes. time: ciate General Counsel for Legislation and The message also announced that the S. 2288. A bill to prohibit members and Regulations, Office of Community Planning House has agreed to the amendments of staff of the Federal Reserve System from and Development, Department of Housing the Senate to the bill (H.R. 208) to im- lobbying for or against legislation, and for and Urban Development, transmitting, pur- prove the disaster assistance programs other purposes. suant to law, the report of a rule entitled of the Small Business Administration. f ‘‘Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program: Pay- ment of Fees to Cover Credit Subsidy Costs’’ ENROLLED BILL SIGNED ENROLLED BILL PRESENTED (RIN2506–AC35) received during adjournment At 4:22 p.m., a message from the The Secretary of the Senate reported of the Senate in the Office of the President House of Representatives, delivered by of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the that on today, November 17, 2015, she Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban had presented to the President of the announced that the Speaker has signed Affairs. United States the following enrolled EC–3518. A communication from the Sec- the following enrolled bill: bill: retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- S. 1356. An act to authorize appropriations S. 1356. An act to authorize appropriations ant to law, a six-month periodic report on for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the national emergency with respect to the Department of Defense, for military con- the Department of Defense, for military con- Syria that was declared in Executive Order struction, and for defense activities of the struction, and for defense activities of the 13338 of May 11, 2004; to the Committee on Department of Energy, to prescribe military Department of Energy, to prescribe military Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and EC–3519. A communication from the Sec- personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- for other purposes. The enrolled bill was subsequently ant to law, a six-month periodic report on f signed by the President pro tempore the national emergency with respect to EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Yemen that was originally declared in Exec- (Mr. HATCH). utive Order 13611 on May 16, 2012; to the Com- COMMUNICATIONS f mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- The following communications were fairs. MEASURES REFERRED laid before the Senate, together with EC–3520. A communication from the Gen- The following bills were read the first accompanying papers, reports, and doc- eral Counsel of the Federal Housing Finance and the second times by unanimous Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the uments, and were referred as indicated: report of a rule entitled ‘‘Responsibilities of consent, and referred as indicated: EC–3510. A communication from the Direc- Boards of Directors, Corporate Practices and H.R. 1073. An act to amend the Homeland tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Corporate Governance Matters’’ (RIN2590– Security Act of 2002 to secure critical infra- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- AA59) received during adjournment of the structure against electromagnetic threats, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Senate in the Office of the President of the and for other purposes; to the Committee on titled ‘‘Tamarind seed gum, 2-hydroxypropyl Senate on November 13, 2015; to the Com- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ether polymer; Tolerance Exemption’’ (FRL mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- fairs. No. 9936–25) received during adjournment of fairs. H.R. 1317. An act to amend the Commodity the Senate in the Office of the President of EC–3521. A communication from the Assist- Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange the Senate on November 13, 2015; to the Com- ant Secretary for Export Administration, Act of 1934 to specify how clearing require- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- Bureau of Industry and Security, Depart- ments apply to certain affiliate transactions, estry. ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant and for other purposes; to the Committee on EC–3511. A communication from the Direc- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Addi- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tion of Certain Persons and Modifications of H.R. 1338. An act to require the Secretary Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Certain Entries to the Entity List; and Re- of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- moval of Certain Persons from the Entity

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.009 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 List’’ (RIN0694–AG74) received during ad- EC–3530. A communication from the Direc- to the Committee on Environment and Pub- journment of the Senate in the Office of the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, lic Works. President of the Senate on November 13, Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- EC–3538. A communication from the Chief 2015; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- of the Branch of Recovery and State Grants, and Urban Affairs. titled ‘‘Approval of California Air Plan Revi- Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the EC–3522. A communication from the Presi- sions, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- District’’ (FRL No. 9936–65–Region 9) re- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and suant to law, an Executive Order that termi- ceived in the Office of the President of the Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establish- nates the national emergency declared in Senate on November 10, 2015; to the Com- ment of a Nonessential Experimental Popu- Executive Order 13348 of July 22, 2004, and re- mittee on Environment and Public Works. lation of Black-footed Ferrets in Wyoming’’ vokes Executive Order 13348, received during EC–3531. A communication from the Direc- (RIN1018–BA42) received during adjournment adjournment of the Senate in the Office of tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of the Senate in the Office of the President the President of the Senate on November 12, Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of the Senate on November 6, 2015; to the 2015; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Committee on Environment and Public and Urban Affairs. titled ‘‘Approval of Air Plans; California; Works. EC–3523. A communication from the Presi- Multiple Districts; Prevention of Significant EC–3539. A communication from the En- dent of the United States, transmitting, pur- Deterioration’’ (FRL No. 9934–89–Region 9) dangered Species Listing Branch Chief, Fish suant to law, a report relative to the con- received in the Office of the President of the and Wildlife Service, Department of the Inte- tinuation of the national emergency de- Senate on November 10, 2015; to the Com- rior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- clared in Executive Order 12938 with respect mittee on Environment and Public Works. port of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and to the proliferation of weapons of mass de- EC–3532. A communication from the Direc- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation struction, received during adjournment of tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of Critical Habitat for Brickellia mosieri the Senate in the Office of the President of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- (Florida Brickell-bush) and Linum carteri the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- var. carteri (Carter’s Small-flowered Flax)’’ mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- (RIN1018–AZ64) received during adjournment fairs. mentation Plans; New Mexico; Nonattain- of the Senate in the Office of the President EC–3524. A communication from the Gen- ment New Source Review Permitting State of the Senate on November 6, 2015; to the eral Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Implementation Plan Revisions for the City Committee on Environment and Public Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County’’ (FRL No. Works. the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standards for 9936–86–Region 6) received in the Office of the EC–3540. A communication from the Assist- Business Practices of Interstate Natural Gas President of the Senate on November 10, ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of Pipelines; Coordination of the Scheduling 2015; to the Committee on Environment and Health and Human Services, transmitting, Processes of Interstate Natural Gas Pipe- Public Works. pursuant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Report to lines and Public Utilities’’ ((RIN1902–AF08) EC–3533. A communication from the Direc- Congress on the Administration, Cost and (Docket Nos. RM96–1–038 and RM14–2–003)) re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Impact of Quality Improvement Organiza- ceived in the Office of the President of the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tion (QIO) Program for Medicare Bene- Senate on November 9, 2015; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ficiaries for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013’’; to the mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- Committee on Finance. EC–3541. A communication from the Direc- EC–3525. A communication from the Assist- mentation Plans; Arizona; Phased Dis- tor, Office of Regulations and Reports Clear- ant General Counsel for Legislation, Regula- continuation of State II Vapor Recovery ance, Social Security Administration, trans- tion and Energy Efficiency, Department of Program’’ (FRL No. 9936–77–Region 9) re- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule Energy, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ceived in the Office of the President of the entitled ‘‘Federal Awarding Agency Regu- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Worker Safety and Senate on November 10, 2015; to the Com- latory Implementation of Office of Manage- Health Program; Technical Amendments’’ mittee on Environment and Public Works. ment and Budget’s Uniform Administrative (RIN1992–AA50) received in the Office of the EC–3534. A communication from the Direc- Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit President of the Senate on November 10, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Requirements for Federal Awards’’ (RIN0960– 2015; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- AH73) received during adjournment of the ural Resources. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Senate in the Office of the President of the EC–3526. A communication from the Execu- titled ‘‘Allocations of Cross-State Air Pollu- Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- tive Director, the United States World War tion Rule Allowances from New Unit Set- mittee on Finance. One Centennial Commission, transmitting, Asides for the 2015 Compliance Year’’ (FRL EC–3542. A communication from the Dep- pursuant to law, a report relative to the No. 9936–99–OAR) received in the Office of the uty Director, Centers for Medicare and Med- United States World War One Centennial President of the Senate on November 10, icaid Services, Department of Health and Commission; to the Committee on Energy 2015; to the Committee on Environment and Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to and Natural Resources. Public Works. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Medicare EC–3527. A communication from the Direc- EC–3535. A communication from the Direc- Program; CY 2016 Inpatient Hospital Deduct- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ible and Hospital and Extended Care Services Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Coinsurance Amounts’’ (RIN0938–AS36) re- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in titled ‘‘National Emission Standards for Haz- titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Michigan; Sewer the Office of the President of the Senate on ardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: In- Sludge Incinerators State Plan and Small November 13, 2015; to the Committee on Fi- dustrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boil- Municipal Waste Combustors Negative Dec- nance. ers and Process Heaters’’ ((RIN2060–AS09) laration for Designated Facilities and Pol- EC–3543. A communication from the Dep- (FRL No. 9936–20–OAR)) received in the Of- lutants’’ (FRL No. 9936–96–Region 5) received uty Director, Centers for Medicare and Med- fice of the President of the Senate on No- in the Office of the President of the Senate icaid Services, Department of Health and vember 10, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- on November 10, 2015; to the Committee on Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to ronment and Public Works. Environment and Public Works. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Medicare EC–3528. A communication from the Direc- EC–3536. A communication from the Direc- Program; CY 2016 Premiums for the Unin- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, sured Aged and for Certain Disabled Individ- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- uals Who Have Exhausted Other Entitle- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ment’’ (RIN0938–AS37) received during ad- titled ‘‘Modification of Significant New Uses titled ‘‘Addition of 1-Bromopropane; Commu- journment of the Senate in the Office of the of Certain Chemical Substances’’ ((RIN2070– nity Right-to-Know Toxic Chemical Release President of the Senate on November 13, AB27) (FRL No. 9935–43)) received in the Of- Reporting’’ ((RIN2025–AA41) (FRL No. 9937– 2015; to the Committee on Finance. fice of the President of the Senate on No- 12–OEI)) received during adjournment of the EC–3544. A communication from the Dep- vember 10, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- Senate in the Office of the President of the uty Director, Centers for Medicare and Med- ronment and Public Works. Senate on November 13, 2015; to the Com- icaid Services, Department of Health and EC–3529. A communication from the Direc- mittee on Environment and Public Works. Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–3537. A communication from the En- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Medicare Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- dangered Species Listing Branch Chief, Fish Program; Medicare Part B Monthly Actu- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and Wildlife Service, Department of the Inte- arial Rates, Premium Rate, and Annual De- titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- rior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- ductible Beginning January 1, 2016’’ mentation Plans; Washington: Additional port of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and (RIN0938–AS38) received during adjournment Regulations for the Benton Clean Air Agency Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened of the Senate in the Office of the President Jurisdiction’’ (FRL No. 9936–97–Region 10) re- Species Status for Black Pinesnake With 4(d) of the Senate on November 13, 2015; to the ceived in the Office of the President of the Rule’’ (RIN1018–BA03) received during ad- Committee on Finance. Senate on November 10, 2015; to the Com- journment of the Senate in the Office of the EC–3545. A communication from the Chief mittee on Environment and Public Works. President of the Senate on November 6, 2015; of the Trade and Commercial Regulations

