Thursday, May 21, 2026

Mr. President, as I travel through Iowa, the issue of rural healthcare comes up frequently. In living in rural Iowa, I understand the importance of my fellow Iowans' having access to healthcare close to home. In pursuit of that goal, I have led the charge to protect and expand access to rural healthcare. Some of the items that I have worked on over the years would be extending telehealth flexibilities; extending the rural hospital programs, like the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and the Low-Volume Hospital Program; also enacting pharmacy benefit manager reform and expanding access to rural pharmacies--I hope that the pharmacy benefit manager reform leads to lower drug costs for all Iowans--and then establishing the Rural Emergency Hospital Program and establishing the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund that was in the tax bill of last year. Most recently, I have introduced the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which extends this demonstration program for another 5 years. Since 2005, the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has supported what we call rural "tweener" hospitals and has given policymakers insight into improving rural healthcare. Now, how do you get that name "tweener" hospitals? They are hospitals like those that are too large to be classified as critical access hospitals and yet still face lower volumes. The program tests innovative hospital payment models under Medicare. Nationally, up to 30 hospitals can participate in this program. Iowa is fortunate enough to have four hospitals in this program, which are located in Fort Dodge, Grinnell, Newton, and Spirit Lake. Until last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services underutilized the program by leaving spots open. I am happy that the Trump administration acted at my urging to correct this. I recently visited one of these hospitals in Grinnell, IA. As a result of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center's participation in this demonstration program, the hospital has been able to improve access to mental health, maternal health, and recruit more providers. The data shows that the demonstration program has benefited rural healthcare generally. Hospitals in the program have significantly improved their margins and have had higher capital investments. The program has also helped with staff retention and adding services. While Congress has extended the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program before, we need to reauthorize it again to continue this important work. I am glad to partner with a bipartisan group of 16 Senate colleagues to introduce the bill that reauthorizes the program. I am happy to report that, last night, the Senate passed the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act. Now I look forward to working with my House colleagues to make this law. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will call the roll.

The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Recognition of the Majority Leader

Pages S2431–S2432 · Official text

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The majority leader is recognized.

Reconciliation

Page S2432 · Official text

Mr. President, the Democrat Party has gone off the rails. It is no secret that the Democrat Party has drifted sharply leftward in recent years and that it has become increasingly divorced from the concerns of ordinary Americans. "Many Americans Say the [Democrat] Party Does Not Share Their Priorities"--that was a headline noted last year from the New York Times. But it is remarkable just how extreme Democrats have become. Everyone remembers the Democrat Party's flirtation with "defund the police" a few years ago. But when it rapidly became apparent that we actually need the police, Democrats seemed to rein things in. But no more. In today's Democrat Party, "defund the police" is back and more strongly than ever. The reason we are here today, I would say the sole--sole--reason we are here today is because we are considering this reconciliation bill because Democrats refuse to fund law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. They refuse to fund Border Patrol, and they refuse to fund Immigrations and Customs Enforcement--at all. They wouldn't agree to provide a single dollar for either of these Agencies--not a single dollar for a physical presence at our border, not a single dollar to take criminal illegal aliens off of our streets. Really think about that for a minute. Is there any country in the world that doesn't have officers to protect its borders? Well, if Democrats had their way, that would now be the United States of America. The public record provides ample evidence of the fact that among those who try to make their way illegally across the border, there are bad actors whose presence in this country would endanger Americans. Democrats don't want there to be a single individual at the border to stop those individuals from entering our country, and they don't want there to be a single individual to enforce immigration law in this country. The various women who were murdered by illegal immigrants who entered the country under the open borders Biden administration--what about them? Well, Democrats apparently don't think that even one of those individuals should have been deported. If what I am saying sounds extreme, let me confirm: It is. But it is also an accurate description of the Democrats' position. If this were about making reforms to the way ICE or Border Patrol does business, then Democrats would have accepted the robust package of legislative reforms they were offered by the White House or engaged in serious negotiations to tweak the package, but they didn't. They put up a good show for a little while. But it rapidly became clear that Democrats were not interested in actually reaching any kind of agreement, and eventually they just walked away presumably because they felt that it was more valuable for them to have a political issue than to actually agree to any reforms. Of course, I am not sure what political constituency they were appealing to because I don't think mainstream Americans believe in, for example, completely defunding our Nation's Border Patrol. But then again, I am not too sure the Democrat Party really understands or thinks about mainstream Americans. They are in the pockets of the far left, and so they embrace positions guaranteed to appeal to the far left, no matter--no matter--how out of step those positions are with those of mainstream Americans. In recent days, perhaps realizing just how extreme "defund the police" could seem to mainstream American, the Democrat leader has attempted to obfuscate what is happening here by suggesting that Republicans' consideration of this bill somehow means that Republicans are not concerned with the challenges facing ordinary Americans. To which I say: Give me a break. This from the same Democrat leader who oversaw passage of legislation that plunged our country into an inflation crisis. From legislation to drive down the cost of prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter to our signature Working Families Tax Cut, which permanently cut American taxes and put more money in workers' pockets, Republicans have been focused--focused like a laser--on making life easier for hard-working Americans. But, remarkably, it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. And we can protect Americans by protecting our borders and continue to pass legislation that will alleviate some of the pressures facing hard-working Americans. We not only can do both; we have a responsibility to do both. Republicans are going to fulfill that responsibility. As long as we are in charge, there will be agents at our borders to prevent terrorists, traffickers, and other dangerous individuals from making their way into our country, and there will be agents to take criminal illegal immigrants off of America's streets. Our Nation's security demands nothing less. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will call the roll.

The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered. The President pro tempore.

Media

Pages S2432–S2433 · Official text

Mr. President, in the past several Congresses, my investigative work has resulted in the public release of thousands of pages of information once hidden from the public. Much of it is evidence of political bias in law enforcement and intelligence community investigations, and I will give you 10 examples of how this information has been hidden and how our efforts have brought it to light. They are Crossfire Hurricane, Arctic Frost, Plasmic Echo, Round River, the Clinton Foundation, Rampart 12, the Biden Family Investigation, the Clinton annex, Durham annex, and the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment. But those 10 aren't the total; there are many others I could mention. I have made public record after record, and the partisan media continues to turn its very negative sights on my and Senator Johnson's work. Most recently, The Hill published an article attacking our work on Arctic Frost. Specifically, the article took offense for daring to make public largely unredacted records that the Biden administration had kept from the public--records by and large I obtained through protected public whistleblower disclosures and not from government officials. In doing so, The Hill also raised questions about the identities of who provided legally protected whistleblower disclosures. For example, when referring to my and Senator Johnson's making public Jack Smith's subpoenas, The Hill said it raises "questions about the identities of the whistleblowers who shared them with Grassley." It sounds like The Hill is trying to improperly identify whistleblowers who stuck their necks out for the truth just like Jack Smith's prosecutors have gone after them. For example, J.P. Cooney and Molly Gaston reportedly filed a complaint with the Justice Department inspector general. Cooney and Gaston asked for that Office to investigate what they claim is the improper disclosure to Congress of 197 Jack Smith subpoenas. So Cooney and Gaston want the inspector general to investigate whistleblowers who have exposed the bad conduct by Jack Smith and his staff. That is obviously a conflict of interest. By the way, Cooney and Gaston are the same Jack Smith prosecutors who wanted to prosecute nuns present on January 6. More precisely, Cooney said:

Text printed in the Record (65 characters)

I would like to prosecute any nun who still wears [a] head habit.

Instead of attacking patriotic whistleblowers, this partisan media ought to do a deep report on how invasive Jack Smith's operation was because Jack Smith sought communications of Republican groups and what these Republican groups had to do with the legislative branch as well as the media. All this time, I thought the partisan media held the First Amendment in very high regard. Evidently, they do not. The Hill also failed to report on the emails that we publicly released from Special Agent Thibault. Thibault's own emails show he violated the FBI's no self-approval rule in opening up the Arctic Frost investigation. Those emails were made public in January of last year. Thibault's own words paint the picture. And this is the same agent who violated the Hatch Act for anti-Trump partisan conduct. Not only was that fact not reported by The Hill, the outlet also couldn't be bothered to report on those emails that we released. By the way, we didn't get those records from the government either; we got them from patriotic whistleblowers. The Hill's reporting accuses our record production of playing a significant role in FBI agents being fired. Now, The Hill knows this, but they don't report it: The FBI makes personnel decisions, not we, Members of Congress. The Hill's reporting failed to take into account the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation names that I have made public which gave them credit for doing good work. For example, last year, I issued a majority staff report on then-Secretary of State John Kerry's interfering in the FBI arresting high-level Iranian nationals and the targets that those nationals were. I also released FBI records about agents attempting to investigate the Clinton Foundation. Credit ought to be given to those government officials who did their job. I have received no complaints about making their names public. Yet The Hill focused on Arctic Frost, and in doing so, buried the lede:

Text printed in the Record (215 characters)

The documents released by Grassley include names of nearly 70 FBI agents and employees. That includes some figures already known to the public, as well as other agents whose case history the bureau is well aware of.

Now, I have five points. First, it is common practice to make public the names of taxpayer-funded government officials whose conduct is within the public interest. That is especially the case when their names are already public. Now, I call that and I hope everybody around here calls that accountability. Second, not all of the named individuals have been fired. Third, The Hill article fails to explicitly note that three of the FBI agents who sued over their termination had their names public before we released them. In fact, one name was public as early as 2016. Fourth, our document production made those three names public on January 30, 2025, during Kash Patel's nomination hearing to be FBI Director. Clearly, he and then-FBI leadership didn't give us those records. Who gave us those records? Well, where we get most of our records--patriotic whistleblowers did that. The fifth and last point, Patel fired those three agents approximately 10 months after we made their names public on January 30. But, again, their names were public years before our release. Now, the point I am trying to make is that The Hill is not doing its job. They failed to mention all those critical facts. Next, The Hill takes a shot at the FBI 1023 document that Chairman Comer and I made public in the last Congress. That is the one about the Biden bribery allegations. Also, The Hill failed to mention that Senator Johnson and I made public two additional FBI 1023 documents last year. Both of those documents provided additional information from FBI informants about Biden family criminality. So there are at least three different FBI confidential human sources. Each provided information about the Biden family criminality on three separate occasions. And the sources provided that information to three different FBI agents. Question: Did DOJ and FBI prosecute those other two FBI sources? No. So, last year, I asked Director Patel about the initial FBI 1023 document that Director Wray was supposed to investigate. I asked whether an investigation was carried out into the alleged records. Patel answered this way:

Text printed in the Record (34 characters)

Not to my knowledge, Mr. Chairman.

Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)

I am not saying the allegations are true. I just want to know if the investigation has been carried out. The Hill failed to mention any of that very important context. The Hill also failed to take into account some of my whistleblowers. They failed to take into account that some of my whistleblowers have faced years of retaliation and face serious abuse by officials who have since been fired. Wrongdoing should be punished. It is called accountability. And I have also said lower-level personnel who appropriately follow directives without violating procedures ought to have that taken into consideration. Now, The Hill should endeavor to report on the heroic and brave efforts that whistleblowers have undertaken to expose government abuse, instead of providing a forum for government agents to smear them. To my patriotic whistleblowers, I want them to know that this Senator's work will continue in full force. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will call the roll.

The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Recognition of the Minority Leader

Page S2433 · Official text

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The Democratic leader is recognized.

Reconciliation

Pages S2433–S2434 · Official text

Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)

Mr. President, Republicans still haven't released the text of their radical MAGA reconciliation wish list, just hours before we are expected to vote on it. Where the hell is the bill? Where the hell is the bill? We were supposed to get it yesterday before lunch--no bill. We were supposed to get it yesterday afternoon--no bill. We were supposed to get it before dinnertime--no bill. We were supposed to get it around midnight--still no bill. And now it is Thursday morning--still no bill. Why don't we have a bill? I will tell you why. The Republican Party is in complete disarray. They are in complete meltdown. They can't come to an agreement with each other. They are angry with each other. Why? They are pulled between two poles, and they can't decide which way to go to. The first pole is the pole they should go to: Help the American people. Help the American people with higher costs, whether it is groceries or gasoline or housing or healthcare; work with Democrats to help get those costs down. That is where they should be. And they should also be with us when we want to end the chaos--the chaos on the streets of our cities--by having ICE and Border Patrol have reasonable guardrails so they don't kill Americans on the streets. And, of course, end the corruption. They should be angry, as we are, as the American people are, at the corruption that is coming out of the White House. So on the one pole is to work for the American people, but on the other pole is Donald Trump, who is exactly the opposite of what Americans want, and Republicans know it. Trump doesn't give a damn about costs. He has already said that. Pay more for gasoline? He says: I don't care. The American people can pay more for groceries, can pay more for housing. He doesn't care about that. He is a billionaire. He doesn't go shop for groceries. He doesn't go get gas at the pump. Chaos--he loves chaos. His Iran war is one of the most chaotic foreign misadventures America has ever gone on, and it gets worse all the time, as gas prices go above $4.50. I heard today it is above $4 in every State. And he is the originator--the chief cook and bottle washer--of corruption. He comes up with corrupt scheme after corrupt scheme to benefit himself, his family, his cronies, criminals whom he has encouraged to act criminally. He is the originator of the corruption. The ballroom. They have become ballroom Republicans, the Republican Senators. The MAGA slush fund to be given out to cronies--probably, a lot of it would end up in Trump's pocket or his kids' pockets. Your dollars, American taxpayers. So they are stuck. They are sort of like that cartoon, the old Popeye cartoon, where Olive Oyl is pulled in one direction by Popeye and the other by Bluto. She keeps going back and forth. That is who they are. They don't know what to do. And so there is no bill. That is why there is no bill. They are stuck. They are flummoxed. The leader, Leader Thune, has two choices: Side with Donald Trump and show the American people you are totally, totally out of touch with what they need, or side with the American people, work with us, and get Donald Trump furious at you. And you see what happens when Donald Trump is furious at Republicans. We could ask a couple of Senators what happens when they don't side with Donald Trump. So they are stuck. They are just stuck, and it is a spectacle that the American people are witnessing. And more and more Americans, every day, say the Republican Party--many former Republicans say: The Republican Party I used to know was so different. It is so deranged by Donald Trump that they can't be with them anymore. And that is why we Democrats look like we are in good shape in the House and the Senate, as we move forward to November. Republicans--let's go over what they want in their bill. Republicans want to spend tens of billions of American tax dollars, but we still don't know what exactly we are voting on in mere hours. We do know that this bill won't include a single penny to make life more affordable--the costs issue, which is No. 1 in the eyes of the American people. The American people don't need to see the bill text to know where Senate Republicans stand: with Donald Trump, right now, not working families. I am pleased a small number of Republicans are starting to wake up to how egregious Trump's billion-dollar, taxpayer-funded ballroom is, but this MAGA majority has made it abundantly clear they are willing and eager to fund Trump's vanity project at the taxpayers' expense. Make no mistake, if ballroom funding doesn't make it into the Republican bill, it is not because of a Republican conscience; it is because Democrats stopped them. They tried to sneak it in. They were caught redhanded. Oh, it is only for security. It is only for this. It is only for that. They are stuck. No one wants the ballroom except Donald Trump, and they are quaking in their boots to oppose him. And when they oppose him, they are worried about electoral consequences, as we have seen in the last week. Were it not for Democrats fighting this ballroom every step of the way, Republicans would have wasted a billion taxpayer dollars for Trump's palace in a heartbeat. Republicans are foolish if they think that they can distance themselves from this boondoggle, because, no matter what is in the bill, Democrats will force Republicans to vote again and again on their outrageous priorities: Trump's ballroom, Trump's insurrectionist slush fund, Trump's costly war. Americans don't want this bill, even without Trump's vanity project--not when it provides $70 billion to Trump's masked agents who sow chaos in the streets. It is absurd. It is absurd to ask Americans, who are struggling to make ends meet, to shell out another $70 billion to ICE and Border Patrol when these rogue Agencies are sitting on $100 billion from the Big Beautiful Bill. But the costs of this war, which the American people are opposed to, and the costs of many other things might have to be funded out of this in the next few months, and so they don't want to take the money for ICE or for Border Patrol when there is $100 billion sitting there. Instead, they hold up the budget. Instead, they tell Democrats there is no reform. They tell that to the American people as well. As Americans burn through their savings, Republicans want to expand their nest egg for Trump's private militia. Every vote and every amendment we bring to the floor today will show that Democrats are standing up for the American people and Republicans are selling out to Trump. Again, the contrast is glaring: Who is on the side of the American people for lower costs and for less chaos and to end the corruption? And who is on the side of Donald Trump, master of corruption, originator of corruption in certain new, novel, and disgusting ways, as well as somebody who doesn't give a damn about the costs that the American people are suffering through? On the slush fund, Donald Trump's nearly $2 billion MAGA slush fund is the most blatant act of corruption in American history. People are aghast. Jaws drop all over the Nation when they hear what Trump wants to do: sue the government for $10 billion--that is him personally suing--then settle with himself and use that money for his cronies and Lord knows what else. As I said, I believe a lot of it will end up in the pockets of Trump, his family, his cronies. Trump sues Trump. Trump settles with Trump. Trump decides which Trump allies get paid. It is absolutely depraved. It turns out that "The Art of the Deal" isn't very hard when you are making a deal with yourself and forcing Americans to foot the bill. Let's see what his next book says about that one. Trump acted as the plaintiff, defendant, and judge, all at once, to set up this slush fund. And while Trump was at it, he shielded his family from ever having to face a tax audit again. Can you believe this, America? In this bill, Trump can never be prosecuted, investigated for tax fraud, even though I and so many others wouldn't trust him with his tax returns for a minute. Trump doesn't have to pay his taxes, but he is more than happy to put your tax dollars in the pockets of his cronies, criminals, and cop-killing January 6 insurrectionists. Republicans are going to have to vote on that. Are you going to prevent any of this money from going to people who hurt cops, who were prosecuted for hurting cops? Trump's own Attorney General, Pam Bondi, instituted a rule last year explicitly prohibiting these types of corrupt payments, and Democrats will not let Trump get away with this grift--this grift of epic proportion. That is why the very first amendment I will offer during vote-arama will be to block this slush fund--all of it. Republicans will have to answer on my amendment: Are they for the slush fund or are they against it? Do Republicans want to lower Americans' costs or sell them out to give payments to violent criminals? Do Republicans stand with the American people or with Donald Trump? Americans want to know. Democrats will force Republicans to answer.