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.012 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8017 Branch, Bureau of Customs and Border Pro- Administration, Department of Labor, trans- Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- tection, Department of Homeland Security, mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of entitled ‘‘Final Rules under the Affordable pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled a rule entitled ‘‘Customs and Border Protec- Care Act for Grandfathered Plans, Pre- ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Place- tion’s Bond Program’’ (RIN1515–AD56) re- existing Condition Exclusions, Lifetime and ment of Eluxadoline into Schedule IV’’ ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Annual Limits, Rescissions, Dependent Cov- (Docket No. DEA–419F) received during ad- the Office of the President of the Senate on erage, Appeals, and Patient Protections’’ journment of the Senate in the Office of the November 12, 2015; to the Committee on Fi- (RIN1210–AB72) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on November 13, nance. President of the Senate on November 16, 2015; to the Committee on the Judiciary. EC–3546. A communication from the Assist- 2015; to the Committee on Health, Education, EC–3570. A communication from the Dep- ant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Labor, and Pensions. uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, EC–3559. A communication from the Sec- Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- pursuant to law, an addendum to a certifi- retary of Transportation, transmitting, pur- cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, cation of the proposed sale or export of de- suant to law, the Department of Transpor- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled fense articles and/or defense services to a tation’s Semiannual Report of the Inspector ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Exten- Middle East country (OSS–2015–1809); to the General for the period from April 1, 2015 sion of Temporary Placement of Three Syn- Committee on Foreign Relations. through September 30, 2015; to the Com- thetic Phenethylamines in Schedule I’’ EC–3547. A communication from the Assist- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- (Docket No. DEA–424) received in the Office ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- mental Affairs. of the President of the Senate on November EC–3560. A communication from the Dep- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to 13, 2015; to the Committee on the Judiciary. uty Under Secretary for Management and law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the EC–3571. A communication from the Assist- Chief Financial Officer, Department of Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–018); to ant Attorney General, Office of Legislative Homeland Security, transmitting, pursuant the Committee on Foreign Relations. Affairs, Department of Justice, transmit- to law, a report entitled ‘‘Public Assistance EC–3548. A communication from the Assist- ting, pursuant to law, an annual report rel- Program Alternative Procedures: Fiscal ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- ative to the activities and operations of the ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Year 2015 Report to Congress—Second Quar- terly Status Report’’ ; to the Committee on Public Integrity Section, Criminal Division, law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the and the nationwide federal law enforcement Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–111); to Homeland Security and Governmental Af- fairs. effort against public corruption; to the Com- the Committee on Foreign Relations. mittee on the Judiciary. EC–3549. A communication from the Assist- EC–3561. A communication from the Dep- uty Under Secretary for Management and EC–3572. A communication from the Sec- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- retary of the Senate, transmitting, pursuant ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of the receipts and expend- law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the itures of the Senate for the period from April Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–089); to to law, a report entitled ‘‘Public Assistance Program Alternative Procedures: Fiscal 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, received the Committee on Foreign Relations. in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–3550. A communication from the Assist- Year 2015 Report to Congress—First Quar- terly Status Report’’; to the Committee on on November 10, 2015; ordered to lie on the ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- table. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Homeland Security and Governmental Af- EC–3573. A communication from the Acting law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the fairs. EC–3562. A communication from the Under Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–085); to Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), trans- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- the Committee on Foreign Relations. mitting, pursuant to law, the Uniform Re- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–3551. A communication from the Acting source Locator (URL) for the Department of ‘‘Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislative Af- Defense (DoD) Agency Financial Report for and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Re- fairs, Department of State, transmitting, fiscal year 2015; to the Committee on Home- sources of the South Atlantic; Trip Limit pursuant to law, a report relative to loan land Security and Governmental Affairs. Reduction for Gag Grouper’’ (RIN0648–XE245) guarantees to Israel; to the Committee on EC–3563. A communication from the Board received during adjournment of the Senate Foreign Relations. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Farm in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–3552. A communication from the Assist- Credit Administration, transmitting, pursu- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on ant to law, the Administration’s Perform- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to ance and Accountability Report for fiscal law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the EC–3574. A communication from the Acting year 2015; to the Committee on Homeland Se- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–053); to curity and Governmental Affairs. the Committee on Foreign Relations. partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- EC–3564. A communication from the Archi- ant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–3553. A communication from the Assist- vist of the United States, National Archives ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- ‘‘Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Records Administration, transmitting, and South Atlantic; Coral, Coral Reefs, and ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to pursuant to law, a report relative to the Ad- law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South At- ministration’s fiscal year 2015 Financial Re- lantic Region; Amendment 8; Correction’’ Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–054); to port; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- (RIN0648–BD81) received during adjournment the Committee on Foreign Relations. rity and Governmental Affairs. of the Senate in the Office of the President EC–3554. A communication from the Assist- EC–3565. A communication from the Acting of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- Commissioner of Social Security, transmit- Committee on Commerce, Science, and ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to ting, pursuant to law, the Agency Financial Transportation. law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the Report for Fiscal Year 2015; to the Com- Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–063); to mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- EC–3575. A communication from the Acting the Committee on Foreign Relations. mental Affairs. Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- EC–3555. A communication from the Assist- EC–3566. A communication from the Dep- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- uty Under Secretary for Management and ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Chief Financial Officer, Department of ‘‘Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fish- law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the Homeland Security, transmitting, pursuant eries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–071); to to law, the fiscal year 2015 Agency Financial Groundfish Fishery; 2015–2016 Biennial Speci- the Committee on Foreign Relations. Report; to the Committee on Homeland Se- fications and Management Measures; EC–3556. A communication from the Assist- curity and Governmental Affairs. Inseason Adjustments’’ (RIN0648–BF40) re- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- EC–3567. A communication from the Direc- ceived during adjournment of the Senate in ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to tor, Office of Government Ethics, transmit- the Office of the President of the Senate on law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the ting, pursuant to law, the Annual Financial November 12, 2015; to the Committee on Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–080); to Report for the Office of Government Ethics Commerce, Science, and Transportation. the Committee on Foreign Relations. for fiscal year 2015; to the Committee on EC–3576. A communication from the Dep- EC–3557. A communication from the Assist- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- uty Assistant Administrator for Regulatory ant Secretary for Legislation, Department of fairs. Programs, National Marine Fisheries Serv- Health and Human Services, transmitting, EC–3568. A communication from the Direc- ice, Department of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Food and Drug Adminis- tor, Congressional Affairs, Federal Election pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled tration’s reports relative to the Fifth, Sixth, Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, ‘‘Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Tech- and Seventh Reviews of the Backlog of Post- the Commission’s Agency Financial Report nical Amendment to Regulations’’ (RIN0648– marketing Requirements and Postmarketing for fiscal year 2015; to the Committee on BF30) received during adjournment of the Commitments; to the Committee on Health, Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Senate in the Office of the President of the Education, Labor, and Pensions. fairs. Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- EC–3558. A communication from the Assist- EC–3569. A communication from the Dep- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- ant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of tation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.015 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 EC–3577. A communication from the Acting EC–3585. A communication from the Man- Aviation Administration, Department of Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- Aviation Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘At- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- lantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’’ (RIN0648–XE242) re- ment of Class E Airspace; Tomah, WI’’ dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (78); ceived during adjournment of the Senate in ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–1387)) Amdt. No. 3664’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received dur- the Office of the President of the Senate on received during adjournment of the Senate ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office November 12, 2015; to the Committee on in the Office of the President of the Senate of the President of the Senate on November Commerce, Science, and Transportation. on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on 12, 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, EC–3578. A communication from the Acting Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Science, and Transportation. Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- EC–3586. A communication from the Man- EC–3593. A communication from the Man- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal ant to law, the report of a rule entitled Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of ‘‘Fisheries of the Northeastern United Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Georges law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard Bank Haddock Catch Cap Harvested’’ ment of Class E Airspace; Hart/Shelby, MI’’ Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- (RIN0648–XE266) received in the Office of the ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–1835)) off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- President of the Senate on November 16, received during adjournment of the Senate dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (33); 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, in the Office of the President of the Senate Amdt. No. 3663’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received dur- Science, and Transportation. on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office EC–3579. A communication from the Direc- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. of the President of the Senate on November tor, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Depart- EC–3587. A communication from the Man- 12, 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, ment of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant agement and Program Analyst, Federal Science, and Transportation. to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Fish- Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3594. A communication from the Man- eries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- Aviation Administration, Department of Bering Sea and Aleutian Island Management ment of Class E Airspace; Tekamah, Ne- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Area’’ (RIN0648–XE269) received in the Office braska’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA– law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard of the President of the Senate on November 2015–1394)) received during adjournment of Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- 16, 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, the Senate in the Office of the President of off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- Science, and Transportation. the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (9); Amdt. EC–3580. A communication from the Acting mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- No. 3661’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received during ad- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- tation. journment of the Senate in the Office of the EC–3588. A communication from the Man- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- President of the Senate on November 12, agement and Program Analyst, Federal ant to law, the report of a rule entitled 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, Aviation Administration, Department of ‘‘Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South At- Science, and Transportation. lantic; 2015 Commercial Accountability Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–3595. A communication from the Man- Measure and Closure for South Atlantic law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- agement and Program Analyst, Federal ment of Class E Airspace for the following Yellowtail Snapper’’ (RIN0648–XE216) re- Aviation Administration, Department of Louisiana towns: Jonesboro, LA and ceived in the Office of the President of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Winnfield, LA’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. Senate on November 16, 2015; to the Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard FAA–2015–0843)) received during adjournment mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- of the Senate in the Office of the President tation. off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the EC–3581. A communication from the Acting dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (50); Committee on Commerce, Science, and Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Amdt. No. 3662’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received dur- partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- Transportation. EC–3589. A communication from the Man- ing adjournment of the Senate in the Office ant to law, the report of a rule entitled agement and Program Analyst, Federal of the President of the Senate on November ‘‘Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Aviation Administration, Department of 12, 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2015 Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Science, and Transportation. Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportion- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- EC–3596. A communication from the Man- ments’’ (RIN0648–XE293) received in the Of- ment of Class E Airspace for the following agement and Program Analyst, Federal fice of the President of the Senate on No- Missouri towns: Chillicothe, MO; Cuba, MO, Aviation Administration, Department of vember 16, 2015; to the Committee on Com- Farmington, MO; Lamar, MO; Mountain Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to merce, Science, and Transportation. View, MO; Nevada, MO; and Poplar Bluff, law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Changes to EC–3582. A communication from the Man- MO’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015– Production Certificates and Approvals’’ agement and Program Analyst, Federal 0842)) received during adjournment of the (RIN2120–AK20) received during adjournment Aviation Administration, Department of Senate in the Office of the President of the of the Senate in the Office of the President Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Committee on Commerce, Science, and ment of Class E Airspace; Wakeeney, KS’’ tation. Transportation. ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–1832)) EC–3590. A communication from the Man- EC–3597. A communication from the Man- received during adjournment of the Senate agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal in the Office of the President of the Senate Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Commerce, Science, and Transportation. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Disclosure EC–3583. A communication from the Man- ment of Class D Airspace and Revocation of of Seat Dimensions to Facilitate Use of agement and Program Analyst, Federal Class E Airspace; Columbus, Ohio State Uni- Child Safety Seats on Airplanes During Pas- Aviation Administration, Department of versity Airport, OH, and Amendment of senger-Carrying Operations’’ (RIN2120–AK17) Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Class E Airspace’’ ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket received during adjournment of the Senate law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- No. FAA–2015–1649)) received during adjourn- in the Office of the President of the Senate ment of Class E Airspace; Vancouver, WA’’ ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–3322)) dent of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to Commerce, Science, and Transportation. received during adjournment of the Senate the Committee on Commerce, Science, and EC–3598. A communication from the Senior in the Office of the President of the Senate Transportation. Assistant Chief Counsel for Hazmat Safety on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on EC–3591. A communication from the Man- Law, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safe- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. agement and Program Analyst, Federal ty Administration, Department of Transpor- EC–3584. A communication from the Man- Aviation Administration, Department of tation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to port of a rule entitled ‘‘Hazardous Materials: Aviation Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revoca- Carriage of Battery-Powered Electronic Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to tion of Class E Airspace; Vincennes, IN’’ Smoking Devices in Passenger Baggage’’ law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Establish- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–2049)) (RIN2137–AF12) received during adjournment ment of Class E Airspace; Vadalia, LA’’ received during adjournment of the Senate of the Senate in the Office of the President ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2015–1389)) in the Office of the President of the Senate of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the received during adjournment of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on Committee on Commerce, Science, and in the Office of the President of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation. on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on EC–3592. A communication from the Man- EC–3599. A communication from the Pro- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. agement and Program Analyst, Federal gram Analyst, National Highway Traffic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.017 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8019 Safety Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- me of the pertinent contributions made by Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes’’ them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Allowing ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2015–1985)) formation contained in this report is com- Importers to Provide Information to U.S. received during adjournment of the Senate plete and accurate.) Customs and Border Protection in Electronic in the Office of the President of the Senate Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Format’’ (RIN2127–AL63) received during ad- on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on 1. Self: $500, 9/9/2012, Barack Obama. journment of the Senate in the Office of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 2. Spouse: Jonathan Jacobson: none. President of the Senate on November 12, EC–3607. A communication from the Man- 3. Children and Spouses: Gil Jacobson, 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, agement and Program Analyst, Federal none. Daniel Jacobson, none. Science, and Transportation. Aviation Administration, Department of 4. Parents: Gloria Berk Steinfeld—De- EC–3600. A communication from the Pro- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ceased; Julian Stanley Steinfeld—Deceased. gram Analyst, National Highway Traffic law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- 5. Grandparents: Henrietta Simon Berk— Safety Administration, Department of ness Directives; Technify Motors GmbH Re- Deceased; David Theodore Berk—Deceased; Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ciprocating Engines’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Dock- Jacob Steinfeld—Deceased; Ceil Bernstein law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Defect and et No. FAA–2015–1383)) received during ad- Steinfeld—Deceased. 6. Brothers and Spouses: Jeffrey Steinfeld, Noncompliance Notification’’ (RIN2127–AL60) journment of the Senate in the Office of the none; Karen Steinfeld, none. received during adjournment of the Senate President of the Senate on November 12, 7. Sisters and Spouses: Richard Swanson, in the Office of the President of the Senate 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, $500, 1/24/2011, Arnold/Porter PAC; $500, 4/12/ on November 12, 2015; to the Committee on Science, and Transportation. 2011, Arnold/Porter PAC; $500, 6/14/2011, Ar- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. EC–3608. A communication from the Man- nold/Porter PAC; $500, 9/16/2011, Arnold/Por- EC–3601. A communication from the Pro- agement and Program Analyst, Federal ter PAC; $500, 1/2012012, Arnold/Porter PAC; gram Analyst, National Highway Traffic Aviation Administration, Department of $2000, 8/30/2012, Obama for America; $5000, 9/ Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to 18/2011, Obama Victory Fund; $2500, 12/9/2011, Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Obama Victory Fund; $2500, 6/4/2012, Obama law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal ness Directives; Pratt and Whitney Turbo- Victory Fund; $1000, 10/08/2013, Michael Ben- Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; prop Engines’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. net; $5000, 12/31/2013, Dem. Senatorial Cam- Final Listing of 2016 Light Duty Truck Lines FAA–2015–0869)) received during adjournment paign Committee; $1000, 12/02/2013, Mark War- Subject to the Requirements of This Stand- of the Senate in the Office of the President ner; $2000, 6/26/2012, Virginia Colorado Fund; ard and Exempted Vehicle Lines for Model of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the $3000, 3/23/2015, Bennet for Colorado; $2500, 6/ Year 2016’’ (RIN2127–AL59) received during Committee on Commerce, Science, and 21/2012, Democratic National Committee; adjournment of the Senate in the Office of Transportation. $2500, 12/9/2011, Democratic National Com- the President of the Senate on November 12, EC–3609. A communication from the Para- mittee. Caryn Swanson: $2300, 3/23/2015, Ben- 2015; to the Committee on Commerce, legal Specialist, Federal Aviation Adminis- net for Colorado. Science, and Transportation. tration, Department of Transportation, EC–3602. A communication from the Pro- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of gram Analyst, National Highway Traffic *Peter William Bodde, of Maryland, a Ca- a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Safety Administration, Department of Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2015–0933)) received sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Direct during adjournment of the Senate in the Of- Final Rulemaking Procedures’’ (RIN2127– the United States of America to Libya. fice of the President of the Senate on No- Nominee: Peter William Bodde. AL32) received during adjournment of the vember 12, 2015; to the Committee on Com- Senate in the Office of the President of the Post: Libya. merce, Science, and Transportation. (The following is a list of all members of Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- EC–3610. A communication from the Man- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- my immediate family and their spouses. I agement and Program Analyst, Federal have asked each of these persons to inform tation. Aviation Administration, Department of EC–3603. A communication from the Dep- me of the pertinent contributions made by Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to uty Chief of the Auctions and Spectrum Ac- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- cess Division, Wireless Telecommunications formation contained in this report is com- ness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corpora- Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- plete and accurate.) tion Helicopters’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Contributions, amount, date, and donee: No. FAA–2015–3940)) received during adjourn- 1. Self: none. port of a rule entitled ‘‘Application Proce- ment of the Senate in the Office of the Presi- 2. Spouse: none. dures for Broadcast Incentive Auction dent of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to 3. Children & Spouses: none. Scheduled to Begin on March 29, 2016; Tech- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 4. Father: William Bodde, Jr.: $600.00, 2012, nical Formulas for Competitive Bidding’’ Transportation. Democratic National Committee; $570, 2014, ((DA 15–1183) (AU Docket No. 14–252, GN EC–3611. A communication from the Man- Democratic National Committee. Docket No. 12–268, and WT Docket No. 12– agement and Program Analyst, Federal 5. Grandparents: none. 269)) received during adjournment of the Sen- Aviation Administration, Department of 5. Brothers and Spouses: none. ate in the Office of the President of the Sen- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to 6. Sisters and Spouses: none. ate on November 12, 2015; to the Committee law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufac- *Elisabeth I. Millard, of Virginia, a Career EC–3604. A communication from the Man- tured Transport and Restricted Category Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class agement and Program Analyst, Federal Helicopters’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Aviation Administration, Department of FAA–2009–1088)) received during adjournment traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to of the Senate in the Office of the President United States of America to the Republic of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- of the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Tajikistan. ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Nominee: Elisabeth Inge Millard. planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Transportation. Post: Dushanbe. 2015–4209)) received during adjournment of (The following is a list of all members of the Senate in the Office of the President of f my immediate family and their spouses. I the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- have asked each of these persons to inform mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF me of the pertinent contributions made by tation. COMMITTEE them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- EC–3605. A communication from the Man- The following executive reports of formation contained in this report is com- agement and Program Analyst, Federal nominations were submitted: plete and accurate.) Aviation Administration, Department of Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to By Mr. CORKER for the Committee on 1. Self: N/A. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Foreign Relations. 2. Spouse: August V.B Millard—(deceased): ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- *Roberta S. Jacobson, of Maryland, a Ca- $100.00, 10/11/12, Romney; $50, 7/2/10, McCain; planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– reer Member of the Senior Executive Serv- $50, 2/16/10, McCain; $50, 4/21/10, McCain; $200, 2015–0498)) received during adjournment of ice, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and 4/23/12, Sias. the Senate in the Office of the President of Plenipotentiary of the United States of 3. Children and Spouses: Charlotte and the Senate on November 12, 2015; to the Com- America to the United Mexican States. Lorenzo McWilliams: N/A; Olivia and John mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Nominee: Roberta S. Jacobson. Davis: N/A; Alexandra Millard: N/A; James tation. Post: Ambassador to United Mexican Millard: N/A; Richard Millard: N/A. EC–3606. A communication from the Man- States. 4. Parents: Lennart and Margaretha agement and Program Analyst, Federal (The following is a list of all members of Hesselvik: N/A. Aviation Administration, Department of my immediate family and their spouses. I 5. Grandparents: Inga and Bernt Odenblad: Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to have asked each of these persons to inform N/A; August and Ingrid Hesselvik: N/A.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:00 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.019 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 6. Brothers and Spouses: Fredrik and Lena ceased; Rev. Gustav Malac—deceased; respond to requests to appear and tes- Hesselvik: N/A; Pelle Hesselvik: N/A. Antonie Malac—deceased. tify before any duly constituted com- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Ingrid Hesselvik: N/ 6. Brothers and Spouses: Roy David Malac mittee of the Senate. A. and Carolyn Malac: none; Timothy Alan Malac and Theresa Malac: none. f * Marc Jonathan Sievers, of Maryland, a 7. Sisters and Spouses: none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- JOINT RESOLUTIONS ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- * Lisa J. Peterson, of Virginia, a Career bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class The following bills and joint resolu- of the United States of America to the Sul- of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- tions were introduced, read the first tanate of Oman. dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United and second times by unanimous con- Nominee: Marc J. Sievers. States of America to the Kingdom of Swazi- sent, and referred as indicated: Post: Muscat, Oman. land. By Mr. VITTER (for himself, Mr. LEE, (The following is a list of all members of Nominee: Lisa J. Peterson. Mr. TILLIS, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. CASSIDY, my immediate family and their spouses. I Post: Kingdom of Swaziland. and Mr. BARRASSO): have asked each of these persons to inform (The following is a list of all members of me of the pertinent contributions made by S. 2284. A bill to suspend the admission and my immediate family and their spouses. I resettlement of aliens seeking refugee status them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- have asked each of these persons to inform formation contained in this report is com- because of the conflict in Syria until ade- me of the pertinent contributions made by quate protocols are established to protect plete and accurate.) them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Contributions, amount, date, and donee: the national security of the United States formation contained in this report is com- and for other purposes; to the Committee on 1. Self: $100, 8/2014, Elan Carr. plete and accurate.) 