Cost of Living

Pages S2434–S2435 · Official text

Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)

Mr. President, on costs, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, Americans drive to the grocery store and can't believe the prices they are seeing for beef, for propane, for the gas to get there. It is hard to enjoy a barbecue when rising costs are stretching your budget to the breaking point. Just look at costs for the menu compared to last year: a pound of beef, up nearly 20 percent; hot dogs, 12 percent; a rack of ribs, 8 percent; buns, up 20 percent; ketchup, up 14 percent; watermelon, 17 percent; lettuce, 19 percent; tomatoes, up 22 percent. And the price of gasoline is up 42 percent compared to this time last year, thanks to Trump's disastrous war with Iran. At a time when Americans should be gathering together in celebration, they are getting crushed by surging costs. And Republicans don't include a single bent penny in their reconciliation bill to bring down prices--outrageous, clueless, and it will come back to bite Republicans. While Republicans have been working around the clock to line Trump's pockets, Democrats are fighting every second of the day to lower Americans' costs. And since millions of Americans won't be able to grill this weekend, Democrats are going to grill Republicans over and over again during the vote-arama with amendments to lower Americans' costs. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will call the roll.

The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Expressing Support for the Designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month"

Page S2435 · Official text

Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the benefits of renewable fuels. My State of Nebraska is a leader in renewable fuels. We have 24 ethanol plants, for example, to create 2.2 billion gallons of ethanol. And that, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, has allowed us to avoid importing about 640 million barrels of foreign oil. Renewable fuels are great for consumers to help save you money at the pump. Last time I filled up with a 10-percent blend of ethanol, I saved 55 cents a gallon at my local grocery store. My Congressman has told me that he fills up with E15 and was able to save $1 a gallon. It is also great for cleaning up the environment. It reduces carbon emissions and particulate emissions, NOX emissions. And then, of course, it is great for our farmers and ranchers. Renewable fuels are part of an "America First" energy dominant strategy. They are great for our country. To that end, I would want to make May "Renewable Fuels Month," as I did in Nebraska when I made that proclamation when I was Governor. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 747, which was submitted earlier today.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will report the resolution by title. The senior legislative clerk read as follows:

Text printed in the Record (304 characters)

A resolution (S. Res. 747), expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.

I know of no further debate on the resolution.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Is there further debate? Hearing no further debate, the question is on adoption of the resolution. The resolution (S. Res. 747) was agreed to.

I ask unanimous consent that the preamble be agreed to and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record under "Submitted Resolutions.")

Recess

Page S2435 · Official text

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess until 12 noon today.

There being no objection, the Senate, at 11:03 a.m., recessed until 12 noon and reassembled when called to order by the Presiding Officer (Mr. Tuberville).

MORNING BUSINESS--Continued

Pages S2435–S2436 · Official text

The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Armstrong)

The Senator from California.

Mr. President, this past January on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, I introduced a bill called the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act because, as we know, one of the first things Donald Trump did when he returned to office was to pardon every person convicted of crimes connected to the January 6 insurrection in 2021. That is right, not just those accused of crimes, those convicted in a court of law by a jury of their peers. But for Donald Trump, that abuse of the Constitution's pardon powers was just the beginning. And since then there has been a concerted effort to keep going even further, to not only try to rewrite the history of that awful day, but to raid taxpayer funds to actually reward those who ransacked the Capitol, those who assaulted law enforcement officers, who called for the hanging of Vice President Pence along with Members of Congress, and those who tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power. And so, sadly, it was not exactly surprising when, earlier this week, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced a corrupt settlement creating a special $1.8 billion slush fund for Donald Trump to reward his supporters, including the perpetrators of the January 6 attacks. And January 6ers being able to receive money from this fund isn't some loophole or unintended consequence. Let me cite a few people. Ed Martin the Department of Justice pardon attorney whose nomination to be U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia was rejected by the Senate, that Ed Martin, made it clear that this fund's explicit purpose publicly declaring last year that "you're damn right I want to pay J6ers." That is Ed Martin. The leader of the Proud Boys says he expects a $2 to $5 million payout. Another January 6 convict told CNN he plans to claim $30 million from the public treasury. And one other stated "[A]ll January 6ers will apply for restitution" from the Department of Justice's funds. "All of us . . . it's all over Twitter [and] our group chats." So to be clear, "all of us" he means includes the many attackers who have not just been convicted of crimes related to January 6 but even after they have been pardoned by the President have been convicted of additional serious crimes, including one man who tried to bribe a child who he sexually abused to stay quiet with the promise of this exact kind of payout. Now, the American people have seen a lot of egregious things since Donald Trump first came down that golden escalator in Trump Tower to announce he was running for President, but never--never--have we witnessed something this brazenly corrupt, an American President effectively suing and negotiating with himself to create a taxpayer-funded slush fund to funnel taxpayer dollars to his friends and allies. This cannot be allowed to stand, colleagues. Now, I'm encouraged to hear some of my Republican colleagues agreeing with me, beginning with Majority Leader Thune who said he is "not a big fan" of this proposal. Another Republican colleague saying "People are concerned about making their own ends meet, not about putting a slush fund together without a legal precedent. We're a nation of laws. If there needs to be a settlement, let's consider it and Congress should come together and decide upon that." A third Republican Senator said "I've never heard of someone negotiating with themselves and making a plea bargain with themselves, so I think there's no precedent for it." Finally, former Vice President Pence himself has said "It would be my hope that anyone who engaged in violence against law enforcement or at the Capitol building would never be rewarded with taxpayers' money." Colleagues, this situation is so outlandish. Some might say it is laughable, but it is not. What it is: it is urgent and it is dangerous. Because if the Republican majorities in Congress, both in the Senate and the House, let this happen, then in less than 60 days, $1.8 billion will be transferred from the judgment fund to this new slush fund, which Congress would have no control over and no oversight over. Senate Democrats saw this coming months ago, but the time to stop it is now before it is too late, which is why today I am bringing up my No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act. Let's stand up for congressional oversight as a unified Senate. Let's pass this bill and prevent corruption payouts before they happen. Mr. President, and so I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3582. I further ask consent the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Is there objection? The Senator from Alabama.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object. January 6, 2021 was my first day here on the job in the U.S. Senate. Let's be clear about what happened that day. Let's go back and look at it. Democrats and the deep state, they hated Donald Trump so much that they orchestrated a coup against our government. Let me explain this. It first started with the tampering of the 2020 Presidential election results to oust President Trump and to install the woke globalists' favorite Joe Biden. As a result, great American patriots gathered in Washington to peacefully protest the illegal tampering of the 2020 Presidential election. When the leader of the Democratic Party at the time Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the deep state learned that Trump supporters--and we all knew it--were headed to Washington, DC, to peacefully protest the fraudulent 2020 Presidential election results, they saw a great opportunity. Speaker Pelosi spearheaded the true January 6 insurrection. This has all been proven to be true. Everybody knows it. She said it on tape. She admitted the responsibility for massive security failures that day. The deep state infiltrated the crowd with antifa and intelligence community members who would instigate trouble and massive chaos. The FBI has confirmed that there were 274 FBI agents in plain clothes at the Capitol here that day. Then Speaker Pelosi set up Capitol Police to fail by refusing to bring the National Guard in as backup; she admitted that. And then, of course, Democrats placed all the blame on President Trump and Republicans. I can remember it vividly that night, about midnight, we all took the blame here. After we came back that night, the Democrats called all the Republicans in this room everything that you can imagine, here on this floor. It was clear that they were planning that day that they were going after President Trump. But the Democrats' plan to destroy President Trump and his supporters didn't end that day on January 6; for the next 4 years, President Biden and the Democrats did everything they could to arrest, harass, bankrupt, deplatform, and even tried to kill the former President of the United States Donald Trump, not to mention the Biden DOJ abusing their power by wasting almost $3 billion in taxpayer funds to go after innocent--innocent--Trump supporters, fraudulently imprisoning them to intimidate their political opponents and the greater MAGA movement. Hundreds, and I mean hundreds of innocent patriotic Americans sat behind bars for the past 5 years over this made-up witch hunt. Now, there were some guilty, but a huge number of them were vastly innocent. They even arrested grandmas for making phone calls on the Capitol steps, and the only person who died that day on January 6 was Ashli Babbitt an unarmed Air Force veteran who was shot that day in this very building. Ashli Babbitt was wrongfully killed on January 6, 2021. The Federal Government admitted it, and they actually paid money to her family, paid money. In the legal settlement they paid money. Lives were ruined. Families were torn apart, careers were destroyed, all because lunatics on the left in our country would not let it go, and anyone who was involved in it was arrested. So before we quickly try to pass a bill with a nice-sounding title, we ought to read what it actually does. Democrats claim this bill is about stopping so-called rewards for January 6 rioters, but in reality, the legislation says if the Federal Government prosecuted you, Congress can't even ask if the prosecution was fair, if the sentence was appropriate, if the evidence was handled properly, if detention conditions were lawful, or whether the government threw the book at you because you were a supporter of a political opponent. You can't even ask that. This bill treats prosecution--prosecution--as proof, and that is not how American justice works. That is not how our justice system works. Thankfully, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Trump Department of Justice established a standard--a standard--and lawful process to hear from American citizens who suffered lawfare or weaponization under the Biden administration. If they were wronged, the Trump administration will provide compensation from the Anti-Weaponization Fund. But if S. 3582 is passed, it would eliminate that process for American-loving Trump supporters who were wrongfully convicted before their claims are even reviewed. In the future, the Federal Government--because of this bill--would be empowered to target a group of people, prosecute them, and make sure they never receive relief no matter what the facts. And there were some bad things that went on. Radical Democrats and the deep-state folks do not like this country, and they dislike it so much--the way it is run--that they will do whatever it takes to weaponize our judicial system against anyone who opposes their globalist agenda. That is why I will not consent to this bill that treats prosecution as proof and blocks individualized review. That is not how this country works. For that reason, I object. I yield the floor.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The objection is heard. The Senator from California.

Mr. President, a couple of days ago, I had the pleasure--not just the honor but the pleasure--of welcoming a group of students from Southern California here to the Capitol. As so many schools from across the country do, it is sometimes an annual trip to come see not just a symbol of democracy but literally the home of Congress, where democracy is in action. These young students are smart. They are keeping up with the news to know what is going on in their communities and in their State and in our Nation. Knowing that sometimes our--small "d"--democratic institutions are being challenged, are being stress-tested, as they are today, people can be discouraged, and part of our job, I think, is to have them not lose faith in our system. It is not always running perfectly, but it is resilient. We are close to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and we have learned both from the steps forward our country has taken to be a more perfect Union and from some of the less proud moments of our Nation's history, where we tend to always come out a little bit stronger. And that comes to mind, it comes to the heart of this moment after hearing once again these conspiracies and these lies from Members of the Senate who should know better than either to believe them or to regurgitate them and to exacerbate them in this very debate. The 2020 election was held. There were countless lawsuits before, during, and after the election. Ballots were counted. Ballots were recounted. Ballots were audited. It is clear who won the election. It is not some mass conspiracy to keep Donald Trump from having won that election. January 6 happened. Don't take my word for it--plenty of video coverage. All types of news outlets saw the violence that day. It is undeniable. The rule of law was followed. People who were accused of involvement on January 6 had their day the court. Maybe some were found innocent. Maybe some were found guilty of lesser charges. Many were convicted, found guilty because of the proof, because of the evidence, by juries of their peers. It is President Trump who sent the message that if he came back into office, they would be pardoned. He won the election. I can say it. It was not my choice in 2024, but he won the election. I will admit it. And he made good on his promise to pardon those who were involved in the violence on January 6 in this Capitol. But I refuse to stand here and just let the administration and any Republican Member of Congress--in either House--who agrees with him to set up this slush fund. It is an offense and disrespectful to the American taxpayer, to our democracy, and to our Constitution. I yield the floor.

The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hagerty)

The Senator from Alabama.

Memorial Day

Pages S2436–S2437 · Official text

Mr. President, you know even the most hotly debated issues in this building pale in comparison to the American soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to give us the freedoms to debate and disagree in the first place. Later this year, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. Most democracies, they don't even come close to that. They don't survive that long, but our great country has survived because of the brave men and women who have answered the call to defend our freedoms at home and all across the world. Sadly, some of our Nation's heroes never return home. Alabama has numerous memorials across our great State to honor our own fallen heroes. The USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL, hosts more than 400,000 visitors annually where they learn more about our military and those that served. The city of Trussville, AL, is home to the Fallen Warrior Monument which honors Alabama servicemembers killed since 9/11, and Huntsville is home to one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the country. These landmarks and events help tell stories of daughters, sons, husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers who answered the call to defend our country at home and abroad not knowing what their future might hold. You know, stories of mothers who hug their children and husbands who kiss their wives without knowing if it was their last time. Next week, we recognize Memorial Day. Many will use this as an opportunity to grill out and go to the beach, but this isn't just another day off or another long weekend. It is a day to honor these fallen heroes and reflect on their sacrifice. Today, I would like to recognize two fallen heroes from my State of Alabama: Alex Klinner of Auburn and Jeffrey Hall of Huntsville, along with their families. Mr. President, earlier this year, we lost six servicemembers in a refueling mission, including three members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, AL. Among those were this young man 33-year-old Auburn native Alex Klinner. Alex joined the Air Force in 2017 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps from Auburn University after graduating from Auburn in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He deployed four different times in just 7 years, logging more than 563 hours in combat zones or support roles. But as impressive as his pilot skills were, Alex's brother-in-law James said that he shone the brightest in his role as a husband to his wife Libby and a father to his three young children. Alabama continues to mourn the loss of a hero gone way too soon. But Alex's legacy of faith, family, and freedom will continue to live on. Mr. President, SSG Jeffrey Hall of Huntsville is another Alabama soldier whose life was cut short in service to our country at the young age of 28. Jeffrey's mom Annette said that he was destined to serve in the military. She recalls him as an energetic and headstrong child and a wonderful big brother to his sister Emily. Jeffrey started showing an interest in being a soldier when he was only 3 years old. He was fascinated with army uniforms and always wanted to dress up as a soldier. Annette and her husband Charles encouraged Jeffrey's dreams. She said they must have bought out every army surplus store in North Alabama to give Jeffrey whatever military gear that he could find to use and to wear. As soon as Jeffrey graduated from Huntsville Christian Academy in 2000, he set out to make these childhood dreams a true reality. After Jeffrey made a great soldier, he became a jumpmaster, a pathfinder, and a sharpshooter receiving numerous awards for his accomplishments, including Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He had just re-signed for another 4 years in the military when his vehicle hit an IED in Afghanistan on June 1, 2009, the day before his second wedding anniversary with his wife Allison. Jeffrey experienced the joys of fatherhood for only 6 months to his daughter Audrey Faith before he deployed. She was only a year old when he was killed. Annette decided to honor her son's sacrifice by starting an American Gold Star Mothers chapter. This chapter connects and supports more than 40 mothers across 18 counties in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. They also raise awareness for the sacrifices made by Gold Star families, including with a float in Huntsville's Memorial Day parade each year. Annette repeatedly says it is a joy to speak of her son because she never wants to forget the life he lived or the sacrifices he made for his country. Her and Charles are heroes for raising their son to love this country and continuing to carry on the same sense of patriotism even after Jeffrey's untimely death. Mr. President, John 13:15 says:

Text printed in the Record (83 characters)

Greater love has no one than this: [than] to lay down one's life for [his] friends.

Alex Klinner and Jeffrey Hall both know the danger and knew the danger involved with their mission, and they did it anyway. They left the safety of their homes so we could sleep safely in ours. They were fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, and friends; but to us, they are American heroes. We owe them our full gratitude. We also owe our gratitude to the Klinner and the Hall families. The loss they have to live with every day is unthinkable. We continue to hold them in our prayers this Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend. As Memorial Day approaches, I hope we will take the time to honor Americans fallen along with all of our brave Gold Star families around the world. I yield the floor.

The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Moreno)

The Senator from Alabama.

Lulu's Law

Pages S2437–S2438 · Official text

Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL)

Mr. President, today, I rise to honor Lulu Gribbin and to celebrate that Lulu's Law has now passed both the Senate and, as of yesterday, the House of Representatives. I want to take you back a second. So Lulu Gribbin has inspired the world. And for those of you who don't know her story, you have to go look it up. This child, 15 years old, on June 7, 2 years ago--almost 2 years ago--was doing what so many families do, particularly from Alabama. She was enjoying the gulf coast. She was looking for a sand dollar with one of her friends when, unfortunately, she was attacked by a shark. In the moments that followed, she lost her left arm, and she lost her right leg. But she lost two-thirds of the blood from her body in the moments following. It is literally by God's grace that that precious child is still with us. There were doctors and EMTs and nurses and Good Samaritans that came to her aid and her rescue immediately. As they worked diligently to save Lulu and to figure out what the pathway forward was, the world became inspired by her grit, by her grace, by her resilience, by her toughness, and by her attitude of positivity and saying: How can I take what has happened to me and make sure other people's lives are better? Lulu is one of four. She is actually a twin. We loved hosting her entire family here yesterday. It was such a special moment. Lulu walked out onto the House floor and got to be there when they voted for this law in her name--this law that she said is going to protect people. It is going to make beachgoers safer, and it is going to make the country stronger and better. So what Lulu's Law does is actually really simple. And when you think about how this came to be, we were talking about this--a group of friends of mine, a group of women--and we were talking about what happened to Lulu and the events that followed. And we said "Golly," and one woman said, if there had just been an alert that they knew a shark attack had occurred--because to know this law, you have to know Lulu's story. Just 90 minutes before Lulu was attacked, a woman from Virginia, Elisabeth Foley, was attacked by a shark and lost her left hand. It was just a short 2-plus miles down the way, on the beach where Lulu was attacked, 90 minutes later. If she had had any idea about Elisabeth Foley's attack, she and her friends would never have been in the water. So what this does is, it just authorizes local, State, and Tribal leaders to be able to utilize the wireless alert system if an attack occurs. It is simple. It is common sense. When I called Lulu's parents, Joe and Ann Blair Gribbin, who have just--their resiliency, their love for their daughter, the foundation they have created are just nothing short of remarkable. They said: We have been talking about this exact same thing. When we brought the idea forward--I want to thank my colleague from Hawaii, Senator Brian Schatz, for his leadership on this effort. He immediately joined alongside me and said: This is a small tweak that can make a big different. So now, when these events occur off the coast, whether it be anywhere from the east coast to the west coast, to the Gulf of America or beyond, we will be authorized and able to use that wireless alert system, ping the phones in that area, let people know of a dangerous environment, and get more kids, more families, more people to safety. This honors Lulu, and it honors the spirit in which she has dealt with the unthinkable, which is: How am I going to take what happened to me and positively impact others? Yesterday, as we stood with Leader Scalise--and he was so gracious to have her up and to be able to celebrate with her afterward--she said: We are making a difference. We are making a positive impact, and that is what this is all about. Between that and her foundation that she started--it is Lulu; and you can go Lulu Strong Foundation--she helps kids and others that need help with prosthetics. She has been remarkable. She was telling us yesterday that she used to play volleyball. Now she plays golf and much better than me--much better than me. But go look her up. Go be inspired by her faith, by her grit, by her resiliency. She is a 17-year-old Alabamian that is truly changing the world. She took a circumstance that people thought was unthinkable and has made a positive impact that I know is going to change and save lives. And it was an honor to carry this piece of legislation. I am grateful to Senator Schatz. I am grateful to Congressman Palmer, who carried it in the House. And we look forward to standing beside the President and signing this into law in Lulu's honor and to make sure that beach season is safer as a result. I yield the floor.

EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)

Page S2438 · Official text

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 736.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The question is on agreeing to the motion.

The motion was agreed to.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will report the nomination.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Kathleen S. Lane, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana.

Cloture Motion (Executive Session)

Page S2438 · Official text

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The cloture motion having been presented under rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

Text printed in the Record (548 characters)

We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of Executive Calendar No. 736, Kathleen S. Lane, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana. John Thune, Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, John Barrasso, Tim Sheehy, Joni Ernst, Jon Husted, Katie Boyd Britt, David McCormick, Mike Rounds, John Boozman, Bill Cassidy, Rick Scott of Florida, Josh Hawley, Cynthia M. Lummis, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines.

Legislative Session

Page S2438 · Official text

Mr. President, I move to proceed to legislative session.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The question is on agreeing to the motion.

The motion was agreed to.

EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)

Page S2438 · Official text

Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 743.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The question is on agreeing to the motion.

The motion was agreed to.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will report the nomination.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas.

Cloture Motion (Executive Session)

Page S2438 · Official text

Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The cloture motion having been presented under rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

Text printed in the Record (548 characters)

We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of Executive Calendar No. 743, Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas. John Thune, Tim Sheehy, Pete Ricketts, Mike Rounds, John Barrasso, Ted Budd, Jim Banks, Rick Scott of Florida, Todd Young, David McCormick, Shelley Moore Capito, Jerry Moran, Jon Husted, John Boozman, Mike Crapo, Katie Boyd Britt, Eric Schmitt.

Legislative Session

Page S2438 · Official text

Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session for a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act

Pages S2438–S2440 · Official text

Susan M. Collins (R-ME)

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act, to help protect American seniors from high medical costs when they need skilled nursing care after hospitalization. I am pleased to be joined on this bill by my colleague from Vermont Senator Welch. Our bill corrects a problem arising from current Medicare policy, which requires beneficiaries to have an "inpatient" hospital stay of at least 3 days before Medicare will cover posthospitalization skilled nursing care. Patients who receive hospital care under "observation status" do not qualify for this benefit, even if their hospital stay lasts longer than 3 days. Many patients on observation stays may not even realize that they have never been admitted as inpatients. They just know that they are in the hospital. If they are admitted later to a skilled nursing facility for follow-up care, they may be shocked to learn that they will be liable for out-of-pocket costs totaling thousands of dollars. Some Medicare beneficiaries may be foregoing skilled nursing or rehabilitation care altogether because they simply cannot afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs. The financial consequences of the distinction between an observation stay and inpatient admittance can be severe for seniors. One example is a Maine Medicare enrollee who was admitted in "observation status" at a hospital in Maine, but who needed and received acute care at that hospital. She was discharged to a skilled nursing care facility, which was also appropriate for her condition, but because of Medicare's 3-day rule and its treatment of "observation status," Medicare refused to pay for her skilled nursing care. She was stuck with a bill of more than $56,000.00 for care she needed. That is unfair. In another example, shared with me by Dr. Claudia Geyer, the chief medical officer at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME, a 90-year-old man with a fractured pelvis was denied Medicare coverage for skilled nursing care because he was admitted to the hospital under observation status. This gentleman had no way of paying for skilled nursing care on his own, so he had to remain in the hospital, costing Medicare more--and more important--not getting the physical therapy he needed to regain his strength and recover. As a result, he slowly weakened, suffered cognitive declines, and deteriorated to the point where he needed extensive care that may have been avoidable. Dr. Geyer also cared for a 99-year-old patient who was living independently with the support of her family and had never before required hospitalization. This patient used a walker in her home but suffered a fall and broke her wrist. She was stabilized in the hospital and was expected to make a full recovery, but first she needed high quality skilled rehab, and she could not use her walker while her wrist healed. Despite almost a century of good health and almost no cost to Medicare in her lifetime, she and her family were horrified when they were told that CMS would not cover her skilled nursing expenses due to the hospitalization being deemed an "observation stay." During Covid, this 3-day rule was waived to make sure seniors could be discharged from the hospital to skilled nursing homes as soon as it was medically appropriate. That waiver ensured that patients weren't hospitalized longer than truly necessary and also protected seniors from unexpected and unfair bills. But as soon as the waiver ended in 2023, patients started staying in the hospital longer for no medical reason. In fact, a study published in January by the Brown University School of Public Health showed that Medicare paid for 2,000 more inpatient days in the month following the end of the waiver just because of this rule. If our aim is to improve the quality of care our seniors receive while avoiding unnecessary expenses, allowing this waiver to expire has taken us in the wrong direction. The bipartisan bill we are reintroducing today effectively codifies the waiver by deeming time spent in observation status as inpatient care for the purpose of Medicare's 3-day prior hospital stay requirement for skilled nursing care. I am pleased this bill has the support of the Society of Hospital Medicine, the American Health Care Association, and more than 30 other organizations that represent seniors and their health care needs. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that letters from these organizations be printed in the Record immediately following my remarks. When seniors require hospitalization, their focus should be on their health and getting well, not on how they were admitted. The bill we are reintroducing advances that goal by helping insulate older Americans from undue out-of-pocket costs while ensuring that they get the care they need. I urge my colleagues to support it.