2. Spouse: Michelle Raphael: Joint Dona- the Judiciary. Contributions, amount, date, and donee: tion, 8/2014, Elan Carr. By Mr. BURR: 1. Self: $0.00, N/A, N/A. 3. Children and Spouses: Miriam H. Siev- S. 2285. A bill to provide for the recogni- 2. Spouse: $0.00, N/A, N/A. ers, none; David N. Sievers, none; Samuel A. tion of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, 3. Children and Spouses: $0.00, N/A, N/A. Sievers, (minor). and for other purposes; to the Committee on 4. Parents: Anita R. Sievers, none; Allen M. 4. Parents: $0.00, N/A, N/A. Indian Affairs . 5. Grandparents: $0.00, N/A, N/A. Sievers, (deceased). By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. BAR- 5. Grandparents: deceased. 6. Brothers and Spouses: Scott Peterson: RASSO, and Mr. FLAKE): 6. Brothers and Spouses: none. $10.00, 01/25/2011, Tea Party; $10.00, 06/2012, S. 2286. A bill to address the forest health, 7. Sisters and Spouses: none. Scott Walker. public safety, and wildlife habitat threat pre- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Karen Gould: $100 sented by the risk of wildfire, including cata- * Deborah R. Malac, of Virginia, a Career (est.), unknown, Barack Obama; $50 (est.), strophic wildfire, on National Forest System Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class unknown, Elizabeth Warren; $50 (est.), un- land and public land managed by the Bureau of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- known, Alison Grimes; $100 (est.), unknown, of Land Management by requiring the Sec- traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Senate and Congressional Cam- retary of Agriculture and the Secretary of United States of America to the Republic of paign Committees. the Interior to expedite forest management Uganda. projects relating to hazardous fuels reduc- Nominee: Deborah Ruth Malac. * H. Dean Pittman, of the District of Co- tion, forest health, and economic develop- Post: Ambassador to the Republic of Ugan- lumbia, a Career Member of the Senior For- ment, and for other purposes; to the Com- da. eign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. (The following is a list of all members of be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- By Mr. UDALL: my immediate family and their spouses. I potentiary of the United States of America S. 2287. A bill to amend the Department of have asked each of these persons to inform to the Republic of Mozambique. Energy Organization Act to improve tech- me of the pertinent contributions made by Nominee: Howard Dean Pittman. nology transfer at the Department of Energy them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Post: Mozambique. by reducing bureaucratic barriers to indus- formation contained in this report is com- The following is a list of all members of try, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, as plete and accurate.) my immediate family and their spouses. I well as ensure that public investments in re- Contributions, amount, date, and donee: have asked each of these persons to inform search and development generate the great- 1. Deborah Ruth Malac: None. me of the pertinent contributions made by est return on investment for taxpayers, and 2. Spouse: Ronald Kenneth Olson: $25.00, 02/ them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- for other purposes; to the Committee on En- 06/2014, DSCC; 25.00, 07/07/2014, Democratic formation contained in this report is com- ergy and Natural Resources. National Committee; 50.00, 08/15/2014, Friends plete and accurate. By Mr. PAUL: of Mark Warner. Contributions, amount, date, and donee: S. 2288. A bill to prohibit members and 3. Children and Spouses: Nicholas Stefan 1. Self: $500, 10/16/2012, Barak Obama. staff of the Federal Reserve System from Olson and Shana Wrobel Olson: none. 2. Spouse: NA. lobbying for or against legislation, and for Gregory Michael Olson: $25.00 08/15/2014, 3. Children and Spouses: NA. other purposes; read the first time. Obama Campaign. Katharine Elaine Olson: 4. Parents: Elizabeth A. Pittman: none; By Mr. KAINE (for himself, Ms. COL- none. Paul Pittman—deceased. LINS, Mr. SCHATZ, and Mrs. MURRAY): 4. Parents: Marian Bartak Malac and Barry 5. Grandparents: Hattie D. Pittman—de- S. 2289. A bill to modernize and improve Forrest Malac: $5.00, 02/19/2014, Republican ceased; Patrick H. Pittman—deceased; Mary the Family Unification Program, and for National Committee; $15.00, 03/15/2014, Repub- M. MacDonald—deceased; Fredrick Mac- other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- lican National Senatorial Committee; $20.00, Donald—deceased. ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. 05/24/2014, Republican National Committee; 6. Brothers and Spouses: NA. By Mr. LEE (for himself and Mr. CRUZ): $10.00, 06/16/2014, Republican National Com- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Shane Pittman, S. 2290. A bill to amend the Head Start Act mittee; $10.00, 07/21/2014, Republican National none; Michael L. McLenagan, none; Elise to authorize block grants to States for pre- Committee; $10.00, 09/10/2014 Republican Na- Pittman, none. kindergarten education, and for other pur- tional Committee; $15.00, 09/20/2014, Repub- poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- lican National Congressional Committee; *John Morton, of Massachusetts, to be Ex- cation, Labor, and Pensions. $10.00, 10/16/2014, Republican National Com- ecutive Vice President of the Overseas Pri- By Mr. KIRK (for himself, Mr. mittee; $10.00, 03/11/2013, Republican National vate Investment Corporation. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mrs. Senatorial Committee; $15.00, 04/23/2013, Re- * Kenneth Damian Ward, of Virginia, a Ca- GILLIBRAND, Mr. JOHNSON, Ms. BALD- publican National Committee; $5.00, 07/25/ reer Member of the Senior Executive Serv- WIN, and Mr. RUBIO): 2013, Republican National Committee; $10.00, ice, for the rank of Ambassador during his S. 2291. A bill to amend title 38, United 08/26/2013, Republican National Congressional tenure of service as United States Represent- States Code, to establish procedures within Committee; $10.00, 04/09/2012, Republican Na- ative to the Organization for the Prohibition the Department of Veterans Affairs for the tional Committee; $15.00, 06/22/2012, Repub- of Chemical Weapons. processing of whistleblower complaints, and lican National Committee; $15.00, 07/17/2012, * Linda I. Etim, of Wisconsin, to be an As- for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- Republican National Senatorial Committee; sistant Administrator of the United States erans’ Affairs. $10.00, 09/18/2012, Republican National Com- Agency for International Development. By Mr. TESTER (for himself and Mrs. mittee; $15.00, 09/23/2012, Republican National * Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., of Virginia, a FISCHER): Senatorial Committee; $15.00, 10/06/2012, Re- Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- S. 2292. A bill to reform laws relating to publican National Committee; $15.00, 04/04/ ice, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an small public housing agencies, and for other 2011, Republican National Congressional Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs). purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Committee; $15.00, 11/02/2011, Republican Na- Housing, and Urban Affairs. tional Congressional Committee. * Nomination was reported with rec- By Mrs. MURRAY: 5. Grandparents: Rev. Joseph Paul ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 2293. A bill to enhance Social Security Bartak—deceased; Minnie Polk Bartak—de- ject to the nominee’s commitment to benefits for children, divorced spouses, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:00 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.031 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8021 widows and widowers, and for other purposes; arms or the issuance of firearms and Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added to the Committee on Finance. explosives licenses to known or sus- as a cosponsor of S. 1540, a bill to im- By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and pected dangerous terrorists. prove the enforcement of prohibitions Ms. COLLINS): S. 613 on robocalls, including fraudulent S. 2294. A bill to create a division within the Congressional Budget Office to perform At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, robocalls. regulatory analysis of economically signifi- the name of the Senator from Cali- S. 1685 cant rules; to the Committee on the Budget. fornia (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. WICKER, the By Mr. COTTON: sponsor of S. 613, a bill to amend the name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. S. 2295. A bill to extend the termination Richard B. Russell National School MORAN) was added as a cosponsor of S. date for the authority to collect certain Lunch Act to improve the efficiency of 1685, a bill to direct the Federal Com- records and make permanent the authority summer meals. munications Commission to extend to for roving surveillance and to treat indi- S. 627 vidual terrorists as agents of foreign powers private land use restrictions its rule re- under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the lating to reasonable accommodation of Act of 1978, and for other purposes; to the name of the Senator from Mississippi amateur service communications. Committee on the Judiciary. (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor S. 1830 By Mr. FLAKE (for himself, Mr. ALEX- of S. 627, a bill to require the Secretary At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the ANDER, Mr. BARRASSO, Mrs. CAPITO, of Veterans Affairs to revoke bonuses name of the Senator from Colorado Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. COATS, Mr. CORNYN, paid to employees involved in elec- (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor Mr. COTTON, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. CRUZ, tronic wait list manipulations, and for of S. 1830, a bill to amend title XVIII of Mr. ENZI, Mrs. ERNST, Mrs. FISCHER, other purposes. Mr. HATCH, Mr. HELLER, Mr. INHOFE, the Social Security Act to provide for S. 637 Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. the coverage of marriage and family At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the LEE, Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. MCCONNELL, therapist services and mental health Mr. MORAN, Mr. PAUL, Mr. RISCH, Mr. name of the Senator from California counselor services under part B of the ROBERTS, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. THUNE, (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor Medicare program, and for other pur- Mr. TILLIS, Mr. VITTER, Mr. WICKER, of S. 637, a bill to amend the Internal poses. and Mr. ISAKSON): Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and S. 1890 S.J. Res. 25. A joint resolution providing modify the railroad track maintenance At the request of Mr. HATCH, the for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 credit. name of the Senator from Minnesota of title 5, United States Code, of the final S. 928 rule of the Administrator of the Environ- (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, mental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Na- sponsor of S. 1890, a bill to amend chap- the name of the Senator from Florida tional Ambient Air Quality Standards for ter 90 of title 18, United States Code, to (Mr. RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of Ozone’’ ; to the Committee on Environment provide Federal jurisdiction for the S. 928, a bill to reauthorize the World and Public Works. theft of trade secrets, and for other Trade Center Health Program and the f purposes. September 11th Victim Compensation SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND Fund of 2001, and for other purposes. S. 1926 At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the SENATE RESOLUTIONS S. 950 names of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. The following concurrent resolutions At the request of Mr. CASEY, the and Senate resolutions were read, and name of the Senator from Massachu- GRASSLEY) and the Senator from Illi- nois (Mr. KIRK) were added as cospon- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- sponsor of S. 950, a bill to amend the sors of S. 1926, a bill to ensure access to By Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. screening mammography services. BOOKER): Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to pro- S. Res. 314. A resolution expressing support vide for a refundable adoption tax cred- S. 2021 for designation of the third Tuesday in No- it. At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the vember as ‘‘National Entrepreneurs’ Day’’; S. 968 name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. to the Committee on Commerce, Science, At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. and Transportation. the name of the Senator from Con- 2021, a bill to prohibit Federal agencies f necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added and Federal contractors from request- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS as a cosponsor of S. 968, a bill to re- ing that an applicant for employment disclose criminal history record infor- S. 314 quire the Commissioner of Social Secu- rity to revise the medical and evalua- mation before the applicant has re- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the tion criteria for determining disability ceived a conditional offer, and for name of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. in a person diagnosed with Hunting- other purposes. ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. ton’s Disease and to waive the 24- S. 2044 314, a bill to amend title XVIII of the month waiting period for Medicare eli- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the Social Security Act to provide for cov- gibility for individuals disabled by name of the Senator from New Jersey erage under the Medicare program of Huntington’s Disease. (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor pharmacist services. S. 1133 of S. 2044, a bill to prohibit the use of S. 330 At the request of Mr. FRANKEN, the certain clauses in form contracts that At the request of Mr. HELLER, the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- restrict the ability of a consumer to names of the Senator from South Da- vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- communicate regarding the goods or kota (Mr. THUNE), the Senator from sponsor of S. 1133, a bill to amend title services offered in interstate commerce Delaware (Mr. COONS), the Senator 9 of the United States Code with re- that were the subject of the contract, from Minnesota (Mr. FRANKEN) and the spect to arbitration. and for other purposes. Senator from North Carolina (Mr. S. 1390 S. 2067 BURR) were added as cosponsors of S. At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the At the request of Mr. WICKER, the 330, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- name of the Senator from Minnesota name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. enue Code of 1986 to make permanent (Mr. FRANKEN) was added as a cospon- HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. the special rule for contributions of sor of S. 1390, a bill to help provide re- 2067, a bill to establish EUREKA Prize qualified conservation contributions, lief to State education budgets during Competitions to accelerate discovery and for other purposes. a recovering economy, to help fulfill and development of disease-modifying, S. 551 the Federal mandate to provide higher preventive, or curative treatments for At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the educational opportunities for Native Alzheimer’s disease and related demen- name of the Senator from Missouri American Indians, and for other pur- tia, to encourage efforts to enhance de- (Mrs. MCCASKILL) was added as a co- poses. tection and diagnosis of such diseases, sponsor of S. 551, a bill to increase pub- S. 1540 or to enhance the quality and effi- lic safety by permitting the Attorney At the request of Mrs. MCCASKILL, ciency of care of individuals with such General to deny the transfer of fire- the name of the Senator from New diseases.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Mar 26, 2016 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD15\NOV 2015\S17NO5.REC S17NO5 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S8022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 S. 2072 S. 2263 refugee status because of the conflict At the request of Mr. HATCH, the At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the in Syria until adequate protocols are names of the Senator from Arkansas names of the Senator from Arkansas established to protect the national se- (Mr. BOOZMAN) and the Senator from (Mr. COTTON) and the Senator from Illi- curity of the United States and for Indiana (Mr. DONNELLY) were added as nois (Mr. KIRK) were added as cospon- other purposes; to the Committee on cosponsors of S. 2072, a bill to require sors of S. 2263, a bill to encourage effec- the Judiciary. the Administrator of the Environ- tive, voluntary private sector invest- Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise to mental Protection Agency to establish ments to recruit, employ, and retain strongly urge the adoption of my bill, a program under which the Adminis- men and women who have served in the S. 2284, to stop the Syrian refugee re- trator shall defer the designation of an United States military with annual settlement program, unless and until area as a nonattainment area for pur- Federal awards to private sector em- we have complete and adequate safe- poses of the 8-hour ozone national am- ployers recognizing such investments, guards in place for the security of our bient air quality standard if the area and for other purposes. homeland and all of our States. It is achieves and maintains certain stand- S.J. RES. 1 very clear to me that we do not have ards under a voluntary early action At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, her those safeguards right now. compact plan. name was added as a cosponsor of S.J. What my bill would do is stop the S. 2095 Res. 1, a joint resolution proposing an program for 270 days, demand a thor- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the amendment to the Constitution of the ough review of all security issues re- name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. United States relative to limiting the lated to the program, demand that MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of number of terms that a Member of Con- changes be made and brought before S. 2095, a bill to establish certain re- gress may serve. Congress, and that the program only quirements with respect to pollock and S. RES. 148 continue with the consent of Congress golden king crab. At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the after we are assured the homeland and S. 2123 names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. all of our States will be fully protected. Again, it is very clear to me that is not At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the MERKLEY) and the Senator from Con- names of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) were added the case now. I expressed strong concerns and oppo- ERNST) and the Senator from Wash- as cosponsors of S. Res. 148, a resolu- sition to this program from the very ington (Mrs. MURRAY) were added as tion condemning the Government of cosponsors of S. 2123, a bill to reform Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of beginning. When I first learned of it in sentencing laws and correctional insti- its Baha’i minority and its continued September, I wrote Secretaries Kerry tutions, and for other purposes. violation of the International Cov- and Johnson regarding the real dangers of taking in thousands upon thousands S. 2193 enants on Human Rights. S. RES. 237 of refugees from a country and an area At the request of Mr. CRUZ, the name of the world where enemies of the of the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the names of the Senator from Maryland United States are all around them, and INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor of S. that clearly it posed a danger of those (Mr. CARDIN), the Senator from North 2193, a bill to amend the Immigration terrorist enemies infiltrating the ref- Carolina (Mr. TILLIS) and the Senator and Nationality Act to increase pen- ugee resettlement process. Tragically, alties for individuals who illegally re- from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) were added as cosponsors of S. Res. 237, we saw that happen and we saw the enter the United States after being re- horrible results in Paris last Friday. As moved and for other purposes. a resolution condemning Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army for we all know now, at least one of those S. 2196 continuing to perpetrate crimes terrorists in Paris got into France At the request of Mr. CASEY, the against humanity, war crimes, and under the Syrian refugee resettlement name of the Senator from West Vir- mass atrocities, and supporting ongo- program there, and that is the same ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- ing efforts by the United States Gov- danger that is posed to us. sponsor of S. 2196, a bill to amend title ernment, the African Union, and gov- Now, I have looked at this. I have XVIII of the Social Security Act to ernments and regional organizations in had briefings on this. It is clear to me provide for the non-application of central Africa to remove Joseph Kony that we do not have adequate safe- Medicare competitive acquisition rates and Lord’s Resistance Army com- guards against this. Let me just cite to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs manders from the battlefield and pro- one example of testimony in this re- and accessories. mote protection and recovery of af- gard. FBI Director James Comey has S. 2200 fected communities. testified that the Federal Government At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the doesn’t have the ability to fully vet S. RES. 282 name of the Senator from West Vir- 10,000 or more Syrians refugees. Re- At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- cently, during a hearing before the name of the Senator from South Da- sponsor of S. 2200, a bill to amend the House Committee on Homeland Secu- kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to rity, Mr. Comey stated: sponsor of S. Res. 282, a resolution sup- strengthen equal pay requirements. We can only query against that which we porting the goals and ideals of Amer- S. 2213 have collected. And so if someone has never ican Diabetes Month. made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. RES. 302 that would get their identity or their inter- the name of the Senator from Massa- At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, est reflected in our database, we can query chusetts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- our database until the cows come home, but cosponsor of S. 2213, a bill to prohibit land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a there will be nothing show up because we firearms dealers from selling a firearm cosponsor of S. Res. 302, a resolution have no record of them. prior to the completion of a back- expressing the sense of the Senate in That puts in simple, straightforward ground check. support of Israel and in condemnation terms the real danger—that we cannot S. 2234 of Palestinian terror attacks. properly vet all of these refugees. And At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the f this is not from just any part of the names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. world or any country. This is from a MORAN) and the Senator from Mis- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED hotbed of anti-American terrorist ele- sissippi (Mr. COCHRAN) were added as BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS ments. cosponsors of S. 2234, a bill to award By Mr. VITTER (for himself, Mr. There is an additional grave danger the Congressional Gold Medal, collec- LEE, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. PERDUE, with the program as it stands now, and tively, to the members of the Office of Mr. CASSIDY, and Mr. BAR- that is our complete inability to track Strategic Services (OSS) in recognition RASSO): these individuals once they are in our of their superior service and major con- S. 2284. A bill to suspend the admis- country. Unfortunately, I have an ex- tributions during World War II. sion and resettlement of aliens seeking ample of this right from my home

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.029 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8023 State of Louisiana. Just last week, a were 5,140 total children in the Virginia SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Syrian refugee was resettled into foster care program. For fiscal year Baton Rouge. As of today, he is no 2015, the average annual cost of foster longer there. He has gone missing. Al- care in Virginia was almost $47,000. SENATE RESOLUTION 314—EX- legedly, he, on his own, is relocating to Further, in 2013 Virginia had approxi- PRESSING SUPPORT FOR DES- Washington, DC. But from the briefings mately 550 youth age out of the foster IGNATION OF THE THIRD TUES- I have had from the State police, no care system at age 18 without being DAY IN NOVEMBER AS ‘‘NA- one is in contact with him, no law en- connected to families. Nationally, over TIONAL ENTREPRENEURS’ DAY’’ forcement or government agency is one-fifth of children who age out of the Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. tracking him in any way, and he may foster care system will experience BOOKER) submitted the following reso- or may not check in to a social service homelessness at some time after age 18. lution; which was referred to the Com- agency in Washington, DC. They have The Family Unification Program, mittee on Commerce, Science, and his information. Apparently, they are FUP, an interagency collaboration be- Transportation: not in contact with him. tween the Department of Housing and S. RES. 314 Now, this is within a week of his Urban Development, HUD, and the De- Whereas, since the founding of the United being resettled into where he was sup- partment of Health and Human Serv- States, innovation, creativity, industrious- ness, and entrepreneurship have formed the posed to be, in Baton Rouge, LA, which ices to provide housing vouchers to I object to as a Louisianian. Again, he economic fiber of the United States; youth aging out of foster care and fam- Whereas entrepreneurs have long been allegedly is coming to Washington. By ilies involved with the child welfare the way, our Nation’s capital is under vital to the economic growth of the United system. Some of these vouchers also States by advancing innovation, improving high security alert. And no one knows include supportive services, such as productivity, and creating jobs; exactly where he is. No one is tracking money management skills, job prepara- Whereas the willingness of entrepreneurs him adequately at all. to assume risk has resulted in unparalleled This clearly underscores the inad- tion, educational counseling, and prop- er nutrition and meal preparation. Re- contributions to the development of the equacy of our current program. We United States; need to put a stop to this until proper, search has shown that housing vouch- Whereas entrepreneur-led innovation has full, and aggressive safeguards are in ers, coupled with supportive services, built and continues to sustain a critical place. My bill, S. 2284, would do that. I promotes family stabilization and re- United States competitive advantage; am very happy the House of Represent- duces youth homelessness. Whereas more than 400,000 new businesses were created in the United States in 2013; atives is acting and considering similar While these vouchers have yielded some success, the connections between Whereas research shows that businesses 5 legislation. years or younger were responsible for nearly I believe Congressman GRAVES will HUD and HHS are often inadequate to every net new job in the economy of the be introducing my legislation in the provide effective assistance. Further, United States between 1982 and 2011; House, and the House may take up this no dedicated source of funding is avail- Whereas entrepreneurs and the businesses matter as soon as Thursday. I hope able for the supportive services prom- created by entrepreneurs accounted for the that they do, because it is very time ised, and too often families and youth creation of nearly 2,300,000 jobs in 2013; sensitive and our security is at stake. I are left without the help they need. Whereas, despite economic instability, over 50 percent of the population of the hope that we do, by considering this That is why I am pleased to intro- United States believes good opportunities and similar ideas absolutely as soon as duce with my colleagues Senator COL- exist for starting businesses and, in 2014, en- possible. We must put a stop to this. LINS, Senator SCHATZ, and Senator trepreneurship rose to its highest level in 16 We must put real security measures in MURRAY, the Family Unification, Pres- years, indicating that entrepreneurial spirit place. We must not allow the flow to ervation and Modernization Act. This remains strong in the United States; continue until we do. legislation modernizes and improves Whereas collaboration and cooperation FUP vouchers, as well as creates and among a broad coalition of organizations, in- cluding nonprofit entrepreneurial incuba- By Mr. KAINE (for himself, Ms. provides supportive housing for at-risk COLLINS, Mr. SCHATZ, and Mrs. tors, angel investors, venture capitalists, youth and families involved with the crowd-funding initiatives, and other early- MURRAY): child welfare system. By utilizing a S. 2289. A bill to modernize and im- stage investors, catalyze entrepreneurial housing first model, similar to the one ventures; prove the Family Unification Program, used to combat veterans’ homelessness, Whereas the Federal Government must and for other purposes; to the Com- this legislation will ensure safe and continue to promote entrepreneurship in all mittee on Banking, Housing, and stable housing for youth and families. communities by ensuring that entrepreneurs Urban Affairs. find the necessary resources to pursue their Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, children This bill also strengthens the connec- ideas; raised in loving and supportive house- tions between local public housing Whereas support for all entrepreneurs, in- holds grow up to become more produc- agencies and child welfare agencies to cluding women and minorities, who own and tive individuals, benefiting both the in- promote family stabilization and re- manage businesses of all sizes, from sole pro- dividual child and society at large. unification, replaces the arbitrary 18- prietorships to large enterprises, strengthens month time limit for youth vouchers the overall economy of the United States; However, housing instability is linked Whereas entrepreneurial literacy skills to poor outcomes for children. Unsafe with a more workable 36-month time limit, expands youth eligibility to serve as one of the 21st-century content housing conditions and homelessness areas critical to success in communities and can threaten a child’s safety. These those who are 18 to 24 who have left workplaces; conditions are often the reason for an foster care at age 14 or older or will Whereas 54 percent of young people (ages investigation by the local child welfare leave foster care within 90 days and are 18–34) in the United States envision starting agency, out-of-home placement, or a homeless or at risk of becoming home- a business or have already started a busi- delay in family reunification. less, provides competitive grants for ness; Homelessness can also lead parents supportive services specifically tar- Whereas positive outcomes for youth who participate in entrepreneurship education to voluntarily place their children in geted to FUP recipients, and promotes self-sufficiency by providing incentive programs include improved academic per- foster care while they search for hous- formance, increased critical thinking skills, ing. Families may also be separated be- payments to successful, data-driven and heightened occupational aspirations; cause of shelter policies that exclude interventions that improve outcomes. Whereas, to maintain the position of the teenagers, especially boys. Further, My wife Anne and I have been long- United States as a world economic leader, youth aging out of the foster care sys- term supporters in improving our child government, entrepreneurs, institutions of tem are particularly vulnerable to welfare system. When I served as Gov- higher education, and businesses of all sizes homelessness because they must make ernor, we worked together to reform must be united in a comprehensive effort to Virginia’s foster care system. I am welcome and cultivate entrepreneurial ac- the transition to adulthood without tivities in the United States; support, financial or otherwise, from proud to introduce this commonsense, Whereas entrepreneurs face various bar- parents or other trusted guardians. bipartisan legislation that will ensure riers that the Federal Government must In Virginia, the Governor’s office re- family preservation and reduce youth work to reduce so that all entrepreneurs in ported that as of September 2015 there homelessness. the United States have a chance at success;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17NO6.055 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 Whereas entrepreneurship remains a the operator of that airport requests such a curtail funding of its domestic and inter- strong path for economic progress for all review and demonstrates that there is good national activities; and people of the United States; and cause to believe that the implementation of (2) utilize all available diplomatic, legisla- Whereas the third Tuesday in November the procedure had such an effect. tive, and executive avenues to combat the would be an appropriate date to designate as ‘‘(B) CONTENT OF REVIEW.