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

Text printed in the Record (8,575 characters)

April 22, 2026. Hon. Susan Collins, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Collins: On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write to thank you for introducing the Senate version of the Improving Access fo Medicare Coverage Act of 2025. This bipartisan Legislation would ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can access needed skilled nursing facility (SNF) care by counting time spent in hospital observation status toward the existing three-day hospital stay requirement. For decades, Medicare has required beneficiaries to have a three-day inpatient hospital stay to qualify for SNF coverage. However, current hospital practices increasingly classify patients under "observation status," even when they receive the same care as admitted inpatients--often for multiple days. Because observation days do not count toward the qualifying stay, many beneficiaries are denied access to SNF care or face significant and unexpected out-of-pocket costs. This issue is particularly significant for Maine. In 2024, Maine led the nation with the highest percentage of state residents ages 65 and older (23.5%). Add that to the fact that many of you rural constituents across the state often rely on seamless transitions from hospital to SNF settings, and administrative barriers like the observation status policy can delay care, increase costs, and create unnecessary hardship for patients and their families. Ensuring timely access to SNF services is essential to maintaining continuity of care, especially in areas where provider options may be limited and distances between care settings are greater. Your legislation offers a common-sense solution by ensuring that all days a patient spends in the hospital--whether classified as inpatient or observation--count toward the threeday requirement. This policy change would better align traditional Medicare with modern care delivery and with existing Medicare Advantage, Accountable Care Organization, and bundled payment models, which already allow greater flexibility in accessing SNF services. Importantly, evidence demonstrates that this reform would improve beneficiary access to post-acute care without significantly increasing costs to the Medicare program. Analysis estimates a modest net impact on the Medicare Trust Fund--approximately $191 million over ten years--while expanding access to necessary care for thousands of beneficiaries each year. This legislation is especially important for vulnerable populations. Beneficiaries who lack access to alternative Medicare models are disproportionately affected by the current policy and may be unable to receive appropriate post-acute care despite medically necessary hospital stays. Research also shows that reinstating the strict three-day inpatient requirement can lead to longer hospital stays without improving patient outcomes, increasing overall costs while creating unnecessary barriers to care. For Maine's seniors, families, and providers, this legislation would remove an outdated barrier and support more efficient, patient-centered care transitions--helping ensure that beneficiaries can recover in the most appropriate setting without avoidable financial strain. Again, we thank you for your introduction of the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act and look forward to working with you and other members of the Senate to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive timely access to the post-acute care they need. Thank you for your leadership and consideration. Sincerely, ADVION (formerly National; Association for the Support of Long Term Care); Aging Life Care Association; Alliance for Retired Americans; American Academy of Emergency Medicine; American Association of Healthcare, Administrative Management (AAHAM); American Association of Post Acute Care; Nursing (AAPACN); American Case Management Association (ACMA); American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP); American College of Physician Advisors (ACPA), American Geriatric Society (AGS); American Health Care Association (AHCA); American Medical Association; American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS; Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA); Center for Medicare Advocacy; The Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing; The Jewish Federations of North America; Justice in Aging; LeadingAge; Lutheran Services in America; Medicare Rights Center; National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA); National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP); National Association County Health Facilities (NACHFa); National Association for State Longterm Care Ombudsman Programs (NASOP); National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL); National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare; The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care; National Council on Aging (NCOA); National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC); NJHSA--the Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies; Post-Acute and Long-Term Medical Association; Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM); Special Needs Alliance; USAging. ____ Philadelphia, PA. Hon. Susan Collins, United States Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Collins: The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), representing the nation's hospitalists, is pleased to offer our support for the reintroduction of the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act. This legislation will make days spent in observation count towards Medicare's three-day stay requirement for skilled nursing facility (SNF) coverage, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries receive the quality care they need without facing exorbitant and unexpected medical bills. This legislation is an important first step to address problems related to observation status and ensure beneficiaries qualify for much-needed care. Hospitalists are front-line physicians in America's acute care hospitals. They focus on the general medical care of hospitalized patients and manage the inpatient clinical care of their patients. SHM estimates that hospitalists oversee the vast majority of observation care to hospitalized Medicare patients each year. As a result, our members are uniquely positioned to understand and identify problems related to current observation policies. Observation care was meant to last fewer than 24 hours and rarely span more than 48 hours; however, the incidence and duration of observation stays has increased significantly over the past fifteen years. While patients admitted into observation receive nearly identical care to those in inpatient care under Medicare Part A, observation is billed as outpatient under Medicare Part B. As such, patients face highly variable out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance), particularly when they need post-acute care. Time spent under observation does not count toward the three-day inpatient stay requirement for Medicare SNF coverage, observation is considered outpatient care. Patients discharged from observation to SNFs faced with the choice between extremely high, unexpected SNF bills and forgoing necessary follow-up care. Furthermore, beneficiaries in the most disadvantaged communities are more likely to have an observation stay, to have a repeated observation stay within 30 days, and to experience long-term observation. The three-day stay requirement perpetuates existing healthcare access inequities. This legislation would help address this disparity. Additionally, the three-day stay waivers issued during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) empowered clinicians to focus on patient needs, rather than an outdated administrative policy. The three-day stay waiver helped facilitate the Society of Hospital Medicine transfer of patients based on their clinical needs, rather than a payment policy, helping patients get the care they needed at the appropriate level. Medicare expenditure data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during the PHE shows that expanding access to SNF coverage did not dramatically increase spending or utilization. This PHE era policy demonstrates how the current three day stay requirement is an unnecessary impediment to SNF coverage. The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act is an important step to ensuring patient access to postacute care. We need to pass legislation to begin eliminating bureaucratic barriers to necessary medical care. On behalf of SHM, thank you for reintroducing the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act. SHM is pleased to offer our support to help secure the passage of this legislation. Sincerely, Efren C. Manjarrez, MD, FACP, SFHM, President.

Tribute to Bill West

Page S2440 · Official text

Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate mayor Bill West on his retirement as mayor of Georgetown, DE. During his 12 years as mayor, Bill has remained an unwavering advocate for economic progress and pragmatic problem-solving. The progress made by Mayor West will continue to benefit Georgetown and Sussex County for generations to come. A native son of Sussex County, Mayor Bill West served his community in both law enforcement and elected leadership during his 47 years as a Georgetown resident. Throughout his career, Bill has championed public safety, including during his 4 years with the Georgetown Police Department and 25 years with the Delaware State Police. First elected to municipal leadership in 2012, Mayor West initially served one term as a member of the Georgetown Town Council before his election as mayor of Georgetown in 2014. A problem-solver and creative thinker, Mayor West's political leadership has resulted in the establishment of numerous economic development projects and community facilities that continue to improve the lives of Georgetown residents every day. Outside of his political leadership, Bill is a cornerstone of his community. His leadership has been recognized throughout Sussex County and the State of Delaware, notably through his service as president of the Sussex County Association of Towns and as vice president of the Delaware League of Local Governments. Bill's leadership also supports his fellow law enforcement officers and their families through his participation in the Delaware State Troopers Association and his service on the board of the Delaware State Police Credit Union. I am personally grateful to Mayor West for his guidance on the issues facing Georgetown and its residents. Whether through visits to small businesses in downtown Georgetown or welcoming me to the Richard Allen Gala, Bill has been a trusted friend and adviser throughout our long relationship. I wish him the best in his retirement and remain confident that he will continue to serve his community for many years to come. Today, I invite my colleagues to join me and the people of Georgetown, DE, in congratulating Bill West on his retirement as mayor and for an outstanding life of public service.

Recognizing Mother Murphy's Flavors

Page S2440 · Official text

Ted Budd (R-NC)

Mr. President, today, I rise in honor of National Small Business Month to recognize North Carolina's 1.1 million small businesses that drive our State's growing workforce and thriving economy across all 100 counties. There is no doubt that our State's small businesses are the reason for North Carolina's ranking as the No. 1 state in the country for doing business. Making up a significant percentage of all businesses across our great State, North Carolina's small businesses represent the very best of American ingenuity, resilience, and determination. As a small business owner myself, I understand the daily challenges and sacrifices that come with keeping a business on its feet. This National Small Business Month, I want to recognize one of North Carolina's leading small businesses, Mother Murphy's Flavors, a three-generation-owned-and-operated business based in Greensboro, NC. This year, Mother Murphy's Flavors celebrates its 80th year in business, crafting high-quality flavors for food and beverages. The company currently employs over 150 North Carolinians and, over the years, has grown its international footprint, now shipping products to over 30 countries worldwide. What started as a side business venture for founder Kermit Murphy, Sr., and Dr. Richard Stelling in 1946 has become an internationally recognized company with a steadfast commitment to enhancing the food and beverage industry by creating flavor solutions with quality ingredients that customers can rely on. From taking orders with pen and paper to becoming a trusted partner for global food corporations and specialty beverage manufacturers, Mother Murphy's Flavors is a testament to what vision, grit, and craftsmanship can build. Over eight decades, this small business with humble beginnings has grown into a multigenerational success, proving that small business excellence, when passed down with care, becomes a legacy that endures.

Remembering First Sergeant Charlie Bryant, Jr.

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Tim Kaine (D-VA)

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and distinguished military service of 1SG Charlie Bryant, Jr., a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Army and the New York Army National Guard, who passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 85. Charlie was born on December 31, 1940, in Lumpkin, GA, to the late Sarah Rodgers and Charlie Bryant, Sr. At the age of two, he moved with his mother to the Bronx, NY, where he was raised. At Samuel Gompers High School, Charlie was an avid member of the school's swim team, and that love of the water would lead him to serve as a lifeguard at the YMCA. In 1959, at Edgecombe Park in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, a chance meeting brought him face to face with Barbara Porter, the love of his life and his partner of the next 63 years. Answering his Nation's call, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of specialist. He reenlisted in 1964 and joined the 82nd Airborne Signal Battalion, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and seeing combat in the Dominican Republic, for which he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Charlie was honorably discharged from Active Duty in 1965. In 1968, he returned to the uniform as a member of the New York State National Guard's 719th Transportation Unit, assigned to the historic 369th--the legendary "Harlem Hellfighters"--where he served with distinction as platoon sergeant. In 1991, at the age of 50, Charlie was activated for Operation Desert Storm and served nearly a year in combat operations during the Gulf War. After 34 years of honorable service to our country, he retired in 1992 as first sergeant of the 1569th. Between tours of duty, Charlie served the people of New York City as a dedicated bus operator for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 1967 until 1992--a quiet, daily service to his community that ran in parallel to his service in uniform. He and Barbara were united in marriage on March 10, 1963, and raised three children together: Charlene Lynette, Charles Winford, and Christopher Eric. In 1998, Charlie and Barbara relocated to Suffolk, VA, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life. A lifelong devotee of Mopar muscle cars--beginning with the 1968 440 Dodge Charger R/T that sparked a decades-long passion--and a loyal companion to his dogs BA, Harley, Max, Smokey, and Bandit, Charlie brought warmth, humor, and a steady presence to every room he entered. Affectionately known as "Uncle Charlie," he was a guiding presence and father figure to countless young people he considered his adopted children, including his beloved godchildren Letta Porter, Tratia Wilson, and Jasmine Purkett. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara; his children Charlene, Charles, and Christopher; his aunt Dorothy Wilson; his devoted godchildren; and a host of relatives, neighbors, fellow servicemembers, and friends whose lives he shaped. First Sergeant Charlie Bryant, Jr., leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, love, and dedication to his country, to his family, and to every young person fortunate enough to have been welcomed into his orbit. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his memory and in extending our deepest condolences to his wife Barbara, to his children, and to all who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Recognizing Virginia American Revolution 250th Commission and Land Speed Record Holder

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RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA AMERICAN REVOLUTION 250TH COMMISSION AND LAND SPEED RECORD HOLDER

Tim Kaine (D-VA)

Mr. President, as we celebrate our Nation's 250th anniversary, I would like to recognize the Virginia American Revolution 250th Commission, which was formed to celebrate the Commonwealth's contribution to the Nation upon the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain, and the VA 250 Car Project, which is part of a national motorsports celebration in honor of the United States of America's semiquincentennial. The Virginia American Revolution 250th Commission is chaired by Delegate Terry Austin of Botetourt County, VA. Danny Turner, former mayor of Martinsville, VA, Joey Arrington of Henry County, VA, and former Congressman Virgil Goode of Rocky Mounty, VA, devised the VA 250 Car Project. Additionally, on March 23, 2026, the car known as the "Martinsville Missile" broke the land speed record for stock cars at the Launch and Land facility in Cape Canaveral, FL. The top was 253.1 mph, breaking the former record of 244.9 mph set back in 2007. The "Martinsville Missile" is a 1969 Dodge Daytona Charger with a 358-cubic-inch engine generating over 1,000 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. The car and engine were built by Joey Arrington in Martinsville, VA. The car was driven by Tommy Hurley of Ridgeway, VA. I salute this thrilling record, the driver who set it, the long tradition of motorsports in Virginia, and the deep contributions of Virginia to America's history.

Remembering Jim Colbert

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Roger Marshall (R-KS)

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jim Colbert, a legendary golfer and proud Kansan whose remarkable career has inspired countless fans and athletes across Kansas and our Nation. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Colbert came to Kansas State University in 1961 on a football scholarship. After injuries ended his football career, he turned his focus to golf, beginning a journey that would define the rest of his life. As a three-year letterwinner for the Wildcats, Colbert quickly established himself as one of the Nation's top collegiate golfers, finishing runner-up at the 1964 NCAA Championship and the Big Eight Championship that same year. After turning professional in 1965, Colbert built an extraordinary career on the PGA Tour and PGA TOUR Champions circuit. Over the course of his professional career, he earned 28 combined victories, including 8 PGA Tour wins and 20 Champions Tour titles, placing him among the winningest players in senior tour history. His accomplishments included victories at the Texas Open, Colonial National Invitational, and the 1993 Ford Senior Players Championship. He was also named PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1996. Beyond his success on the course, Colbert became one of the most recognizable personalities in golf. Known for his trademark bucket hat and competitive spirit, he also made significant contributions as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and ambassador for the game. He worked as a golf analyst for ESPN and later founded a successful golf course management company that owned and operated courses across the country. Perhaps nowhere is Colbert's legacy more visible than in Manhattan, KS, where he helped develop Colbert Hills Golf Course, now regarded as one of the premier public golf courses in Kansas and home to Kansas State's golf programs. His dedication to the university and the Manhattan community reflected the deep pride he carried for Kansas throughout his life. Despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, Colbert returned to competitive golf and captured another tournament victory in 1998, earning the PGA TOUR Champions Comeback Player of the Year Award. His determination and resilience inspired many both within and beyond the golf community. Above all, Colbert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements in professional golf, but also for his generosity, perseverance, and contributions to Kansas State athletics. I now ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Colbert and in expressing our gratitude for the lasting impact he made on the game of golf and the people of Kansas.

Tribute to Dr. Jose-Marie Griffiths

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Mike Rounds (R-SD)

Mr. President, today I recognize Dr. Jose-Marie Griffiths, outgoing President of Dakota State University in Madison, SD, for all of the hard work she has done for the State of South Dakota. Her work over the past 11 years as president has helped make DSU a national leader in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and research. Dr. Griffiths' commitment to her students, her faculty, and to the State of South Dakota are unmatched. Under her leadership, DSU expanded academic programs, particularly in technology and cyber-related fields. Her collaboration with government, military, and industry put DSU in a position to secure significant investments to further promote programming at DSU. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Griffiths for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success as she begins her next chapter.

Honoring Deputy James Mark Windsor

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Mr. President, 31 years ago Alabama lost a legend, Randolph County Deputy James Mark Windsor, who was killed at the young age of 28 years old in the line of duty on May 6, 1995. Deputy Windsor answered the call to serve his community with courage and humility, dedicating himself to protecting the people of Randolph County and the great State of Alabama. East Alabama is undoubtedly a better, safer place for families in our great State because of the work of Deputy Windsor. Though his time in law enforcement was tragically brief, his impact and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Deputy Windsor served as a reserve deputy for 2 years before attending the police academy and becoming an active deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. After only 4 months as a full-time deputy, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His willingness to step forward and serve speaks volumes about his character, sense of duty, and commitment to others. As the anniversary of his passing comes around each year, it is important that we remember Deputy Windsor's life and impact that he continues to make in his community. The people of Alabama remain forever indebted to him and to all law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm's way in service. His bravery lives on in the lives of his family and friends. My wife Suzanne and I extend our heartfelt prayers to Deputy Windsor's family, friends, fellow deputies, and all those who knew and loved him as they celebrate the legacy Deputy Windsor has left behind. May they find comfort in knowing that his sacrifice will never be forgotten, and may God continue to bless the memory of Deputy James Mark Windsor.