—If, in conducting global criminal activities of Hizballah as a ‘‘National Entrepreneurs’ Day’’: Now, there- a review under subparagraph (A) with re- means to block that organization’s ability to fore, be it spect to a procedure implemented at an OEP fund its global terrorist activities. Resolved, That the Senate— airport, the Administrator, in consultation TITLE I—PREVENTION OF ACCESS BY (1) supports the designation of ‘‘National with the operator of the airport, determines HIZBALLAH TO INTERNATIONAL FINAN- Entrepreneurs’ Day’’; that implementing the procedure had a sig- CIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS (2) recognizes the considerable contribu- nificant effect on the human environment in SEC. 101. REPORT ON IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS tions of entrepreneurs to the United States; the community in which the airport is lo- ON CERTAIN SATELLITE PROVIDERS and cated, the Administrator shall— THAT CARRY AL-MANAR TV. (3) honors those entrepreneurs who ignite ‘‘(i) consult with the operator of the air- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days innovation and inspire the next generation. port to identify measures to mitigate the ef- after the date of the enactment of this Act, f fect of the procedure on the human environ- the President shall submit to the appro- ment; and priate congressional committees and leader- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND ‘‘(ii) in conducting such consultations, con- ship a report on the following: PROPOSED sider the use of alternative flight paths. (1) The activities of all satellite, broadcast, ‘‘(C) HUMAN ENVIRONMENT DEFINED.—In this SA 2809. Mr. MCCAIN (for himself and Mr. Internet, or other providers that have know- paragraph, the term ‘human environment’ FLAKE) submitted an amendment intended to ingly entered into a contractual relationship has the meaning given that term in section be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2577, with al-Manar TV, and any affiliates or suc- 1508.14 of title 40, Code of Federal Regula- making appropriations for the Departments cessors thereof. tions (as in effect on the day before the date of Transportation, and Housing and Urban (2) With respect to all providers described of the enactment of this paragraph).’’. Development, and related agencies for the in paragraph (1)— fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for (A) an identification of those providers SA 2810. Mr. DAINES (for Mr. RUBIO other purposes; which was ordered to lie on that have been sanctioned pursuant to Exec- the table. (for himself, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. utive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relat- SA 2810. Mr. DAINES (for Mr. RUBIO (for SHELBY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. ing to blocking property and prohibiting himself, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. SHELBY, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. KIRK, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. transactions with persons who commit, BROWN, Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. KIRK, AYOTTE, Mr. HATCH, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. threaten to commit, or support terrorism); Ms. COLLINS, Ms. AYOTTE, Mr. HATCH, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. ROUNDS)) and LANKFORD, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. proposed an amendment to the bill (B) an identification of those providers ROUNDS)) proposed an amendment to the bill that have not been sanctioned pursuant to H.R. 2297, to prevent Hizballah and as- Executive Order 13224 and, with respect to H.R. 2297, to prevent Hizballah and associ- sociated entities from gaining access ated entities from gaining access to inter- each such provider, any information indi- national financial and other institutions, to international financial and other in- cating that the provider has knowingly en- and for other purposes. stitutions, and for other purposes; as tered into a contractual relationship with al- SA 2811. Mr. DAINES (for Mr. RUBIO (for follows: Manar TV, and any affiliates or successors of himself and Mrs. SHAHEEN)) proposed an Strike all after the enacting clause and in- al-Manar TV. amendment to the bill H.R. 2297, supra. sert the following: (b) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in un- f SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. classified form to the greatest extent pos- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as sible, but may include a classified annex. TEXT OF AMENDMENTS the ‘‘Hizballah International Financing Pre- (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- Mr. MCCAIN (for himself and vention Act of 2015’’. SA 2809. TEES AND LEADERSHIP DEFINED.—In this sec- Mr. FLAKE) submitted an amendment (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- tents for this Act is as follows: tion, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional intended to be proposed by him to the committees and leadership’’ means— bill H.R. 2577, making appropriations Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. (1) the Speaker, the minority leader, the for the Departments of Transportation, Sec. 2. Statement of policy. Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Com- and Housing and Urban Development, TITLE I—PREVENTION OF ACCESS BY mittee on Financial Services, and the Per- and related agencies for the fiscal year HIZBALLAH TO INTERNATIONAL FI- manent Select Committee on Intelligence of NANCIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS ending September 30, 2016, and for the House of Representatives; and Sec. 101. Report on imposition of sanctions (2) the majority leader, the minority lead- other purposes; which was ordered to on certain satellite providers er, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the lie on the table; as follows: that carry al-Manar TV. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban After section 119C, insert the following: Sec. 102. Sanctions with respect to financial Affairs, and the Select Committee on Intel- SEC. 119D. Section 213(c) of the FAA Mod- institutions that engage in cer- ligence of the Senate. ernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public tain transactions. SEC. 102. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FINAN- Law 112–95; 49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended TITLE II—REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS ON CIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ENGAGE by adding at the end the following: NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND SIG- IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. ‘‘(3) NOTIFICATIONS AND CONSULTATIONS.— NIFICANT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL (a) PROHIBITIONS AND CONDITIONS WITH RE- Not less than 90 days before applying a cat- ACTIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH SPECT TO CERTAIN ACCOUNTS HELD BY FOR- egorical exclusion under this subsection to a EIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.— Sec. 201. Report and briefing on narcotics new procedure at an OEP airport, the Ad- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days trafficking by Hizballah. ministrator shall— after the date of the enactment of this Act, Sec. 202. Report and briefing on significant ‘‘(A) notify and consult with the operator the President shall prescribe regulations to transnational criminal activi- of the airport at which the procedure would prohibit, or impose strict conditions on, the ties of Hizballah. be implemented; and Sec. 203. Rewards for Justice and Hizballah’s opening or maintaining in the United States ‘‘(B) consider consultations or other en- fundraising, financing, and of a correspondent account or a payable- gagement with the community in the which money laundering activities. through account by a foreign financial insti- the airport is located to inform the public of Sec. 204. Report on activities of foreign gov- tution that the President determines, on or the procedure. ernments to disrupt global lo- after such date of enactment, engages in an ‘‘(4) REVIEW OF CERTAIN CATEGORICAL EX- gistics networks and fund- activity described in paragraph (2). CLUSIONS.— raising, financing, and money (2) ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED.—A foreign finan- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall laundering activities of cial institution engages in an activity de- review a decision of the Administrator made Hizballah. scribed in this paragraph if the foreign finan- on or after February 14, 2012, and before the cial institution— date of the enactment of this paragraph to TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (A) knowingly facilitates a significant grant a categorical exclusion under this sub- Sec. 301. Rule of construction. transaction or transactions for Hizballah; section with respect to a procedure to be im- Sec. 302. Regulatory authority. (B) knowingly facilitates a significant plemented at an OEP airport that was a ma- Sec. 303. Termination. transaction or transactions of a person iden- terial change from procedures previously in SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY. tified on the list of specially designated na- effect at the airport to determine if the im- It shall be the policy of the United States tionals and blocked persons maintained by plementation of the procedure had a signifi- to— the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the cant effect on the human environment in the (1) prevent Hizballah’s global logistics and Department of the Treasury and the prop- community in which the airport is located if financial network from operating in order to erty and interests in property of which are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.033 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8025 blocked pursuant to the International Emer- (A) identifies each foreign central bank section (a), the President shall provide to the gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 that the Secretary determines engages in appropriate congressional committees and et seq.) for acting on behalf of or at the di- one or more activities described in sub- leadership a briefing on— rection of, or being owned or controlled by, section (a)(2)(D); and (1) the report; Hizballah; (B) provides a detailed description of each (2) procedures for designating Hizballah as (C) knowingly engages in money laun- such activity. a significant foreign narcotics trafficker dering to carry out an activity described in (2) FORM OF REPORT.—Each report required under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Des- subparagraph (A) or (B); or by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in un- ignation Act (21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); and (D) knowingly facilitates a significant classified form, but may include a classified (3) Government-wide efforts to combat the transaction or transactions or provides sig- annex. narcotics trafficking activities of Hizballah. nificant financial services to carry out an ac- (e) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- tivity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or exercise all authorities provided under sec- TEES AND LEADERSHIP DEFINED.—In this sec- (C). tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- tion, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional (3) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided for gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 committees and leadership’’ means— in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the and 1704) to carry out this section. (1) the Speaker, the minority leader, the International Emergency Economic Powers (f) DEFINITIONS.— Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Com- Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a person (1) IN GENERAL.—In this section: mittee on Financial Services, the Committee that violates, attempts to violate, conspires (A) ACCOUNT; CORRESPONDENT ACCOUNT; on the Judiciary, and the Permanent Select to violate, or causes a violation of regula- PAYABLE-THROUGH ACCOUNT.—The terms ‘‘ac- Committee on Intelligence of the House of tions prescribed under this subsection to the count’’, ‘‘correspondent account’’, and ‘‘pay- Representatives; and same extent that such penalties apply to a able-through account’’ have the meanings (2) the majority leader, the minority lead- person that commits an unlawful act de- given those terms in section 5318A of title 31, er, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the scribed in subsection (a) of such section 206. United States Code. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban (4) PROCEDURES FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF (B) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- Affairs, the Committee on Finance, the Com- TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.— mittee on the Judiciary, and the Select Com- committees’’ means— (A) IN GENERAL.—If a finding under this mittee on Intelligence of the Senate. subsection, or a prohibition, condition, or (i) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the SEC. 202. REPORT AND BRIEFING ON SIGNIFI- penalty imposed as a result of any such find- CANT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ing, is based on classified information (as de- House of Representatives; and ACTIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH. fined in section 1(a) of the Classified Infor- (ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations (a) REPORT.— mation Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)) and and the Committee on Banking, Housing, (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days a court reviews the finding or the imposition and Urban Affairs of the Senate. after the date of the enactment of this Act, of the prohibition, condition, or penalty, the (C) FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘fi- the President shall submit to the appro- President may submit such information to nancial institution’’ means a financial insti- priate congressional committees and leader- the court ex parte and in camera. tution specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), ship a report on the significant (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), (M), (N), (B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in transnational criminal activities of this paragraph shall be construed to confer (P), (R), (T), (Y), or (Z) of section 5312(a)(2) of Hizballah, including human trafficking. title 31, United States Code. or imply any right to judicial review of any (2) FORM.—The report required by para- (D) FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.—The finding under this subsection or any prohibi- graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified term ‘‘foreign financial institution’’ has the tion, condition, or penalty imposed as a re- form to the greatest extent possible, but meaning given that term in section 1010.605 sult of any such finding. may include a classified annex. of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. (b) WAIVER.— (b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after (E) HIZBALLAH.—The term ‘‘Hizballah’’ (1) IN GENERAL.—The President may waive, the submission of the report required by sub- means— on a case-by-case basis, the application of a section (a), the President shall provide to the (i) the entity known as Hizballah and des- prohibition or condition imposed with re- appropriate congressional committees and ignated by the Secretary of State as a for- spect to a foreign financial institution pur- leadership a briefing on— eign terrorist organization pursuant to sec- suant to subsection (a) for a period of not (1) the report; tion 219 of the Immigration and Nationality more than 180 days, and may renew the waiv- (2) procedures for designating Hizballah as Act (8 U.S.C. 1189); or er for additional periods of not more than 180 a significant transnational criminal organi- (ii) any person— days, on and after the date on which the zation under Executive Order 13581 (75 Fed. (I) the property or interests in property of President— Reg. 44,757); and which are blocked pursuant to the Inter- (A) determines that such a waiver is in the (3) Government-wide efforts to combat the national Emergency Economic Powers Act national security interests of the United transnational criminal activities of (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and States; and Hizballah. (II) who is identified on the list of specially (B) submits to the appropriate congres- (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- designated nationals and blocked persons sional committees a report describing the TEES AND LEADERSHIP DEFINED.—In this sec- reasons for such determination. maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets tion, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional Control of the Department of the Treasury (2) FORM.—The report required by para- committees and leadership’’ means— graph (1)(B) shall be submitted in unclassi- as an agent, instrumentality, or affiliate of (1) the Speaker, the minority leader, the fied form, but may contain a classified Hizballah. Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Com- annex. (F) MONEY LAUNDERING.—The term ‘‘money mittee on Financial Services, the Committee laundering’’ includes the movement of illicit (c) SPECIAL RULE TO ALLOW FOR TERMI- on the Judiciary, and the Permanent Select NATION OF SANCTIONABLE ACTIVITY.—The cash or cash equivalent proceeds into, out of, Committee on Intelligence of the House of President shall not be required to apply or through a country, or into, out of, or Representatives; and sanctions to a foreign financial institution through a financial institution. (2) the majority leader, the minority lead- described in subsection (a) if the President (2) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—The President may er, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the certifies in writing to the appropriate con- further define the terms used in this section Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban gressional committees that— in the regulations prescribed under this sec- Affairs, the Committee on Finance, the Com- (1) the foreign financial institution— tion. mittee on the Judiciary, and the Select Com- (A) is no longer engaging in the activity TITLE II—REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS ON mittee on Intelligence of the Senate. described in subsection (a)(2); or NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND SIGNIFI- SEC. 203. REWARDS FOR JUSTICE AND (B) has taken and is continuing to take CANT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL AC- HIZBALLAH’S FUNDRAISING, FI- significant verifiable steps toward termi- TIVITIES OF HIZBALLAH NANCING, AND MONEY LAUNDERING nating the activity described in that sub- SEC. 201. REPORT AND BRIEFING ON NARCOTICS ACTIVITIES. section; and TRAFFICKING BY HIZBALLAH. (a) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after (2) the President has received reliable as- (a) REPORT.— the date of the enactment of this Act, the surances from the government with primary (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days Secretary of State shall submit to the appro- jurisdiction over the foreign financial insti- after the date of the enactment of this Act, priate congressional committees a report tution that the foreign financial institution the President shall submit to the appro- that details actions taken by the Depart- will not engage in any activity described in priate congressional committees and leader- ment of State through the Department of subsection (a)(2) in the future. ship a report on the activities of Hizballah State rewards program under section 36 of (d) REPORT ON FOREIGN CENTRAL BANKS.— related to narcotics trafficking worldwide. the State Department Basic Authorities Act (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days (2) FORM.—The report required by para- (22 U.S.C. 2708) to obtain information on after the date of the enactment of this Act, graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified fundraising, financing, and money laun- and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary form to the greatest extent possible, but dering activities of Hizballah and its agents of the Treasury shall submit to the appro- may include a classified annex. and affiliates. priate congressional committees a report (b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after (b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after that— the submission of the report required by sub- the date of the enactment of this Act, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.038 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8026 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 annually thereafter, the Secretary of State WIDE.—Not later than 90 days after the date mittee on Armed Services be author- shall provide a briefing to the appropriate of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 ized to meet during the session of the congressional committees on the status of days thereafter, the Secretary of State, the Senate on November 17, 2015, at 9:30 the actions described in subsection (a). Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of a.m. (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- other applicable Federal departments and TEES DEFINED.—In this section, the term agencies shall provide to the appropriate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ congressional committees a briefing on the objection, it is so ordered. means— disposition of Hizballah’s assets and activi- COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ties related to fundraising, financing, and RESOURCES the Committee on Financial Services of the money laundering worldwide. House of Representatives; and (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations TEES DEFINED.—In this section, the term unanimous consent that the Com- and the Committee on Banking, Housing, ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ mittee on Energy and Natural Re- and Urban Affairs of the Senate. means— sources be authorized to meet during (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the SEC. 204. REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN the session of the Senate on November GOVERNMENTS TO DISRUPT GLOB- Committee on Financial Services, and the AL LOGISTICS NETWORKS AND Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence 17, 2015, at 10 a.m., in room SD–366 of FUNDRAISING, FINANCING, AND of the House of Representatives; and the Dirksen Senate Office Building. MONEY LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES OF (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations, HIZBALLAH. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Committee on Banking, Housing, and objection, it is so ordered. (a) REPORT.— Urban Affairs, and the Select Committee on (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days Intelligence of the Senate. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appro- TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask priate congressional committees a report SEC. 301. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. unanimous consent that the Com- that includes— Nothing in this Act or any amendment mittee on Finance be authorized to (A) a list of countries that support made by this Act shall apply to the author- meet during the session of the Senate Hizballah or in which Hizballah maintains ized intelligence activities of the United on November 17, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., in States. important portions of its global logistics room SD–215 of the Dirksen Senate Of- SEC. 302. REGULATORY AUTHORITY. networks; fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- (B) with respect to each country on the list (a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall, not required by subparagraph (A)— later than 120 days after the date of the en- titled ‘‘Physician Owned Distributors: (i) an assessment of whether the govern- actment of this Act, promulgate regulations Are They Harmful to Patients and Pay- ment of the country is taking adequate as necessary for the implementation of this ers?’’ measures to disrupt the global logistics net- Act and the amendments made by this Act. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (b) NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS.—Not less works of Hizballah within the territory of objection, it is so ordered. the country; and than 10 days before the promulgation of reg- (ii) in the case of a country the govern- ulations under subsection (a), the President COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS shall notify the appropriate congressional ment of which is not taking adequate meas- committees of the proposed regulations and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ures to disrupt such networks— the provisions of this Act and the amend- unanimous consent that the Com- (I) an assessment of the reasons that gov- ments made by this Act that the regulations mittee on Foreign Relations be author- ernment is not taking such adequate meas- are implementing. ized to meet during the session of the ures; and (c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- (II) a description of measures being taken Senate on November 17, 2015, at 2:30 TEES DEFINED.—In this section, the term by the United States to encourage that gov- p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ ‘‘Options for Reforming U.S. Overseas ernment to improve measures to disrupt means— such networks; (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Broadcasting.’’ (C) a list of countries in which Hizballah, the Committee on Financial Services of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without or any of its agents or affiliates, conducts House of Representatives; and objection, it is so ordered. significant fundraising, financing, or money (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, laundering activities; and the Committee on Banking, Housing, AND PENSIONS (D) with respect to each country on the list and Urban Affairs of the Senate. required by subparagraph (C)— SEC. 303. TERMINATION. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask (i) an assessment of whether the govern- This Act shall terminate on the date that unanimous consent that the Com- ment of the country is taking adequate is 30 days after the date on which the Presi- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, measures to disrupt the fundraising, financ- dent certifies to Congress that Hizballah— ing, or money laundering activities of and Pensions be authorized to meet (1) is no longer designated as a foreign ter- during the session of the Senate on No- Hizballah and its agents and affiliates within rorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the territory of the country; and the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 vember 17, 2015, at 10 a.m., in room SD– (ii) in the case of a country the govern- U.S.C. 1189); and 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- ment of which is not taking adequate meas- (2) is no longer designated for the imposi- ing, to conduct a hearing entitled ures to disrupt such activities— tion of sanctions pursuant to Executive ‘‘Nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to (I) an assessment of the reasons that gov- Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to serve as FDA Commissioner.’’ ernment is not taking such adequate meas- blocking property and prohibiting trans- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ures; and actions with persons who commit, threaten (II) a description of measures being taken to commit, or support terrorism). objection, it is so ordered. by the United States to encourage that gov- COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS ernment to improve measures to disrupt SA 2811. Mr. DAINES (for Mr. RUBIO Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask such activities; and (for himself and Mrs. SHAHEEN)) pro- (E) a list of methods that Hizballah, or any posed an amendment to the bill H.R. unanimous consent that the Com- of its agents or affiliates, utilizes to raise or 2297, to prevent Hizballah and associ- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be author- transfer funds, including trade-based money ized to meet during the session of the laundering, the use of foreign exchange ated entities from gaining access to international financial and other insti- Senate on November 17, 2015, at 2:30 houses, and free-trade zones. p.m., in room SR–418 of the Russell (2) FORM.—The report required by para- tutions, and for other purposes; as fol- graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified lows: Senate Office Building. form to the greatest extent possible, and Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To prevent The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without may contain a classified annex. Hizballah and associated entities from gain- objection, it is so ordered. (3) GLOBAL LOGISTICS NETWORKS OF ing access to international financial and SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE HIZBALLAH.—In this subsection, the term other institutions, and for other purposes.’’