Messages from the House

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At 11:20 a.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered by Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, announced that the Speaker has signed the following enrolled bill:

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S. 4530. An act to amend chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to authorize an increase of the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police.

The enrolled bill was subsequently signed by the Acting President pro tempore (Mr. Moreno). ____ At 12:02 p.m., a message from the House, delivered by Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House has passed the following bills, without amendment:

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S. 1003. An act to require the Federal Communications Commission to issue an order providing that a shark attack is an event for which a wireless emergency alert may be transmitted, and for other purposes. S. 2393. An act to authorize a major medical facility project for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri, and for other purposes.

The message also announced that the House has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

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H.R. 1993. An act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and to support programs at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. H.R. 2616. An act to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms. H.R. 3234. An act to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to modify the amount of reciprocal deposits of an insured depository institution that are not considered to be funds obtained by or through a deposit broker, and for other purposes. H.R. 4544. An act to direct certain Federal banking and credit union agencies to promote the formation of de novo regulated institutions through the review of application processes, the review of capital raising by de novo regulated institutions, and the establishment of various outreach programs, and for other purposes. H.R. 5317. An act to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to ensure that certain custodial deposits of well capitalized insured depository institutions are not considered to be funds obtained by or through deposit brokers, and for other purposes.

Measures Referred

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The following bills were read the first and the second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated:

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H.R. 2616. An act to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 3234. An act to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to modify the amount of reciprocal deposits of an insured depository institution that are not considered to be funds obtained by or through a deposit broker, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 4544. An act to direct certain Federal banking and credit union agencies to promote the formation of de novo regulated institutions through the review of application processes, the review of capital raising by de novo regulated institutions, and the establishment of various outreach programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 5317. An act to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to ensure that certain custodial deposits of well capitalized insured depository institutions are not considered to be funds obtained by or through deposit brokers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Measures Read the First Time

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The following bill was read the first time:

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S. 4632. A bill to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, to establish procedures and consequences in the event of a failure to enact appropriations, and for other purposes.

Executive and Other Communications

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The following communications were laid before the Senate, together with accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as indicated:

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EC-3552. A communication from the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act, the notification of enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability (RSAT Case 26-1C); to the Committee on Foreign Relations. EC-3553. A communication from the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to section 36(c) and (d) of the Arms Export Control Act, the certification of a proposed license for the export of defense articles, including technical data, and defense services to Romania in the amount of $1,000,000 or more (Transmittal No. DDTC 26-028); to the Committee on Foreign Relations. EC-3554. A communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency that was declared in Executive Order 13959 with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the People's Republic of China; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. EC-3555. A communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency that was declared in Executive Order 13405 of June 16, 2006, with respect to Belarus; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. EC-3556. A communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency that was declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001, with respect to the Western Balkans; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. EC-3557. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-276, "Purple Heart License Plate Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3558. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-277, "PrEP DC Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3559. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-283, "Tree Preservation Enhancement Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3560. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-284, "Gardner Bishop Elementary School Redesignation Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3561. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-285, "Friends of Wangari Gardens Grant Temporary Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3562. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-289, "Rhode Island Avenue Corridor Long-Term Lease Adjustment Temporary Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3563. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-278, "Short-Term Disability Insurance Benefit Protection Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3564. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-286, "Residential Building Permit Classification Temporary Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. EC-3565. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on D.C. Act 26-287, "Parking Enforcement Modernization Technical Correction Temporary Amendment Act of 2026"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Reports of Committees

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The following reports of committees were submitted:

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By Mr. CRUZ, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, with amendments: S. 323. A bill to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs, and for other purposes.

Introduction of Bills and Joint Resolutions

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The following bills and joint resolutions were introduced, read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated:

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By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Schumer): S. 4616. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on specified settlement fund payments, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself and Mr. Grassley): S. 4617. A bill to strengthen transparency over efforts by the Department of the Treasury to use the Exchange Stabilization Fund to aid foreign countries without prior notification to Congress; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr. Coons, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Kaine, Mr. King, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Reed, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr. Wyden): S. 4618. A bill to effectively staff the high-need public elementary schools and secondary schools of the United States with school-based mental health services providers; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Ms. LUMMIS (for herself, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Daines, Mr. Moran, Mr. Ricketts, and Mr. Lee): S. 4619. A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to exclude marginal wells from certain standards of performance and other requirements under that Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. By Mrs. BRITT (for herself, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Budd, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Graham, Mr. Tuberville, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Cruz, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mrs. Hyde-Smith): S. 4620. A bill to permanently establish the E-Verify employment eligiblity verification system, to mandate the use of E-Verify by all employers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. RISCH (for himself and Ms. Cortez Masto): S. 4621. A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to reduce systemic risk while increasing geographical diversity and competition with respect to depositories for the storage of precious metals, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. By Mr. KENNEDY: S. 4622. A bill to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit the inclusion of medical debt on a consumer report, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Kaine): S. 4623. A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12109 New Kent Highway in New Kent, Virginia, as the "Patricia Paige Post Office"; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. By Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself and Mr. Lujan): S. 4624. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for payment for services of radiologist assistants under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Wyden, Ms. Baldwin, and Mr. Booker): S. 4625. A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish the Office of LGBTQI Inclusion and a rural outreach grant program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. LEE: S. 4626. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Defense to publish a list of dietary supplement ingredients prohibited for use by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. BUDD (for himself, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Banks, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Rounds, and Ms. Blunt Rochester): S. 4627. A bill to increase access to artificial intelligence through programs of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. By Mr. MARSHALL (for himself, Ms. Smith, Ms. Hassan, and Ms. Ernst): S. 4628. A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an initiative to address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mr. Cotton): S. 4629. A bill to prohibit the provision of Federal funds to State and local governments and school districts for payment of obligations, to prohibit the Federal Reserve banks, the Department of the Treasury, and other Federal agencies from financially assisting State and local governments and school districts that have defaulted on their obligations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. McCORMICK (for himself and Mr. Kelly): S. 4630. A bill to prioritize the finalization of design requirements for new Ready Reserve Force vessels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Mr. Grassley): S. 4631. A bill to ensure that whistleblowers, including contractors, are protected from retaliation when a Federal employee orders a reprisal, and for other purposes; considered and passed. By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Daines, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Britt, Ms. Ernst, Mr. Grassley, Mr. McCormick, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Sheehy, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. Kaine, Ms. Slotkin, Ms. Rosen, and Mr. Kelly): S. 4632. A bill to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, to establish procedures and consequences in the event of a failure to enact appropriations, and for other purposes; read the first time. By Mr. McCORMICK (for himself and Mr. Fetterman): S. 4633. A bill to require a strategy for the deployment, employment, integration, exportability, and scaling of unmanned and autonomous systems in the Indo-Pacific region and the Western Hemisphere, to strengthen homeland defense, to support counter-narcotics and counter-trafficking operations, and to increase ally and partner burden sharing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. HUSTED: S. 4634. A bill to amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to update the purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to reflect research and the input of youth with lived experience regarding the importance of long-term relationships to future success; to the Committee on Finance. By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr. Wyden): S. 4635. A bill to promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself and Ms. Warren): S. 4636. A bill to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide for interest on escrow balances; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. By Mr. CRAMER (for himself and Ms. Klobuchar): S. 4637. A bill to increase by 5 the number of flex waivers available in each State for J-1 nonimmigrants and to establish a secondary physician match portal to assist alien physicians who are unable to find employment in their preferred State of residence to find employment in another State; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Schatz, and Mr. Lujan): S. 4638. A bill to remove administrative barriers to participation of Indian tribes in Federal child welfare programs, and increase Federal funding for tribal child welfare programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and Mr. Wyden): S. 4639. A bill to provide additional support to whistleblowers who report information about noncompliance with Federal tax laws; to the Committee on Finance. By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. King, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Blumenthal): S. 4640. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to award grants to eligible crisis centers to provide follow-up services to individuals receiving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, to and the Communications Act of 1934 to improve the accessibility of 9-8-8, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Welch, and Mrs. Capito): S. 4641. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of receipt of outpatient observation services in a hospital toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare; to the Committee on Finance. By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself and Mr. Schatz): S. 4642. A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 relating to the recall and reappointment of career members; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. By Mrs. MOODY: S. 4643. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit harming animals used in law enforcement, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Submission of Concurrent and Senate Resolutions

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The following concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions were read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated:

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By Mr. RICKETTS: S. Res. 747. A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts; considered and agreed to. By Mr. DURBIN: S. Res. 748. A resolution condemning the Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service settlement agreement in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service, under which $1,776,000,000 in taxpayer money may be used to financially benefit individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers on January 6, 2021, and President Trump, his family, and his political allies; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Tuberville, Ms. Warren, Mr. Justice, Ms. Collins, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Kim, and Mrs. Moody): S. Res. 749. A resolution designating May 2026 as "Older Americans Month"; considered and agreed to. By Mrs. CAPITO (for herself, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Alsobrooks, Ms. Lummis, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Boozman, and Mr. Curtis): S. Res. 750. A resolution recognizing "National Public Works Week" and the contributions of public works professionals; considered and agreed to. By Mr. COONS (for himself, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Cotton): S. Res. 751. A resolution designating May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month"; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL: S. Res. 752. A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month"; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Lujan): S. Res. 753. A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Coons): S. Res. 754. A resolution reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan Taiwan policy; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Additional Cosponsors

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At the request of Mr. Lankford, the name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Kim) was added as a cosponsor of S. 78, a bill to require certain agencies to develop plans for internal control in the event of an emergency or crisis, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Lankford, the name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott) was added as a cosponsor of S. 81, a bill to require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Wyden, the name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Kim) was added as a cosponsor of S. 508, a bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to grants for beach monitoring, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Daines, the name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. Curtis) was added as a cosponsor of S. 537, a bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Ossoff, the name of the Senator from Delaware (Mr. Coons) was added as a cosponsor of S. 736, a bill to increase the penalty for prohibited provision of a phone in a correctional facility, and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. Britt, the name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Moreno) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1630, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide more opportunities for mothers to succeed, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Van Hollen, the names of the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) and the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Kaine) were added as cosponsors of S. 1645, a bill to establish a domestic ownership investment facility, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Cotton, the name of the Senator from Maryland (Ms. Alsobrooks) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1705, a bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to issue standards with respect to chip security mechanisms for integrated circuit products, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Budd, the name of the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1970, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the service members of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group, in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service in South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during the Vietnam War. At the request of Mrs. Shaheen, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. Cortez Masto) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3249, a bill to enhance United States Government strategic coordination of the security, installation, maintenance, and repair of international subsea fiber-optic cables. At the request of Ms. Collins, the name of the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3267, a bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of blood-based dementia screening tests. At the request of Mr. Grassley, the name of the Senator from New York (Mrs. Gillibrand) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3394, a bill to direct the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guideline relating to child sexual abuse material. At the request of Mr. Grassley, the name of the Senator from New York (Mrs. Gillibrand) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3397, a bill to make coercion of children to commit harm a criminal offense, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Grassley, the name of the Senator from New York (Mrs. Gillibrand) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3398, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to criminalize intentional threats to distribute child sexual abuse material, and to provide appropriate penalties for the use of child sexual abuse material to extort or coerce victims. At the request of Ms. Murkowski, the name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. Grassley) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4097, a bill to establish that a State-based education loan program is excluded from certain requirements relating to a preferred lender arrangement. At the request of Mr. Booker, the name of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Murphy) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4143, a bill to require coverage of incarcerated workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. Moreno, the names of the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley) and the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) were added as cosponsors of S. 4429, a bill to prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, resale, or introduction into interstate commerce in the United States of connected vehicles and related software and hardware associated with foreign adversaries. At the request of Mr. Murphy, the name of the Senator from Vermont (Mr. Sanders) was added as a cosponsor of S. 4522, a bill to prohibit vulture investors from investing in youth sports, and for other purposes.

Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

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Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan 9-8-8 Connect Act. This legislation would boost our continued efforts to improve access to and improve followup services through the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program for eligible crisis centers to provide followup services to individuals receiving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, including check-in calls, outreach to ensure engagement in services and support, collaboration with family and caregivers, and referral navigation. It also requires carriers to allow calls and texts to 9-8-8 even if the plan is inactive or the carrier is experiencing service interruptions or failures, just as they currently do for 9-1-1 calls. Furthermore, it requires multiline systems like hotel and office phones to support the direct dialing of 9-8-8 rather than requiring a caller to dial 9 or another number before dialing 9-8-8. Significant progress has been made in increasing access to quality mental health care in America. The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been critical for supporting Americans in crisis; however, there is currently a lack of capacity to provide followup services for those in crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration emphasizes the role of connections to care following a crisis episode in supporting individuals who are experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis towards recovery. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that 80 percent of surveyed crisis line callers said that followup services helped save their lives. A frequent critique of 9-8-8 is that, while a single contact may resolve a crisis situation for many individuals, a lack of followup support doesn't provide callers with the necessary mental health resources they may need longterm. As awareness of 9-8-8 increases, it is critical to ensure that the line can quickly connect callers to a range of mental health services and a full continuum of care, including mobile crisis response teams. I would like to thank Senator Tillis for introducing this important legislation with me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the bipartisan 9-8-8 Connect Act as soon as possible.

Introductory Statement on S. 4640

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Senate Resolution 747--Expressing Support for the Designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to Recognize the Important Role That Renewable Fuels Play in Lowering Fuel Prices For...