. ‘‘global logistics networks of Hizballah’’, Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘global logistics networks’’, or ‘‘networks’’ f unanimous consent that the Select means financial, material, or technological AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Committee on Intelligence be author- support for, or financial or other services in MEET ized to meet during the session of the support of, Hizballah. Senate on November 17, 2015 at 2 p.m. (b) BRIEFING ON HIZBALLAH’S ASSETS AND COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES ACTIVITIES RELATED TO FUNDRAISING, FI- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NANCING, AND MONEY LAUNDERING WORLD- unanimous consent that the Com- objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.038 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE November 17, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8027 SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, AGENCY ACTION, a third time and passed, the title ask unanimous consent that it stand FEDERAL RIGHTS, AND FEDERAL COURTS amendment be agreed to, and the mo- adjourned under the previous order, Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask tions to reconsider be considered made following the remarks of Senator DUR- unanimous consent that the Com- and laid upon the table. BIN for up to 15 minutes. mittee on the Judiciary, Sub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without committee on Oversight, Agency Ac- objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. tion, Federal Rights, and Federal The amendment (No. 2810) in the na- The Senator from Illinois. Courts be authorized to meet during ture of a substitute was agreed to. the session of the Senate on November (The amendment is printed in today’s f 17, 2015, at 2:15 p.m., in room SD–226 of RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) DACA AND DAPA ANNIVERSARY the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to The amendment was ordered to be conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The War engrossed, and the bill to be read a Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it was 1 on Police: How the Federal Govern- third time. year ago this week that President ment Undermines State and Local Law The bill was read the third time. Obama announced he would use his Ex- Enforcement.’’ The bill (H.R. 2297), as amended, was ecutive authority to reform our broken The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without passed. immigration system. The President objection, it is so ordered. The amendment (No. 2811) was agreed said we should prioritize the deporta- to, as follows: tion of those who have been convicted SUBCOMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS AND FEDERAL MANAGEMENT (Purpose: To amend the title) of serious crimes or those who pose any Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To prevent threat to America’s security. The De- unanimous consent that the Sub- Hizballah and associated entities from gain- partment of Homeland Security only ing access to international financial and has funding to deport a small fraction committee on Regulatory Affairs and other institutions, and for other purposes.’’. Federal Management of the Committee of the undocumented immigrants in f on Homeland Security and Govern- the country. mental Affairs be authorized to meet MEASURE READ THE FIRST So the President said: Let’s make a during the session of the Senate on No- TIME—S. 2288 priority. Let’s focus our limited re- sources on deporting those who could vember 17, 2015, at 10 a.m., to conduct Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I under- do us harm. It seemed like common a hearing entitled, ‘‘Examining Ongo- stand that there is a bill at the desk, sense to most people. At the same ing Challenges at the U.S. Secret Serv- and I ask for its first reading. time, the President said we should not ice and their Government-Wide Impli- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The waste our resources deporting young cations.’’ clerk will read the bill by title for the immigrant students who grew up in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without first time. objection, it is so ordered. The senior assistant legislative clerk this country and would, in fact, if they read as follows: were deported, tear their families f apart. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR A bill (S. 2288) to prohibit members and staff of the Federal Reserve System from The President’s policies focused on Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I ask lobbying for or against legislation, and for deporting felons, not families—crimi- unanimous consent that Ken Kern, a other purposes. nals, not children. In 2012 President fellow in my office, be granted floor Mr. DAINES. I now ask for a second Obama established the Deferred Action privileges during the consideration of reading and, in order to place the bill for Childhood Arrivals, known as the Congressional Review Act resolu- on the calendar under the provisions of DACA. DACA provides temporary—let tion. rule XIV, I object to my own request. me underline the word ‘‘temporary’’— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- immigrant status to immigrant stu- objection, it is so ordered. tion is heard. dents who arrived in the United States Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask The bill will be read for the second as children. This program is based on unanimous consent that my intern, time on the next legislative day. the DREAM Act, a bill I introduced 14 Zachary Fergus, have privileges of the f years ago in the Senate. That bill was floor for the balance of the day. introduced to give undocumented stu- ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dents who grew up in America a chance NOVEMBER 18, 2015 objection, it is so ordered. to earn their path to citizenship. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask call them DREAMers. It was known as ator from Montana. unanimous consent that when the Sen- the DREAM Act. They were brought to f ate completes its business today, it ad- the United States as kids, some as in- journ until 10 a.m., Wednesday, Novem- fants. They grew up in our country HEZBOLLAH INTERNATIONAL FI- ber 18; that following the prayer and pledging allegiance every day in the NANCING PREVENTION ACT OF pledge, the morning hour be deemed classroom to the only flag they have 2015 expired, the Journal of proceedings be ever known—the U.S. stars and stripes. Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask approved to date, and the time for the They are proud and patriotic Ameri- unanimous consent that the Com- two leaders be reserved for their use cans in every sense but one: They are mittee on Banking, Housing, and later in the day; that following leader undocumented. They only want a Urban Affairs be discharged from fur- remarks, the Senate be in a period of chance to work, to be part of America’s ther consideration of H.R. 2297 and the morning business, with Senators per- future. Senate proceed to its immediate con- mitted to speak therein for up to 10 We have already invested in these sideration. minutes each, until 11 a.m.; further, young people. We have put quite a bit The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that the cloture motion with respect to of our resources into making them objection, it is so ordered. the motion to proceed to H.R. 2577 be what they are today. It makes no sense The clerk will report the bill by title. withdrawn; finally, that at a time to be to walk away from this investment, The senior assistant legislative clerk determined by the majority leader, in does it, if that child, grown up now, read as follows: concurrence with the Democratic lead- could be an asset to the future of A bill (H.R. 2297) to prevent Hezbollah and er, the Senate proceed to the consider- America? associated entities from gaining access to ation of H.R. 2577. So far, more than 700,000 of these international financial and other institu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without young people have received the DACA tions, and for other purposes. objection, it is so ordered. protection, temporary status to stay in There being no objection, the Senate f the United States. What have they proceeded to consider the bill. done with this opportunity? They have Mr. DAINES. I ask unanimous con- ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT decided to do more to help our coun- sent that the substitute amendment be Mr. DAINES. If there is no further try—to become engineers, teachers, agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read business to come before the Senate, I small business owners.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:02 Nov 18, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17NO6.040 S17NOPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S8028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 17, 2015 DACA, I am sorry to say, is not a of that, the President had no choice. search Conference. He worked at a re- popular program with many of my Re- He could allow our broken immigration search laboratory, where he studied publican colleagues. They have tried to system to continue or step forward and how cells choose what kind of tissue shut it down. They want to deport try to make America safer and more they will become during their develop- these DREAMers—21⁄2 million young just. ment. Unlike the other students, Fer- people who were brought to the United The Center for American Progress, nando could not be paid for his work States as infants and children, who incidentally, says the economic benefit because he was an undocumented im- have grown up in this country, have no of the President’s Executive orders migrant. serious criminal record, and who only would have been significant. Both Fernando also continued to be active want to be part of our future. Instead, DACA for children and DAPA for their in his community. He was a certified the critics say, turn them away, deport parents would increase my State’s emergency medical technician, re- them—many times to countries they gross domestic product by almost $15 sponding to on-campus medical emer- cannot even remember. billion over 10 years and increase the gencies. He participated in food drives, A year ago this week, President earnings of all Illinois residents by al- tutored high school students, worked Obama established a new program that most $8 billion. with HIV patients in San Francisco, built on DACA’s success. It is called Unfortunately, both DAPA and the and volunteered for soup kitchens. the Deferred Action for Parental Ac- expansion of the earlier DACA have Fernando is currently a third-year countability, or DAPA. Under that pro- been blocked by lawsuits that have doctoral student at the University of gram, undocumented immigrants who been filed by Republicans who oppose California in San Francisco, studying have lived in the United States for the measure. These Republicans, who biochemistry and molecular biology. more than 5 years and have American have the majority in the House and He is working in a lab in the Hellen children would be required to come for- Senate, refuse to even consider any leg- Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center. ward, register with the government, islation to fix our broken immigration He focuses his research on how cancer pay a fee, submit themselves to a system. cells get rid of proteins that are defec- criminal and national security back- Well, last week, in a decision that tive and potentially harmful or pro- ground check, and pay their fair share was no surprise, a Republican-ap- teins that are no longer needed. His of taxes. This is potentially 11 million pointed judge—actually, a bank of work could provide valuable insights people. Are we safer as a nation if these judges on the Fifth Circuit Court of into many diseases and disorders, in- 11 million—or a large part of them— Appeals—sided with the Republicans cluding cancer and autism. Fernando come forward, register with the gov- who had filed a lawsuit and upheld an also mentors high school students and ernment, pay their taxes, and submit injunction that blocks DAPA and the undergraduate students pursuing ca- themselves to a criminal background expanded DACA Program. The Obama reers in biomedical science. check? If they have a serious problem, administration announced they will ap- Fernando sent me a letter, and this is if they have committed a crime, out peal to the Supreme Court. The Su- what he said: they go. I am not going to defend them. preme Court has been clear in the past I’m thankful to this country for giving me But let’s give these people a chance to that Presidents have the authority to the opportunity to grow up in a safe environ- get temporary status in this country set Federal immigration policy. I be- ment, for the education I receive, for the by paying their taxes, paying a fee, lieve the President’s actions will ulti- amazing people that have been a part of my submitting to a background check, and mately be upheld. life, and for the culture in which I grew up. registering with our government. If the Over the years, I have come to the All these factors have shaped my world view, government determines these parents floor more than 60 times to tell stories my aspirations. . . . DACA will allow me to about DREAMers. I used to give contribute to America’s biomedical research haven’t committed any serious crimes work and potentially make discoveries that and don’t pose any threat to us, the speeches about the general issue, and could improve the lives of Americans and President’s order, on a temporary people didn’t pay much attention. But people around the world. This country has basis, says they can work and will not then I started telling the stories of the given me an opportunity to pursue my pas- be deported—temporary. actual people who would be affected by sion for biomedical research. In the future, I President Obama also expanded this the DREAM Act and by DACA. Today, want to use my expertise to contribute to to cover all DREAMers who came to I want to tell you another one. this country and to make sure that the the United States as children and have This is Fernando Meza Gutierrez. United States remains the world’s leader in lived here for at least 5 years. Why did Fernando’s family came to the United biomedical discoveries. he take these actions? Because for States from Mexico when he was 9 Fernando and many DREAMers like years Congress has failed to fix our years old. He grew up in Los Angeles, him have a lot to contribute to Amer- broken immigration system. CA, and he was an outstanding student. ica. I don’t understand those who want I remember the day—it was June 27, In high school, he was an advanced to deport this young man, who say: We 2013, 21⁄2 years ago—the Senate passed placement scholar, and he received an don’t need you, we don’t need your tal- comprehensive legislation to fix our international baccalaureate diploma ents, we don’t need your hard work, broken immigration system. The vote and the Achievement Award in Foreign and we don’t need your research. Of was 68 to 32. A substantial number of Language for French. He was a student course we do. America will be a better Republican Senators joined with Demo- athletic trainer, president of the country if Fernando becomes a part of crats in voting for this comprehensive French club, and tutored his fellow stu- its future. That is what the DREAM reform. We had spent, eight of us—the dents in French, Spanish, and in math. Act does. That is what DACA does. group of 8, as we were called—months Fernando was also active in his com- That is what we are trying to achieve. negotiating back and forth and back munity. He volunteered at nursing Instead of trying to deport young and forth on the toughest issues in- homes, participated in canned food men and women like Fernando, I hope volving immigration. We reached a bi- drives, beach cleanup, and Thanks- the other party will support meaning- partisan agreement, brought the bill to giving dinners for the homeless. ful immigration reform that is fair and the floor, and it passed. We were in the Fernando continued his studies at comprehensive. majority at that time on the Demo- Santa Clara University. Remember, as Mr. President, I yield the floor. cratic side, but we reached across the an undocumented student, he didn’t f aisle to make sure enough Republicans qualify for a penny in Federal assist- could support us so that we could have ance—no loans, no Pell grants. But at ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. a bipartisan solution to our immigra- Santa Clara University, Fernando TOMORROW tion challenge. graduated cum laude with a double The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Unfortunately, the Republican ma- major in biology and French. During DAINES). The Senate stands adjourned jority in the House of Representatives his time at Santa Clara, Fernando won until 10 a.m. tomorrow. at that time would not even consider— the award for the best presentation in Thereupon, the Senate, at 6:48 p.m., wouldn’t even consider—the immigra- molecular biology at the West Coast adjourned until Wednesday, November tion reform bill we passed. In the face Biological Sciences Undergraduate Re- 18, 2015, at 10 a.m.

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