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SENATE RESOLUTION 747--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF MAY 2026 AS "RENEWABLE FUELS MONTH" TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT RENEWABLE FUELS PLAY IN LOWERING FUEL PRICES FOR CONSUMERS, LESSENING RELIANCE ON FOREIGN ADVERSARIES, SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES, AND REDUCING CARBON IMPACTS Mr. RICKETTS submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

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Whereas the United States is the largest producer of biofuels in the world, which contributes to the domestic economy, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; Whereas ethanol is a renewable fuel made of biomass from plant materials; Whereas, in 2025, more than 79,000 jobs in the United States were directly associated with the ethanol industry, with an additional 237,000 indirect and induced jobs supported across all sectors of the economy; Whereas, in 2025, the ethanol industry created $28,000,000,000 in household income and contributed nearly $50,000,000,000 to the gross domestic product of the United States; Whereas ethanol and feed co-product production provide a valuable market for United States corn, as a typical dry mill ethanol plant adds nearly $2 of additional value, or 55 percent, to every bushel of corn processed; Whereas ethanol use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by between 44 and 52 percent on average compared to gasoline, and by displacing hydrocarbon substances like aromatics in gasoline, ethanol also helps reduce emissions of air toxins, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and exhaust hydrocarbons; Whereas, in 2025, ethanol played a vital role in bolstering the energy independence of the United States by supplementing more than 640,000,000 barrels of imported crude oil; Whereas, in 2025, ethanol exports reached a record 2,180,000,000 gallons, an increase of over 250,000,000 gallons compared to 2024; Whereas \1/3\ of every bushel processed by an ethanol plant is used to make distillers grains, one of the most efficient and desirable animal feeds available; Whereas biodiesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel that is produced from renewable resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, distillers corn oil, canola oil, and animal fats; Whereas renewable diesel is an advanced biofuel, made from the same feedstocks as biodiesel, that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while meeting the same standard specification for diesel fuels as petroleum-based diesel; Whereas biomass-based diesel production uses more than 1,000,000,000 pounds of soybean oil per month and generates increasing amounts of soybean meal for feed markets, driving a 25 percent increase in crush capacity across the United States since 2023; Whereas, in 2024, the biodiesel and renewable diesel sectors generated a total economic impact of $42,400,000,000, supporting 107,400 United States jobs and contributing $6,000,000,000 in wages; Whereas biodiesel and renewable diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification and are available throughout the United States; Whereas advanced biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel; Whereas biodiesel emits up to 80 percent less particulate matter than petroleum-based diesel, improving air quality and health outcomes; Whereas the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel adds to the total domestic fuel supply, reducing the price of all diesel fuel at the pump; Whereas, without the renewable fuel standard helping to drive production of biodiesel and renewable diesel, the value of soybeans grown by farmers in the United States would decrease by 10 percent; Whereas sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable biomass and waste resources and can deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel; and Whereas sustainable aviation fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel and the use of sustainable or blended aviation fuel requires no infrastructure or equipment changes: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) supports the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month"; and (2) recognizes-- (A) the important role renewable fuels play in reducing the carbon impact of the United States; (B) the ability of renewable fuels to lower fuel prices for consumers; (C) the support to rural communities that renewable fuel industries provide; and (D) the opportunity that the production of renewable fuels provides to lessen the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries.

Senate Resolution 784--Condemning the Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service Settlement Agreement in Trump V. Internal Revenue Service, Under Which $1,776,000,000 in Taxpayer Money May...

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Mr. DURBIN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

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Whereas, on May 18, 2026, the Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service, and personal counsel to President Trump agreed to a settlement that requires the Federal Government to establish a $1,776,000,000 "Anti-Weaponization Fund"; Whereas the distribution of the $1,776,000,000 in the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" will be determined by a panel of 5 members appointed by the Attorney General and eligible for removal by the President "without cause"; Whereas the panel described in the previous proviso "shall have the power to determine its own procedures for submitting, receiving, processing, and granting or denying claims" and is not required to make those procedures public; Whereas a document published by the Department of Justice on May 19, 2026, and signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche further states the United States is "FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED from prosecuting or pursuing" claims against President Trump, "related or affiliated individuals (including, without limitation, family or others filing jointly)," or related companies and trusts; Whereas, on May 19, 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and did not rule out using the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to make payments to individuals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, including individuals who were found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers; Whereas, at a May 19, 2026 press conference, Vice President J.D. Vance similarly stated that the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" could be used to make payments to individuals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, including individuals who were found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers; Whereas Andrew Paul Johnson, who was pardoned by President Trump for his criminal conduct on January 6, 2021, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty on 5 charges of child sex abuse after trying to keep his minor victims silent by promising to share millions of dollars in restitution he expected to receive from the Trump Administration; and Whereas, in addition to Andrew Paul Johnson, at least 20 other individuals who were pardoned by President Trump for their criminal conduct on January 6, 2021, have since been charged with, convicted of, or sentenced for, additional crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder, production and possession of child pornography, reckless homicide, burglary, and online solicitation of a minor, but still may be eligible to receive payments from the "Anti-Weaponization Fund": Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate condemns-- (1) the use of public monies to financially benefit President Trump, his family, his associates, or his political allies; (2) the effort to provide immunity from prosecution for tax crimes to President Trump, his family, his political allies, affiliated individuals, and related companies and trusts; and (3) providing payments to individuals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, including individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers.

Senate Resolution 749--Designating May 2026 as "Older Americans Month"

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SENATE RESOLUTION 749--DESIGNATING MAY 2026 AS "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Tuberville, Ms. Warren, Mr. Justice, Ms. Collins, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Kim, and Mrs. Moody) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

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Whereas President John F. Kennedy first designated May as "Senior Citizens Month" in 1963; Whereas, in 1963, only approximately 17,778,000 individuals living in the United States were 65 years of age or older, approximately \1/3\ of those individuals lived in poverty, and few programs existed to meet the needs of older individuals in the United States; Whereas, in 2025, there were more than 64,617,088 individuals who were 65 years of age or older living in the United States, and those individuals accounted for 18.9 percent of the total population of the United States; Whereas approximately 11,467 individuals in the United States turn 65 years of age each day; Whereas, in 2025, more than 8,055,160 veterans of the Armed Forces were 65 years of age or older; Whereas older individuals in the United States rely on Federal programs, such as programs under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), including the Medicare program under title XVIII of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) and the Medicaid program under title XIX of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), for financial security and high-quality affordable health care; Whereas the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) provides-- (1) supportive services to help older individuals in the United States maintain maximum independence in the homes and communities of those individuals; and (2) funding for programs that promote social connection and improve the health and well-being of older individuals, including nutrition services, transportation, and care management, which assist more than 14,000,000 older individuals in the United States each year; Whereas, as local aging network leaders, Area Agencies on Aging are critical partners in the healthy aging continuum; Whereas, in 2025, an estimated 7,016,000 individuals in the United States who were 65 years of age or older continued to work as full-time, year-round employees; Whereas older individuals in the United States play an important role in society by continuing to contribute their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments; Whereas older individuals in the United States play vital roles in their communities and remain involved in volunteer work, the arts, cultural activities, and activities relating to mentorship and civic engagement; Whereas more than 143,000 older individuals serve as AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, helping communities by mentoring and tutoring children, providing independent living support and companionship to other older adults, addressing food insecurity, and more; and Whereas a society that recognizes the success of older individuals and continues to enhance the access of older individuals to quality and affordable health care will-- (1) encourage the ongoing participation and heightened independence of older individuals; and (2) ensure the continued safety and well-being of older individuals: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates May 2026 as "Older Americans Month"; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to provide opportunities for older individuals to continue to flourish by-- (A) emphasizing the importance and leadership of older individuals through public recognition of the ongoing achievements of older individuals; (B) presenting opportunities for older individuals to share their wisdom, experience, and skills with younger generations; and (C) recognizing older individuals as valuable assets in strengthening communities across the United States.

Senate Resolution 750--Recognizing "National Public Works Week" and the Contributions of Public Works Professionals

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SENATE RESOLUTION 750--RECOGNIZING "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK" AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS Mrs. CAPITO (for herself, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Alsobrooks, Ms. Lummis, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Boozman, and Mr. Curtis) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

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Whereas public works professionals provide essential services that support public health, safety, and quality of life in communities across the United States; Whereas these services include the construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation systems, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater systems, solid waste management, and public facilities; Whereas public works personnel play an important role in emergency response and recovery efforts, including clearing debris, restoring access, and helping communities rebuild following disasters; Whereas reliable infrastructure is critical to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community resilience; Whereas public works agencies depend on a skilled and dedicated workforce to deliver these services; Whereas National Public Works Week will be observed from May 17 through May 23, 2026, with the theme, "Rooted in Service. Powered by Community."; and Whereas National Public Works Week highlights the contributions of public works professionals and increases understanding of the infrastructure that serves the public: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) recognizes "National Public Works Week" and the contributions of public works professionals; (2) commends public works professionals for their service to communities across the United States; and (3) encourages greater public awareness of the importance of public works and infrastructure.

Senate Resolution 751--Designating May 2026 as "Als Awareness Month"

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SENATE RESOLUTION 751--DESIGNATING MAY 2026 AS "ALS AWARENESS MONTH" Mr. COONS (for himself, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Cotton) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

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Whereas amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (referred to in this preamble as "ALS") is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord; Whereas the life expectancy for an individual with ALS is between 2 and 5 years after the date on which the individual receives an ALS diagnosis; Whereas ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic boundaries; Whereas ALS may affect any individual in any location; Whereas the cause of ALS is unknown in up to 90 percent of cases; Whereas approximately 10 percent of ALS cases have a strong known genetic driver; Whereas, on average, the period between the date on which an individual first experiences symptoms of ALS and the date on which the individual is diagnosed with ALS is more than 1 year; Whereas the onset of ALS often involves muscle weakness or stiffness, and the progression of ALS results in the further weakening, wasting, and paralysis of-- (1) the muscles of the limbs and trunk; and (2) the muscles that control vital functions, such as speech, swallowing, and breathing; Whereas ALS can strike individuals of any age, but it predominantly strikes adults; Whereas it is estimated that tens of thousands of individuals in the United States have ALS at any given time; Whereas, based on studies of the population of the United States, more than 5,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and 15 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each day; Whereas, every 90 minutes, someone dies from ALS or is diagnosed with ALS in the United States; Whereas the majority of individuals with ALS die of respiratory failure; Whereas, in the United States, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than individuals with no history of military service; Whereas, as of the date of introduction of this resolution, there is no cure for ALS; Whereas the spouses, children, and family members of individuals living with ALS provide support to those individuals with love, day-to-day care, and more; and Whereas an individual with ALS, and the caregivers of such an individual, can be required to bear significant costs for medical care, equipment, and home care services for the individual as the disease progresses: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month"; (2) affirms the dedication of the Senate to-- (A) ensuring individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (referred to in this resolution as "ALS") have access to effective treatments and high-quality services and supports as early as possible after diagnosis; (B) identifying risk factors and causes of ALS to prevent new cases; (C) empowering individuals with ALS to maintain their personal independence to the maximum extent possible; and (D) reducing the physical and emotional burdens of living with ALS; and (3) commends the dedication of the family members, friends, organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers across the United States who are working to improve the quality and length of life of ALS patients and develop treatments and cures that reach patients as soon as possible.

Senate Resolution 752--Expressing Support for the Designation of the Month of May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month"

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SENATE RESOLUTION 752--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS "PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY AND CORTICOBASAL DEGENERATION AWARENESS MONTH" Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

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Whereas progressive supranuclear palsy, often referred to as "PSP", and corticobasal degeneration, often referred to as "CBD", are rare, adult onset, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorders that affect multiple areas of the brain and cause complex symptoms and care needs; Whereas, although some symptoms may appear similar to those of other neurological diagnoses like Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration are distinct diseases with their own unique trajectories and care needs; Whereas, while estimates vary and the conditions are frequently misdiagnosed, approximately 30,000 Americans are living with progressive supranuclear palsy and 2,000 Americans are living with corticobasal degeneration; Whereas delays in the accurate diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration and access to neurology professionals specialized in these diseases are common and cause confusion, anxiety, and frustration among patients; Whereas progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration can cause significant difficulty with movement, balance, speech, swallowing, cognition, vision, mood, and a variety of other complex symptoms; Whereas progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration are aggressive in their progression, with most individuals becoming dependent on care in 3 to 4 years and having an overall life expectancy of 7 to 8 years from symptom onset; Whereas there are currently no disease-modifying treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration; Whereas more research is needed to understand the roles of environmental factors and genetics in why people develop progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; Whereas there are countless family caregivers, friends, and loved ones whose lives are greatly affected by progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; Whereas additional research, support services, and education are needed to maintain quality of life for those affected by the disease, to develop better treatments and prevention of complications, and to find cures for progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; and Whereas the designation of the month of May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month" will benefit individuals diagnosed with the diseases, families, healthcare professionals, and communities across the country and will further bolster awareness of the diseases: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) supports the designation of May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month"; (2) supports the goals and ideals of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month; (3) supports research on diagnosis, prevention, treatments, and cures for progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; (4) recognizes the strength and resilience of the communities affected by progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; and (5) commends the individuals, families, volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and organizations across the country who are working to improve the lives of people living with progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration.

Senate Resolution 753--Expressing the Sense of the Senate to Reduce Traffic Fatalities to Zero by 2050

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SENATE RESOLUTION 753--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE TO REDUCE TRAFFIC FATALITIES TO ZERO BY 2050 Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Lujan) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:

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Whereas roadway fatalities kill tens of thousands of people in the United States each year; Whereas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (referred to in this preamble as "NHTSA"), 39,254 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, and all of the deaths were preventable; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 54 and kill more than 100 people every day; Whereas, according to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving crashes are a leading killer on the roadways of the United States, with 11,904 lives lost to alcohol-impaired driving in 2024; Whereas, according to NHTSA, 3,208 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024; Whereas, according to NHTSA, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2024, representing 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities; Whereas, according to NHTSA, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased by 78 percent since their lowest point in 2009; Whereas, according to NHTSA, a total of 1,166 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2023, representing a 57 percent increase in the last 10 years; Whereas, according to NHTSA, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023, representing the deadliest year for motorcyclists since 1975; Whereas, according to NHTSA, in 2023, 41 percent of motor vehicle traffic fatalities occurred on rural roads, despite only 31 percent of miles traveled occurring on rural roads; Whereas, according to the Federal Highway Administration, adequately maintained retroreflective signs, pavement markings, and roadway lighting improve nighttime highway visibility and reduce the risk of crashes; Whereas, according to the Federal Highway Administration, 850 people died in work zone crashes in 2024; Whereas, according to NHTSA, seatbelts have saved an estimated 374,276 lives from 1975 through 2017; Whereas, according to NHTSA, in 2024, 48 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who died in a motor vehicle crash were unrestrained; Whereas, according to NHTSA, 43 percent of crash fatalities initially survived the impact but later died, highlighting the importance of improving post-crash care; Whereas, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, increasing speed limits over the 25 year period of 1993 to 2017 led to approximately 36,760 deaths; Whereas, according to NHTSA, speeding killed 11,775 people in 2023; Whereas, according to Consumer Reports, existing safety technologies could cut road fatalities in half if such technologies were made standard on all vehicles, saving approximately 20,000 lives annually; Whereas roadway fatalities and injuries rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain a persistent cause of death in the United States; Whereas, according to the National Safety Council, medically consulted injuries in motor-vehicle crashes totaled 4,900,000 in 2024; Whereas, according to the National Safety Council, total motor-vehicle injury costs were estimated at $559,300,000,000; Whereas, according to NHTSA, women sustain 46 percent higher injury risk than men in frontal crashes; Whereas, according to NHTSA, women sustain 55 percent higher injury risk than men in rollover crashes; Whereas advanced vehicle and infrastructure technologies show promise in eliminating motor vehicles crashes; Whereas better roadway fatality data collection could help drive better behavioral safety and infrastructure improvements; Whereas too many families in the United States have been personally affected by preventable crashes; and Whereas a data-driven safe systems approach is proven to be effective at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, including through taking into account all aspects of the transportation environment and not requiring a single actor to be responsible for traffic safety: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) commits to advancing policies that will end roadway fatalities by 2050; (2) calls on Congress and the Department of Transportation to commit to working together to achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050; (3) supports efforts to address disparities related to transportation safety; (4) calls on the Department of Transportation, and the agencies within the Department of Transportation, to improve data gathering and tracking of traffic crashes and other issues related to transportation safety; (5) calls on the Department of Transportation, and the agencies within the Department of Transportation, to commit to the implementation of proven countermeasures and interventions to prioritize transportation safety; (6) recognizes the need for a safe system approach to transportation in the United States to improve access, safety, and mobility; and (7) supports the use of the term "crash", instead of "accident", when describing traffic incidents and encourages all agencies of the Federal Government to use this term.

Senate Resolution 754--Reaffirming Congressional Support for the Taiwan Relations Act and Longstanding Bipartisan Taiwan Policy

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Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Coons) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

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Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) is the cornerstone of the United States-Taiwan relationship, which has been characterized by broad and enduring bipartisan support; Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act established key elements of United States policy that have stood the test of time, including-- (1) preserving the extensive commercial, cultural, and other ties between the United States, Taiwan, the people on the China mainland, and all other peoples in the Western Pacific; (2) declaring that peace and stability in the region are in the political, security, and economic interests of the United States, and are matters of international concern; (3) underscoring that the decision of the United States to establish and maintain diplomatic relations with the Government of the People's Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means; (4) considering any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including boycotts or embargoes, a threat to regional peace and security, and of grave concern to the United States; (5) providing Taiwan with arms of a defensive character; and (6) maintaining the capacity of the United States to resist any force or coercion that would jeopardize the security or any social and economic system of the people of Taiwan; Whereas the United States Government has a longstanding One China Policy, which has been guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances; Whereas, in 1982, in the context of the United States-China Joint Communique on United States Arms Sales to Taiwan, the Reagan Administration made clear that in its negotiations, the United States-- (1) did not agree to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan; (2) did not agree to prior consultation with the People's Republic of China on arms sales to Taiwan; (3) did not agree to play any mediation role between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China; (4) did not agree to revise the Taiwan Relations Act; (5) did not agree to take any position regarding sovereignty over Taiwan; and (6) will not exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the People's Republic of China; Whereas, since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States and Taiwan have further strengthened commercial, cultural, and other ties; Whereas Taiwan has become a key part of the global economy and a significant trading and investment partner of the United States; and Whereas Taiwan has transformed into a robust democracy on the world stage: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances as cornerstones of United States policy regarding Taiwan and supports the longstanding bipartisan United States policy toward Taiwan, which includes support for Taiwan's self-defense and opposition to efforts to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means.

Text of Amendments

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SA 5446. Mr. BENNET submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. REIMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS ON OIL CRUDE OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION ORIGIN. (a) Revocation.--Upon the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall immediately revoke General License 134C of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, entitled "Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin Loaded on Vessels as of April 17, 2026", and dated May 18, 2026. (b) Prohibition on Issuance of Further Licenses.--On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury may not issue any further general license authorizing the sale or transportation of crude oil or petroleum products of Russian Federation origin prohibited by the authorities listed on General License 134C. ______

SA 5447. Mr. SANDERS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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At the appropriate place, insert the following:

TITLE ______--AVIATION WORKER HEALTH CARE AND WAGE PROTECTION ACT OF 2026

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SEC. _01. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the "Aviation Worker Health Care and Wage Protection Act of 2026". SEC. _02. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) sudden airline closures can result in immediate mass layoffs of aviation workers; (2) interruptions in employer-sponsored health insurance place workers and families at substantial financial and medical risk; (3) State unemployment insurance benefits often replace only a portion of lost wages; (4) aviation workers provide critical transportation and national economic functions; and (5) temporary Federal assistance is warranted to stabilize affected workers and communities following a qualifying airline shutdown. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to provide supplemental unemployment compensation for aviation workers displaced due to a qualifying airline closure occurring in 2026. SEC. _03. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Covered airline employer.--The term "covered airline employer" means-- (A) an air carrier certificated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or (B) any contractor performing ground handling, catering, maintenance, customer service, or other airport-related services for such an air carrier . (2) Eligible aviation worker.--The term "eligible aviation worker" means an individual who-- (A) was employed by a covered airline employer on or after January 1, 2026; (B) lost employment due to a qualifying airline closure; and (C) is eligible for unemployment compensation under Federal or State law. (3) Qualifying airline closure.--The term "qualifying airline closure" means-- (A) a cessation of substantially all operations by a covered airline employer occurring during calendar year 2026; or (B) reduction in force resulting in the layoff of not fewer than 500 employees within any 30-day period due to insolvency, bankruptcy, or operational shutdown. SEC. _11. INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN AVIATION WORKERS. (a) Federal-State Agreements.--Any State which desires to do so may enter into and participate in an agreement under this section with the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the "Secretary"). Any State which is a party to an agreement under this section may, upon providing 30 days' written notice to the Secretary, terminate such agreement. (b) Provisions of Agreement.-- (1) Supplemental aviation unemployment compensation.--Any agreement under this section shall provide that the State agency of the State will make payments of regular compensation to eligible aviation workers in amounts and to the extent that they would be determined if the State law of the State were applied, with respect to any week for which the worker is (disregarding this section) otherwise entitled under the State law to receive regular compensation, as if such State law had been modified in a manner such that the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable for any week shall be equal to-- (A) the amount determined under the State law (before the application of this paragraph), plus (B) an additional amount of $600 equal to the amount specified in paragraph (3) (in this section referred to as "Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation"). (2) Allowable methods of payment.--Any Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation provided for in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be payable either-- (A) as an amount which is paid at the same time and in the same manner as any regular compensation otherwise payable for the week involved; or (B) at the option of the State, by payments which are made separately from, but on the same weekly basis as, any regular compensation otherwise payable. (c) Nonreduction Rule.-- (1) In general.--An agreement under this section shall not apply (or shall cease to apply) with respect to a State upon a determination by the Secretary that the method governing the computation of regular compensation under the State law of that State has been modified in a manner such that the number of weeks (the maximum benefit entitlement), or the average weekly benefit amount, of regular compensation which will be payable during the period of the agreement (determined disregarding any Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation) will be less than the number of weeks, or the average weekly benefit amount, of the average weekly benefit amount of regular compensation which would otherwise have been payable during such period under the State law, as in effect on January 1, 2026. (2) Maximum benefit entitlement.--In paragraph (1), the term "maximum benefit entitlement" means the amount of regular unemployment compensation payable to an eligible aviation worker with respect to the worker's benefit year. (d) Payments to States.-- (1) In general.-- (A) Full reimbursement.--There shall be paid to each State which has entered into an agreement under this section an amount equal to 100 percent of-- (i) the total amount of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation paid to eligible aviation workers by the State pursuant to such agreement; and (ii) any additional administrative expenses incurred by the State by reason of such agreement (as determined by the Secretary). (B) Terms of payments.--Sums payable to any State by reason of such State's having an agreement under this section shall be payable, either in advance or by way of reimbursement (as determined by the Secretary), in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that his estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved. (2) Certifications.--The Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this section. (3) Appropriation.--There are appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation, such sums as may be necessary for purposes of this subsection. (e) Applicability.--An agreement entered into under this section shall apply to weeks of unemployment-- (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending on or before September 30, 2027. (f) Fraud and Overpayments.-- (1) In general.--If an individual knowingly has made, or caused to be made by another, a false statement or representation of a material fact, or knowingly has failed, or caused another to fail, to disclose a material fact, and as a result of such false statement or representation or of such nondisclosure such individual has received an amount of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation to which such individual was not entitled, such individual-- (A) shall be ineligible for further Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation in accordance with the provisions of the applicable State unemployment compensation law relating to fraud in connection with a claim for unemployment compensation; and (B) shall be subject to prosecution under section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. (2) Repayment.--In the case of individuals who have received amounts of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation to which they were not entitled, the State shall require such individuals to repay the amounts of such Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation to the State agency, except that the State agency may waive such repayment if it determines that-- (A) the payment of such Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation was without fault on the part of any such individual; and (B) such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. (3) Recovery by state agency.-- (A) In general.--The State agency shall recover the amount to be repaid, or any part thereof, by deductions from any Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation payable to such individual or from any unemployment compensation payable to such individual under any State or Federal unemployment compensation law administered by the State agency or under any other State or Federal law administered by the State agency which provides for the payment of any assistance or allowance with respect to any week of unemployment, during the 3-year period after the date such individuals received the payment of the Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation to which they were not entitled, in accordance with the same procedures as apply to the recovery of overpayments of regular unemployment benefits paid by the State. (B) Opportunity for hearing.--No repayment shall be required, and no deduction shall be made, until a determination has been made, notice thereof and an opportunity for a fair hearing has been given to the individual, and the determination has become final. (4) Review.--Any determination by a State agency under this section shall be subject to review in the same manner and to the same extent as determinations under the State unemployment compensation law, and only in that manner and to that extent. (g) Application to Other Unemployment Benefits.--Each agreement under this section shall include provisions to provide that the purposes of the preceding provisions of this section shall be applied with respect to unemployment benefits described in subsection (i)(2) to the same extent and in the same manner as if those benefits were regular compensation. (h) Disregard of Additional Compensation for Purposes of Medicaid and CHIP.--The monthly equivalent of any Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation paid to an eligible aviation worker under this section shall be disregarded when determining income for any purpose under the programs established under titles XIX and title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq., 1397aa et seq.) . (i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- (1) the terms "compensation", "regular compensation", "benefit year", "State", "State agency", "State law", and "week" have the respective meanings given such terms under section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note); and (2) any reference to unemployment benefits described in this paragraph shall be considered to refer to-- (A) extended compensation (as defined by section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970); (B) regular compensation (as defined by section 85(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) provided under any program administered by a State under an agreement with the Secretary; (C) unemployment compensation under section 202; and (D) short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). SEC. _12. EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN AVIATION WORKERS PARTICIPATING IN APPROVED TRAINING PROGRAMS. (a) Federal-State Agreements.-- (1) In general.--Any State which desires to do so may enter into and participate in an agreement under this section with the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the "Secretary").

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Any State which is a party to an agreement under this section may, upon providing 30 days' written notice to the Secretary, terminate such agreement. (2) Provisions of agreement.--Any agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide that the State agency of the State will make payments of extended aviation unemployment compensation to eligible aviation workers who-- (A) have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under the State law or under Federal law with respect to a benefit year (excluding any benefit year that ended before July1, 2019); (B) have no rights to regular compensation with respect to a week under such law or any other State unemployment compensation law or to compensation under any other Federal law; (C) are not receiving compensation with respect to such week under the unemployment compensation law of Canada; and (D) are enrolled and participating in an approved training program (as defined in subsection (f)). (3) Exhaustion of benefits.--For purposes of paragraph (2)(A), an individual shall be deemed to have exhausted such individual's rights to regular compensation under a State law when-- (A) no payments of regular compensation can be made under such law because such individual has received all regular compensation available to such individual based on employment or wages during such individual's base period; or (B) such individual's rights to such compensation have been terminated by reason of the expiration of the benefit year with respect to which such rights existed. (4) Weekly benefit amount, etc.--For purposes of any agreement under this section-- (A) the amount of extended aviation unemployment compensation which shall be payable to any eligible aviation worker for any week of total unemployment shall be equal to-- (i) the amount of the regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable to such worker during such worker's benefit year under the State law for a week of total unemployment; (ii) the amount of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation under section 201(b)(1)(B); and (B) the terms and conditions of the State law which apply to claims for regular compensation and to the payment thereof (other than the terms and conditions relating to availability for work, active search for work, and refusal to accept work) shall apply to claims for extended aviation unemployment compensation and the payment thereof, except where otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section or with the regulations or operating instructions of the Secretary promulgated to carry out this section; (C) the maximum amount of extended aviation unemployment compensation payable to any eligible aviation worker for whom an extended aviation unemployment compensation account is established under subsection (b) shall not exceed the amount established in such account for such worker; and (D) the allowable methods of payment under section 201(b)(2) shall apply to payments of amounts described in subparagraph (A)(ii). (5) Coordination rules.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an agreement under this section shall apply with respect to a State only upon a determination by the Secretary that, under the State law or other applicable rules of such State, the payment of extended compensation for which an eligible aviation worker is otherwise eligible must be deferred until after the payment of any extended aviation unemployment compensation under subsection (b) for which the worker is concurrently eligible. (B) Special rule.--In the case of an eligible aviation worker who is receiving extended compensation under the State law for the week that includes the date of enactment of this subparagraph, such worker shall not be eligible to receive extended aviation unemployment compensation by reason of such amendments until such worker has exhausted all rights to such extended benefits. (6) Nonreduction rule.-- (A) In general.--An agreement under this section shall not apply (or shall cease to apply) with respect to a State upon a determination by the Secretary that the method governing the computation of regular compensation under the State law of that State has been modified in a manner such that the number of weeks (the maximum benefit entitlement), or the average weekly benefit amount, of regular compensation which will be payable during the period of the agreement will be less than the number of weeks, or the average weekly benefit amount, of the average weekly benefit amount of regular compensation which would otherwise have been payable during such period under the State law, as in effect on January 1, 2026. (B) Maximum benefit entitlement.--In subparagraph (A), the term "maximum benefit entitlement" means the amount of regular unemployment compensation payable to an eligible aviation worker with respect to the worker's benefit year. (7) Special rule for extended compensation.--At the option of a State, for any weeks of unemployment beginning after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and before September 30, 2027, an eligible aviation worker's eligibility period (as described in section 203(c) of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note)) shall, for purposes of any determination of eligibility for extended compensation under the State law of such State, be considered to include any week which begins-- (A) after the date as of which such worker exhausts all rights to extended aviation unemployment compensation; and (B) during an extended benefit period that began on or before the date described in subparagraph (A). (b) Extended Aviation Unemployment Compensation Account.-- (1) In general.--Any agreement under this section shall provide that the State will establish, for each eligible aviation worker who files an application for extended aviation unemployment compensation, an extended aviation unemployment compensation account with respect to such worker's benefit year. (2) Amount in account.--The amount established in an account under subsection (a) shall be equal to 26 times the eligible aviation worker's average weekly benefit amount, which includes the amount of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation under section 201, for the benefit year. (3) Weekly benefit amount.--For purposes of this subsection, an eligible aviation worker's weekly benefit amount for any week is the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) under the State law payable to such worker for such week for total unemployment plus the amount of Supplemental Aviation Unemployment Compensation under section 201. (4) Coordination of extended aviation unemployment compensation with regular compensation.-- (A) In general.--If-- (i) an eligible aviation worker has been determined to be entitled to extended aviation unemployment compensation with respect to a benefit year; (ii) that benefit year has expired; (iii) that worker has remaining entitlement to extended aviation unemployment compensation with respect to that benefit year; and (iv) that worker would qualify for a new benefit year in which the weekly benefit amount of regular compensation is at least $25 less than the worker's weekly benefit amount in the benefit year referred to in clause (i), then the State shall determine eligibility for compensation as provided in subparagraph (B). (B) Determination of eligibility.--For eligible aviation workers described in subparagraph (A), the State shall determine whether the worker is to be paid extended aviation unemployment compensation or regular compensation for a week of unemployment using one of the following methods: (i) The State shall, if permitted by State law, establish a new benefit year, but defer the payment of regular compensation with respect to that new benefit year until exhaustion of all extended aviation unemployment compensation payable with respect to the benefit year referred to in subparagraph (A)(i). (ii) The State shall, if permitted by State law, defer the establishment of a new benefit year (which uses all the wages and employment which would have been used to establish a benefit year but for the application of this subparagraph), until exhaustion of all extended aviation unemployment compensation payable with respect to the benefit year referred to in subparagraph (A)(i). (iii) The State shall pay, if permitted by State law-- (I) regular compensation equal to the weekly benefit amount established under the new benefit year; and (II) extended aviation unemployment compensation equal to the difference between that weekly benefit amount and the weekly benefit amount for the expired benefit year. (iv) The State shall determine rights to extended aviation unemployment compensation without regard to any rights to regular compensation if the worker elects to not file a claim for regular compensation under the new benefit year. (c) Payments to States Having Agreements for the Payment of Extended Aviation Unemployment Compensation.-- (1) In general.--There shall be paid to each State that has entered into an agreement under this section an amount equal to 100 percent of the extended aviation unemployment compensation paid to eligible aviation worker by the State pursuant to such agreement. (2) Treatment of reimbursable compensation.--No payment shall be made to any State under this section in respect of any compensation to the extent the State is entitled to reimbursement in respect of such compensation under the provisions of any Federal law other than this section or chapter 85 of title 5, United States Code. A State shall not be entitled to any reimbursement under such chapter 85 in respect of any compensation to the extent the State is entitled to reimbursement under this section in respect of such compensation. (3) Determination of amount.--Sums payable to any State by reason of such State having an agreement under this section shall be payable, either in advance or by way of reimbursement (as may be determined by the Secretary), in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that the Secretary's estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved. (d) Financing Provisions.-- (1) Compensation.-- (A) In general.--Funds in the extended unemployment compensation account (as established by section 905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1105(a)) of the Unemployment Trust Fund (as established by section 904(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1104(a)) shall be used for the making of payments to States having agreements entered into under this section. (B) Transfer of funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the general fund of the Treasury (from funds not otherwise appropriated) to the extended unemployment compensation account such sums as the Secretary of Labor estimates to be necessary to make payments described in subparagraph (A). There are appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation, the sums referred to in the preceding sentence and such sums shall not be required to be repaid. (2) Administration.-- (A) In general.--There are appropriated out of the employment security administration account (as established by section 901(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1101(a)) of the Unemployment Trust Fund, without fiscal year limitation, such funds as may be necessary for purposes of assisting States (as provided in title III of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

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501 et seq.)) in meeting the costs of administration of agreements under this section. (B) Transfer of funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the general fund of the Treasury (from funds not otherwise appropriated) to the employment security administration account such sums as the Secretary of Labor estimates to be necessary to make payments described in subparagraph (A). There are appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury, without fiscal year limitation, the sums referred to in the preceding sentence and such sums shall not be required to be repaid. (3) Certification.--The Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this subsection. The Secretary of the Treasury, prior to audit or settlement by the Government Accountability Office, shall make payments to the State in accordance with such certification, by transfers from the extended unemployment compensation account (as so established) to the account of such State in the Unemployment Trust Fund (as so established). (e) Fraud and Overpayments.-- (1) In general.--If an individual knowingly has made, or caused to be made by another, a false statement or representation of a material fact, or knowingly has failed, or caused another to fail, to disclose a material fact, and as a result of such false statement or representation or of such nondisclosure such individual has received an amount of extended aviation unemployment compensation under this section to which such individual was not entitled, such individual-- (A) shall be ineligible for further extended aviation unemployment compensation under this section in accordance with the provisions of the applicable State unemployment compensation law relating to fraud in connection with a claim for unemployment compensation; and (B) shall be subject to prosecution under section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. (2) Repayment.--In the case of individuals who have received amounts of extended aviation unemployment compensation under this section to which they were not entitled, the State shall require such individuals to repay the amounts of such extended aviation unemployment compensation to the State agency, except that the State agency may waive such repayment if it determines that-- (A) the payment of such extended aviation unemployment compensation was without fault on the part of any such individual; and (B) such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. (3) Recovery by state agency.-- (A) In general.--The State agency shall recover the amount to be repaid, or any part thereof, by deductions from any extended aviation unemployment compensation payable to such individual under this section or from any unemployment compensation payable to such individual under any State or Federal unemployment compensation law administered by the State agency or under any other State or Federal law administered by the State agency which provides for the payment of any assistance or allowance with respect to any week of unemployment, during the 3-year period after the date such individuals received the payment of the extended aviation unemployment compensation to which they were not entitled, in accordance with the same procedures as apply to the recovery of overpayments of regular unemployment benefits paid by the State. (B) Opportunity for hearing.--No repayment shall be required, and no deduction shall be made, until a determination has been made, notice thereof and an opportunity for a fair hearing has been given to the individual, and the determination has become final. (4) Review.--Any determination by a State agency under this section shall be subject to review in the same manner and to the same extent as determinations under the State unemployment compensation law, and only in that manner and to that extent. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Approved training program.--The term "approved training program"means a training program approved by a State agency, including-- (A) an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the "National Apprenticeship Act"; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), including such an apprenticeship with respect to a manufacturing, skilled trade, or energy workforce program; (B) an aviation maintenance and safety certification program; (C) a commercial driver's license training program; or (D) a community college credential program. (2) Federal-state extended unemployment compensation act definitions.--In this section, the terms "compensation", "regular compensation", "extended compensation", "benefit year", "base period", "State", "State agency", "State law", and "week" have the respective meanings given such terms under section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note). (g) Applicability.--An agreement entered into under this section shall apply to weeks of unemployment-- (1) beginning after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (2) ending on or before September 30, 2028. SEC. _21. GUIDANCE. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall issue guidance necessary to implement this title. SEC. _22. ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES. The Secretary of Labor shall coordinate with State workforce agencies to establish procedures for-- (1) verification of employment separation: (2) prevention of duplicate payments; and (3) recovery of fraudulent overpayments. SEC. _23. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title. ______

SA 5448. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. EXEMPTION OF ALIENS WORKING AS FISH PROCESSORS FROM THE NUMERICAL LIMITATION ON H-2B NONIMMIGRANT VISAS. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the "Save Our Seafood Act". (b) In General.--Section 214(g)(10) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(10)) is amended-- (1) by striking "The numerical limitations of paragraph (1)(B)" and inserting "(A) The numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(B)"; and (2) by adding at the end the following: "(B)(i) The numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to any nonimmigrant alien issued a visa or otherwise provided status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) who is employed (or has received an offer of employment)-- "(I) as a fish roe processor, a fish roe technician, or a supervisor of fish roe processing; or "(II) as a fish processor. "(ii) As used in clause (i)-- "(I) the term `fish' means fresh or saltwater finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of aquatic animal life, including the roe of such animals, other than marine mammals and birds; and "(II) the term `processor'-- "(aa) means any person engaged in the processing of fish, including handling, storing, preparing, heading, eviscerating, shucking, freezing, changing into different market forms, manufacturing, preserving, packing, labeling, dockside unloading, holding, and all other processing activities; and "(bb) does not include any person engaged in-- "(AA) harvesting or transporting fish or fishery products without otherwise engaging in processing; "(BB) practices such as heading, eviscerating, or freezing intended solely to prepare a fish for holding on board a harvest vessel; or "(CC) operating a retail establishment.". (c) Repeal.--Section 14006 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287) is repealed. ______

SA 5449. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. EXCEPTION TO NON-PROCESSING RELATED FEE FOR H-1B NONIMMIGRANTS WHO WILL BE PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES. In addition to the exceptions set forth in section 1(c) of the Presidential Proclamation 10973 (90 Fed. Reg. 46027; relating to restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers), which was issued on September 19, 2025, petitions filed on behalf of aliens entering the United States as nonimmigrants to perform services in a specialty occupation described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)) and who will be working for a public school or a public school district in the United States shall not be required to be accompanied or supplemented by the payment of $100,000 otherwise required under section 1(a) of such Proclamation. ______

SA 5450. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

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At the appropriate place, insert the following: SEC. ___. FEE EXEMPTION FOR NATURALIZATION APPLICATIONS OF CERTAIN NATIONALS FROM OUTLYING POSSESSIONS. Section 325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1436) is amended-- (1) by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; (2) by striking "except that in applications" and inserting "except that-- "(1) in an application"; and (3) by adding at the end the following: "(2) no fee shall be charged or collected from the applicant for the filing of such an application or for the issuance of a certificate of naturalization upon being granted United States citizenship.".

Text of Senate Amendment 5446

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Text of Senate Amendment 5447

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At the appropriate place, insert the following:

TITLE ______

Text of Senate Amendment 5448

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Text of Senate Amendment 5449

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Text of Senate Amendment 5450

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Authority for Committee to Meet

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John Boozman (R-AR)

Mr. President, I have one request for a committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet in closed and open session during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Appointments Authority

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to Commissions, committees, Boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Signing Authority

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all Members of the Republican conference be authorized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions from May 21 through June 1.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Measure Read the First Time--S. 4632

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Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will read the bill by title for the first time.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

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A bill (S. 4632) to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, to establish procedures and consequences in the event of a failure to enact appropriations, and for other purposes.

I now ask for a second reading and, in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The objection is heard. The bill will receive its second reading on the next legislative day.

Recognizing and Honoring National Mushroom Day and the Contributions of Chester and Berks Counties

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 676.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will report the resolution by title.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

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A resolution (S. Res. 676) recognizing and honoring National Mushroom Day and the contributions of Chester and Berks Counties to the national mushroom industry and to healthy diets.

There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 676) was agreed to.

The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in the Record of April 16 (legislative day, April 14), 2026, under "Submitted Resolutions.")

Resolutions Submitted Today

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 749 and S. Res. 750.

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolutions en bloc.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolutions were agreed to. The preambles were agreed to.

(The resolutions, with their preambles, are printed in today's Record under "Submitted Resolutions.")

Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4631, which is at the desk.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

The clerk will report the bill by title.

The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

Text printed in the Record (168 characters)

A bill (S. 4631) to ensure that whistleblowers, including contractors, are protected from retaliation when a Federal employee orders a reprisal, and for other purposes.

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read three times and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. The bill (S. 4631) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed as follows:

Text printed in the Record (11,528 characters)

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026". SEC. 2. DEFENSE CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES: PROTECTION FROM REPRISAL FOR DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. Section 4701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--(1) in subsection (a)--(A) in paragraph (1)--(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)-- (I) by striking "An employee" and all that follows through "services contractor" and inserting "A protected individual"; and (II) by striking "disclosing" and all that follows through "evidence of"; and (ii) by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) and inserting the following subparagraphs: "(A) Refusing to obey an order that would require the protected individual to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to any contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant. "(B) Disclosing to a person or body described in paragraph (2) information that the protected individual reasonably believes is evidence of the following: "(i) Gross mismanagement of any Department of Defense contract or grant, any gross waste of Department funds, any abuse of authority relating to any Department contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Department contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant. "(ii) Gross mismanagement of any National Aeronautics and Space Administration contract or grant, any gross waste of Administration funds, any abuse of authority relating to an Administration contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Administration contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant. "(iii) A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety."; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking "an employee" and inserting "a protected individual"; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following subparagraph: "(B) it shall not be within the authority of an executive branch official to request that a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee engage in a reprisal prohibited by paragraph (1)."; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following subparagraph: "(E) Propose appropriate disciplinary action against any executive branch official for any request made of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee that subjected the complainant to a reprisal prohibited by subsection (a)."; and (B) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following paragraph: "(8) Clarification for Scope of Waiver Restrictions.--The rights, forum, and remedies provided for in this section may not be waived by any public or private agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any predispute arbitration agreement."; (3) by striking subsection (e) and redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; (4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated-- (A) by striking "an employee" and inserting "a protected individual"; and (B) by striking "the employee" and inserting "the protected individual"; and (5) in subsection (f), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following new paragraph: "(8) The term `protected individual' means-- "(A) a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)) within the Department of Defense; "(B) an employee of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or a former employee of such contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee whose protected disclosure or engagement in any activity protected against reprisal under this section occurred prior to termination, including an employee of-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)) within the Department of Defense; or "(C) a person performing personal services for the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration pursuant to a contractual agreement for the performance of personal services, including a personal services contract or personal services agreement, and who engages in an activity for which any reprisal is prohibited under subsection (a), including a person performing personal services pursuant such a contractual agreement for-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)) within the Department of Defense.". SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF NON-DEFENSE CONTRACTOR PROTECTION FROM REPRISAL FOR DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. Section 4712 of title 41, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following paragraph: "(1) In general.--A protected individual may not be discharged, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against as a reprisal for the following: "(A) Refusing to obey an order that would require the protected individual to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to any contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant. "(B) Disclosing to a person or body described in paragraph (2) information that the protected individual reasonably believes is evidence of the following: "(i) Gross mismanagement of any Federal contract or grant, any gross waste of Federal funds, any abuse of authority relating to any Federal contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Federal contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant. "(ii) A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety."; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking "an employee" and inserting "a protected individual"; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following subparagraph: "(B) it shall not be within the authority of an executive branch official to request that a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee engage in a reprisal prohibited by paragraph (1)."; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: "(E) Propose appropriate disciplinary action against any executive branch official for any request made of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee that subjected the complainant to a reprisal prohibited by subsection (a)."; and (B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following paragraph: "(7) Rights, forum, and remedies not waivable.--The rights, forum, and remedies provided for in this section may not be waived by any public or private agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any predispute arbitration agreement."; (3) in subsection (e)-- (A) by striking "an employee" and inserting "a protected individual"; and (B) by striking "the employee" and inserting "the protected individual"; (4) by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and (5) in subsection (f), as so redesignated, by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: "(3) The term `protected individual' means-- "(A) a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Federal Government, including-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)); "(B) an employee of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Federal Government or a former employee of such contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee whose protected disclosure or engagement in any activity protected against reprisal under this section occurred prior to termination, including an employee of-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)); or "(C) a person performing personal services for the Federal Government pursuant to a contractual agreement for the performance of personal services, including a personal services contract or personal services agreement, including a person performing personal services pursuant to such a contractual agreement for-- "(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; "(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); and "(iii) an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)).".

Orders for Friday, May 22, 2026, Through Monday, June 1, 2026

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Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned to then convene for pro forma session only, with no business being conducted, on the following dates and times: Friday, May 22, at 8:30 a.m.; Tuesday, May 26, at 8 a.m.; Thursday, May 28, at 3:30 p.m.; further, that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, May 28, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, June 1; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each; further, that at 5:30 p.m., the cloture motions filed during today's session of the Senate ripen.

The PRESIDING OFFICER

Without objection, it is so ordered.

Adjournment Until 8:30 A.m. Tomorrow

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